As the calendar quickly flips through the summer months, eyes are beginning to focus on the Agricultural Policy Framework — or APF — meetings set for July. Each province has their ask, and their focus on what should be top priorities at the meetings. Nate Horner, Minister of Alberta Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Economic Development,… Read More

David MacNaughton, who served as Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S from 2016 to 2019, says that while the Canada-U.S. leadership relationship is much improved under President Joe Biden, Canada still needs to proceed with caution. Yes, President Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have kicked off their relationship with friendly words of warmth and a… Read More

A national coalition of industry-wide farm organizations have launched the Agriculture Carbon Alliance (ACA). The goal of the alliance is to ensure that “Canadian farmers’ sustainable practices are recognized through a policy environment that maintains their competitiveness, supports their livelihoods, and leverages their critical role as stewards of the land,” the organization says. As of March… Read More

There are many challenges that have the potential to dash the business plans and hopes of farmers —from trade agreements, to climate change, and primary risks. Strong government policy is part of the solution. Helping shape effective policy will be one of Dr. Alan Ker’s goals as he assumes the newly-created Research Chair in Agriculture… Read More

The Trudeau government announced its plan for a federal carbon tax policy on Tuesday. It’s a move many saw coming, but some are already criticizing for the lack of transparency from the start. To break it down, as part of the federal plan, those provinces who don’t have a plan up to the Liberal’s standards… Read More

A funny thing happened on the way to carbon pricing in Canada. What looked like smooth sailing has run into some very turbulent waters. Farmers, for example, are raising serious questions about its practicality, effectiveness, fairness, and cost. One concern is the lack of clarity when discussing agriculture’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Various agriculture… Read More

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture held its annual general meeting recently at Ottawa, where farmers from across the country brought forward no fewer than 45 resolutions. From lobbying efforts surrounding the carbon economy and recognizing farmers’ good work on carbon sequestration, to sorting out the current railway backlog, and on to holding firm on supply… Read More