Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Agriculture Ministers meet in Manitoba – PortageOnline.com

Federal, provincial, and territorial agriculture ministers are gathered in Manitoba this week for critical discussions on the future of Canadian agriculture. The meetings, which wrap up Tuesday, come at a time when global trade disruptions, domestic infrastructure needs, and food security are top of mind for producers and policymakers alike.

Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald says the meetings are an opportunity to listen to regional concerns and collaborate on national solutions.

“I don’t call it my agenda, I call it their agenda,” MacDonald said. “We have regional differences across this country, and it’s important that every sector and every province has their voice heard.”

Focus on Biofuels and Canola:

The meeting follows a major federal announcement last week aimed at strengthening Canada’s biofuel sector. The government unveiled a $370 million incentive over two years to support liquid biofuel production, including biodiesel and renewable diesel, with a direct benefit to the canola industry.

“We’re focused on the biofuel sector and how that can help domestically going into the future,” MacDonald explained. “This is part of the agriculture value chain, and we’re doing everything we can to ensure production is maintained despite U.S. subsidies.”

In an interview from the airport on Friday MacDonald emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s broader strategy to build economic resilience by strengthening domestic capabilities.

“It’s extremely important that we continue to focus on this value chain and make sure we’re doing everything we can to be more reliant on ourselves. Control what we can control.” he said.

New Programs to Support Agriculture:

In addition to the biofuel incentive, MacDonald highlighted several new federal programs aimed at helping producers navigate trade disruptions and improve competitiveness:

Regional Tariff Response Initiative: $1 billion over three years to support agriculture goods targeted by tariffs.

Strategic Response Fund (CERF): $5 billion to help businesses adapt and diversify amid trade challenges.

Agri-Marketing Program: Increased funding to support global market access.

Advance Payments Program: Expanded to improve cash flow for producers.

“It (Friday) was a good day for agriculture without a doubt,” MacDonald said. “These programs are wide-ranging and now include canola alongside automotive, steel, and aluminum.”

Infrastructure and Trade:

Infrastructure investment is expected to be a key topic during the meetings, with rural hydro systems, natural gas access, and broadband connectivity among the priorities raised by stakeholders like the Canadian Federation of Agriculture.

MacDonald also acknowledged the importance of interprovincial trade and ongoing efforts to resolve international trade barriers.

“The more we can do domestically, the better we’re going to be as a nation,” he said. “We’re in a fragile situation globally, and communication is key. These meetings are about informing provinces and ensuring they’re prepared for what’s ahead.”

To hear Glenda-Lee’s conversation with Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald click on the link below.

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