Canadian Cattle Association welcomes increased funding commitments under the Next Agricultural Policy Framework

Jul 28, 2022

Saskatoon, SK – Today, Canada’s agriculture ministers gathered in Saskatchewan for their annual federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) meeting where they announced $500 million in new funds for the Next Agricultural Policy Framework, a 25 per cent increase from the previous Framework. The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is pleased to see the increased investments and echo the FPT ministers in saying that this investment comes at a critical time.

The new Framework, to be known as the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, includes investments in research, risk management, and environmental programming. With an increased funding envelope, the beef sector is now better equipped to deliver on some of the ambitious environmental and productivity goals as set by the national beef strategy partners, all while producing a high-quality protein to feed the world.

“Today’s announcement is a recognition that the FPT Ag Ministers heard our concerns,” said Reg Schellenberg, CCA President. “We are partners in the intertwined objectives of sustainability and competitiveness.”

Investments of note include:

$250 million dollars for the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP). This investment will be cost-shared with the provinces and aims to pay farmers for ecological goods and services they provide, a welcome investment for beef producers who perform these services as a by-product of raising beef.
Increasing the AgriStability compensation rate from 70 per cent to 80 per cent. An increase has long been advocated for by the beef sector. Additional reviews of the business risk management suite of programs to increase efficiency and effectiveness were also announced.

As with all complex issues relating to tackling climate change and ensuring a vibrant industry, the details of these commitments will be important. CCA welcomes increased funding and looks forward to being consulted as a stakeholder for how these dollars will be spent. The Canadian beef sector provides tremendous environmental benefits and CCA is active in discussions to ensure the sector’s sustainability is recognized.

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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.