Extension of Bill C-30 Good for Canadian Farmers

Apr 22, 2016

Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) welcome the federal government’s announcement that the Fair Rail for Grain Farmers Act (Bill C-30) will be extended for an additional year, while the Minister of Transport fully considers the Canada
Transportation Act Review.

Rail interswitching provides Canadian grain producers with alternative options for rail services. The rule has already made for more competitive freight rates and service, and has directly benefitted farmers. Not only have farmers noted reduced costs, they have also gained more leverage in getting rail car capacity where needed. Bill C-30 also ensures producers will be reimbursed for any expenses incurred as a result of the railway company’s failure to comply with its level-of-service obligations, giving Canadian grain farmers a more predictable and stable source of revenue.

“The extension of Bill C-30 will provide both government and producers appropriate ntime to re-assess the bill, while a long-term solution for improving Canada’s rail transportation system is developed,” said GGC’s President Gary Stanford.

The Grain Growers of Canada provides a strong national voice for over 50,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 13 provincial and regional grower groups, representing wheat, durum, barley, canola, oat, corn, soybean, pea, and lentil farmers from across Canada. Our mission and mandate is to pursue a policy environment that maximizes global competitiveness and to influence federal policy on behalf of independent Canadian grain farmers and their associations.

Source: GGC

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.