Ontario’s 2023 budget investment into agriculture builds on promises made in the agri-food strategy announced in November 2022. “We’re still finding ways to keep moving the agri-food industry forward,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Why it matters: The yearly budget sets fiscal goals for the government, including for agriculture spending and […] Read more
News
Ontario budget increases veterinary school spaces
Budget puts $15.7 million towards northern veterinary instruction, relocation incentives
Editorial: U.S. looks to revive COOL
Should we be able to judge a food by its ‘cover’? Regulatory agencies and policy makers think so. The ‘cover’ in this case is not the company branding on the product packaging, but the labels used to inform consumers where a food originated, or what it contains or doesn’t contain. Last July Health Canada published […] Read more
U.S.-Mexico corn dispute unlikely to affect Canada
Long-term impact might set a precedent for future actions
It’s been two years since a decree by Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to phase out imports of corn grown from genetically modified seed. In January 2021, the Obrador government followed through on its pledge to ban the import of GM corn hybrids for human consumption, and the use of glyphosate, by 2024. The […] Read more
Province investing in home-grown fertilizer options
Fertilizer challenge winners chosen, funding used to accelerate product development
Ten companies with made-in-Ontario solutions to help farmers address fertilizer shortages and high input costs will each receive a share of $2 million in funding over the next two years. The winners of the province’s Fertilizer Accelerating Solutions & Technology Challenge have been chosen. The announcement was made March 10 at the London Farm Show. Why […] Read more
Soy Canada has successful trade mission in Indo-Pacific
Industry delegation visits Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam to bolster buyer relationships and discuss supply challenges
Delegates on a recent Soy Canada expedition to Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam returned with positive news for Canadian soybean growers. Each nation reaffirmed its preference for Canadian soybeans and expressed willingness to continue purchasing the crop. Some 26 representatives of Canada’s soybean industry made the trip last month, along with individuals from Agriculture and Agri-Food […] Read more
AgSights marks 30 years of helping to improve livestock
The organization continues to develop innovative management tools to help producers with better data
AgSights’ current suite of technological tools reflects the 30-year-old vision of its former namesake, BIO. “The future is new technologies. It is considering all the different ways more data can be collected,” said Betty Jo Almond, AgSights general manager, during the organization’s annual meeting last month. “It is sensors; it is camera technology… (and incorporating) […] Read more
Is processing at a tipping point?
Labour, capacity and access to capital make Ontario processing a challenge
The inability to achieve production-line capacity was cited for the recent closure of two Canadian-owned food processing facilities serving the country’s densest population centres. The closures, combined with soon-to-take-effect closures of two further-processing pork factories in Quebec, leave primary producers of both vegetables and livestock hoping this isn’t a sign of things to come. Pickle […] Read more
Opinion: A nuanced take on ‘Food Freedom’
Glacier FarmMedia – The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) took a different approach last month when it marked its annual ‘Food Freedom Day’ on February 9, just one day later than last year. Ordinarily, it’s a straightforward affair where they note that by this date, the average Canadian has earned enough to pay their food […] Read more
How greenhouse growers can reduce energy costs
Dehumidification technology can be a useful tool to control humidity and heat loss
High humidity levels inside greenhouses are a byproduct of growing crops indoors. Left uncontrolled, humid air can reduce crop growth and result in poor quality produce, so growers have traditionally resorted to ventilation to manage the issue. While effective, this strategy also causes heat loss, which can increase a farm’s energy costs. The Ontario chapter […] Read more
Supporting food innovation beyond the farm gate
Canadian Food Innovation Network encourages collaboration across the country
The agriculture sector is familiar with research and innovation from the field to the farm gate. Less well known is the need for innovation beyond the farm gate. That’s where the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) has been filling a gap. CFIN was launched about 18 months ago with the goal of funding innovation and […] Read moreCyber-Savvy Farmer
