Agriculture Minister Mari-Claude Bibeau in the U.S. to meet with agricultural leaders (submitted photo/USDA)

By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup

Agriculture Roundup for Tuesday February 24, 2020

Feb 24, 2020 | 10:13 AM

Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau stressed predictable rules and science-based trade during meetings with US, Mexican and Argentinean counterparts in Washington DC last week.

The Western Hemisphere Agricultural Group, also known as Ag-5, represents almost a quarter of global exports is working to develop solutions to regulatory challenges.

Bibeau also underscored the new NAFTA is a key priority for Canada and said the government is committed to working with parliamentarians and Canadian stakeholders to implement it as quickly as possible.

She also participated in a panel discussion at the United States Department of Agriculture’s 96th Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, where she talked about supporting science and risk-based regulatory environments, as well preparedness for African swine fever.

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The chief commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission is stepping down.

Patti Miller announced to commission staff last week she will be leaving the post in June. Miller was appointed to a six-year term in 2017.

Former Keystone Agricultural Producers President Doug Chorney is currently the assistant chief commissioner.

Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said the government will be launching an open, transparent and merit based process to find a new chief commissioner as soon as possible.

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USDA’s initial outlook for 2020 crops projects higher acreage for both corn and soybeans.

USDA Chief Economist Robert Johansson said domestic corn planted acreage will increase five per cent to 94 million acres, and soybean acreage will increase 12 per cent to 85 million acres.

Acreage for wheat is projected to remain flat at 45 million acres, or roughly the same as last year.

USDA will release its official plantings forecast at the end of March.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF