Client Resource Centre – COVID 19
.cls-rev-notag-1{fill:#fff;}.cls-rev-notag-2{fill:#cc1a42;}.cls-rev-notag-grey{fill:#808285}
  • People
  • Services
  • Insights
  • Careers
  • Events
  • News
  • About
  • Contact
  • Search

Contact Us

  • Winnipeg

    30th Floor
    360 Main Street
    Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G1

    P: 1 (204) 957-0050

    F: 1 (204) 957-0840

    Contact Us Online >

  • Regina

    1500 Hill Centre I
    1874 Scarth Street
    Regina, SK S4P 4E9

    P: 1 (306) 347-8000

    F: 1 (306) 352-5250

    Contact Us Online >

  • Saskatoon

    Suite 1201 – 409 3rd Avenue S
    Saskatoon, SK S7K 5R5

    P: 1 (306) 975-7100

    F: 1 (306) 975-7145

    Contact Us Online >

  • Calgary

    2100 Livingston Place
    222 3rd Avenue SW
    Calgary, AB T2P 0B4

    P: 1 (403) 693-4300

    F: 1 (403) 508-4349

    Contact Us Online >

  • Edmonton

    Suite 2200
    10235 – 101st Street
    Edmonton, AB T5J 3G1

    P: 1 (780) 969-3500

    F: 1 (780) 969-3549

    Contact Us Online >

  • Vancouver

    Suite 2600
    1066 West Hastings Street
    Vancouver, BC V6E 3X1

    P: 1 (604) 682-7737

    F: 1 (604) 682-7131

    Contact Us Online >

Search for MLT Aikins Legal Resources

Search By Keyword

Browse By Category

Browse by Author

Search MLT Aikins News

Search By Keyword

Browse By Category

Browse By Lawyer

Find Your Trusted Adviser

Search People

Browse By Service

Browse By Location

  • View all Services and Industries
.cls-1{fill:#231f20;}.cls-2{fill:#ba0c2f;}
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Follow us on LinkedIn
  • Get MLT Aikins Updates

Agriculture & Food

MLT Aikins has served as a trusted legal adviser to a wide variety of food and agriculture clients since the establishment of the firm. From its substantial work in the consolidation of the grain handling sector, the rise of alternative proteins, and the increasing sophistication of agtech, MLT Aikins has developed extensive experience, in-depth technical knowledge and a unique understanding of the emerging issues, challenges and opportunities in the fields of food, agriculture and life sciences.

 

MLT Aikins Agriculture and Food 2020 Year-in-Review

  • More Details
  • Representative Work
  • People

Listed among Chambers Canada’s top five ranked firms in agribusiness in Canada, MLT Aikins provides legal advice tailored to the business and practical considerations of the agriculture and food industry. We understand the business landscape, the local and regional geography as well as the cross-jurisdictional framework, and we have a nuanced understanding of the regulatory and legal issues affecting Canada’s dynamic food and agribusiness sector.

The Canadian agrifood chain is supported by a broad-reaching network of agribusinesses. These include co-operatives, crop input companies, feed companies, equipment manufacturers and dealers, industry trade organizations, marketing boards, insurers, food processors, co-packers, retailers and distributors. We have extensive experience advising these businesses on contractual and regulatory matters, intellectual property protection and management, litigation and compliance. We have worked with processors, marketing boards and representative industry groups in interpreting legislation and helping organizations stay up-to-date with required changes in accordance with legislative requirements.

Regulatory and Compliance

We have helped our clients meet regulatory and licensing requirements, and worked with regulators to facilitate ongoing compliance. Our tax group is well-equipped to assist with tax related issues impacting food and agribusiness clients, including the unique issues non-profit organizations face. We assist a wide variety of organization types with respect to their corporate organization and governance. We help agribusinesses with management of licensing, certification and variety registration.

We have advised on matters regarding compliance with governmental regulations and guidelines, such as those administered by the PMRA, AAFC, CFIA and Health Canada. We have experience putting together a broad range of agreements including:

  • research and development agreements; and material transfer agreements;
  • testing, trial and evaluation agreements;
  • research funding; grant and collaboration arrangements; and contribution agreements

 We have extensive experience advising on legal issues related to the evolving agricultural technology sector.

Agtech

As emerging technologies shape the future of agricultural production, we are working to help clients evolve and transform their products and services while complying with requirements of provincial and federal regulatory bodies. We are dedicated to promoting the discussion of the role of innovation and technology in agriculture to help businesses advance their initiatives to discover, develop, register and bring new products to market. We help agtech developers navigate information systems and data protection requirements, drafting privacy policies, data sharing and transfer agreements, and other contracts and collaborations arising from technology advancements. We are invested in staying up-to-date regarding the specific nuances of the agtech sector, while working alongside clients to build great agribusinesses that help solve challenges and inefficiencies within the industry.

We have been active in securing legislative change to promote growth and development in the agrifood value chain. We have drafted and negotiated an extensive range of contracts concerning farming/production technology, automation, AI, renewable energy and land management systems. Whether you are an agtech developer with an innovative technology, a startup, or an established business, we can help you to achieve your commercial goals.

Intellectual Property and Data Protection

We have extensive experience with intellectual property protection, management and commercialization. Our team includes several patent and trademark agents skilled in advising regarding  intellectual property protection and disputes. We also provide intellectual property support including with respect to licensing, strategy and policy advice. We have experience with supporting a vast array of areas of innovation – from mechanical advancements, to novel seed and chemical technologies, to  the development of semi-autonomous farm machinery.

We can help you create effective development and commercialization strategies, and intellectual property management policies, that help you derive value from the technology you develop. Our work in supporting organizations with the management, protection and enforcement of intellectual property and proprietary rights in novel and innovative agricultural and food technologies has helped many organization in the food and agriculture industry advance new and transformative innovation.

Corporate/Commercial

MLT Aikins has advised an expansive variety of entities in the food and agriculture industry, including private and public companies, research organizations, industry associations, and member-owned organizations. We have established various forms of agribusiness entities, including corporations, limited partnerships, co-operatives, non-profit organizations and foundations. We have been involved in many novel approaches, including establishing Canada’s first grain condominium and Canada’s first large scale producer car loading facility. This varied experience allows us to understand the big-picture issues present in the industry, the interplay between its various types of organizations, and the challenges unique to each.

We have advised organizations at every stage in the agrifood value chain – from organizations seeking or granting funding (whether public or private in source) to aid innovation and growth, to organizations collaborating in the research and development of technologies through the application of that funding, to organizations seeking to commercialize and exploit the results of that research and development. We have experience helping organizations raise capital for growth and expansion, securing strategic alliances and structuring joint venture arrangements.

Working with agricultural product marketing boards and producer groups

Our lawyers have worked closely with co-operatives, grain companies, chemical companies, fertilizer manufacturers and distributors, ag-biotech companies, plant breeders and research organizations, feedlots, livestock operations, ethanol plants, food processing facilities and other agribusiness organizations to devise innovative business structures, secure funding and financing, structure unique collaborative arrangements, assist with project procurement and construction, and address regulatory and taxation issues.

