Canada and Russia as agri-food trade partners

Jan 05, 2015

The two countries meet tonight for World Junior hockey gold

By Diego Flammini, Farms.com

On the ice, the rivalry between Canada and Russia will forever be etched in hockey history. Tonight, they’ll write another chapter in the storied saga as the two countries meet for World Junior hockey gold; a tournament the two nations continue to dominate. 28 of the 36 competitions resulted in either Canada or Russia winning gold.

One game between the two countries dubbed the “Punch-up in Piestany” saw the game suspended after brawl broke out.

Off the ice, when it comes to trading agriculture, it’s a little bit of a different relationship.

The most recent stats show in 2013, Canada exported over $321 million worth of agri-food products to Russia. The principal exports being over $250 million in pork products. Other imports included dog and cat food, fertilized chicken eggs, and pure-bred breeding swine.

On the other hand, Canada imported $21 million in products in 2013. The chief import being vodka at $8.7 million. Molasses, tobacco, flaxseed and millet round out the top five agri-food imports.

During the summer of 2014, sanctions were put on Russia while they and Ukraine were at odds. In response to the sanctions, Russia stopped importing foods from numerous countries, including Canada’s pork industry that could have a financial impact of up to $500 million.

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.