Fruit and vegetable growers will now be able to be covered by crop insurance for labour shortages resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is the first of its kind in Canada and has been actively lobbied for by fruit and vegetable growers. It is being funded by both the provincial and federal governments. The […] Read more
Tag Archives COVID-19 — page 38
Crop insurance to cover labour issues
Union seeks temporary halt for major Manitoba hog plant
Four Maple Leaf plant staff now COVID-positive
The union for about 2,000 workers at Maple Leaf Foods’ main Canadian hog slaughter and packing plant is calling for the company to put the brakes on production, pending further tests for COVID-19 among employees. United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 832 said Thursday it was “made aware” late Wednesday night of three more […] Read more
COVID-19 case confirmed at Maple Leaf hog plant
A worker at Maple Leaf Foods’ hog slaughter and processing plant at Brandon, Man. is recovering at home after testing positive for COVID-19, the Manitoba Co-operator has reported. The company said it received word over the long weekend about the case. Citing its own review of the situation and consultation with public health officials, the […] Read more
Turning off the milk tap
Dairy farmers are learning to manage larger changes in demand due to COVID-19
Signs that dairy markets may be stabilizing will come as welcome news for the industry. The past three months since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic have been a roller coaster ride for producers, who have worked to match frequent shifts in demand, and changes in how much they get paid for their milk, with […] Read more
COVID-19 means push back of Clean Fuel Standard
The move to support the oil sector means slower ethanol use growth
Glacier FarmMedia – Canada’s ethanol industry is unfazed by the federal government’s revelation that it is pushing back some of its greenhouse gas reduction targets in the proposed Clean Fuel Standard. “I think it’s fair to look at a reasonable delay,” said Renewable Industries Canada spokesperson Andrea Kent. Why it matters: Expanding ethanol demand is […] Read more
Opinion: Farmers being unfairly blamed for COVID-19 spread among workers
This summer has been the first time in my life that I’ve been reluctant to tell people what I do for a living. If it comes up in conversation, I try to find a way to change the subject. I’m a farmer. I grow broccoli with my son in Lynden, Ont., outside of Hamilton, just […] Read more
Opinion: Bibeau’s value largely rests on ability to reform BRMs
The long-term value current federal Minister of Agriculture Marie Claude Bibeau will provide to farmers hinges largely on her ability to reform business risk management programming. That is a difficult and expensive task. Recall the current plan to reform business risk management (BRM) programs was made way back in 2017, at the same time Ottawa […] Read more
Feds put up $58.6 M for temporary foreign worker supports
Glacier FarmMedia – The federal government is announcing $58.6 million in new money to further support temporary foreign workers in Canada’s agricultural sector, it was announced July 31. Spending is expected to focus on health and safety of temporary foreign workers in Canada. Farmers will be eligible to access $35 million, administrated through Agriculture and […] Read more
Crop delivery protocols changing due to COVID-19
Elevator operators are creating new ways to increase safety during the pandemic
Harvest season is in full swing with wheat coming off across the province. Elevator operators are implementing new protocols to ensure safety of drivers and office staff. Why it matters: COVID-19 is adding a lot of stress to numerous workplaces in trying to manage around the extra safety precautions and elevators are no different. Richard […] Read more
JBS invests $19-million in safety measures amid COVID-19 pandemic
Sao Paulo | Reuters –Brazilian food processor JBS SA has invested more than 100 million reais ($19.3 million) in health, safety and contingency measures at all its Brazilian production units, according to a Wednesday company statement that comes as the novel coronavirus continues to ravage local meat plants. The company said the funds were invested […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
