grocery shopping

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

The ag industry is facing new and potentially disruptive competition that looks nothing like it has seen before.

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

The European Union has long embraced the “precautionary principle,” which has effectively blocked the production and use of many innovative agricultural technologies including genetic modification and the approval of some pesticides.

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

As more consumers are cooking at home and other animal proteins have supply issues, lamb has become a more popular protein choice.

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

The latest Public Trust Research Report reveals that consumers are worried that Canadian agriculture is solely focused on profit, and are also concerned about the industry’s sustainability.

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


(File photo by Dave Bedard)

Walmart stakes big claim on Canadian sustainable beef

Retailer pledges to take over 680 tonnes in 2022

The Canadian arm of the world’s biggest retailer has put a number to its previous commitment to source certified-sustainable beef for its grocery business. Walmart Canada on Thursday announced it has committed to buy 1.5 million pounds of beef sourced from farms and ranches certified to Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) standards over the […] Read more

The beef industry has a great environmental story to tell, and farmers are seen as credible sources.

Beef advised to play to its environmental strengths when sharing story

Consumers need to hear more about the positive relationship between beef and grasslands, experts say

As environmental concerns and social pressures prompt people to change buying behaviours, more products are under scrutiny, particularly beef.  “Beef is one of our most beloved foods. From fast food to backyard barbecues to steakhouses, we have a relationship with beef that is deep and long-lasting,” said Bob Froese, chief executive officer of Bob’s Your […] Read more

EU flags in front of the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels. (Jorisvo/iStock/Getty Images)

EU countries approve deal to overhaul farming subsidies

Subsidies to focus on sustainability, 'eco-schemes'

Brussels | Reuters — European Union countries on Monday gave the green light to reforms of the bloc’s huge farming subsidy program, after a three-year battle over rules to make it greener and support smaller farms. Negotiators representing the EU’s 27 countries and European Parliament struck the deal on Friday to reform the Common Agricultural […] Read more


(Sansubba/iStock/Getty Images)

Feather sector’s on-farm upgrade program underway

Applications now being accepted for funding

The federal free trade compensation program to help Canada’s poultry and egg producers pay for on-farm upgrades, renovations and improvements is now taking applications. The $646.8 million, 10-year Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program (PEFIP) is now formally underway, Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced Monday. Each eligible Canadian producer is entitled to an amount proportional […] Read more

Walmart Canada bills itself as the first retailer in the country with an on-pack certified-sustainable claim for a line of beef products. (CNW Group/Walmart Canada)

Walmart locks in CRSB claim for in-store beef brand

Chain to be first retailer in Canada with certified-sustainable label on pack

The Canadian arm of Walmart has locked in enough of a supply of certified-sustainable beef to label its entire Your Fresh Market burger patty line accordingly. The retail giant announced Monday it’s now sourcing beef from “certified sustainable” farms and ranches according to standards set by the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB). The company […] Read more