E-Newsletter
Reminder
Applications for the 2025-2026 Canadian Cattle Young Leaders program year are open until March 31.
Applications are open to young people ages 18-35 with a passion for the Canadian beef industry. Please note, you don’t need to be involved in primary production to apply. Click the graphic to find out more information.
Swearing-in of the 30th Canadian Ministry
(March 14, 2025 Prime Minister of Canada’s Office News Release) Today, at a ceremony presided by the Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, at Rideau Hall, Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, was sworn in alongside members of the 30th Canadian Ministry.
This new, leaner, focused Cabinet includes returning ministers, seasoned leaders, and new voices who will bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the team as it delivers on the things that matter most to Canadians, such as strengthening Canada’s economy and security.
The new Cabinet is as follows:
• Mark Carney, Prime Minister
• Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada
• Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development
• François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance
• Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
• Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence
• Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services
• Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
• Ginette Petitpas Taylor, President of the Treasury Board
• Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada and Quebec Lieutenant
• Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
• Kamal Khera, Minister of Health
• Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
• Rechie Valdez, Chief Government Whip
• Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Jobs and Families
• David J. McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
• Terry Duguid, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
• Nate Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
• Rachel Bendayan, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
• Élisabeth Brière, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canada Revenue Agency
• Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
• Arielle Kayabaga, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Democratic Institutions
• Kody Blois, Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood and Rural Economic Development
• Ali Ehsassi, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Services and Procurement
This team reflects the ambition that makes Canada strong and it will work each day to protect workers, families, and businesses. It will take action to unite Canadians, defend Canada’s sovereignty in the face of unjustified trade actions by the United States, make Canada an energy superpower in both conventional and clean energy, create new trade corridors with reliable partners, and build one Canadian economy – the strongest economy in the G7.
Associated Link: Cabinet
Canada responds to unjustified U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum products
(March 12, 2025 Department of Finance Canada News Release) Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, outlined the Government of Canada’s response to the 25 per cent tariffs the U.S. unjustifiably imposed on all Canadian steel and aluminum products earlier today.
Following a dollar-fordollar approach, Canada is imposing, as of 12:01 am, March 13, 2025, 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on a list of steel products worth $12.6 billion and aluminum products worth $3 billion, as well as additional imported U.S. goods worth $14.2 billion, for a total of $29.8 billion. The list of additional products affected by counter tariffs includes tools, computers and servers, display monitors, sport equipment, and cast-iron products.
scope could also be further increased if new tariffs are imposed, and all options remain on the table for responding to unjustified tariffs on Canada.
With regards to the imposition of tariffs on the steel and aluminum content in certain derivative products by the U.S., the government is currently assessing this aspect of the U.S. tariffs and may impose further counter tariffs in response.
These tariffs are in addition to Canada’s 25 per cent counter tariffs on $30 billion of imports from the U.S., in response to U.S. International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs put in place on March 4. Unless U.S. IEEPA tariffs and other unjustified U.S. tariff threats are addressed, Canada will apply counter tariffs on additional imports from the U.S. on April 2 following the public comment period. The
The government is also taking steps to mitigate the impact of these countermeasures on Canadian workers and businesses, including by ensuring that its recently established remission process will consider requests for exceptional relief from these new tariffs.
On March 7, 2025, the Government of Canada announced measures to support Canadian workers and businesses during these difficult and uncertain times. These measures include the Trade Impact Program through Export Development Canada to help exporters reach new markets and help companies navigate the economic challenges, favourably priced loans through the Business Development Bank of Canada to support impacted businesses in sectors directly targeted by tariffs, as well as companies in their supply chains, and new financing through Farm Credit Canada to reduce
Canada responds to unjustified U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum products
financial barriers for the Canadian agriculture and food industry.
In addition, the government introduced temporary flexibilities to the EI Work-Sharing Program to increase access and maximum agreement duration. This program provides EI benefits to employees who agree with their employer to work reduced hours due to a decrease in business activity beyond their employer’s control.
While we urge the U.S. administration to reconsider their decision to impose tariffs, Canada will remain firm in standing up for our jobs, our industries, and our workers.
