AGP Executive Report

Greenhouse Disaster: Vermillion Growers’ Dauphin, Man. hydroponic tomato operation says floodwaters destroyed its entire crop after a June 30 surge, wiping out about 500,000 kg of tomatoes plus thousands of packaged cases. Crop Damage Watch: A Saskatoon-area strawberry farm reports hail and ice pellets left its fields “everything got hit,” forcing a rapid pivot ahead of the opening weekend. Food Fraud Crackdown: CFIA says it stopped more than 150,000 kg of misrepresented food from reaching Canadian shelves, using targeted testing and label checks. Farm Funding (Ontario): Ottawa and Ontario announced an extra $12M for the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative, offering $6,000–$90,000 grants for soil, water and energy-efficiency upgrades. New Ingredient Interest: Saskatchewan’s canary seed (alpiste) is drawing attention from Canadian baking and food makers after research highlights its nutrition and versatility. Weed Control R&D: FMC filed the first global regulatory submission for rimisoxafen with the U.S. EPA, aiming to help growers manage intensifying weed resistance. Beef Market Push: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada backed two beef organizations with over $4M under the AgriMarketing Program to grow demand and defend market access. Local AI Data Centre Tension: Olds, Alta. residents are challenging a proposed AI data centre campus, adding to broader community pushback on hyperscale projects. Labour Scam Warning: Jamaica’s Labour Ministry warns of an unauthorized overseas farm-work recruitment scheme circulating online, urging job seekers to verify licensed agencies before paying fees.

Pest Control Update (Saskatchewan): Saskatchewan Agriculture says the Strychnine stewardship training is drawing strong participation ahead of the next application window, with about 1,900 participants finished (including roughly 1,530 producers) and Alberta also seeing over 1,400 trained. The producer application window runs July 15 to Sept. 1, while untrained producers have until Aug. 1 to complete the mandatory course; supplies remain limited and allocations are focused on efficient shipping. Flood Mitigation (BC): Ottawa is putting $20M toward cost-shared planning and early project management for flood mitigation in the Sumas Prairie area, aimed at protecting people, key infrastructure, energy and food security—though growers say action is still overdue. Farm Community Service (Prairies): Burstall’s heavily used water truck fill station is back after tank upgrades, with Level 1 watering restrictions returning to normal. Food & Trade (Canada-Russia): Armenia’s central bank board member warns export restrictions on Armenian agricultural goods to Russia could cost up to 2% of GDP in the worst case, depending on how long and how broad the measures are. Market Access (Equipment): John Deere, the FTC and five U.S. states reached an agreement to keep diagnostic and repair tools accessible for farmers and independent technicians. Food Retail (Dairy): Loblaw will host a Canada-wide cheddar sampling event July 11 featuring cheeses made with 100% Canadian milk from partner producers.

Severe Weather Hits Farms and Communities: Storms tore through parts of Manitoba and northwestern Ontario, knocking down trees and power lines, flooding roads, and damaging farm properties, with cleanup underway in places like the Whiteshell and Kenora. Irrigation and Innovation in Saskatchewan: Producers and researchers will gather July 9 in Outlook for an irrigation field day highlighting Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada work and new tech aimed at boosting productivity and sustainability. Immigration and Labour in Manitoba: Ottawa is extending federal work permits for 2,700 foreign workers in Manitoba to Dec. 31, 2027, after months of protests and pressure tied to the Manitoba provincial nominee backlog. USMCA Trade Uncertainty for Agriculture: The U.S. decision not to extend USMCA as-is is renewing concern for farm trade, with groups watching how annual reviews could affect dairy and other sensitive sectors. Market Watch: Weather worries are pushing corn and soybeans higher, while traders track China buying signals and updated South American production estimates. Local Market Life: Pitt Meadows Farmers Market will host a soccer-themed Youth Entrepreneur Day July 14, spotlighting young vendors alongside fresh produce and local food makers.

Crop Mix Watch: Statistics Canada says Canadian farmers planted fewer wheat acres in 2026, with total wheat area down nearly 6% to 25.3 million acres as growers shifted toward canola, soybeans, corn and barley. Agri-Tech Funding: Two Saskatoon startups—ABAzyne Bioscience and B.Nature Biotech—were selected for HARVEST agri-tech accelerator funding, with up to $750,000 each to scale bio-based crop protection and biofertilizer from food waste and rock phosphate. Food Safety Alert: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak has climbed to 700 cases across 33 counties, with no specific produce source identified yet. Sustainable Infrastructure: Sylvan Lake’s Asphalt Millings Reuse Program is a national finalist for TAC’s Small Municipalities Achievement Award, diverting about 20,000 tonnes of reclaimed asphalt since 2019. Trade Signals: Canada’s merchandise trade surplus widened to a four-year high in May at $4.24B, driven by higher exports to the U.S. Farm Dispute Fallout: A California farmer embroiled in a nectarine packing/sale lawsuit launched “No Nectarines Wasted,” giving away about 182,000 pounds of fruit to the community.

