Grain Growers of Canada signs trilateral industry letter calling for CUSMA renewal and strengthening

June 2, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) — Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) has joined more than 160 agricultural organizations from Canada, the United States and Mexico in signing a trilateral industry letter calling for the renewal and strengthening of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA/T-MEC).

The letter, addressed to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Canadian Minister Responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade Dominic LeBlanc, and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard, calls on all three governments to protect the integrated North American agricultural trading framework ahead of the July 1, 2026, joint review.

Canadian grain farmers have a direct stake in the outcome.

Canada exports over 70 per cent of the grain it grows, generating $45 billion in annual export value. The United States is the sector’s largest trading partner, with over $17 billion in grain and grain products flowing there annually, a highly integrated market that cannot be replaced at scale. From 2024 to 2025, the export value of Canadian grain and grain products decreased by over $2.3 billion, a reflection of how quickly market access disruptions translate into farm-level losses.

Reliable, rules-based market access is a core requirement for farm viability, and CUSMA has been central to that. The agreement has supported export growth for grain, oilseed and pulse producers since its entry into force, with Canadian grain flowing through North American supply chains and onward to global markets.

The July 1 joint review is an opportunity to reinforce an agreement that creates stability and predictability: conditions producers need to make long-term investments, sign forward contracts, and keep grain moving to global customers. As negotiations get underway, Canada’s grain sector must be front of mind. Anything less puts export value, farm livelihoods, and billions in annual economic activity at risk.

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For more information, please contact:
Hana Sabah
Sr. Manager, Communications  
Grain Growers of Canada
514-834-8841 | hana@graingrowers.ca

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North American agricultural coalition calls for CUSMA/USMCA renewal as Canadian delegation heads to Capitol Hill

CAFTA delegation to meet with members of key congressional committees and federal officials as nearly 160 organizations across the U.S., Canada and Mexico urge governments to protect the North American agricultural trading framework ahead of July 1 review.

June 2, 2026 (Washington, D.C.) — The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is joining nearly 160 North American agricultural organizations in calling for the renewal and strengthening of CUSMA/USMCA and backing that call with a delegation in Washington this week for direct meetings with members of key congressional committees and federal officials ahead of the July 1, 2026, joint review. 

CAFTA and its member organizations are among the signatories of a trilateral industry letter released today to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Canadian Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard, urging all three governments to protect the integrated North American agricultural trading framework that has tripled agrifood trade between the three countries between 2005 and 2023, reaching $285 billion. 

Meetings will reinforce the trilateral letter’s call to protect that rules-based framework and ensure the July 1 review strengthens and preserves the disciplines that have made the agreement work. 

“Nearly 160 organizations across the United States, Canada and Mexico are sending the same message today: CUSMA works for North American agriculture, and the July 1 review is the moment to preserve what’s working,” said Greg Northey, president of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance. 

The delegation’s message to U.S. officials is grounded in shared economic interest, as the organizations behind that call represent supply chains that run deep into the American economy. 

“The producers, processors and exporters we represent support nearly half a million American jobs and $149 billion in U.S. economic output,” added Michael Harvey, executive director of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance. “A predictable, rules-based CUSMA/USMCA is a strategic asset for North American food security, and new uncertainty would inject risk into supply chains across rural America.” 

Canada is one of the United States’ top two agricultural export markets, buying more American agricultural goods than Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom combined. The North American agri-food supply chain supports nearly 493,000 American jobs and $36 billion in wages, while helping sustain the broader $3.5 billion in goods and services traded across the Canada-U.S. border each day. 

Keeping CUSMA/USMCA on stable, predictable footing is critical to North America’s competitive position and economic security. The July 1, 2026, CUSMA/USMCA joint review is a key opportunity to preserve those gains, reinforce enforcement and predictability, and build on a framework that has delivered substantial export growth for agri-food products since 2020. 

CAFTA representatives will be available to discuss the outcomes of this week’s meetings with media following their conclusion. 

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About the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance 
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is a coalition of national and regional organizations representing producers, processors and exporters across Canada’s major agri-food sectors. The alliance advocates for an open, rules-based and fair international trading environment for Canadian agriculture and agri-food, supporting jobs and growth in rural communities across Canada while helping keep food affordable and supply chains resilient across North America. 

