The great Canadian dairy crisis is about to experience a new and interesting twist. As Donald trump assumes the role of the 45th president of the United States, some wonder whether he could bring about the end of Canada’s infatuation with dairy marketing boards. Both during his campaign and after the election, Trump took aim
Could Trump save the Canadian dairy industry from itself?
Trump may be the catalyst necessary for a much-needed revamp of the Canadian dairy industry
Wiring the farm for the Information Age
The new classification of broadband Internet as a basic telecommunications service could significantly narrow the rural-urban digital divide
Information is power, and without data, it is impossible to operate a business — any business. At the tail end of 2016, Canadian agriculture received the news it had long been waiting for: the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) declared that broadband Internet access in Canada is now considered a basic telecommunications service for
Setting the table for a radically different Food Guide
Canada’s Food Guide needs to be revamped to reflect the nation’s shifting eating habits, our varied cultural needs and our growing obesity
Canada’s Food Guide is a big deal – but it can be much more influential. On the whole, the guide is a symbol of Canada’s food-related values. Public institutions, schools, universities and community-based organizations look to it to reflect our fundamental nutritional principles. But past guides have failed us. Health Canada says that more than
Preparing for Trump’s food world
Many Trump policies could have wide-ranging impact on food and agriculture around the globe
After the shock comes the reality of understanding what a Trump presidency and a Republican-dominated Congress will mean to all of us. Over the last two years, policies on immigration, trade and security have dominated the campaign. Not much was said about agriculture or food policies. By the looks of it though, a new approach
Ratifying CETA was the easy part
Now comes the hard work of dealing with domestic effects, like opening markets to dairy imports
Looks like we are going ahead with CETA after all. After a few meltdowns and temper tantrums, both sides are now willing to ratify the deal. In the aftermath of several anti-trade occurrences in recent months, having a deal with the EU is nothing short of a miracle. CETA was initially about growth and prosperity,
Deep waters: how can we protect our oceans and fisheries?
When it comes to animal protein, Canadians, despite having the longest coastline in the world, don’t think about fish
Typically when Canadians discuss protein-related foods, they look to our key livestock industries: cattle, hogs and chicken. In comparison to those terrestrial food sources, fish stocks are transient and invisible. That can make oceans and their issues easily overlooked. But fish and seafood must be part of any discussions about sustainable food systems. Oceans feed
Food deflation troubling
Consumers may welcome cheaper food, but it spells challenges for the food industry right through to the primary producer
It is becoming cheaper to buy food in Canada. Canada experienced deflationary food prices in August for the first time in years. While consumers may be delighted to see food prices decline, August numbers are pointing to a significant challenge for the food industry. Making money in the food business is not what it used
Monsanto is dead. Now what?
The lightning rod for resentment won’t be there to kick around anymore
It seems Monsanto is finally out of its misery. Arguably the most detested company in the world, it will likely cease to exist with Bayer’s acquisition. Monsanto’s own attempt to acquire Swiss-based Syngenta not only failed, but also was received with extreme prejudice. But now with Bayer’s acquisition of the St. Louis-based company, Monsanto, or
Can McDonald’s Happy Meal find a healthy balance?
An interesting idea to encourage children to get in shape in the wake of the Olympics completely backfired for the fast-food giant
Despite the wonderful athletic performances at the Olympics – including Canada’s many medals – the big winner in Rio was certainly the International Olympic Committee (IOC), through its mega sponsorship deals. Over the years, well-known companies such as Coke and Kellogg’s have poured millions into the IOC. But the biggest name in food at the
CETA has one foot in the grave
The Brexit vote may have derailed Canada’s best chance to embrace its status as a trading nation
CETA is not dead, but it’s close. Since the Brexit vote, Europe is a mess. The pound is dropping, markets are scrambling, and most are wondering how the political establishment will address what appears to be a constitutional vacuum related to exiting member-states. It just speaks to how ill prepared the union was to such
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
