(File photo/farmnewsNOW Staff)

By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup

Agriculture Roundup for Friday April 24, 2020

Apr 24, 2020 | 9:37 AM

Agri-food exporters welcomed news of a commitment by Canada and the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ensure well-functioning global food supply chains

Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) president Dan Darling said WTO members agreed to keep international borders open to agri-food. He said this will help to maintain the stability for workers and consumers.

“We’re pleased to see the recognition that supply chains must remain functioning to ensure the free movement of agricultural products and agriculture inputs,” Darling said in a news release. “We welcome commitments to not impose agriculture export restrictions that can impact trade flows, food availability and result in price volatility, and can lead to shortages of essential food products and inputs.”

Darling said the initiative will help avoid any unnecessary disruption of supply chains and ensure the adequate production and distribution of critical agri-food products.

“Despite the near shutdown of economies around the world, global agri-food markets remain relatively stable, grocery store shelves remain stocked and food prices have not spiked,” he said.

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Darling said governments recognize keeping borders open to essential agri-food is necessary to prevent shortages and chaos.

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Farmers have the option of booking hail insurance using their computer, smartphone or iPad.

Compass Hail provides real time quotes through a website with customers leveraging Palliser Insurance adjuster network when filing a claim.

Palliser Chief Executive Officer Ken Doleman said farmers will also have the option of buying insurance with a Palliser agent and then topping it up later online through Compass.

“Now customers can choose between the personalized agent risk management with Palliser and the self-checkout of Compass Hail,” Doleman said.

Farmers can build their own Compass Quick Quotes by setting up accounts and receiving real time rates.

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Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC) said demand for chicken has not changed but the organization has voted to temporarily reduce production.

CFC Director of Brand and Communications Lisa Bishop-Spencer said demand for chicken remains the same in terms of what consumers are looking for.

She said consumption and demand are steady and while COVID-19 has impacted business with a decrease in food service industry there is demand for retail products with many more people cooking from home.

Bishop-Spencer said there will be a 12.6 per cent reduction in production nationally for the upcoming allocation which runs from May to July.

She said there has been some short-term plant closures.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF