Press Releases EN Archives - Newsline by Cole's Ag

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on May 3, 2024, 1:39pm

Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) Welcomes Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) Finalized Guidance for Gene Edited Plants, Opening Doors to Agricultural Innovation

(OTTAWA, ON – May 3, 2024) – GGC today applauds the release of CFIA’s long awaited final guidance on novel feed, marking the completion of a trio of regulatory updates that enable the introduction of gene-edited crops in Canada. These updates, initiated in 2018, are designed to foster agricultural innovation in plant breeding by addressing today’s farming challenges such as pest and disease management, yield improvements, drought resistance, and the nutritional quality of crops.

“This progress opens doors to innovation in Canadian agriculture, enabling the introduction of gene-edited crops that meet pressing agricultural challenges like drought, pests, and diseases, while enhancing nutritional quality,” said Andre Harpe, Chair of Grain Growers of Canada. “The updated guidance enables us to use the latest innovation in plant technology to produce nutritious and affordable food for Canadians and our international customers.”

The regulatory guidance aligns Canada’s regulations with our trading partners, ensuring Canadian farmers remain competitive globally. It is based on rigorous, science-driven assessments that guarantee the safety and efficacy of gene-edited crops.

“Completing this trio of regulations is a milestone that began five years ago, reflecting our joint commitment with government agencies to promote a regulatory environment that supports innovation while ensuring safety and transparency,” said William van Tassel, 1st Vice Chair of Grain Growers of Canada. “With these updated guidelines, our farmers can access advanced tools to produce crops with better resiliency and higher yields, while meeting the demands of the market today and the future.”

The clarity provided by these regulatory updates is expected to accelerate the development and adoption of new plant varieties, crucial for enhancing the competitiveness of Canadian agriculture.

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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 May 3, 2024, 10:36am

Canada Grains Council Embraces New CFIA Guidance for Gene Edited Plants

(OTTAWA, ON – MAY 3, 2024) – Today marks a significant milestone for Canada’s agricultural sector as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) unveils its latest livestock feed guidance, completing the trio of policy updates crucial for clarifying Canada’s requirements for gene-edited crops. This completes a process to enable innovation that began in 2018, when Canada’s seed and grain sectors called on Canadian regulators to clarify their policies for gene edited plants.

In response, Krista Thomas, Vice President Trade Policy, Seed Innovation, for the Canada Grains Council issued the following:

“This is a ground-breaking day for Canadian agriculture, as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirms its livestock feed guidance, marking the final piece in a series of vital policy updates that began in 2018. With this final piece in place, Health Canada and the CFIA have now answered longstanding calls from the seed and grain sectors for predictable, clear, and consistent policies for gene edited crops.

“We are pleased to see Canada maintaining a science-based and product-based regulatory approach. This means that gene-edited plants, which closely resemble traditionally-bred varieties, will be treated the same way—an approach many of our trading partners are also following. By aligning our policies with trading partners, we not only foster innovation but also ensure that Canadian farmers have access to the most advanced agricultural technologies available worldwide.

“This strategic move allows us to attract investments and bolster our agricultural exports, keeping Canadian agriculture at the forefront of global grain production.

“This news opens up incredible opportunities for innovation within the grain sector. We are particularly excited about crops that can better withstand environmental stresses such as drought and pests without compromising yield. This ability directly translates to stability in food supply and prices, which is crucial for both our economy and food security.

“In recent years, the grain sector has faced punishing drought conditions and we have too many examples of crop diseases that lack adequate control. Gene editing can help develop solutions faster and more efficiently than traditional plant breeding methods allow.”

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For more information, please contact:

Sandra Filion
Vice President, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
Canada Grains Council
613-277-0109 | sandra@canadagrainscouncil.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on April 9, 2024, 8:04am

Grain Growers of Canada Launch Road to 2050 Policy Recommendations

April 9, 2024 (Ottawa, ON) – Today, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) launched its Road to 2050 policy recommendations, an initiative aimed at shaping federal government programs for the sustainable intensification of the grain sector. The launch comes against the backdrop of critical challenges, including the need to feed an expanding global population, address climate change, and maintain the economic viability of Canada’s grain farms.

“Facing the urgent need to feed more people, tackle climate change, and keep grain farms profitable, Canadian grain growers are leading with innovative sustainable practices. These efforts not only reduce our carbon footprint but also play a crucial role in achieving Canada’s climate goals,” said Andre Harpe, GGC Chair.

Over the past two decades, the grain sector has achieved considerable strides in environmental sustainability by maintaining stable greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while increasing production. This resulted in a 50% reduction in GHG emission intensity from 1997 to 2017 in the agriculture sector, surpassing the 36% reduction across the Canadian economy during the same timeframe.

With a $30 billion contribution to Canada’s GDP, the grain sector recognizes the necessity of continuous innovation and investment to sustain production.

“For decades, grain farmers have been at the forefront of sustainability, making Canada a global leader in producing grain with the lowest emissions possible,” said William van Tassel, 1st Vice Chair of GGC. “Yet, boosting our competitiveness and commitment to emission reductions demands a significant increase in research and development investments. These investments are essential for overcoming current obstacles and leveraging future opportunities.”

The Road to 2050 policy recommendations is aimed at getting the government to partner with grain farmers to reduce emissions, together. Recommendations include increasing public and private breeding research, expanding eligibility criteria and funding for current climate programs, and developing a data management strategy.

“Grain farmers stand ready to partner with government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also increasing production to meet a growing global food demand,” continued Harpe. “It’s clear that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach across Canada, but by working together, we can ensure that the sector continues to be part of the solution.”

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About Grain Growers of Canada (GGC):

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 March 25, 2024, 3:01pm

Grain Growers of Canada Applauds Government Boost to Farmer Support Through Enhanced Loan Program

March 25, 2024 (Ottawa, ON) – Grain Growers of Canada applauds the Government of Canada’s announcement today to offer a $250,000 interest-free portion of the Advance Payments Program (APP) this year to farmers across Canada. APP advances are important in supporting the cash flow of grain farmers to meet their financial needs until they’re able to sell their grain.

“We commend Minister MacAulay and the government for this announcement that will support thousands of grain farmers across the country,” stated Andre Harpe, Chair of GGC. “With the rising cost of inputs and low grain prices at harvest, a higher interest free portion of the APP is needed.”

GGC recognizes the importance of early announcements like this, which provide both predictability and stability, ensuring that grain farmers and administrators can efficiently plan their financial strategies for the year ahead. GGC looks forward to working with the government to ensure the APP continues to support grain farmers.

Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of Grain Growers of Canada, is available for interview.

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About Grain Growers of Canada (GGC):

For media inquiries, please contact:

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

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on March 13, 2024, 8:00am

Study reveals Manitoba Crop Alliance crop types are major drivers of Manitoba economy

March 13, 2024 (Carman, MB) – Today, Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) released data highlighting the significant contributions of its crop types to the Manitoba economy.

MCA contracted information services company GlobalData to conduct a study assessing the impact of Manitoba-grown wheat (excluding durum), barley, grain corn, sunflower and flax on the province’s economy.

Together, these five crop types account for a large part of Manitoba’s agriculture industry. Several of these crops are also the foundations for important food industries, both within the province and beyond.

GlobalData found that the total economic impact of MCA’s five crop types averaged roughly $6.9 billion over the past three years, including more than 28,000 Manitoba jobs and $2.5 billion in wages.

“This study shows the major role our crop types play in the economic well-being of the province and the country,” says MCA chair Robert Misko, who farms east of Roblin, MB.

“As farmers, we have long known our position in the system and how we contribute to the province’s success, but it is heartening to see those contributions laid out in a measurable way that anyone can understand.”

For a full breakdown of the study, including summary data and in-depth reports for each crop type, visit mbcropalliance.ca/economic-impact.

This economic assessment was modelled after work done last year by Cereals Canada on wheat, barley, durum and oats. Visit cerealscanada.ca/economic-impact for more information.

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For more information, please contact:

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

About Manitoba Crop Alliance:
Manitoba Crop Alliance is a non-profit organization established Aug. 1, 2020, representing more than 7,700 farmer members. Manitoba Crop Alliance puts their farmer members first and strives to continuously improve the competitiveness and profitability of all crops represented by the organization by focusing on four main areas: research, agronomy, market access and development, and communications. It is through investment in these key areas that Manitoba Crop Alliance can ensure wheat, barley, corn, sunflower and flax are sustainable production choices for Manitoba farmers. For more information, visit mbcropalliance.ca.

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on March 6, 2024, 3:00pm

CWRC to administer new, $20-million Canadian National Wheat Cluster

March 6, 2024 (Carman, MB; Saskatoon, SK; Calgary, AB) – Valuable wheat research across the country will receive crucial funding through the newly announced Canadian National Wheat Cluster, worth more than $20 million over five years.

Administered by the Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC), the Wheat Cluster will fund research projects that advance wheat genetics, agronomy and sustainability for the benefit of Canadian farmers.

“Wheat is a vital crop in the rotations of grain farmers across the country,” said Jake Leguee, CWRC chair, who farms near Fillmore, SK.

“The investment in research through the Wheat Cluster will keep wheat profitable and sustainable for Canadian farmers, increasing quality and yields while finding new solutions for environmental stressors like drought and diseases like Fusarium head blight. Farmers have been practicing minimum tillage and nutrient stewardship for decades, and the activities funded under this will enhance those practices, allowing farmers to contribute further to the Government of Canada’s climate targets.”

Winnipeg North MP Kevin Lamoureux announced the new Wheat Cluster this afternoon on behalf of the Hon. Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Over $11.2 million in funding for the cluster will come from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) AgriScience program, while over $9.3 million will come from producer and private organizations from across Canada, represented by:

Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA)
Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat)
Alberta Grains
Western Grains Research Foundation
Canadian Field Crop Research Alliance

“Canada’s reputation for world-class wheat depends on a strong research network, working together from coast to coast,” said Lori-Ann Kaminski, CWRC president and research program manager for cereal crops with MCA.

“In the previous Wheat Cluster, we made great strides toward innovations that will provide tangible benefits to Canadian wheat farmers for many years to come. I am confident the new cluster will be another triumph of teamwork across the wheat value chain.” The CWRC is a collaboration between MCA, Sask Wheat and Alberta Grains aimed at improving the net relative profitability of wheat for western Canadian farmers.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

Dallas Carpenter
Communications Manager
Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission
306-653-7967
dallas.carpenter@saskwheat.ca

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

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on March 4, 2024, 9:20am

Manitoba Crop Alliance launches 2024 APP Cash Advance Program

March 4, 2024 (Carman, MB) – Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) is now accepting applications for 2024 Advance Payments Program (APP) cash advances, with funds to be issued starting April 2, 2024.

The APP is a federal loan program administered by MCA. It offers Canadian farmers marketing flexibility through interest-free and low-interest cash advances. Under the program, eligible farmers are eligible to receive up to $1,000,000, with the Government of Canada paying the interest on the first $100,000 of the advance for the 2024 program year.

Funds for the 2024 spring cash advance program will start being issued on April 2, 2024. For the 2024 program year, MCA’s interest rate on interest-bearing cash advances is prime – 0.50 per cent. This interest-bearing rate is the most competitive in Manitoba among other APP administrators, major banks and credit unions.

“The APP is a great tool that allows farmers to market their agricultural products when they want to and when it will provide the most benefit to their operation,” says MCA CEO Pam de Rocquigny. “After more than 40 years as an APP administrator, we’re proud to continue offering this valuable program to farmers across Manitoba.”

To apply for an advance under the 2024 program year, farmers can visit mbcropalliance.ca/advance-payments-program-cash-advance/ or phone the MCA office at 1-204-745-6661 or toll-free 1-877-598-5685 to request an application form.

MCA also continues to process applications for the 2023 program year on over 35 crop kinds and honey until March 15.

“Client satisfaction is our top priority with this program,” says de Rocquigny. “If our clients aren’t happy with their MCA cash advance experience, we haven’t done our job.”

If farmers would like to be notified regarding APP-specific information, please email hello@mbcropalliance.ca to be added to the subscriber list. More information about the APP can be found at mbcropalliance.ca.

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For more information, please contact:

Darcelle Graham
Chief Operating Officer
204-745-6661
darcelle@mbcropalliance.ca

About Manitoba Crop Alliance:
Manitoba Crop Alliance is a non-profit organization established Aug. 1, 2020, representing more than 7,700 farmer members. Manitoba Crop Alliance puts their farmer members first and strives to continuously improve the competitiveness and profitability of all crops represented by the organization by focusing on four main areas: research, agronomy, market access and development, and communications. It is through investment in these key areas that Manitoba Crop Alliance can ensure wheat, barley, corn, sunflower and flax are sustainable production choices for Manitoba farmers. For more information, visit mbcropalliance.ca.

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on February 20, 2024, 10:20am

Media Advisory – Register today for the 2024 Barley Symposium

Feb. 20, 2024 – If you are a barley enthusiast or Canadian agriculture aficionado, the 2024 Barley Symposium is for you!

Brought to you by the Brewing and Malting Barley Research Institute, Canadian Grain Commission, Canadian Barley Research Coalition (CBRC) and the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre, the event will take place at the Delta Bessborough in beautiful Saskatoon, SK. This year’s theme is “From the Ground Up” and attendees will be treated to exclusive presentations on the latest and greatest research advancements along the whole value chain in one of Canada’s most profitable crops.

“As a coalition, we are proud to showcase researchers who are on the leading edge of barley innovation,” said CBRC chair Cody Glenn from his farm near Climax, SK. “This year’s symposium will feature a rare mix of knowledge transfer directly from researchers and networking opportunities that are not to be missed.”

The symposium will run from Feb. 25-27, 2024, and include relevant topics of discussion such as “Emerging Biotic Threats,” “Advances in established biotic threat management,” “Progress in variety development and agronomy,” and “New technology to advance variety development and agronomy” – to name a few. There will also be a poster session with projects from some of Canada’s most dedicated barley researchers, accompanied by opportunities to mix and mingle with a “Who’s Who” of Canadian agriculture.

More information regarding registration and accommodation is available at barleyresearch.ca.

Early birds can also sign up for a free tour of the Canadian Light Source, one of the largest science projects in Canada’s history. Their facility speeds up electrons to produce intensely bright synchrotron light that allows scientists to study materials at a molecular level.

CBRC is a national not-for-profit organization with a focus on improving profitability and competitiveness for western Canadian barley through long-term research investments.

For more information:

Shelley Lagassé
Canadian Barley Research Coalition
P: 204.688.8399
E: slagasse@barleyresearch.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on January 11, 2024, 10:29am

SaskBarley Board Elects New Chair

January 11, 2024 (Saskatoon, SK) – The Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley) Board announced today that they have elected a new Chair to replace Keith Rueve, whose time as a director was ending after two consecutive terms.

Cody Glenn was elected as Chair, and Matt Enns as Vice-Chair.

“I would like to thank Keith for his leadership and commitment to Saskatchewan’s barley producers,” says Glenn, a certified seed grower and owner of Southline Ag Services in Climax, SK. “I look forward to working with our strong team at the board and staff level as we continue to make investments that grow Saskatchewan’s barley industry.”

Enns was re-elected as a director in the recent 2023 Board elections. He operates a multi-generational grain farm near Rosthern, SK, and is also a co-founder of Maker’s Crafted Malts.

“As I continue my time with SaskBarley, I am excited for all of the initiatives and critical investments in research that we have on the go,” Enns adds. “The decisions we make as a Board will always be in support of barley producers and with an eye to an even brighter future.”

Glenn and Enns will assume their roles immediately for a one-year term. Newly elected directors Chad Ferguson (Naicam, SK) and Gordon Moellenbeck (Englefeld, SK) join Zenneth Faye (Foam Lake) and Maurice Berry (Carievale) to complete the board of six.

For more information on SaskBarley and its investments in research, market development and advocacy initiatives, or to sign up for the organization’s newsletter, visit www.saskbarley.com.

For more information:

Cole Christensen
Communications Manager
P: 306-250-1099
E: cole@saskbarley.com

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on January 10, 2024, 1:35pm

SaskCanola & SaskFlax announce successful amalgamation vote

Jan. 10, 2024 – SaskCanola and SaskFlax are pleased to announce the successful approval of their amalgamation. This decision comes after resolutions were passed at both organizations’ Annual General Meetings in January 2023, calling for the two organizations to explore options for potential amalgamation over the past year.

Yesterday, SaskCanola and SaskFlax jointly held their Annual General Meetings to share the outcomes of feedback gathered through an online consultation survey from Saskatchewan’s canola and flax growers. The responses were overwhelmingly supportive of amalgamation.

Formal voting on the proposed amalgamation took place during the meetings and was met with widespread approval, signaling a historic moment for the canola and flax industries in Saskatchewan.

“The collaborative efforts are expected to streamline operations, enhance research initiatives, and provide a more cohesive voice for oilseed growers in the province,” said Tracy Broughton, Executive Director, “Both Commissions will now work with Agri-Food Council to amend regulations as the amalgamation will officially commence at the start of the next crop year on August 1, 2024.”

The SaskCanola Board voted to maintain current leadership with Keith Fournier as Chair and Dean Roberts as Vice-Chair. The SaskFlax Board also voted to maintain current leadership with Greg Sundquist as Chair and Patricia Lung as Vice-Chair. Both boards will continue to provide their respective leadership until the final audits are complete, at which point the single entity will emerge with one board and one staff.

SaskCanola is a producer-led organization, established in 1991 and supported by 17,000 levy-paying Saskatchewan canola producers. SaskCanola’s mandate is to provide value to canola producers through research, advocacy, and market development.

SaskFlax is a producer-led organization, established in 1996 and supported by 3,000 levy-paying Saskatchewan flax producers. SaskFlax’s mandate is to lead, promote, and enhance the production, value-added processing, and utilization of Saskatchewan flax.

For more information, contact:
Ellen Grueter, Communications Manager
egrueter@saskcanola.com
(306) 975-0262