With just five days left until Christmas, CCGA’s agriculture policy team has 5 Christmas Wishes for 2017.
Want to chat about any of these issues? Our policy team is always available to listen. Call 1-866-745-2256.
And now, without further ado:
On the first day of Christmas, we wish for 2017…
One Rail Bill. New rail legislation is expected in early 2017, providing the opportunity to modernize rail service to support our growing sector. Transportation 2030 included key priorities of CCGA, including reciprocal penalties, a definition of “suitable and adequate” service, and more timely decision making. It also commits to addressing the long-term future of inter-switching and the Maximum Revenue Entitlement. Read more about CCGA’s transportation priorities here.
On the second day of Christmas, we wish for 2017…
Two Trade Deals. CETA and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) are expected to open new sales opportunities for canola, as well as provide a platform to address non-tariff barriers our sector faces. A Spring 2017 implementation of CETA will remove tariffs on canola oil to the EU upon immediately. Read more about the benefits of CETA here, and the importance of TPP here.
On the third day of Christmas, we wish for 2017…
Three Grain Commissioners. The next slate of commissioners will play an important role in shaping the future of the Canadian Grain Commission. As the CGC is looking to launch public user fee consultations in 2017 and to explore ways to spend surplus funds, robust leadership is key to ensuring that the CGC is accountable to and aligned with the needs of the grain industry. Read more about what Grain Commissioners do and their importance in this CCGA Hub post.
On the fourth day of Christmas, we wish for 2017…
4R stewardship. Farmers have a great sustainability story to tell. With improvements in crop inputs and the adoption of modern practices, today’s farms play an important role in protecting the environment. Initiatives, such as 4Rs, promote the efficient use of fertilizers and ensures that our farming practices continue to meet the high standards our customers ask for. Read about more CCGA environment initiatives on our Sustainability page.
On the fifth day of Christmas, we wish for 2017…
Five percent mandate. Canola biodiesel is friendly for the environment, reducing emissions by over 90% compared with petroleum diesel. As Canada charts its environment and climate change policies and programs, a higher biofuel mandate should be part of the solution. It has the potential to bring real benefits to the environment, the economy, and to Canadian canola farmers. Read more about biodiesel mandates on our Biodiesel page.