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.
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 …
Late-stage amendment to Bill C-234 disappoints Canadian agriculture, ACA urges swift action in the House
Dec. 6, 2023 (Ottawa, ON) – The Agriculture Carbon Alliance (ACA) expresses profound disappointment following the Senate’s recent adoption of a previously rejected amendment to Bill C-234, an Act to Amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. After weeks of procedural delays, marked by the re-introduction of amendments that were already debated and defeated and repeated adjournments, Senators voted 40-39 in favour of an amendment previously rejected by both the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food as well as the whole Senate at report stage. “While the Senate is supposed to be the chamber for sober second thought, Canadian farmers are bearing the brunt of political delays driven by partisan interests,” says Dave Carey, co-chair of ACA. “The reintroduction of a previously defeated amendment weeks later is unprecedented. Seeing this outcome at such a late stage is profoundly disappointing.” The narrowly passed amendment effectively restricts the exemption to grain drying, removing the proposed exemption for heating barns, greenhouses and structures used to grow food. This means that hundreds of thousands of farmers, growers and ranchers will be left behind and won’t receive much-needed financial relief at a time when they need it most. ACA is also very disappointed that …
Grain Growers of Canada express deep disappointment as Senate amends Bill C-234
Dec. 6, 2023 (Ottawa, ON) – The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) express deep disappointment following the Senate’s rejection of Bill C-234, an Act to Amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, which sought to exempt propane and natural gas from carbon pricing for on-farm activities. “We look to the Senate for sober second thought, but not to reject the will of the House of Commons,” says GGC executive director Kyle Larkin. “Members of Parliament from every political party passed C-234 in the House due to the fact that no viable alternatives exist for the use of propane and natural gas for on-farm activities. We are deeply disappointed that the Senate amended the legislation, sending it back to the House of Commons where its status will be unclear.” Bill C-234 aims to provide farmers with an exemption from carbon pricing on propane and natural gas, essential for vital farming processes such as drying grain and heating and cooling barns and growing structures. The costs associated with innovation and current technology are substantial, and presently, there are no viable alternative fuel sources available. This legislation would have restored working capital for farmers, enabling them to invest in emerging technologies that would reduce …
CMBTC publishes 2024-25 Recommended Malting Barley Varieties List, including market insights and trends
Nov. 23, 2023 (Winnipeg, MB) – The Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC) has published its 2024 – 2025 list of recommended malting barley varieties. The guide offers producers and industry insights into preferred varieties based on agronomics, quality and market demand. The 2024-25 list contains five main varieties: AAC Synergy, CDC Copeland, AAC Connect, CDC Fraser and for the first time CDC Churchill. As a top global exporter of malting barley and processed malt, Canada is recognized for its high-quality varieties and consistent performance in processing. Newer varieties such as AAC Connect and CDC Fraser are steadily gaining acceptance in the malting and brewing industries, although the process takes time, says Peter Watts, Managing Director at the CMBTC. “End users want assurance that any new variety introduced into their operations will align with their process and end-product. Brewers are very conscious of quality due to its direct impact on efficiencies and end-use characteristics including sensory attributes”. “With improved agronomics and disease resistance, new varieties have proven themselves to be high performers in Canadian fields, driving increased area. But there must be matching supply and demand,” says Jon White, CMBTC Board chair. “It’s the classic chicken or egg scenario—insufficient supply makes it challenging to …
Senate rejection of amendment to Bill C-234 is a big win for Canadian agriculture
