Chicken Farmers of Canada Launches New Campaign to Make Chicken the Ultimate
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Rabobank: Geopolitics and Bird Flu to Shape the 2025/26 Poultry Outlook
Global Leaders Highlight Ag’s Essential Role in Global Prosperity
FCC Leads AI Farming Innovation with New Partnership with RDAR
Enhanced FCC Transition Loan Terms Aim to Better Support Ag and Food Entrepreneurs
CMC: Meat Producers Warn of Trade Concerns for Bill C-5
CCA’s Dennis Laycraft Inducted into Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame
FMI Welcomes Jessica Tanner as Director, Legal Operations
SQFI Appoints Rachel Anderson as VP of Business Development
One Canadian Market: Will Ottawa Finally Clear the Table for Domestic Food Trade?
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Ray Blumenfeld ray@meatbusinesspro.com
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Deb Wilson deborah@meatbusinesspro.com
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Murray Hill murray@meatbusinesspro.com
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Cam Patterson cam@meatbusinesspro.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Patrick Cairns
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Beatrice Moen, Cam Patterson, Jack Roberts
Meat Business Pro is published 12 times a year by We Communications West Inc
CHICKEN FARMERS OF CANADA LAUNCHES NEW CAMPAIGN TO MAKE CHICKEN THE ULTIMATE ANYTIME PROTEIN SNACK
Chicken Farmers of Canada has announced the launch of its latest national campaign, Chicken. Eat it Anytime. Designed to reframe how Canadians think about chicken, the campaign positions this versatile protein as the perfect snack for on-the-go lifestyles.
With health-conscious Gen Z and Millennials increasingly prioritizing protein—yet often reaching for processed bars and powders instead—this campaign offers a fresh perspective: Canadian-raised chicken is the nutritious, convenient option they’ve been looking for.
“The idea started with a simple question: why not chicken?” said Michael Laliberté, CEO of Chicken Farmers of Canada. “It’s time to think beyond traditional meals and recognize chicken as the go-to snack for energy, taste, and trust in every bite.”
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Backed by the insight that 71% of consumers want to eat more protein, and that protein has become the top nutritional priority for many Canadians, the campaign highlights chicken’s nutritional benefits, including 23 grams or more of protein per 100-gram serving, depending on the cut. It also emphasizes chicken’s ability to fuel real moments, from post-run cravings to midday slumps.
For more information, visit chicken.ca.
GLOBAL LEADERS HIGHLIGHT AG’S ESSENTIAL ROLE IN GLOBAL PROSPERITY
On June 15 and 16, 2025, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA Canada) hosted the first of its kind "Americas Agriculture and Food Security Forum". Approximately 250 in-person and 800+ virtual guests attended.
The Forum was a positive and inclusive space for dialogue, bringing together government officials, industry representatives, financial institutions, academics, development experts, students, farmers and ranchers, to explore solutions that enhance agriculture, food security, sustainability, innovation, and trade. It was an opportunity to capitalize on the G7, happening in Kananaskis, Alberta, and bring representatives from the international community together to talk about agriculture, since it was left off the G7 agenda.
Ryan Beierbach, CCA Vice President and Chair of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB), represented Canadian beef producers at IICA's VIP dinner on Monday night, which featured CRSB Certified beef.
He also was a panelist on IICA's "sustainable livestock panel". He had the opportunity to make remarks focusing on the Canadian beef industry's leadership, highlighting measured progress shown through the National Beef Sustainability Assessment (NBSA), and emphasizing the need for pre-competitive and collaborative spaces to build sustainable and resilient food systems.
Leaders from the agricultural sector around the world, officials from international organizations, representatives of the private sector, academics and students gathered in Canada to highlight the growing importance of agriculture for the future of humanity and called for cooperative efforts to address the challenges facing the planet.
IICA Director General Manuel Otero was one of the speakers at the forum, which was held over two days at Olds College of Agriculture and Technology, a leading agricultural university in Canada. The college has students from 36 countries and a 1,500-hectare campus that includes a smart farm and a high-tech laboratory for agricultural research.
“Cultivating tomorrow’s food security and agriculture today” was the title of the event, which aimed to place agriculture on the public agenda as part of the solution to global challenges, at a time when the G7 Summit was drawing worldwide attention to Alberta.
The event, which celebrated the daily work of farmers, featured over 50 speakers who discussed topics such as the role of science and innovation in agricultural transformation, public policy design, trade and integration, carbon markets, and soil health.
During the event, Canadian Senator Mary Robinson was recognized as a Leader of Rurality of the Americas. Robinson is a former President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), which represents about 200,000 farmers in the country, and currently serves as Vice President of the World Farmers’ Organization (WFO).
Robinson is a sixth-generation farmer from Prince Edward Island, in eastern Canada.
Continued on page 10
“It’s a great honor to be recognized by IICA, as agriculture is at the heart of my life in many ways. We must make it clear that agriculture is vital for global prosperity and peace. It is essential that farmers remain in rural areas, providing food, fuel, and fiber for humanity,” said Robinson.
THE CHALLENGES OF AGRICULTURE
“We must be aware that without agriculture, there is no food. Alberta is fundamentally an agricultural province; agriculture is our oldest industry and still a key one. Farmers continue to work hard, despite increasingly difficult challenges, from droughts to rising production costs. That’s why we’re making major efforts to invest in the infrastructure farmers rely on,” said Jason Hale on behalf of Alberta’s provincial government.
“We could not imagine a better time and place for this meeting on sustainable agriculture than when G7 political leaders are gathered nearby. We are strongly committed to the resilience and well-being of farmers,” said Debbie Thompson, President of Olds College. She noted that technologies are transforming agriculture and pointed to climate variability, trade barriers, and labor shortages as the sector’s main challenges.
“We have a special responsibility as a continent, so we must be more united. The diversity of the Americas is not a weakness; it is our strength. Agriculture has an irreplaceable role: boosting productivity and competitiveness. That’s always been the case and will continue to be so,” said IICA Director General Otero.
Otero emphasized that one in every three food products traded globally comes from the Americas, making the region a guarantor of both global food security and environmental sustainability. He stressed that agriculture must now transform itself to face multiple crises, recalling that in other historic periods of great hardship, such as world wars or the Great Depression, agriculture always rose to the occasion.
The IICA Director General also praised the role of farmers: “They are not only producers, but also guardians of the land and custodians of biodiversity. They must be fairly compensated, have access to financing, and benefit from sound public policies,” he concluded.
Otero shared a panel with Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture of Guyana and chair of the CARICOM ministerial group on food security. Over 50 speakers gathered to celebrate farmers’ work and discuss science, innovation, public policy, trade, carbon markets, and soil health at an event dedicated to transforming the future of agriculture.
“I have witnessed how the agricultural sector has transformed in recent years through sustainable practices and the adoption of new technologies, which are giving us new opportunities despite the difficulties. Today, it’s possible to increase productivity while also protecting the environment,” said Mustapha.
The Guyanese minister stressed the importance of the public sector: “If we want farmers to produce more and end hunger, governments must take bold action. Agriculture needs to change to adapt to harsher conditions, and rural communities need better public policies.”
The forum was an excellent opportunity to meet with other national organizations, including those like the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and Farm Credit Canada; government departments like Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and also Senators such as Rob Black, whom CCA was able to connect with and continue a positive relationship.
A large emphasis was placed on networking and building connections. Panels highlighted the importance of trade, investment, soil, water, and nutrition. And there was overall agreement that we all have a responsibility to enhance cross-sector collaboration and partnerships for the benefit of the food system.
Jean-Charles Le Vallée, IICA Representative in Canada
ENHANCED FCC TRANSITION LOAN TERMS AIM TO BETTER SUPPORT AG AND FOOD ENTREPRENEURS
Agriculture and agri-food business owners transferring farm or business assets to new owners now have a new option to consider, given recent changes to Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) Transition Loan. The loan’s new terms come at a very important time. Canada’s agriculture and food system is sitting on more than $50 billion in farm assets expected to be transferred in the next 10 years.
