Press Release Department: Federal - Agriculture and Agri-Food

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, Sask.) announced the appointment of Kimberley Hill to the Farm Products Council of Canada (FPCC). Ms. Hill’s appointment to the Council is for a three-year term effective immediately. The full release is available online. Call 613-773-1059. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, Sask.) announced the reappointment of Doris Priddle to Farm Credit … Read more

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, Sask.) announced federal approval of a deal reached between CWB and G3 Global Grain Group which ensures CWB becomes a fully private and global competitor in the Canadian grain sector. With this deal, the government has fully delivered on its commitment to Marketing Freedom by increasing marketing choice for Western Canadian … Read more

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, Sask.) announced an investment of $1.4 million under Growing Forward 2 for two projects being led by the Canada Grains Council (CGC) to help the grain industry demonstrate its compliance with global sustainability requirements and expand its access to international markets. The CGC is receiving over $1 million to develop tools … Read more

The latest data shows that the agriculture and agri-food sector continues to generate significant economic benefits for Canada. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) released the annual Overview of the Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food System. The report provides historical data up to 2013, and demonstrates the sector’s continued strong contribution to the Canadian economy. More information … Read more

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, Sask.) issued a statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling on marketing freedom. “The Supreme Court of Canada rejected the leave application to continue with the class action lawsuit brought by the Friends of the Canadian Wheat Board (Dennis et al) against the Government for removing the single-desk monopoly of the Canadian Wheat Board. … Read more

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, Sask.) highlighted major enhancements to the Advance Payments Program (APP) designed to improve and streamline administration, provide greater flexibility and more repayment options, and ease access to the program for producers. On Feb. 27, 2015, the government announced the coming into force of the Agricultural Growth Act which makes improvements to the Advance Payments … Read more

On behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, Sask.), Conservative MP Dean Allison (Niagara West-Glanbrook, Ont.) announced $143,260 in funding for the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre to conduct research into improving the use of biological controls for pest and disease management for the Canadian greenhouse sector. Call 613-773-1059. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs Pierre Lemieux (Glengarry-Prescott- Russell, … Read more

Conservative MP Susan Truppe (London North Centre, Ont.) announced $1.19 million in funding for A&L Biologicals Inc. to help develop a diagnostic test that will help corn producers increase their productivity through improved plant and soil health. A&L Biologicals will use molecular technologies to detect and diagnose microorganisms that impact corn output. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researchers at … Read more

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, Sask.) concluded his agricultural trade mission to Vietnam, where he promoted world-class, safe Canadian beef and created business opportunities for industry representatives in the delegation. Minister Ritz introduced the Canada Beef Inc. Brand series to Asia, where he showcased Canadian beef exports to Vietnam with industry at a cooking demonstration. The … Read more

On behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, Sask.), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue, for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and to the Minister of Agriculture Gerald Keddy (South Shore-St. Margaret’s, N.S.) announced an investment of $1.83 million in a Canadian-led international research effort to give potato farmers a technological edge in predicting and preventing yield losses … Read more