Agriculture committee  I think a reputation for quality in Canada will certainly serve us well as we try to make good use of that improved access. I think our track record over the last three years of increasing export levels there, and their strong preference for what we're bringing to the marketplace

Agriculture committee  I have nothing I would add to this at this time.

Agriculture committee  Good morning, everyone. It is a pleasure to be here today. On behalf of our 28,000 farmer members in the Grain Farmers of Ontario, I want to thank you for this opportunity to provide our views on the Canada-EU trade agreement. Over the past 10 to 12 years, the Ontario grain ind

Finance committee  Certainly. Very specifically to this issue of winter wheat breeding, what we find is that Agriculture Canada carries seven full-time positions in developing varieties for western Canada, whereas at this time we're looking at one position in eastern Canada on the chopping block.

Finance committee  —a balance of investment.

Finance committee  Thank you for the question. We are excited about the opportunities in the freeing up of those dollars for some strategic investments in the research area. I think it's important to understand that one of the keys for a farmer to maximize his productivity and competitiveness is h

Finance committee  Very much so: a dedicated plant-breeder position, a wheat breeder, to develop wheat varieties for our Ontario climate, to help support our domestic milling industry also.

Finance committee  Certainly, we are very appreciative of the minister's efforts to improve market access around the globe. Improving market access helps increase demand for the products we have become so good at producing here in Canada. That's an important step. Specifically to the members that

Finance committee  Thank you very much. There's a number of different aspects to your question. Certainly, the core of farming in Canada is still the family farm. I think it's important to acknowledge that the definition of the family farm has probably changed a bit over the years, in that famili

Finance committee  Specific to the AgriInvest program, there was a reduction in the federal matching contribution to the farmer's contribution. AgriInvest is essentially a risk-management tool for the producer to set aside some funds during a good year in order to be able to fall back on them in a

Finance committee  Thank you very much. Good afternoon, honourable members, and my thanks to you, Mr. Chair, and to the members of the committee for providing the Grain Farmers of Ontario with the opportunity to speak on behalf of our 28,000 members growing corn, soybeans, and wheat in Ontario.

Finance committee  Most of our anticipated winter wheat breeding advancements will be an advantage for the Canadian baking industry also. Sixty per cent of Canada's bakeries are located in Ontario, within just a few hundred kilometres of our one-million-acre wheat-growing region. Additionally, Ont

International Trade committee  You're correct. There is no international standard at this time. A non-GMO product must be 100% non-GMO. This is possible within our infrastructure system. That's why Ontario has been able to deliver into these non-GMO markets. The nature of our infrastructure allows us the oppor

International Trade committee  Yes, it's my understanding that there are the same quality expectations for the nattos. Appearance is a key part of that. They have to have a bright, clear colour and be free of any contamination or debris. But these are the same quality expectations we've been able to deliver in

International Trade committee  We have worked very hard at that relationship-building over the years. We have invested a significant amount of grower dollars in building that relationship. It's private industry that makes the contracts, but we have certainly worked hard. We've also received some assistance in