Foodbanks are reporting more use across Canada, and any recent trip to the grocery store proves that lately the same amount of money buys less food. But what's causing that price hike? Al Mussell, research lead at Agri-Food Economic Systems, says that there are several things coming together right now that are increasing the cost... Read More
Category: Food
For all the talk of other government departments having influence on the agriculture industry, it's important to remember that several challenges within the purview of Agriculture and Agri-Food can have a significant impact on other industries, too. There are also issues that may be thought of as an agriculture problem, but really have a significant... Read More
The board of directors of the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan has announced Dr. Steven Webb, executive director and CEO, is resigning. Webb's last day will be December 31, 2021. “I consider it a great honour and privilege to have worked alongside an exceptionally dedicated team - some of... Read More
It's hard to avoid news about inflation from major news outlets these days, and caught up in it all is the rising cost of food. Kevin Grier of Kevin Grier Market Analysis and Consulting has published a grocery trade report for September that includes food inflation numbers. He joined Shaun Haney on RealAg Radio recently,... Read More
UP Vertical Farms, a new indoor farm located at Pitt Meadows, B.C., will launch Canada’s first touchless, high density, indoor vertical farm for growing salad greens. Founded by Fresh Green Farms, the company plans to unveil the first phase of operations in the spring of 2022, with the goal of becoming the world’s largest and... Read More
The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) released its annual public trust research findings during the organization's 2021 Public Trust Summit on Oct. 19. This year's data shows that "Canadians are concerned about the food system as a whole, they are feeling information overload, the pandemic didn't have as significant effect as originally believed, and... Read More
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
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