  • Lead External Counsel to a Canadian innovation supercluster, providing advice regarding research consortium structure, research funding agreements, data management, member agreements, and policy direction.
  • Counsel to several agri-science clusters, research grant organizations and non-profit organizations investing in agricultural research for the benefit of Canadian producers.
  • Lead counsel to Enns Brothers Ltd. including in its acquisition of Countryside Equipment, Reimer Farm Supplies and DB Murray Equipment.
  • Canadian counsel to a New Zealand sheep operation on its expansion into Canada, including acquisitions of existing Canadian sheep farms and a processing facility.
  • Counsel to Plant Protein Alliance of Alberta Ltd. in setting up the corporation as a not-for-profit entity, and advising on corporate governance, annual meetings and conflict of interest for insiders.
  • Canadian counsel to an Australian headquartered grain company on its expansion into Canada and the construction of four inland grain terminals in western Canada.
  • Canadian counsel to a U.S. headquartered agribusiness on its acquisition of a Canadian retail fertilizer business and related assets for approximately $20 million (2014).
  • Counsel to producer-owned inland grain terminals in Western Canada for many years on matters including mergers and acquisitions, corporate/commercial, securities, financing and regulatory affairs, and many innovative arrangements such as grain condominiums.
  • Counsel to producer of horticultural products in a product liability suit and an action to enforce rights under a surface lease for the cultivation and harvesting of peat moss.
  • Counsel to numerous ag-biotech and crop input businesses regarding a wide range of matters, including intellectual property protection of proprietary seed and chemical products, regulatory matters, licensing and technology commercialization, retailing/distribution issues, producer/grower contracts, seed production and manufacturing agreements, warehousing and transportation agreements, and asset purchases, sales and divestitures.
  • Hoffman et al. v. Monsanto Canada Inc. and Bayer CropScience Inc., 2007 SKCA 47. Successfully opposing certification of a class action arising from the introduction of genetically modified canola.
  • Counsel on Saskferco Products LLC $1.6 billion sale to Yara International ASA (named the 2008 Canadian Inbound Acquisition of the Year by Lexpert Magazine).
  • Lead Counsel to Canadian Wheat Board for $500 million Commercialization and sale of Canadian Wheat Board to Bunge Canada and SALIC Canada Limited.
  • Lead Counsel to Hemp Oil Canada Inc. for $40 million sale to Manitoba Harvest.
  • Counsel to United Grain Growers Limited (now Viterra Inc.) regarding its privatization and initial public offering.
  • Counsel to HyLife Group Holdings Ltd. regarding its sale of an equity stake to Japanese conglomerate ITOCHU Corporation.
  • Counsel to Fresh Hemp Foods Ltd. regarding its sale to Compass Diversified Holdings (through its subsidiary, Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC).
Key Contact

David Filmon, Q.C.

Chair

P: (204) 957-4677

F: (204) 957-4259

Office:Winnipeg

Send an Email

Key Contact

Kristal Allen

Partner

P: (403) 693-4312

F: (403) 508-4349

Office:Calgary

Send an Email

Key Contact

Scott Exner

Partner

P: (403) 693-4301

F: (403) 508-4349

Office:Calgary

Send an Email

Key Contact

James Ferguson, Q.C.

Partner

P: (204) 957-4696

F: (204) 957-4205

Office:Winnipeg

Send an Email

Sam Amelio, Q.C.

Partner

P: (780) 969-5089

F: (780) 969-3549

Office:Edmonton

Send an Email

Samer Awadh

Partner

P: (306) 347-8411

F: (306) 352-5250

Office:Regina

Send an Email

David Carrick

Partner

P: (204) 957-4647

F: (204) 957-4226

Office:Winnipeg

Send an Email

Tristan Culham

Partner

P: (306) 347-8423

F: (306) 352-5250

Office:Regina

Send an Email

Scott Davidson

Partner

P: (403) 693-4308

F: (403) 508-4349

Office:Calgary

Send an Email

Robert Fleischaker

Partner

P: (204) 957-4862

F: (204) 957-4401

Office:Winnipeg

Send an Email

Danielle Graff

Partner

P: (306) 347-8410

F: (306) 352-5250

Office:Regina

Send an Email

Thor Hansell

Partner

P: (204) 957-4694

F: (204) 957-4270

Office:Winnipeg

Send an Email

Jordan Hardy, Q.C.

