Waste on the farm is a recurring issue and not just this year. What is different this year is the unprecedented volume.

Opinion: Canada has the food industry it deserves

Don’t blame farmers for euthanizing animals and dumping milk

Millions of litres of milk are being thrown away, more than two million eggs are eliminated from the food chain, and pigs and chickens are being euthanized. There is horror in the countryside. Throwing away good food when more than four million Canadians have lost their jobs is morally reprehensible, and farmers would be the

The Canadian Emergency Response Benefit needs to be adjusted so that it is not clawed back from people earning some income.

Opinion: CERB debate should prompt reflection of ongoing labour issues

If food employees are so important, why are they paid so poorly?

The new coronavirus pandemic is revealing a fundamental problem with our society — thousands of essential workers don’t make nearly enough money. The question is, how to fix that? It’s worth debating whether that responsibility should fall to private employers or the government, which has already launched a basic income in all but name. The


Opinion: Digital committee meetings face technical and time limitations

Politicians may have to drop some of the partisanship to get the job done

Our members of parliament should be applauded for their efforts to practise democracy during these trying times. MPs have taken to meeting online to conduct parliamentary committee meetings. So far, they have proven challenging but workable. Recent meetings of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food committee have highlighted the inconvenience. There are regular technical

“We still don’t know what this pandemic will cost, but we do know it’s trillions,” says one rancher. “The next one will cost us even more — maybe everything.”

Comment: Don’t chain me down

Food chains are too unreliable, the coronavirus reveals

For over a month now, nearly anyone who can lift a fork has asked what the “new normal” in agriculture will be. Six weeks later, we now have a pretty good idea that ag’s new normal will look like ag’s old normal. That should give everyone deep concern. If no food supply chain is strong


Comment: We have to start somewhere

Comment: We have to start somewhere

Another huge farm bailout is needed due to COVID-19

Before we take the next unsteady step into a very different future, let’s make sure it’s not a step off the plank. How? We can start with disciplined decision-making: Use proven facts, lean on practical experience, and focus on what is safe and smart. That latter part is especially important because if you farm or

Comment: Global economy hit by severest shock since 1930s

Fast policy response necessary to reduce impact of secondary rounds

Reuters – Recessions often start with a small drop in activity which then progressively deepens over subsequent months as the second- and higher-round effects on the economy start to occur. But the current business cycle downturn looks very different. In terms of its scale and sudden onset, there is no parallel since the end of


Comment: COVID crisis captivates conspiracy theorists

Comment: COVID crisis captivates conspiracy theorists

Some groups and activists are wrongly claiming that modern agriculture is responsible for the rise of viruses that originate in animals and migrate to humans

Cornell Alliance for Science – In the face of a global catastrophe like COVID-19, it’s only natural that frightened, anxious people try to ascribe blame. The problems arise when they demonize the wrong villain — especially for ideological or political motives. Most recently, some have begun trying to blame this novel strain of coronavirus on

Editorial: COVID-19 is changing the conversation around food

On one hand, the federal government stated the obvious when it identified the food system as one of the 10 critical infrastructures supporting Canadians during the pandemic crisis. After all, who can survive without food? Nevertheless, the guidance document issued by Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair recently sent an important signal, one


Letters: Agriculture deemed essential

The COVID-19 virus is impacting all facets of our communities, the economy and our province. On March 30, the chief provincial public health officer issued the new health order with a schedule of critical services. Agriculture and all aspects related to food production and the food supply chain are listed as essential services. Our government

Letters: Border open for business

I enjoyed reading your article “Are farm machinery parts essential business?” in last week’s Co-operator however, I feel I could add valuable information for farmers. I work as a consultant in agriculture and also run a small manufacturing business out of my home shop. Many of the materials needed for my small business come from