Press Release Department: Federal - Agriculture and Agri-Food

On behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, Sask.), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture Pierre Lemieux (Glengarry-Prescott- Russell, Ont.) announced an investment of over $136,000 to the Canadian Highly Migratory Species Foundation to brand and promote the export of Canadian albacore tuna. With this investment, the Canadian Highly Migratory Species Foundation will engage in market development activities to raise … Read more

On behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, Sask.), Conservative MP Larry Maguire (Brandon-Souris, Man.) and Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, announced a combined federal-provincial investment of over $1.8 million to the National Sunflower Association of Canada (NSAC) to develop new seed varieties and boost sunflower acreage in Western Canada. The NSAC will receive … Read more

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, Sask.) has completed an agricultural trade mission to China where he led a delegation of more than 70 people including representatives from 30 associations and companies, provincial ministers of agriculture from British Columbia and Manitoba and officials from Alberta and Saskatchewan. Ritz held meetings with key Chinese government officials, reinforcing the importance of stable long-term … Read more

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, Sask.) continues his trade mission to China, where he has been showcasing Canada’s agricultural capabilities to help build a stronger, mutually-beneficial and prosperous bilateral relationship. Earlier in the week Ritz delivered a keynote speech to the World Meat Congress, where he spoke to more than 200 meat and livestock delegates from … Read more

Legislation that will impact Canada’s farming industry passed the Second Reading in the House of Commons June 17, 2014. The Agricultural Growth Act (Bill C-18) will provide farmers with greater access to new crop varieties, financial programs and trade opportunities. It will expand the use of new approaches that are focused on preventing plant and animal disease … Read more

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, Sask.) held key bilateral meetings with the Chinese government that have yielded key developments benefitting a wide range of producers, processors and exporters across Canada’s robust agricultural economy. Ritz met with Han Changfu, China’s Minister of Agriculture (MOA) and Wei Chuanzhong, China’s Vice Minister of General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection … Read more

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, Sask.) announced the appointment of Michael Hoffort as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Farm Credit Canada (FCC). Hoffort’s appointment is for a five-year term effective July 1, 2014. More information is available online. Call 613-773-7972.

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, Sask.) will be in China leading a delegation of more than 70 people representing over 30 agricultural groups and four provinces to expand and improve trade access, continue to build on research and science collaboration, showcase Canada’s agricultural capabilities, and promote increased imports of Canadian agricultural products. Building on his last visit to China in … Read more

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, Sask.) and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced a new $1 million five-year funding agreement with Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan. This represents a $550,000 increase in funding over the last five-year period. Call 613-773-1059.

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, Sask.) announced an investment of $5 million to the Canadian International Grains Institute to find innovative applications for Canada’s field crops. With this support, provided under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriInnovation Program, the Canadian International Grains Institute will undertake research activities to continue to ensure the industry delivers the highest quality … Read more