GGC looks forward to working with the Liberal government to fulfill their commitments to Canadian agriculture.

(OTTAWA — October 22, 2019) Grain Growers of Canada (GGC), on behalf of its 65,000 grain farmer members across Canada, would like to congratulate Justin Trudeau and the elected Liberal minority government. GGC looks forward to working together to ensure federal decisions are made with Canadian farmers and their families in mind.

“Grain farmers appreciate Mr. Trudeau and his government’s recognition that the Canadian economy, as a whole, benefits from a strong agriculture sector,” said GGC Chair Jeff Nielsen. “We are eager to get down to work and ensure that our sector realizes its full growth potential.”

This is a critical time for farmers and for our industry. As we face challenges to our sector, GGC has and will continue to call on the federal government to be a willing partner and demonstrate a commitment to standing up for Canadian agriculture.

During the election cycle, all parties recognized the importance of strong, bankable risk management programs for farmers. The Liberal Party platform has pledged to increase federal support for these programs, which is critical to protect Canadian farmers and their families from risks beyond their control. GGC will advocate for these commitments to be treated with urgency. This is an opportunity for all parties to work together in a collaborative and constructive way on behalf of our agricultural sector.

On the trade front, farmers continue to face significant challenges accessing key markets around the world. A rules-based trading system is needed to ensure that Canadian farmers have fair and predictable access to the international marketplace. This is why GGC was encouraged to see a commitment from the Liberal Party to increase support for the World Trade Organization. Canadian farmers, in particular, have been affected by recent international trade disputes. This commitment, coupled with new investments to promote Canada’s global brand, are a step in the right direction. GGC will continue its work with the federal government to develop a strategy to address the challenges facing Canadian farmers in key markets around the world.

During the campaign, Mr. Trudeau also committed to increase collaboration between Canadian scientists, researchers and innovators in G7 countries and advanced economies. GGC supports a rigorous, science-based, evidence-based and risk-based regulatory system that protects human health and the environment and enables reliable access to crop protection products. As reflected in the Liberal Party platform, this promise of open collaboration is a step toward achieving these objectives while increasing alignment with our trading partners.

“The Liberal government of the past four years had demonstrated measurable progress towards the growth of the agri-food sector,” added Nielsen. “Now, with a renewed mandate, GGC stands ready and willing to work with Mr. Trudeau’s government as they redouble their efforts to help farmers and the industry achieve long-term success.”

Grain Growers of Canada provides a strong national voice for over 65,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 16 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.

Media Contact:
Lindsey Ehman – Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
(o): 613-233-9954 ext. 202
(c): 613-222-2726
(e): lehman@ggc-pgc.ca

Canada lags behind its competitors when it comes to government support for innovative crop protection methods and plant biotechnologies.

(OTTAWA — October 9, 2019) The federal election is just over two weeks away and the Grain Growers of Canada (GCC) are speaking up to remind Canadian politicians that investment in innovative plant science is essential to the country’s agricultural outputs as well as to its overall economic strength.

Technology and innovation are critical to the work Canadian grain farmers do each day and their use of science-based crop protection methods, plant biotechnologies and gene editing has agricultural, economic and societal benefits.

“Innovation and farming go hand-in-hand,” said GCC Chair Jeff Nielsen from his farm in Olds, AB. “By harnessing innovation and using cutting-edge techniques and practices, Canadian grain farmers can sustainably produce more of the safe, high quality grain that consumers demand.”

An additional $8.3 billion of Canadian crops are grown per year as a direct result of farmers’ use of plant biotechnologies and innovative crop protection products. In fact, biotech crops are more resistant to weeds, insects and diseases and the use of innovative crop protection methods and scientific innovations also lead to increased yield and improved agronomic traits. As a result, this allows for the more efficient use of resources like land, water, and inputs like seeds, fertilizer and pesticides, leading a smaller environmental footprint. Without scientific innovations, Canadian farmers would need to farm 50% more land to grow the same amount of food.

Innovation has trickle-down effects on the Canadian economy and on Canadian society. The plant science industry contributes almost $10 billion to Canada’s GDP each year and is responsible for more than 130,000 jobs in Canada. Innovation also provides economic viability for the next generation of farmers, whose use of biotech crops and new varieties will result in a reliable, profitable yield. Additionally, innovation in farming saves each Canadian family more $4,000 per year and has resulted in healthier, more affordable food.

“Smart science and innovative agricultural methods make good agricultural and economic sense,” added Nielsen. “Not only do they provide economic stability for our farmers, but they also contribute to stability for Canadian families by helping keep food costs low.”

However, when it comes to investment in agriculture innovation, Canada is falling behind. The United States ranks first in the world for its use of biotechnology with access to cutting-edge science and innovations, while, as a result of redundant reviews that lead to regulatory uncertainty, Canadian farmers are being put at a competitive disadvantage relative to our counterparts across the border. All this while Canadian farmers continue to experience net farm income declines. According to Statistics Canada, 2018 was the lowest farm income reported in eight years.

“Political leaders need to ensure Canadian farmers can access the best plant technologies and innovations possible, or Canadian farmers, the Canadian economy and Canadian society will be left behind,” said Nielsen.

It is only by encouraging investment in plan science innovations that Canadian grain farmers can produce the world’s highest quality, most-profitable grains. By establishing clear, predictable requirements for the pre-market assessment of gene-edited crops, we will ensure that Canadian grain farmers have access to the agricultural innovations that will keep them competitive in the global marketplace now and far into the future.

Grain Growers of Canada provides a strong national voice for over 65,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 16 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.

Media Contact:
Lindsey Ehman – Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
(o): 613-233-9954 ext. 202
(c): 613-222-2726
(e): lehman@ggc-pgc.ca

Grain farmers across Canada are calling on the leaders of all parties to share their plans to re-open markets for agricultural trade

OTTAWA (September 12, 2019) – Now that the federal election cycle has officially begun, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is urging political leaders to share their party’s plan to address the market access challenges facing Canada’s export-oriented agriculture sector.

“We are just weeks away from choosing a new federal government and we have yet to hear anything concrete regarding trade from any of our major parties or political leaders,” said GGC Chair Jeff Nielsen from his farm in Olds, AB. “Whoever wins this election will be inheriting this situation and must have a strategy in place to address it in short order.”

With the vast majority of Canadian grain destined for international markets, the importance of a robust and clear strategy for trade cannot be understated.

While China has dominated the headlines – and rightly so – due to their halting of canola, soybeans, beef, and pork products, the market access problems experienced by farmers have extended beyond Canada’s second-largest trading partner. GGC members have borne the brunt of the cost associated with halted durum wheat trade with Italy, the shutdown of pulse products shipped into India, and persistent challenges with Vietnam and Saudi Arabia.

The volatility of these export markets is having a clear and negative impact on hard-working farm families. Statistics Canada has reported that our nation’s farmers saw net farm income fall by 45 per cent to $3.9 billion in 2018, the second-consecutive annual drop in income and the lowest reported in eight years.

Without any indication that geopolitical tensions will ease anytime soon, harvest 2019 doesn’t offer any cause for optimism.

“Canadian grain farmers need market certainty,” added Nielsen. “That means having a federal government who acts aggressively to remove trade barriers that stand in our way and ensures that those with whom we have trade agreements live up to their commitments.”

As Canada’s united voice for grain producers, GGC will continue to advocate for reassurance for Canada’s export-oriented farmers. We look forward to working with whoever is willing to stand up for our farmers and our economy.

Grain Growers of Canada provides a strong national voice for over 65,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 16 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.

Media Contact:
Lindsey Ehman – Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
(o): 613-233-9954 ext. 202
(c): 613-222-2726
(e): lehman@ggc-pgc.ca

Canada’s farmers are united in urging action to reopen the Chinese market to our world-class agri-food exports.

Ottawa (September 4, 2019) – On behalf of 65,000 Canadian grain, oilseed and pulse producers, the Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) would like to commend the federal government on their appointment of Dominic Barton as ambassador to China.

“Canada’s grain growers would like to congratulate Mr. Barton on his new role,” said GGC Chair Jeff Nielsen from his farm in Olds, AB. “Given the importance and recent uncertainty of our trade relationship, it is crucial to have an experienced voice in China to stand up for our sector and help re-open the markets we count on.”

Canada’s farmers rely on exports to survive and thrive as over 90 per cent of our agri-food products are shipped to international customers. GGC is hopeful that the federal government prioritizes the needs of our export-oriented grain sector. This includes quickly moving to resolve the market access challenges that our members are increasingly facing into the Chinese marketplace.

“Canadian grain farmers have suffered the impact of this trade dispute for far too long,” added Nielsen. “We rely on certainty with our customers to secure our future and are hopeful that our new ambassador will help to re-establish a fruitful relationship with our second-largest trading partner.”

As author the 2017 Barton Report, prepared by an advisory council formed by Finance Minister Morneau, Mr. Barton indicated that agriculture was as a sector with the potential for substantial growth and export improvement. GGC is confident that Mr. Barton will carry forward this sentiment and recognize that agriculture is a key driver of the Canadian economy.

GGC will continue to advocate for immediate action on this file and prioritize market access for Canadian agri-food exports.

About Grain Growers of Canada
Grain Growers of Canada provides a strong national voice for over 65,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 16 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.

Media Contact:
Lindsey Ehman
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
(o): 613-233-9954 ext. 202
(c): 613-222-2726
(e): lehman@ggc-pgc.ca

Agreement is key to establishing certainty and growth in North American market for Canada’s grain farmers

OTTAWA (June 19, 2019) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is urging both Houses of Parliament to pass legislation and quickly ratify the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) to begin realizing the benefits of this historic agreement.

“Our farmer members across Canada need certainty to invest and grow,” said GGC Chair Jeff Nielsen from his farm near Olds, AB. “This is why Government must pass this legislation before summer break to ensure our North American market access is preserved. The success of Canadian agriculture is not a partisan issue and we urge all parties to work together to see the legislation through”

If the bill to ratify CUSMA, called Bill C-100, is passed this week, it will represent a meaningful upgrade to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) for Canadian agriculture by keeping our trade with the United States and Mexico tariff free. The CUSMA will also remove legal barriers that prevent grain grown in the US from being treated equally here – a longstanding request from grain farmers on both sides of the border.

“We need tariff-free access for our export commodities as soon as possible,” continued Mr. Nielsen. “Canadian farmers rely on stable markets to succeed and ratifying the CUSMA will allow us to capitalize on further opportunities for growth with our closest trading partners.”

GGC will continue, in conjunction with our partners within the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), to advocate for the timely passage of Bill C-100.

About Grain Growers of Canada

GGC provides a strong national voice for over 65,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 16 provincial, regional and national grower groups. As a farmer-driven association, GGC advocates for the federal government to take decisions that support the competitiveness and profitability of grain growers across Canada.

Media Contact:
Lindsey Ehman
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
(o): 613-233-9954 ext. 202
(c): 613-222-2726
(e): lehman@ggc-pgc.ca

Grain industry continues to call for recognition of progress in sustainability and exemption for all farm fuels.

OTTAWA (May 30, 2019) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) greeted with interest the announcement today by Environment and Climate Change (ECCC) Minister Catherine McKenna of the Climate Action Incentive Fund (CAIF). While the CAIF offers some relief for farmers in the four provinces under the federal backstop, GGC continues to call for the exemption of all stationary and liquid fuels used on farms.

Farm businesses have a large number of fixed costs that are subject to the price on carbon. While farmers appreciate the exemption provided for marked fuels, it is only one piece of the increasingly expensive pie. “As natural price takers, grain farmers are unable to pass along added costs which are the result of the federal price on carbon,” said Jeff Nielsen, GGC Chair. “Just this week, Statistics Canada reported significant decreases in farm incomes over the past year and we simply cannot afford to absorb any more costs.”

The Fund is intended to return revenue collected through the carbon price from small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) ($1.5 billion over five years) back to the sector in an effort to help them take climate action and lower their energy costs while remaining competitive.

This will be accomplished through rebates and incentive programs via two program streams.

Of particular interest to grain farmers is the SME Project Stream that is intended to provide funding to support producers in their efforts to increase the energy efficiency of farm equipment. The need to dry grain has become increasingly common as Canada experiences weather variations and unpredictable harvests. While farmers are typically on the leading edge of sustainable technologies, grain drying is one area where financial support could help offset the heavy price tag required to move to the next generation. More information is needed to assess precisely where farmers in the four affected provinces could most benefit from the program.

The second, SME Rebate Stream, does not currently include any typical farm equipment in the list of specified equipment. GGC encourages ECCC to look at opportunities to expand the list to include the equipment and technology that offer farmers and the environment the greatest benefit.

It is unclear exactly how much of the monies will be returned to the grain farming community as, according to the government’s announcement, SME’s make up 98 per cent of Canadian businesses. It can be expected that demand for these program dollars will be very high and no specific agriculture stream has been announced. We would welcome the opportunity to sit on the announced Advisory Committee to ensure a strong agriculture voice.

“GGC appreciates the Minister’s recognition of the significant costs that farmers incur when we invest in energy efficient alternatives,” continued Mr. Nielsen. “We look forward to continuing our work with her staff and officials at ECCC to mitigate the impact of the carbon price on Canada’s agriculture sector.

About Grain Growers of Canada

GGC provides a strong national voice for over 65,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 16 provincial, regional and national grower groups. As a farmer-driven association, GGC advocates for the federal government to take decisions that support the competitiveness and profitability of grain growers across Canada.

Media Contact:
Lindsey Ehman
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
(o): 613-233-9954 ext. 202
(c): 613-222-2726
(e): lehman@ggc-pgc.ca

Immediate calls for action include changes to the AgriStability program and expanding the interest-free portion of Advance Payments Program to all commodities.

OTTAWA (May 14, 2019) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) today called on the federal government to develop a strategy to address an increasingly unpredictable trade environment affecting the incomes of grain farmers across Canada. The strategy should recognize that China’s blocking of Canadian canola is politically motivated, which was acknowledged last week by Prime Minister Trudeau.

Yesterday, the United States Government announced $15 billion in aid to help farmers whose products may be targeted with Chinese tariffs amid the deepening trade war. This marks the second round of assistance after the $12 billion plan last August to compensate American farmers for lost sales and low prices as a result of trade disputes with China and other countries. President Trump has also indicated that the government will not hesitate to purchase grains from US farmers for distribution as food aid, further distorting markets.

The escalating trade war between the United States and China is having a significant impact on grain farmers across Canada. In addition to the recent suspension of canola imports from Canada over unproven phytosanitary concerns, soybean prices are dropping and imports to China have slowed to a trickle, reaching levels not seen in a decade. Industry and government officials have confirmed that Chinese importers are reluctant to sign contracts for other Canadian agricultural products given the uncertainty in the market.

“The time has come for the Canadian Government to aggressively defend the interests of Canada’s agriculture sector in China and around the world,” said GGC Chair, Jeff Nielsen from his farm in Olds, AB. “This is a non-partisan issue and Canadian farmers need government support to ensure that we are well positioned to weather this storm.”

GGC is calling for the Government of Canada to develop a strategy to address the increasingly complex and unpredictable trade environment in which Canadian farmers find themselves. As they work towards this goal, GGC is asking the Government to consider ways in which it can support Canadian farmers starting by the immediate implementation of meaningful changes to the AgriStability Program to ensure it is a bankable, predictable, simple and scalable program. This includes coverage for margin losses below 85 per cent and removal of the reference margin limit. These changes can be made under the current Business Risk Management program framework.

While changes to the Advanced Payment Program (APP) may only help farmers manage cash flow issues in the near-term, the increase in the interest-free portion from $100,000 to $500,000 should not be limited to canola. Several commodities are being negatively impacted by the current situation either directly or indirectly and the government needs to open the interest free portion up to all commodities.

“The issues we are seeing with trade into China can no longer be said to be commodity specific,” said GGC Vice Chair Markus Haerle from St. Isidore, ON. “As a soybean farmer I’ve seen my prices plummet and markets close due to the flooding of the market by US product.”

For too long, grain farmers have seen market after market close because of non-tariff barriers to trade. In addition to Chinese disruption, the loss of the Indian pulse market and Italian durum market has added to the long list of risks that farmers are expected to manage – risks that are well beyond their control. Canada’s grain producers appreciate it when the Government stands behind our world-class products – now it is time for them to do everything in their power to keep markets open so the sector can reach its full growth potential.

Media Contact:
Lindsey Ehman
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
(o): 613-233-9954 ext. 202
(c): 613-222-2726
(e): lehman@ggc-pgc.ca

OTTAWA (March 19, 2019) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) welcomed initiatives in Budget 2019 that will help make the value-chain more competitive, including the exemption of farm fuel bought at cardlocks from the carbon price, investments in rural broadband, and a commitment to reform the Canada Grain Act and the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC).

“We are pleased that the Government continues to respond to concerns raised by farmers,” said Jeff Nielsen, GGC Chair. “We wish the Government had gone further and exempted all fuels used in grain farming from the carbon price, but this is another step in the right direction, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Government to get further exemptions for the sector.”

In Budget 2019, the Government has committed to reforming the Canada Grain Act and the operations of the Canadian Grain Commission. GGC has long called for reform of the Act and the CGC and will work with the Government to ensure that the consultations on reform lead to real changes that make it more competitive and more profitable to be a grain farmer in Canada.

GGC was also pleased to see investment of up to $1.7B over 13 years for rural and remote broadband and the commitment to release an agri-food regulatory reform roadmap. These initiatives will make it easier to do business as a grain farmer.

“Grain farmers know they can make their money from the marketplace and we will continue to support all efforts to reduce the cost of doing business in Canada and to expand new markets,” added Mr. Nielsen. “Grain farmers welcome these incremental steps in the right direction.”

Grain farmers also took note of the announcement of the Government’s intention to move forward with a Food Policy. GGC will continue to work with the Government to ensure that the Food Policy reflects the realities of 65,000 grain farmers across Canada.

About Grain Growers of Canada
GGC provides a strong national voice for over 65,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 16 provincial, regional and national grower groups. As a farmer-driven association, GGC advocates for the federal government to take decisions that support the competitiveness and profitability of grain growers across Canada.