It’s time for a green new deal down on the farm

The agriculture policy of the 21st century must focus on producing healthy food, providing fair incomes for farm families and creating thriving rural communities while protecting natural ecosystems. It is possible to promote resilience in agriculture so that it addresses climate change and is capable of adapting to the economic and environmental shocks of an […]
How Ottawa can address food waste

Almost 60 per cent of all food produced in Canada is wasted every year. That’s according to a recent study from Value Chain Management and Second Harvest. While that headline grabbed media attention, the results of the study deserve further examination. Yes, 58 per cent of all the food that is produced in Canada is […]
Canadian agriculture is facing a digital challenge

The world is well into a fourth industrial revolution, with digital systems transforming our economy and society. A range of new digital applications are changing what we can do, how and where we will do things, and who will benefit. While much of our national conversation about the digital future is focused elsewhere, Canadian agriculture […]
Bibeau a ‘surprise’ in ag role, but presents chance to ‘go to bat’ for sector, say observers

Marie-Claude Bibeau’s appointment as the new agriculture and agri-food minister came as a surprise to the agriculture community, stakeholders say, but they note that as an MP hailing from a riding full of dairy farmers, she has been a “good voice” for supply-managed industries. Ms. Bibeau was unexpectedly shuffled to the file on March 1, […]
Liberal response to Chinese canola dispute another example of agriculture file failure

Canadian-grown canola is an essential part of Canada’s agriculture sector. According to the Canola Council of Canada, 90 per cent of canola grown in Canada is exported as seed, oil, or meal to 50 markets around the world. Approximately 40 per cent of those exports go to China, a market valued at more than $3.5-billion […]
Agriculture
Grain farmers want to make agri-food economic strategy report a reality

This week, grain farmers from across Canada are in Ottawa for the second annual National Grain Week. Grain farmers come to Ottawa in February so that we can meet with legislators and policy-makers before the weather warms up and we get to work preparing for spring planting. Right now, farmers are ready to roll up […]
The weather outside was frightful, but the agriculture industry’s party was oh so delightful

While the rest of Ottawa was hunkering down for a massive blizzard expected to dump 40 cm of snow on the nation’s capital, agriculture industry supporters were treated to a night of great food and networking at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building. Members of Parliament and Senators were in short supply, given neither the […]
The national food policy, not food guide, could be the most important change to the feds’ approach to nutrition

The new Canada Food Guide is a step forward in getting Canadians to eat healthier, experts say, but the Liberal government’s upcoming national food policy could pack more punch in improving the country’s nutritional health. Advocates are hopeful that a national food policy set to be released this year can tackle the issue of food […]
No snow pants allowed: here’s your guide to the hottest winter and spring shindigs

Just so we’re all clear, snow pants are okay for commuting, but they’re not proper party attire. The wintry outerwear has sparked a hot debate among Ottawa residents lately about whether snow pants are in fact needed to wear to work during Ottawa’s bone-chilling winters or too hideous to wear in public. Party Central is […]