Another step taken in pullet growers' bid for marketing agency Tuesday, April 30, 2013 by SUSAN MANN The panel appointed by the Farm Products Council of Canada held the first of two days of hearings last week studying the request of Pullet Growers of Canada to establish a marketing agency. The hearing was held April 23 in Ottawa. Andy DeWeerd, chair of Pullet Growers of Canada, says they faced some tough questions “but we were able to give the answers.” He characterized the hearing as a “good day overall.” DeWeerd says Pullet Growers was one of 10 presenters at the hearing. All of the submissions “were in favour so it was very positive that way. The council took a very active role and asked good questions of us.” The next hearing will be in Winnipeg on May 22. After that the panel will make a recommendation to the Farm Products Council of Canada and “if it’s favourable” the council will make a recommendation to federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, who takes it to Cabinet, DeWeerd says. The minister makes the decision based on the council’s recommendation. There are 550 pullet growers in Canada. Pullets, young chickens raised to become egg layers, are currently the only part of the feather industry not under supply management. The pullet growers’ organization is pursing agency status to give it the required legal powers to represent and make decisions on behalf of members. Having a national marketing agency means pullet farmers will have their own voice in the poultry industry. BF Contest's goal is to help put a face to farming Federal reforms tread lightly on seasonal ag worker program
Festival celebrates migrant workers in Leamington Friday, September 11, 2026 The Festival of Guest Nations will mark its 20th anniversary on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Seacliff Park in Leamington, Ontario, bringing together migrant workers, local residents, community organizations, and service providers for a day focused on culture, community, and... Read this article online
El Niño Forecast Signals Warm Fall Across Canada Friday, September 11, 2026 According to the Weather Network, the El Niño is strengthening and is expected to become one of the most significant events on record, raising questions about how the climate pattern could influence Canada’s fall weather and the end to the growing season for producers. With El Niño... Read this article online
Premier Ford names new ag minister in cabinet shuffle Thursday, September 10, 2026 When the Ontario legislature returns in October, the province’s agriculture industry will have a new voice at Queen’s Park. In a Sept. 10 cabinet shuffle, Premier Ford named Sam Oosterhoff as the new minister of agriculture, food and agribusiness. He takes over for Trevor Jones, who... Read this article online
Canada Trade Tribunal Submits Report on Vegetable Imports and Potential Industry Injury Thursday, September 10, 2026 The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) has submitted its report on imports of certain vegetable goods to the Governor in Council following a six-month safeguard inquiry into potential injury to Canadian producers. The Tribunal announced Sept. 9 that the report contains its... Read this article online
Canada-U.S. Trade Dispute Raises Concerns for Agri-Businesses Tuesday, September 8, 2026 Like many of their small business counterparts, Canadian agri-businesses operating across the border are warning that prolonged trade tensions could threaten their financial stability, according to a by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) that was released last... Read this article online