Communications

Canada’s grain farmers advocate for modern plant technology at a federal level

ggc2022dev on June 3, 2021

Ottawa, Ontario – June 3, 2021, The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) are rallying Canada’s grain industry to champion the role of modern plant technology in driving safe and sustainable growth for our sector. This comes in light of two federal consultations on plant breeding that will have a significant impact on crop varieties available to Canadian farmers in decades to come.

Last month, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) launched a 120-day public consultation on guidance for determining whether a plant is subject to the Seeds Regulations part V, while Health Canada launched a consultation in March on new regulatory guidance for novel food focused on plant breeding. The outcomes of these consultations will have a significant impact on the future of plant breeding in Canada, says GGC Executive Director Erin Gowriluk. It will be key to emphasize the importance of modern technology in this area in the months to come.

“Advancements in plant breeding and access to new crop varieties have really been the backbone of our industry,” she says. “These new varieties are the reason that today’s farmers can grow more, with fewer resources, while also sustaining our land and soils in Canada.”

Modern plant technology such as gene edited crops will be even more critical in the decades to come, says GGC Chair Andre Harpe from his farm in the Peace region of northern Alberta. This is especially the case as farmers are required to grow more food to feed a rapidly expanding global population, while also meeting climate change goals and contributing to Canada’s economy.

“Gene edited crops can help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions and pest pressures while continuing to grow safe, high quality, affordable food for Canadians and consumers around the world,” he added. “Furthermore, it’s clear the agriculture industry will be a driving force in our country’s economic recovery post Covid.”

GGC has long been a champion of partnering with the federal government to achieve economic growth and sustainability, Gowriluk added. The consultation document released by the CFIA sends a strong signal about the safety and importance of plant breeding innovations but there are some areas that need additional clarification to ensure that Canadian farmers will be on a level playing field with their global competitors when it comes to access to new crop varieties.

GGC will continue to advocate for clear and predictable regulatory pathways for plant breeding innovations while also recognizing the global scientific consensus on the safety of gene editing.

“We will continue to champion the safety and sustainability of modern plant technology on behalf of our members, especially in the months to come, and we encourage the Canadian grain industry to take part in consultations and do the same.”

More information on these important initiatives is available through the following links:

https://inspection.canada.ca/about-cfia/transparency/consultations-and-engagement/share-your-thoughts/eng/1619740964754/1619741042405

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/programs/consultation-guidance-novel-foods-regulation-plant-breeding.html

For more information

Cole Christensen
Communications Manager 
P: 204-804-3333
E: media@ggc-pgc.ca

Grain Growers of Canada provides a strong national voice for over 65,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 15 provincial, regional and national grower groups. Our mission and mandate are to pursue a policy environment that maximizes global competitiveness and to influence federal policy on behalf of independent Canadian grain farmers and their associations.

Grain Act must be ‘relevant and responsive,’ say Canada’s grain farmers

ggc2022dev on April 29, 2021

April 29, 2021 (Ottawa, ON) – Canada’s grain farmers are calling for a modernized Canada Grain Act that drives agriculture’s competitiveness, reduces regulatory red tape, and ensures high-quality grain for domestic and export markets.

Earlier today, the Grain Growers of Canada provided a submission to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada regarding their review of the Canada Grain Act. It contained actionable and urgent recommendations that are responsive to the evolving needs of the agricultural sector.

“As the national voice for grain farmers, we recognize this is a unique opportunity to define the ‘gold standard’ for grain quality in Canada,” said GGC chair Andre Harpe from his farm in Valhalla Centre, AB. “A key aspect of this review is making sure that we have a Canadian Grain Commission that works for all of us.”

Having been 35 years since the last major overhaul of the Act, GGC has made it clear that a change in the way that the Canadian Grain Commission operates is long overdue. With the elimination of the single desk for wheat and barley, the growth of canola and the oil-processing sector, and the size and sophistication of today’s farms, the Canada Grain Act has not remained relevant, and time is now for holistic change.

“Our submission has made it clear that an evolved Canadian Grain Commission must rely on sustainable funding, reduce red tape, and be defined by transparency and accountability,” added Harpe. “Farmers are ready to deliver on the high-quality grain that our customers expect, we just need a regulatory system that we can count on.”

GGC appreciates Minister Bibeau’s leadership in initiating this review and welcomes her commitment to real and meaningful change for Canada’s grain sector.

Our full Canada Grain Act submission can be accessed here.

 

For more information, contact:

 Cole Christensen

Communications Consultant

E: media@ggc-pgc.ca
P: 403-589-3529

Grain Growers of Canada provides a strong national voice for over 65,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 14 provincial, regional and national grower groups. Our mission and mandate are to pursue a policy environment that maximizes global competitiveness and to influence federal policy on behalf of independent Canadian grain farmers and their associations.

Canada’s Grain Growers react to Budget 2021

ggc2022dev on April 19, 2021

April 29, 2021 (Ottawa, ON) – Canada’s grain farmers are calling for a modernized Canada Grain Act that drives agriculture’s competitiveness, reduces regulatory red tape, and ensures high-quality grain for domestic and export markets.

Earlier today, the Grain Growers of Canada provided a submission to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada regarding their review of the Canada Grain Act. It contained actionable and urgent recommendations that are responsive to the evolving needs of the agricultural sector.

“As the national voice for grain farmers, we recognize this is a unique opportunity to define the ‘gold standard’ for grain quality in Canada,” said GGC chair Andre Harpe from his farm in Valhalla Centre, AB. “A key aspect of this review is making sure that we have a Canadian Grain Commission that works for all of us.”

Having been 35 years since the last major overhaul of the Act, GGC has made it clear that a change in the way that the Canadian Grain Commission operates is long overdue. With the elimination of the single desk for wheat and barley, the growth of canola and the oil-processing sector, and the size and sophistication of today’s farms, the Canada Grain Act has not remained relevant, and time is now for holistic change.

“Our submission has made it clear that an evolved Canadian Grain Commission must rely on sustainable funding, reduce red tape, and be defined by transparency and accountability,” added Harpe. “Farmers are ready to deliver on the high-quality grain that our customers expect, we just need a regulatory system that we can count on.”

GGC appreciates Minister Bibeau’s leadership in initiating this review and welcomes her commitment to real and meaningful change for Canada’s grain sector.

Our full Canada Grain Act submission can be accessed here.

 

 

For more information, contact:

Cole Christensen

Communications Consultant

E: media@ggc-pgc.ca
P: 403-589-3529

Grain Growers of Canada provides a strong national voice for over 65,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 14 provincial, regional and national grower groups. Our mission and mandate are to pursue a policy environment that maximizes global competitiveness and to influence federal policy on behalf of independent Canadian grain farmers and their associations.

Attention Canadian Farmers: Have your voice heard – write now to support innovation for Canadian farmers!

ggc2022dev on March 25, 2021

March 25, 2021 (Ottawa, ON) –  Today, Health Canada launched a public consultation on new guidelines for plant breeding innovation. This will determine the speed at which Canadian farmers gain access to new crop innovations, the amount of crop R&D activity that will happen in our country, and ultimately Canada’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Over the last three years exciting new plant breeding techniques have been advancing throughout the world, but the Canadian regulatory guidance has not kept pace. Health Canada’s proposal is a very positive step forward to show Canada can be both a centre of crop innovation and a leader in food safety.

“I urge my fellow grain and crop farmers from coast to coast to let Health Canada know that we care about – and need access to – new plant breeding innovation,” says D’Arcy Hilgartner, farmer from central Alberta. “We cannot afford to let a vocal minority drown out the overwhelming support that I know is out there from farmers and the agriculture sector.”

Canada’s grain associations have come together to provide a straightforward way for farmers and anyone else who works in the grain value chain to send their own letter to Health Canada in support of the government using these new guidelines. It’s one simple click away.

“Many of Canada’s global competitors have moved towards clear and predictable science-based approaches to the regulation of plant breeding, including gene edited crops, and Canada needs to do the same so that farmers here are not left behind,” says Saskatchewan grower Gerry Hertz.

“We are encouraging the Canadian government to stand firmly behind the science of plant breeding innovation. Scientists around the world have acknowledged that using gene editing in plant breeding is just as safe as conventional breeding and our regulatory system needs to recognize this to ensure the Canadian agriculture industry can remain competitive,” says Rick White, Canadian Canola Growers Association.