“Transferring the family farm or business can be a stressful thing to manage, but the support of the FCC Transition Loan can help address the financial barriers folks experience,” said The Honourable Heath MacDonald, federal minister of agriculture and agrifood. “It also creates opportunities for people looking to start or expand their operations, making it a real investment in the future of our agricultural sector.”
The enhanced FCC Transition Loan is specifically designed to facilitate the transfer of assets, making it easier for both buyers and sellers. The new terms allow disbursements to the seller over a period that extends to 10 years. The loan is available for farms, agribusiness or food businesses going through changes in ownership, be it within or outside the family.
“One of the most consistent challenges faced by Canadian producers is transitioning their operations to either family or an outside qualified buyer. It is complex, nuanced, and emotional,” said Justine Hendricks, FCC president and CEO. “For our part, we’ve been working hard to build a loan product that makes transition and sale easier for both buyers and sellers. Whether the buyers are new to the sector or not, this product is focused on delivering peace of mind and flexibility to Canadian agriculture and agri-food producers. It’s designed specifically with affordability and success in mind.”
BENEFITS FOR THE SELLER:
• Guaranteed full payment of the sale proceeds by FCC,
• Customized payment schedule for up to 10 years, and
• Opportunity to support a next generation entrepreneur.
BENEFITS FOR THE BUYER:
• No need for upfront capital for a down payment,
• Flexibility to choose between improving cash flow or building equity (potential to reduce interest expense and pay off loan sooner), and
• FCC’s AgExpert software is included.
NSF INTERNATIONAL FOCUSES ON CANADIAN FOOD INDUSTRY WITH NEW WEBSITE FOR SERVICES IN CANADA
Global public health organization showcases services for Canada’s growing and fast-changing food industry
“The FCC Transition Loan has been a game changer for our farm,” said Aaron and Amber Hoffus, grain, oilseed and cow-calf producers in Bjorkdale, Sask. “It has helped us to secure land and equipment, with flexible terms and saving interest helped us to continue growing. We’ve had the opportunity to grow and build our family farm for our kids, and hopefully generations to come, and would recommend the FCC Transition Loan to anyone looking to do the same. The enhancements to this particular FCC loan come at a critical time and can help other entrepreneurs like us better manage the realities that come with the transfer of assets.”
NSF International in Canada recently launched a new website - www.nsfcanada.ca - to give Canada’s growing and complex food and beverage industry easy access to the global public health organization’s expertise and services in Canada. The website combines information on the depth, experience and capabilities of the NSF International Canadian office with access to NSF International’s global services dedicated to food safety and quality.
Evolving regulations across countries and increasing complexities associated with a globalized food supply network present challenges for NSF International clients in Canada and around the world. The new Canadian website offers expertise and services to help companies navigate these challenges, including certification and auditing, consulting, technical services, training and education, food and label compliance, packaging, and product and process development.
Whether a buyer is aiming to maximize cash flow with interest-only payments, or build equity quickly with accelerated principal payments, they can explore options using the Transition Loan calculator.
NSF International’s Canadian website provides information on the following services:
The FCC Transition Loan complements FCC’s suite of products and services that support young producers and entrepreneurs, including FCC Advisory Services. For more information on the FCC Transition Loan, visit www.fcc.ca/transitionloan.
Certification & auditing: Third-party food safety audits and certifications, which are integral components of supplier selection and regulatory compliance. Accurate audits are the first step toward successful verification of a company’s food safety system, providing improved brand protection and customer confidence. Certifications
technical resources, expertise and insight for a wide range
include eLearning, on-site, customized and open enrolment.
ABOUT FCC
Additionally, the website includes information about management system registrations for the food, automotive, environmental, information security, medical devices, aerospace and chemical industries, as well as for Ontario drinking water programs.
Visit the new Canadian website at www.nsfcanada.ca to review the food safety services capabilities video, find a list of Canadian food experts, learn about upcoming events and global news releases, submit a question or read an FAQ.
FCC is proud to be 100 per cent invested in Canadian agriculture and food. The organization’s employees are committed to the long-standing success of those who produce and process Canadian food. FCC provides flexible financing and capital solutions, while creating value through data, knowledge, relationships and expertise.
CMC: MEAT PRODUCERS WARN OF TRADE CONCERNS FOR BILL C-5
The Canadian Meat Council (CMC) is warning that the Liberal government’s legislation to ease the movement of goods and services within Canada could actually undermine red meat exports.
Lauren Martin, senior director of public affairs for the CMC, which represents the federally licensed meat industry, said the bill could lead the federal government to recognize provincial rules for inspecting meat processing facilities as equal to federal standards.
“The way it’s currently written is that it deems all provincial standards as equivalent to federal standards for the purposes of removing interprovincial trade barriers,” she said.
“The fact that C-5 deems the provincial inspection system as equivalent to the federal inspection system is a big red flag for us because they’re not equivalent.”
Meat processing rules are different across the country and only federally licensed facilities can prepare product for interprovincial and international trade.
Martin said the vast majority of meat products in Canada are processed through the federal inspection system, while about 5% is processed under provincial rules.
While many of the rules are extremely technical in nature, one big difference between federal and provincial regulations is that federally licensed facilities must always have federal inspectors present.
The Council warns any suggestion that food safety standards are being watered down could be viewed with alarm by Canada’s trading partners and Canada’s
red meat industry is heavily export-dependent.
“That is a way in which we could jeopardize our international trade relationships,” she said.
A position paper produced by the council suggests that audits by foreign trading partners would “not accept the level of food safety scrutiny at provincial plants.” It warns this could “risk our access to international markets, including the U.S.”
Canada is a net exporter of beef and pork. Canada sends more than half of its beef abroad and as much as 70% of its pork, Martin said.
Industry anxiety over the bill comes as Canada faces down both a trade war with the U.S. and China’s 25% tariffs on pork — retaliation for 100% tariffs Canada placed on Chinese electric vehicles last year.
“With two of our major global customers, we have a trade friction, trade issues, trade barriers. It’s a really challenging time for the red meat industry,” Martin said.
Health groups also warn that the legislation could lead to unintended consequences from provincial rules displacing federal ones for products such as asbestos and tobacco.
But Internal Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland’s office said the federal government doesn’t intend to dispense with any regulations if it would lead to serious health and safety concerns.
https://www.beaconmetals.com
CCA’S DENNIS LAYCRAFT INDUCTED INTO CANADIAN AGRICULTURAL HALL OF FAME
The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame (CAHFA) has announced its 2025 inductees to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the agriculture industry including Dennis Laycraft, John Anderson, Dori Gingera-Beauchemin, Gaétan Desroches, Joe Hudson, and Dr. Peter Sikkema.
Phil Boyd, Chair of the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame, emphasizes the importance of recognizing these individuals.
“Each year, we celebrate those who have made impactful contributions across various segments of Canada’s agriculture industry”, stated Phil Boyd, Chair of the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. As our industry continues to innovate and advance, it’s crucial to acknowledge the lifetime achievements of these individuals who have strengthened Canada’s world-class agri-food sector. Our 2025 inductees have excelled in areas such as primary production, value-added and food retail, policy making, commodity organizations, cooperatives, research and extension.”
2025 CAHFA INDUCTEES
DENNIS LAYCRAFT
Dennis Laycraft has championed Canada’s beef industry for over 40 years, leading the Canadian Cattle Association in opening and defending markets and building critical capacity. He has played key roles in
initiatives like the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) and Canada Beef. Laycraft has mentored many to ensure the industry’s export capacity and competitiveness. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, and was nominated by the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA).
JOHN ANDERSON
John Anderson is a visionary entrepreneur and international business leader who has dedicated 50 years to Oppy, a global fresh produce company. Starting from the warehouse and rising to CEO, Anderson has driven sustainable agriculture and supported local communities. His leadership has led to significant advancements in agricultural practices and distribution methods, earning him global recognition and numerous awards. Anderson lives in West Vancouver, British Columbia, and was nominated by the Honourable Wally Oppal.
DORI GINGERA-BEAUCHEMIN
Dori GingeraBeauchemin has dedicated her career to the sustainable development of Manitoba’s agri-food sectors. as a deputy agriculture minister, she ensured policies were responsive to the needs of Canadian farm
communities. Her advocacy has led to initiatives such as building public trust, establishing a Research Chair in Sustainable Protein at the University of Manitoba, and increasing opportunities for future generations. Gingera-Beauchemin now helps develop Canada’s first national agri-food sustainability index and operates Beauchemin Family Farm. SHe lives in Ile Des Chenes, Manitoba, and was nominated by Emerging Ag Inc.
GAÉTAN DESROCHES
Gaétan Desroches has spent over four decades leading Sollio Cooperative Group, Canada’s largest agricultural cooperative. As CEO, he has fostered innovation and resilience in the agriculture sector, leading strategic mergers and collaborations with Laval University. Desroches has modernized the cooperative model, making it more competitive and Sustainable. He lives in Morin-Heights, Québec, and was nominated by Sollio Cooperative Group.
JOE HUDSON
Joe Hudson founded and led Burnbrae Farms for nearly 60 years, transforming Canada’s egg industry with his vision for vertical integration. Under his leadership, Burnbrae became the largest family-owned producer and marketer of eggs and egg products in Canada. Hudson’s passion and determination has driven the company’s growth and success, impacting the larger agricultural industry through partnerships and charitable giving. Hudson lived in Brockville, Ontario, and was nominated by Egg Farmers of Canada.
DR. PETER SIKKEMA
Dr. Peter Sikkema is a leading weed scientist who has developed weed management programs for Ontario producers. His research at the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus has helped farmers minimize crop yield loss and maximize net return per acre. Sikkema is internationally recognized for his work on herbicide-resistant weeds and has received numerous awards for his research, extension, and teaching. He lives in Ridgetown, Ontario, and was nominated by the Grain Farmers of Ontario. The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association (CAHFA) honors Canadians for their outstanding contributions to the agriculture and food industry. Portraits of inductees are displayed at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in November.
ABOUT THE CAHFA
The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association (CAHFA) honours and celebrates Canadians for outstanding contributions to the agriculture and food industry. Portraits are on display in the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Gallery located at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The CAHFA also publicizes the importance of inductee achievements to Canada. CAHFA was organized in 1960 and is administered by 12 volunteer Board of Directors residing in regions across Canada.
For more information, visit https://cahfa.com/
RABOBANK: GEOPOLITICS AND BIRD FLU TO SHAPE THE 2025/26 POULTRY OUTLOOK
By Nan-Dirk Mulder, Senior Global Specialist, Animal Protein
Global poultry market fundamentals remain strong, but geopolitical developments, U.S. tariffs, and bird flu outbreaks could shake up global trade and market dynamics.
Global poultry markets experienced a relatively bullish first half of 2025. However, increasing market uncertainty has emerged following the announcement (and postponement) of US import tariffs, outbreaks of bird flu in the U.S., the EU, and Brazil, and now the Israel-Iran war, with the risk of further escalation in a key region for global poultry markets. These developments could have a big potential impact on global trade and market dynamics. They will remain dominant themes for the global poultry market outlook in 2H 2025.
Poultry market fundamentals worldwide remain strong, with price support from high beef and egg prices and stable feed prices. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions are weighing on the global economy, which prompted the IMF to downgrade its global GDP growth forecast by 0.5%, and oil prices have started to rise since the Israel-Iran war.
This uncertain economic outlook, combined with avian flu outbreaks, is negatively impacting markets. Therefore, we have lowered our global production forecast for 2025 from 2.5% to 3% growth to 2% to 2.5% growth, and this will likely be reduced further if the Israel-Iran war continues to escalate. While we still expect global markets to stay strong, regional differences are possible, driven by geopolitical developments, their economic impact, and the evolving bird flu situation.