For media inquiries, contact: 
Hana Sabah, communications consultant 
info@cafta.org | 514-834-8841 



Une coalition agricole nord-américaine réclame le renouvellement de l’ACEUM alors qu’une délégation canadienne se rend au Capitole 

Une délégation de l’ACCA rencontrera des membres des commissions du Congrès et des représentants fédéraux, tandis que près de 160 organisations des États-Unis, du Canada et du Mexique exhortent les gouvernements à protéger le cadre commercial agricole nord-américain à l’approche de l’examen du 1er juillet. 

juin 2 2026 (Washington, D.C.) — L’Alliance canadienne du commerce agroalimentaire (ACCA) se joint à près de 160 organisations agricoles nord-américaines pour réclamer le renouvellement et le renforcement de l’ACEUM. Elle appuie cet appel par l’envoi d’une délégation à Washington cette semaine, afin de tenir des rencontres directes avec des membres du Congrès et des représentants fédéraux en amont de l’examen conjoint prévu le 1er juillet 2026. 

L’ACCA et ses organisations membres figurent parmi les signataires d’une lettre trilatérale du secteur, rendue publique aujourd’hui et adressée au représentant américain au Commerce, Jamieson Greer, au ministre canadien Dominic LeBlanc et au secrétaire mexicain à l’Économie, Marcelo Ebrard. Cette lettre exhorte les trois gouvernements à protéger le cadre commercial agricole nord-américain intégré, lequel a permis de tripler les échanges agroalimentaires entre les trois pays entre 2005 et 2023, pour atteindre un volume de 285 milliards de dollars. 

Ces rencontres viendront renforcer l’appel lancé dans la lettre trilatérale visant à protéger ce cadre fondé sur des règles, et à garantir que l’examen du 1er juillet consolide et préserve les disciplines qui ont assuré le bon fonctionnement de l’accord. 

« Près de 160 organisations aux États-Unis, au Canada et au Mexique transmettent aujourd’hui le même message : l’ACEUM est bénéfique pour le secteur agricole nord-américain, et l’examen du 1er juillet constitue le moment opportun pour préserver ce qui fonctionne », a déclaré Greg Northey, président de l’Alliance canadienne pour le commerce agroalimentaire. 

Le message de la délégation aux représentants américains repose sur un intérêt économique partagé, car les organisations à l’origine de cet appel représentent des chaînes d’approvisionnement profondément ancrées dans l’économie américaine. 

« Les producteurs, les transformateurs et les exportateurs que nous représentons soutiennent près d’un demi-million d’emplois américains et génèrent 149 milliards de dollars de production économique aux États-Unis », a ajouté Michael Harvey, directeur général de l’Alliance canadienne pour le commerce agroalimentaire. 

« Un ACEUM prévisible et fondé sur des règles constitue un atout stratégique pour la sécurité alimentaire nord-américaine ; toute nouvelle incertitude introduirait des risques au sein des chaînes d’approvisionnement dans l’ensemble des régions rurales des États-Unis. » 

Le Canada figure parmi les deux principaux marchés d’exportation de produits agricoles des États-Unis, achetant davantage de produits agricoles américains que le Japon, la Corée du Sud et le Royaume-Uni réunis. La chaîne d’approvisionnement agroalimentaire nord-américaine soutient près de 493 000 emplois américains et génère 36 milliards de dollars en salaires, tout en contribuant à soutenir le volume global de 3,5 milliards de dollars de biens et services échangés quotidiennement à la frontière canado-américaine. 

Maintenir l’ACEUM sur des bases stables et prévisibles est essentiel à la position concurrentielle et à la sécurité économique de l’Amérique du Nord. L’examen conjoint de l’ACEUM, prévu pour le 1er juillet 2026, constitue une occasion privilégiée de préserver ces acquis, de renforcer l’application des règles et la prévisibilité, et de consolider un cadre qui a permis une croissance substantielle des exportations de produits agroalimentaires depuis 2020. 

