From University of Guelph news Former Canadian astronaut Dr. Roberta Bondar and Galen Weston, CEO of Loblaw Cos. Ltd., will be among some of the world’s most eminent thinkers in the future of food and agriculture at the inaugural Arrell Food Summit to be held by the University of Guelph’s Arrell Food Institute this month. The event will explore transparency … Read More

Farmers in Chatham-Kent, Ont., say it can feel like the provincial government isn’t listening to them. Hydro costs, rural roads and the increased minimum wage are among concerns affecting some rural voters ahead of June’s provincial election. Watch video at The Globe and Mail, by clicking here.

The party pledges to pay farmers to protect water By Diego Flammini Staff Writer Farms.com If the Green Party of Ontario forms the next government in June, it will pay farmers to protect water and store carbon. That’s among the promises the party makes to farmers in its official party platform. Ontario loses 365 acres of farmland per day, the party says. … Read More

By Lisa McLean for AgInnovation Ontario Hundreds of varieties of fruits and vegetables grow in Ontario each year, but many Ontario residents still face barriers to accessing those foods. Now, an innovative food accessibility program in Guelph, Ont. is making it easier for its community members to buy fresh produce. The SEED – a community food project that delivers community … Read More

New regulations could mislead consumers’ thoughts on ag products By Kaitlynn Anderson Staff Writer Farms.com Canada’s ag community could face another hurdle in the government’s regulations aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles. Health Canada released an update last Tuesday regarding Bill S-228: The Child Health Protection Act, which would restrict businesses from commercially marketing unhealthy food and beverages to children. The public has … Read More

The United States Department of Agriculture is calling for lower stockpiles of U.S. corn, soybeans and wheat for 2018-19. The USDA released its latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report on May 10. This report presents the agency’s first assessment of U.S. and world crop supply and demand prospects and U.S. prices for 2018/19. Corn The U.S. feed-grain outlook … Read More

From Statistics Canada As of March 31, 2018, total stocks of Canadian wheat and barley were lower compared with the same date in 2017. Meanwhile, total stocks of canola, corn, soybeans, oats, dry peas and lentils were up. Many of the increases were a result of increased on-farm stocks. Corn for grain Corn for grain stocks were up 4.3% from … Read More

Authored by: Dr. Art Schaafsma and Dr. Jocelyn Smith, University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus and Tracey Baute, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs As the planting season begins, it is important to consider how best to manage western bean cutworm (WBC) damage this year and reduce the risk of resistance development. Western bean cutworm has become a serious … Read More

From a news release The Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program (SARFIP) is back for 2018. SARFIP supports Ontario producers who are enhancing on-farm habitat for species at risk across the province. The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), with support from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, is pleased to continue to offer this impactful program. … Read More

Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario Commentary By Marie Versteeg, CFFO Manager of Executive Board & Committees Provincial elections take place on June 7, and campaigns are (unofficially) in full swing. This May, the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario is bringing attention to three key issues for farming communities: agri-food sector success, farmland preservation, and water stewardship. This week’s focus has … Read More