The rhetoric around inflation and increasing food prices has become a point of emphasis for politicians, particularly for those in opposition to the incumbent government. Even pundits and non-profit organizations are pressuring the government into taking specific actions on food prices. This begs the question: Should governments take steps to reduce food prices? And more […] Read more
Opinion: When it comes to food prices, the Canadian government’s hands are tied
There is no easy fix and many price reduction options would hurt domestic producers
Opinion: Agriculture needs a social contract with consumers
A conversation with consumers should be a reality for many agriculture markets
I had several interactions recently that raised the issue of trust or social licence for agriculture to me again. I continue to be struck by the fact that many in agriculture think that if we just tell the public how good we are, they will trust and like us and give us the “licence,” or […] Read more
Opinion: Labour crisis is about farm security, not food security
Food continues to be abundant, but some farms are under financial pressure due to labour shortages
The COVID pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated long standing issues with respect to labour in the food system – both on farms and in food processing. This is often presented in the context of a threat to food security but in reality the issue is more critical for farm security than food security. That is, […] Read more
OPINION: In a COVID-19 world, is local better?
While there might be value in bolstering Canadian food production, there’s resiliency in global trade
Our food system has weathered an unprecedented demand shift and shock over the past month. Overall, we have come out of it reasonably well. We have seen short-term shortages on grocery store shelves (flour and other products) and some rationing when product was there (milk, eggs). At the same time, we have heard stories of […] Read more
OPINION: Thoughts on dumping milk during COVID-19
Unprecedented shocks to the market are to blame, not supply management
I received a sad text from a friend of mine who is a dairy farmer. They are being asked to dump milk as the processors to whom it is assigned can’t use it right now This is difficult to understand in a time where we are seeing empty grocery stores shelves. Supply chains are complex […] Read more
Opinion: The family farm is changing but not dying
There are fewer smaller farms, but the numbers show that doesn’t mean fewer families running farms
One of the greatest myths of Canadian agriculture is that the family farm is dying. If family farms could talk, they’d likely echo Mark Twain’s quote that “the reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” I see frequent reports that the family farm is disappearing and “corporate farms” are taking over. It is true that […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
