Heath MacDonald appointed new minister of agriculture and agri-food

May 14, 2025

Heath MacDonald, a Prince Edward Island MP representing the riding of Malpeque, has been appointed the new federal minister of agriculture and agri-food. Before his election to the riding in 2021, replacing long-serving MP Wayne Easter, the 59-year-old served as PEI’s minister of finance as well as minister of economic development and tourism. As a resident of Cornwall, he will be familiar with the economic heft of the potato industry.

The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) congratulated all ministers on their nomination to cabinet. As the voice of Canada’s agri-food exporters, CAFTA looks forward in particular to working with Ministers Maninder Sidhu (International Trade), Heath MacDonald (Agriculture and Agri-Food) and Dominic LeBlanc (President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy) to ensure agri-food trade policies expand market access, strengthen international partnerships, and help Canada navigate a rapidly evolving global agri-food trade landscape.

“Ministers Sidhu, MacDonald and LeBlanc have key roles to play in maintaining and deepening relationships with Canada’s agri-food trade partners, upholding a stable, rules-based international trade environment, and expanding access through diversified trade opportunities,” said Greg Northey, president of CAFTA

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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.