Canada Grains Council Raises Concerns Over Government’s Proposed Pesticide Measures

Cole's Ag on June 22, 2023

June 22, 2023 (Ottawa, ON)  –  The Canada Grains Council (CGC) has concerns about the federal government’s proposed pesticide measures and urges the government to ensure that its actions are based on scientific approaches to pesticide regulation.

“The CGC welcomes the government’s recognition of the importance of science-based pesticide regulations, aligned with Canada’s input at COP15,” says Erin Gowriluk, CGC President. “We must ensure robust decision-making firmly rooted in scientific evidence. By prioritizing evidence-based approaches, we can enhance environmental stewardship and maintain a strong relationship between scientists and policymakers.

Erin Gowriluk, President of CGC, commends the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food’s recognition of the importance of pesticides to food production and security. Gowriluk states, ” We are pleased with the Minister’s recognition of the connection between crop protection and environmental sustainability, as well as the positive impact of conservation tillage methods on carbon sequestration. Canada’s commitment to science-based regulation of crop protection tools demonstrates our dedication to their safe and effective use.”

However, two critical aspects of the government’s announcement contrast with this. The decision to maintain the ‘pause’ on MRL increases appears to be driven by public opinion rather than scientific evidence. Gowriluk explains, “It is difficult to discern any scientific justification for temporarily pausing MRL increases. By persisting with the pause, there is an increasing risk of Canada’s trading partners perceiving it as an intrusion of ideology into policymaking, contradicting our message to other countries. Consistent and science-based regulation is essential for all food shipments, including the substantial quantities of grain Canada, supplies to the world.

Public confidence in regulators relies on consistency between the government’s words and actions. After almost two years of portraying the pause as a temporary measure, the government has now indicated a gradual resumption of MRL increases where deemed necessary, along with implementing a cosmetic pesticide ban on federal lands. These actions have the potential to undermine the government’s explicit recognition that pesticide uses in Canada undergo rigorous testing and assessment to ensure they are safe and pose no unacceptable risks to human health or the environment.

The significance of evidence-based policies that strike a balance between the agricultural sector’s needs and environmental sustainability cannot be overstated. CGC remains committed to collaborating with government officials, industry stakeholders, and scientific experts to develop practical and well-informed pesticide regulations that inspire public confidence and adhere to rigorous scientific standards.

For more information, please contact:

Sandra Filion
Vice President, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
Canada Grains Council
613-277-0109 | sandra@canadagrainscouncil.ca

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Canada Grains Council Supports Canada’s Participation in CUSMA Consultations with Mexico, Aims for Science-Based Regulation

Cole's Ag on June 9, 2023

June 9, 2023 (OTTAWA, ON)  –  The Canada Grains Council (CGC) commends the Government of Canada for participating in dispute settlement consultations initiated by the United States (US) last week under the Canada-US-Mexico-Agreement (CUSMA). The CGC is pleased that Canada is taking a strong stand on science-based regulation and rules-based trade.

In February 2023, Mexico re-issued a Presidential Decree that, among other provisions, called for a ban on the use of genetically-modified corn in food and cast uncertainty on the future acceptance of other types of agricultural innovations.

“Farmers need plant science innovations to help them tackle the climate crisis, address food security challenges and remain competitive,” says Krista Thomas, Vice-President of Seed Innovation and Trade Policy for the Canada Grains Council. “Without predictable regulatory systems, it is much harder to get innovation into the hands of farmers.”

Mexico’s decision to ban products with a proven record of safety has far-reaching consequences. Canadian farmers depend on these tools, which play a crucial role in sequestering over 11 million tonnes of greenhouse gases in their soil annually, promoting environmental sustainability, explains Thomas. “Unfortunately, the introduction of Mexico’s Decree has injected uncertainty into North American markets. If this measure is not withdrawn, it has the potential to trigger food price inflation and undermine food security within the intricate supply chains of North America.”

Given these concerns, Thomas concludes, “The grain sector is hopeful the upcoming consultations with Mexico will lead to a quick resolution, without disruption to North American markets or increased risk to food security.”

Canada, the United States and Mexico make up the largest regional trading block in the world, supporting millions of jobs and workers. The CGC recognizes the ongoing efforts by governments to return to a predictable regulatory environment that will support farmers, supply chain resiliency, and predictable trade.

For more information, please contact:

Sandra Filion
Vice President, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
Canada Grains Council
613-277-0109 | sandra@canadagrainscouncil.ca

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Canada Grains Council Commends Launch of Canada Water Agency

Cole's Ag on May 25, 2023

Ottawa, ON (May 25, 2023)  –  The Canada Grains Council (CGC) commends the Government of Canada for fulfilling their Budget 2023 investment by supporting the Canada Water Agency, a significant step towards keeping our water safe, clean and healthy.

CGC supports the federal government’s ongoing work toward data-driven, science-based decision-making that safeguards the environment and Canadians’ well-being while supporting food production.

“Canadians rely on a safe and secure water supply,” emphasizes Rick White, Chair of the Canada Grains Council. “With the establishment of the Canada Water Agency, we have an opportunity to gather concrete evidence regarding the effectiveness of on-farm stewardship practices. This will enable us to prioritize decision-making based on robust scientific data.”

Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Canada Water Agency will play a role as a central hub, uniting stakeholders and jurisdictions to facilitate water resource management. By establishing a centralized platform for information, research, and data coordination, the agency will foster collaboration and policies based on robust data.

“Accurate water data plays a pivotal role in establishing a regulatory framework that bolsters Canada’s commitment to global food security,” emphasizes Erin Gowriluk, President of the Canada Grains Council. “As one of the key players among the seven nations responsible for 80 percent of global grain exports, Canada’s leadership is evident. By leveraging data-driven scientific decisions, Canada can continue to feed a growing global population while safeguarding public health and the environment.”

CGC is fully committed to actively engaging with the Canada Water Agency, working closely alongside industry stakeholders to ensure the sound implementation of its initiatives. CGC eagerly anticipates direct consultation on operational details and evaluation of impacts through value chain members, enabling a comprehensive and meaningful assessment.

For more information, please contact:

Sandra Filion
Vice President, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
Canada Grains Council
613-277-0109 | sandra@canadagrainscouncil.ca

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CFIA Announces New Guidelines for Plant Breeding Innovation, Paving the Way for Sustainable Crop Advancements

Cole's Ag on May 3, 2023

Ottawa, ON (May 3rd 2023) Today, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) released its updated guidance on plant breeding innovation, bringing a close to a consultation process launched in 2021. The guidance covers the environmental safety of plants developed using gene editing and is grounded in the same science that informed Health Canada’s food safety guidelines last year. These pieces help pave the way for Canadian farmers to have faster access to improved plant varieties.

“The CFIA’s updated guidance helps Canada stay competitive on the global stage,” says Krista Thomas, Vice President of Seed Innovation for the Canada Grains Council. “Many of our trading partners have already adopted similar science-based policies, and farmers outside of Canada have been growing gene edited crops since 2015. When we let the science be the core of regulatory decision making, we know that the end result can be trusted and is safe.”

Gene editing, with its ability to improve plant characteristics quickly and precisely, can potentially reduce the use of water, pesticides, fertilizers, land, and other resources in crop production.

“Innovations like gene-edited crops can help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions and pest pressures while continuing to produce safe, high-quality food for Canadians and consumers worldwide,” says Rick White, Chair of the Canada Grains Council. “Farmers are eager to have access to these new plant varieties and look forward to welcoming them to the Canadian marketplace.”

As new seed innovations are developed and grown in Canada, maintaining market choice is critically important for Canada’s grain sector. Comprehensive and best-in-class government and industry transparency tools are in place, ensuring that all farmers can verify when their seed was developed using gene editing and pass that information along the value chain as needed.  

“The reality is, whether it’s a seed company, a grower, or an exporter, everyone shares a vested interest in prioritizing transparency,” Krista explains. “Canada has world-leading transparency initiatives that will continue to allow us to meet our customer’s needs and deliver market choice.” 

CFIA’s new guidelines on plant breeding innovation will bolster Canada’s competitiveness in crop innovation and put more tools into the hands of farmers to contend with climate change, mounting pest pressures and an evolving marketplace. These guidelines pave the way for sustainable productivity growth and support Canada’s agricultural sector in meeting the challenges of the future.

Additional Background:

A letter endorsed by 58 organizations that represent over 190,000 Canadian farm families and Canada’s grain and horticulture value chains was sent to the Prime Minister in January, demonstrating the broad agriculture community’s support for the publication of CFIA’s guidance on plant breeding innovation.

For more information, please contact:

Sandra Filion
Vice President, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
Canada Grains Council
613-277-0109 | sandra@canadagrainscouncil.ca

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