“As we collectively face significant global challenges around food security and climate change, innovations like gene edited crops can help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions and pest pressures while continuing to grow safe, high quality food for Canadians and consumers around the world,” says Brendan Byrne, farmer from Ontario.

“We are standing at a critical juncture in Canadian agriculture. As an industry, we know what it will take for farmers to be successful, and that clearly includes continuous adoption of new crop innovation,” says Erin Gowriluk, Grain Growers of Canada. “Now is the time for growers and our colleagues in the agriculture industry to collectively speak up to encourage good government policy.”

Write now! Click here and send your own letter to Health Canada in support of fair and reasonable rules for plant breeding innovation in Canada.

Media Enquiries to:  media@ggc-pgc.ca

Submit a letter of support: https://www.advancingagriculture.ca/take-action

Grain Growers of Canada provides a strong national voice for over 65,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 14 provincial, regional and national grower groups. Our mission and mandate are to pursue a policy environment that maximizes global competitiveness and to influence federal policy on behalf of independent Canadian grain farmers and their associations.

Canada’s grain farmers commend support for Bill C-206, urge rapid implementation for much-needed relief

ggc2022dev on February 25, 2021

February 25, 2021 (Ottawa, ON) – On news that Bill C-206, An Act to Amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, passed second reading in the House of Commons, Canada’s grain farmers would like to thank the bill’s sponsor, MP Philip Lawrence, and all MPs who voted in favour of recognizing the importance of exempting on-farm use of propane and natural gas from the carbon tax.

“This bill is desperately needed for Canada’s grain farmers,” said GGC chair Andre Harpe. “With no alternative fuels available, we are faced with a punitive cost when using a grain dryer to reduce the moisture levels in our grain. Without proper drying when faced with wet conditions and adverse weather, the grain will spoil, and we will not be able to take our product to market.”

GGC looks forward to testifying on behalf of our members in favour of legislation at the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food in the coming weeks, and are hoping for swift passage through the remaining stages in the House of Commons and through to the Senate.

Bill C-206 comes with strong bipartisan support from across the aisle – with affirmative votes coming from the Conservative, New Democratic, Bloc Quebecois, and Green parties.

“As you can see by the cross-party support, this bill is not about politics,” added William Van Tassel, GGC’s vice-chair and chair of the sustainability committee. “This is about the sustainability of the family farm in Canada, and providing farmers with the tools they need to meet our country’s ambitious growth targets for the agricultural sector.”

Bill C-206 will proceed to the House of Common’s Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, and may be brought back to the House of Commons for a third vote.

Pending approval in the House, the bill would require the Senate’s approval and Royal Assent to become law.

For more information:

Cole Christensen
Communications Consultant
E: media@ggc-pgc.ca
P: 403-589-3529

Grain Growers of Canada provides a strong national voice for over 65,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 14 provincial, regional and national grower groups. Our mission and mandate are to pursue a policy environment that maximizes global competitiveness and to influence federal policy on behalf of independent Canadian grain farmers and their associations.

GGC elects new executive, thanks Jeff Nielsen and Shane Stokke for service

ggc2022dev on December 8, 2020

December 8, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – Following their 2020 annual general meeting, the Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) board of directors have elected Andre Harpe as the new chair with William van Tassel and Brendan Phillips as vice-chairs.

“I look forward to continuing this organization’s rich history of representing grain farmers across our country,” said Harpe, who hails from Valhalla Centre, AB. “Our new executive team will continue to push an ambitious agenda, and advocate for the needs of our critically important sector to policy makers and legislators.”

On behalf of Canada’s grain farmers, the GGC board would also like to thank outgoing chair Jeff Nielsen and vice-chair Shane Stokke for their service to the organization.

Nielsen has been on the GGC executive since 2015, having served as chair for the past two years. He was originally appointed to the GGC board in 2015 and served as vice-president in Nov. 2015 and president in 2016 – prior to the organization’s restructuring in 2018.

“When I look at my time here, I think I am going to be most proud of how we all came together to remake this organization in a way that worked for everyone,” reflected Nielsen.

“I am more confident now than ever about the future of GGC, and, for that, I would like thank everyone on the board, staff, and leadership team for their commitment and dedication.”

For more information:

Erin Gowriluk
Executive Director
Grain Growers of Canada
egowriluk@ggc-pgc.ca
343-549-4767

Grain Growers of Canada provides a strong national voice for over 65,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 14 provincial, regional and national grower groups. Our mission and mandate are to pursue a policy environment that maximizes global competitiveness and to influence federal policy on behalf of independent Canadian grain farmers and their associations.

GGC commends federal government’s proposal to improve AgriStability, urges consensus to move forward

ggc2022dev on November 27, 2020

November 27, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – On news that the federal government is prepared to make meaningful improvements to AgriStability, the Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) would like to acknowledge the Minister’s efforts and urge consensus among the federal and provincial agriculture ministers to enact changes to support Canada’s farmers.

“We would like to thank the Minister for pushing through an increase in funding available from the federal government,” said GGC chair Jeff Nielsen from his farm in Olds, AB. “We know that, in these tumultuous times, support for this change would have taken a lot of work amongst her cabinet colleagues, and we appreciate her efforts in getting these approvals.”

The proposal from Minister Bibeau, presented at the 2020 Federal – Provincial – Territorial Ministers of Agriculture meetings, would increase the compensation rate under AgriStability from 70 to 80 per cent and remove the reference margin limit.

Along with the reference margin limit removal, GGC and its industry partners have asked for AgriStability coverage to cover losses starting at 85 per cent.

While GGC recognizes the unique fiscal challenges faced by the provinces as they consider the next steps for this important business risk management program, we reiterate that agriculture is more than worth the investment in order to drive an economic recovery – and support the food security of Canadians.

“Farmers face uncertainty from everywhere – from the punishing weather to the whims of international trading partners – and we need a predictable, bankable support system for when times get tough,” added Nielsen.

“We hope that our ag ministers keep this in mind as they consider the federal government’s proposal – and come up with a solution that works for everyone.”

For more information:

Erin Gowriluk
Executive Director
Grain Growers of Canada
egowriluk@ggc-pgc.ca
343-549-4767

Grain Growers of Canada provides a strong national voice for over 65,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 14 provincial, regional and national grower groups. Our mission and mandate are to pursue a policy environment that maximizes global competitiveness and to influence federal policy on behalf of independent Canadian grain farmers and their associations.

GGC garners record engagement levels for National Grain Week 2020

ggc2022dev on November 23, 2020

November 23, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – As another National Grain Week (NGW) wraps up, the Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is pleased to announce record engagement levels for its Grain Week 2020 events, despite the challenges of transitioning to virtual platforms.

“For us, a successful Grain Week means meeting our overall goal of putting more farmers in front of more policy makers, more often,” says GGC Chair Jeff Nielsen.

“Not only were we able to do that this year, despite the challenges of adapting to a virtual event, but we were able to actually expand our reach, including more GGC members in Grain Week events than ever before.”

GGC officials, including six staff members and 16 farmer directors, met with more than 30 parliamentarians last week, including representatives from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Senators and Members of Parliament (MPs) spanning all five political parties and two languages (French and English). GGC staff also had a total of 28 meetings, with four more scheduled for this week.

Last Monday, GGC and Crop Life Canada also launched Today’s Modern Grain Farm: A Harvest Across Canada, a video designed to help educate Canada’s legislators and policy makers about the business of a modern grain farm. To date, the film has more than 2,000 views and has attracted national media attention.

Throughout all the NGW meetings to date, GGC emphasized what has served as its messaging platform for several months now, Nielsen says, that Canadian grain farmers are uniquely positioned to help drive Canada’s economic recovery post COVID shutdowns. In order to do so, the industry needs government support in three key areas: prioritizing and enforcing current free trade agreements (FTA); modernizing regulations preventing innovation in agricultural research; and partnering with farmers in efforts to address climate change.

Media Contact:

Erin Gowriluk

Executive Director

Grain Growers of Canada

egowriluk@ggc-pgc.ca

343-549-4767

GGC launches video to highlight modern realities, challenges of Canadian farmers

ggc2022dev on November 17, 2020

November 17, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – This morning, the Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) partnered with CropLife Canada to premiere a short video designed to bring attention to the challenges and realities facing Canadian farmers.