Les représentants de l’ACCA seront disponibles pour discuter des résultats des réunions de cette semaine avec les médias, une fois celles-ci terminées. 

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À propos de l’Alliance canadienne du commerce agroalimentaire 
L’Alliance canadienne du commerce agroalimentaire (ACCA) est une coalition d’organisations nationales et régionales qui représente les producteurs, les transformateurs et les exportateurs des principaux secteurs agroalimentaires du Canada. L’Alliance défend un environnement commercial international ouvert, fondé sur des règles et équitable pour l’agriculture et l’agroalimentaire canadiens, en appuyant la création d’emplois et la croissance dans les communautés rurales du Canada, tout en contribuant à garder les aliments abordables et les chaînes d’approvisionnement résilientes partout en Amérique du Nord. 

Pour les demandes médias, veuillez contacter :
Hana Sabah, consultante en communications 
info@cafta.org | 514-834-8841 

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Swine Innovation Porc to Host Webinar on Disease Risk and Antimicrobial Use in Swine Production

May 28, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) will host a national webinar on June 17 at 1:00 p.m. ET exploring how disease prevention and management strategies can help reduce antimicrobial use in swine production.

Titled Disease Risk and Antimicrobial Use in Swine: From Post-Weaning Diarrhea to System-Level Prevention, the webinar will feature Dr. Vahab Farzan (University of Guelph) and Dr. Gustavo Silva (Iowa State University), who will provide complementary perspectives on disease risk, prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship in swine systems.

Dr. Farzan will present findings from Swine Cluster 4 research on post-weaning diarrhea (PWD)., He will share insights from a pan-Canadian epidemiological study examining key bacterial strains, risk factors, and management challenges linked to PWD in nursery pigs. Dr. Silva will provide a broader systems-level perspective on how diseases such as PRRS and other endemic conditions spread within swine production systems, and how biosecurity, surveillance, and risk assessment can help reduce disease pressure and improve herd health.

“Disease prevention and antimicrobial stewardship remain major priorities for producers across Canada,” said Daniel Ramage, General Manager of Swine Innovation Porc. “This webinar will provide practical insights into the factors driving disease risk and the strategies that can help producers improve herd health while reducing reliance on antimicrobials.”

The session will also examine how research and epidemiology can support long-term sustainability and more resilient swine production systems.

“Improving our understanding of disease risk is essential to supporting better on-farm management decisions,” said Mark Ferguson, Chair of Swine Innovation Porc. “Research like this helps provide producers with practical tools and knowledge to strengthen productivity, sustainability, and animal health.”

The webinar will include presentations from both speakers followed by a moderated discussion and audience Q&A. French live translation will also be available.

To register for this webinar, click here.

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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 further information, contact:

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


Swine Innovation Porc présentera un webinaire sur les risques de maladies et l’utilisation des antimicrobiens dans la production porcine

28 mai 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) présentera un webinaire national le 17 juin prochain à 13 h (heure de l’Est) afin d’examiner comment les stratégies de prévention et de gestion des maladies peuvent contribuer à réduire l’utilisation d’antimicrobiens dans la production porcine.

Intitulé Risques de maladies et utilisation des antimicrobiens chez les porcs : de la diarrhée post-sevrage à la prévention à l’échelle du système, ce webinaire mettra en vedette le Dr Vahab Farzan (Université de Guelph) et le Dr Gustavo Silva (Université d’État de l’Iowa), qui présenteront des points de vue complémentaires sur les risques de maladies, la prévention et la gestion des antimicrobiens dans les systèmes d’élevage porcin.

Le Dr Farzan présentera les résultats des recherches de la « Grappe porcine 4 » sur la diarrhée post-sevrage (DPS). Il partagera les conclusions d’une étude épidémiologique pancanadienne portant sur les principales souches bactériennes, les facteurs de risque et les défis de gestion liés à la DPS chez les porcelets en pouponnière. Le Dr Silva présentera une perspective systémique plus large sur la façon dont des maladies comme le SDRP et d’autres affections endémiques se propagent au sein des systèmes de production porcine, et sur la façon dont la biosécurité, la surveillance et l’évaluation des risques peuvent contribuer à réduire la pression exercée par les maladies et à améliorer la santé des troupeaux.

« La prévention des maladies et la gestion responsable des antimicrobiens restent des priorités majeures pour les éleveurs partout au Canada », a déclaré Daniel Ramage, directeur général de Swine Innovation Porc. « Ce webinaire fournira des informations pratiques sur les facteurs qui augmentent le risque de maladies et sur les stratégies susceptibles d’aider les éleveurs à améliorer la santé de leur cheptel tout en réduisant le recours aux antimicrobiens. »

Le webinaire explorera également comment la recherche et l’épidémiologie peuvent contribuer à la viabilité à long terme et à la résilience des systèmes de production porcine.

« Il est essentiel de mieux comprendre les risques de maladies pour aider les éleveurs à prendre de meilleures décisions en matière de gestion de leur exploitation », a déclaré Mark Ferguson, président de Swine Innovation Porc. « Des recherches comme celle-ci permettent de fournir aux éleveurs des outils pratiques et des connaissances pour renforcer la productivité, la durabilité et la santé animale. »

Le webinaire comprendra les présentations des deux conférenciers, suivies d’une table ronde animée et d’une séance de questions-réponses avec le public. Une traduction simultanée en français sera également assurée.

Pour vous inscrire à ce webinaire, cliquez ici.

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À propos de Swine Innovation Porc :

Swine Innovation Porc s’engage à stimuler l’innovation et le progrès dans l’industrie porcine canadienne. Grâce à la collaboration, au financement de la recherche et à la promotion du transfert des connaissances, SIP œuvre pour assurer le succès durable du secteur porcin canadien. Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur www.swineinnovationporc.ca.

Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez communiquer avec : 

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

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Canada’s Meat Processors Join CAFTA, Strengthening Agri-Food Voice Ahead of Key Trade Negotiations 

April 30, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) and the Canadian Meat Council (CMC) today announced that CMC has joined as a Friend of CAFTA, deepening the agri-food sector’s representation at a critical moment for international trade. 

CAFTA represents producers, processors, and exporters across Canada’s agri-food sector, advancing trade priorities in Ottawa and internationally to support market access and reduce barriers. This work is central to Canada’s meat sector, one of the most trade-exposed in the country, with deep ties to North American trade under CUSMA and a strong reliance on global export markets. 

As Canada prepares for the 2026 CUSMA Joint Review and exporters navigate a more complex global environment, CMC’s alignment with CAFTA reflects a clear intent to help shape trade outcomes at both the federal and international levels. 

“Joining as a Friend of CAFTA is a strategic step forward at a pivotal moment for our industry,” said Kyle Larkin, President and CEO of CMC. “With the 2026 CUSMA review on the horizon and global market volatility increasing, it’s more important than ever that the agri-food sector speaks with a unified voice.” 

“Meat processing companies rely on stable, rules-based trade to reach over 90 international markets, and we look forward to working alongside CAFTA members in addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers,” he added. 

Meat processing is one of Canada’s largest manufacturing employers, generating $43.8 billion in annual sales—about 25% of all Canadian food processing—and supports more than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs across the country. CMC members process over 90% of Canada’s meat and supply both domestic consumers and more than 90 international markets. 

“CMC’s membership comes at an important time for Canada’s agri-food exporters,” said Greg Northey, President of CAFTA. “Canada’s meat sector brings scale, market reach, and deep trade expertise. Its addition strengthens our ability to shape trade outcomes as Canada approaches the CUSMA review and other global trade negotiations.” 

With CMC, CAFTA deepens its representation across the agri-food value chain, from primary production through processing and into export markets. Together, the two organizations will advance shared priorities for Canada’s agri-food exporters, with a focus on market access and reducing trade barriers. 

