The advent of a global pandemic certainly added volume to the narrative that local equals resilient when it comes to economies, especially food-related economic systems. But Jayson Lusk, food and agricultural economist at Purdue University, says that evidence suggests otherwise, and that a vibrant trade economy actually adds resiliency to local economies. To demonstrate his... Read More
Category: Food
Poorer than average potato yields in Western Canada as well as in Idaho and the Columbia Basin in the U.S has created contracting headaches and supply issues for the processing sector. The tight supplies are having big impacts on the retail channel, as well. Potato production isn't like any other commodity, where the processor can... Read More
The governments of Canada and Manitoba are providing $1.5 million for Manitoba Egg Farmers (MEF) to establish the Egg Layer Research and Public Engagement Facility at the University of Manitoba's (UM) Glenlea Research Station. Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler made the announcement on October 8, in honour of World Egg Day. "I... Read More
As Canadians gather (in small groups) for Thanksgiving this weekend, several arguments are sure to happen. No, we don't mean about COVID restrictions or the outcome of the latest election, we mean the real, hard-hitting debates, such as ham versus turkey, pumpkin versus apple pie, and if cranberry jelly from a can should even be... Read More
Over the next year, Walmart Canada will source 1.5 million pounds of beef sourced from CRSB Certified sustainable farms and ranches. To qualify, farmers and ranchers must be certified through a third-party audited system, in accordance with sustainability standards set by the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB). Walmart says this is just the first... Read More
Maple Leaf Foods says it has completed a $182 million expansion at its prepared meats plant in Winnipeg, Man., creating a "Bacon Centre of Excellence." The 73,000 square-foot addition to the facility on Lagimodiere Boulevard will significantly increase the company's capacity for making pre-cooked, microwaveable bacon. "We are very excited to see this project come... Read More
Protein Industries Canada (PIC) is announcing the Food Convergence Innovation (FCI) Canada – Food and Beverage Supply Chain Project. The FCI-Canada Project will focus on creating a national, sector-wide platform with enterprise-to-enterprise connectivity capabilities, which will help strengthen Canada’s domestic food supply chain. Linking food and beverage companies across the country, the project will make... Read More
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Marie-Claude Bibeau, along with Élisabeth Brière, MP for Sherbrooke, Que., has announced a $100-million top-up for the Emergency Food Security Fund. Minister Bibeau says that the COVID-19 pandemic has meant even greater uncertainty for Canadians who are unsure of where they will find their next meal. "Even with... Read More
Manitoba Harvest is partnering with a consortium of industry leaders through Protein Industries Canada (PIC) to develop new hemp and pea varieties with increased protein content, differential starch content, and improved texture. Manitoba Harvest will lend its expertise in food innovation, product development, and formulation, to improve the potency and functionality of hemp and pea... Read More
The federal government has re-opened applications for the Local Food Infrastructure Fund. Beginning Monday July 12, an additional $10 million in funding will be handed out in grants of between $15,000 and $100,000. Each project must be designed to "help prevent hunger through investments in infrastructure needs." Project impacts must be targeted, immediate, and directly... Read More