The federal government is finalizing details on how it will implement a new, enhanced surveillance program for avian flu viruses in Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said Friday. The enhanced Canadian Notifiable Avian Influenza Surveillance System (CanNAISS) has been designed to meet current guidelines from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), as well […] Read more
Canada to boost avian flu surveillance
U of S names next ag dean
The interim dean of the Ontario Agriculture College at Guelph will become the University of Saskatchewan’s new dean for its college of agriculture and bioresources starting July 1, 2009. Dr. Mary Buhr will take over the position for a five-year term, replacing Dr. Graham Scoles, who will continue as interim dean for the U of […] Read more
Remote B.C. butchers get licensing break
Small operators selling meat in remote and isolated communities in British Columbia will get an extra grace period on the province’s recent move toward full licensing and inspection for all meat facilities. Currently, B.C. meat producers working toward becoming fully licensed can submit a construction plan and then receive a Class C transitional license. Class […] Read more
Saputo profit rises on “rationalization”
Canada’s biggest dairy processor has logged a substantial boost in its year-end bottom line, partly through “rationalization” in its Canadian business and increased Canadian fluid milk sales. Montreal-based Saputo posted $288.2 million in net earnings on $5.06 billion in revenue in its fiscal 2008 ending March 31, the company reported Thursday. Earnings were up 20.9 […] Read more
Viterra braces for GSU vote
While hopeful it will reach a new agreement with over 850 unionized employees, grain handler Viterra says its plans are in place in case of a summer strike or lockout. Viterra and the Grain Services Union (GSU) will wrap up 60 days of conciliation talks Tuesday as GSU employees continue to vote at meetings on […] Read more
CWB poll subject to interpretation
Whether you support a single marketing desk or a deregulated market for Prairie barley and wheat, the Canadian Wheat Board’s new survey of Prairie farmers offers a little something for everyone. The poll, conducted by phone in the three Prairie provinces in March by the Gandalf Group and released Friday by the CWB, shows both […] Read more
Aid package leads Alta. livestock “transition”
Cash-strapped Alberta livestock producers can expect $150 million in immediate aid payments, with another $150 million where that came from if they help create a provincial brand for their meat by setting up age verification and premises ID systems. On top of that aid package, announced Thursday by provincial Agriculture Minister George Groeneveld, is $56 […] Read more
Manitoba doubles hog farmer loan limit
The Manitoba government has doubled the maximum loan available under its hog assistance loan program to $5 million. “We’ve monitored the program, we know larger hog operations need to maintain higher cash flows and we are responding to that reality,” provincial Agriculture Minister Rosann Wowchuk said in a release Thursday. “We have also extended the […] Read more
CWB files Charter challenge of “gag order”
A federal order-in-council that directs the Canadian Wheat Board not to use its farmer-funded budget on any advocacy for the single grain marketing desk it operates, is headed to a court challenge. The CWB announced in a press release Thursday that it filed notice Tuesday in Federal Court to question the “constitutional validity” of the […] Read more
“Buy P.E.I.” local food initiative launched
Prince Edward Island will help fund market development and promotion for Island farmers’ food products as part of a new “Buy P.E.I.” initiative launched Thursday. The initiative, part of a $500,000 allocation in April’s provincial budget, is expected to help producers and businesses in marketing and promotion, promote P.E.I. food’s benefits for farmers and the […] Read more
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