Before my fellow farmers head into the field to begin the much-anticipated #plant26, I wanted to share some recent updates from SPG.  

I had the great honour of representing SPG alongside several of my pulse-sector colleagues on a trade mission to India in early March, which also coincided with Prime Minister Carney’s and Premier Moe’s missions. During that mission, Canada and India officially launched negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). They signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a pulse protein Centre of Excellence, co-chaired by the University of Saskatchewan and the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) in India. Several meetings were also held with government departments and organizations involved in nutrition programs in India, where Canadian pulses could play a greater role in nutritional security. Pulses are Canada’s single largest export to India, and protecting this important market is essential to building sustainable and profitable growth for Saskatchewan pulses.  

Speaking of key markets for Saskatchewan pulses, March also brought along the reopening of tariff-free access for Canadian peas to China. I think I can speak for all pea farmers when I say that we are thankful to see the market reopen and recognize the efforts of Pulse Canada, the Government of Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan, and others who worked hard behind the scenes to ensure a timely reopening of this market for farmers. Our work continues to ensure this critical market remains open beyond the end of 2026.  

SPG, alongside partner organizations, continues to advocate for farmers on key topics, including ensuring that capacity, infrastructure, and expertise are maintained and preserved in the wake of recent cuts to AAFC research stations. We work collaboratively to maintain capacity for crop research, both for this production season and in the longer term. Additionally, SPG, alongside SaskCrops, is currently running a campaign in Ottawa to push for the establishment of a national export sales reporting program, which could level the playing field and provide more market transparency for Canadian farmers to make more informed marketing decisions. 

I am proud of the work that SPG has done over the off-season to advocate for farmers, but now the real work begins. Wishing all of my fellow farmers a safe and productive #plant26. 

– Stuart Lawrence, Chair, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers