When weighed for sustainability, the purported benefits and costs of organic agriculture can actually “vary heavily” from case to case, a new University of British Columbia study finds. The UBC study, titled “Many shades of gray: The context-dependent performance of organic agriculture,” published Friday in the U.S. journal Science Advances, sets out to “systematically review […] Read more
Study finds organic’s sustainability ‘context-dependent’
A+W tightens standards for broiler suppliers’ barns
Canadian burger and root beer chain A+W has set up additional standards for broiler barns supplying chicken meat to its restaurants. On top of its existing requirements for raising birds on grain-based diets without the use of antibiotics, the company on Friday announced it would require a new maximum stocking density for birds in its […] Read more
Free trade deal with China worth billions, says canola council
Deal could up canola oil, seed, and meal sales to China by $1.2 billion a year and create 33,000 new jobs, says organization
Reading Time: 2 minutes The canola sector is welcoming Ottawa’s move to begin discussions on a free trade agreement with China. A free trade deal with China could create 33,000 additional jobs in Canada from increased exports of canola alone, said the Canola Council of Canada, which commissioned an independent analysis on that subject. “Freer trade with China would […] Read more
Runoff levels up in Saskatchewan’s forecast
Saskatchewan has raised its expectations for spring runoff across the board, now predicting “near normal” levels for much of the province and “above normal” to “well above normal” levels in its southeast. The province’s Water Security Agency on Thursday released a March spring runoff forecast pointing to two “areas of concern” — the province’s far […] Read more
CCGA cash advance applications out early
Among other changes to the program, applications are available earlier this year for spring cash advances through the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA). The CCGA on Thursday announced it’s now accepting applications for the 2017-18 advance payments program (APP), which offers cash advances on 45 different crop and livestock commodities. The CCGA is the administrative […] Read more
P.E.I. potato chip plant revived for pulse processing
A Prairie grain and pulse processing firm plans to get Prince Edward Island farmers growing field peas this year to supply a new pulse processing plant. New Leaf Essentials East, a new arm of Innisfail, Alta.-based W.A. Grain and Pulse Solutions, announced Wednesday it has bought the former Humpty Dumpty potato chip plant at Slemon […] Read more
Dining firm Imvescor to shed veggie meals business
The Montreal parent firm for the Pizza Delight, Baton Rouge, Toujours Mikes and Scores restaurant chains is stepping out of the prepared meals business. Imvescor Restaurant Group announced Tuesday it has reached a deal to sell its Groupe Commensal subsidiary to Montreal processor Pasta Romana Foods for about $4.2 million. Commensal markets vegetarian refrigerated and […] Read more
Ag groups tout potential of trade pact with China
Canadian ag commodity groups expect to make a case for freer trade with China during consultations now underway alongside Ottawa’s talks on a possible free trade deal with Beijing. Federal Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne on Friday announced public consultations, running until June 2, following last September’s announcement of “exploratory discussions” on a free trade agreement […] Read more
Ontario cider, spirit makers get support program
Ontario’s small-scale fruit cideries and distillers are getting provincial support to help scale up production. The province on Tuesday announced it would budget $4.9 million over three years for a new Small Cidery and Small Distillery Support Program. The program will provide eligible cideries with up to 74 cents per litre and eligible distillers with […] Read more
Canada Bread buys into organic craft bread market
A Toronto baking firm that grows and contracts its own organic grains in eastern Ontario is going to be an entry point in the craft bread market for Canada Bread. Canada Bread, the Canadian arm of Mexican baking giant Grupo Bimbo, announced Monday it had completed its deal to buy Stonemill Bakehouse Ltd. for an […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
