While grocery stores are the usual target for campaigns against food waste, the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) says consumers primarily point the finger of blame at themselves. A survey conducted for the centre found 69 per cent of consumers consider themselves most responsible for reducing food loss and waste, followed by restaurants at
Consumers acknowledge they are the biggest food wasters
More information and education are needed to fix the problem, say waste reduction advocates
Canada brand needs building, protecting
If the federal government wants to build Canada’s food exports, it needs to lay the groundwork for a global brand
If Ottawa really wants to boost Canadian agri-food exports, the country needs to enhance its reputation as a supplier of sustainably produced safe food. That’s according to Evan Fraser, the Canada research chair in global food security at the University of Guelph. The Barton report of 2016 and followup work by various agri-food groups have
Ottawa serves up faster depreciation in fall economic update
An enhanced export diversification strategy and commitment to competitiveness were also welcomed by farm groups
Farm and other business groups welcomed new equipment depreciation rules and a diversified export strategy, Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced in his fall economic update. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), Grain Growers of Canada (GGC), the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) were among the groups welcoming the
China trade can be boosted
Agri-food exports could thrive but Canada needs to push to reduce tariffs and other trade barriers
China is a growing market for Canadian agri-food exports and could become even more important if it reduces tariffs and other trade barriers, says the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance. The call came as four federal cabinet ministers were in China to discuss improved relations. While a free trade deal with China seems far away, proposals
Canada signatory to biotechnology support statement
Twenty-eight countries support the call for minimizing trade disruption related to biotech crops
Agri-food groups are welcoming Canada’s work in formulating an international statement supporting biotechnology and regulatory agreements that support the technology and minimize trade disruptions. “Growers are excited about the potential of new plant-breeding innovations,” said Jeff Nielsen, president of Grain Growers of Canada. “We look forward to also seeing progress here at home.” New tools
Farm mental health struggles topic of hearings
Commons agriculture committee is hearing the growing chorus calling for better supports for farmers
It has been a long road bringing the mental health challenges in agriculture to the attention of the federal government but hearings on the topic by the Commons agriculture committee is providing a venue. Dairy farmer Andrew Campbell, a prominent internet blogger, painted the picture of what producers face in a recent presentation to the
Hearings planned for hemp agency
Farm Products Council is seeking feedback on a proposed hemp promotion and research group
The Farm Products Council of Canada (FPCC) is seeking input on a proposal for a hemp group. The Canadian Industrial Hemp Promotion and Research Agency (PRA) would be funded by levies applied to domestically produced and imported hemp products. The first step for FPCC is to collect views from interested persons or groups on the
Canada signs on to CPTPP
Senators chastised the government for taking them for granted on time-sensitive trade bills
Ottawa – Grain and livestock groups seeking greater market access in Asia are among the loudest voices welcoming the ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership. Senate gave final approval to the deal Oct.25, and the bill received Royal Assent shortly afterwards. All that remains is notifying the CPTT administration in Auckland, New Zealand,
Ag labour in the next 10 years
An upcoming survey aims to update agriculture’s labour needs for the next decade
It’s time to dig deeper into the labour shortages facing Canadian farms. So says the Canadian Agri-Food Human Resources Council (CAHRC) which says the sector needs to understand the labour shortages facing farm operations across the country to determine the extent and cost of them. A CAHRC report in 2014 forecast the 26,400 farm jobs
Federal government under pressure on supply management compensation
Plan should be in place before USMCA receives final approval, say opposition senators and MPs
The federal government is still facing political pressure to deliver on compensation plans for dairy and poultry producers. And those calling for action say it needs to happen in advance of signing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Before starting Parliament’s week-long Thanksgiving break, MPs from all parties backed a motion calling for a financial compensation
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