Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

National Agriculture Leaders Debate: It Can Be Watched online. What Should They Discuss? What Did You Think of the Debate?

Agricultural issues such as trade, business risk management, environmental sustainability, food safety, and a National Food Strategy will be key topics of discussion for the Minister of Agriculture and opposition party critics during the Canadian Federation of Agriculture's national debate, scheduled for Mon. April 11, 2011. 
 
WHAT: 
CFA National Agriculture Leaders Debate
 
WHO: 
  • Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Gerry Ritz
  • André Bellavance, Bloq Québécois agriculture critic
  • Wayne Easter, Liberal agriculture critic 
  • Pat Martin, NDP representative
  • Kate Storey, Green Party agriculture representative
WHEN: 
Monday, April 11, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
 
Here is the link to the CFA website where it will be streamed.

Views: 113

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joe Dales on April 12, 2011 at 1:15am

It took a couple of hours to watch the Agriculture Leaders debate.

I did find it to be entertaining but with out much substance.

The party ag leaders did make some points and presented some their party's agri platforms.

 

The NDP Ag Policy can be found in “Food for Thought.” Report.

Here is the link:   http://xfer.ndp.ca/FoodForThought/EN.pdf

 

The Green Party was particularly interesting - No to GMOs...they want small farms, local processing and more organic production.  I don't think their ag platform is very modern farm friendly.

 

All the parties were supportive of Supply Management.

 

Joe

Permalink Reply by OntAG Admin on April 12, 2011 at 2:00am

Here is the link to the online taped video of the Ag Leaders Debate.

 

http://www.cfa-fca.ca/national-agriculture-leaders-debate-live

Permalink Reply by John Schwartzentruber on April 12, 2011 at 2:04am

So how do you think the multinational processors would view the Green's position? As a bit of a threat to their dominance perhaps?

 

What might we learn from that?

 

Whatever one's view of the Green Party might be, if they propose something that would actually contribute to fair returns for work and goods produced rather than being paid subsistence value for generic, bulk commodities that enrich the remote multinationals, then they have at least that redemptive feature to their credit.

 

How well has the mainstream served the interests of  even the modern farm? And a fair answer would include the views of hog and cattle farmers.

 

Ritz was less than honest.

 

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Canadian Wool Industry Responds to New U.S. Tariffs

The Canadian Wool Council warned that doubled 50% U.S. tariffs will damage the cross-border wool and textile industry, escalating costs and disrupting supply chains.

Agriculture Enlightened panel to spotlight potato industry challenges and opportunities

Four leaders in Canada’s potato industry will take the stage at Agriculture Enlightened, Canada’s Agtech Conference, for Beyond the Spud: Markets, Technology and Opportunity. This panel discussion will explore how technology, evolving value chains, changing markets and global trade are reshaping the opportunities and challenges facing potato producers and processors. With Manitoba’s potato sector deeply connected to processing, export markets, and a diverse network of growers and industry partners, the discussion will examine how innovation and collaboration can strengthen the industry’s competitiveness and resiliency. Susan Ainsworth is the general manager of the Keystone Potato Producers Association (KPPA), representing Manitoba’s processing potato growers in negotiations and in policy and advocacy work with government and industry stakeholders. She is passionate about agricultural education and sustainable food production and was recently named one of the 2026 Influential Women in

The Future of Farm Work: What Precision Agriculture Means for Manitoba’s Workforce

A new EMILI report examines how digital tools are changing farm work—and why skills, training, and support will determine who benefits. Technology is changing how farm work is planned, performed, and managed across Manitoba. GPS-guided equipment, sensors, variable-rate technology, and farm data platforms are helping producers make more precise decisions. They are helping to manage inputs and operate increasingly complex farms too. As this unfolds, the skills required of producers and their employees must evolve at an equal pace. The same holds true for students, advisors, and technical support providers. EMILI’s new report, The Future of Farm Work: How Precision Agriculture is Changing Labour and Skills in Manitoba Agriculture, examines what these changes mean for provincial workforce development, technology adoption, and rural communities. Its central finding is clear: precision agriculture should be treated as part of Manitoba’s broader workforce challenge. Technology can help far

Protect Grain from Allergen Risks

Proper allergen management helps protect grain quality, maintain export opportunities, and reduce contamination risks through careful cleaning, storage, transport, and recordkeeping practices.

Pulse Market Insight #304 – August 21, 2026

Harvest Opens on a Split Pulse Market The pulse harvest is finally rolling in western Canada, but at a slower-than-usual pace. As of August 17, only 18% of the Saskatchewan pea crop was in the bin, similar to last year but far behind the 10-year average of 55%, with lentils just 13% combined. The late start isn’t a problem yet, but it does mean the crop needs a stretch of favourable weather to avoid quality issues. Early reports add another wrinkle: pea yields are coming in lighter than the good-looking crop stands suggested. Harvest still has to move north before the yield debate can be settled. For now, average yields remain the working assumption. What makes this year unusual is how differently the two halves of the pea market are setting up. Based on an average yield, the yellow pea crop would be roughly 30% smaller than last year, and total yellow supplies would drop by about 650,000 tonnes, tightening the balance sheet considerably. Green peas are the flipside; even with a smal

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service