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File photo of a quality control check on fresh peppers in a Canadian vegetable packing plant. (Jeffbergen/E+Getty Images)
Markets

Laid-off foreign workers may get conditional clearance for other jobs

Workers allowed to start new jobs while permits are processed

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Approved temporary foreign workers (TFWs) whose jobs disappeared before they could begin work in Canada this spring can now get much quicker approval to start at other workplaces, including farms, where the workers are needed. The federal government said Tuesday it will, effective “immediately,” temporarily waive its rule requiring a TFW to receive federal approval […] Read more
Asian giant hornets have noticeably large orange heads and black eyes; worker hornets are about 3.5 cm in length; queens can be up to four to five cm in length, with a wingspan of four to seven cm. (B.C. Ministry of Agriculture)
Livestock

‘Murder hornet’ findings worry agriculture officials

Invasive pest known to decapitate honeybees, take over hives

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Reuters — The Asian giant hornet — an invasive, predatory insect dubbed the “murder hornet” — has been seen in the Vancouver area and may pose a threat to the beekeeping industry and potentially to people if it establishes there, a U.S. official said Monday. The stinging Vespa mandarinia can grow as large as 2-1/2 […] Read more
Governments funding farmers’ move to online sales
News

Governments funding farmers’ move to online sales

Direct-to-consumer sales from farms has quickly moved digital

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Many farmers have moved to marketing their food and plants through the internet and they now have the chance for government help to fund that transition. The Ontario and Canadian governments are investing $2.5 million the new Agri-Food Open for E-Business initiative through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP). Organizations and businesses can apply for a […] Read more
(EvrazPlace.com)
Machinery

Canada’s Farm Show postponed

New date not yet set for former Farm Progress Show

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One of Canada’s biggest agricultural events has crossed itself off the 2020 summer calendar due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada’s Farm Show, which rebranded in December from its former Canada’s Farm Progress Show identity, announced Monday it has officially postponed to an as-yet unconfirmed date. The annual show, organized by the Regina Exhibition Association (REAL), […] Read more
AAFC’s research station at Morden in southern Manitoba. (Manitoba Co-operator file photo by Allan Dawson)
Crops

COVID-19 threatens federal field research

Prairie cereals' commissions urge AAFC to follow example of universities, private researchers

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COVID-19 threatens to sideline Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) field, greenhouse and laboratory research this year, but not if the Prairie wheat and barley commissions that help to fund it with farmer money have a say. AAFC has been sending “mixed messages” about its plans, Pam de Rocquigny, general manager of the Manitoba Wheat and […] Read more
(Lightguard/iStock/Getty Images)
Markets

Saskatchewan to bump up AgriStability interim payouts

Allowable percentage of final benefit raised

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Saskatchewan farmers hoping to boost cash flow with an AgriStability interim payment can now apply to get up to three-quarters of their final payment for 2020. The Saskatchewan and federal governments announced an agreement Friday to increase the 2020 AgriStability interim benefit payment percentage to 75 per cent for producers in that province, up from […] Read more
Markets

Farm groups offer finance committee food security for thought

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The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) continues to pressure the federal government to offer more support for farmers as it looks to mitigate impacts of COVID-19. One of few parliamentary functions continuing to operate in the pandemic, the Commons standing committee on finance is responsible for studying and reporting on matters related to government spending. […] Read more
(MDurson/iStock/Getty Images)
Markets

EU sets out COVID-19 support for farmers

Moves meant to stabilize markets

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Brussels | Reuters — The European Commission proposed measures on Wednesday to support farmers hit by the coronavirus restrictions, including aid to store surplus dairy and meat products. Under the proposals, the Commission will grant aid for private storage of milk powder, butter and cheese as well as beef, sheep and goat meat for a […] Read more
Ray Schuurman, left, and Greg Schuurman are two of four partners operating Schuurman Greenhouses in Branchton, Ont.
News

Floral industry hit hard by COVID-19

Flower growers say a glut of flowers to sell could set their sector back for a couple of years

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Greg Schuurman and his family have gone back to their roots selling flowers at the roadside, as much of their Easter and Mother’s Day floral crop has failed to find its usual markets. Schuurman, president and partner in Schuurman Greenhouses, the leader in cut chrysanthemums in Ontario, has been feeling the pain of not being […] Read more

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