A one-time provincial grant of $10 million could buoy 280 Ontario wineries whose livelihood got corked by the pandemic. “It is certainly a welcome relief to many, many wineries that have been shuttered,” said Debbie Zimmerman. “They’re the backbone of the small communities across Prince Edward County, southwestern Ontario, and of course Niagara. They’re the […] Read more
News — page 334
Ontario winery sector gets $10 million grant
Funds aim to keep wineries afloat after COVID-19 shut many of them
Ontario farmland value growth lower than national average
Some areas of the province, especially around cities, saw higher farmland value increase
A tight market for farmland in Canada and good crop prices continue to drive increasing land value, although the increase in Ontario in 2020 was lower than in 2019. Farm Credit Canada (FCC) recently released its 2020 farmland value report, which showed a 4.7 per cent increase in Ontario values, compared to a 6.7 per […] Read more
Editorial: Lessons from political speeches
There’s rarely enough news in politician visits to farmer group meetings to justify a report. Sometimes there’s an announcement to be made and then they let the farm media know in advance that we need to pay attention. The script is usually similar: Tell farmers, with exact numbers, how many members they have in their […] Read more
Species at Risk program opens soon
The Species At Risk Farm Incentive Program is back for 2021. Eligible best management practices include activities around croplands, grasslands, shorelines, stream banks, wetlands and woodlands. Many opportunities are available to support critical habitat through SARFIP, including for example cross fencing for rotational grazing, watering systems for livestock, native tree planting, improved stream crossings, native […] Read more
Warm weather could shorten 2021 syrup season
Demand for syrup has increased during the pandemic, as it has for many local foods
Overall maple syrup use is up in Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic, but restrictions on gatherings and a string of early-season warm days and nights have producers across the province worrying whether they’ll be able to take advantage of that demand. “Most syrup producers are finding ways for people to purchase their syrup safely,” said […] Read more
Ontario farmers protest strict regional worker COVID protocols
Inconsistent application of standards puts some farmers at a disadvantage
Farmers reliant on foreign workers are becoming more active in protesting regional variations in worker protocols relating to COVID-19. They took their tractors to Simcoe streets recently to protest regional quarantine requirements and a federal switch in testing procedures. Farmers in Haldimand and Norfolk counties are especially concerned with steps taken by their local medical […] Read more
Dismissing big lever economic thinking
Economies change in unpredictable ways and so will agriculture, says business professor
The pursuit of efficiency in business has not produced the results that most people are looking for, says business professor and author Roger Martin. Martin, a professor emeritus at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, says that in complex systems like economies, not every direction has a healthy outcome and systems […] Read more
Processing veg growers align with marketing act changes
OPVG updates governance, continues research investments
The subjects of policy and structural change dominated the Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers (OPVG) first virtual annual general meeting. The March 30 session began with a general message of support from provincial agriculture minister Ernie Hardeman, in which he highlighted the provincial government’s plan to prioritize COVID-19 vaccinations for farm and food sector workers. Why […] Read more
Ontario beef farmers look for abattoir solutions
Mobile abattoirs could help with timely processing across the province
Access and funding for abattoirs, capacity increases and risk management program changes topped the want list of Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) members during its recent annual meeting. Why it matters: Lack of access to capacity and abattoirs within reasonable distance has plagued the industry for years, but COVID-19 has highlighted the need for better […] Read more
Mechanism identified to protect crop reproduction from heat stress
Science Notes: Climate change to impact crop yields
As temperatures rise due to global warming, the need to protect plants from stressful conditions has increased. Stress can cause a loss in yield and cause further impact economically. A consortium led by the University of Warwick has successfully identified two proteins that protect crops from stress, which is key in safeguarding food production. Plant […] Read more
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