Reading Time: 3 minutes “As a farming community we should be the epitome of health.” That was the closing remark of one of the speakers at the Nuffield Triennial Farming Conference in southern England earlier this summer. The speaker had been talking about obesity and food-related health issues, and how farmers could be a solution to this serious problem. […] Read more
The world has an eating problem — and farming is the solution
Whether it’s obesity or malnutrition, Canadian farmers have an amazing opportunity to be agents of change
Eating with our eyes — our perception of food isn’t a simple thing
What consumers perceive as tasty and nutritious is proving to be a lot more complicated than we ever thought
Reading Time: 3 minutes There are many food and consumer trends that keep farmers grappling with providing the right product. Buying food is based on many things: health consciousness, price, flavour and taste, smell, and presentation. From packaging to ‘gastrophysics,’ there are some basics to understand about our ever-challenging task of producing and selling food. I listened to a […] Read more
Alberta Open Farm Days coming up
Over 90 farms expected to open their doors for August event
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Open Farm Days gives farmers and ranchers a chance to invite their urban cousins and rural neighbours to stop in for a visit to share stories, see demonstrations, and learn more about the people who grow their food. The event takes place Aug. 19-20 and it’s expected more than 90 farms, ranches and ag-tourism operators […] Read more
Accentuate the positive — consumers want a happy beef story
Canada Beef research finds consumers already in love with the product, the lifestyle, and the brand
Reading Time: 2 minutes Talk about Canadian beef in a positive way, and consumers will buy and eat more beef. That was a key finding of in-depth research by Canada Beef — and something that surprised marketing officials who figured today’s consumers are fixated on topics such as antibiotics and animal welfare. “Consumers wanted to hear about producers; they […] Read more
Root vegetables are hot and pulses continue to find favour
If vegetarian cuisine isn’t your thing, there’s another trend you will like — chocolate for breakfast
Reading Time: 2 minutes Grain bowls for breakfast; vegetables as restaurant entrees; and lots more pasta and pulses are among the predicted food trends for the coming year. “CBC food writer Julie Van Rosendaal believes that grain bowls for breakfast are returning,” said Rosalie Cunningham, a researcher with Alberta Agriculture. “Recent years have seen an increase in one-bowl meals […] Read more
Pulse Canada sets ambitious target to expand markets
The goal is to find new uses for 25 per cent of the industry’s production by the year 2025
Reading Time: 2 minutes Pulse Canada is aiming to find new uses for up to 25 per cent of the industry’s production by the year 2025. The recently approved “25 by 2025” target was set as part of the organization’s long-term planning process and will give the whole industry a target to strive for. The industry will marshal its […] Read more
Millennials — how to cater to the new majority
The age cohort now in their late teens to early 30s will be the majority by 2050
Reading Time: 2 minutes When it comes to targeting millennials, emphasize sustainability and ethical business practices, as well as convenience and flavour variety. In 2015, there were 9.5 million Canadians between the ages of 15 and 34 years old. “As a group, they’re more ethnically diverse and well educated than any previous generation,” said Ava Duering, a competitiveness analyst […] Read more
Agriculture Day event aims to bond producers and consumers over dinner
Event to be held on Feb. 16 at Willow Lane Barn
Reading Time: 3 minutes Great conversations often happen over a great meal, and that’s just what the organizers of A Seat at our Table are banking on for their upcoming Canada Agriculture Day event in Olds. “In typical agricultural fashion, we have a tendency to present ourselves through facts, and the average consumer isn’t going to get that — […] Read more
Alberta companies head to Boston food forum
Reading Time: < 1 minute Anyone interested in exporting food or beverages to the eastern U.S. is invited to participate in Taste of Canada 2017 in Boston on June 5-6. “Taste of Canada is an agri-food buyer-seller forum where Canadian suppliers can showcase their food products in a tabletop setting while meeting one on one with pre- screened American importers, […] Read more
Small indulgences — the experience of food can be priceless
In the food business, less can be more if you understand your customer and the emotional side of food buying
Reading Time: 3 minutes I remember a story from years ago about a family-owned ice-cream shop in a small town. Folks came from long distances for ice cream because it was so delicious. Yet, the customer had one constant complaint — there was too much ice cream in the cone! The owners of that shop decided to listen to […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
