This week’s federal election means the next parliament will look an awful lot like the last one, despite minor changes in representation for BC farmers. While the votes have yet to be fully counted at this writing, federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau won re-election in his riding to become prime minister of his second minority …
trade
Poultry sector receives $86.8 million
The federal government released details April 13 of the compensation arrangement hammered out with the poultry sector for concessions granted as part of the CP-TPP free trade agreement with Pacific Rim nations. The package, worth $691 million nationally, includes up to $86.8 million for growers in BC. Payments will be made to producers over 10 …
Blueberry growers dodge US complaint
BC’s several hundred blueberry farmers are relieved and elated after the US International Trade Commission announced that blueberry imports cause no harm to American growers. The commission launched an investigation into global blueberry imports in response to a complaint filed in September by former US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer following a report on produce imports jointly authored …
New year, new era
BURNABY – A new administration in the US this month is raising hopes for fewer trade hassles in the months ahead. “I expect more predictability and more following the rules,” federal agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau told farm media last month regarding the new US administration. She had previously announced that Canada would not make additional …
No new concessions
Ottawa has promised to protect supply management in future trade deals, citing a deal reached November 21 to ensure continuity in trading arrangements with the UK when it leaves the EU at the end of December. “Our government will not provide market access to our supply managed sectors in any future trade agreements,” federal agriculture …
Metro Vancouver a food gateway
A report to Metro Vancouver’s regional planning committee on June 12 highlights just how much food moves through the Lower Mainland. Perhaps not surprising, given that Vancouver is a port city, is the dominant position of international food exports – close to 28 million tonnes. Cereal grains and oil seeds dominate the shipments, at nearly …