After the U.S. imposed – and postponed – significant import tariffs in April, the possibility of a trade war is still on the table. If trade deals are reached, the U.S. poultry sector could gain greater market access, potentially at the expense of local producers or competing exporters. Conversely, in the event of an ongoing trade war, U.S. poultry producers would likely see restricted access, with shifts in trade favoring other exporters like Brazil, Thailand, Russia, and the EU. Both scenarios would have economic repercussions. The trade war scenario in particular could lead to price inflation, with an outsized impact on economies with the highest imposed tariffs (especially in Asia and Africa), and indirect consequences for poultry markets.
Global poultry trade in 2025 has been strong so far, reaching historic highs in Q1. However, the wave of bird flu outbreaks, plus the potential impact of tariffs and other geopolitical developments, including the impact of the Israel-Iran war, will likely shake up trade dynamics. The Brazilian bird flu outbreak has already had a big impact on global trade – with 40% of Brazilian exports blocked by key importers. Hatching egg trade is also heavily impacted following the European, Brazilian, US, and previous New Zealand outbreaks. Supply is expected to stay tight in the coming months, posing a challenge for countries that depend on imported hatching eggs, especially in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nan-Dirk Mulder is a Senior Global Specialist Animal Protein and covers the industry from an international perspective. He is based in Rabobank’s headquarter in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Nan-Dirk graduated in agricultural economics, marketing and market research from the Netherlands’ Wageningen Agricultural University in 1996.
FCC LEADS AI FARMING INNOVATION WITH NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH RDAR
Farmers and food producers will soon have access to faster, smarter support thanks to Root — a free generative AI tool built by Farm Credit Canada (FCC). Root is designed to close critical information gaps and give producers fast, reliable support anytime, anywhere, helping them work more productively and make better decisions on the farm. FCC is expanding the tool’s capabilities through a new partnership with Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), strengthening its capacity to serve Canada’s ag and food industry.
Root fills the growing gap in Canada’s extension services by delivering accessible, expert-backed guidance to producers without requiring complex data inputs. It translates decades of research, field experience and proven practices into practical, timely advice producers can use immediately. By simplifying decision-making and increasing confidence on the farm, Root helps accelerate productivity, reduce trial-and-error and empower Canadian producers to adopt better practices with less risk, right from their phones.
Now, through a new memorandum of understanding, RDAR will work with FCC to strengthen the tool’s capabilities. The partnership will connect Root to relevant data sources and support testing efforts to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of Canadian producers.
“Root is more than a technology solution, it’s part of a broader effort to bring back something Canadian agriculture has lost: accessible, trusted and timely insight,” says Justine Hendricks, FCC president and CEO. “With the decline of local advisory networks [extension services], too many farmers and ranchers have had to rely on fragmented information or go at it alone. By partnering with RDAR, we’re helping producers access the kind of expertise that once came from decades of community-based knowledge sharing and we’re doing it in real time, at the pace of modern farming with trusted advisors.”
RDAR invests in results-driven, producer-led research to improve productivity in Canada’s agriculture sector. With over 500 projects in its portfolio, the organization brings deep knowledge of the issues producers face and a shared commitment to innovation.
CMB: I understand that your farm was the first in Atlantic Canada to be involved in the TESA program.
"We are especially keen on incorporating RDAR materials into Root, FCC’s AI / Large Language Model Pilot and making our materials accessible to producers and ranchers," said Dr. Mark Redmond, CEO of RDAR. "We are pleased to formalize our partnership with FCC; in the past, we have worked on initiatives concurrently, but now we will collaborate more closely. This alliance aims to foster innovative solutions for the agricultural sector," he added.
DF: Yes, I think we were the first farm east of Ontario as far as I understand. I’m not sure why the eastern associations wouldn’t have previously nominated anybody because there are many farms here on PEI doing every bit as much as we are as to attain a high level of sustainability. Anyway, we were very surprised when the PEI Cattleman’s Association nominated our farm.
Root is built on a privacy-first principle, ensuring no personal user information is required to use the assistance. This protects producer confidentiality and builds trust as they explore the tool. Since its launch, Root has supported more than 2,900 conversations, with 91% of users reporting helpful results. It has analyzed nearly 400 images submitted by producers, helping identify parts and troubleshoot equipment issues. Producers are already using Root to get real-time support on farm management, all through a simple, mobile-friendly interface.
