Nature is cruel. Or, put another way, nature is perhaps the most fair — she, if we can call it a she, cares very little as to the outcome of any change in the environment. There is a consequence to every action, but nature doesn't judge what is good and what is bad. It just... Read More
Category: Ag Policy
The federal government has announced a $7.5 million investment in a new agency that will look after developing and operating a national livestock traceability database. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced the funding for the Canadian Agri-Traceabiity Services in Calgary today. CATS is a not-for-profit corporation that brings together the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) and... Read More
Farmers of North America is urgently seeking farmers willing to invest in acquiring a majority stake in CWB (formerly the Canadian Wheat Board.) The “farmer business alliance” has hosted dozens of farmer meetings across Western Canada over the last few weeks — right in the middle of harvest for most potential investors. While the plans... Read More
Soy Canada has named Jim Everson as its first-ever executive director, effective November 5, 2014. "Jim's experience with the grains and oilseeds sector, and with agriculture trade and market access issues, will be a huge asset to Canada's soybean sector," says Mark Huston, Soy Canada's Chair. "Soy Canada, with Jim's leadership, will serve all participants... Read More
The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has decided it will not hear the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) Level of Service Complaint originally filed on May 26, 2014. In its decision, which responds to motions to dismiss from both railways, the CTA concluded there was not sufficient evidence to proceed with the complaint, according to a... Read More
The Beef Farmers of Ontario are reminding cattle producers that, effective November 1, 2014, the check-off fee will be increased from $3 per head to $4 per head. Three of the four dollars collected will remain with the Beef Farmers of Ontario; the last dollar will be forwarded to the national agency to continue to... Read More
Technology has brought us leaps and bounds forward in regards to renewable fuel, to the point where the focus is shifting to biomass as a fuel source instead of grain, helping to cool the food vs. fuel debate. But biomass is also critical to soil health and stability, as roots provide much-needed soil anchoring and... Read More
Now in its 11th year, September 26 - October 3, 2014 marks National Biotechnology Week. Initiated by BIOTECanada (the national biotechnology industry association), this week is a dedication to exploring biotech across sectors and across Canada, with events including lectures, tours, networking and workshops (a full list of events here). Of course, biotechnology has and... Read More
If you can't see the embedded audio, click here. If Ontario wants to build an industry, the Beef Farmers of Ontario have a solution — open up just a portion of the Great Clay Belt crown lands to aspiring ranchers. The Clay Belt in northern Ontario and Quebec covers an astounding 180,000 sq. km, split... Read More
Originally announced last fall as part of the Local Food Act, Ontario's agriculture minister Jeff Leal was on location today to formally roll out a tax credit for farmers who donate food to food banks. The "Food Donation Tax Credit for Farmers" gives farmers a tax credit valued at 25% of the fair market value... Read More