AIC’s Parliamentary Updates brings you weekly summaries and analysis of what’s happening on Parliament Hill that is relevant to the agriculture and agricultural research community.
Thursday, 20 June 2024
Government Announcements
June 13 – Automation, robotics helping farmers strengthen food security. The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program is helping farmers adopt new technology such as automation, robotics and innovative growing, packing and storage solutions. These advances are increasing food production and helping combat labour challenges. The program is delivered by Innovate BC, a crown agency of the Province. For more information, click here.
June 14 – Minister MacAulay announces early list of Livestock Tax Deferral regions for 2024. The effects of climate change are having a direct and severe impact on farmers and their ability to earn a stable income. To provide producers with more certainty heading into the summer months, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food announced an early list of regions that are eligible for Livestock Tax Deferral in 2024. For more information, click here.
June 18 – Parliamentary Secretary Drouin announces new funding to help promote Canadian agri-food products around the world. To support Canadian agri-food companies in reaching these markets the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food announced up to $5.5 million over 3 years to Group Export Agri-Food Québec-Canada through the AgriMarketing Program. For more information, click here.
House of Commons and Senate Proceedings
Mr. Kody Blois (Kings—Hants, Lib.) presented the 20th report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, entitled “Improving the Resilience of Canada’s Horticultural Sector.”
Last Week’s Top Stories
Government Announcements
June 7 – Minister MacAulay announces support to advance genetic evaluation of Canadian cattle. The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food announced up to $1,627,270 to the Canadian Angus Association (CAA), through the AgriScience Program – Projects Component, to help improve genetic evaluation tools for Canadian beef and dairy cattle. For more information, click here.
June 8 – Minister MacAulay’s visit to Iowa and Minnesota advances shared priorities and strengthens ties with key trade partner. This week, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, travelled to Des Moines, Iowa, and Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota, to meet with key agri-food stakeholders and U.S. officials, with the goal of strengthening Canada’s relationships in the U.S. Midwest and advancing shared priorities. For more information, click here.
June 12 – Minister MacAulay announces $5.2M federal investment in barley research for a more resilient, sustainable crop. The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food announced a total investment of up to $5,257,073 to the Canadian Barley Research Coalition. The goal is to support research that will lead to a more resilient barley sector that is better equipped to respond to a changing climate and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For more information, click here.
June 12 – New insurance program to help grow maritime beef sector. Through a collaborative investment between the federal and provincial governments, a new risk management tool for beef producers will facilitate growth of the sector across the Maritime region. The new Maritime Livestock Price Insurance Pilot Program will allow producers in PEI and New Brunswick to purchase price protection on beef cattle in the form of an insurance policy, in the event of unexpected market declines. For more information, click here.
House of Commons and Senate Proceedings