“Projects like this are essential as we work together to lower greenhouse gas emissions and build a stronger, more resilient agriculture sector for Canadians,” said Heath MacDonald, federal minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in a news release.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced April 7 that Anodyne Chemistries Inc. will receive up to$1,236,310 through Ottawa’s AgriScience Program – Projects Component under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Anodyne describes itself as a Canadian chemical startup on its website. It plans to use the funds to develop a bio-electric process to convert carbon dioxide and water into hydrogen peroxide and formic acid.

Hydrogen peroxide disinfects and sanitizes equipment, while formic acid’s uses include as a preservative for animal feed.

The processes to make these products would reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as the ag sector’s reliance on petrochemical feedstocks.

“We’re proud to work alongside AAFC to build the foundation for a domestic, decarbonized agrichemical supply chain in Canada,” said Anodyne chief executive Iain Evans.

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“Canada and Mexico share a strong partnership shaped by years of collaboration and more than three decades of free trade,” said MacDonald in a news release, adding “this trip is about further strengthening our ties, developing relationships, and creating opportunities that will drive growth and prosperity in both of our nations.”

Between October 14 and 17, MacDonald will meet with Julio Berdegué, Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Javier Calderon, the Head of Mexico’s National Health Safety and Quality Service. Talks will focus on diversifying and growing trade between the two nations, said the release.

MacDonald will also meet with local business leaders and stakeholders “to promote Canadian agricultural and agri-food products, strengthen bilateral relationships and explore opportunities of mutual interest.”

This visit will seek to further strengthen Canada’s bilateral relationship and expand agricultural co-operation. It comes following a September meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, where the Canada-Mexico Action Plan 2025-2028 was announced.

In Mexico City, MacDonald plans to connect with provincial counterparts and industry representatives attending the Tri-National Accord later that week. MacDonald will also travel to Guadalajara to continue his outreach with key Mexican stakeholders.

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As part of a wider cabinet shuffle, Premier Francois Legault on Wednesday appointed Donald Martel, MNA for the riding of Nicolet-Becancour since 2012, to the ag minister’s post and as minister responsible for the Centre-du-Quebec region.

On the ag portfolio, Martel replaces Andre Lamontagne, who’d led the ag ministry (MAPAQ) since 2018. Media outlets have reported Lamontagne, the MNA for Johnson since 2014, has decided not to seek re-election and did not attend the federal/provincial/territorial (FPT) agriculture ministers’ meeting this week in Winnipeg.

Lamontagne said Monday on X it had been a “great honour” to serve as ag minister and that he would continue as MNA for Johnson. The next provincial election is scheduled for Oct. 5, 2026 if Legault does not call one before that date.

Before entering provincial politics, Martel had served as director-general and secretary-treasurer for the regional municipality (MRC) of Nicolet-Yamaska, south of Trois-Rivieres. He then ran unsuccessfully as a candidate for the Parti Quebecois (PQ) in the riding then known as Nicolet-Yamaska in 2007 before joining the CAQ.

After winning the Nicolet-Becancour seat in 2012 for the CAQ, Martel served as that party’s second-opposition ag, fisheries and food critic (2012-14, 2017) and sat on the Quebec assembly’s agriculture, fisheries, energy and natural resources committee during those stints. He also served in other critic posts for the CAQ, and as party whip (2014-18).

After the CAQ formed government in 2018, Martel served as a parliamentary assistant to the premier (2018-22) and as parliamentary assistant to the economy, innovation and energy minister (2022-25).

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“This trip is about promoting these products, advancing trade discussions, and building relationships that will create new opportunities for our hardworking producers back home,” MacDonald said in a July 28 news release.

While in the region, MacDonald will meet with senior government government officials, local and Canadian business leaders and other stakeholders. The minister leaves this week and will be in the Indo-Pacific for about a week, a spokesperson for his office said.

The Indo-Pacific is the world’s fastest growing region and home to six of Canada’s top 13 trading partners, the release said.

Canada opened an Indo-Pacific trade office in Manila, Philippines in early 2024 as part of a plan to increase Canadian agri-food exports to the region.

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The federal government proposed several months ago to increase the compensation rate from 80 to 90 per cent and double the maximum payment from $3 million to $6 million. However, provinces have to agree in order for the changes to occur.

Federal minister Heath MacDonald said after a July 17 virtual meeting ministers were “receptive” to this plan and agreed to take the steps required to make the changes. Under the federal-provincial agreement, changes to AgriStability can only be made if two-thirds of provinces agree.

The changes are meant to help with trade challenges Canadian farmers are currently facing, particularly from China and the United States.

Beginning in the 2026 program year, provinces will be able to use a new inventory valuation method for inventory used on farm, such as feed. Ministers agreed to obtain approvals to include feed costs associated with rented pasture as an allowable expense ahead of the 2026 program year.