Partner

P: (306) 347-8436

F: (306) 352-5250

Office:Regina

Send an Email

Pamela Hilderman

Partner

P: (204) 957-4861

F: (204) 957-4431

Office:Winnipeg

Send an Email

Bob Kasian

Partner

P: (306) 975-7123

F: (306) 975-7145

Office:Regina / Saskatoon

Send an Email

Steven Kohn

Partner

P: (204) 957-4607

F: (204) 957-4261

Office:Winnipeg

Send an Email

Stathy Markatos

Partner

P: (306) 347-8430

F: (306) 352-5250

Office:Regina

Send an Email

Jason Mohrbutter

Partner

P: (306) 347-8484

F: (306) 352-5250

Office:Regina

Send an Email

Mahdi Shams

Partner

P: (604) 608-4563

F: (604) 682-7131

Office:Vancouver

Send an Email

Todd Thomson

Partner

P: (204) 957-4653

F: (204) 957-4266

Office:Winnipeg

Send an Email

Marc Unger

Partner

P: (204) 957-4601

F: (204) 957-4430

Office:Winnipeg

Send an Email

Ahmed Malik

Counsel

P: (306) 347-8401

F: (306) 352-5250

Office:Regina

Send an Email

Eric Dalke

Associate

P: (403) 693-4314

F: (403) 508-4349

Office:Calgary

Send an Email

Ryan Holfeld

Associate

P: (306) 347-8641

F: (306) 352-5250

Office:Regina

Send an Email

Ariel Lekas

Associate

P: (780) 969-3503

F: (780)969-3549

Office:Edmonton

Send an Email

Calen Nixon

Associate

P: (306) 347-8634

F: (306) 352-5250

Office:Regina

Send an Email

Print PDF

Other Services and Industries

  • Construction Projects
  • Corporate Finance & Securities
  • Credit Unions & Co-operatives
  • Environmental
  • Insolvency & Restructuring
  • Intellectual Property Litigation
  • Real Estate
  • Science & Technology
  • Taxation
  • Transportation

Related Insights

  • Trends in Agricultural Data Collection and Analytics
    CATEGORY: Agriculture & Food, Science & Technology
  • The Risk of Prematurely Commercializing Food and Ag Products
    CATEGORY: Agriculture & Food
  • Business Transition Planning for Food and Agribusiness Owners
    CATEGORY: Agriculture & Food, Estate Planning, Estates Law
  • Federal Government Announces New Support for Fish Harvesters
    CATEGORY: Agriculture & Food, COVID-19
  • “I’ll Have the B.C. VQA, Sub-GI Certified Pinot” — Promoting B.C. Wines Through Legal Recognition of Our Unique Wine Regions
    CATEGORY: Agriculture & Food
  • B.C. Indigenous Agriculture Development Program to Support Indigenous Entrepreneurs with a New Stream of Funding
    CATEGORY: Aboriginal, Agriculture & Food
  • All Insights >

Related News

  • Counsel to SeCan on Canada’s Largest Plant Breeders’ Rights Settlement
  • Scott Exner Recognized in CWA Top 50 in Canadian Agriculture
  • Kristal Allen and Danielle Graff to Present at Agriculture Enlightened Conference
  • MLT Aikins Joins Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada as Corporate Partner
  • MLT Aikins Partners with Protein Industries Canada for IP 1.0 Webinar
  • MLT Aikins Lawyers Recognized in Lexpert Special Edition on Agribusiness and Cannabis
  • All News >

  • Winnipeg
  • Regina
  • Saskatoon
  • Calgary
  • Edmonton
  • Vancouver

“MLT Aikins”, the MLT Aikins Designs and “Western Canada’s Law Firm” are trademarks of MLT Aikins LLP. Copyright © 2017 MLT Aikins LLP. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility

  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Follow us on LinkedIn
  • Get MLT Aikins Updates
#Layer_1.mltnotags-1{fill:#231f20;}#Layer_1.mltnotags-2{fill:#c0022e;}}

.cls-rev-notag-1{fill:#fff;}.cls-rev-notag-2{fill:#cc1a42;}.cls-rev-notag-grey{fill:#808285}

Client Resource Centre – COVID 19
  • People
  • Services
  • Insights
  • Careers
  • Events
  • News
  • About
  • Contact
  • Search
Copy link
CopyCopied