OMAFRA to host Tri-National Agricultural Accord in 2016

Nov 18, 2015

Meeting scheduled for September 6-8 in Niagara Falls, Ontario

Delegates representing the interests of Mexican and American agriculture will join Canadian representatives at the 2016 Tri-National Agricultural Accord, scheduled for September 6-8, 2016 in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

The meeting provides a platform for the three nations to work together on developing stronger agricultural trade relations, tackling issues within the industry and be introduced to the newest science and technology.

“Ontario welcomes the opportunity to host the Tri-National Accord for the first time,” said Arthur Potts, Parliamentary Assistant to Jeff Leal, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “It will be my honour to celebrate with our partners, the 25 years of cooperation that has advanced trade opportunities for Canada, Mexico and the U.S. Ontario is Canada’s largest food processing power house so it is fitting that this event will be hosted in one of the most competitive food processing regions in North America.”

At the 2014 meeting, which wrapped up in Guadalajara, Mexico on November 14^th, the representatives expressed support for different initiatives including enhancing biosecurity measures to combat avian influenza, keeping pollinators healthy and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

“The TPP agreement holds tremendous promise for greater liberalization of trade and integration, enabling long-term gains across the region,” a joint communique reads.

The United States is Ontario’s primary trade partner, exporting more than $9 billion worth of agri-food products in 2014. Mexico is the fifth largest agri-food export market; $156 million worth of agri-food products were shipped to Mexico in 2014.

Join the conversation and tell us your thoughts about Ontario hosting the 2016 Tri-National Agricultural Accord. What are some pressing issues that should be discussed?

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.