National Food Security Strategy: Peter Fragiskatos highlighted Canada’s new National Food Security Strategy, backed by $3B over 10 years, aiming to boost productivity and innovation, support independent grocers, and increase competition to help lower grocery prices. Flood Recovery in the Prairies: Western Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan communities are cleaning up after severe storms and river flooding, with officials reporting flooded basements, damaged roads and farms, and emergency declarations as more rain threatens water levels. Crop Damage from Hail: Southern Alberta farmers are assessing hail, wind and heavy rain impacts after a wet spring, with crop insurance timelines and damage reporting still underway. Ag Policy Push for Innovation: CAPI is urging agricultural innovation to be a priority in the next five-year Ag Policy Framework ahead of upcoming federal-provincial-territorial agriculture talks in Halifax. STEM Leadership in Saskatchewan: USask named 2026 Schulich Leaders Matthew Craddock and Clarenz Portades, recognizing leadership and STEM plans tied to community impact. Community Agriculture Events: Bowden Daze Pro Rodeo runs July 10–12, blending rodeo competition with family activities and local ag community spirit.

Agribusiness Watch: Regina’s REAL District shake-up is prompting fresh questions about Canadian Western Agribition and other tenants. After Brandt’s $6.5M purchase of REAL assets from the City, Agribition leaders say the 55th show will run Nov. 23–28 and that a livestock venue will be built on site. Public Health & Food Safety: A long-running false claim that mRNA vaccines are distributed through food—specifically via shrimp—has resurfaced online; fact-checkers note mRNA vaccines can’t be absorbed through food and aren’t available for use in shrimp. Climate-Resilient Crops: A Kingston biotech firm is advancing climate-resilient canola with new federal backing as droughts and heat waves intensify. Trade Policy: USMCA renewal is back in focus after the U.S. declined a long extension, moving the pact into annual reviews—raising uncertainty for North American farm trade. Weather Impacts: Researchers confirmed two weak tornadoes near Kingston on June 30, with damage to trees and farm buildings but no injuries reported.

Food Safety Alert: Michigan health officials say cyclosporiasis cases have surged to 572, with fresh guidance aimed at reducing illness risk from produce as the source remains unidentified. Ocean Livelihoods: East African coastal women are shifting from fishing-only income to tourism, mangrove restoration, and reef protection as climate change and declining ocean health squeeze traditional work. Trade & Prices for Farmers: The U.S. is allowing tariff-free Moroccan phosphate for eight months, a move expected to lower fertilizer costs for Canadian farms. Canada-USMCA Watch: The U.S. decision to keep USMCA running via annual reviews (instead of a full extension) raises uncertainty for agri-food investment and future trade flows. Alberta Food Support: Alberta is expanding school nutrition with $35M+ in federal funding over two years, adding meals for tens of thousands of students. Crop Conditions: Saskatchewan’s wet, gloomy weather is delaying Saskatoon berry harvest by about 7–10 days, with uneven ripening. Ag Sector Leadership: The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association names a new president focused on better listening across Canada’s seed sector. Local Weather Impacts: Tornado researchers confirm two weak twisters caused minor damage to farms and trees near Kingston, Ont. Agri-Food Market Pressure: APAS reports Saskatchewan farmers are getting a smaller share of the food dollar while grocery prices stay high.

Livestock Health Watch: Colorado confirmed a second 2026 vesicular stomatitis case after a horse in Montrose County tested positive, triggering quarantine on the affected premises and adding to ongoing concern for horse and livestock movement across states. Food Safety: Michigan health officials reported cyclosporiasis cases surging to 572 as of July 4, with guidance focused on preventing illness tied to fresh produce while investigators work to identify the source. Trade & Farm Uncertainty: Manitoba’s Portage-Lisgar MP Branden Leslie says local businesses are seeking certainty as Canada–U.S. trade questions and CUSMA compliance concerns make planning harder for firms tied to the U.S. market. Ag Policy & Markets: Canada’s National Food Security Strategy rollout is in the spotlight, with coverage noting gaps and the need for stronger support across the food system. Invasive Pests: Saskatchewan gardeners are dealing with lily leaf beetles spreading since about 2015, with advice focused on daily monitoring and removing infested plants.

