There are three critical priorities for Canada to achieve a national food brand that’s built on food safety, trust and sustainability, says Canada 2020. The think tank recently released the results of a process that involved talking to 600 agriculture sector stakeholders about what was needed, said David McInnes, a senior fellow with Canada 2020. […] Read more
Tag Archives Sustainable agriculture — page 4
Building the Canada brand
Better information, more diverse opinions and more flexible policy are key to gaining global advantage: report
Sustainable agriculture organization expands to Canada
Field to Market brings together nearly 140 member organizations
Field to Market, an organization dedicated to sustainable agriculture, recently announced its expansion into Canada. Stakeholders have access to a streamlined approach to conduct continuous improvement projects, strengthening the ability for companies to meet their sustainable sourcing objectives and science-based targets. Field to Market brings together nearly 140 member organizations. It has developed a science-driven […] Read more
Nutrient management program gets new look
Agrisuite updates to better accommodate farmers
Agrisuite, Ontario farmers’ nutrient management software, will have a fresh new look come winter. Web browsers’ inability to support the aging software was the initial reason for the revamp, but the Agrisuite development team is taking the opportunity to advance, simplify and promote the program with funding from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Why it matters: […] Read more
Editorial: Finding new ways of thinking
It pays to get out of your comfort zone sometimes, pushed to think a bit differently — especially if it’s about your line of work or something about which you are passionate. I recently attended a conference called the Sustainability and Digitalization Leaders in Agriculture. When the organizers first reached out to me — likely […] Read more
2019 winter wheat crop decent quality
Despite weather conditions, the lower-volume crop graded well
The 2019 Ontario winter wheat crop has millers reporting excellent quality. Most of the 2019 wheat crop was graded a No. 1 or No. 2 this year, with No. 2 being average for an Ontario crop, says Joanna Follings, OMAFRA cereals specialist. While yield was on the lower side for this year, and there were […] Read more
General Mills looks to change how agriculture is viewed
The company says regenerative farming can be a solution to agriculture challenges
A farmer is regenerative when he or she improves soil health, biodiversity and farmer economic resilience, says Steve Rosenzweig with General Mills. The company has used the term a lot and believes adoption of regenerative processes is what it will take to change the paradigm through which farmers view agriculture. Why it matters: General Mills […] Read more
Halton area farmers doing their part to improve soil health
There’s no one correct way to manage soil health
Soil health continues to be a concern for producers and consumers across the country as quality dwindles. On Aug. 15, 2019 the Halton Soil and Crop Improvement Association put together a soil health seminar and farm tour to reiterate to showcase soil health concerns – along with what farmers are doing to improve it. Why […] Read more
OSCIA-supported trial examines no-till organic soybeans
Despite difficult spring, growers persist with planting into roller-crimped rye
Delayed soybean emergence and the seed costs for a lush cover crop of rye are the main reasons why one innovative approach to no-till farming might not make financial sense under conventional management. But a new research trial being conducted at six sites across southern Ontario is showing promise that the method might be something […] Read more
Can sustainable agriculture practices offer a direct line to Europe?
Sustainability programs offer assurance to European buyers, but they can mean more work for producers
Mention the word “certification” to farmers and all they hear is “more paperwork.” But Grain Farmers of Ontario says such programs really spell improved market access. In fact, they will be critical to reaching important markets, such as the European Union. The good news is sustainability programs have already been enjoying some success in Canada. […] Read more
Cover crops: Short-term pain but long-term gain
A U.S. study underlines the benefits, but costs of adoption can be higher north of the border
A new, coast-to-coast study in the U.S. tracks five years of the financial benefits of including cover crops in corn and soybean rotations, but the numbers may not apply in Ontario. Why it matters: One factor that can prevent adoption of cover crops is the effect on bottom line due to additional costs such as […] Read more
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