“Today’s Modern Grain Farm: A Harvest Across Canada” is a short film designed to educate Canada’s legislators and policy makers about the business of a modern grain farm. Featuring interviews and clips from farms spanning Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and the east coast, “A Harvest Across Canada” brings legislators up close and personal with farmers across the country to learn about what life is like on a modern farm.

“One of our main focuses at GGC is putting more farmers in front of policy makers, many of whom have no agricultural background, so that they understand the true impact of their decisions and the challenges our farmers face,” says GGC Executive Director Erin Gowriluk.

“This year we had to get creative in how we could do that virtually. This video is one of the outcomes.”

The video was strategically launched at the beginning of GGC’s bi-annual lobby week to complement the requests that farmers will bring to the federal government.

These will include improving the trade situation for Canadian grains, modernizing regulations preventing innovation in agricultural research, and further recognition for the environmentally-beneficial practices that farmers employ on their land.

“This video really demonstrates the innovation that exists on Canada’s modern grain operations,” Gowriluk says. “It also highlights the fact that we all share the same goal of growing the economy and creating jobs while also recognizing that we are responsible for preserving the land for generations to come.”

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/XxtlRvYI7g8

For more information:

Erin Gowriluk
Executive Director
Grain Growers of Canada
egowriluk@ggc-pgc.ca
343-549-4767

Grain Growers of Canada provides a strong national voice for over 65,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 14 provincial, regional and national grower groups. Our mission and mandate are to pursue a policy environment that maximizes global competitiveness and to influence federal policy on behalf of independent Canadian grain farmers and their associations.

GGC disappointed by lack of federal attention for agriculture priorities

ggc2022dev on September 23, 2020

September 23, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – Following today’s Speech from the Throne, the Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) are disappointed that many of the pressing needs for Canada’s agriculture industry were left unaddressed by the federal government.

Earlier this week, GCC launched its own Speech from the Combine, outlining six priority areas for Canada’s agriculture sector that require immediate attention, in the hopes that this messaging would be reflected in the throne speech. These areas included: Business Risk Management programs; agricultural science and innovation; crop health; trade access; carbon tax exemptions; and cellular service and connectivity in rural areas.

“Our goal with the Speech from the Combine was to provide the government with clear and specific directives for what our industry needs right now to drive an economic recovery and benefit all Canadians,” Nielsen explained. “We are disappointed that so little attention was paid to addressing the challenges facing our sector.”

During the Speech from the Throne, it was stated that, “[the] Government will recognize farmers, foresters, and ranchers, as key partners in fight against climate change, supporting efforts to reduce emissions and build resilience.”

GGC is pleased with this statement as we have consistently shared with the government that farmers wish to be part of the solution. Unfortunately, this sentiment has not been reflected in the recent conversations that we have had with the government.

“From consultations on carbon offset protocols to the criteria for the proposed Clean Fuel Standard, we have not felt that our perspective has been acknowledged,” said Nielsen. “We hope that today’s message sets a new tone going forward as we are more than willing to step up and play a role in addressing climate change.”

Going forward, GGC will work closely with federal and provincial agriculture ministers to ensure that Canada’s agriculture industry remains top of mind, Nielsen added.

“Although we are disappointed today, we will continue to do what we always do –  advocate for Canadian farmers.”

One bright spot was the indication by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that ‘improving rural connectivity’ will be a priority for this session of parliament.

“COVID-19 has highlighted more than ever how critically rural areas need improved cellular wireless, internet connectivity, and broadband access,” Nielsen said. “The cutting-edge tools available in today’s agriculture world, which help us reduce inputs and produce more crops on less land, are only as good as the connection they have.”

 

For more information:

Erin Gowriluk

Executive Director

Grain Growers of Canada

egowriluk@ggc-pgc.ca

343-549-4767

Grain Growers of Canada provides a strong national voice for over 65,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 14 provincial, regional and national grower groups. Our mission and mandate are to pursue a policy environment that maximizes global competitiveness and to influence federal policy on behalf of independent Canadian grain farmers and their associations.