Rural Tourism Boost: China’s visa-free travel push is drawing more international visitors into countryside farms, with improved rail, 5G and rural revitalization making agrarian experiences easier to reach. Prairie Flood Update: Manitoba’s Swan River lifted a mandatory evacuation order as water levels dropped, letting residents return for cleanup, with warnings to inspect electrical equipment before turning power back on. Heat Stress on Poultry: A weekly protein report flags that high temperatures are raising concerns for poultry flock performance and production efficiency. Food Costs Pressure: Opinion points to StatsCan data showing food inflation outpacing overall inflation for 15 straight months under Prime Minister Mark Carney, keeping grocery bills rising faster than inflation. Trade & Farm Uncertainty: USMCA renewal talks remain a live issue for North American agriculture, with corn and hog producers warning that losing secure access to Mexico and Canada would hit demand and rural economies. Health Watch: Cyclosporiasis cases in Michigan have more than tripled since June 30, with no specific produce source identified yet.

Endurance Sports on Farms: More than 70 runners took on the third annual Old Tom Backyard Ultra at a turkey farm near Blumenort, looping 6.71 km every hour until only one competitor remains—organizers say heat and humidity could shorten the race. Soybean Trade Watch: U.S. soybean farmers are seeing a modest lift as China resumes purchases after a buying freeze, but markets remain far from pre-tariff levels and the big question is whether demand fully returns. Ontario Sour Cherry Losses: Norfolk County’s sour cherry crop is effectively a bust—Norfolk Cherry Company says blooms failed, so there will be no harvest or processing this year, with migrant workers redirected or delayed. E20 Ethanol Debate: Industry experts and automakers defended India’s E20 ethanol-blended petrol, pointing to extensive testing and phased rollout, while addressing claims about engine problems. Food Security Push: Ottawa unveiled a $3.2B National Food Security Strategy aimed at lowering grocery costs and strengthening Canada’s food system. Agri-Industry Moves: Brandt Group says a new Agribition building is “full steam ahead,” as the show’s future gets a planned livestock-focused expansion.

Calgary Stampede (July 4 schedule): The rodeo and Western festival kicks off with a full Saturday lineup, including agriculture-zone attractions like Milky Way Dairy displays, Cattle Trail, Draft Horse Town, and the Sheep & Pork Showcases, plus rodeo events at GMC Stadium and evening entertainment at the Nutrien Western Event Centre. CUSMA/USMCA trade review: U.S. farm groups are reacting to the first joint review after the U.S. declined to renew the deal in its current form, warning that getting USMCA right matters for dairy and pork exports into Canada and Mexico. Food security push: Ottawa unveiled a $3.2B National Food Security Strategy aimed at lowering grocery costs and strengthening Canada’s food system. Agribition livestock infrastructure: Brandt and Canadian Western Agribition say an $8.5M new heated livestock facility at the REAL grounds will keep cattle at the show and expand capacity. Prairie weather impacts: A Canadian crop report flags saturated fields and delays to spraying and haying after heavy rain in parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Pipeline consultation pressure: First Nations near Roberts Bank say they need more details and consultation before taking a position on Alberta’s proposed southern oil pipeline route. Dairy health tech: Bovonic highlights a mastitis detection system gaining traction with early users reporting reduced antibiotics and lower somatic cell counts. Mosquito surge in Saskatchewan: USask researchers link the spike to wet spring conditions and offer guidance for managing a tough season outdoors. Canfor completes PinkWood deal: Canfor says it has finished acquiring Calgary’s PinkWood, adding 120 jobs and expanding I-joist production capacity.

USMCA/CUSMA Shock for Ag Trade: The U.S. won’t renew the Canada–U.S.–Mexico deal in its current form, moving to annual reviews for up to 10 years (with expiry in 2036 if no extension is reached). U.S. officials say the shift is tied to “substantial issues,” including Canada’s China-linked EV and investment approach, and it raises fresh uncertainty for farmers and supply chains. Flood Relief on the Prairies: Western Manitoba’s Swan River residents are praising neighbours as major flooding rises, with local producer Johnny Wintoniw describing urgent livestock moves to protect cattle, goats and pigs. Agri-Food Minister in Alberta: Canada’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald is set to tour Calgary-area farms, feedyards and processing sites, and meet forage/grasslands/beef stakeholders plus industry leaders. Pesticide Rules in Court: The U.S. Supreme Court backed EPA’s primary role in pesticide labeling in Monsanto v. Durnell, a decision that could shape how pesticide-related claims are handled. Canada–Philippines Business Link: Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Ferdinand Marcos visited a Vancouver Jollibee, underscoring growing agri-food and trade ties as the brand plans major expansion in Canada.

