The Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) has appointed Dave Carey as its new executive director. Previously CSTA’s director of government affairs and policy, Carey joined the national seed trade organization in 2012. “Dave Carey is widely recognized for his ability to build strong relationships with all government parties, stakeholders and industry partners, and brings a… Read more »
Category: Ag Business
Demand for rye whisky and new hybrids create opportunity for growers
When it comes to whisky, Canada is a little different. Whisky ingredients, brewing, distilling and aging rules are steeped in tradition in many countries, but Canadian whisky makers like Windsor, Ontario-based Hiram Walker & Sons Limited have very few restrictions. Canada is the most flexible and innovative whisky production market in the world, explains Hiram… Read more »
Nutreco completes acquisition of Hi-Pro, rebrands feed businesses as Trouw Nutrition
Nutreco says it has completed its purchase of Hi-Pro Feeds, and along with the acquisition, is moving its North American animal nutrition business under the name Trouw Nutrition. The Dutch company’s animal nutrition business operates internationally under the Trouw Nutrition brand, with the exception of North America, where Nutreco also operates as Shur-Gain and Landmark… Read more »
Canada’s Competition Bureau clears Dow-DuPont merger with conditions
Canada’s Competition Bureau announced Tuesday that it has reached an agreement with Dow and DuPont to address concerns about reduced competition resulting from the companies’ proposed merger. The conditions are similar to requirements laid out by regulators in the European Union and U.S. The Bureau’s main concerns in agriculture stemmed from the loss of rivalry… Read more »
Syngenta considering seed business purchases as ChemChina completes acquisition
Now officially under ChemChina’s ownership, Syngenta says it’s aiming to expand its seed business, and is “considering targeted acquisitions with a focus on seeds.” ChemChina CEO and chair Ren Jianxin was elected chair of Syngenta’s board of directors at a general shareholder meeting in Basel, Switzerland on Monday, where he said Syngenta will maintain operational… Read more »
Dow, DuPont merger clears U.S. antitrust approval
Dow and DuPont have reached a proposed agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice that will allow the companies to proceed with their merger. The deal, which is still subject to court approval, would require DuPont divest some of its crop protection portfolio, while Dow would divest some of its plastic copolymers and ionomers business…. Read more »
Enlist corn to be released for 2018 planting
Nearly five years after it was approved in Canada, Dow AgroSciences says Enlist corn will be available in Canada and the U.S. for the 2018 growing season. The launch comes after China’s Ministry of Agriculture gave its long-awaited approval to imports of corn containing the Enlist trait this week. The Enlist system combines tolerance to… Read more »
Ontario fruit and vegetable growers say minimum wage hike would devastate industry
The Ontario Liberal government’s plan to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2019 is drawing fire from the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA). In late May, the provincial government announced intentions to increase the minimum wage from the current $11.40 per hour rate. That’s a significant blow for an industry… Read more »
Syngenta exiting canola seed business
Four and a half years after unveiling its first canola variety in Canada, Syngenta has decided to change its course and leave the canola seed business in Canada. The company confirmed the decision in a statement shared with Real Agriculture: “We regularly evaluate all aspects of our business. As part of these activities, we have recently taken the decision to… Read more »
Volatile times — how innovation and climate change impact risk management programs
Crop yields continue to increase across North America, but so do yield and market volatility. According to Dr. Alan Ker, director of the University of Guelph’s Institute for the Advanced Study of Food and Agricultural Policy, increased volatility is something farmers will have to get used to as the impact of innovation and climate change… Read more »
Canadian net farm income grew 7.6% in 2016: StatsCan
StatsCan has released its net farm income report for 2016 and the results may surprise you considering the livestock and commodity market that producers faced. According to the report, revenue held fairly stable while it was declining operating expenses that allowed net farm income to rise. A full breakdown of the report, including provincial comparisons,… Read more »
Should ‘vertical’ factory farms get a free pass?
In a recent Fast Company magazine article there was a feature on the benefits of using technology to produce food. The article praised the efficiency gains made by implementing the latest in what technology could provide. The farm in the article is located in San Francisco. That’s right, it’s a vertical farm. The company’s name… Read more »
Glencore eyeing acquisition of Bunge
Global commodity giant Glencore — the majority owner of Regina-based grain company Viterra — is looking to expand its agriculture business, and has approached Bunge about a possible takeover. In a statement on Tuesday, Glencore confirmed it has “made an informal approach to Bunge Limited regarding a possible consensual business combination.” Glencore notes “discussions may… Read more »
Canada’s 2017 first quarter ag equipment sales are stronger than a year ago
According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers April 2017 Flash Report, Canadian tractor and combine sales are very strong when you take into account both the month to month and year to date numbers. Here are some highlights: Year to date – 4WD tractor sales are up 48.6% in comparison to 2016 Year to date… Read more »
Ontario farm leaders head south to keep U.S. ag trade flowing
Starting Wednesday, Ontario ag leaders are headed south of the border to try to mend some of the trade fences that embattled U.S. President Donald Trump has crashed through. Led by Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs minister Jeff Leal, the group – which includes representatives from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the… Read more »