NewsLine by Cole's Ag on February 3, 2025, 8:36am

U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Grain Will Cost American Families, Says GGC

Feb. 3, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – The U.S. administration’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian grain and grain products, set to take effect tomorrow, will drive up the cost of essential food staples for American families, warns Grain Growers of Canada (GGC).

“This isn’t just a tariff on Canadian farmers—it’s a tax on every American family purchasing loaf of bread, oatmeal, canola oil, and other food staples at the grocery store,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “A 25% tariff is, in effect, a 25% tax on American consumers,” he added.

The United States imports over $17 billion worth of Canadian grain and grain products every year to meet domestic demand. These imports include wheat for bread, durum for pasta, oats for food products, canola for oil and biofuels, barley for feed and brewing, and other grain and grain products for widespread usage.

As of 2023, Canadian wheat exports to the U.S. totaled over $1 billion, oats reached $580 million, barley accounted for over $200 million, and canola exports—crucial for cooking oil and biofuels—were valued at $8.5 billion. 

“Reckless tariffs will only lead to costly consequences,” said Tara Sawyer, Chair of GGC and Alberta grain farmer. “This is both true for Canadian grain farmers but also American producers who rely on Canadian potash to fertilize their farms. Whether you’re growing crops or buying groceries, these tariffs will make life more expensive at a time when most are already being priced out.”

Beyond food prices, these tariffs threaten the broader U.S. agricultural economy. Canadian grain imports allow American farmers to focus on high-value exports, securing better returns for their crops and strengthening North America’s position as a global agricultural powerhouse.

“It’s time to move past the tariffs and work together to continue creating the strongest international cross-border agriculture sector,” added Larkin. “Policies like this only punish the people they claim to protect. Consumers and farmers, on both sides of the border, deserve better.”

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Grain Growers of Canada
media@graingrowers.ca | 514-834-8841

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on January 31, 2025, 12:34pm

GGC Remains Opposed to the Capital Gains Tax Increase Despite Deferment

STATEMENT

Jan. 31, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) continues to be opposed to the capital gains tax increase despite the announcement today by the Government of Canada that they would postpone collecting the increase until January 1st, 2026. The tax hike has already forced many family farms to sell early and will increase cost for most family-run grain farms who produce the majority of food that Canadians and the world rely on once implemented next year.

Delaying bad policy doesn’t fix bad policy – it just drags out uncertainty, derails succession planning, and challenges the future of family farms. When this tax hike takes effect, it will also target farmers’ retirement plans, move the goalposts for the next generation of producers, and further complicate the tax code, driving up accounting and legal expenses for all farmers. 

To protect family farms, we are continuing to call on the government to completely reverse the capital gains tax increase to ensure that family-run grain farms continue to be the backbone of Canada’s agricultural sector.

-Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of Grain Growers of Canada 

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Grain Growers of Canada
media@graingrowers.ca | 514-834-8841

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on January 28, 2025, 9:00am

CWRC commits $11.8 million to USask Crop Development Centre

Jan. 28, 2025 (Carman, MB; Saskatoon, SK; Calgary, AB) – The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) has committed $11.8 million over the next five years to a core breeding agreement (CBA) with the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Crop Development Centre (CDC).

The new agreement ensures continued CWRC funding for the CDC’s industry-leading wheat breeding programs, as the previous CBA concluded at the end of 2024.

“This renewed investment by the CWRC will directly benefit western Canadian farmers by supporting the development of wheat varieties with improved yields, stronger disease resistance and better adaptation to our growing conditions,” said Dean Hubbard, CWRC chair and a farmer near Claresholm, AB.

“Farmer-funded breeding programs like this ensure that producers have access to innovative, high-performing varieties that are in demand and help make their farms more productive and sustainable.”

CWRC funding via the 2025-29 CBA will support the CDC’s development of new Canadian Western Red Spring (CWRS), Canada Northern Hard Red (CNHR), Canadian Western Amber Durum (CWAD) and Canadian Prairie Spring Red (CPSR) wheat cultivars with strong agronomics and improved resistance to common diseases such as the wheat rusts, common bunt and Fusarium Head Blight. This funding will also support the application of genomic assisted selection across all wheat breeding programs at the CDC, a technology that is used in part to “stack” genes for disease resistance, pest resistance and end-use quality in new varieties.

