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There were three pressing, immediate issues identified in our the food supply chain during the early days of the pandemic.
From the Hip, Opinion

The food supply chain bent but did not break

But the pandemic also highlighted many weaknesses 
in a complex system with many parts

By
Reading Time: 3 minutes The food supply chain did not fail Canadian consumers in the first half of 2020 despite huge challenges. Yes, there were times when some product was sold out or limited, but emaciated shelves were short lived. Overall, consumers had adequate access to food and beverages from the Canadian food supply chain. The Canadian Agri-Food Policy […] Read more
The rollback of the minor wage increase deservedly given to grocery store staff during the pandemic is only a recent example of ongoing cultural destruction.
From the Hip, Opinion

Temper tantrums aren’t just someone having a bad day

It may seem like someone has a short fuse but there’s 
usually a long list of reasons behind a blowup

By
Reading Time: 3 minutes A conflict in itself is often not the root of the problem. I waited in a return line as the person in front of me argued about her bill. The staff person was unable to respond in a way that was satisfactory and the customer started shouting. Management was called and the young staff member […] Read more
From the Hip, Opinion

Ethical fashion is an emerging trend that will affect agriculture

We need value chains that reward excellence in the production of fibre and leather

By
Reading Time: 3 minutes The ever iconic Vogue magazine has cornered the fashion industry since 1892. The razor-sharp and trendy photos of women (and men) in dynamic, vibrant trend-setting clothing, always stirs the artist in oneself. From makeup to muck boots, this publication has earned its place in history. In May, Vogue published the most intriguing article titled ‘Regenerative […] Read more
Columns, From the Hip

Schoepp: Pandemic an opportunity to rethink food distribution

A highly centralized food system isn't the only option; there's a place for local, too

By
Reading Time: 3 minutes First- and second-fiscal-quarter earnings for those selling groceries exceeded expectations as consumers stocked up during the pandemic. From small specialty stores to supermarkets, all have reported excellent profits. The idea of centralized retail grocery is relatively recent and yet most societies, regardless of global address, can now relate to shopping at a supermarket. In North […] Read more
From the Hip, Opinion

When the load gets too heavy, be kind to yourself

Asking yourself what went well today can bring great relief during times of great stress

By
Reading Time: 3 minutes Let us begin… Appreciating the gifts of abundance, honouring the process of stress and our own capabilities each day can create a strong societal ecology in our homes, businesses and communities. Strong enough to weather change. The Great Change of 2008 In the year 2008 the dynamic of the world changed. It was the first […] Read more
Perhaps never before in Canadian history has there been such an awareness of the entire food system, and this is a pivotal point.
From the Hip, Opinion

We can put food at the centre of our national economy

We have a new appreciation for food systems, and a chance to capitalize on our strengths

By
Reading Time: 3 minutes Nature is the great equalizer. In just three months she took the world from assured continuance along the path of globalization and commercialism to world recognition of one simple fact — we all need to eat. For many years, there have been calls to recognize the importance of agriculture. I have been in that camp, […] Read more
AI is determining what to put on the shelves in the future, how much of it to have available and at what cost.
From the Hip, Opinion

Artificial intelligence is everywhere, and it’s just getting started

The invisible tracking of our buying habits should challenge us so we are not defined by a database

By
Reading Time: 3 minutes I have been thinking about artificial intelligence (AI) and the impact it has on consumerism. AI is used to track your buying habits and predetermine your buying needs. It is also the robotics that clean fields or make cars, do complex surgery or make a digital diagnosis. It is the smart fridge that knows what […] Read more
You are the key to your family and your community, regardless of your role.
From the Hip, Opinion

What makes you great at what you do?

Farming is not just another job — and it’s not just production skills that make farms successful

By
Reading Time: 3 minutes The value of food and of farming has become part of the mainstream conversation these days. If you are a farmer, what you do is important. And like any other year, we must remember what it is that makes us great at what we do. To help with that, here’s a little list gleaned from […] Read more
From the Hip, Opinion

Creating food security requires innovative approaches

It’s not a matter of providing food but finding long-lasting solutions that fit the needs of communities

By
Reading Time: 3 minutes The fear environment that we live in at this time now goes beyond disease and disaster. For many it is simply a question of finding enough food to eat or drink. As persons of privilege in a First World country, how can we engage in solutions that are transformative and transferable? This past winter I […] Read more
Something special is created when we choose to share our lives with animals.
From the Hip, Opinion

Our animals give us such a precious gift

We have something very special when we share our lives with companion and food animals

By
Reading Time: 3 minutes I was visiting with a friend who has had a rough life. His mother and dad worked hard to provide, but they did not know how to love each other or their children. Babies were not rocked or held, and little ones were on their own. There was never a goodnight kiss, a story, a […] Read more

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