USMCA/CUSMA Shock for Ag Trade: The U.S. says it won’t renew USMCA in its current form, moving to a new annual review process while the deal remains in force during talks—an outcome that has ag groups watching closely for supply-managed impacts and tariff uncertainty. Farm Inputs & Field Risks: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada reports wheat midge emergence is underway in parts of the Prairies after spring moisture, with growers urged to scout and use pheromone traps to track activity. Food Security Push: Canada launched a food security strategy aimed at strengthening supply in northern communities, with funding calls and partnerships framed around reducing import dependence. Heat Safety for Outdoor Work: WHO’s “Beat the Heat” initiative is highlighting heat preparedness for workplaces and major events across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico as extreme heat intensifies. Crop & Market Signals: Mixed grain market movement continues as acreage and stocks estimates shift expectations for wheat, soybeans, and corn.

Food Security Push: Rural Development Minister Buckley Belanger highlighted Canada’s new National Food Security Strategy in Green Lake, with plans to boost grocery competition and invest in food infrastructure, plus new funding tools to expand domestic production and processing. Trade Uncertainty for Ag: The U.S. says it won’t renew USMCA “in its current form,” moving to a review/negotiation path that keeps the deal in force while raising political risk for Canadian exporters and supply chains. Farm Input & Crop Signals: Statistics Canada’s June field crop survey points to a historic canola surge (record 23.4M acres) while wheat and pulses pull back—useful context for planning and pricing. Regulatory Update for Producers: Health Canada’s new drone policy allows pesticide application by drones for already-approved aerial products, aiming to support farmers while keeping federal and provincial rules in place. Aquaculture Deal: Cooke is set to acquire Mowi Canada East’s salmon farming operations, expanding Atlantic Canada’s finfish aquaculture footprint. On-the-Ground Ag Community: A new Unity non-profit, Farming For CommUNITY Inc., is partnering with Bunge Canada on a 125-acre wheat crop to build youth and community learning around agriculture.

USMCA Shock for Ag Trade: The U.S. says it won’t renew USMCA “in its current form,” triggering a decade-long clock toward expiry in 2036 while the deal stays in force and shifts to annual reviews; the U.S. plans talks with Mexico starting the week of July 20, with pressure points including autos rules of origin and “economic security,” and ag groups are backing updates to keep dairy, produce and enforcement rules workable. Prairie Weather Stress: In east-central Saskatchewan, farmers report saturated fields after heavy rain, with crop, hay and pasture moisture in surplus ranges and forecasts that still call for more rain before a possible break—raising concerns about damage and timing. Canadian Ag Innovation: Egg Farmers of Ontario and Egg Farmers of Canada-backed Canadian Egg Technologies is moving toward a commercial launch of an in-ovo egg sexing system that can determine sex as early as day four using hyperspectral imaging. Food Security Push (Canada): Ottawa has launched a National Food Security Strategy with $3B over 10 years, aiming to boost grocery competition, expand domestic production (including enclosed growing), and reduce regulatory burdens—especially for northern communities. Livestock & Land Pressure: A new report warns global livestock growth since 2006 is piling pressure on nature, with more land and water used for feed and rising emissions.

Ontario greenhouse sector: Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers mourned the death of migrant farm worker Sinhue Garcia, fatally injured while cycling in Niagara-on-the-Lake; police laid charges. Interprovincial trade: Saskatchewan businesses are still feeling the drag of interprovincial trade barriers a year after federal promises to cut red tape, with deadlines for mutual recognition for services still “up in the air.” Fertilizer supply: Bangladesh approved imports of 75,000 tonnes of MOP fertilizer—35,000 from Russia and 40,000 from Canada—under government-to-government deals to keep supplies steady. USMCA/CUSMA review: Canada, the U.S. and Mexico begin the formal trilateral review on July 1, with renewal talks expected to continue rather than a simple re-up. Grain markets: Chicago corn and wheat futures climbed after USDA data, with wheat acreage and stocks estimates surprising traders. Plant breeding: Grain Farmers of Ontario argues Eastern Canada wheat breeding needs more public investment to keep small cereals competitive and protect rotations.