An Amended Bill C-234 Adds Costs and Delays for Farmers

Nov 02, 2023

Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) is calling on all Senators to defeat the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry's amendment that would remove heating and cooling of barns and greenhouses from Bill C-234.

“This amendment dramatically changes the scope and intent of the bill and will cost farmers thousands of dollars, which could instead be used to invest in the sustainability of their operations," says Dave Carey, CCGA's Vice-President, Government & Industry Relations. “Farmers are on the front line of food production, and they currently do not have any viable alternatives for natural gas and propane used in drying grain or heating and cooling barns."

CCGA is extremely concerned that the proposed amendment will severely delay the bill's passage, while unfairly hurting major segments of Canada's farming sector.

“We ask all Senators to vote against the proposed amendment and avoid having the bill sent back to the House of Commons for further review," says Carey.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.