Canadian wool organizations support an international campaign that challenges the European Council’s methods of calculating Product Environmental Footprint (PEF). “Europe has a lot of the big fashion labels; they’re the ones that set the trend,” said Jane Underhill from Campaign for Wool. “I think that their investment in Europe is significant and that influences decision-making […] Read more
Tag Archives sustainability
Wool producers rebel over clothing sustainability claims
International wool organizations fight to ensure consumers aren’t fleeced by false sustainability claims
Soil quality critical to help crops weather heat stress
Science Notes: Study analyzed 30 years of data on four major crops
The capacity of soil to hold water will be critical to determine how well farms in some regions of the United States manage prolonged heat stress due to climate change, a new study suggests. The journal Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems published the finding, based on analyses of 30 years of data on four major crops — […] Read more
Accelerator supports companies in advancing sustainable innovation
Programming and commercialization services are available to eligible enterprises
Bioenterprise Canada helps Canadian start-ups and companies in the agri-food sector with sustainable innovation efforts. The Guelph-based national accelerator known as Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine recently unveiled its new sustainability initiative designed to support Canada’s drive to be a leader in food sustainability and security. At the same time, Aramark, Bayer, BASF, MNP and […] Read more
Building sustainability throughout the food chain
Companies discuss the importance of ensuring producers are part of the sustainability solution
The agri-food sector is under increased pressure to prove sustainable production practices from the farm to the corporate level. For the first time, sustainability and environmental concerns made the top five consumer issues in the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity’s 2021 Public Trust research publication. Sustainability is becoming part of value systems. Still, it’s difficult […] Read more
Farming for the climate
U.S. growers embrace cover crops while eyeing low-carbon future
Illinois farmer Jack McCormick planted 350 acres of barley and radishes last fall as part of an off-season crop that he does not intend to harvest. Instead, the crops will be killed with a herbicide before McCormick plants soybeans in the same soil. The barley and radishes will not be used for food, but Bayer […] Read more
Sustainability Index can promote value-chain credentials
Proof of sustainability becoming critical to corner global market share
The development of Canada’s first Agri-Food Sustainability Index (AFSI) is gaining traction. David McInnes, AFSI coordinator, said the initiative would affirm Canada’s agri-food leadership, create opportunities to add value, mark progress on societal priorities, and shape policy discussions in a more demanding food world. “Our task is about coming up with the right metrics to […] Read more
Comment: New paths to agricultural sustainability change the competition
New investment, technology and food products are changing the value proposition
The agriculture industry could never be accused of being stagnant when it comes to embracing new methods or technologies that enable more efficient food production. It has also made huge strides in improving the sustainability of farming practices while increasing production of affordable food. However, as industry leaders gathered at the GrowCanada conference in Calgary […] Read more
Alarm grows over EU’s ‘farm to fork’ policy
Exporters worried the bloc will keep out food not produced under its regime
Glacier FarmMedia – Europe’s attempts to impose its approach to agriculture on the world are a threat to other leading agricultural powers, says a leading American trade expert. The “farm to fork” policy of the European Union could push restrictive EU regulations onto anybody hoping to export agricultural goods into the vast market. “I’m frustrated […] Read more
Lamb sees increased global market demand
Strong sales sparked by supply chain disruption, pandemic-related shortages of other animal proteins
Global meat protein supply gaps sparked by African swine fever (ASF) and the pandemic have created expansion potential for the sheep sector. Melissa Clark-Reynolds, a New Zealand entrepreneur, strategist and foresight practitioner, told those at the recent Ontario Sheep Farmers annual general meeting that the sheep sector has a bright future given current premium prices. […] Read more
Canadians like farmers but are confused by food system
Public trust report highlights “big picture” concerns
Fewer Canadians are concerned about pesticides, genetic engineering and other specific food subjects. But they are worried about the overall sustainability and affordability of Canada’s food system. The conclusion comes from the latest Public Trust Research Report from the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI). Along with widespread feelings of information overload, the report details […] Read more
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