2016 Senate Report Warned of Current Challenges

Mar 20, 2025
By Denise Faguy
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Senate urged the government to reduce dependence on the U.S. market

In 2016, during the first Trump term as US President, the Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce, and the Economy advised dismantling internal trade barriers to enhance economic growth.

It also urged the government to reduce dependence on the U.S. market and implement tax reforms to prevent businesses from relocating.

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade emphasized strengthening ties with Mexico and recognized the need for free-trade agreements amid rising protectionism.

Years before the “Buy Canadian” movement gained momentum, the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry identified increasing demand for domestically produced goods. It also pointed out the untapped opportunities in the value-added food sector, which could contribute significantly to Canada’s economy.

To address export challenges, the committee conducted an extensive study, consulting over 500 industry experts, farmers, and processors. Their findings aimed to support agricultural businesses in expanding their global reach.

With the right policies, Canada’s agricultural sector and trade strategies could enhance economic stability and growth. More insights can be found through reports Made in Canada: Growing in Canada's Value Added Food Sector and Canadian farmers need greater access to foreign markets to thrive.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.