Grains on Tap

Grains Growers of Canada

Grains on Tap is not your typical policy podcast. We’re opening the doors of Parliament Hill and sitting down with the powerhouses of Canadian agriculture and policymaking. From Members of Parliament and Senators to government relations professionals, we sit down with the influential figures navigating the complexities of agriculture policy in the halls of Parliament. But that’s not all – each episode is paired with exceptional Canadian craft beer. As we explore agriculture policy, we also raise a glass to our growers and brewers from across the country. Whether you’re a grain farmer, a policymaker navigating Ottawa, or simply someone fascinated by the pulse of Canadian agriculture, Grains on Tap is your gateway to a behind-the-scenes look of the intersection of agriculture and politics. So grab your favourite beer, kick back, and let’s cultivate a deeper understanding of the policies that shape our fields. Grains on Tap is a production by Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) and hosted by GGC Executive Director Kyle Larkin.

  1. 11/17/2025

    Season 2 | Episode 5: David Bexte

    After a busy few weeks on Parliament Hill, Grains on Tap is back with another episode. With Budget 2025 now tabled and parliamentarians deep into the fall sitting, grain farmers are watching a fast-moving policy landscape. From escalating trade tensions to stalled infrastructure priorities, it is a critical moment for Canada’s grain sector. Joining us this week is David Bexte, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Bow River, Alberta. Born and raised on a multi-generational grain farm and bringing more than 25 years of experience from the oil and gas sector, David offers a unique perspective on how Ottawa’s decisions ripple back to rural communities. In this episode, David walks us through his journey from the farm to the private sector to the House of Commons. He reflects on what surprised him most about life on the Hill, shares his early experience on the Environment and Sustainable Development Committee, and weighs in on the issues dominating conversations across the agriculture sector.  We dig into the mounting trade uncertainty facing Canadian farmers, his reaction to Budget 2025, and the federal government’s new “nation-building” infrastructure agenda – including why the absence of the Port of Vancouver stands out. So, pour yourself a cold one and tune in as we sit down with a new voice in Parliament bringing producer experience directly to Ottawa, right here on Grains on Tap. A special thank you to Beer Canada for sponsoring this podcast.

    52 min
  2. 12/16/2024

    Grains on Tap | Episode 8: MP Yves Perron

    Welcome back to Grains on Tap! In this special episode, we’re doing something a little different by interviewing our guest entirely in French. This month, we crack a beer with Yves Perron, MP for Berthier-Maskinongé and the Bloc Québécois’ spokesperson for agriculture, agri-food, and supply management. From his journey as a history teacher to his role as Vice-Chair of the House of Commons Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee, Yves shares insights into his passion for agriculture, the policies he champions, and the impact of key bills like C-234 and C-282 on Canada’s agricultural sector. So, pour yourself a cold one and settle in for another engaging conversation about the intersection of agriculture and politics right here on Grains on Tap. A special thank you to Beer Canada for sponsoring this episode. For more information on the Grain Growers of Canada, visit our website at graingrowers.ca. -  Bienvenue à Grains on Tap ! Dans cet épisode spécial, nous faisons quelque chose d’un peu différent en interviewant notre invité entièrement en français. Ce mois-ci, nous ouvrons une bière avec Yves Perron, député de Berthier-Maskinongé et porte-parole du Bloc québécois en matière d’agriculture, d’agroalimentaire et de la gestion de l’offre. De son parcours en tant qu’enseignant d’histoire à son rôle de vice-président du Comité de l’agriculture et de l’agroalimentaire de la Chambre des communes, Yves nous fait part de sa passion pour l’agriculture, des politiques qu’il défend et de l’impact des projets de loi comme C-234 et C-282 sur le secteur agricole canadien. Alors, servez-vous une bière bien fraîche et installez-vous pour une autre conversation intéressante sur l’intersection de l’agriculture et de la politique ici même sur Grains on Tap. Un merci spécial à Bière Canada pour avoir commandité cet épisode. Pour plus d’informations sur les Producteurs de grains du Canada, visitez notre site web à graingrowers.ca.

    39 min

About

Grains on Tap is not your typical policy podcast. We’re opening the doors of Parliament Hill and sitting down with the powerhouses of Canadian agriculture and policymaking. From Members of Parliament and Senators to government relations professionals, we sit down with the influential figures navigating the complexities of agriculture policy in the halls of Parliament. But that’s not all – each episode is paired with exceptional Canadian craft beer. As we explore agriculture policy, we also raise a glass to our growers and brewers from across the country. Whether you’re a grain farmer, a policymaker navigating Ottawa, or simply someone fascinated by the pulse of Canadian agriculture, Grains on Tap is your gateway to a behind-the-scenes look of the intersection of agriculture and politics. So grab your favourite beer, kick back, and let’s cultivate a deeper understanding of the policies that shape our fields. Grains on Tap is a production by Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) and hosted by GGC Executive Director Kyle Larkin.