NewsLine by Cole's Ag on June 18, 2025, 3:36pm

Parliament Leaves Grain Farmers Behind by Passing Bill C-202

June 18, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is disappointed in Parliament’s decision to pass Bill C-202 without the thorough review and scrutiny required by parliamentarians, without consideration of its impact on international trade, and without regard for Canada’s export-oriented grain sector.

The legislation, which amends the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act to prohibit the inclusion of supply-managed goods in future trade negotiations, poses serious risks to the livelihoods of Canada’s 70,000 grain farmers, who export more than 70% of what they grow.

“Despite the government’s stated commitment to growing Canada’s economy and expanding international trade, the first bill passed by the 45th Parliament restricts our trade negotiators’ ability to secure the best possible deals for Canadians,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “This legislation received unanimous consent from Members of Parliament without consulting with the Canadians it impacts the most, forcing the Senate to fast-track a flawed bill.”

Grain farmers, who rely on predictable, rules-based trade, export wheat, barley, canola, pulses, and other commodities to more than 160 countries, generating over $45 billion in export value each year. Bill C-202 now stands to undermine Canada’s ability to pursue and safeguard new and existing trade agreements that both support the sector’s export growth and the country’s long-term economic prosperity.

“With critical trade negotiations and renegotiations ahead, including with our largest trading partner, the United States, passing Bill C-202 sends the wrong message internationally,” added Larkin. “For grain farmers who rely on access to international markets, the result will be less ambitious trade agreements, fewer export opportunities, and slower economic growth at home.”

The Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) is scheduled for review in 2026 and could lead to a full renegotiation. At the same time, the federal government is pursuing a free trade agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a region that holds significant potential for expanding Canada’s agriculture and agri-food exports.

“Parliament chose to prioritize one group of farmers over another,” said Scott Hepworth, Acting Chair of GGC. “As a grain producer, I know firsthand how important international trade is to my family’s livelihood. Without reliable access to global markets, farmers like me are left behind. With Bill C-202 now passed, the government must refocus its efforts on helping grain farmers grow more food and expand our exports.”

To grow Canada’s economy and support grain farmers, GGC is calling on the government to seriously address issues impacting international trade. This includes critical infrastructure investments, especially at the Port of Vancouver, returning funding levels in public plant breeding research to pre-2013 levels, and bolstering the work of the Market Access Secretariat to address barriers to trade.

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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.

Media Contact:
Hana Sabah
Manager, Communications
Grain Growers of Canada
Email: hana@graingrowers.ca | 514-834-8841

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on June 17, 2025, 9:00am

SIP Welcomes Alison Lee as Manager of Research Development

June 17, 2025 (Ottawa, Ontario) – Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alison Lee as Manager of Research Development, effective June 12, 2025.

“I am excited to join SIP and look forward to working collaboratively with all our partners to build on the Canadian pork sector’s strengths through research,” said Lee. “One of the main attractions of this role is the ability to work with SIP’s amazing partners in the industry, academia and government, including through Swine Cluster 4.”

In her role, Lee will serve as a key liaison between SIP and the Canadian pork research community. Prior to joining SIP, she worked as the Researcher and Livestock Program Developer for Conestoga Meats, where she co-ordinated and managed research projects relating to meat quality, new technology development and animal welfare.

Lee comes to SIP with a long history of collaboration in the pork industry. Her career has spanned the globe including experience in Hanau, Germany, as Research Manager in Swine Nutrition and Health for Evonik Operations GmbH. She also holds a PhD and B.Sc. from the University of Guelph, where her thesis investigated supplementation in sow diets and its effects on piglet health.

“I am pleased to welcome Alison to the team,” said SIP General Manager Daniel Ramage. “In her role and based on her experience, we are confident she will provide leadership in building national research partnerships with the Canadian pork research community.”

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About Swine Innovation Porc:

Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) is dedicated to driving innovation and progress in the Canadian pork industry. Through collaboration, funding research and promoting knowledge transfer, SIP works towards ensuring the sustained success of the Canadian pork sector. Learn more at swineinnovationporc.ca.

For more information, contact:

Cole Christensen
Manager of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Swine Innovation Porc
cchristensen@swineinnovationporc.ca
403-589-3529

SIP accueille Alison Lee en tant que directrice du développement de la recherche.

Le 17 juin 2025 (Ottawa, Ontario) – Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) a le plaisir d’annoncer la nomination d’Alison Lee au poste de directrice du développement de la recherche à compter du 12 juin 2025.

« Je suis ravie de me joindre à SIP et j’ai hâte de collaborer avec tous nos partenaires pour miser sur les forces du secteur porcin canadien grâce à la recherche », a déclaré Mme Lee. « L’un des principaux attraits de ce poste est la possibilité de travailler avec les formidables partenaires de SIP dans l’industrie, le milieu universitaire et le gouvernement, notamment par l’intermédiaire de la Grappe porcine 4. »

Avant de se joindre à SIP, elle occupait le poste de chercheuse et conceptrice de programmes pour les animaux d’élevage chez Conestoga Meats, où elle coordonnait et gérait des projets de recherche portant sur la qualité de la viande, le développement de nouvelles technologies et le bien-être animal.

Mme Lee arrive au sein de SIP forte d’une longue expérience de collaboration dans l’industrie porcine. Sa carrière s’est déroulée dans le monde entier, avec notamment une expérience à Hanau, en Allemagne, en tant que responsable de la recherche sur la nutrition et la santé des porcs pour Evonik Operations GmbH. Elle est également titulaire d’un doctorat et d’un baccalauréat ès sciences de l’Université de Guelph, où sa thèse portait sur la supplémentation dans l’alimentation des truies et ses effets sur la santé des porcelets.

« Je suis heureux d’accueillir Alison dans notre équipe », a déclaré Daniel Ramage, directeur général de SIP. « Dans le cadre de ses fonctions et compte tenu de son expérience, nous sommes convaincus qu’elle jouera un rôle de premier plan dans la mise en place de partenariats de recherche nationaux avec la communauté des chercheurs canadiens dans le domaine du porc. »

À propos de Swine Innovation Porc :

« Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) se consacre à l’innovation et au progrès dans l’industrie porcine canadienne. Par la collaboration, le financement de la recherche et la promotion du transfert des connaissances, SIP œuvre à assurer la réussite durable du secteur porcin canadien. » Pour en savoir plus, visitez swineinnovationporc.ca.

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez contacter :

Cole Christensen
Directeur des communications et des relations avec les intervenants
Swine Innovation Porc
cchristensen@swineinnovationporc.ca
403-589-3529

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on June 10, 2025, 9:00am

CWRC commits nearly $20 million to AAFC wheat breeding activities

June 10, 2025 (Carman, MB; Saskatoon, SK; Calgary, AB) – The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) has committed $19.9 million over the next three years to a core breeding agreement (CBA) with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) for the development of field-ready wheat varieties.

The new agreement will ensure Prairie farmers can continue to access high-quality wheat varieties and associated genetics from AAFC’s breeding programs for years to come.

“This agreement is about making sure Canadian wheat farmers continue to have access to top-quality varieties that perform in the real world,” said Dean Hubbard, CWRC chair and a farmer near Claresholm, AB. “By supporting AAFC’s breeding work, we are helping tackle some of the biggest challenges on the farm, like disease, pests and tough weather, while keeping our focus on the quality standards our customers count on.”

CWRC funding via the 2025-28 CBA will support the development of field-ready Canada Western Red Spring, Canada Western Amber Durum, Canada Prairie Spring Red, Canada Western Soft White Spring and Canada Western Red Winter wheat varieties that reduce business risk and enhance competitiveness for western Canadian farmers.

AAFC will aim to develop wheat varieties with strong resistance to diseases such as Fusarium head blight, rusts and leaf spotting diseases, as well as insect pests such as orange wheat blossom midge and wheat stem sawfly. AAFC will also prioritize new varieties that can withstand adverse environmental conditions such as heat and drought stress. Strict quality standards will ensure all new varieties address market needs.

“Researchers with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada have been breeding wheat for 100 years, supporting Canadian farmers in maintaining their global reputation for producing a premium product,” said the Honourable Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This investment will ensure our farmers have wheat varieties that can better overcome disease and weather challenges, and maintain Canada’s competitive advantage in cereal production.”

CWRC investment through the new CBA is divided among the organization’s founding members by a funding shares agreement. The CWRC also maintains CBAs with the University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre, 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 Groeneveld
Senior Manager, Communications and Marketing
Alberta Grains
403-371-2132
hgroeneveld@albertagrains.com

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 May 13, 2025, 12:05pm

Grain Growers of Canada Welcomes New Cabinet, Urges Immediate Action on Trade and Tax Relief

May 13, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) welcomes the appointment of Canada’s new federal Cabinet and urges immediate action to support grain farmers and protect the viability of the sector. As Parliament prepares to return, swift action is needed to safeguard farmers’ bottom line, sustain Canada’s role as a reliable supplier of grain and grain products, and prevent further strain on the economy.

To grow Canada’s $45-billion grain export sector and secure the future of family-run grain farms, GGC is calling for urgent progress on three fronts: resetting trade relationships with Canada’s two largest trading partners for grain and grain products, the United States and China; passing legislation to permanently remove the carbon tax from on-farm activities; and issuing a formal reversal of the capital gains tax increase. Canadian grain producers are looking for these measures to be addressed before the summer recess to prevent further strain on family farm operations, export competitiveness, and the broader economy.

GGC looks forward to working with Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald, Minister of Finance and National Revenue François-Philippe Champagne, Minister responsible for Canada–U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly, and Minister of Environment and Climate Change Julie Dabrusin. GGC equally welcomes Secretaries of State Buckley Belanger, John Zerucelli and Rechie Valdez.

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Media Contact:

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

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on April 29, 2025, 9:29am

Grain Growers of Canada Welcomes New Federal Government, Urges Immediate Action on Key Farm Priorities

April 29, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) welcomes Prime Minister Mark Carney and all Members of Parliament elected to Canada’s 45 th Parliament and is urging the new government to act swiftly to address the pressing challenges facing Canadian grain farmers.

“The stakes of this election could not have been higher for grain farmers,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “From rising input costs and global market uncertainty to transportation bottlenecks and regulatory pressures, producers are facing a growing list of challenges that require immediate federal attention.”

To deliver meaningful relief, GGC is urging the government to reverse the capital gains tax increase, permanently eliminate the carbon tax for on-farm activities, and resolve ongoing trade uncertainty with the United States and China.

“The capital gains tax increase and the carbon tax are not abstract issues for farmers,” said Tara Sawyer, Chair of GGC and a grain farmer from Acme, Alberta. “They directly impact whether we can invest in new equipment, transfer the farm on to the next generation, and continue contributing to the economy. We need immediate action to support the continued viability of family-run grain farms.”

During the election, GGC helped raise awareness of these challenges through its Vote for Grain campaign, which saw hundreds of letters sent to political candidates across the country. The campaign also urged the government to invest in trade-enabling infrastructure, improve transportation systems, modernize regulations, support plant breeding innovation, and defend access to global markets through rules-based trade.

“Grain farmers are ready to be an equal partner with government in growing Canada’s economy,” said Larkin. “We look forward to working with Prime Minister Mark Carney and all Members of Parliament in addressing short-term challenges and creating long-term policies that support family farms across Canada.”

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For more information, please contact:

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

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on March 24, 2025, 11:15am

GGC launches Vote for Grain campaign to give farmers a voice this election

March 24, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – As Canadians head to the polls, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is launching Vote for Grain, a national campaign to engage grain farmers in the federal election and ensure their voices are heard.

