As provincial governments consider additional measures to manage the spread of COVID-19, CAAR is urging the Premiers to consider agri-retail an essential service to help ensure an uninterrupted flow of seed, fertilizer and crop protection products for the spring planting season and beyond.

In a letter sent to the Premiers and Agriculture Ministers of the provinces with production agriculture, CAAR’s executive director Mitch Rezansoff expressed both the necessity and urgency of the request, as the spring planting season is quickly approaching.

“A failure to secure the supply chain starting with the crop input manufacturers and suppliers through to the distribution and retail network, and ultimately to the farm, will critically impact crop production output and lead to food security issues.

It is critical that agricultural crop input logistics proceed without interruption. The agricultural input sector must be clearly recognized by all provinces as providing essential products and services.”

CAAR has also sent a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau outlining its position. Although matters concerning work and health fall under provincial jurisdiction, the federal government provides review and guidance to align provinces.

You can read the letters in their entirety on caar.org:

• Letter to Premiers and Provincial Ag Ministers
  
• Letter to Prime Minister Trudeau

CAAR members are encouraged to utilize the “Letters to Premiers” to follow up with their provincial MLAs and Premiers, addressing work stoppages and the cross-border movement of products.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to Mitch Rezansoff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 204-989-9303.