When thinking of Canadian pulse exports, most think of India. That thinking needs to evolve, says Chuck Penner, founder and grain market analyst for LeftField Commodity Research. “A number of years ago we were getting all hot and bothered about massive volumes, and it was great business while it was there,” Penner says. “So we… Read More
China’s evolution as a trading partner is one of self-sufficiency: China has spent the past few decades weaning itself off needing other countries for many things, by investing in its own value chains and technology, and making strategic purchases and partnerships worldwide. But that doesn’t mean China doesn’t need to trade — it just means… Read More
The first phase of a trade deal between China and the U.S. has been agreed upon by both parties. United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer says U.S. President Donald Trump has “focused on concluding a Phase One agreement that achieves meaningful, fully-enforceable structural changes and begins rebalancing the U.S.-China trade relationship.” As part of… Read More
If you think you may experiencing déjà vu on the U.S. and China Phase One deal, completed in principle, then you are not alone. Whether last May, September, October or today — any deal with China has been elusive. On CNBC Friday afternoon, national economic advisor Larry Kudlow was asked if Americans can believe the… Read More
While pulse market challenges haven’t been grabbing headlines as much lately, there are longer standing issues with chickpea, pea, and lentil movement than say, canola’s recent run-in with China. Murad Al-Katib, CEO of AGT Foods, says that there are reasons to be optimistic on pulse markets heading in to 2020, even in the face of… Read More
This week, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture elected Keith Currie to a fourth term as leader of the general farm organization. Currie has a reputation for building relationships inside and outside the organization and helping change the culture of the farm lobby group. But there’s more work to do. In this interview with RealAgriculture’s Bernard… Read More
During the first week of November, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted that Canadian pork and beef exports to China will resume — a good news story for many, including Canadian Pork Council chair, Rick Bergmann. “It’s the best news that we could ever get, because China is our third largest market,” says Bergmann. “They’re going… Read More
Canadian farmers have been caught in the crossfire of the strained U.S./China/Canada trade relations. Several crops, such as wheat and peas, have avoided being impacted negatively, while canola, pork, and beef exports have been targeted by the Chinese. Farmers have lashed out at the federal government for not forcing change, talking tougher, or being vocal… Read More
Although there’s no official statement released on the prime ministers website yet, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has tweeted out that Canadian pork and beef exports to China will resume. To note, the prime minister thanks newly appointed Ambassador to China, Dominic Barton. He’s had the position since September 4th, and was quoted saying, “The relationship… Read More
The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) met in Ottawa for three days last week to tackle industry challenges, including the advent of African swine fever (ASF) overseas. Gary Stordy, director of government and corporate affairs for the CPC, says the meeting was very productive and much needed, especially in light of ASF. “The industry is not… Read More
Change is constant. It’s also uncomfortable and difficult. And, according to one policy analyst, significant agriculture trade flow and economic change is on the horizon — is Canada ready? “Part of the reason for putting together this policy note is to sort of to help people understand we need to appreciate the breadth and depth… Read More
While harvest delays and yield challenges might typically support a commodity’s price in the markets, Canadian canola has a bigger issue – its large carryout. “It just hangs over like a wet blanket, and it’s something we’ve known was coming, and yet it creates a whole market situation where things just really feel like a… Read More
Canada’s relationship with China is complicated — it involves extradition, unlawful retribution arrests, non-tariff barriers, fake CFIA documents, and a spying telecom company. In the months since the recall of former Canadian ambassador to China John McCallum, the agriculture industry has been waiting very impatiently for a new ambassador. Agriculture’s hope has been that a… Read More
What do Chinese government leaders think of Canada? Can our government correct a policy course that has put Canadian agricultural exports on the ropes and knocked canola and meat out of the globe’s most lucrative economy? Earlier this week, RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney put these questions to Charles Burton, senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier… Read More
Ontario’s minister of agriculture is asking — again — that the federal government move on with resolving large-scale trade issues with China, and that the feds provide compensation for the meat sector in the meantime. Following up on a request made in early July and post-federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) meeting of agriculture ministers at Quebec City, Minister… Read More
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