Imagine trying to gain consensus on policy issues across all Canadian commodity groups and geographies. That’s Mary Robinson’s job as president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, and she’s heading into her second, two-year term after being acclaimed to the role last month. As if the role isn’t challenging enough, Robinson has been leading the… Read More
Tag: Canadian Federation of Agriculture
At first glance, it appeared that seasonal and temporary foreign workers coming to Canada would flow relatively unimpeded, save for the pre-flight COVID-19 test. However, last week’s federal announcement of more stringent quarantine measures and additional costs is possibly a new stumbling block, in the path to getting thousands of people here to work on… Read More
We’ve now seen two deadlines for changes to AgriStability; one near the end of last year, and a public deadline that was set for the end of January for provinces to either agree or acknowledge that they were considering the proposal. Both deadlines have come and gone, which begs the question: where are we at… Read More
From business risk management fatigue, to the carbon tax, to adapting to changing labour demands, there’s plenty to cover regarding Canadian policy right now. It may be February, but horticulture farms and businesses are trying hard to navigate ever-changing COVID-19 travel rules in an effort to bring employees to Canada. Plus, not one but two… Read More
In the food business, there is likely no more ruthless arena than the grocery store. A recent move by Walmart to impose new costs on suppliers has prompted a group of food and beverage organizations to call on the federal government to step in and regulate the grocery industry. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Dairy… Read More
In this RealAg LIVE! episode with Mary Robinson, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), Mary joins host Shaun Haney to discuss agricultural policy issues including temporary foreign workers, business risk management programs, and engaging with youth and minorities. Check out the video below, or scroll down to read the summary! Tune in Thursday,… Read More
The federal government has released its second round of support aimed specifically at the agriculture industry, and reaction to the $252 million (split between three initiatives) has been swift and consistent: it’s not enough. Below is industry reaction from several commodity organizations, including those to whom a portion of the targeted funds will flow. The… Read More
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has put a number on the emergency fund it wants the federal government to provide for the agriculture and food industry: $2.6 billion. CFA says this amount is based on estimates of the immediate impacts of COVID-19 provided by agricultural commodity groups across the country. The emergency fund is… Read More
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) is asking the federal government for “immediate, meaningful help” for Canada’s food and farming industry. During a press conference, Mary Robinson, president of the CFA, warned that without immediate assistance from the federal government, the Canadian agriculture sector cannot ensure our domestic food supply will remain secure for the… Read More
If there’s one thing farmers want less of, it’s paperwork. However, in the current climate of “don’t just say you’re doing the right thing — prove it,” verification programs and the corresponding administration are on the rise. Verification and best management practice programs are not new for Canadian farmers, from the Environmental Farm Plan, to… Read More
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture is calling on the federal government to resolve the issues with railway blockades, as agriculture sits on a “tipping point” of lost revenue, lost trade, and potentially an animal welfare issue, as propane, once again, is not making its way east. In Quebec, 85 per cent of poultry barns are… Read More
Convincing policymakers and politicians that agriculture matters is easy; it’s getting them to push for changes and advancements that are tricky. Part of the reason for that is the compartmentalization of the industry, sure, but there are plenty of overarching issues that impact most farmers — and that’s where change needs to start. Mary Robinson,… Read More
The rising protectionist agenda across the world has made agricultural trade difficult between once-friendly trading partners. Farmers in Canada and the U.S. have felt the impacts of strained exports, but how their governments have recognized these challenges is different. Although both countries have faced financial challenges on the farm, U.S. producers across a broad spectrum… Read More
Nominations are open for the Brigid Rivoire Award for Champions of Agricultural Mental Health. This annual award, now in its second year, recognizes an individual, organization, or group of individuals that has made outstanding contributions in raising awareness, addressing stigma, and supporting agricultural mental health in their local community. Created in partnership with the Do… Read More
For Friday’s edition of RealAg Radio, host Shaun Haney has the following guests: Double dose of News with Guse, with RealAgriculture’s news lead, Jessika Guse as the pair discuss the top agriculture news stories of the day; Product spotlight with Colin Dutcheshen, sales and marketing lead with Heads Up Plant Protectants Inc.; and, Haney catches… Read More