Grain Farmers of Ontario Recognizes CPTPP Royal Assent

Oct 31, 2018

GUELPH, ON – Grain Farmers of Ontario, congratulates the Canadian government and all parliamentarians in the passing of Bill C-79 and the announcement that Canada will ratify its partnership with the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership).

The CPTPP is an important trade agreement for Canada and agriculture as it builds relationships with new and emerging markets.

“Ontario grain farmers are relying on our government to open doors to new markets as we try to offset the negative impacts of the U.S.-driven trade wars,” said Markus Haerle, Chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario. “Agreements like CPTPP help the Canadian agriculture and agri-food industry to remain competitive. This is vital for an industry that employs almost one million Canadians.”

Grain Farmers of Ontario continues to support the Canadian government in moving trade talks forward with China and for other free trade agreements

Source : GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.