The ministers will meet in person in Winnipeg Sept. 7-9, at which time they will continue reviewing allowable expenses under AgriStability.

Trade was also on the agenda at the virtual meeting, both interprovincial and international.

Meanwhile, MacDonald said his next trip is to Toronto to tout the benefits of agriculture to the investment community. He said he is trying to push the envelope for agricultural success, which has strong positive implications for the Canadian economy.

He also said he can’t overemphasize the collaboration and support he has received from his provincial and territorial counterparts since becoming minister in May.

More to come.

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Agriculture minister RJ Sigurdson was on hand on at Farming Smarter’s two-day field school to announce a one-time capital grant of $3.2 million to Alberta’s 12 applied research associations (ARAs).

It will allow them to focus on research into the adoption of new technology and practices.

ARAs are regional, non-profit organizations that conduct research and extension activities tailored to the specific needs of producers in their respective areas.

“The associations can extend the life of their facility’s infrastructure and equipment and reduce their operating costs,” said Sigurdson.

“The funding is intended to support agricultural research and improve competitiveness. Agricultural research in Alberta leads to tangible benefits for farmers that include higher profits and ample food supply at an affordable cost for consumers.”

Sigurdson said Canada is only one of five net-exporting countries in the world. The minister referred to Alberta and Saskatchewan as the bread basket feeding the world.

“Estimates are the global food demand will rise anywhere from 65 to 85 per cent by mid century. More and more countries are going to continue to look towards our provinces to feed the world, and research is going to be key to continuing to support our farmers and ranchers in the incredible work they do every year.”

Farming Smarter used its part of the capital grant to purchase a tractor to expand its capacity for irrigated crop research, specifically in potato agronomy. Alberta has surpassed Prince Edward Island as the country’s largest potato producer.

The province exported $930 million in processed potatoes in 2024, Sigurdson said.

“Alberta is an agricultural powerhouse. They proudly produce about one-fifth of Canada’s ag exports. With potato production contributing billions per year to Alberta’s economy, applied research associations play a vital role in supporting farmers and ranchers with top-notch research that helps producers improve and advance agriculture in Alberta,” he said.

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Pulse Canada is awaiting word from India as to whether or not the country will extend the tariff-free status of Canadian yellow pea imports before it expires on June 1. If not, it would be the second blowto Canadian pulse growers after China imposed a 100 per cent tariff on its Canadian pea imports in March.

Greg Northey, vice president, corporate affairs for Pulse Canada, said while late spring and early summer typically means a seasonal slowdown for pulse exports, the uncertainty regarding Canada’s two largest markets has brought a wariness for buyers. Activity from India suggests that a tariff may be on the horizon.

“The current speculation is … (India) would put a tariff on peas. (We’re) not sure what level that tariff would be. But I would think it would be a major signal from India on what that market will look going forward,” he said, adding there was a recent surge in yellow pea imports to India.

“We’re seeing a lot of competition, from the Black Sea particularly. A tariff would apply to everybody, but it would be a challenge for Canada to stay competitive,” Northey said. “(India’s) a pretty dynamic market. So it will be interesting to see what would happen with the combination of prices.”

Representatives from Pulse Canada have had “open lines of communication” with Heath MacDonald, the minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, since he was appointed to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet on May 13. They will also visit Ottawa next month for discussions with other cabinet ministers.

“(Talks have) been good so far. It’s been promising. (AAFC) is continuing to staff up and get themselves ready, but they’re very open to speak with stakeholders at the moment,” Northey said.

However, international trade is still top of mind for Pulse Canada.

“The focus is trade and trying to address the issues we’re seeing, particularly in China,” he said. “How do we get back to a place where we don’t have 100 per cent tariffs? What does that relationship look like going forward? That access is very important and it’s never good to have a major market like that be in a situation like that.”

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MacDonald was sworn in as minister May 13 at Rideau Hall as part of prime minister Mark Carney’s first cabinet shuffle since the election.

He said the news of his new role came as a surprise even to him.

“In this business, you just never know … where you’re going land,” he said.

“We went through an election, and you’re kind of decompressing from that, and all of a sudden, Mr. Carney gave me the call, and here I am.

“First of all, you’re excited, obviously, and then the nervousness sets in, you start to think, ‘oh, wow, this is a pretty big event.’ ”

Macdonald represents the riding of Malpeque in Prince Edward Island.

“Farming, coming from the rural part of the country, is obviously on my plate each and every day,” he said.

“So, it’s not unprecedented to be in the middle of the farming issue.”

He said he hopes to have discussions with farmers and provincial ministers across the country to build trust and better understand the issues facing different regions.

