Gabriel Allahdua (centre) is a migrant worker activist who will be working with the U of G’s Grounded Engagement Theory Lab as its first activist-in-residence.

Activist gets new post at University of Guelph

Migrant worker proponent first activist-in-residence

Gabriel Allahdua, a migrant worker activist, is the University of Guelph’s first activist-in-residence at its Grounded and Engagement Theory Lab (GET Lab). “It’s an emerging approach in our areas of study, and our goal is to advance it,” said Monique Deveaux in a U of G release. “We hope to foster community, knowledge sharing and […] Read more

Economic impact and funding shortfall of RMP/SDRM programs

The Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition (OASC) released results of a new study examining the economic impact that Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP) and Self-Directed Risk Management Program (SDRM) have on Ontario farms, farm production and the broader Ontario economy.  Highlights of the study include:  Every dollar spent on RMP/SDRM leads to $2.01 – $3.60 return […] Read more

Carbon price exemptions preferred over rebates, committee hears

Carbon price exemptions preferred over rebates, committee hears

Amendments to federal legislation that would exempt fuel used to dry grain and heat barns return to ag committee

Glacier FarmMedia – Carbon price exemptions, rather than rebates, would help farmers invest in more energy-efficient and sustainable practices, witnesses told the standing committee on agriculture. The committee has resumed its study of Bill C-234, which would amend federal legislation to exempt propane and natural gas from carbon pricing if used to dry grain or […] Read more

Ontario farmland values nearly double national average

Ontario farmland values nearly double national average

Interest rate effects are present, but delayed

High commodity prices and pent-up demand for Ontario property continue to raise farmland values despite higher interest rates. Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) recent mid-year land values report again highlights across-the-board increases in average farmland values, but Ontario figures are nearly double the national average.  FCC analyses highlight an 8.3 per cent increase in farmland values […] Read more

Improving soil health, which includes the use of cover crops, can also translate into increased competitiveness and profitability opportunities via carbon offset financial rewards and preferred supplier status, says a new report.

Farmers at the forefront of reducing GHG emissions

Sequestering carbon the best way to reduce emissions, according to new report

Adjustments to agriculture practices can play a significant role in attaining Canada’s lower carbon emissions commitment, according to a recently released report from Value Change Management International (VCMI).  The report, entitled Low Carbon Food Production, suggests commercial benefits and opportunities are possible if businesses are willing to adapt to and profit from environmental initiatives. “Because […] Read more



Province funding Ontario-led agri-food projects

Province funding Ontario-led agri-food projects

The Ontario government announced Oct. 3 its investing $7.25 million in 50 Ontario-led agri-food research and innovation projects.  The investments are being made through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the University of Guelph that works to advance the next generation of […] Read more

A B.C.-based renewable energy company is helping to fund three on-farm biodigesters that will use corn stover as a digester feedstock.

New biodigester project aims to use corn stover

Three on-farm digesters are part of a project from B.C. and Ontario investors

An Ontario project aims to use corn stover to feed biodigesters, forming a new market and use for corn stalks. EverGen, a British Columbia-based renewable energy company, has committed $1.5 million to help kickstart three southern Ontario on-farm biodigesters as part of a recently announced partnership deal called Project Radius.  Why it matters: Farms who […] Read more


A recent Census of Agriculture estimated that Ontario loses 319 acres of productive farmland daily.

OFA encouraging voters to ask municipal candidates about farmland preservation

Municipal elections set for Oct. 24

Municipal decisions play a critical role in preserving farmland. With municipal elections rapidly approaching, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) encourages agri-food producers to ask hard questions at debates before they vote.  “For voters who care about preserving farmland in Ontario, this fall’s municipal elections are critically important,” said Peggy Brekveld, OFA president, in a […] Read more

Lack of resources in rural hospitals as well as a shortage of family doctors is endemic in many rural areas.

Fixing Ontario’s rural healthcare crisis

Funding and better infrastructure planning are needed

Closed emergency facilities, hard-to-find family doctors, an absence of medical support services – each is a reality through much of rural Ontario, and inadequate funding makes solutions just as scarce.  Some say greater investment in the health care sector is ideal. However, supportive policies targeted to rural communities, as well as more long-term thinking toward […] Read more