In the weeks and months ahead, additional measures will be brought forward to support businesses and workers as needed. The federal government will also continue to work closely with provinces and territories to ensure complementary supports are in place across all jurisdictions.
Quick facts
• The tariffs announced today by the Government of Canada will not apply to U.S. goods that are in transit to Canada on the day on which these countermeasures come into force.
Related products
• List of products from the United States subject to 25 per cent tariffs effective March 13, 2025
• Canada announces robust tariff package in response to unjustified U.S. tariffs
• Fighting for Canadian workers and businesses
• Process for requesting remission of tariffs that apply on certain goods from the U.S.
Investment To Support Health And Safety Of Canadian Farmers Ahead Of Canadian Agricultural Safety Week
(March 13, 2025 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) The Government of Canada is committed to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of Canada’s agricultural community while supporting the long-term sustainability and success of the sector.
Today, ahead of Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW), which takes place March 16 to 22 this year, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced up to $1,607,291 over 3 years to the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) through the AgriCompetitiveness Program, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
This funding will support a range of initiatives aimed at improving farm safety and reducing the risk of injuries in Canadian agriculture. Through national leadership, training programs, awareness campaigns, and on-farm resources, CASA will help farmers, farm families, and workers adopt safer practices.
Farm safety is about protecting everyone on the farm, from experienced producers to the next generation. One initiative will focus on ensuring the health and safety of children and youth by developing safety education resources and promoting a new child and youth agricultural safety week. In addition to promoting physical safety, the funding will support mental health initiatives that address the unique stresses of farm life.
Quotes
“Our hardworking farmers do so much for us, from putting food on our tables to keeping our economy strong. This funding will help ensure they are safe and taking care of their own health – both mental and physical – so they can
continue doing the vitally important work they do. By supporting farmers and their families, we’re helping to build stronger, safer agricultural sector for everyone.”
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"CASA is deeply grateful for the continued support from AAFC. This vital funding allows us to work towards our vision of a safe and sustainable agriculture where healthy Canadian farm communities thrive. With this generous contribution, CASA can continue to offer impactful programs, including Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, BeGrainSafe, and Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting programs that make a positive difference in the lives of farmers, their families, farm workers and farming communities. Together, we are building a safer agricultural sector for generations to come."
- Sandy Miller, Executive Director, Canadian Agricultural Safety Association
Quick facts
• The CASW is an annual campaign held the third week of March that aims to empower farmers, farm families, and farming communities to build, grow, and lead the agricultural industry in safety and sustainability.
• From 2011 to 2020, there were 624 agriculture-related fatalities in Canada: an average of 62 per year.
Investment To Support Health And Safety Of Canadian Farmers Ahead Of Canadian Agricultural Safety Week
• From 2006 to 2020, an average of 9 children and youth lost their lives each year due to injuries related to agriculture.
• Agriculture-related fatalities have decreased by 36%, dropping from an average of 110 deaths per year (1990–2005) to 70 deaths per year (2006–2020).
• The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association is a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and safety of farmers, their families and agricultural workers.
• The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a $3.5billion, 5-year agreement (2023 to
2028), between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector.
• The AgriCompetitiveness Program, under the Sustainable CAP, supports sector-led activities that identify industry best practices and build the capacity of the sector, advance farm business management, as well as develop and inform about farm safety.
Associated links
• AgriCompetitiveness Program
• Canadian Agricultural Safety Association
New Restrictions Due to Foot and Mouth Disease in Hungary & Slovakia
(March 11, 2025 Canadian Food Inspection Agency Notice) Please be advised that a new outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has been identified in Hungary & Slovakia. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is implementing import measures to safeguard the health of Canada’s livestock and mitigate the economic impact of a potential FMD outbreak in Canada.
