Researchers from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science have released a first-of-its-kind study quantifying cropland phosphorus budgets around the world. It is expected to help identify regional nutrient management gaps in food production and consumption systems. The database is also expected to help countries and regions evaluate their performances in addressing phosphorus pollution and scarcity challenges, […] Read more
News — page 252
Database tracks worldwide agricultural phosphorus use
Science Notes: Phosphorus scarcity is a concern for countries with limited reserves
Carbon price exemptions preferred over rebates, committee hears
Amendments to federal legislation that would exempt fuel used to dry grain and heat barns return to ag committee
Glacier FarmMedia – Carbon price exemptions, rather than rebates, would help farmers invest in more energy-efficient and sustainable practices, witnesses told the standing committee on agriculture. The committee has resumed its study of Bill C-234, which would amend federal legislation to exempt propane and natural gas from carbon pricing if used to dry grain or […] Read more
Guest editorial: The Great Grain Robbery II
Glacier FarmMedia – I suppose theft of grain has always been part of war. Armies have always foraged for food, and victors have frequently carried away these spoils of war. One defence tactic has been to go ‘scorched earth’ and burn crops while retreating. But if grain has always been a tool of war, the criminal […] Read more
A crop input shortage looms
One company takes steps to improve 2,4-D supply by manufacturing product in the United States instead of Europe
Glacier FarmMedia – Canadian farmers should talk to their crop input retailers about their crop protection needs and make contingency plans as soon as possible, says an industry official. “It looks like we’ll have another interesting year of surprises ahead,” said Cornie Thiessen, general manager of ADAMA Canada. Why it matters: Ingredients needed to manufacture […] Read more
Comment: You are what you eat
There’s a reason it’s called a social media feed
Social media is undermining our shared reality, and those of us in the agriculture sector need to take better note of the trend. Why? Because not doing so could result in a continued separation between rural and urban Canada – as well as one another. Social media is a drug of sorts, in that it […] Read more
U.S. gives green light to purple tomatoes
Purple tomato varieties already exist, but antioxidant levels are low because the colour is only in the skin of the fruit
Glacier FarmMedia – There are a surprising number of purple foods. There are purple potatoes, eggplants, grapes, cabbages, carrots, saskatoons and blackberries, though the latter may be more black than purple. Next year, another food can be added to the list — purple tomatoes. In early September, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said a […] Read more
Ontario Genomics receives major investments to grow cellular agriculture
German-based company and FedDev Ontario contribute millions to develop manufacturing capabilities
Cultivating a Canadian cellular agriculture industry is a driving vision since 2019 for Bettina Hamelin, Ontario Genomics’ founder and CEO. Her vision is becoming a reality with the launch of a brick-and-mortar manufacturing, production and innovation facility in Burlington. “It’s happening. We’re creating an industry in Ontario that’s going to benefit Ontarians,” Hamelin told Farmtario. […] Read more
Trust is a vital part of the digital era
University of Guelph computer scientist urges farmers to take cybersecurity more seriously
Glacier FarmMedia – Cyberattacks and unethical use of data are problems that everyone must take seriously, says a researcher. That includes farmers, governments and agricultural technology providers. “My background is artificial intelligence. I support use of data. I’m not against that,” said Rozita Dara, an associate professor at the School of Computer Science at the […] Read more
U.S. nears record poultry deaths from avian influenza
Virus type is a complicating factor in its control
Reuters – A near-record number of U.S. chickens and turkeys have died in this year’s outbreak of avian influenza, as a different form of the virus than farmers battled before has infected more wild birds that then transmit the disease, officials said. More than 47 million birds have died due to infections and culling. This has spurred export bans, lowered egg and turkey production, and contributed […] Read more
Study highlights economic impact and funding shortfall of RMP/SDRM programs
Study results come at an important time as farm sectors struggle with inflation
The Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition (OASC) has released results of a new study examining the economic impact that Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP) and Self-Directed Risk Management Program (SDRM) have on Ontario farms, farm production and the broader Ontario economy. Highlights of the study include: Every dollar spent on RMP/SDRM leads to $2.01 – $3.60 […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
