The LineUp
The LineUp content hub features the latest releases and articles as they are distributed by Newsline, and it serves as a central location for the agriculture sector and media professionals to stay informed and up to date.
Capital Gains Inclusion Rate Changes Will Increase Taxes by 30 per cent on Family Farms
June 11, 2024 (Ottawa, ON) – After weeks of research and consultation with farm tax accountants, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) revealed that the capital gains inclusion rate changes will increase taxes by 30 per cent on family-run grain farms. The research details the anticipated impacts of the increase, which is set to take effect on June 25. “Our research shows that an average grain farm in Canada, most of which are family owned and operated, will see a tax increase of 30 per cent due to the two-thirds capital gains inclusion rate.” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “This hike targets farmers’ retirement plans, complicates intergenerational transfers, and threatens the long-term viability of family farms across the country.” According to GGC research, an 800-acre farm purchased in 1996 in Ontario would incur nearly $1.2 million in additional taxes if sold today, while a 4,000-acre farm in Saskatchewan would face an increase of just over $900,000. “With over 40 per cent of farmers nearing retirement over the next decade, this tax increase introduces substantial uncertainty into their retirement planning,” said Andre Harpe, GGC Chair and a grain grower who farms alongside his wife and daughter in Alberta. “Despite Budget …
New Fusarium head blight mapping tool now available to farmers across the Prairies
May 15, 2024 – New Prairie-wide Fusarium head blight (FHB) risk maps are now available to producers in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. The tool provides assessment of Fusarium head blight index (FHBi), Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK), and Deoxynivalenol (DON) risk levels in spring wheat, winter wheat, barley and durum based on weather conditions. These risk maps were created as part of a three-year research project led by the University of Manitoba’s Dr. Paul Bullock, with collaborators from Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA), Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat), Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley) and Alberta Grains. “The Faculty is very pleased to release this important risk management tool for the agriculture industry,” says Dr. Martin Scanlon, dean of the faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the University of Manitoba. “The project is a great example of multi-institutional collaboration, where the combined skills and talents of both federal and provincial agricultural personnel, plus university collaborators, has facilitated research outcomes that could not have been achieved otherwise.” The weather-based risk is calculated using real-time weather data from more than 500 stations operated by Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Manitoba AgWeather …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. -30- 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 …
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 …
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 …
