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APAS - Ag Matters October

1. Pest Control: APAS is pushing for an emergency registration to restore Strychnine as a key pest control tool for farmers and ranchers.

2. Bank of Canada Round Table: Governor Macklem engaged in open discussions on urgent challenges facing the agricultural economy, drawing directly from those experiencing significant economic strain. Issues highlighted by participants included the effects of low commodity prices, the complexities of tariffs and strained trade relationships, the burden of high input costs, supply chain disruptions, and severe drought conditions impacting many farm operations.  This exchange was crucial in shaping the Bank’s future policy direction and emphasized the integral link between the health of the national economy and the sustainability of the agricultural sector.

3. Seed Regulation Modernization:  APAS has submitted recommendations to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on the proposal to modernize Seed Regulations, highlighting the central role of Saskatchewan agriculture in this transformative phase. APAS's suggestions aim to strike a balance between innovation and maintaining quality standards, ensuring that Canadian farmers remain competitive on a global scale.

Key Recommendations Include:

  • Fast-Tracking Variety Registration - Proposing measures to speed up the registration of new seed varieties without compromising on safety or market needs.
  • Regulatory Flexibility - Emphasizing that CFIA should maintain control over regulatory changes and arguing against the shift of the Weed Seeds Order to an Incorporation by Reference (IbR) model.
  • Improved Seed Quality Information - Advocating for earlier access to seed quality data to assist farmers in making informed decisions before purchasing.
  • Market Accessibility - Opposing restrictions that could limit the use of Common Grade Names and suggesting that promoting education on seed quality could be more beneficial than mandating accredited graders.
  • Fostering a Future-Ready Agriculture Sector - APAS also suggested forming an Advisory Committee for ongoing industry feedback and encourages the digital transformation of the seed system to enhance efficiency.

 

These strategic perspectives by APAS aim to support the growth and sustainability of agriculture in Saskatchewan and across Canada.

4. $12 Billion Export Opportunity? Canada’s food export landscape is evolving, presenting farmers and producers with significant opportunities beyond the U.S. market. Farm Credit Canada’s latest report, The $12-Billion Trade Shift:Canada’s Opportunity to Diversify Food Exports Beyond the U.S., explores how global trade patterns are shifting, creating new possibilities to expand exports into emerging markets. From navigating trade disruptions to highlighting promising regions for diversification, this insightful report provides actionable data and strategies for Canadian agriculture businesses looking to capitalize on export growth. Don’t miss the chance to learn how diversification could shape the future of Canadian food exports. FCC REPORT

5. Enhancing Farmland Ownership Policy in Saskatchewan: APAS is reaching out to researchers and consultants for a critical analysis on farmland ownership policy in Saskatchewan. This initiative aims to bolster public trust in the regulations safeguarding farmland for the benefit of producers and their communities. This initiative seeks to identify and recommend policy improvements that address farmland ownership concerns but also bolster the success of Saskatchewan farmers and their local communities.