CMB: And then you were attending the Canadian Beef conference in Calgary and you won.
DF: Yeah! That was a very nice moment for us. But I don’t like to use the word win actually. However, being recognized for our commitment was a real honour. If you want to know the truth, it was a pretty humbling experience. As I said to CBC when they phoned me after the conference, I was just floored, really couldn’t believe it.
CMB: So now that you have been recognized, do you think that will draw more attention and garner more nominations out of Atlantic Canada going forward?
Launched earlier this year, Root is available in English and French and includes voice-totext and image recognition, making it easy to use from anywhere, even in the field. As demand grows for smarter, more accessible ag support tools, future versions of Root could offer additional functions to support producers, as well as agrifood and agribusiness operators, in making decisions about operations. The long-term goal is to give FCC customers and the Canadian ag and food industry personalized insights at their fingertips. There’s no sign-up or registration required. Farmers and producers can start using Root right away.
DF: Absolutely. We’ve gotten a lot of good press highlighting the island cattle industry. I’m positive you’ll see more farms in our neck of the woods nominated next year. And I have to give the Canadian Cattleman’s Association recognition for choosing a farm from Prince Edward Island. We are small players in the national beef industry and I think it was a real credit to their organization to recognize us. They treated all the nominees royally and it was a real class act. It was a wonderful experience.
To use the tool, visit https://www.fcc-fac.ca/ en/resources/root-ai
https://www.yesgroiup.ca
FMI WELCOMES JESSICA TANNER AS DIRECTOR, LEGAL OPERATIONS
The Food Industry Association (FMI) has announced the appointment of Jessica Tanner as the association’s Director, Legal Operations. In her role, Tanner will serve as a key advisor to FMI on legal operations, regulatory strategy and policy.
Specifically, she will work alongside FMI counsel and Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) and FMI leadership to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and governing bodies. Jessica will also assist with the management of the association’s legal operations framework to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies as well as monitor regulatory and policy developments relevant to the industry and advise FMI leadership on their legal implications.
FMI Chief Regulatory Officer and General Counsel
Stephanie Harris stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Jessica to FMI’s legal and regulatory affairs team, and we look forward to the contributions she will bring to FMI as we proactively advocate on regulatory developments of importance to the food industry. Her extensive experience working in government on complex legal issues will bring a deep knowledge to our work on regulatory and legal matters that impact our members and their ability to best serve their customers.”
Prior to joining FMI, Jessica served as senior counsel for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where she coordinated legal issues regarding vaccine donation initiatives, managed Office of Inspector General and Congressional oversight inquiries and strengthened USAID’s capacity for disease outbreak response. Before joining USAID, she was an attorney for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as well as a law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the Virginia Supreme Court and Alexandria Circuit Court.
Jessica received a juris doctorate from Washington & Lee University and a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University.
ABOUT FMI
As the food industry association, FMI works with and on behalf of the entire industry to advance a safer, healthier and more efficient consumer food supply chain. FMI brings together a wide range of members across the value chain — from retailers that sell to consumers, to producers that supply food and other products, as well as the wide variety of companies providing critical services — to amplify the collective work of the industry. www.FMI.org
SQFI
APPOINTS RACHEL ANDERSON AS VP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) has announced the appointment of Rachel Anderson as its new vice president of business development. Anderson brings more than two decades of leadership in strategic sales, marketing and supply chain operations, enhancing SQFI’s ongoing mission to deliver trusted food safety and quality certification programs worldwide.
SQFI chief food safety assessment officer and senior vice president Gigi Vita said, “Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of innovation, partnership building and industry leadership. Her deep understanding of food safety systems, combined with her ability to create growth strategies and lead high-performing teams, aligns seamlessly with SQFI’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.”
Prior to joining SQFI, Anderson served as executive director of strategy at Gamer Packaging, where she more than doubled sales during her tenure. She led a business development team that introduced strategic partnerships that strengthened supply networks, even amid global disruptions.
