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Canadian Agri-Food industry speaks out on proposed trade legislation

The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is urging Members of Parliament and Senators to reject a bill that would handcuff Canada’s trade negotiators and undermine Canada’s trade policy. Bill C-202 is a Bloc Québécois Private Member’s Bill aimed at protecting supply management in trade agreements. CAFTA President Greg Northey said Canada is already facing rising trade uncertainty. “As with previous iterations of this bill, C-202 would undermine Canada’s agri-food sector, damage our trade relationships, and harm the thousands of farmers, ranchers, processors, and agri-food exporters who rely on open access to global markets to make a living,” he said. Northey added disputes with key partners remain unresolved, implementation of existing agreements has been slow, and global protectionism continues to grow — placing pressure on Canada’s ability to maintain reliable access to export markets. CAFTA Executive Director Michael Harvey said Bill C-202 risks limiting Canada’s trade obj

50 years in the books for Regina Farmers’ Market

This past week marked the golden anniversary for the Regina Farmers’ Market. They are celebrating 50 years in operation in Regina and held their celebration event on Wednesday in Victoria Park to mark the occasion. Each vendor on hand that day had pictures at their booth showing their earliest days at the Farmers’ Market. There was also music and entertainment, and lots of people taking in the occasion on a hot and sunny late-May afternoon. Holly Laird, Executive Director of the Regina Farmers‘ Market Cooperative, notes they have come a long way since their early humble beginnings. “We started with 22 farmers in 1975. They set up (at what) was then the Exhibition Grounds, now called the REAL District, for their first inaugural season. And through the years we’ve had a number of different locations, both downtown and most recently at the Confederation Park. So that’s sort of where we started and where we’ve been.” The Farmers’ Market has moved around a number of locations both in RE

Update on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's actions at an HPAI infected premises at a British Columbia ostrich farm

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Canada's national poultry sectors have been responding to detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Canada since December 2021. Industry has been highly supportive of the CFIA in its response to HPAI, working collaboratively to implement control measures and protect animal health. The CFIA has acted to minimize the risk of the virus spreading within Canadian flocks and to other animals. All avian influenza viruses, particularly H5 and H7 viruses, have the potential to infect mammals, including humans. Our disease response aims to protect public and animal health, minimize impacts on the domestic poultry industry, and the Canadian economy. The CFIA's response to highly pathogenic avian influenza in domestic poultry is based on an approach known as “stamping-out”, as defined by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Stamping-out is the internationally recognized standard and is a pri

Ontario Promotes Local Food to Boost Economy and Jobs

Ontario celebrates Local Food Week, recognizing farmers and food businesses while encouraging citizens to buy local and support over 871,000 jobs in the agriculture sector.

New advocacy agenda puts producers and government at odds

Imagine being a policy maker in U.S. agriculture right now, trying to scope out an agenda that meets your members’ needs, rather than pander to President Donald Trump’s protectionist agenda. Maybe your interests and his merge at some point. But if they’re at odds, you’re on shaky ground.