Seed Modernization Survey closes May 1
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency Seed Regulatory Modernization Survey is set to wrap up May 1st.
The online survey covering seed crops only opened in February as part of the CFIA's efforts to modernize the Seed Regulations.
The CFIA is looking for input from businesses, farm organizations, the seed and grain sector, farmers, seed growers, analysts, developers, and conditioners.
Anyone interested in variety registration, sampling, testing and grading of seed, or the sale, import and export of seed is encouraged to participate.
CN reports strong grain movement for April
Grain movement on CN Rail lines has been fairly consistent over the last few weeks.
CN's Assistant Vice-President of Grain says demand remained strong right through April.
David Przednowek says we haven't seen that seasonal drop-off for seeding, but that could be because spring seeding has been slow to develop.
FCC report shows farmland rental rates are keeping pace with farmland values.
Farm Credit Canada has been studying farmland rental rates as compared to farmland values.
Data shows the national rent-to-price ratio in 2023 was 2.52%, reflecting a negligible decline from the previous year.
FCC Senior Economist Justin Shepherd says in 2023 we saw some fairly strong farmland value growth across the prairies, especially in Saskatchewan as well as Manitoba,
while Alberta had a little bit slower growth, but it was still positive.
Plant 2024 on the Prairies expected to see a rain/snow delay this week
Farmers have started turning their attention to spring seeding as they wrap up soil tests, check moisture, prep equipment, start doing some pre-seed burnoff, seed treatments
and start planting.
Some producers have slowly started their seeding operations hoping to take advantage of whatever moisture they can, while others are getting ready.
Rain and snow over the last few weeks have been a welcome sight but more is needed after a fairly dry winter resulted in a lack of snow cover in many areas.
Bunge and Viterra respond to Competition Bureau Report
Bunge and Viterra are pleased that the Canadian Competition Bureau has concluded its review of Bunge’s proposed acquisition of Viterra and issued its non-binding advisory report to the Minister of Transport. We appreciate the Bureau’s time and effort in reviewing the transaction.
Canadian Foodgrains Bank benefits from Viterra partnership
For the ninth year, Viterra is partnering with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank to help end world hunger.
Viterra will provide 267 acres of land around five terminals in Alberta and Saskatchewan to the Foodgrains Bank.
Alberta sites include Lethbridge, and Trochu, with Saskatchewan sites including Balgonie, Grenfell, and Raymore.
Farm groups pleased to see the Competition Bureau identify areas of concern with Bunge's proposed merger of Viterra
The Competition Bureau released its report this week regarding Bunge's proposed acquisition of Viterra.
David Hunt named as new Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission
Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay has named David Hunt to the position of Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC).
Hunt has over 25 years of leadership experience in Canada's agriculture sector
He joined the Department of Agriculture in Manitoba in 2007, where he held several positions,including leadership roles with Veterinary Diagnostic Services and the Livestock Industry Branch, before accepting the position of Assistant Deputy Minister for the Corporate Services and Innovation Division.
KAP's President was part of the Premier's Trade Mission to Washington
Premier Wab Kinew's recent Trade Mission to Washington is being called a success.
The trip also included Ministers Jamie Moses and Lisa Naylor, former U.S. Ambassador Gary Doer and members of the Premier’s Business and Jobs Council.
In meetings with elected representatives from across the United States, the premier and his delegation promoted Manitoba-made resources and solutions to today’s concerns including agriculture, low-carbon energy and fair labour relations.
Kinew notes that Manitoba has an incredible story to tell.
New study on Soil Health in Canada is expected to be tabled in the next few months
This week is National Soil Conservation Week.
Over the last few months, the Senate Committee on Agriculture has been working on developing a new study on Soil Health in Canada.
Senator Robert Black says the committee toured the country to get a first-hand look at the situation, meeting with various scientists, producers, organizations and researchers to get an understanding of what's been happening.
The committee heard from 153 witnesses over the course of approximately 18 months and received 72 briefs from interested parties and individuals.