A new report says Canadians have more confidence than ever in the food system, but concerns remain over rising costs. In its 2020 Public Trust Research Report, Trends in Trust and the Path Forward, the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity reported that 47 per cent of those surveyed said they were confident in the overall […] Read more
Tag Archives food security — page 10
Food system support soars
Response to COVID-19 food challenges built greater confidence among consumers
Opinion: Labour crisis is about farm security, not food security
Food continues to be abundant, but some farms are under financial pressure due to labour shortages
The COVID pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated long standing issues with respect to labour in the food system – both on farms and in food processing. This is often presented in the context of a threat to food security but in reality the issue is more critical for farm security than food security. That is, […] Read more
Trade-offs necessary in food-sector COVID recovery
Will Canadians accept higher prices, support for off-shore job creation?
Increased consumer interest in food systems could lead to new markets for farmers and food processors. Structural changes in the food sector have had significant impact on demand for agriculture goods, but the question is whether those changes will be long term or temporary. A series of conversations at Canada’s Digital Farm Show focused on […] Read more
Opinion: Food recovery program would have permanent value
Glacier FarmMedia – Now that we know more about how the Surplus Food Rescue program will work, there should be a recognition for its need beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was announced as part of the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and comes with $50 million in funding to help move extra […] Read more
Federal surplus food program now taking applications
Qualified NGOs sought to move, distribute perishables to 'populations in need'
A federal program to get food to those who need it, using stockpiles of perishables created by the COVID-19-related shutdown of the dining sector, is now taking applications. The $50 million Surplus Food Rescue Program — which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau telegraphed in a funding announcement May 5 — will take applications from “organizations addressing […] Read more
Comment: How well are farmers handling their pandemic fame?
Some efforts to reach out to consumers are proving controversial
Farmers often lament that as each generation becomes further removed from the farm, the ability of urbanites to understand and appreciate what it takes to grow food has declined. Even though agriculture is fundamental to the health, wealth and security of any nation, Canadian producers now make up less than two per cent of the […] Read more
Panelists say COVID-19 outlines shortfalls in agriculture industry
More help from government and more local production could assist with recovery from the pandemic
In just a couple of months, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the food system drastically for producers and consumers. Panelists on a recent video seminar hosted by the Canadian Club of Toronto say the food service industry shut down was the biggest impact on the agri-food sector and has made clear shortfalls and opportunities within […] Read more
New report identifies challenges of COVID-19
Supply isn’t a concern, but processing and moving food have proved to be a challenge
Glacier FarmMedia – The Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute has identified short- and long-term issues affecting the food system’s resilience. Why it matters: By identifying key obstacles affecting food production and distribution systems, government and industry can draw up action plans to meet the challenges. In a report resulting from discussion with 40 stakeholders, the Ottawa-based […] Read more
CFA calls for emergency federal funding
The national organization warns of a “tipping point” for agriculture
Glacier FarmMedia – The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) wants the federal government to immediately prioritize food production by creating an emergency fund or financial backstop for farmers as part of its response to COVID-19. “We must ensure Canada’s domestic food supply is secure, not only for the duration of this battle, but long into […] Read more
Opinion: The changing conversation around food
Stating that food security is critical during the COVID-19 crisis means farm issues won’t be sidelined
On one hand, the federal government stated the obvious when it identified the food system as one of the 10 critical infrastructures supporting Canadians during the pandemic crisis. After all, who can survive without food? Nevertheless, the guidance document issued by Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair sent an important signal, one that […] Read more
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