“This election comes at a pivotal moment for grain farmers,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “Farmers are facing mounting challenges, and this campaign gives them a direct way to engage with their local candidates and understand where political parties stand on key issues affecting their operations. Political parties need to hear directly from farmers about the policies that will shape their livelihoods.”

The campaign is available at www.VoteforGrain.ca and features a click-and-send tool that allows farmers to easily contact their local candidates. It also includes a key issues guide that outlines challenges facing producers such as trade uncertainty with the U.S. and China, the carbon tax, and the capital gains tax increase. It also highlights the need for plant breeding investments, extended interswitching, and the right to repair—issues that directly impact farmers’ competitiveness and profitability.

“This is a critical time for grain farmers as we are being hit from all sides,” said Tara Sawyer, Chair of GGC. “Trade uncertainty causing a fall in commodity prices, rising input costs, and increasing government taxation and regulation are putting intense pressure on farmers. This election—and the decisions made in the years to come—will determine the future of Canadian grain farming. Political parties need to understand what’s at stake and commit to supporting our sector.”

GGC will issue a questionnaire to political parties to clarify their positions on key issues and will update the guide accordingly. GGC is calling on all grain farmers to visit www.VoteforGrain.ca to participate and ensure grain farming remains a priority this election.

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For more information, please contact:

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

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on March 17, 2025, 3:40pm

ACA Welcomes First Step Towards Removing Carbon Price from farmers, Urges Legislative Action to Provide Certainty for Farmers

March 17, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – The Agriculture Carbon Alliance (ACA) welcomes the Prime Minister’s announced elimination of the consumer carbon price via Order-in-Council (OIC) until further legislative action provides increased certainty for farmers.

“The reduction of the consumer carbon price to $0 is a good first step for Canadians – and, by extension, our farmers, growers and ranchers,” said Dave Carey, co-chair of ACA. “We welcome this news, and we look forward to the ongoing discussion on permanently removing the carbon pricing mechanism for producers.”

“With many farmers on the eve of a new growing season, and others in the midst of harvest, they need certainty when it comes to future carbon pricing and the impact on all farms. We hope this this will come through legislative action once Parliament has resumed.”

The Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, passed in 2019, sets out a legislative framework for both the consumer carbon price and the industrial price. Without a future legislative change though, the risk remains that farmers could continue paying a carbon price on essential farming activities such as irrigation, grain drying, feed preparation, heating or cooling of barns and other agriculture growing structures.

“Our farmer members are facing a significant rise in input, land and labour costs, while seeing a reduction in their revenue due to trade uncertainty,” added Scott Ross, co-chair of ACA.

“The Prime Minister’s actions have come as welcome news, but Canadian producers need certainty on this issue – particularly during this challenging time in international trade.”

With no viable fuel alternatives, carbon surcharges pull capital from critical investments that would otherwise augment the sector’s potential to reduce emissions further and support food security.

ACA urges Parliamentarians to reach a permanent solution via the removal or alteration of the existing Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act to exempt all farmers, growers and ranchers of all sizes from carbon pricing entirely. ACA remains committed to working with the government to shape agri-environmental policies that drive sustainable productivity growth and strengthen the competitiveness of our producers.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Cole Christensen
cole@colesag.com
403-589-3529

ACA is a national coalition of 16 farm organizations committed to meaningful and collaborative dialogue with the federal government around carbon pricing. Our membership encompasses all major agriculture commodities and represents 190,000 farm businesses that steward 62 million hectares. Canada’s farmers are the heart of our agri-food value chain, which contributes $135 billion annually and provides one in nine Canadian jobs.

