Communications

Les Producteurs de grains du Canada font la promotion des priorités du secteur en prévision d’élections historiques

ggc2022dev on August 16, 2021

16 août 2021 (Ottawa, ON) – À la suite de l’annonce des élections fédérales de dimanche, les Producteurs de grains du Canada rendent publique une vidéo faisant état des priorités du secteur des grains alors que les Canadiens se prononceront sur l’avenir du pays.

« Cette vidéo met en évidence le soutien dont nous avons besoin pour que s’exprime le potentiel agricole illimité du Canada », a expliqué le président des PGC M. Andre Harpe, de sa ferme dans la région de la Rivière-de-la-Paix en Alberta. « Tout ce dont nous avons besoin est que le prochain gouvernement fédéral, quel qu’il soit, agisse comme un partenaire motivé. »

Abordant des domaines clés, tels que la gestion des risques commerciaux, le financement de la recherche et la suppression des obstacles au commerce, la vidéo (et un document plus complet sur les priorités de la plateforme de l’organisation) présente aux politiciens et aux fonctionnaires des solutions pratiques et réalisables pour le développement de l’agriculture à l’aube d’une période de reprise économique post-pandémie.

« Notre message ici est que les producteurs agricoles sont prêts à se mettre au travail », a ajouté M. Harpe. « Nous sommes déjà à l’avant-garde lorsqu’il s’agit de créer de la richesse et de la croissance économique, tout en menant la lutte que mène notre pays contre le changement climatique. Il est maintenant temps de faire un pas de plus. »

L’industrie agricole et agroalimentaire du Canada est un moteur clé de l’économie canadienne. Elle contribue annuellement à plus de 142 milliards de dollars (6,7 %) au PIB du Canada et emploie 2,3 millions de personnes.

Pour visionner la vidéo des priorités électorales, cliquez ici.

Pour lire les documents sur les priorités électorales, cliquez ici.

Pour plus d’informations, contactez:

Sarah Nixdorff 
Conseillère en communication
E : media@ggc-pgc.ca
Tél : 403-324-9779

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.

Put politics aside and move forward with drought support, urge Canada’s grain growers

ggc2022dev on July 23, 2021

July 23, 2021 (Ottawa, Ontario) In light of the devastating drought and its impact on grain farmers across the country, the Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) would like to thank Minister Bibeau for invoking the late participation provision for AgriStability. The announcement was made yesterday during the Minister’s tour of hard-hit areas in Manitoba.

“We are very grateful for yesterday’s announcement,” said GGC Chair Andre Harpe from his farm in Valhalla Centre, AB. “Right now, AgriStability is the only program that can offer some meaningful support to Canada’s grain farmers, many of whom are facing a devastating impact from this year’s drought.”

As a result of yesterday’s announcement, farmers and ranchers who have not yet enrolled in AgriStability can still access program support, provided the provinces invoke the late participation provision – which remains a critical measure to support Canada’s grain farmers. However, farmers will still not feel the full effects of these measures until the compensation rate for the program is increased from 70 to 80 per cent, a move which will rely on cost-sharing with the individual provinces and territories.

GGC has reiterated that while the provinces do face unique fiscal challenges, an investment in agriculture is more than worth it to support rural communities and the food security of all Canadians.

“This is a time where we must come together.” Harpe added. “We need everyone at the table to avoid playing politics and act quickly to provide an actionable and accessible support system for farmers.”

The original proposal to increase AgriStability’s compensation rate was discussed during the 2020 Federal, Provincial and Territorial Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting.

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.

GGC launches campaign to delve deeper into grain shipping in Canada

ggc2022dev on July 7, 2021

July 7, 2021 (Ottawa, ON) – With harvest just around the corner, many members of the Canadian agriculture industry are wondering how we are going to deliver our products to international buyers. Many farmers also have outstanding questions/concerns/comments about Canada’s grain shipping and handling system.

Now, we want to hear from you!

Today the Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) officially launches its Grain on Trains hotline, in conjunction with the new Grain on Trains podcast. These are both part of an overall, GGC produced campaign designed to delve deeper into the Canadian grain shipping and handling system, educate the ag industry about how it is set up to work, and highlight farmers’ experiences dealing with a system with limited capacity. The overall goal of the project is to engage with all the stakeholders responsible for getting Canadian grain to market and identify opportunities to address inefficiencies, says GGC Executive Director Erin Gowriluk.

“We know that every year, Canadian farmers produce more and more grain but few of us really understand where the grain goes when it leaves the terminal and how it gets to our end-use markets around the globe,” she says. “This podcast is an opportunity for us to delve deeper into the complex system and hear from the voices that is often missing in the conversation around grain shipment in Canada – those of farmers.”

The Grain on Trains hotline is now officially open to farmers, Gowriluk says, and is an opportunity for them to share frustrations, ask questions or just share general thoughts.

“We just want to hear from farmers – what problems have you encountered with our current grain shipping and handling system in Canada? What frustrations do you have around grain movement, or outstanding questions about how it works?” she says.

The first podcast guest will be Mark Hemmes of Quorum Corp., Canada’s Grain Transportation Monitor. Future guests will be posted on the website so that callers can direct specific questions as needed. Farmers who call the line will be asked to leave a recording, which may be shared as part of the podcast. The first episode of the Grain Growers of Canada podcast is now available at Grainontrains.ca. Episodes are also available wherever you listen to podcasts.

To participate in the hotline, text your message to 416-649-6488 or record your voice message at (toll-free) 1-888-870-3672.

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.

We cannot wait on Bill C-206, say Canada’s grain farmers

ggc2022dev on June 28, 2021

June 28, 2021 (Ottawa, Ontario) The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) and Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) are calling on the Senate to vote and pass Bill C-206 before Parliament rises for the summer recess.

“This is not about politics, this about what farmers need,” said GGC chair Andre Harpe. “With an important summer and harvest season ahead of us, we urge the Senate to rapidly approve this bill so we can work on meeting our country’s ambitious growth targets for the agricultural sector.”

Bill C-206, An Act to Amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, expands the existing exemption from the price on pollution for qualifying farm fuels to include propane and natural gas. The expansion of this exemption is critical to grain farmers who often need to dry their grain prior to marketing it.

Bill C-206 passed through the House of Commons with strong bipartisan support– including affirmative votes coming from the Conservative, New Democratic, Bloc Quebecois, and Green parties.

“We recognize that this legislation is not a total fix for the increased cost burden of the carbon price,” added GFO chair Brendan Byrne. “However, this bill would provide some initial and urgent relief for farmers across the country who have no alternative fuel sources to dry their grain after its harvested.”

Without proper grain drying when faced with wet conditions and adverse weather, grain often spoils and becomes unsuitable for international markets that farmers, and the Canadian economy, count on.

Bill C-206 requires the Senate’s approval and Royal Assent to become law.

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 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.

Senate must immediately pass Bill C-208 to provide tax fairness for Canadian farms

ggc2022dev on June 17, 2021

June 17, 2021 (Ottawa, Ontario) –  The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) are calling on Canadian Senators to immediately allow for a final vote on Bill C-208 before Parliament rises for the summer recess.

“Canadian farms are 98 per cent family-owned and operated and we want to keep it that way,” said William Van Tassel, GGC vice-chair, from his farm near Hébertville, QC. “Farm families today face a myriad of challenges, from the increasing cost of land to the capital requirements of those entering the industry. The passage of this bill would eliminate the burden of unfair tax rates that make it difficult to keep businesses under family ownership.”

If passed, Bill C-208 would allow small businesses, farm families, and family fishing corporations the same tax rate when selling their operations to a family member as they would if sold to a third party. Presently, when a farm is sold to a family member, the difference between the sale price and the original purchase price is considered a dividend. However, if the business is sold to a non-family member, the sale is classified as a capital gain. A capital gain is taxed at a significantly lower rate and allows the seller to use the lifetime capital gains exemption.

After the Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee passed Bill C-208 last week, it was expected that the legislation would move to a third and final vote early this week. However, the bill has not yet come up for debate, nor has a vote been scheduled.

With Parliament expected to rise next week, if Bill C-208 is not passed immediately, this unnecessary burden on farm families will persist. To keep the farm in the family, farmers will be faced with the impossible choice of either less financial security in retirement or a sale to a third-party buyer.

“It is time to stop playing games with something as important to the fabric of rural Canada as our family farms. We are calling on the Senate to cease the delay of this important bill and ensure that Canadian farms have a better chance to remain in the family,” added Van Tassel. “There are only a few days left for the Senate to pass this bill. On behalf of grain farmers, we implore our Senators to bring the legislation to a vote and pass this bill into law.”

Bill C-208 passed through the House of Commons, with cross-party support from the Conservatives, NDP, Bloc Quebecois, and 19 Liberal MPs at the behest of the vast majority of stakeholders – including many farm groups who appeared as witnesses during Committee proceedings.

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 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.

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.