(Twitter/@mclaudebibeau)

By Alice McFarlane

Federal Agriculture Minister

Farm groups welcome new federal agriculture minister.

Mar 4, 2019 | 2:48 PM

Marie-Claude Bibeau has been appointed the Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), replacing Lawrence MacAulay who was recently moved to the Veteran’s Affairs portfolio.

Agriculture Producers Association of Saskatchewan president Todd Lewis said he looks forward to working with the new minister on several issues.

“Just to catch her up on some files, of course, transportation, the new value creation models, Pest Management Regulatory Agency and the chemical review process, so issues that federally are important,” said Lewis. “There is a long list.”

Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit said he is eager to meet with Bibeau to discuss farm issues.

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“Trade issues are always first and foremost for us to make sure in Saskatchewan what we do grow we can make sure we can get it to market,” Marit said. “Transportation issues are always a concern for us as well.”

Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) Chair Jeff Nielsen thanked MacAuley for his service to the agriculture sector.

“Grain farmers appreciate the positive relationship we’ve had with Minister MacAulay over the past three years,” Nielson said. “The Minister’s open door policy for the agriculture industry meant that we could collaborate for real change on behalf of farmers. We look forward to continuing our important work with Minister Bibeau going forward.”

GGC members were in Ottawa for National Grain Week where farmers focused on the recommendations outlined in the Economic Strategy Table Report on Agri-Food. Farmers met with government representatives including AAFC to actions the government and industry can take to make the sector more competitive.

“I always remind government that agriculture is a good news story in Canada,” Nielsen said. “Our industry’s growth potential is immense and, working with government, we can achieve the target of $85 billion in agri-food exports by 2025.”

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF