Cutting red tape a top priority for Canadian agriculture Tuesday, July 5, 2011 by SUSAN MANNGovernments should focus on cutting red tape, slashing taxes and improving market access for Canadian farm products to boost the agricultural industry’s overall competitiveness, according to a Canadian business organization.Those three items were identified as top priorities by 1,049 respondents to a recent Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) survey of its members on the future of agriculture. Virginia Labbie, CFIB senior policy analyst for agri-business, says the federation’s members really see red tape reduction as a low-cost way for governments to drive productivity in the farming sector. Red tape costs the Canadian economy $30 billion annually for business owners to comply with government regulations at all levels, she says, noting that includes the forms, required paperwork and frustrating customer service at various agencies.But CFIB is encouraged the federal government announced a red tape reduction commission. “We would hope that agriculture ministers this week also make a firm commitment to reduce the regulatory burden on farmers,” she says.The federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers are meeting this week for their conference being held July 7 and 8 in St. Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick.The other priorities CFIB survey respondents identified for government action were: lobby for a reduction in international subsidies; increase the focus on industry research, development and innovation; and design more responsive business risk management programs.“The message really is: give farmers more time and more money to reinvest back in their business and be more productive,” she explains.The CFIB hopes its top three priorities are the focus of discussions this week at the agriculture ministers’ meeting and at upcoming future discussions as governments determine the details of the next generation Growing Forward programs.CFIB continues to hear from farmers that AgriStability is still extremely complicated, not responsive and too slow to address their needs. So far, 1,100 farmers have signed a CFIB action alert, which is a petition, calling for change to this program.The federation knows agriculture ministers have been reviewing business risk management programs since 2008 but many members are still dissatisfied with the program. “We just think this is useful feedback for them as they design the next suite of business risk management programs,” Labbie says.The federation’s farmer member priorities for government were in an open letter to federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers released this week. BF Oxford farmer lands second in North American competition Wind and solar projects announced
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online