Farmers in Ontario can now access a website to update their Environmental Farm Plans. The enhanced system will make it easier for many to continue using this tool, which guides Ontario farmers to voluntarily adopt more environmentally sustainable practices. Why it matters: The Environmental Farm Plan is a long-time program that has helped fund and […] Read more
Environmental Farm Plan can now be renewed online
The change means that farmers won’t always have to travel to attend in-person workshops
Dyack brings global experience to new CFFO role
Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario’s new executive director has worked in agri-food policy in Canada and Australia
Brenda Dyack has been hired as the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario’s executive director. Dyack’s career in policy and research has spanned over three decades with posts as agricultural advisor to the Ontario Ministry of Finance, senior economist and manager of Economic, Social and Scientific Integration with the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics […] Read more
Trade war fund needed for grain farmers: GFO
There are increased concerns now that it looks like the U.S. will further subsidize its farmers
Grain Farmers of Ontario is calling for the federal government to create a fund so that grain farmers are protected from losses during global trade disputes. Why it matters: American farmers received almost $9 billion last year from the American government to cover losses from trade and U.S. President Donald Trump recently promised $15 billion […] Read more
New CCFI president experienced in government and farm organizations
John Jamieson has been involved in agriculture in Prince Edward Island
The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity has announced the hiring of John Jamieson as its new president and chief executive officer. Jamieson has more than 25 years of senior leadership within Canada’s agri-food sector. Jamieson succeeds outgoing President Crystal Mackay, who served as the organization’s inaugural president. “We are delighted to have a respected leader […] Read more
Farmer business confidence drops
National survey likely shows impact of trade challenges and government carbon policy
Farmers continue to be a pessimistic group, compared to other sectors of the economy. According to the April findings from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), confidence in the agriculture sector fell 4.4 index points to 44.6, just ahead of the natural resources sector, which had the least confidence at 43.3, an increase over […] Read more
New executive director hired at AgScape
AgScape has hired Glenna Banda as its new executive director. A native of Saskatchewan, Banda has been executive director of the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington (CFGW) for the past nine years. Banda graduated from Environmental Science at the University of Guelph and lives in Guelph. She is a volunteer and co-founder of the […] Read more
Maizex Seeds expands seed corn production
Maizex Seeds has announced it is purchasing the former Dow AgroSciences seed corn facility in Blenheim, Ont. The expansion will allow Maizex to double its seed corn processing capacity. “This expansion and investment in Canadian seed production is in large part thanks to the trust Canadian farmers have placed in Maizex Seeds, along with the […] Read more
International Plowing Match coming to Lindsay in 2020
The Ontario Plowman’s Association (OPA) has announced that Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes will be the site of the 2020 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo. “We looked at several potential locations for IPM 2020 and this one ticked all the boxes,” says OPA President Sheila Marshall. “It’s a great spot, in a fantastic, agriculturally rich community.” […] Read more
Agriculture lawyer calls for conviction of trespassing activists
Letter to attorney general decries recent dropping of charges against trespassers
Ontario agriculture lawyer Kurtis Andrews has written a letter to Ontario’s attorney general claiming that the lack of repercussions from a recent spate on animal rights activist activity in the province is “nothing short of a breakdown of law and order”. Why it matters: An increase in animal rights activists trespassing on farms has created […] Read more
New CEO joins Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
Ian Potter comes to Vineland with years of experience managing research organizations
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland)’s board of directors has appointed Dr. Ian Potter as chief executive officer. Potter replaces Dr. Jim Brandle who resigned in November, starting April 1. Potter will also join the Vineland Board of Directors at that time. Over a 25-year career, Potter has served in senior leadership roles with both […] Read more
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