Start Date: 2025-02-22
End Date: 2025-02-28

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Minister MacAulay Visits Washington to Bolster Agricultural Ties

On February 27, 2025, Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay visited Washington, D.C. to meet with U.S. officials and stakeholders in agriculture. Discussions focused on reducing trade barriers and enhancing the Canada-U.S. agricultural trading relationship, valued at $101 billion in 2024. MacAulay highlighted the negative impacts of potential U.S. tariffs, emphasizing the importance of the $200 million in daily agricultural trade crossing the border. Meetings with Senator John Boozman and Representatives Glenn Thompson and Angie Craig reinforced Canada’s role as a key trading partner.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Expansion of Plum Pox Virus Regulated Area in Niagara

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has expanded the regulated area for the plum pox virus in Ontario's Niagara region by 2.5 kilometres. This measure aims to prevent the virus from spreading further and protect the region's tender fruit trees. Moving potentially infected materials out of the regulated area is prohibited, and annual surveillance will continue to maintain market access to the U.S. for Canadian nursery stock.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Invests $5 Million in Plant-Based Food Production

PacifiCan announced a $5 million investment to support Konscious Foods in Richmond, B.C. This funding will help the company scale-up manufacturing and expand its plant-based sushi and seafood products to new markets. The investment is expected to create over 40 jobs and increase demand for Canadian suppliers, boosting the local economy and promoting regional prosperity.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Farm Financial Survey 2023 Released

Statistics Canada has released the Farm Financial Survey for 2023, providing data on farm assets, liabilities, capital investments, revenues, and expenses.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Funding Boosts Growth at Laiterie de l’Outaouais

The Government of Canada has allocated over $6.2 million to Laiterie de l’Outaouais to expand its plant and automate processes. This investment, including $4.7 million from the Supply Management Processing Investment Fund, aims to increase production capacity and develop new products, enhancing the competitiveness of the Gatineau-based dairy cooperative.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Amendments to Canadian Chicken Marketing Regulations

The Canadian Chicken Marketing Quota Regulations have been amended to define production limits for period A-195 from April 6 to May 31, 2025. Additionally, the levy rate for producers in Nova Scotia and Manitoba marketing chicken in interprovincial or export trade has been updated, aiming to streamline operations within the chicken marketing sector.

Sources: Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca, Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca

Oilseed Crushing Statistics for January 2025

In January, Canadian oilseed processors crushed 1,010,532 tonnes of canola, producing 423,802 tonnes of oil and 591,256 tonnes of meal.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Dairy Statistics for December 2024 Now Available

Statistics Canada has published dairy statistics for December 2024, covering production and distribution metrics across Canada and the provinces.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

CPTPP: Eggs and Egg Products TRQ Notice

Global Affairs Canada has released a notice on tariff rate quotas for eggs and egg products under the CPTPP, effective February 28, 2025.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

Import of Wheat, Barley, and Products Notice Updated

The notice for importing wheat, barley, and related products has been updated, clarifying access rules under various trade agreements.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

New Data on Duty-Free Beef and Veal Imports

Beef and veal imports from CPTPP countries are now duty-free under the Canada Tariff Elimination Schedule, effective January 1, 2023.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

B.C. Agritech Projects to Create Jobs and Enhance Food Security

British Columbia announces nearly 200 new jobs and training in agritech through a $15 million investment, supporting local agritech and agrifood businesses.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta Tax Credit Fuels Bioprocessing Investments

Alberta's Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit supports Canary Biofuels' $18 million oilseed crushing plant, creating 65 jobs and processing 200,000 tonnes annually.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Saskatchewan Invests in Sustainable Tech R&D

Innovation Saskatchewan invests $1.09 million in R&D projects, advancing commercialization in agriculture, mining, and energy sectors.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Saskatchewan Delegation Visits Washington for Trade Talks

Premier Scott Moe leads a delegation to Washington to strengthen trade relations and discuss tariff threats with U.S. decision-makers.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Alberta's Budget 2025 Focuses on Economic Growth

Budget 2025 in Alberta aims to boost economic growth through investments in infrastructure, trade, and skilled workforce development.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Karina Gould on Rural Sector Discussions

MP Karina Gould noted the lack of discussion around rural sectors, including agriculture, mining, and forestry in Canada.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Arpan Khanna at Oxford County Dairy Producers AGM

MP Arpan Khanna attended the Oxford County Dairy Producers AGM, affirming Conservative support for farmers and producers.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Minister Lawrence MacAulay Advocates for Stronger Trade Ties

Minister Lawrence MacAulay emphasized strengthening Canada-U.S. trade relationships at the NASDA Winter Policy Conference.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP John Barlow on Supporting Canadian Farmers

MP John Barlow called for a government that supports Canadian farmers and producers for long-term success.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Robert Black on Soil Health Initiatives

Senator Robert Black noted the CFA's motion on implementing mechanisms to support early adopters in soil health initiatives.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Marnie McBean Praises Agricultural Sector's Impact

Senator Marnie McBean recognized the agricultural sector's contribution to 10% of Canada's GDP at an event.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Ag Expo 2025: new farming equipment and technology on display in Lethbridge: Farmers and industry experts gather to explore new technologies.
• ‘A wake-up call’: Report urges agri-food export diversification amid tariff threat: A report on the need for export diversification due to tariff concerns.
• RBC Report Calls for Bold Agri-Food Strategy to Diversify Canada's Trade and Unlock $44 Billion in New Export Growth: RBC's strategy proposal for agri-food trade diversification.
• How a high-tech vertical farm in Ontario could help reduce our need for U.S. produce: Exploring the potential of vertical farming in reducing reliance on U.S. produce.