Communications

Grain Growers of Canada Announces New Executive

Hana Sabah on December 10, 2024

MEDIA STATEMENT

OTTAWA (December 10, 2024) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is pleased to announce its newly elected executive, bringing a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to the organization’s leadership.

Tara Sawyer, a grain farmer from Acme, Alberta and Chair of Alberta Grains, has been elected as Chair of GGC. As the first woman to hold this role, Sawyer’s leadership marks an important milestone in GGC’s history. Her dedication to advocating for farmers and her deep understanding of association governance will help guide the organization as it continues to address the challenges and opportunities facing producers.

Joining her are Scott Hepworth, a grain grower from Assiniboia, Saskatchewan and a Director of the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission, as First Vice Chair and Sally Parsonage, a grain producer from Baldur, Manitoba and the Secretary of Manitoba Crop Alliance, joins the executive as Second Vice Chair.  

“We are excited to work under the guidance of this new executive, whose leadership and vision will help advance the priorities of Canada’s grain farmers,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “With Tara Sawyer, Scott Hepworth, and Sally Parsonage at the helm, GGC is well-positioned to address critical issues in 2025 and beyond, such as advocating for fair tax policies, advancing trade opportunities, and securing reliable transportation networks.”

GGC extends its gratitude to Andre Harpe, William van Tassel and Brendan Phillips, the outgoing executive, for their many years of service and dedication to the organization.

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For more information:

Hana Sabah
Communications Manager
P: (514) 834-8841
E: hana@graingrowers.ca

Grain Growers of Canada Celebrates Passage of Right-to-Repair Legislation

Hana Sabah on November 1, 2024

MEDIA STATEMENT

(OTTAWA, ON – November 1, 2024) Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) applauds the passage of Bills C-244 and C-294, an important step forward and significant victory for Canadian farmers. After years of advocacy, these bills provide farmers the ability to repair their own equipment, ensuring the continued functionality of the advanced technology essential to modern agriculture.

GGC extends its gratitude to the Members of Parliament and Senators who supported these bills, and especially to MPs Wilson Miao and Jeremy Patzer, along with Senators Colin Deacon and Leo Housakos, for their dedicated sponsorship and guidance of this legislation through Parliament.

With Bill C-244 amending the Copyright Act, farmers will now have access to crucial diagnostic software needed to repair sophisticated machinery, from tractors to combines and sprayers. Similarly, Bill C-294, also amending the Copyright Act, facilitates the interoperability of parts and equipment, enhancing farm productivity and efficiency. Together, these Bills enshrine the right to repair, helping farmers manage their operations sustainably and independently.

As we celebrate this federal achievement, we call on provinces to consider similar measures to address the specific needs of grain producers in their jurisdictions.

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For more information:

Hana Sabah
Communications Manager
P: (514) 834-8841
E: hana@graingrowers.ca

Grain Farmers’ Livelihoods at Risk as Port of Vancouver Grain Terminals Face Impending Strike

Hana Sabah on September 23, 2024

MEDIA STATEMENT

(OTTAWA, ON – September 24, 2024) Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is deeply concerned with the impending Grain Workers Union (GWU) Local 333 strike at the Port of Vancouver, which would stop all shipments of bulk grain. Grain farmers in the prairies rely heavily on the Port of Vancouver to handle and export the majority of the grain they grow. In fact, last year terminal elevators at the Port of Vancouver received roughly 52% of all grain produced from across Canada, underscoring the critical role these terminals play in our agricultural supply chain.

Following last month’s rail work stoppages, this strike will have an equally devastating impact on grain farmers across the prairies who are in the midst of harvest. Data from the Canadian Grain Commission indicates that this work stoppage will halt nearly 100,000 metric tonnes of grain arriving at these terminals per day, resulting in a loss of $35 million in potential exports daily.

GGC is calling on the federal government and Minister of Labour, Steven MacKinnon, to use all tools available to them to ensure parties reach an agreement before a work stoppage occurs. Without intervention, Canada’s international trading reputation will continue to suffer, leading to the loss of key global markets and customers.