Anderson also brings firsthand experience with food safety standards, having previously been on the team responsible for food safety management and improving audit performance at a beverage manufacturer. She has consistently integrated safety, quality and operational excellence into her leadership roles across both retail and manufacturing. With a foundation in both domestic and international markets, including leadership roles at Reeds Inc., Cost Plus World Market and WilliamsSonoma, Anderson brings a strategic and customercentric approach to her new role at SQFI.
As vice president of business development, Anderson will oversee strategic partnerships, market expansion and program engagement with a focus on amplifying the value of SQFI certification for stakeholders across the global food supply chain.
ABOUT SQFI
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) program is hosted by SQFI – Safe Quality Food Institute, a division of FMI, The Food Industry Association. FMI administers the SQF program, a leading, global food safety and quality certification and management system. While SQFI is most known for its globally benchmarked food safety and quality program, the SQFI team does much more than writing and maintaining this standard. The SQFI mission is to deliver consistent, globally recognized food safety and quality certification programs that are based on sound scientific principles, applied across all industry sectors, and valued by all stakeholders. The SQFI Program is a rigorous and credible food safety and quality management program recognized by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers world-wide. www.SQFI.com
ONE CANADIAN MARKET: WILL OTTAWA FINALLY CLEAR THE TABLE FOR DOMESTIC FOOD TRADE?
What’s stopping meat produced, inspected, and sold in Alberta from landing on grocery shelves in Saskatchewan? A tangled maze of internal trade barriers filled with excessive fees, complex paperwork, and regulatory inconsistencies that most small business owners don’t have the time or resources to navigate.
For decades, these interprovincial trade barriers have complicated and discouraged the free flow of goods across Canada. The result? Reduced market access, higher costs for businesses and consumers, and slower economic growth at a time when we can’t afford to leave value on the table. Estimates from 2022 suggest that removing these barriers could boost Canada’s economy by up to $200 billion annually.
Small Canadian agri-businesses are ready to unlock these benefits: 9 in 10 want governments to act faster in following through on their commitments to improve interprovincial trade. According to data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), more than half (67%) say that doing so would create new opportunities for their businesses.
Source: CFIB, April Your Voice Survey - April 10-24, 2025, based on 104 responses. Final results
That’s why the CFIB is pleased to see that internal trade is finally getting the attention it has desperately needed. With a growing number of legislative changes at the federal and provincial levels, we are at a major turning point. However, much authority stills rests with regulatory bodies such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which has shown limited willingness to recognize different jurisdictional standards. While the government has committed to better aligning CFIA regulations with the realities of the agricultural sector, substantive political will is needed to meaningfully break down internal agri-food trade barriers.
Currently, food products must be federally inspected and licensed to be sold across provincial or territorial borders — even if they’ve already been approved by a provincial or territorial food safety authority. Picture this: you’re a farmer in the Gatineau region and cannot cross the bridge to sell your product in an Ottawa farmer’s market without CFIA approval.
federal certification independently is out of reach. The process is prohibitively expensive, complex, and burdensome. CFIB members in the food and beverage processing industry have described CFIA regulations as “nebulous” and “difficult to interpret,” with one Alberta-based processor sharing that “It requires a fulltime person dedicated to reading and implementing CFIA and Health Canada regulations.” One member from Ontario stated: “It’s good to know that Canada takes food safety seriously, but there must be a balance between safety and the realities of doing business.”
The logic is simple: if a product is good enough to be sold and consumed in one part of Canada, it should be good enough for the rest of the country. Nearly 90% of small agri-businesses support the mutual recognition of food safety standards, which would allow provincially or territorially inspected products to be sold nationwide without needing additional inspection and certification. Recognizing this widespread support, this year’s Interprovincial Cooperation Report Card — a CFIB tool for tracking progress on internal trade — includes a bonus indicator for the federal government that focuses on progress towards mutual recognition of agricultural and agri-food products. If the federal government implements mutual recognition for agri-food products, it will earn an automatic “A” grade in future CFIB report cards.
largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 100,000 members (5,200 agribusiness members) across every industry and region. CFIB is dedicated to increasing business owners’ chances of success by driving policy change at all levels of government, providing expert advice and tools, and negotiating exclusive savings. Learn
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