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on March 10, 2025, 3:42pm

Canadian Grain Farmers Threatened by Trade War on Two Fronts with the U.S. and China

March 10, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – Canadian grain farmers are facing a trade crisis on two fronts, with escalating tariffs from both the United States and China threatening billions in exports and putting the future of family farms at exceptional risk. The Chinese government’s decision to impose 100 percent tariffs on Canadian canola oil, canola meal, and peas comes as trade tensions with the U.S. continue to pressure Canada’s grain sector.

“With uncertainty mounting with the United States, our largest export market, the last thing grain farmers needed was a trade war with China, our second largest export market,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “Together, the U.S. and China account for over half of all Canadian grain exports — losing access or facing exorbitant tariffs in both markets at once is a threat farmers cannot afford to absorb.”

Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) echo the concerns raised by the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA), Canola Council of Canada (CCC), and Pulse Canada that farmers are facing mounting pressure which could cause a net loss for many.

In 2024, Canada exported 2 million metric tonnes of canola meal to China, valued at $918 million, and over 15,000 metric tonnes of canola oil, valued at over $20.5 million. The five-year average for yellow pea exports to China stands at over 1.5 million metric tonnes, valued at more than $740 million annually. Canada also exports over $17 billion worth of grain and grain products to the U.S. each year — a market increasingly threatened by shifting trade policies.

“These tariffs will push down the prices farmers receive for our crops, just as input costs and government regulations are already eating into our bottom line,” said Tara Sawyer, Chair of GGC. “When farmers see prices drop, it impacts every part of their operation — from how much they can invest in next year’s crop to their ability to support their families. We’re being forced to pay the price for political decisions beyond our control.”

The Chinese tariffs are a direct response to Canada’s recent decision to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum.

“Farmers are being treated as collateral damage in international trade disputes,” Larkin said. “We’re calling on the government to take immediate action — first, to engage with China to find a resolution and, second, to establish a compensation plan to cover the financial losses farmers are facing.”

GGC stands with CCGA, CCC, and Pulse Canada in urging the federal government to defend Canada’s agricultural sector and maintain access to key export markets.

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

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on March 4, 2025, 10:02am

CORRECTION: GGC Sounds the Alarm on U.S. Tariffs Threatening Family-Run Grain Farms

March 4, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is sounding the alarm on the United States’ decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian grain and grain products, a move that threatens the viability of family-run grain farms and drives up food costs for American consumers.

“Tariffs of this magnitude will put family-run grain farms at risk by introducing widespread market uncertainty,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “The U.S. is by far our largest trading partner, with over $17 billion CAD of Canadian grain and grain products exported to every year. These unjustified tariffs threaten that trade relationship—and farmers’ livelihoods.”

Canada exports over 70% of the grain it produces to over 150 countries around the world. The prices Canadian farmers receive for crops such as wheat, canola, oats, barley, and pulses are tied to international markets. Disruptions to trade networks drive down farmgate prices, making it harder for growers to stay afloat.

“As price takers, grain farmers are at the whim of the global markets that we export to,” said Tara Sawyer, Chair of GGC and an Alberta grain farmer. “Margins are already razor-thin, and an added financial burden like this could put the future of many family farms in jeopardy.”

“Canadian family-run grain farms are already facing death by a thousand cuts through increased input costs, regulatory burdens, and taxation,” said Larkin. “Uncertainty with our largest trading partner for grain and grain products, on top of ongoing instability with our second-largest trading partner, China, could push many family farms to the brink.”

The importation of $17 billion CAD worth of Canadian grain and grain products supports the United States in being able to meet their own domestic food security needs, while also supporting their agri-food sector in exporting products internationally for the best price possible.

“A 25% tariff on Canadian grain and grain products is in effect a 25% tax on American consumers who purchase groceries every day,” said Larkin. “From bread and pasta to beer, oatmeal, and canola oil, dozens of products could see price increases amid an affordability crisis for both American and Canadian consumers.”

GGC is calling on the Canadian government to take action to eliminate these recently imposed tariffs. Without their elimination, farmers will face vast uncertainty and consumers will see a spike in their grocery costs.

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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 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