Press Release Department: 281

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald (Malpeque, PEI) announced the reappointment of Benoit Basillais, as Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Dairy Commission, for an additional three-year term, effective July 4, 2026. The full release is available online. Contact jennica.klassen@agr.gc.ca.

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald (MalpeThis announcement officially begins a five-week intake period, during which young people across the country involved in agriculture or agri-food are encouraged to apply to become a member of the Council.que, PEI) launched the application period for the fourth Canadian Agricultural Youth Council cohort. Young people aged 18 to 30 who … Read more

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing nearly $1 million through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to support local projects that turn innovative research into market-ready solutions for farmers and food processors. The full release is available online. Contact jennica.klassen@agr.gc.ca.

Ffour Saskatchewan students were awarded Agriculture Student Scholarships, recognizing their leadership potential, innovative thinking and commitment to the future of Saskatchewan agriculture. This program is funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The full release is available online. Contact jennica.klassen@agr.gc.ca.

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald (Malpeque, PEI) announced the reappointment of Brian Douglas, as Chairperson of the Farm Products Council of Canada (FPCC), effective June 11, 2026, until Oct. 2, 2027. The full release is available online. Contact jennica.klassen@agr.gc.ca.

May 1, 2026, will mark the official termination of the longstanding Sampling and testing protocol for Canadian flaxseed exported to the European Union (the Protocol). Removal of this non-tariff barrier, that has been in place since 2009, is a recognition of the safety, reliability and quality of Canadian agricultural and agri-food exports. This demonstrates the strength of … Read more

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald (Malpeque, PEI) announced that the Government of Canada will set the interest-free limit of the Advance Payments Program at $250,000 for the 2026 program year, for all non-canola advances. The full release is available online. Contact jennica.klassen@agr.gc.ca.

As of April 1, SaskAgMatters Mental Health Network Inc. will manage the Farm Stress Line as part of a coordinated mental health support system for Saskatchewan producers, their family members and their employees. The new partnership offers 24/7 confidential access to crisis line counsellors trained in agriculture, as well as follow-up counselling sessions with Saskatchewan-based … Read more

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald (Malpeque, PEI) announced that the Government intends to propose amendments to the Income Tax Act to extend the income tax deferral period for livestock producers in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba who received compensation for animals ordered to be destroyed due to the 2024 and 2025 bovine tuberculosis events. Under the Health of … Read more