A farmer often goes about their day in relative isolation, especially this last year. Many will tell you there is reassuring sameness found on the farm when the outside world appears to be falling apart. However, when mental health issues edge in and you begin to crumble, that isolation can be a prison unless you […] Read more
News — page 342
In the Know addresses gap in agriculture-based mental health training
Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Federation of Agriculture teaming up to deliver the training program provincially
Ontario company finds place in Ukraine
Independent seed company develops market to supply corn seed
Glacier FarmMedia – Ukraine, a country known for wheat and sunflowers, grows a surprising amount of corn. United States Department of Agriculture data shows Ukraine planted 13 million acres of corn in 2020. Canada had 4.5 million acres of corn in 2020, if silage corn is included. For the seed industry, 13 million acres is […] Read more
Meat plant support snapped up in eight days
Lobbying effort ongoing for increased funding
A $4-million provincial fund for meat processing plant upgrades was snapped up in just eight business days following its announcement in late 2020. Lobbying began almost immediately to have more cash added to the program. “We have heard from a couple of business owners who did not have their application completed before the window was […] Read more
Opinion: Ottawa needs to better communicate TFW strategy
Provincial information isn’t always aligned
Ottawa is right to ensure temporary foreign workers will be able to arrive in Canada despite stricter travel restrictions due to COVID-19. However, it must do a better job of getting all the provinces on board. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Jan. 29 flights to and from sunny destinations will be suspended, but federal […] Read more
Searching for solutions to the lineup for abattoirs
COVID-driven increase in demand for small abbatoirs highlighted the long-term challenges
The organization representing smaller-scale meat processors in Ontario is creating a growth strategy to help draw new badly needed investment and workers to the sector. “We hope to show both government and smart investors that the meat sector is… a safe and smart place to make investments if you want to see a return,” said […] Read more
Group calls for investment in farm greenhouse gas reduction
Farmers for Climate Solutions says $300 million is needed from government
A group of farmers is calling for the federal government to invest $300 million to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on farms. Farmers for Climate Solutions says such an investment could reduce agricultural emissions by 10 million tonnes. Why it matters: The federal government is currently working on creating its 2021 budget and there’s an expectation […] Read more
What does Responsible Grain mean in Ontario?
GFO believes sustainability parameters should be voluntary and clear to producers and the general public
The voluntary Responsible Grain national code of practice can be used by grain growers in Ontario, but it hasn’t resulted in the debate it has in Western Canada. Responsible Grain, a national code of practice for grain production, is currently being developed by the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops (CRSC). The initiative is intended to […] Read more
Editorial: Regulatory agility critical to ag innovation
The pandemic has shown that governments can make decisions quickly
One of the lessons of the pandemic and response to it by governments and regulatory agencies is that regulatory agility is possible. COVID-19 vaccines have been approved with record speed, and from what I can find, the government says that the same vigour of process has also been applied. The only point missing is long-term […] Read more
Clarity sought on Animal Protection Zone protocols
Livestock commodity associations and OFA working with government to clear up any confusion
Livestock producers are lighting up social media with confusion around Bill 156 Animal Protection Zone (APZ) signage protocols. A Facebook farming page thread with more than 100 entries discussed and questioned where signage was required, what signs looked like and if signage provided before the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act (formerly called […] Read more
Ontario insect farm gets investment
Entomo Farms, one of North America’s leading cricket producers, announced that it has closed a round of fundraising totalling $3.7 million to support growth and expansion. Founded in 2014 by brothers Jarrod, Darren, and Ryan Goldin, Entomo Farms produces cricket powders and whole roasted insects. The company has grown to 60,000 square feet of production […] Read more
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