Bibeau Excited To Be Back As Ag Minister

Nov 08, 2021

Marie-Claude Bibeau says she's excited to continue her role as Canada's agriculture minister.

She talked about her priorities going forward.

"When I think about our western producers, I want to keep working with them to help them bounce back from the drought because I know it's been a very, very difficult summer for them. This is definitely top of mind for me. It's another example that the climate is changing and that we really have to double down on our effort to have more sustainable agriculture."

Bibeau says labour will also be a key focus.

"This is, I would say one of the most important issues. I hear that everywhere across the country and actually it's not limited to agriculture and agri-food but it is extremely important in our sector. Temporary foreign workers is one part of the answer and I will keep working with Minister Qualtrough who is still in the same portfolio. We will be able to continue working on the reform for the Temporary Foreign Workers Program."

The country's agriculture ministers will be meeting next week in Guelph, Ontario to talk about the Next Agricultural Policy Framework.

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Video: Veteran Farmers: A Legacy of Service in Rural America

Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have selflessly protected our freedoms and values. And for some, the transition from military service to civilian life brings them back to the farm.

At Farm Bureau, we believe it’s important to not only celebrate veterans but also those who continue to make a difference in agriculture and their community. We've partnered with Farm Credit to establish the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence to shine a light on those who have continued to go above and beyond to serve their communities.

This year, we recognize retired Colonel Joe Ricker as the inaugural Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence winner. Joe served over 30 years in the Army before retiring from the Pentagon and completing tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, his commitment to excellence in farming and enriching the lives of veterans has blossomed in a myriad of ways in both his local community of Wilkinson, Indiana, and across the country. Joe grows apples and raises bees on his farm in Indiana. Joe founded “Veterans IN Farming,” an organization, now with more than 1,100 members, dedicated to providing veterans in Indiana with the tools and training to succeed in agriculture.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization, comprised of and directed by farm and ranch families who engage in all types of food, fuel and fiber production.