ACA urges swift passage of this crucial legislation into law Nov. 8, 2023 (Ottawa, ON) – The Agriculture Carbon Alliance (ACA) commends the Senate of Canada for rejecting an amendment to Bill C-234 and preserving provisions for heating barns, greenhouses and food growing structures. ACA now urges the Senate to promptly pass the bill at the third reading, emphasizes ACA Co-Chair Dave Carey. “This legislation is a lifeline,” Carey says. “Paying tens of thousands of dollars in carbon pricing annually while waiting for technology to catch up is not a reasonable solution for Canadian farmers. Bill C-234 serves as a practical solution that will put capital back in the hands of farmers so they can continue to do what they do best – feed a growing and hungry world.” “Relentless pressure from carbon pricing on those necessary farm practices that do not have viable alternatives threatens farmers’ competitiveness and plans to invest in the future of their operations”, adds Scott Ross, fellow co-chair of ACA. “With no other way to keep the lights on and the cold away, carbon pricing places an undue burden on our country’s producers. This has far-reaching effects, not only on productivity, but also on food security …
#ChooseCertifiedSeed: Empowering Farmers Through the Value of Certified Seed
November 1, 2023 (Ottawa, ON) – The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) has proudly launched its #ChooseCertifiedSeed campaign, highlighting the importance of Canadian Certified seed, why Certified seed makes a difference, and compelling farmers, food processors, and consumers to choose Certified seed for quality results. The campaign is grounded by a website that serves as a treasure trove of information divided into sections that delve into the nuances of Certified seed – its value, quality, identity assurance, traceability and trustworthiness. Featuring heartfelt and compelling videos from Canadian seed growers and stakeholders, their perspectives, genuine experiences, and passion form the essence of the campaign amplifying the message to farmers to choose Certified seed. As the global agricultural landscape becomes increasingly competitive and demanding, it’s crucial to highlight the many benefits of Certified seed and the strength of the Canadian seed certification process. The #ChooseCertifiedSeed campaign empowers farmers to make informed decisions on the seed they choose to plant, demonstrates to food processors and manufacturers that using quality ingredients produced from Certified seed is the foundation for quality food, and that when you #ChooseCertifiedSeed, it’s the highest quality, identity-assured, third-party verified seed to set you up for success. To learn more about #ChooseCertifiedSeed, please visit choosecertifiedseed.ca because it all …
SaskCanola launches texting service
Re-released: October 30, 2023 – SaskCanola is excited to announce the launch of its new communications platform – an interactive texting service! The addition of this platform aims to enhance efforts to communicate more directly with our membership about the ongoing, multi-pronged ways our Commission is providing value to farmers by sharing real-time, customized updates. Farmers who subscribe can expect to receive: Farmers will also be able to engage directly with the SaskCanola team by texting our dedicated number to initiate a two-way conversation. “Our intention with launching this new texting service is to provide farmers with timely information that empowers them to make informed decisions to optimize their farm businesses,” shares Tracy Broughton, SaskCanola’s Executive Director. To subscribe, text keyword SASKCANOLA to 1-877-241-7044. By texting SaskCanola, you agree to receive promotional messages from SaskCanola sent via an autodialer. This subscription is not a condition of any service. Estimated 10 messages/month. Message & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe or HELP for help. Terms and Privacy Policy can be found at saskcanola.com/privacy-policy For more information, contact:Ellen Grueter, Communications Manageregrueter@saskcanola.com(306) 975-0262This release was originally issued on Oct. 10, 2023.
Agriculture Carbon Alliance urges Senators to support Canadian farmers by restoring Bill C-234 to its original form
Oct. 25, 2023 (Ottawa, ON) – The Agriculture Carbon Alliance (ACA) urgently calls on all Senators to defeat the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry’s (AGFO) proposed amendment to remove heating and cooling of barns, greenhouses and other food growing structures from Bill C-234, An Act to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. ACA, representing 190,000 farm families from coast-to-coast, expresses profound disappointment at AGFO’s decision to adopt this amendment and urges the Senate to restore Bill C-234 to its original form, as passed in the House of Commons. “C-234, in its original form, recognizes the industry’s widespread lack of viable fuel alternatives,” states Dave Carey, Co-Chair of ACA. “Adopting this amendment establishes an unjust precedent within the industry. Our farmers, ranchers and growers pay tens of thousands of dollars in carbon pricing annually, and it takes time for the needed infrastructure to be built and emerging alternative technology to be scaled up and be readily available to all farmers at a reasonable price.” Scott Ross, ACA’s Co-Chair, says the consequences of the amendment could be far-reaching for poultry, egg, cattle, dairy, pork, sheep, fruit and vegetable and mushroom growers. “In the absence of viable alternatives, this amendment …
