During the first week of November, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted that Canadian pork and beef exports to China will resume — a good news story for many, including Canadian Pork Council chair, Rick Bergmann. “It’s the best news that we could ever get, because China is our third largest market,” says Bergmann. “They’re going… Read More
The rising protectionist agenda across the world has made agricultural trade difficult between once-friendly trading partners. Farmers in Canada and the U.S. have felt the impacts of strained exports, but how their governments have recognized these challenges is different. Although both countries have faced financial challenges on the farm, U.S. producers across a broad spectrum… Read More
Canadian farmers have been caught in the crossfire of the strained U.S./China/Canada trade relations. Several crops, such as wheat and peas, have avoided being impacted negatively, while canola, pork, and beef exports have been targeted by the Chinese. Farmers have lashed out at the federal government for not forcing change, talking tougher, or being vocal… Read More
Although there’s no official statement released on the prime ministers website yet, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has tweeted out that Canadian pork and beef exports to China will resume. To note, the prime minister thanks newly appointed Ambassador to China, Dominic Barton. He’s had the position since September 4th, and was quoted saying, “The relationship… Read More
Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ernie Hardeman, is back in the province after leading a trade mission to South Korea and Japan. Joining the minister was Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and several industry members, representing Ontario farmers. In an op-ed released following the trip, Hardeman says, “It… Read More
As farmers anticipate the ratification of the new NAFTA deal, USMCA, Democrats in the U.S. are seeking changes to the new pact text. Jon Tester (D-MT) has gone back in time to suggest a change that would greatly impact the beef industry in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Tester is asking for the Republican-led… Read More
The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) met in Ottawa for three days last week to tackle industry challenges, including the advent of African swine fever (ASF) overseas. Gary Stordy, director of government and corporate affairs for the CPC, says the meeting was very productive and much needed, especially in light of ASF. “The industry is not… Read More
There’s no doubt that the world of international trade has been rough and tumble the last while, but that doesn’t mean Canada shouldn’t continue to participate. Beyond just participating, Canada should be actively investing in agriculture’s major potential on the world stage now, and in the decades to come. It’s no secret to those in… Read More
If April’s run-up in pork prices was any indication, continuous volatility in the global hog market could run up retail prices here in Canada in the coming months. Kevin Grier, of Kevin Grier Market Analysis and Consulting, says that African swine fever (ASF), the tenuous U.S./China trade truce, and soybean and hog export swings are… Read More
As the world sits in anticipation for the trade war to end between China and the U.S., many remain uncertain around a recently announced trade truce. When it comes to agriculture, a lot of eyes were focused on the agreement that China would purchase $50 billion worth of U.S. agricultural goods as part of the… Read More
After months of back and forth between the U.S. and China, the countries have announced the first of a possible three-phase deal that will lead to further negotiation on remaining items. Agriculture appears to be the main focus of the October 11th announcement which includes a major escalation in the buying of U.S. agricultural products…. Read More
We are still waiting for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement — NAFTA 2.0 — to be ratified in both Canada and the U.S. In both countries, major political happenings are dragging on the process: a federal election here in Canada, and the threat of impeachment of the president in the U.S. Canada West Foundation’s Carlo Dade says… Read More
Change is constant. It’s also uncomfortable and difficult. And, according to one policy analyst, significant agriculture trade flow and economic change is on the horizon — is Canada ready? “Part of the reason for putting together this policy note is to sort of to help people understand we need to appreciate the breadth and depth… Read More
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is a man of the people. There was no better evidence of that than this week when he sat with dairy farmers at the World Dairy Expo to listen to their concerns. Quite simply, U.S. dairy farmers are in a tough spot. After five years of depressed milk prices, producers… Read More
The 43rd federal election is less than three weeks away, and the chair of Soy Canada is wondering why agriculture hasn’t been brought up more during election debates. There’s a multitude of issues to be brought up, yet no party seems to really be keeping a close eye on farmers. In particular, Soy Canada chair,… Read More