Grain Growers of Canada applaud government’s commitment to right-to-repair amendment

Nov 22, 2023

Ottawa, ON – The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) celebrate the incorporation of the Competition Act amendment in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement, a move aimed at bolstering the right to repair for grain farmers.

“Enabling growers to access essential tools and software for maintaining their equipment, such as tractors and combines, will foster a more equitable landscape between manufacturers and consumers,” states Kyle Larkin, executive director of GGC.

The right to repair enables farmers to gain access to the tools and software to repair their own equipment, saving time during critical periods of the year and reducing costs through the introduction of competitive forces. Additionally, enabling cross-manufacturer communication among farm equipment expands farmer options, driving both competition and innovation.

GGC looks forward to collaborating with the government to ensure that the right-to-repair policies fully support grain farmers across Canada.

Source : Grain Grower

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.