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About the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA)
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance is a coalition of national organizations that advocate for a more open, rules-based, and fair international trading environment for Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors. CAFTA’s members include the beef, pork, grains, oilseed, sugar, processed food and life-science industries, which together contribute significantly to Canada’s economy and food security. For more information, visit www.cafta.org

About the Canadian Meat Council (CMC)
The Canadian Meat Council (CMC) is the national voice of Canada’s federally licensed red meat industry, representing packers, processors, and suppliers across the beef, pork, veal, lamb, and bison sectors. For more than a century, CMC has championed policies that strengthen the industry’s global competitiveness, from securing market access at home and abroad to advancing a modern, evidence-based regulatory environment. CMC members take pride in delivering world-class, high-quality, safe food to consumers both at home and in markets around the world. Recognized as a trusted authority and voice on red meat-related issues, CMC works closely with government and stakeholders to support high standards in food safety, animal welfare, and sustainability, while delivering value and advocacy for its growing membership. For more information, visit www.cmc-cvc.com.

For media inquiries, please contact: 
Hana Sabah 
Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) 
514-834-8841 | info@cafta.org 

Julia Pennella 
Canadian Meat Council (CMC) 
647-987-1934 | julia@cmc-cvc.com 

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“Too Much on the Line” campaign launched as new study reveals the cost of supply chain disruptions

April 30, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – A new economic analysis finds a single week of rail and port disruptions during peak export season costs Canada’s grain sector up to $540 million, largely in unrecoverable export sales. 

The analysis, commissioned by the Agriculture Transport Coalition, examined the economic impact of labour disruptions across rail and port operations during peak grain export periods and found that losses compound rapidly and fall disproportionately on farmers and exporters, with missed sales that cannot be recovered once shipments are delayed. 

The coalition released the findings today as part of Too Much on the Line, a national campaign calling on the federal government to reform Canada’s labour relations framework and reduce the risk of future supply chain shutdowns. 

The coalition is encouraging Canadians to visit KeepGrainMoving.ca and send a letter to their Member of Parliament, adding that participation in the federal consultation process is critical to ensuring government decisions reflect the economic realities of Canada’s grain supply chain. 

“Every time grain stops moving, the consequences are immediate and unrecoverable,” said Bruce Burrows, executive director of Grain Growers of Canada. “Missed sales, broken contracts, and a reputation as a reliable supplier that takes years to rebuild. Canada cannot keep accepting this as the cost of doing business. There is simply too much on the line.” 

The grain sector is uniquely exposed. Canada exports over 70 per cent of its grain production, with 94 per cent moving by rail. The analysis found that even the threat of disruption triggers losses, with up to $112 million in missed sales occurring before a work stoppage begins. 

The findings come against the backdrop of the unprecedented dual railway stoppage in 2024, which brought grain shipments to a halt and cost the sector millions of dollars per day. Repeated disruptions have raised questions about Canada’s reliability as a global supplier at a time when agricultural exports are central to economic resilience. 

With federal consultations on the labour relations framework now underway, the coalition is calling for two targeted recommendations: 

Ensure good-faith bargaining by appointing a Special Mediator to oversee collective bargaining, manage timelines, and ensure progress 

Resolve disputes before they escalate by providing the Minister with authority to consider economic harm and refer disputes to binding arbitration when necessary 

“Canada’s customers expect reliability, and repeated disruptions put that at risk,” said Greg Northey, vice president of corporate affairs with Pulse Canada. “With so much on the line, this is a critical moment to ensure the right policy framework is in place.” 

The coalition said it will continue to engage with government and stakeholders throughout the consultation process, with a focus on advancing solutions that protect Canada’s reputation, support farmers, and strengthen long-term competitiveness. 

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For media inquiries, please contact: 
Hana Sabah 
hana@graingrowers.ca | (514) 834-8841 

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CAFTA Executive Director Michael Harvey Appointed to Canada–U.S. Economic Advisory Committee

April 21, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) welcomes the appointment of its Executive Director, Michael Harvey, to the Government of Canada’s newly established Advisory Committee on Canada–U.S. Economic Relations, ahead of the 2026 Joint Review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney and to be chaired by Minister Dominic LeBlanc, the Advisory Committee includes leaders from business, labour, and industry and will serve as a forum to inform Canada’s economic and security engagement with the United States.

“I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to represent Canada’s agri-food exporters on this Committee,” said Michael Harvey. “It presents our sector with an important opportunity to drive exporter priorities into action, including maintaining reliable cross-border trade, addressing emerging barriers, and strengthening the framework that underpins North American food production.”

