Minister MacDonald completes first successful tour in Quebec

Dec 09, 2025

This week, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food, was in the Quebec City area to meet with producers, partners and provincial stakeholders in the agriculture and agri-food sector. Minister MacDonald was accompanied by his Parliamentary Secretary, Sophie Chatel.

Minister MacDonald met with Quebec Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Donald Martel to discuss priorities such as the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement, the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct, and reciprocal standards for imported foods and products. Ministers MacDonald and Martel agreed to continue their joint efforts to support Quebec's agriculture and agri-food industry.

During his time in Quebec, Minister MacDonald made a speech at the General Congress of the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA), also answering questions from the agricultural producers in attendance. Prior to his speech, the Minister met with UPA's President Martin Caron and Executive Director Charles-Félix Ross to discuss financial assistance for producers and measures to ensure a reliable agricultural workforce.

Minister MacDonald held a round table with members of Quebec's processing vegetable production sector. Participants shared their thoughts on opportunities and challenges, particularly with regard to agri-food imports and exports. The Minister reiterated his support for increasing access to key markets and reducing obstacles to trade.

To round out his tour of the region, Minister MacDonald visited agriculture, agri-food and research facilities, including the Grand marché de Québec and several Université Laval buildings, including the Envirotron, the CRIV (plant research and innovation centre) and the STELA (dairy science and technology research centre). He concluded the tour with a visit to Ideal Can, a Canadian canmaker, to discuss sustainable and local packaging solutions.

Source : Newswire.ca

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.