Members of the National Farmers Union (NFU) gathered on Parliament Hill Wednesday to demand a ban on investor ownership of farmland. The demonstration was organized by the NFU Youth Caucus and Farm Workers’ Working Group. The goal was to demand protection of food sovereignty and help farmers, especially young ones, gain more access to farmland. […] Read more
NFU takes demand for ban on investor ownership to Parliament Hill
Organization's youth caucus concerned amid ‘transition crisis’
Hydroponic farming company going strong in 2023
Growcer’s modular farms generate appeal across Canada
The cost of food has always been a concern in northern communities, but one Ontario-based company has developed a solution for year-round food access through modular farms. Ottawa company Growcer inc. makes modular farms out of 40-foot structures that can sustain harsh conditions. Its farms use hydroponics, a technique that uses nutrient-rich water rather than […] Read more
Ontario start-up Best for Bees takes Innovation Award at World Beekeeping Awards
ProtectaBEE tech recognized as beekeeping innovation
An Ontario-based beekeeping tech start-up took home a silver medal at the World Beekeeping awards in Chile last month. Kitchener’s Best for Bees received the Innovation in Practical Beekeeping Award for its ProtectaBEE technology, an all-in-one adjustable hive entrance meant to protect hives. Small entrance and exit cones direct bees to walk through a fungal […] Read more
Are yield and sustainability natural enemies?
For the farmer, maximizing production might not be the best strategy
Productivity has long been the main focus of agricultural research in Canada – more bushels of grain, more pounds of beef, more litres of milk, all in aid of competitiveness and profitability. Now there’s a new research priority on the block: sustainability, which often clashes with the deeply held belief that yield should dominate. In […] Read more
U.S. COOL proposal unlikely to affect Canadian beef
Tabled legislation would see processors fined per pound of improperly marked meat
Proposed U.S. legislation could see distributors fined for meat that is improperly labelled as “Made in the USA,” but industry experts north of the border say it is unlikely to pass muster. The bill would set out processor fines of US$5,000 per pound of beef that doesn’t meet label standards. COOL, or country-of-origin labelling, surged […] Read more
Ottawa redevelopment could negatively affect agriculture research
Shade from the proposed buildings could affect prime soil area
Critics say a proposed redevelopment near Ottawa’s Central Experimental Farm will have a negative impact on the facility’s future. Though the redevelopment would not encroach on farmland, it would replace one eight-storey building on a neighbouring lot with two others, at 16 and 27 storeys respectively. The building proposal was approved by the city’s planning […] Read more
Ontario Beekeepers to receive $1.3 million
Investment comes after rough patch for Ontario beekeepers
Federal and provincial governments have announced an investment of $1.3 million to help Ontario beekeepers improve their operations. The investment is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) and aims to “help improve the resiliency and competitiveness of beekeeper operations in Ontario,” the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said in a […] Read more
Ross Butler Collection of livestock paintings to be dispersed
Butler appealed to livestock producers with accurate paintings and sculptures of animals
Ontario artist Ross Butler’s paintings and sculptures have been garnering interest within the livestock world since the 1930s. Now, as the collection of Butler’s work is set to be dispersed, sold and donated, interest remains in his honest and precise depictions of Canadian farm breeds. Why it matters: Butler’s honest and well-researched art, which has […] Read more
Next dairy research cluster funded
The fourth round of federal government funding is lower than it was five years ago
The Government of Canada has announced $7.5 million in funding to Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) as part of the next Dairy Research Cluster. The funding is provided through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership AgriScience Program, specifically Dairy Research Cluster 4, which is meant to find environmental, economic and social improvements in the Canadian dairy […] Read more
Farmers show success in marketing sustainability
Making sure consumers understand the language around farming improvements is key
Farmers and the food industry have roles to play as greater emphasis is placed on sustainable farming practices. Representatives from across the food supply chain recently discussed the producer/industry relationship at Valley Bio Farms near Cobden, hosted by Foodbridge’s Beth Hunter and Valley Bio owner Reuben Stone. Valley Bio produces, cleans and sells seeds for […] Read more
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