General

The federal government is providing organic farmers with over a quarter million dollars to fund marketing organic products to local customers such as childcare facilities, hospitals and schools. The $258,100 program was announced this week by federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz, who says the program will benefit farmers, consumers and the environment. “Increasingly, families at […] Read more

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is concerned that a recent announcement by the province to expand the Greenbelt program could hinder agricultural productivity. “Farmers support preserving farmland but steps need to be taken to ensure Greenbelted farmland stays productive so we can continue to provide safe, high quality food to Ontarians,” says Geri Kamenz, […] Read more

The Canadian government is ponying up $185,000 in funding to the B.C. Blueberry Council for three projects that will help ensure a profitable future for British Columbia’s blueberry growers. “Canadian blueberries are enjoyed around the world thanks to the hard work and expertise of our growers,” said local MP Nina Grewal. “The Government of Canada […] Read more

Cargill and Farm Credit Canada (FCC) have entered into a unique national alliance to offer crop input financing to Cargill customers. Designed for growers producing and marketing grains, oilseeds and specialty crops, the new portfolio of products, marketed under the Performance Financing brand will be launched this fall. “We are excited to work with Cargill […] Read more

The food and beverage processing industry in Ontario is getting a $3 million fund to encourage innovation. The Food and Beverage Industry Innovation (FBII) Fund is made up of equal contributions by the federal and provincial governments. “Innovation has always driven this sector and our government wants to ensure that proud tradition continues,” said local […] Read more

The National Research Council of Canada and the Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy have signed an agreement to collaborate on research to improve canola production, the two groups said Aug. 5. “This is a historic event,” said Dr. Roman Szumski, vice-president of life sciences for the NRC. “For the first time, China […] Read more

Fertilizer maker Agrium announced Wednesday in Calgary that it tallied a US$636 million profit — or US$4 a share – in the second quarter. This is the company’s strongest quarterly performance ever and more than doubles the previous high of US$229 million – or US$1.70 a share – a year ago. The profit vastly exceeded […] Read more