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Agriculture Roundup for Tuesday June 7, 2022

Jun 7, 2022 | 10:37 AM

MELFORT, Sask. — The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) has announced the members of the Indigenous Agriculture Advisory Committee.

The committee will advise on the development of research and programming to promote Indigenous participation in agriculture.

Guided by the Seven Grandfathers Teachings, the group will provide leadership on workforce development in Indigenous agriculture, advise CAHRC on engagement, research and tool development related to skill development in Indigenous agriculture, and provide an Indigenous lens to CAHRC’s work.

Members of the Advisory Committee represent all sectors of Indigenous primary agriculture including crops, livestock, greenhouse, aquaculture, and native plants.

  • Dale Worme (chair), National Indigenous Agriculture Association
  • Dawn Tabobondung (Vice- Chair), First Nations Growers Canada
  • E.J. (Elmer) Fontaine, Cedar Lake Ranch
  • Trevor Kempthorne, First Nations Agriculture Association BC
  • Harold Aljam, First Nations Agriculture Association BC
  • Paul Langdon, Ulnooweg, Nova Scotia
  • Sonny Gray, Northstar Agriculture Inc., Whitehorse , Yukon
  • Stephanie Cook, OCN Smart Farm
  • Marguerite Parker, Aboriginal Aquaculture Association
  • Carlon Big Snake, Siksika Nation
  • Ken Bear, Pasqua First Nation

Representatives from the Canola Council of Canada, Cereals Canada, and Pulse Canada met last week in Ottawa with government officials to discuss the establishment of a diversification office in the Indo-Pacific region.

A newly released joint-commissioned report outlines why Canada should take steps to secure its agricultural export growth, diversification, and competitiveness in this key export region.

Canola Council of Canada president Jim Everson said the rise of non-tariff barriers is preventing Canada from achieving its full potential in the region. He said representatives on the ground would be able to address trade issues in a timely manner.

“A dedicated and multi-disciplinary Indo-Pacific Diversification office will position Canada for long-term success in the region as we look to export high-quality and sustainable products to a fast-growing consumer base,” Everson said.

Pulse Canada president Greg Cherewyk said the groups’ message to government was a trade diversification office in the Indo-Pacific is necessary.

“Our organizations are ready to work with the federal government to establish this office and ensure it is set up to bring increased success for Canadian agriculture in this important region,” Cherewyk said.

Health Canada has published the new guidance for Novel Food Regulations focused on plant breeding innovation.

Canada’s cereals sector leads the country’s agriculture exports with annual exports averaging $8.5 billion to over 70 countries.

Cereals Canada chief executive officer Dean Dias said plant breeding is critical in the continued success of the grain sector in Canada.

“Our agriculture industry relies on science to drive sustainability forward, add new varieties to help the value chain be profitable and provide consistent high-quality grains for our domestic and international customers,” he said.

Dias said the alignment of the new guidelines and regulations on plant breeding is necessary for the country’s trading partners who look to a scientific, risk-based approach.

“This allows Canada and our farmers to remain competitive with the rest of the world,” Dias said.

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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