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For more information:

Hana Sabah
Communications Manager
P: (514) 834-8841
E: hana@graingrowers.ca

Grain Farmers Welcome Government’s Directive for Binding Arbitration, Urge Swift Resumption of Railway Services

Hana Sabah on August 23, 2024

MEDIA STATEMENT

Negotiating parties have yet to reach an agreement on resumption of activities, despite clear directives from the government

(OTTAWA, ON – August 23, 2024) We welcome Minister of Labour Steven MacKinnon’s announcement that the government is directing the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to impose final binding arbitration. This news comes after weeks of grain farmers and agriculture groups urging the Minister to impose binding arbitration through Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to protect farmers’ livelihoods, food security, and Canada’s international reputation.

However, negotiating parties have yet to reach an agreement on resumption of activities, despite clear directives from the government. For the good of Canada’s food, economic, and national security, we are calling on all parties to abide by yesterday’s directives and to work with, not against, the CIRB to resume railway service. Grain farmers will continue to lose $50 million a day with the continuance of a total shutdown of our national railways. The time is now to get Canada’s railways back on track.

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For more information:

Hana Sabah
Communications Manager
P: (514) 834-8841
E: hana@graingrowers.ca

Railway Work Stoppages to Cost Grain Farmers Over $50 Million Daily

Hana Sabah on August 22, 2024

(OTTAWA, ON – August 22, 2024) Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is raising the alarm over the unprecedented dual work stoppage by both of Canada’s major railways, CN and CPKC, which began this morning. The work stoppages will inflict severe economic damage on the grain industry and the broader Canadian economy. This simultaneous disruption comes at the most critical time of the year for grain farmers—harvest season—when rail transportation is essential for moving crops to market.

GGC estimates that the initial impact of this dual stoppage will cost grain farmers over $43 million a day in the first week alone, with losses expected to escalate to $50 million a day the week after and beyond if the stoppages continue.

“The total shutdown of Canada’s two national railways is an unprecedented crisis for the grain industry,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of the Grain Growers of Canada. “With work stoppages at both CN and CPKC, our entire supply chain is at risk. This disruption is happening at the worst possible moment, during the start of harvest season, when our farmers are most dependent on our rail network.”

Canada is home to over 65,000 grain farmers whose crops account for $35 billion in exports. With grain elevators situated on railways, growers rely on the network to market and sell their grain. With no viable alternatives to rail, the delays will result in lost sales, degraded grain quality, and a substantial loss of market confidence.

“The economic impact of this stoppage will be felt far beyond the farm gate,” said Andre Harpe, Chair of the Grain Growers of Canada. “Consumers could see higher prices and shortages of food products that rely on grain, while farmers are left grappling with reduced income.”

The agricultural sector is already under pressure from various challenges, including fluctuating commodity prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions. A work stoppage at CN and CPKC further exacerbates these issues, leading to increased costs and reduced competitiveness for Canadian farmers.

“Previous labour disruptions have already strained Canada’s trade relationships, and another prolonged stoppage could further damage our reputation as a reliable supplier,” Harpe added. “International buyers may turn to other countries for their grain needs, resulting in lost market share for Canadian farmers and long-term economic repercussions.”

Grain Growers of Canada is urgently calling on the federal government and the Minister of Labour to intervene and ensure that these critical transportation lines are restored to full operation as quickly as possible.

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For more information:

Hana Sabah
Communications Manager
P: (514) 834-8841
E: hana@graingrowers.ca

CEI changes fall short of addressing capital gains tax hike, says Grain Growers of Canada

Hana Sabah on August 13, 2024

MEDIA STATEMENT

(OTTAWA, ON – August 13, 2024) Grain Growers of Canada acknowledges the Government of Canada’s proposed enhancements to the Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive that will benefit some grain farmers. However, these revisions do not sufficiently address the substantial impact of raising the capital gains inclusion rate from one-half to two-thirds on primary food producers. Additionally, the added complexity introduced by the CEI, alongside the increased inclusion rate, will drive up accounting and legal expenses for farmers, putting further pressure on their finances.

Patchwork approaches and fragmented incentives won’t deliver the economic growth and support that Canada’s grain farmers and rural communities need.  Comprehensive, forward-thinking policies that support farming operations by encouraging innovation are what Canadian grain farmers need.  Most importantly, the government must move away from discouraging the ambitions of our current and future grain farmers and instead partner with them to address the productivity and profitability challenges that impact the agricultural sector. Grain Growers of Canada continues to call on the federal government to revert to the original one-half inclusion rate for intergenerational transfers.

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For more information:

Hana Sabah
Communications Manager
P: (514) 834-8841
E: hana@graingrowers.ca

GGC Urges Swift Resolution to Potential Rail Disruption Amid Critical Harvest Season

Hana Sabah on August 9, 2024

MEDIA STATEMENT

(Ottawa, ON – August 9, 2024) In response to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) decision today, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) continues to urge Canadian National Railway (CN), Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) railway, and Teamsters Canada to come to an agreement before any work stoppage is initiated. With the start of the harvest season, it is critical that grain farmers continue to be able to market their grain to support their livelihoods, uphold Canada’s trade reputation, and address both domestic and international food demand.

GGC also urges the Minister of Labour and Seniors, Steven MacKinnon, to use all federal tools possible to ensure that both railways don’t face simultaneous work stoppages. GGC Executive Director Kyle Larkin is available for interviews upon request.

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For more information:

Hana Sabah
Communications Manager
P: (514) 834-8841
E: hana@graingrowers.ca

Capital Gains Inclusion Rate Changes Will Increase Taxes by 30% on Family Farms

Hana Sabah on June 11, 2024

(OTTAWA, ON – June 11, 2024) After weeks of research and consultation with farm tax accountants, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) revealed that the capital gains inclusion rate changes will increase taxes by 30 per cent on family-run grain farms. The research details the anticipated impacts of the increase, which is set to take effect on June 25.

“Our research shows that an average grain farm in Canada, most of which are family owned and operated, will see a tax increase of 30 per cent due to the two-thirds capital gains inclusion rate.” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “This hike targets farmers’ retirement plans, complicates intergenerational transfers, and threatens the long-term viability of family farms across the country.”

According to GGC research, an 800-acre farm purchased in 1996 in Ontario would incur nearly $1.2 million in additional taxes if sold today, while a 4,000-acre farm in Saskatchewan would face an increase of just over $900,000.

“With over 40 per cent of farmers nearing retirement over the next decade, this tax increase introduces substantial uncertainty into their retirement planning,” said Andre Harpe, GGC Chair and a grain grower who farms alongside his wife and daughter in Alberta. “Despite Budget 2024’s title of ‘Fairness for Every Generation,’ this change will actually burden the next generation of farmers, who are already grappling with costly transfers.”

In farming communities, there is a common saying that farmers are “cash poor, asset rich.” Farmers regularly invest in their operations, by expanding their acreage, upgrading grain bins, and purchasing the newest and most innovative equipment, such as tractors or combines.

“A 30 per cent increase in taxes on the family farm also dramatically increases the cost of farms, pricing out many families. This puts the family farm at risk, as the only ones that will be able to afford to pay millions of extra dollars will either be corporate farms or development companies,” Larkin said.

Already, Canada is experiencing a decline in family-owned farms, with a 2% decrease between 2016 and 2021, according to the most recent data from Statistics Canada.

“To protect family farms, we are asking the government to exempt intergenerational transfers and allow them to be taxed at the original capital gains inclusion rate,” said Larkin. “This will ensure that farmers’ retirement plans remain secure and that the next generation can afford to take over, enabling family farms to continue being the backbone of Canada’s agriculture sector.”

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For more information:

Hana Sabah
Communications Manager
P: (514) 834-8841
E: hana@graingrowers.ca

Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) Welcomes Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) Finalized Guidance for Gene Edited Plants, Opening Doors to Agricultural Innovation

Hana Sabah on May 3, 2024

(OTTAWA ON – MAY 3RD 2024) GGC today applauds the release of CFIA’s long awaited final guidance on novel feed, marking the completion of a trio of regulatory updates that enable the introduction of gene-edited crops in Canada. These updates, initiated in 2018, are designed to foster agricultural innovation in plant breeding by addressing today’s farming challenges such as pest and disease management, yield improvements, drought resistance, and the nutritional quality of crops.

“This progress opens doors to innovation in Canadian agriculture, enabling the introduction of gene-edited crops that meet pressing agricultural challenges like drought, pests, and diseases, while enhancing nutritional quality,” said Andre Harpe, Chair of Grain Growers of Canada. “The updated guidance enables us to use the latest innovation in plant technology to produce nutritious and affordable food for Canadians and our international customers.”

The regulatory guidance aligns Canada’s regulations with our trading partners, ensuring Canadian farmers remain competitive globally. It is based on rigorous, science-driven assessments that guarantee the safety and efficacy of gene-edited crops.

“Completing this trio of regulations is a milestone that began five years ago, reflecting our joint commitment with government agencies to promote a regulatory environment that supports innovation while ensuring safety and transparency,” said William van Tassel, 1st Vice Chair of Grain Growers of Canada. “With these updated guidelines, our farmers can access advanced tools to produce crops with better resiliency and higher yields, while meeting the demands of the market today and the future.”

The clarity provided by these regulatory updates is expected to accelerate the development and adoption of new plant varieties, crucial for enhancing the competitiveness of Canadian agriculture.

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For more information:

Hana Sabah
Communications Manager
P: (514) 834-8841
E: hana@graingrowers.ca

Grain Farmers Across Canada Call for Resolution as Railway Workers Vote to Strike

Hana Sabah on May 1, 2024

(Ottawa, ON – May 1, 2024) Following the recent announcement that over 95% of railway workers at Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) have voted in favour of strike action as early as May 22, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC), representing over 65,000 grain farmers across the country, calls for an urgent resolution to prevent potentially mass disruptions to the agricultural sector and the broader Canadian economy.

Andre Harpe, Chair of the Grain Growers of Canada, stated, “As farmers, our operations are closely tied to rail transport, both inbound to access crop inputs and outbound to deliver grain to export position. A rail strike now is the last thing we need. We’re at a critical point in the seeding season, and any delay in shipping can directly affect our bottom line and cause substantial economic losses across the agricultural sector.”

The potential for a combined strike at both CN and CPKC could severely impact the grain sector, which is highly dependent on rail transportation due to Canada’s vast geography. Approximately 94% of Canadian grain is transported by rail, with a significant portion destined for export markets. A disruption in rail service could leave grain elevators unable to accept crops from farmers due to limited storage capacity, resulting in delayed payments and financial hardships for growers.

“We are deeply worried about the impact a strike would have, not just on our operations but on Canada’s reputation as a reliable supplier. Consecutive supply chain disruptions have already strained our relationships with international buyers. Another stoppage could drive them to seek other markets, affecting us long-term,” added Brendan Phillips, 2nd Vice Chair of GGC.

GGC emphasizes the two-fold impact of the dispute: domestically, grain elevators will face storage issues, port terminals will suffer demurrage, and internationally, Canada risks weakening trade relations due to unreliable grain deliveries. In June 2023, Canada exported over 2.6 million metric tonnes of grain, highlighting the potential economic loss of over $35 million for each day in June that a strike persists.

Grain Growers of Canada stresses the importance of uninterrupted rail service for the agriculture sector’s sustainability and international competitiveness. “We urge the unions and railway companies to consider the broader impact of their negotiations. It’s crucial to find a resolution that keeps our trains moving and our grain flowing to markets around the world,” Harpe concluded.

As the mediation period begins, GGC is advocating strongly for a resolution that ensures the stability and continuity of Canada’s grain supply chain, which is essential for the livelihoods of Canadian grain farmers, our country’s food security, and our economy.

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For more information:

Hana Sabah
Communications Manager
P: (514) 834-8841
E: hana@graingrowers.ca