Heath MacDonald

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Minister Heath MacDonald spent the week in Brussels, Belgium, and Paris, France, participating in meetings with European officials, industry representatives, and G7 agriculture ministers. The visit included meetings with officials from the European Commission and European Parliament, as well as discussions with European industry stakeholders. Trade and regulatory issues affecting…

The federal government has announced changes to Canada’s business tax system that it says will make it easier for companies to invest in equipment, infrastructure and technology, including the agriculture sector. Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Heath MacDonald, highlighted the new Productivity Mega Deduction while visiting Allan Equipment Manufacturing Ltd. in Charlottetown, P.E.I….

Several Alberta regions have been included on the federal government’s initial list of prescribed areas under the Livestock Tax Deferral provision for 2026. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) announced the list September 1, 2026. It identifies areas affected by drought, excess moisture, or flooding that have created feed shortages for livestock producers. In Alberta, the…

Canada’s agriculture ministers have agreed to a significant upgrade to the AgriStability program, aimed at helping farmers better manage the growing risks tied to climate challenges and global trade uncertainty. During a virtual meeting last week, federal, provincial, and territorial ministers committed to a one-year enhancement of the program for 2025. The compensation rate will…

The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) has announced an investment of $19.9 million over the next three years in a core breeding agreement (CBA) with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). This funding aims to develop field-ready wheat varieties, ensuring Prairie farmers have continued access to high quality wheat genetics. The new agreement is intended to…