“We have had a tremendously successful partnership with the CWRC and we are grateful for their continued support,” said Dr. Curtis Pozniak, CDC director and wheat breeder. “The continued investment from the CWRC will help support the CDC’s mission to deliver high-yielding and reliable wheat varieties for western Canadian farmers.”

The new agreement represents a more than $2-million increase in funding compared with the previous five-year agreement. CWRC investment through the new CBA is divided among the organization’s founding members by a funding shares agreement.

“Over its history, innovations from USask’s CDC have significantly helped producers by enhancing the value of their operations,” said Baljit Singh, vice-president research at USask. “The CWRC’s investment will allow the CDC to continue to make positive impact in Canada’s agriculture sector and around the world.”

The CWRC also maintains CBAs with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the University of Manitoba and the University of Alberta.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Cole Christensen
Communications Manager
Manitoba Crop Alliance
403-589-3529
cole@mbcropalliance.ca

Andrea Lauder
Communications Manager
Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission
306-653-7967
andrea.lauder@saskwheat.ca

Harley Groenveld 
Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist
Alberta Grains
403-371-2132
hgroenveld@albertagrains.com  

Marissa Janssen 
Manager, Crop Development Centre
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-4999
marissa.janssen@usask.ca

About the Canadian Wheat Research Coalition:
The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) is a collaboration between Manitoba Crop Alliance, the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission and Alberta Grains aimed at improving the net relative profitability of wheat for western Canadian farmers. The CWRC facilitates a collaborative approach to producer funding of regional and national research projects in variety development and agronomy.

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on January 15, 2025, 11:03am

Viterra-Bunge Acquisition Approval Fails Canada’s Grain Farmers

Jan. 15, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) –  Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is extremely disappointed with the decision made yesterday by the Minister of Transport to approve the acquisition of Viterra by Bunge without a divestment of G3. While the approval does include divestments of six grain elevators in Western Canada and a $520 million investment commitment from Bunge, these measures are woefully inadequate to address the profound impact on market competition. GGC has consistently raised concerns about the merger and its long-term consequences for farmers.

“Minister Anand’s decision to approve the acquisition, even with conditions, doesn’t go nearly far enough,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “The divestment of six grain elevators is a token gesture in the face of a company that maintains a 25% stake in G3, greatly reducing competition across the Prairies and in Quebec. These conditions do little to offset the $770 million annual cost this merger will impose on farmers.”

The Competition Bureau and research conducted by the University of Saskatchewan found that an acquisition without a divestment of G3 would weaken competition in certain geographic regions across the country, notably in Manitoba and Saskatchewan canola crushing markets. The university report calculated a $770 million loss in revenues for grain farmers annually.

“This decision is a direct hit to producers revenue,” continued Larkin. “For example, the average grain farm in Manitoba stands to lose $10,000 in revenue annually. This decision compounds an already difficult landscape, as farmers continue to face rising input costs, falling commodity prices, and increased taxes.”

Additional concerns raised by GGC include the market concentration of grain terminals at ports in Quebec and the implications of the merger on the announced canola crushing facility in Regina.

“This is a missed opportunity to protect competition in Canada’s grain sector and prioritize the interests of producers who grow the food that Canada and the world rely on,” Larkin added. “We are urging the government to revisit these conditions, strengthen measures to foster competition, and take meaningful steps to support Canada’s grain farmers.”

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About Grain Growers of Canada (GGC):
As the national voice for Canada’s grain farmers, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) represents over 70,000 producers through our 14 national, provincial and regional grower groups. Our members steward 110 million acres of land to grow food for Canadians and for 160 countries around the world, creating $45 billion in export value annually. As the farmer-driven association for the grains sector, GGC champions federal policies that support the competitiveness and profitability of grain growers across Canada.

For more information, please contact:
Grain Growers of Canada
514-834-8841 | media@graingrowers.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on January 6, 2025, 9:22am

Canada Grains Council Welcomes CUSMA Panel Decision on Genetically Modified Corn

Jan. 6, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – The Canada Grains Council (CGC) welcomes the recent CUSMA panel ruling, which determined that the restrictions Mexico placed on genetically modified (GM) corn were not scientifically justified. Predictable and science-based trade rules are the foundation of a stable and secure food supply across North America.