CAFTA represents 90 per cent of Canada’s agri-food exporters, whose livelihoods depend on trade. With nearly $3.6 billion in goods and services crossing the Canada–U.S. border daily, that relationship is central to Canada’s competitiveness, export growth, and farm viability.

“As CUSMA discussions advance, it will be essential that Canada’s agri-food exporters have a strong voice at the table,” said Greg Northey, President of CAFTA. “The sector is counting on a clear focus on protecting market access, minimizing trade disruptions, and reinforcing the integrated nature of Canada–U.S. supply chains.”

Through this appointment, CAFTA will advance priorities on behalf of Canada’s export-dependent agri-food sector, including securing and strengthening market access under CUSMA, reducing non-tariff barriers, and reinforcing a stable and reliable trading environment.

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About CAFTA:
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is a coalition of national organizations that advocate for a more open, rules-based, and fair international trading environment for Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors. CAFTA’s members include the beef, pork, grains, oilseed, sugar, processed food and life-science industries, which together contribute significantly to Canada’s economy and food security. For more information, visit www.cafta.org.

For more information, please contact:
Hana Sabah
Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA)
514-834-8841 | info@cafta.org

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Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers Welcomes Adrienne Herron as General Manager

April 21, 2026 (Okotoks, AB) — The Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers (ABCSG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrienne Herron as its new General Manager, effective May 4, 2026. Herron succeeds Kelly Chambers, who will retire on May 29, 2026, following a successful tenure leading the organization.

“I am very excited to join ABCSG and to work alongside such a dedicated group of members,” said Herron. “I look forward to building strong relationships and supporting the organization in advancing the interests of seed growers while promoting innovation and sustainability across the sector.”

Herron brings extensive experience in agriculture and producer engagement. Raised on a mixed farm in British Columbia’s North Peace region, she holds both a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Agricultural Systems and a Master of Agricultural Science from the University of Alberta and is a Professional Agrologist. She previously spent over 13 years with Alberta Agriculture and most recently served as the Knowledge Translation and Transfer Lead with the Alberta AgriSystems Living Lab, where she focused on connecting research with on-farm practices. Herron lives in Red Deer County on a cattle seedstock operation.

ABCSG President Sarah Weigum welcomed Herron to the organization, highlighting the value of her experience and leadership.

“Adrienne’s deep understanding of agriculture, combined with her experience in research collaboration and producer engagement, makes her an excellent fit for ABCSG,” said Weigum. “Her leadership will help strengthen our ability to support seed growers, advocate for the industry, and continue delivering programs and services that enhance the quality and competitiveness of seed production in Alberta and British Columbia.”

Weigum also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Executive Director Kelly Chambers.

“On behalf of the Board and our members, we extend our sincere thanks to Kelly for her dedication and leadership,” Weigum added. “Her commitment to the organization has helped position ABCSG for continued success, and we wish her all the best in her retirement.”

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The Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers represents seed growers across the region, working to support the production of high-quality seed, advocate on behalf of members, and foster innovation and sustainability within the seed industry.

Contact:

Kelly Chambers
Executive Director
Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers
c. 403.325.0081
kelly@abcseedgrowers.ca
https://abcseedgrowers.ca/

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Grain Growers of Canada welcomes Bill C-273 to support innovation and competitiveness in agriculture 

April 17, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) — Grain Growers of Canada welcomes the introduction of Bill C-273, the FARM Act, which would help drive innovation and competitiveness in Canadian agriculture through faster access to crop protection tools. 

Bill C-273 would require provisional approval within 90 days for products already approved in two trusted international jurisdictions, while maintaining Canada’s rigorous safety standards through a subsequent full review process. 

Improving the pace at which new products reach the market has long been a priority for the agriculture sector, which has consistently called for regulatory modernization to improve the timeliness, transparency and predictability of the agricultural innovation system. 

Bill C-273 would help advance that objective by enabling faster adoption of innovation and supporting competitiveness across the sector. 

Introduced by Conservative MP David Bexte, the bill builds on similar legislation previously brought forward by Liberal MP Kody Blois, reflecting support for agriculture across party lines and a shared recognition that Canada’s regulatory timelines need to improve. This alignment in Parliament presents a clear opportunity to move forward in a practical way that helps farmers in a rapidly changing environment. 

Grain Growers of Canada welcomes this consensus and emphasizes the opportunity to advance Bill C-273 without delay, in line with commitments to reduce regulatory burden in agriculture and support important innovation and producer competitiveness. 

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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 100,000 producers through our 15 national, provincial and regional grower groups. Our members steward 120 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: 
Hana Sabah 
Senior Communications Manager 
Grain Growers of Canada 
514-834-8841 | hana@graingrowers.ca 

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Grain Growers of Canada appoints Bruce Burrows as Executive Director

March 19, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – Grain Growers of Canada today announced Bruce Burrows as Executive Director, effective April 1, 2026.

Burrows brings more than four decades of experience across transportation, infrastructure, labour policy, and association leadership. Based in Ottawa, he has built a career developing and implementing effective government relations strategies, including policy development, political advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and coalition-building across national industry organizations.

He has held senior leadership roles with the Chamber of Marine Commerce and the Railway Association of Canada, as well as strategic advisory roles with Tactix. Earlier in his career, he held management positions with Canadian Pacific Railway in Canada and internationally.

Working at the intersection of industry, government, and supply chains, his experience spans transportation, energy, infrastructure, and resource sectors. Burrows is recognized for his ability to navigate complex policy environments, align stakeholders across national organizations, and execute advocacy strategies that deliver results at the federal level.

“It is a real honour to join Grain Growers of Canada and represent the interests of grain farmers across the country,” said Burrows.

“As essential drivers of our economy and suppliers of the food Canadians and customers around the world rely on, it is critical that producers’ priorities remain front and centre in federal decision-making,” he added. “Strong advocacy starts with strong connections, and I look forward to strengthening those relationships by working with producers and members across Canada to ensure their priorities continue to be clearly heard in Ottawa.”

As Canada’s grain sector navigates ongoing domestic and global economic uncertainty, Grain Growers of Canada is confident Bruce Burrows brings the leadership and strategic perspective needed to advance and protect grain producers’ interests.

“Bruce brings a proven ability to drive sector priorities and build strong industry coalitions that effectively engage government,” said Grain Growers of Canada Chair Scott Hepworth. “The Board is confident he will strengthen our advocacy and help move those priorities forward for grain producers across Canada.”

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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 100,000 producers through our 15 national, provincial and regional grower groups. Our members steward 120 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:
Hana Sabah
Sr. Communications Manager
Grain Growers of Canada
514-834-8841 | hana@graingrowers.ca

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Swine Innovation Porc funds research to combat Streptococcus suis infections in piglets

March 18, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.)  Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) is investing in new research aimed at addressing Streptococcus suis, a bacterial pathogen that can cause respiratory disease, meningitis, and sudden death in post-weaned piglets, leading to significant animal health challenges and economic losses for producers.

The project, “Harnessing Lactobacillus: Engineering Bacteriophage Endolysins to Combat Streptococcus suis Infection in Post-Weaned Piglets,” is led by Dongyan Xu Niu at the University of Calgary. The three-year study will explore a novel approach to controlling Streptococcus suis by engineering beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria to deliver bacteriophage-derived enzymes that can specifically target and break down the pathogen. Researchers will identify and optimize these enzymes, integrate them into Lactobacillus strains, and evaluate their ability to protect piglets from infection, potentially improving piglet health while reducing reliance on antimicrobials.

Supported by the Pork Promotion and Research Agency, this project is the latest funded under SIP’s Advancing Swine Research Call for Proposals. SIP will invest up to $150,000, mobilizing up to $419,580 in total project funding.

“Strategic research investments like this help ensure Canadian producers have access to innovative tools and solutions to address priority health challenges in the barn,” said Mark Ferguson, Chair of Swine Innovation Porc.

Projects are selected through a rigorous review process informed by industry input and scientific expertise, ensuring research outcomes are relevant, impactful, and positioned to deliver value back to producers and processors.

