This spring, CAAR has been busy meeting with members and industry stakeholders to raise and discuss issues, and advocate on behalf of agri-retailers across Canada.

Spring Dialogue Days in Ottawa

Executive Director Myrna Grahn kicked off the month of May in Ottawa attending Spring Dialogue Days, CropLife Canada’s annual member forum. Spring Dialogue Days brings together senior executives and other leaders from key agriculture organizations and government officials to engage in dialogue about key issues impacting Canadian agriculture. The recent federal election, global trade and the future of Canadian agriculture were all topics on the agenda.

The overarching message for the agriculture industry was clear – we need to be proud of our industry, and advocate for a strong future focused on innovation and investment to position Canada as a global leader in agri-food. It is important for us all to continue to communicate the importance of agriculture to the Canadian economy.

While in Ottawa, Myrna also met with Fertilizer Canada’s new President and CEO, Michael Bourque, to introduce CAAR and discuss potential opportunities for collaboration.

Counter tariff on canola seed for sowing

In May, Myrna met with Seeds Canada to discuss the impact of the Canadian counter tariffs of 25 per cent on canola seed, which falls under the HS code 1205.10.00 covering both seed for sowing and commodity canola. CAAR reached out to members to hear different perspectives on this issue to share with Seeds Canada. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts during this crazy busy spring season.

CAAR, with Seeds Canada, the Canadian Canola Growers Association, Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Canola Council of Canada and Grain Growers of Canada, wrote a joint letter to the federal Minister of Finance and National Revenue to raise this concern and ask for the HS code 1205.10.00 to be removed from the retaliatory tariff list, which is currently in effect.

CAAR was also invited to attend Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat stakeholder meeting on international engagement and participated in the session virtually.

CAAR Insider member alerts

In case you missed it, a CAAR Insider was sent to members on May 16 outlining the following proposed PMRA regulatory amendments:

• Product Exemptions: Regulatory Proposal PRO2025-01 Regulatory Proposal PRO2025-01, Pre-consultation – Proposed Amendments to the Pest Control Products Regulations (Product Exemptions)
• Pest Control Devices: Regulatory Proposal PRO2025-02, Pre-Consultation – Proposed Amendments to the Pest Control Products Regulations (Pest Control Devices)

Myrna and members of CAAR’s Advocacy Committee met to discuss the impact of these amendments on agri-retailers and attended two pre-consultation information sessions hosted by PMRA. After discussions with members and the board, CAAR provided comments to the PMRA on the proposed amendments on behalf of the ag retail industry.

The Fertilizer Supplements Advisory Council (FSAC), which CAAR is a member of, met five times to discuss a joint response to the PMRA to amend regulations and add a pathway for dual property products (DPP), such as supplement-pesticide registration similar to the fertilizer-pesticide registration. Additional meetings were set up with the PMRA and CFIA to discuss the impact on regulatory amendment changes and impact on DPP.

CAAR’s ultimate goal with all of these regulatory discussions is to work towards a reduction in regulatory burden, streamline processes, ensure clear communication to and from agri-retailers with straightforward, easy to understand and follow regulations, and in a concise and timely manner.

What’s on the horizon?

This week, Myrna is attending the Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada’s Annual Convention and Tradeshow, GRIT, in Edmonton. She is moderating a keynote panel on “Municipal GRIT: Driving Agribusiness Growth in Your Home Communities” and will be promoting CAAR and the work it does on behalf of all of our members.

As always, please reach out to Myrna to share any concerns or discuss issues that you would like to see CAAR work on. Please share your member news as well as we continue to build and strengthen our membership and grow a vibrant ag-retail sector in Canada. Reach Myrna anytime at myrna@caar.org.