Trade Issues Top Canola Council of Canada Election Issues

Sep 26, 2019

There are a number of key agricultural issues that farm groups and producers would like to see addressed during the federal election campaign.

Jim Everson, President of the Canola Council of Canada, says protectionism and international trade is at the top of their list.

He notes there are a number of places where Canadian grains and oilseed crops have been affected by blockages of trade.

“I’m thinking of durum trade into Italy, pulse trade into India, and of course canola in China. It would seem that Canada really has to look at how we maneuver both industry and government in an environment that’s more protectionist that way.”

Everson says there are a number of agricultural issues that need to be addressed from trade challenges to environmental issues.

He notes biofuels is one area that they are very eager to work with the Government on to grow the industry.

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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.