Archive for December 2016
Government releases findings from Next Policy Framework consultations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has released a report summarizing stakeholder feedback on its next agricultural policy framework. CHC participated in the consultations and is pleased that its advocacy efforts contributed to many of the report’s key findings: AgriInnovation, AgriMarketing, AgriCompetitiveness: The report notes that many stakeholders would prefer a 25% industry to 75% AAFC…
Read MoreCavendish Farms announces $350M expansion in Lethbridge, Alberta
Cavendish Farms has announced a $350 million expansion of its business in Lethbridge, Alberta, with the construction of a new frozen potato processing plant. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2017 and be completed by summer 2019. The new plant will allow Cavendish Farms to more than double its annual production capacity to meet…
Read MoreCHC Exec. Director presents at International Federation of Produce Standards
Rebecca Lee, Executive Director of the Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC), recently presented at the assembly of the International Federation of Produce Standards (IFPS), in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Rebecca’s presentation focused on key issues affecting the Canadian horticultural sector, namely: the need for Canada to have a national nutrition policy; payment protection for the produce industry; mandatory…
Read MoreCHC President delivers message to federal Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food
On November 24, 2016, Keith Kuhl, President of the Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC), provided testimony to the Canadian Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. As part of this consultation, Mr. Kuhl delivered the following messages in regards to the government’s Next Agricultural Policy Framework: Business risk management AgriStability provides financial support when a producer sees…
Read MoreCHC consulting with members on Federal government’s proposal to ban imidacloprid-based pesticides (ex. Admire®, Merit™, Genesis™)
The Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) is currently consulting its members about a recent proposal by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) to phase-out all agricultural uses of imidacloprid. CHC will submit a response to the federal government’s proposal based on the results of this consultation. Imidacloprid, which is found in such pesticides as Admire®, Merit™,…
Read MoreChange to requirements for exports of fresh tomatoes and peppers to Japan
Exports of fresh tomato and pepper fruit to Japan must now be certified free from the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli. The following new requirements are in addition to any phytosanitary requirements currently in place: Canadian tomato or pepper fruit for export to Japan must be grown in a greenhouse that has a control program in…
Read MoreNew market access for Alberta seed potatoes to Thailand
The Government of Canada has secured market access for Alberta seed potatoes to Thailand. The agreement was achieved after a positive risk assessment was conducted by officials from Thailand’s national plant protection organization in 2015. The incoming mission of Thai officials associated with the pest risk assessment was jointly funded by the Potato Growers of…
Read MoreWinners of Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Apple Competition
On November 3, 2016, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair announced the winners of this year’s apple competition. Congratulations to all the growers listed below: Winners: Commercial apples category Red delicious: Dave Machial, Oliver, BC McIntosh: Stephanie Levasseur, Frelighsburg, QC Gala: Dave Machial, Oliver, BC Empire: Brad Fraser, Milton, ON Honeycrisp: Francois Turcotte, Ste – Famille,…
Read More