El Nino seen transitioning to neutral in next month or two

El Nino seen transitioning to neutral in next month or two

Reuters — The El Nino weather pattern is likely to transition into ENSO-neutral conditions in the next month or two, a U.S. government weather forecaster said on Thursday. “ENSO-neutral” refers to periods in which neither El Nino nor La Nina is present, according to the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC). ENSO-neutral conditions are […] Read more



EU flags in front of the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels. (Jorisvo/iStock/Getty Images)

U.S., Canada, 14 others slam EU farm product regulation at WTO

Geneva | Reuters — The United States and 15 other countries launched a broadside of criticism at the European Union on Thursday, saying its “hazard-based” approach to regulating pesticides and other “critical tools” used by farmers was damaging livelihoods worldwide. Their statement, submitted to the World Trade Organization, said the EU’s approach created great uncertainty […] Read more

(TobyBarrett.com)

Former Ontario Tory ag critic returns to file as assistant

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has added a second veteran MPP to assist Ag Minister Ernie Hardeman with the agriculture, food and rural affairs portfolio. Ford on Wednesday named Toby Barrett as parliamentary assistant to the minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs, with responsibility for agriculture and food. Randy Pettapiece, who since June last year […] Read more



Canadian chain Pizza Pizza has added two plant-based options to its roster of pizza toppings. (CNW Group/Pizza Pizza Ltd.)

Pizza Pizza steps into plant-based proteins

A Canadian pizza chain offering up vegan cheese and vegan crust options is now adding plant-based sausage substitutes to its menu. Toronto-based Pizza Pizza on Monday launched its Super Plant Pizza, billed as “the first plant-based protein topping recipe available on the menu.” The company said it partnered with Yves Veggie Cuisine and Greenleaf Foods’ […] Read more



A 2017 Chevrolet Silverado pickup. (Media.gm.com)

Canada opens probe into GM pickups, SUVs over brake performance

Reuters — Transport Canada, the auto safety regulator, has opened a probe into braking issues in nearly 250,000 General Motors full-size pickups and SUVs after U.S. officials launched a similar probe last year, the agency said on its website. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in November into 2.73 million U.S. 2014-2016 model […] Read more