Ontario’s agriculture industry got a surprise earlier this month when Premier Doug Ford announced a cabinet shuffle late in the day June 6. Not only was a new agriculture minister announced, but the former Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) was to be split into two separate ministries: the Ministry of Farming, […] Read more
Q&A with Ontario’s new agriculture minister
‘Food’ back in provincial agriculture ministry’s name
Minister Rob Flack confirmed today the new name of province’s agriculture ministry – the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OAFA). Initially reported to be the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Farming and Agribusiness, Flack said in an interview he told Premier Doug Ford it was important to keep the word ‘food’ in the ministry’s […] Read more
Dr. Rene Van Acker appointed as U of G vice-president (Research and Innovation)
Dr. Rene Van Acker has been appointed as the University of Guelph’s new vice-president (research and innovation). The University of Guelph said in a release his five-year appointment “will be crucial in furthering U of G as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities.” Van Acker has served as interim vice-president (research) since last July. and said […] Read more
Editorial: A bright future
After a stretch of wet weather and being tied to my home office, it was great to go for a drive to Wellington County to tour some feedlots with attendees of the Livestock Markets of Canada Association (LMAC) late last month. After heavy rains kept some farmers off the fields, planting was in full swing […] Read more
Rob Flack new Ontario agriculture minister
Lisa Thompson becomes Minister of Rural Affairs after province splits OMAFRA into two separate ministries
Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London has been announced as Ontario’s new Minister of Farming, Agriculture, and Agribusiness. Lisa Thompson, former Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), is now the Minister of Rural Affairs. Premier Doug Ford announced the change during a last-minute cabinet shuffle late Thursday afternoon, after abruptly announcing the legislature […] Read more
Ontario Beef on the menu at Lone Star Texas Grills
Lone Star Texas Grill is partnering with Ontario beef farmers to bring locally produced Ontario Corn Fed Beef to its 23 locations across the province. The Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) said in a release the partnership has a significant impact on the Ontario cattle and beef sector. “First off, it demonstrates the confidence the […] Read more
Canadian pork sector receives $9.6 million to prepare for African swine fever
The federal government has earmarked more than $9.6 million to help the Canadian pork sector prevent and prepare for African swine fever (ASF). Francis Drouin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said in a release 29 African Swine Fever Industry Preparedness Program (ASFIPP) projects across the country will receive funding. Provincial projects […] Read more
Canadian pork sector receives $9.6 million to prepare for African swine fever
The federal government has earmarked more than $9.6 million to help the Canadian pork sector prevent and prepare for African swine fever (ASF).
Opinion: A new fight on the artificial intelligence front
At the recent Farm and Food Care Ontario annual meeting in Elora, the focus of afternoon presenters was on artificial intelligence. It wasn’t the usual rhetoric dominating the news and social media channels right now, which seems to be focused on how artificial intelligence tools may soon replace millions of jobs and perhaps take over […] Read more
Ontario Agricultural College Celebrates 150th Anniversary
The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) is celebrating 150 years of history, having first opened its doors in May 1874. It is one of the University of Guelph’s three founding colleges. From May 1 until the end of the year, the OAC will celebrate its 150-year history with a range of events, projects and activities that reflect its achievements and […] Read more
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