Howard Mains's Page

Alberta Canola’s Response to Canola Council’s Strategic Redirection

Alberta Canola acknowledges the strategic changes announced by the Canola Council of Canada, including the launch of its refreshed strategic framework and realignment of resources. This restructure comes at a pivotal time allowing Council to focus on delivering the greatest value to its members, including enabling innovation, advancing market access, and amplifying the value of Canadian canola. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to their Crop Production & Innovation team for their valuable contributions to the growth and profitability of the canola sector. “Alberta Canola has had a longstanding, collaborative relationship with Council’s Agronomists,” says Justin Nanninga, representative on the Canola Council of Canada board. “They’ve played a key role in the success the canola industry has achieved.” “These types of decisions are never easy,” said Andre Harpe, Chair of Alberta Canola. “We appreciate Canola Council’s strategic focus in these challenging times. Their work ensuring

CCA Statement on US Trade

“In the evolving global trading environment, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) has proven to be the gold standard for trade agreements. As we approach the six-year review of that agreement, the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is pleased that the Prime Minister and “Team Canada” have remained focused on the review while ensuring that products that comply with CUSMA remain exempt from tariffs in the ongoing trade negotiations with the United States. “This is vitally important to cattle and beef producers on both sides of the Canada/US border. The North American beef industry is highly integrated, with Canadian and American beef farmers and ranchers working together to create the high-quality beef demanded by consumers around the world. CUSMA has played a key role in allowing beef producers in the US and Canada to reap the benefits flowing from the economies created by that integration. “CCA looks forward to hosting the North American Beef Cattle Leaders’ trilateral me

Pulse Canada 2024-25 Annual Report

I am pleased to present members with Pulse Canada’s 2024–25 Annual Report. This past year has been one of considerable disruption and transformation across the global trading landscape. Shifting geopolitical alliances, rising protectionism, and uneven policy signals in key export markets have challenged the predictability that Canadian pulse growers, exporters, and processors rely on. Despite this turbulent environment, our industry has remained focused, strategic, and united in its efforts to secure access, create opportunity, and build long-term resilience. As you will see, much of Pulse Canada’s work in 2024–25 has centred on navigating this new global reality. From temporary market openings to prolonged trade disruptions, we have worked to ensure that Canadian pulses remain a reliable and valued choice for customers around the world. In markets like India and China, where the rules of engagement continue to evolve, we’ve maintained a strong presence and pursued every avenue to e

Project Seeks to Help Plants Fight Pathogens in Rising Temperatures

A global project seeks to help plants better fight pathogens as temperatures rise. Courtney Leisner, assistant professor at the school of plant and environmental sciences at Virginia Polytechnic University, is part of this global project, which seeks to study bacterial spot. Xanthomonas,

Boosting Canada’s agricultural productivity through investment and innovation

Canada’s agricultural sector stands at a pivotal moment, as global food demand intensifies, profit margins tighten and climate pressures mount. Ag tech innovation offers a powerful solution, but research alone isn’t enough. We must accelerate commercialization of these technologies and create an investment environment that attracts venture capital. Innovation, boldness and ambition are urgently needed.