I’m keenly interested in environmental issues and the role farmers could play in generating positive change. It drives what I cover as a journalist, what stories I share with friends and family, and what I’ve decided to research in-depth as a Nuffield Scholar.
The people that shape us
My late grandfather helped me see beyond the human world, and I hope to continue his legacy
Public trust in food system sees sharp decline
Canadian Centre for Food Integrity data highlights growing indifference and cynicism about food and farming
The Canadian public has become more divided and skeptical of Canada’s food system over the last year, according to the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity’s latest Public Trust Research Report.
Sustainability claims harder to make under updated Competition Act
More lawsuits and further decline in public trust possible, panelists say
Companies that make environmental sustainability claims in Canada will have to put up or shut up. Under amendments to Canada’s Competition Act, enacted earlier this year, they will be held more accountable for greenwashing claims that are false or misleading about the environmental impact of a product or entity. The practice has been the subject of much controversy in the food and agriculture sector.
Drive for production weakens resilience of farming systems: study
Researchers say sector should strive for environmental heterogeneity
The drive for greater productivity in agriculture has led to an unprecedented level of food security for much of the world. But according to an article published by the journal Nature in September, that has come at the expense of environmental stability, making it more difficult to sustain high productivity.
Changes possible to international plant gene sharing treaty
Fees for accessing global gene banks could bring additional costs to researchers, farmers
Plant breeders around the globe can freely access plant gene banks for development of new crop varieties under the Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. But proposed changes at the international level could make access — and future crop research — more costly.
Temporary foreign worker supports to receive $1.5 million in cost-share funding
Cost share funding available for municipalities and organizations implementing community-building programs and other supports for foreign workers
A joint investment of $1.5 million is being made by the federal and provincial governments into programs designed to attract and retain international agri-food workers in Ontario communities. In a release, the governments said the funding will support initiatives that create a more welcoming environment for foreign workers, including providing stronger supports such as translation […] Read more
Outstanding Young Farmers prove adept at seizing opportunities
DJ Wassenaar and Matt Bergman bring individual strengths to successful partnership
Successfully managing cash flow for growth and diversification has landed friends and business partners DJ Wassenaar and Matt Bergman the 2024 Ontario Outstanding Young Farmer award.
Nutrient and soil testing myths
Soil specialist explains what’s true and what’s not
Common myths about nutrient management and soil sampling can hamper your efforts, according Colin Elgie, soil fertility specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
What Brazil can teach us about environmental preservation
Some within Brazil’s farming sector have embraced biodiversity and environmental preservation
Brazilians long ago identified nature preservation as critical to their nation, and its global brand, is forward-thinking.
Repeated delays bring average winter wheat crop province-wide
Growers mitigated disease risks well despite weather, say agronomists, but early heat dragged yield
Ontario's 2024 winter wheat crop yield was average despite production delays from winter until harvest.
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
