A proposed modernization of the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario Act would broaden its mandate and update language that now limits its scope. Ontario released a discussion paper on the potential updates and changes to the Act on March 15 and will accept comments until April 14. Why it matters: The Agricultural Research Institute of […] Read more
Tag Archives food — page 6
ARIO Act revamp to include food processing, updated name
The agricultural research body may get its first major update in 60 years
Food sales grew but margins tightened in 2022, FCC says
Modest further growth expected this year
Food and beverages sales increased in Canada last year, even as margins hit an historic low and consumers chose Canadian less. According to the latest FCC Food and Beverage Report, released Tuesday, sales increased 11 per cent to $156 billion in 2022. These gains came largely from higher export values and strength in the grain […] Read more
Is processing at a tipping point?
Labour, capacity and access to capital make Ontario processing a challenge
The inability to achieve production-line capacity was cited for the recent closure of two Canadian-owned food processing facilities serving the country’s densest population centres. The closures, combined with soon-to-take-effect closures of two further-processing pork factories in Quebec, leave primary producers of both vegetables and livestock hoping this isn’t a sign of things to come. Pickle […] Read more
Opinion: A nuanced take on ‘Food Freedom’
Glacier FarmMedia – The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) took a different approach last month when it marked its annual ‘Food Freedom Day’ on February 9, just one day later than last year. Ordinarily, it’s a straightforward affair where they note that by this date, the average Canadian has earned enough to pay their food […] Read more
China to buy more homegrown soybeans for reserves
State-owned firms urged to prioritize domestic soy
Beijing | Reuters — China will step up buying of domestic soybeans by state reserves to encourage farmers to keep planting the crop, the agriculture ministry said on Thursday, as Beijing continues to push for greater self-sufficiency in oilseed. China started to increase soybean planting a year ago amid worries about its heavy reliance on […] Read more
Supporting food innovation beyond the farm gate
Canadian Food Innovation Network encourages collaboration across the country
The agriculture sector is familiar with research and innovation from the field to the farm gate. Less well known is the need for innovation beyond the farm gate. That’s where the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) has been filling a gap. CFIN was launched about 18 months ago with the goal of funding innovation and […] Read more
Meat lobby says U.S. voluntary label rule could spur trade action
Ottawa to review Washington's proposed 'Product of USA' rule
U.S. meat industry lobbyists say Washington’s proposed new rules governing voluntary ‘Product of USA’ or ‘Made in the USA’ labels would “impose the same standard” as that country’s now-defunct mandatory country-of-origin labelling (COOL) law — and frustrate U.S. packers who import Canadian meat or livestock. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and its Food Safety and […] Read more
U.S. demands formal trade talks with Mexico over GMO corn dispute
U.S. says new rules a breach of CUSMA
Chicago/Washington | Reuters — The United States requested formal trade consultations with Mexico on Monday over U.S. objections to its southern neighbour’s plans to limit imports of genetically modified corn and other agricultural biotechnology products. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office announced the request for technical talks after months of informal discussions with Mexican officials over […] Read more
Grocery execs on hot seat at agriculture committee
MPs studying food price inflation take the industry to task for not helping consumers while earning higher profits
Glacier FarmMedia – House of Commons agriculture committee members from all political parties last month grilled grocery retailers over food prices. Francois Thibault, executive vice-president and chief financial officer for Quebec-based Metro Inc., was particularly taken to task by Conservative MP Lianne Rood for fees retailers charge produce growers to place their products in stores […] Read more
North Korea’s Kim demands more farmland to boost food production
Seoul | Reuters — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered improvements to infrastructure and expansion of farmland to ramp up food production, state media said on Thursday, amid warnings of an impending food crisis. Kim gave instructions to revamp irrigation systems, build modern farming machines and create more arable land as he wrapped up […] Read more
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