FMD Susceptible species:
• Suidae (pigs, wild boar)
• Bovinae (cattle, bison, water buffalo)
• Caprinae (sheep, goats)
• Camelidae (llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos, and Bactrian camels)
• Antilopinae (antelopes, gazelles, blackbucks, springboks, gerenuks, dibatags)
• Cervidae (deer, elk, moose, caribou, reindeer)
• Any cloven-hooved (two-toed) animals not listed above
• Insectivores (tenrecs, hedgehogs, shrews, moles)
• Elephants
• Giraffe and okapi
• Tapirs
• Hippopotami
• Xenarthra (anteaters, sloths, armadillos)
• Aardvarks
Affected commodities of FMD susceptible species:
• Live animals and germplasm
• Uncooked meat and meat products
• Raw milk and milk products
• Unprocessed manure
• Laboratory material
• Blood products
• Raw or unprocessed pet food
• Raw hides, skins, wool, antlers, horns, hooves
• Any other non-heat-treated products or byproducts from species named above
• Animal feed and equipment that have been in contact with affected animals
Products and by-products from affected species collected or slaughtered before the date of the critical monitoring period are eligible to enter Canada, but the date of slaughter or collection must appear in the documentation. If there is no date of slaughter or collection on the certificate, then the signature date of the certificate will be used.
Shipments of affected commodities originating from susceptible species originating from Hungary & Slovakia must be accompanied by certification that they were collected or slaughtered prior to February 2, 2025, or else the signature date of the certificate must be prior to February 2, 2025.
An additional message will be sent if some regions of the country are recognized by Canada
New Restrictions Due to Foot and Mouth Disease in Hungary & Slovakia
as free of the disease and imports from these free zones may resume.
Please consult the Foot and Mouth Disease –Disease Freedom webpage for more information.
If you have any questions, please contact the Animal Products and By-products Import inbox at APABPImport@inspection.gc.ca. For routine inquiries, your local CFIA office remains your first point of contact.
There's still time to have your voice heard! What are the biggest risks facing Canadian agriculture and agri-food
If you haven't already completed CAPI’s annual Agri-Food Risk Survey, please take 10 minutes to help us understand the biggest risks facing Canadian agriculture and agri-food.
Last year’s first-of-its-kind Agri-Food Risk Report highlighted shared threats facing the Canadian agri-food system, giving leaders and policy makers a powerful tool to find opportunities and mitigate risk for the sector.
The recent tariff threats have highlighted just how risky the world is, but we know that the tariffs are not the only risk we are facing. We need your input again to see what’s changed and what new risks need to be tackled. While the core questions of the survey remain the
same, this year’s survey includes special interest questions on how recent trade tensions with the US are affecting the sector. Your views will be captured in the second Agri-Food Risk Report, and aggregated results will be shared with the agri-food sector, supply chain, stakeholders, and governments of all levels.
In addition to filling out the survey, please help us amplify it by sharing it with your professional network.
Don’t miss out – survey closes March 19! Take 10 minutes to participate in the Agri-Food Risk Report Survey to ensure your perspectives are represented in the report. Your participation is invaluable, and we thank you for your time.
FCC launches Trade Disruption Customer Support Program for Agriculture and Food Industry
(March 7, 2025 FCC News Release) To support the Canadian agriculture and food industry as U.S. tariffs are implemented, Farm Credit Canada is providing $1 billion in new lending to help alleviate financial challenges.
“There is no relationship in the world like the one Canada shares with the United States, and that certainly extends to our agriculture sectors. Our supply chains are highly integrated, and our producers rely on fair access to the U.S. market. These unjustified tariffs will have a direct impact on them,” said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “Building on our Team Canada response, FCC will be providing financial support to the sector as we adapt to the challenges ahead, so our farmers can keep their operations going and continue producing the best products in the world.”
“We know that agriculture and food producers across Canada are bracing for uncertainty,” said Justine Hendricks FCC president and CEO.
“Agribusinesses, farm operations and food processors are key drivers of our economy and FCC is ready to provide meaningful and immediate support to keep the industry moving forward at this critical time.”
Hendricks said that FCC will rapidly deliver solutions for the industry to adapt to the changing trade and economic conditions. Initially, the focus is on assisting the industry in addressing cash flow challenges so that businesses can adjust to a new operating environment.
Through the Trade Disruption Customer Support program, FCC will provide relief for viable customers and non-customers who meet the necessary lending criteria. This includes access
to an additional credit line up to $500,000 and new term loans. Current FCC customers have the option to defer principal payments for up to 12 months on existing loans.
