Kuala Lumpur | Reuters — In 2004, Malaysian palm oil producer IOI Group became a founding member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and later an executive board member in what seemed like a cosy arrangement. Twelve years later, IOI attempted to take legal action against RSPO over an environmental ruling that has […] Read more
Palm plantations shaken by the green body they helped create
Strike ends at Rogers’ Montreal sugar refinery
Workers at Rogers Sugar’s Montreal refinery have voted to ratify a new five-year agreement and will return to work “within the next few hours,” ending their strike, the company said Sunday. The plant, which has about 200 unionized workers, represented by le Syndicat des travailleuses et travailleurs de Sucre Lantic (FC-CSN), will resume “all production […] Read more
Ottawa plans study for new Kingston prison farm
The federal government is set to run a study reconsidering the previous administration’s decision to shut farming operations at federal penitentiaries. Following up on a Liberal campaign pledge, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) announced plans Thursday for a feasibility study including both in-person and online consultations with stakeholders and the public. Specifically, CSC said […] Read more
U.S. EPA draft report calls out atrazine for risk to animals
Chicago | Reuters — One of the most popular herbicides in U.S. agriculture can be dangerous to animals and fish and leaves behind worrisome residue levels, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Thursday in a draft report that sparked outrage among farmers. The agency’s assessment of atrazine could lead to tighter regulatory limits on […] Read more
World food markets set for stable year: FAO
Rome | Reuters — Global food commodity markets are likely to remain stable in the coming year, the United Nations’ food agency said on Thursday, even as prices rose for the fourth straight month. Solid output prospects and abundant stocks should keep prices and supplies stable, while lower prices than those seen last year are […] Read more
Rain holds up spraying as weeds thrive in Manitoba
CNS Canada –– A steady dose of rain to start the week has put a crimp on herbicide applications across Manitoba. While weeds weren’t noticeable a few weeks ago due to the relative dryness, they’re definitely becoming more noticeable, according to crop watchers. “We know that with the rain and warmer temperatures, both the crops […] Read more
Alberta rain good news for farmers, bad news for grasshoppers
CNS Canada — After a dry spring, the rainfall across Alberta is a welcome change — unless you’re a grasshopper. “I’d hoped that over the weekend with the rain we had it would drown the little buggers out. When they’re small like that, they’re easily drowned if there’s water on the surface,” said crop specialist […] Read more
Rogers Sugar suspends production at Montreal after strike
Reuters — Rogers Sugar, Canada’s largest sugar refiner, said Tuesday it has suspended production at its largest plant as workers went on strike after wage talks at the 128-year-old Montreal-based facility collapsed. The company is implementing contingency measures to minimize disruption to customers. “There’s inventory, the company’s (other) facilities and other alternatives,” said a spokesman […] Read more
Proposals for irradiating ground beef back on table
Regulations to allow Canadian beef processors to irradiate fresh and/or frozen raw ground beef for food safety purposes will soon be up for public comment. Health Canada on Monday served notice it will soon propose amendments to its Food and Drug Regulations that would add fresh and frozen ground beef to its list of allowed […] Read more
CONTEST CLOSED: Free to good home: Farm Progress tickets
Editor’s Note: Well, that escalated quickly. The contest is now closed; all our Farm Progress Show passes are now spoken for and will be in the mail shortly. If you’ve entered the contest and won tickets, expect to hear from us by email. If your entry arrived a little too late or if you’re just […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