“For Canadian farmers and grain exporters, reliable access to international markets can mean the difference between success and failure,” said Krista Thomas, Vice-President, Trade Policy and Seed Innovation for the CGC. “When major trading partners like Mexico veer away from science-based rules, it creates uncertainty for farmers who rely on GM crops to run their farms efficiently, stay profitable, and take care of the environment.”

“GM crops enable farming practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health,” she added.

The dispute centered on Mexico’s 2023 presidential decree, which banned the use of GM corn in dough and tortillas and proposed a phased reduction of GM corn in animal feed and other food uses. The panel found these measures were not based on international standards or guidelines and noted that Mexico failed to conduct a risk assessment before issuing the decree.

“Canadian officials and technical experts played a key role in this dispute,” Thomas said. “Our sector deeply values the strong support for international standards and risk assessment principles, in line with WTO and CUSMA commitments.”

“This case highlights the importance of collaboration among CUSMA partners to support North America’s integrated agricultural supply chains,” Thomas added. “We’re eager to see Canada, Mexico, and the United States continue their efforts to support innovation and sustainable practices in North American agriculture.”

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For more information, contact:

Sandra Filion
Vice President Communications & Stakeholder Relations
(613) 277-0109 | sandra@canadagrainscouncil.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on December 10, 2024, 8:00am

Grain Growers of Canada Announces New Executive

Dec. 10, 2024 (Ottawa, ON) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is pleased to announce its newly elected executive, bringing a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to the organization’s leadership.

Tara Sawyer, a grain farmer from Acme, Alberta and Chair of Alberta Grains, has been elected as Chair of GGC. As the first woman to hold this role, Sawyer’s leadership marks an important milestone in GGC’s history. Her dedication to advocating for farmers and her deep understanding of association governance will help guide the organization as it continues to address the challenges and opportunities facing producers.

Joining her are Scott Hepworth, a grain grower from Assiniboia, Saskatchewan and a Director of the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission, as First Vice Chair. Sally Parsonage, a grain producer from Baldur, Manitoba and the Secretary of Manitoba Crop Alliance, joins the executive as Second Vice Chair.  

“We are excited to work under the guidance of this new executive, whose leadership and vision will help advance the priorities of Canada’s grain farmers,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “With Tara Sawyer, Scott Hepworth, and Sally Parsonage at the helm, GGC is well-positioned to address critical issues in 2025 and beyond, such as advocating for fair tax policies, advancing trade opportunities, and securing reliable transportation networks.”

GGC extends its gratitude to Andre Harpe, William van Tassel and Brendan Phillips, the outgoing executive, for their many years of service and dedication to the organization.

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About Grain Growers of Canada (GGC):
As the national voice for Canada’s grain farmers, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) represents over 65,000 producers through our 14 national, provincial and regional grower groups. Our members are trade-oriented, sustainable and innovative. As a farmer-driven association for the grains industry, GGC advocates for federal policy that supports the competitiveness and profitability of grain growers across Canada. Learn more at: www.GrainGrowers.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Hana Sabah
Communications Manager
Grain Growers of Canada 514-834-8841 | hana@graingrowers.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on November 18, 2024, 10:41am

Canada Grains Council’s President Elected as Vice-President of the International Grain Trade Coalition

Nov. 18, 2024 (Geneva, Switzerland) – The International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC) held its General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, bringing together members from around the globe for a hybrid in-person and virtual event. The event focused on strategic planning for 2025 and beyond, including key issues such as non tariff regulatory trade barriers, adopting innovative digital solutions to streamline trade, and fostering stronger partnerships and advocacy to support and promote the grain trade with global organizations like the WTO. 

A key highlight of the General Assembly was the election of a new executive team, with Erin Gowriluk, President of the Canada Grains Council (CGC), being elected as Vice-President. Alongside Erin, Pat O’Shannassy, CEO of Grain Trade Australia, was named IGTC President, and Rosalind Leeck, Executive Director for Market Access & Strategy with the U.S. Soybean Export Council, elected as Secretary. Gerald Makau Masila was re-elected as Treasurer.

