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 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

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