FCC customers and non-customers should contact their local FCC office or call 1-800-3873232 to discuss their individual situations and available options. Lending due diligence will be carried out on all applications.
“Supporting the industry will also take strong collaboration as part of a team Canada approach,” said Hendricks. “FCC has served as a strong, reliable, and trusted industry presence for more than 65 years, and this current situation is no different. We will be working in partnership with industry associations and other financial providers to offer the solutions needed by the agriculture and food industry to take on the challenges ahead.”
“Canadian agriculture and food businesses supply high value and quality products to U.S. buyers and a positive trade relationship benefits both countries,” said J.P. Gervais, FCC chief economist. “Despite this latest challenge, FCC will continue to provide capital solutions and be a catalyst for value creation to advance Canada’s leadership in agriculture and food production.”
FCC continues to evaluate the economic impact of tariffs implemented by Canada’s largest trading partner on the Canadian agriculture and food sector to ensure that we are best able to support the industry.
About FCC
FCC launches Trade Disruption Customer Support Program for Agriculture and Food Industry
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. FCC offers a
complement of financial and non-financial products and services designed to support the complex and evolving needs of the industry. As a commercial Crown corporation, FCC is a stable partner that reinvests profits back into the industry and communities it serves. For more information, visit fcc.ca.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Animal Feed
– Upcoming Webinars
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has updated the Feed regulatory modernization page to include registration information for the following webinars. Interested parties are encouraged to register for these webinars to learn more about the new Feeds Regulations including the changes that will come into effect on June 17, 2025.
Livestock feed preventive control plans
English session
When: March 18, 2025, from 12:00 to 13:00 (EDT)
Register here
French session
When: March 19, 2025, from 12:00 to 13:00 (EDT)
Register here
MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS
2025-26 SCHOLARSHIP INTAKE
Manitoba Beef Producers is pleased to make available six $1,000 scholarships annually for MBP members or their children attending a university, college, other post-secondary institution or pursuing trades training. Preference will be given to those students pursuing a field of study related to agriculture or to those acquiring a skilled trade or pursuing a career that would be beneficial to the rural economy.
This application intake process is for students who will be undertaking post-secondary studies or trades training in the 2025-26 academic year.
The scholarship criteria are as follows:
Eligibility:
• Must be an active Manitoba beef producer or the child of an active Manitoba beef producer. Note: This can also include active beef producers returning to school after a period of time in the workforce.
• Must be pursuing post-secondary studies or trades training in the 2025-26 academic year.
• Post-secondary programs or trades training must be a minimum of one academic year in duration.
Items You Are Required to Submit:
• The completed application form;
• Either a typed 600-word (maximum) essay OR a 5-7 minute maximum video submission discussing the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community and Manitoba.” Also, you need to identify in the essay or video the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture*;
• A copy of your transcript (either high school, or a recognized college, university or trade school);
• Proof of enrolment in a recognized institution (current transcript, or your acceptance letter, or a letter of intent indicating your intended institution and field of study for 2025-26);
• A list of your community involvement (e.g. 4-H, community clubs, volunteer work, etc.); and,
• The names of two references, including their addresses and telephone numbers.
*Note: Scholarship winners’ essays or video submissions will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country in fall 2025 or posted to MBP’s social media channels and website.
The completed application, supporting documents, references, required essay or video, etc. must be submitted to MBP by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025 to the attention of:
Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street
Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4
E-mail: info@mbbeef.ca
Fax: (204) 774-3264
For more information, including steps on how to submit your video, please contact Manitoba Beef Producers at 1-800-772-0458 or email info@mbbeef.ca. A selection committee will review the submissions. Winners will be notified by September 12, 2025.
AgriStability
Plan ahead and protect your farm
What is AgriStability?
AgriStability is an important tool that can help you manage risks and financial losses due to poor yields, low commodity prices or rising input costs. Why should you participate in AgriStability?
• Provides support when risks are beyond your capacity to manage
• Personalized and affordable coverage
• Protection for your whole farming operation
• Payments in times of financial distress
• Can be used to secure financing
in the program
2 Pay your fee
Complete and send your AgriStability form
