By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup for Monday February 14, 2022

Feb 14, 2022 | 12:13 PM

MELFORT, Sask. — Canada’s agriculture and food industry wants government action to open trade corridors.

Eight organizations said in a joint statement that prolonged disruptions at Canada-U.S. border crossings are impacting the transport of fruits and vegetables, meat, food packaging, feed supplies, livestock shipments, transport equipment, and integral inputs for agriculture and food processing.

Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance president Dan Darling said the blockades are impacting the livelihoods of Canadian farm families, the businesses they are connected to and the timely supply and delivery of essential goods.

“We cannot let these disruptions endanger Canada’s reputation as a reliable and stable trading partner,” Darling said in a news release. “Our sector’s supply chains are highly integrated across the Canada-U.S. border and these vital trade corridors support jobs across Canada. It is time to restore stability in Canada’s most significant and important trading relationship.”

In 2020, Canada and the U.S. traded $50 billion CDN dollars of agriculture and food for an average of $137 million per day with Coutts, Alta., Emerson, Man., and the Ambassador Bridge being major trade routes for these goods.

GST Holiday

Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins

13h ago

Imminent need

Council set to discuss possible location for homeless shelter on 15th Street

18h ago

International Spotlight

P.A.'s Howe one of 4 Sask. born players named to Canada's World Junior roster

Dec 13, 2024

Canadian Cattlemen’s Association president Bob Lowe said maintaining a stable supply chain is critical to Canadian beef production.

“The evolving situation at the U.S.-Canada border and the transportation delays are resulting in major impacts for the entire beef supply chain and it is now time for this to end,” Lowe said.

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Canadian Horticultural Council, Canadian Pork Council, Canadian Meat Council, Canadian Produce Marketing Association, and National Cattle Feeders’ Association are also urging action.

–

Agriculture Canada said a new pulse grain that’s a source of high-quality protein offers the chance to expand prairie farm markets.

A three-year project is underway in Alberta, Ontario, P.E.I. and B.C. to test sweet white lupin under Canadian growing conditions.

Agriculture Canada said it can be used for human consumption or as a highly nutritious feed for cattle. It also provides nitrogen for the soil.

Sweet white lupin is most commonly grown in Europe.

–

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW