Piles of sulphur at the Port of Vancouver (Alice McFarlane/farmnewsNOW Staff)

By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup

Agriculture Roundup for Thursday April 16, 2020

Apr 16, 2020 | 10:39 AM

Canadians could see higher prices and less variety of food on store shelves this year.

Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said she’s confident the country has enough food but acknowledges that COVID-19 is creating challenges across the agricultural industry.

Labour shortages on farms and outbreaks of illness among employees at processing plants are two current issues that affect the food supply.

The federal government has announced millions in new spending for farmers including money to help employers of temporary foreign workers and to increase the number of food inspectors.

Bibeau said more ways to help are being explored, including how to get students and others into farm jobs and increasing financial support direct to farms.

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The fertilizer industry is ready to meet farmer needs this spring despite the challenges of providing an essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a survey conducted last week, 90 per cent of Fertilizer Canada member companies have enough product on hand or on the way to get fertilizer to their farmer customers in time for seeding.

President and CEO Garth Whyte said a successful growing season and harvest this fall will be critical to Canada’s long-term goal of recovery.

“COVID-19 plans were quickly established at facilities, in conjunction with being declared an essential service, there was minimal disruption allowing businesses to operate at a normal capacity,” Whyte said in a news release.

While said the vast majority of the industry believe this season will be normal in terms of fertilizer demand and crop production.

Fertilizer Canada represents manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors of nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulphur fertilizers.

The industry contributes $24 billion annually and over 76,000 jobs.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twiitter: @AliceMcF