Canadian Beef Producers Represented at NAFTA Talks

Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA) representatives were in Mexico City for the seventh round of NAFTA talks.

CCA Director of Government and International Relations, John Masswohl, was on site the first three days for the agriculture session discussions.

Masswohl says, round seven had positive discussions, and the hope is that progress will continue into round eight.

In their latest newsletter, the CCA says, subjects of concern to beef producers include tariffs, rules of origin, dispute settlement mechanisms, regulatory practices, government procurement and review vs sunset for the NAFTA agreement.

 

Canadian Foodgrains Bank Welcomes Funding Increase For International Assistance

 The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is welcoming new funding announced last week in the 2018 Budget.

The Federal Government has committed to increase its international assistance budget with $2 billion in new funding over five years.

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank says, the money plays a critical role in addressing global poverty, inequality, and hunger.

Read more: Canadian Foodgrains Bank Welcomes Funding Increase For International Assistance

 

Farm Group Welcomes Program To Assist Women

The federal government also put a lot of focus on helping women in the 2018 budget.

One measure will see the Liberals launch a new lending product designed specifically for women entrepreneurs through Farm Credit Canada.

Laura Lazo, Chair of Manitoba Women in Ag and Food, welcomed the news.

"The potential is for very good work," she said. "Women need a number of things in order to be successful in agriculture. If the advisory program will include providing knowledge, training, advice that women need to develop a business, that's great."

Lazo says women face a number of unconscious biases that they must overcome.

 

Aggies Days Coming to Calgary

The Calgary Stampede is bringing agriculture to the heart of the city during Aggie Days.

Aggie Days is coming up April 14-15, where visitors will get to meet all sorts of animals and learn about where their food comes from.

The event will also feature, stock dog trials and an extreme cowboy race where riders must make their way through a series of challenging obstacles.

 

Send your news tips, story ideas and comments to jgiles@goldenwestradio.com