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

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on January 31, 2025, 12:34pm

GGC Remains Opposed to the Capital Gains Tax Increase Despite Deferment

STATEMENT

Jan. 31, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) continues to be opposed to the capital gains tax increase despite the announcement today by the Government of Canada that they would postpone collecting the increase until January 1st, 2026. The tax hike has already forced many family farms to sell early and will increase cost for most family-run grain farms who produce the majority of food that Canadians and the world rely on once implemented next year.

Delaying bad policy doesn’t fix bad policy – it just drags out uncertainty, derails succession planning, and challenges the future of family farms. When this tax hike takes effect, it will also target farmers’ retirement plans, move the goalposts for the next generation of producers, and further complicate the tax code, driving up accounting and legal expenses for all farmers. 

To protect family farms, we are continuing to call on the government to completely reverse the capital gains tax increase to ensure that family-run grain farms continue to be the backbone of Canada’s agricultural sector.

-Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of Grain Growers of Canada 

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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 January 28, 2025, 9:00am

CWRC commits $11.8 million to USask Crop Development Centre

Jan. 28, 2025 (Carman, MB; Saskatoon, SK; Calgary, AB) – The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) has committed $11.8 million over the next five years to a core breeding agreement (CBA) with the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Crop Development Centre (CDC).

The new agreement ensures continued CWRC funding for the CDC’s industry-leading wheat breeding programs, as the previous CBA concluded at the end of 2024.

“This renewed investment by the CWRC will directly benefit western Canadian farmers by supporting the development of wheat varieties with improved yields, stronger disease resistance and better adaptation to our growing conditions,” said Dean Hubbard, CWRC chair and a farmer near Claresholm, AB.

“Farmer-funded breeding programs like this ensure that producers have access to innovative, high-performing varieties that are in demand and help make their farms more productive and sustainable.”

CWRC funding via the 2025-29 CBA will support the CDC’s development of new Canadian Western Red Spring (CWRS), Canada Northern Hard Red (CNHR), Canadian Western Amber Durum (CWAD) and Canadian Prairie Spring Red (CPSR) wheat cultivars with strong agronomics and improved resistance to common diseases such as the wheat rusts, common bunt and Fusarium Head Blight. This funding will also support the application of genomic assisted selection across all wheat breeding programs at the CDC, a technology that is used in part to “stack” genes for disease resistance, pest resistance and end-use quality in new varieties.

“We have had a tremendously successful partnership with the CWRC and we are grateful for their continued support,” said Dr. Curtis Pozniak, CDC director and wheat breeder. “The continued investment from the CWRC will help support the CDC’s mission to deliver high-yielding and reliable wheat varieties for western Canadian farmers.”

The new agreement represents a more than $2-million increase in funding compared with the previous five-year agreement. CWRC investment through the new CBA is divided among the organization’s founding members by a funding shares agreement.

“Over its history, innovations from USask’s CDC have significantly helped producers by enhancing the value of their operations,” said Baljit Singh, vice-president research at USask. “The CWRC’s investment will allow the CDC to continue to make positive impact in Canada’s agriculture sector and around the world.”

The CWRC also maintains CBAs with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 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 Groenveld 
Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist
Alberta Grains
403-371-2132
hgroenveld@albertagrains.com  

Marissa Janssen 
Manager, Crop Development Centre
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-4999
marissa.janssen@usask.ca

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 January 17, 2025, 2:21pm

Farm Groups Call for Reversal of Capital Gains Inclusion Rate



(OTTAWA, ON – January 17, 2025) The over 130,000 Canadian farmers and ranchers represented by the Canadian Canola Growers Association, Canadian Cattle Association and Grain Growers of Canada are calling on the Government of Canada to reverse its decision to administer the proposed capital gains inclusion rate legislation.

Despite the fact that the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance tabled a Notice of Ways and Means Motion (NWMM) to introduce a bill entitled An Act to amend the Income Tax Act and the Income Tax Regulations, these changes are subject to parliamentary approval and should not be implemented without the express approval of Parliament.

The average age of Canadian farmers is now over 55 years old and tens of billions of dollars in farm assets are set to change hands over the next decade. Canadian farms continue to expand, often supporting multiple households, with more and more farms incorporating for tax and estate planning purposes. Meanwhile the cost of land and farm assets continues to rise and those looking to purchase a farm face unprecedented capital costs.

We continue to express opposition to the accelerated pace of implementation, the lack of consultation in the lead-up to these proposals, and the changes that undermine the policy intent of Bill C-208, particularly in terms of the continued uncertainty regarding future treatment of capital gains that adds costs, complexity, and delays for farmers trying to navigate the intergenerational transfer of farm assets. While the proposed amendments to the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption include an increase to the limit on eligible capital gains for producers, this alone does not address the broader challenges posed by these policy changes.

For these reasons, we call on the government to not implement the NWMM and revert to the previous capital gains and inclusion rate. We call on all political parties to support the reversal of the capital gains inclusion rate increase for farmers.

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About Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA)
Canadian Canola Growers Association represents canola farmers on national and international issues, policies, and programs that impact farm profitability and has been an administrator of the Government of Canada’s Advance Payments Program since 1984. For more information follow CCGA on X @ccga_ca and LinkedIn.

About Canadian Cattle Association (CCA):
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is the national voice of Canada’s 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. Founded by producers and led by a producer-elected board of directors, CCA works to address issues that concern Canada’s beef producers.

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.

For media inquiries, please contact:

The Canadian Canola Growers Association
Kelly Green, Vice-President of Communications
communications@ccga.ca | 204.789.8821

The Canadian Cattle Association
Tina Zakowsky, Communications Manager
zakowskyt@cattle.ca | 403-451-0931

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

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on January 15, 2025, 11:03am

Viterra-Bunge Acquisition Approval Fails Canada’s Grain Farmers

Jan. 15, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) –  Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is extremely disappointed with the decision made yesterday by the Minister of Transport to approve the acquisition of Viterra by Bunge without a divestment of G3. While the approval does include divestments of six grain elevators in Western Canada and a $520 million investment commitment from Bunge, these measures are woefully inadequate to address the profound impact on market competition. GGC has consistently raised concerns about the merger and its long-term consequences for farmers.

“Minister Anand’s decision to approve the acquisition, even with conditions, doesn’t go nearly far enough,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “The divestment of six grain elevators is a token gesture in the face of a company that maintains a 25% stake in G3, greatly reducing competition across the Prairies and in Quebec. These conditions do little to offset the $770 million annual cost this merger will impose on farmers.”

The Competition Bureau and research conducted by the University of Saskatchewan found that an acquisition without a divestment of G3 would weaken competition in certain geographic regions across the country, notably in Manitoba and Saskatchewan canola crushing markets. The university report calculated a $770 million loss in revenues for grain farmers annually.

“This decision is a direct hit to producers revenue,” continued Larkin. “For example, the average grain farm in Manitoba stands to lose $10,000 in revenue annually. This decision compounds an already difficult landscape, as farmers continue to face rising input costs, falling commodity prices, and increased taxes.”

Additional concerns raised by GGC include the market concentration of grain terminals at ports in Quebec and the implications of the merger on the announced canola crushing facility in Regina.

“This is a missed opportunity to protect competition in Canada’s grain sector and prioritize the interests of producers who grow the food that Canada and the world rely on,” Larkin added. “We are urging the government to revisit these conditions, strengthen measures to foster competition, and take meaningful steps to support Canada’s grain farmers.”

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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.

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

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on January 6, 2025, 9:22am

Canada Grains Council Welcomes CUSMA Panel Decision on Genetically Modified Corn

Jan. 6, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – The Canada Grains Council (CGC) welcomes the recent CUSMA panel ruling, which determined that the restrictions Mexico placed on genetically modified (GM) corn were not scientifically justified. Predictable and science-based trade rules are the foundation of a stable and secure food supply across North America.

“For Canadian farmers and grain exporters, reliable access to international markets can mean the difference between success and failure,” said Krista Thomas, Vice-President, Trade Policy and Seed Innovation for the CGC. “When major trading partners like Mexico veer away from science-based rules, it creates uncertainty for farmers who rely on GM crops to run their farms efficiently, stay profitable, and take care of the environment.”

“GM crops enable farming practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health,” she added.

The dispute centered on Mexico’s 2023 presidential decree, which banned the use of GM corn in dough and tortillas and proposed a phased reduction of GM corn in animal feed and other food uses. The panel found these measures were not based on international standards or guidelines and noted that Mexico failed to conduct a risk assessment before issuing the decree.

“Canadian officials and technical experts played a key role in this dispute,” Thomas said. “Our sector deeply values the strong support for international standards and risk assessment principles, in line with WTO and CUSMA commitments.”

“This case highlights the importance of collaboration among CUSMA partners to support North America’s integrated agricultural supply chains,” Thomas added. “We’re eager to see Canada, Mexico, and the United States continue their efforts to support innovation and sustainable practices in North American agriculture.”

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For more information, contact:

Sandra Filion
Vice President Communications & Stakeholder Relations
(613) 277-0109 | sandra@canadagrainscouncil.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on December 10, 2024, 8:00am

Grain Growers of Canada Announces New Executive

Dec. 10, 2024 (Ottawa, ON) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is pleased to announce its newly elected executive, bringing a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to the organization’s leadership.

Tara Sawyer, a grain farmer from Acme, Alberta and Chair of Alberta Grains, has been elected as Chair of GGC. As the first woman to hold this role, Sawyer’s leadership marks an important milestone in GGC’s history. Her dedication to advocating for farmers and her deep understanding of association governance will help guide the organization as it continues to address the challenges and opportunities facing producers.

Joining her are Scott Hepworth, a grain grower from Assiniboia, Saskatchewan and a Director of the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission, as First Vice Chair. Sally Parsonage, a grain producer from Baldur, Manitoba and the Secretary of Manitoba Crop Alliance, joins the executive as Second Vice Chair.  

“We are excited to work under the guidance of this new executive, whose leadership and vision will help advance the priorities of Canada’s grain farmers,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “With Tara Sawyer, Scott Hepworth, and Sally Parsonage at the helm, GGC is well-positioned to address critical issues in 2025 and beyond, such as advocating for fair tax policies, advancing trade opportunities, and securing reliable transportation networks.”

GGC extends its gratitude to Andre Harpe, William van Tassel and Brendan Phillips, the outgoing executive, for their many years of service and dedication to the organization.

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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 November 18, 2024, 10:41am

Canada Grains Council’s President Elected as Vice-President of the International Grain Trade Coalition

Nov. 18, 2024 (Geneva, Switzerland) – The International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC) held its General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, bringing together members from around the globe for a hybrid in-person and virtual event. The event focused on strategic planning for 2025 and beyond, including key issues such as non tariff regulatory trade barriers, adopting innovative digital solutions to streamline trade, and fostering stronger partnerships and advocacy to support and promote the grain trade with global organizations like the WTO. 

A key highlight of the General Assembly was the election of a new executive team, with Erin Gowriluk, President of the Canada Grains Council (CGC), being elected as Vice-President. Alongside Erin, Pat O’Shannassy, CEO of Grain Trade Australia, was named IGTC President, and Rosalind Leeck, Executive Director for Market Access & Strategy with the U.S. Soybean Export Council, elected as Secretary. Gerald Makau Masila was re-elected as Treasurer.

In response, Erin Gowriluk, President of the Canada Grains Council, issued the following:

“I am so proud to have been given the opportunity to serve as Vice-President of the IGTC during a critical time for the global grain trade. As a founding member of the Coalition, the Canada Grains Council has always championed the IGTC’s mission of fostering science-based, trade-enabling policies. This role is pivotal as we tackle increasingly complex regulatory landscapes and work collaboratively to advance the global grain trade and ensure food security.”

“The IGTC remains at the forefront of addressing the increasing complexity of the global grain trade. Recent shifts away from science-based regulatory frameworks pose significant challenges to cross-border grain movement. The Coalition, composed of like-minded associations and organizations, is steadfast in its commitment to fostering collaboration to tackle these pressing issues.

The CGC also extends its gratitude to Alejandra Castillo, President and CEO of the North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA), for her outstanding leadership as IGTC President over the past year. Alejandra’s inclusive and transparent approach culminated in a pivotal strategic planning session with the Management Council in London this past June. Her efforts have laid a robust foundation for the Coalition’s future success.”

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Additional Information:

  • About the IGTC: The IGTC is a global organization that unites trade associations and corporate stakeholders from around the world to develop common positions on key issues impacting the global grain trade, communicating those positions through external advocacy, education and guidance to members – ultimately establishing more trade enabling policies among governments and international organizations.

For more information please contact:

Sandra Filion
Vice President Communications & Stakeholder Relations
(613) 277-0109 | sandra@canadagrainscouncil.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on June 12, 2024, 10:58am

AAFC Announces New Canadian National Barley Cluster

June 12, 2024 (Saskatoon, SK) – Earlier today, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) announced a new Canadian National Barley Cluster, a significant initiative aimed at advancing barley production in Canada. With a value of $9.6 million over five years, this Cluster will drive research efforts to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of the Canadian barley industry.

More than just a financial commitment, the Barley Cluster represents a united front in securing the future of the barley value chain. Administered by the Canadian Barley Research Coalition (CBRC), the new Barley Cluster will fund research projects that advance feed barley, barley genetics, agronomy, disease resistance and sustainability to make it a more resilient and profitable crop for Canadian farmers and end users.

“Barley provides a high-quality grain to many industries like the livestock sector, while malting barley supports the Canadian brewing industry,” said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This research will help producers incorporate climate-resilient barley crops into their operations to increase the profitability of their farms.”

“Barley is an important crop on my farm and on grain farms across the country,” said Cody Glenn, CBRC Chair and farmer from Climax, SK. “We are really pleased to have this long-term research funding that will help keep barley a profitable and sustainable option in our crop rotations.”

AAFC is investing up to $5.25 million through the AgriScience Program – Clusters Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Additionally, over $4.3 million will come from producer and private organizations across the country. These allies include:

  • Alberta Grains
  • Beef Cattle Research Council
  • Brewing and Malting Barley Research Institute
  • Canadian Field Crop Research Alliance
    • Atlantic Grains Council
    • Grain Farmers of Ontario
    • Producteurs de grains du Québec
    • SeCan
  • CBS Bio Platforms
  • Manitoba Crop Alliance
  • Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley)
  • Western Grains Research Foundation

“The Canadian barley industry must look to the future and ensure barley is a competitive crop choice for farmers in terms of yield, pest and disease resistance and crop quality,” said Jill McDonald, CBRC President and SaskBarley Executive Director. “Research conducted through this Cluster will help us meet these challenges head on by building on the advances we made in the previous Cluster and ensuring barley can remain productive and sustainable.”

Founded in 2020, CBRC stands as a testament to collaboration and innovation, uniting Alberta Grains, SaskBarley and Manitoba Crop Alliance in a shared mission to elevate western Canadian barley through long-term research investments.

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For more information, contact:

Shelley Lagassé
Program Manager
CBRC
Cell: 204-688-8399
slagasse@barleyresearch.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on June 11, 2024, 9:56am

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 2024’s title of ‘Fairness for Every Generation,’ this change will actually burden the next generation of farmers, who are already grappling with costly transfers.” 

In farming communities, there is a common saying that farmers are “cash poor, asset rich.” Farmers regularly invest in their operations, by expanding their acreage, upgrading grain bins, and purchasing the newest and most innovative equipment, such as tractors or combines. 

“A 30 per cent increase in taxes on the family farm also dramatically increases the cost of farms, pricing out many families. This puts the family farm at risk, as the only ones that will be able to afford to pay millions of extra dollars will either be corporate farms or development companies,” Larkin said. 

Already, Canada is experiencing a decline in family-owned farms, with a 2% decrease between 2016 and 2021, according to the most recent data from Statistics Canada. 

“To protect family farms, we are asking the government to exempt intergenerational transfers and allow them to be taxed at the original capital gains inclusion rate,” said Larkin. “This will ensure that farmers’ retirement plans remain secure and that the next generation can afford to take over, enabling family farms to continue being the backbone of Canada’s agriculture sector.” 

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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 

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