Leaders of Ontario’s organic food production and processing sectors aren’t ready to declare a trend but there are indications that recent food price inflation has affected consumers’ willingness to pay premium prices for organic options. “There have been a few emails coming through from people concerned about how this is going to affect organics,” Organic […] Read more
News
Organic groups watch for trends as food prices rise
DFO cuts organic production in anticipation of slowed market growth
Editorial: Let’s be careful not to greenwash regenerative
Food companies like to use descriptors such as “non-GMO”, “gluten-free”, “humane certified” and numerous others to try and differentiate their products in the marketplace. These often follow consumer trends, usually initiated by lobbyists for environmental, animal welfare, nutrition and health groups. They can also be considered greenwashing when they are used incorrectly, or fraudulently. The […] Read more
Regenerative agriculture reaches a crossroads
The jury is still out on whether the production philosophy will become a niche brand or a mainstream practice
Glacier FarmMedia – In early August, Prince Charles gave his stamp of approval to regenerative agriculture. While addressing an international soil conference held in Glasgow, the Prince of Wales said regenerative farming is the future of food production. “We have to be proactive in encouraging regenerative agriculture, with a diversity of plants and of grazing […] Read more
Plots to see at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show
There will be lots of plots for farmers to see when Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show returns in September. Fifteen different companies and organizations have crops growing on the show site, ranging from corn, soybeans and wheat to alfalfa, alternative crops and demonstrations of numerous crop treatments including strip tillage. The crop plots are a popular […] Read more
Improving food security in northern Ontario
Finalists named for Northern Ontario Innovation Challenge
Seven agri-food entrepreneurs from across northern Ontario have been chosen as finalists in the Northern Ontario Innovation Challenge run by Bioenterprise Canada, a national accelerator known as Canada’s food and agri-tech engine. The seven agri-businesses will showcase their innovations at a public demonstration day in September with short pitch presentations to a panel of judges […] Read more
Hunt for disease pathogens goes even smaller-scale
AAFC scientists are developing biological assays that can be used to detect crop and livestock diseases
Researchers at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) research centre in Saskatoon are developing molecular diagnostic assays to detect significant pathogens associated with crops and livestock production. Biological assays are methods for assessing the presence or biological activity of a substance in living cells and biological matter. Tim Dumonceaux of AAFC said many pathogens are […] Read more
Mobile Soil Technology Suite hits the road to farm events
OSCIA offers use of unit and technicians to organizations
A pair of trailers packed with state-of-the-art soil science and audio-visual equipment had what was referred to by Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) officials as a “kick-off” on July 13 in Bothwell. Based on the rave reviews received there and at later events in Elora and Rostock, they’re confident the Mobile Soil Technology […] Read more
Work on grocery code of conduct extended
Code intended to smooth relations between retailers and suppliers, but work has been contentious
A Canadian grocery industry code of conduct is still months away after the steering committee asked agricultural ministers for another extension to complete its work. The committee reported to the July annual meeting of the country’s agriculture ministers in Saskatoon that it had made progress, but key issues remained unresolved. Why it matters: The intent […] Read more
How the Ice Age’s impact on subsoils guides topsoil management today
To reach the soil’s geology, you need to dig deep, but its impact on production is closer to the surface. For farmers, soil specialists or people in between, there was nothing more intriguing than the soil pit at the Harnessing the Power of Soil Health at the Grand River Raceway in July. Why it matters: […] Read more
Outdoor Farm Show grows in scale and scope
Premises now comprised of 330 acres, new facilities and research plots
It’s been three years since the last full-scale, in-person Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show. This year it returns to alleviate pent-up attendee demand with a greater land base, new elements and more industry support. Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show will be held Sept. 13-15 at Discovery Farm Woodstock. [READ MORE] See it all first-hand at COFS Purchasing […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
