Corporations

CFIA gene editing regulatory proposal not science-based or transparent

Canada is deciding how to regulate gene-edited plants – and is largely proposing not to. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for regulating genetically engineered (genetically modified or GM) plants for environmental safety under the Seeds Act Regulations - Part V. These regulations define what is considered a “Plant with Novel Traits” (PNTs) and how PNTs are regulated. The CFIA is proposing a new interpretation that would exempt many gene edited plants right away, and more in the future. The proposed regulatory guidance turns its back on science, allows biotech companies to determine safety, and leaves farmers, future regulators and the public in the dark. Read more

PEI’s Land and Water Need Protection, says NFU

The concerns surrounding our land can’t be separated from the usage of water. If exploitation of the land is allowed to continue, then exploitation of water will increase. The NFU takes the position that if the role of water is to be extended in agriculture production, then its usage must be a regulated part of a far broader strategy that addresses stewardship of the land and the greater good of farmers, the environment, and rural communities. Read more

NFU asks necessary questions

Calls for increased transparency, clear guardrails on spending, and a basic appreciation for the economic realities facing our farmers should be enthusiastically welcomed in a province that clearly values the benefits farms bring to our communities. Read more

National Farmers Union supports safe working conditions for railway workers

(Saskatoon) — The National Farmers Union (NFU) calls upon CN Rail to get back to the bargaining table and negotiate an agreement in good faith that will ensure railway workers have safe working conditions. As farmers, we rely on rail transportation to carry our products to export markets. To move our grain, conductors, trainpersons and Read more

Union Farmer Newsletter: October – November 2019

Inside this issue … Seed Synergy update: Seed industry groups are preparing to consolidate power in one big organization —  Five of the six Seed Synergy groups are trying to merge into one big group as part of their push to get control of Canada’s seed regulatory system. GM Herbicide-Tolerant Crop Concerns — Bayer is Read more

Letter: CGC, mandate to protect farmers’ interests, are essential

Over the past several months, Agriculture Canada and the grain companies, in concert with the current senior staff of the CGC, have been re-writing the Canada Grain Act, mostly behind closed doors . Grain company foxes are advising on how to guard the producers’ hen house. Read more

NFU letter to CGC Commissioners re: Eastern wheat class

Our wheat class system is designed to serve our customers by matching end-uses with wheat classes. The proposed new merit-less class is not in the interests of producers for many reasons. Read more

Farmers lose with USA’s, Canada’s approval of Bayer acquisition of Monsanto, says NFU

On May 30, 2018 Canada’s Competition Bureau approved Bayer’s acquisition of Monsanto with conditions, one day after the United States Justice Department announced its approval of the deal. Read more

Bayer-Monsanto consolidation – media backgrounder

The Bayer-Monsanto deal will transfer significant seed, pesticide and technology assets to BASF, making BASF a more powerful multinational corporation in seed, digital agriculture and agro-chemicals. Read more

“Polluter Pay” principle at stake as Supreme Court hears Redwater Appeal

Red Deer, AB— On February 15, 2018, the Supreme Court of Canada will hear the case, Orphan Well Association, et al. v. Grant Thornton Limited, et al., also known as the Redwater Appeal. Read more