“This project reflects the type of collaborative, forward-looking research we aim to support through the Advancing Swine Research Call for Proposals,” said Daniel Ramage, General Manager of SIP. “By bringing together leading researchers and industry priorities, we’re helping advance solutions that strengthen the long-term resilience and competitiveness of Canada’s pork sector.”

The Advancing Swine Research Call for Proposals supports one to three-year projects running from 2025 to 2028 and involves collaboration among leading research institutions across Canada.

To learn more about the Advancing Swine Research Call for Proposals and the projects announced today, visit research.swineinnovationporc.ca.

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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 further information, contact:

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


Swine Innovation Porc finance la recherche visant à lutter contre les infections à Streptococcus suis chez les porcelets

18 mars 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.)  Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) investit dans de nouvelles recherches visant à lutter contre le Streptococcus suis, un agent pathogène bactérien susceptible de provoquer des maladies respiratoires, des méningites et des morts subites chez les porcelets sevrés, ce qui entraîne d’importants problèmes de santé animale et des pertes économiques pour les éleveurs.

Le projet intitulé « Exploiter les lactobacilles : concevoir des endolysines de bactériophages pour lutter contre l’infection à Streptococcus suis chez les porcelets sevrés » est dirigé par Dongyan Xu Niu à l’Université de Calgary. Cette étude de trois ans explorera une nouvelle approche pour lutter contre le Streptococcus suis en modifiant génétiquement des bactéries bénéfiques du genre Lactobacillus afin qu’elles produisent des enzymes dérivées de bactériophages capables de cibler spécifiquement et de détruire l’agent pathogène. Les chercheurs identifieront et optimiseront ces enzymes, les intégreront dans des souches de Lactobacillus et évalueront leur capacité à protéger les porcelets contre l’infection, ce qui pourrait améliorer la santé des porcelets tout en réduisant le recours aux antimicrobiens.

Soutenu par l’Office de promotion et de recherche pour le porc, ce projet est le dernier en date à bénéficier d’un financement dans le cadre de l’appel à propositions de SIP intitulé « Faire progresser la recherche porcine ». SIP investira jusqu’à 150 000 $, ce qui permettra de mobiliser un financement total pouvant atteindre 419 580 $.

« De tels investissements stratégiques dans la recherche contribuent à garantir que les producteurs canadiens aient accès à des outils et à des solutions innovants pour relever les défis sanitaires prioritaires dans leurs exploitations » a déclaré Mark Ferguson, président de Swine Innovation Porc.

Les projets sont sélectionnés à l’issue d’un processus d’évaluation rigoureux, qui s’appuie sur les données fournies par le secteur et sur l’expertise scientifique, afin de garantir que les résultats de la recherche soient pertinents, aient un impact significatif et soient susceptibles d’apporter une valeur ajoutée aux producteurs et aux transformateurs.

« Ce projet illustre parfaitement le type de recherche collaborative et tournée vers l’avenir que nous souhaitons soutenir par le biais de l’appel à propositions « Faire progresser la recherche porcine », a déclaré Daniel Ramage, directeur général de SIP.« En réunissant des chercheurs de premier plan et en répondant aux priorités de l’industrie, nous contribuons à faire émerger des solutions qui renforcent la résilience et la compétitivité à long terme du secteur porcin canadien. »

L’appel à propositions « Faire progresser la recherche porcine » soutient des projets d’une durée d’un à trois ans, menés de 2025 à 2028, et repose sur une collaboration entre des instituts de recherche de premier plan à travers le Canada.

Pour en savoir plus sur l’appel à propositions « Faire progresser la recherche porcine » et sur les projets annoncés aujourd’hui, rendez-vous sur research.swineinnovationporc.ca.

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À propos de Swine Innovation Porc :

Swine Innovation Porc s’engage à stimuler l’innovation et le progrès dans l’industrie porcine canadienne. Grâce à la collaboration, au financement de la recherche et à la promotion du transfert des connaissances, SIP œuvre pour assurer le succès durable du secteur porcin canadien. Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur www.swineinnovationporc.ca.

Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez communiquer avec : 

Cole Christensen
Responsable des communications et des relations avec les intervenants
Swine Innovation Porc
info@swineinnovationporc.ca
(403) 589-3529

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