In response, Erin Gowriluk, President of the Canada Grains Council, issued the following:

“I am so proud to have been given the opportunity to serve as Vice-President of the IGTC during a critical time for the global grain trade. As a founding member of the Coalition, the Canada Grains Council has always championed the IGTC’s mission of fostering science-based, trade-enabling policies. This role is pivotal as we tackle increasingly complex regulatory landscapes and work collaboratively to advance the global grain trade and ensure food security.”

“The IGTC remains at the forefront of addressing the increasing complexity of the global grain trade. Recent shifts away from science-based regulatory frameworks pose significant challenges to cross-border grain movement. The Coalition, composed of like-minded associations and organizations, is steadfast in its commitment to fostering collaboration to tackle these pressing issues.

The CGC also extends its gratitude to Alejandra Castillo, President and CEO of the North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA), for her outstanding leadership as IGTC President over the past year. Alejandra’s inclusive and transparent approach culminated in a pivotal strategic planning session with the Management Council in London this past June. Her efforts have laid a robust foundation for the Coalition’s future success.”

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Additional Information:

  • About the IGTC: The IGTC is a global organization that unites trade associations and corporate stakeholders from around the world to develop common positions on key issues impacting the global grain trade, communicating those positions through external advocacy, education and guidance to members – ultimately establishing more trade enabling policies among governments and international organizations.

For more information please contact:

Sandra Filion
Vice President Communications & Stakeholder Relations
(613) 277-0109 | sandra@canadagrainscouncil.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on October 16, 2024, 9:00am

AgSafe Alberta launches FARMERS CARE Level 4

Oct. 16, 2024 (Calgary, AB) – AgSafe Alberta is proud to announce the launch of the fourth and final stage in its FARMERS CARE program.

FARMERS CARE Level 4 is now available at AgSafeAB.ca. This free program provides valuable safety information in an accessible and engaging format that agricultural producers can navigate at their own pace.

AgSafe Alberta knows farmers and ranchers are extremely busy people and wants to respect their time. That is why all levels of FARMERS CARE cover a wealth of valuable information in a condensed format, avoiding the major time commitment that typically comes with intensive safety courses.

“FARMERS CARE is a great way for farmers and ranchers to start building a culture of safety on their operations,” says AgSafe Alberta chair Ian Chitwood. “With a very small investment of time, you can learn critical information and strategies that have the potential to prevent serious injuries and save lives.”

FARMERS CARE is an acronym that represents the 11 most common types of farm incidents – all of which are detailed on AgSafeAB.ca.

The first level of FARMERS CARE helps farmers and ranchers identify common agricultural hazards and learn how to control them, while introducing basic health and safety concepts. The second level of FARMERS CARE introduces the topics of training, orientation and communication – all concepts that are critical to managing hazards and risks on operations of all sizes.

FARMERS CARE Level 3 outlines basic inspections that will benefit a farm of any size and type, as well as how to conduct an inspection, fix issues found during an inspection and communicate inspection results to the farm team. Finally, FARMERS CARE Level 4 introduces emergency action plans and important considerations that will help keep people on farms safe during an emergency. It also covers practical measures related to emergency prevention, preparedness, management and recovery.

“Since we launched the first level of FARMERS CARE in 2021, hundreds of farmers and ranchers throughout the province have taken this important first step towards making their operations safer places to live and work,” says AgSafe Alberta executive director Jody Wacowich.

“Together, all four levels of FARMERS CARE provide a solid foundation from which agricultural producers can build a thriving safety culture – for themselves, their families and their employees.”

Once they have completed the FARMERS CARE program, farms and ranches can continue their safety journey through additional specialized programs offered by AgSafe Alberta based on the type, size and scale of their operation.

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For more information, please contact:

Jody Wacowich
Executive Director
AgSafe Alberta
JWacowich@agsafeab.ca
587-585-2906

About AgSafe Alberta:
AgSafe Alberta is the health and safety association for agricultural producers in our province. As an industry-led organization, AgSafe Alberta works with and supports farms and ranches of all types and sizes in becoming safer places to live, work and grow up on.

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on September 17, 2024, 9:08am

Funding Approved for the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) 

Saskatoon, SK (Sept. 17, 2024) – The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat) has approved funding for the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) initiative of $6,243,074. Sask Wheat is joined by Alberta Grains ($4,319,798) and Manitoba Crop Alliance ($2,655,587). 

“Gate puts in place infrastructure for Saskatchewan wheat farmers to continue their investment in market support, which our international customers value when they purchase Canadian wheat, as well as market development so that we can continue to meet global demand for high quality Canadian grains”, says Gate Capital Campaign Cabinet Honourary Member and Sask Wheat Director, Rob Stone. 

This investment is based on the business plan provided by Cereals Canada, which underscores the necessity of a new facility to help the cereals industry grow and thrive. The funding is conditional upon securing the required financial support from government entities and other funding partners. Additionally, Sask Wheat’s representatives on the Cereals Canada Board will oversee that the needs of Cereals Canada and the operational costs are managed in accordance with the directions of the Cereals Canada Board. 

“Canada’s cereals sector leads the country’s ag exports to over 80 international destinations, valued at over $10 billion. Having unimpeded access to these international destinations is extremely important to Saskatchewan farmers, and a facility such as Gate will continue to provide a hub for market access initiatives that will benefit all wheat producers,” says Stone. 

Sask Wheat is supportive of the work Cereals Canada does and sees significant value in the market development and market access initiatives that Cereals Canada undertakes. This initiative is crucial to ensure we can provide a high standard of market support services in relation to our export competitors. A new facility is needed to continue to meet global demand for high quality Canadian grains and to build on the momentum of the training, testing and innovation Cereals Canada has established over the past 50 years. Sask Wheat looks forward to working with Cereals Canada and other provincial commission and industry partners to ensure that Cereals Canada has the capacity and technology needed to continue this crucial work for the industry.

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Sask Wheat is a producer-led organization representing approximately 24,000 wheat and winter cereals producers in the province. Sask Wheat provides leadership in identifying and supporting research, market development and advocacy that contributes to profitable and sustainable wheat and winter cereal production for Saskatchewan farmers.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Andrea Lauder
Communications Manager
306-653-7967
andrea.lauder@saskwheat.ca 

 

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on September 17, 2024, 9:06am

Alberta Grains Supports Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) Initiative with $4.3 Million Investment

Sept. 17, 2024 (Calgary, AB) – Alberta Grains is pleased to announce its significant financial commitment to the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) initiative, approving an investment of $4,319,798. This funding is part of a broader $13.2 million collaboration involving key agricultural organizations across Canada, including Sask Wheat, and Manitoba Crop Alliance.

The Gate initiative, spearheaded by Cereals Canada, aims to create a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a hub for market access, development and innovation within Canada’s cereals sector. This new facility is poised to enhance Canada’s standing as a global leader in agricultural exports, providing crucial infrastructure to support the continued growth and competitiveness of our cereals industry.

“Alberta Grains recognizes the critical role that market access and development play in maintaining our competitive edge on the global stage,” said Greg Sears, Alberta Grains Region 6 Director. “The Gate initiative will not only reinforce our existing markets but will also open new avenues for growth and innovation, ensuring that Alberta’s wheat and barley producers remain at the forefront of global trade.”

This investment aligns with Alberta Grains’ ongoing commitment to advancing agricultural technology and innovation. The Gate facility will serve as a central point for training and testing building on the momentum that Cereals Canada has established over the past five decades.

“The Gate initiative represents an exciting leap forward for the grain sector by fostering collaboration and innovation, which will play a pivotal role in securing the future of Canadian grains on the world stage,” stated Alberta Grains Executive Director, Mike Flynn. “Alberta Grains fully supports the Gate initiative, as it directly aligns with our goals of driving research forward, fostering economic growth and ensuring sustainability for our farmers.”

The approval of this funding is conditional upon securing additional financial support from government entities and other funding partners. Alberta Grains is confident that with the combined efforts of provincial commissions and industry stakeholders, the Gate initiative will achieve its vision, benefitting grain producers across Alberta and Canada.

For media inquiries please contact:

Jonathan Anderson
Director, Communications, Marketing & Events
Alberta Grains
403-371-2132
media@albertagrains.com

About Alberta Grains
Alberta Grains is a farmer-directed organization that represents the interests of and serves as the single voice for all of Alberta’s wheat and barley producers.

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