“I could sit here and read binders all day, but boots on the ground, I can’t wait to get out of Ottawa, to be quite honest with you, and meet some of these farmers and these provincial ministers as well, to ensure that they understand who I am and what I’m made of, and what I can try to contribute to their success.”

MacDonald previously served on the House of Commons agriculture committee. He said this work allowed him to make valuable connections, including the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, the Canadian Cattle Association and the Canada Grains Council.

“The handshakes and the friendliness (are) there,” he said.

“We just need to get to work together now on some bigger issues.”

He said he hopes to use these connections to facilitate conversations across regions, including in-person meetings:

“It’s all about understanding their needs and ensuring that they know that I’m accessible.”

Before being elected to the House of Common s in 2021, MacDonald served as finance minister in the P.E.I legislature. He said this experience could be an advantage in his new role.

“It allows me to have a better understanding of the financial resources required to progress the farming community and allows me to speak freely on certain things that maybe some others might not be aware of.”

In addition to his role as agriculture minister, MacDonald was named to several government committees, including the Build Canada committee, which considers issues of economic productivity, including housing and climate action.

While MacDonald said he hasn’t had time yet to be fully briefed on what the committee will entail, he expects some agricultural concerns to carry over into Build Canada, specifically labour force issues.

“I’ll be front and centre with agriculture, ensuring that every decision that is made that they are well aware of the effects it has on the agri-food and agriculture portfolio,” he said.

“That’s my job, to ensure that we’re heard at the cabinet table, and that’s what I intend to do.”

One issue he said he hopes to engage other ministers on is interprovincial trade, which he called a high priority for the government.

Two of the major policies Canadian farmers are hoping to see action on are a formal reversal of the capital gains tax changes and a permanent removal of the carbon tax for on-farm activities.

“On both those issues, I believe the decisions that Mr. Carney came out with, it’s the right decision.”

“I think we were very clear on the carbon tax and eliminating it all together,” MacDonald said, and pointed out he was one of the few Liberal MPs to support Bill C-234, a private members bill that proposed carbon exemptions for some on-farm activities.

MacDonald also said he is aware of concerns around red tape and regulatory burdens. This includes reforms to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, which he says he will be pursuing.

“There’s lots of issues right across the board, and we need to take each and every one of them and categorize them on the importance to those industries,” he said,

“And that’s what we’ll do.

“The lines of communication are open, and we’ll continue to have those discussions, and then bring it back to Ottawa and have those discussions with the bureaucrats, whether it’s CFIA or the department, or whoever needs to hear it, they’re going to hear it.

“I’m knee deep-in this stuff right now … but you learn and live every day, and we’ll just keep progressing forward.”

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Lisa Dempster, the MHA for the southeastern Labrador riding of Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair, was sworn in on May 9 as minister for fisheries, forestry and agriculture, replacing Gerry Byrne.

Dempster was also promoted from deputy house leader to house leader for the Liberal government bench, and keeps a previous post as minister of Labrador affairs.

Hogan’s cabinet shuffle follows the former health minister’s May 3 election as Liberal party leader, which made him the designate to replace outgoing premier Andrew Furey, who had announced his resignation on Feb. 25.

Dempster was a career and employment counsellor and served as deputy mayor for Charlottetown — a small Labrador town devoted mainly to shrimp harvesting and processing — before she entered provincial politics on the opposition benches in a 2013 byelection.

Since Dwight Ball led the Liberals back to power in the province in 2015, Dempster has served in several cabinet posts, most recently as Furey’s minister for Indigenous affairs and reconciliation, minister for Labrador affairs and deputy government house leader.

Among other portfolios in Hogan’s cabinet of interest to farmers, Pam Parsons becomes minister for rural economic development and Scott Reid, minister for environment and climate change. The cabinet also includes two former provincial ag ministers: Byrne, who’d returned to that post last July, now becomes minister for jobs, immigration and growth, while Elvis Loveless becomes minister for transportation and infrastructure.

The provincial house of assembly, which broke for Easter on April 18, resumed sitting on May 12.

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Carney and his cabinet were sworn in today.

Blois, who represents the constituency of Kings-Hants in Nova Scotia, will inherit the role from veteran agriculture minister Lawrence MacAulay, who announced his retirement from the position in early March.

Blois has some experience with the office, having previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and served on the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture.

Blois was one of the few Liberal MPs who supported Bill C-234, a private members bill that proposed to exempt from the price on carbon propane and natural gas for farm uses like grain drying and barn heating.

He also acted as Chair of the Atlantic caucus, where he advocated for higher carbon tax rebates for rural residents and sponsored the 2023 Bill C-359, which would have allowed for provisional registration or approval of feeds, seeds and pest control products if already approved by two or more “trusted jurisdictions.”

Neither bill became law.

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