Conventional Agriculture Yields Dividends

co-operator contributor / ottawa For all the controversy surrounding the use of pesticides, fertilizers and biotechnology, they add $7.9 billion a year in value to the Canadian economy through increased production of crops, fruits, vegetables and potatoes, says a report prepared for CropLife Canada. The breakdown is $6.4 billion for the higher quantity and quality

Grain-Oilseed Stocks Down: Ag Canada

Canada Inc. Supplies of the major grains and oilseeds in Canada at the end of the 2011-12 crop year will be lower than the level forecast in September and will be well below the level achieved during the 2010- 11 season, according to updated supply-demand tables from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada s market analysis division.


Hemp Genome Deciphered

staff / The fine line between the stuff rope and paper are made of, and the stuff Cheech and Chong s movies are made of, has been found on the plant s genome. A team of Canadian researchers has sequenced the genome of Cannabis sativa, which, depending on the strain, is known for its industrial

Booming Ethanol Biz Alters Corn Use Patterns

U. S . A g r i c u l t u r e Department officials faced criticism over recent forecasts that have roiled the grains market, saying that the explosive growth of the ethanol sector had upended traditional patterns. The robust growth of the ethanol sector in the last few years has altered the


Ottawa Backs Push To Increase Exports Of Organic Foods

STAFF / The federal government is spending $195,000 to promote Canadian organic products abroad. The money will go to the Canada Organic Trade Association to enhance the industry s competitiveness in global markets, said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. Canada s organic farmers produce some of the world s most wholesome and healthy food, and are

Environmental Group Roasts Modern Livestock Production On “Factory Farms”

CO-OPERATOR CONTRIBUTOR / OTTAWA The rapid growth in modern livestock production is causing environmental damage and spreading serious diseases such as avian influenza and BSE, according to the Worldwatch Institute. Much of the vigorous growth in meat production is due to the rise of industrial animal agriculture, or factory farming, said Danielle Nierenberg, senior researcher


“Free Your Milk” Campaign Launched

Over half of Canadians think dairy products are too expensive, according to a recent survey by a restaurant and food services association. The current system is making Canadian milk and cheese less attractive and less affordable for everyone, said Garth Whyte, president and CEO of the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA). The survey conducted

Compo-Stages Manitoba Services Co-Op Demonstrates Advantages Of Composting Manure

co-operator staff / st. pierre-jolys Farmers saw Manitoba s first industrial-sized manure windrow turner in operation last week. Next month they can hear more about joining the new cooperative that owns it. The Compo-Stages Manitoba Services Co-op, an agricultural composting co-operative and a first for both Manitoba and Canada, conducted demonstrations on six farms around


UN Body Delays Efforts To Regulate “Land Grabs”

AUN intergovernmental body on food security has failed to adopt international guidelines on land governance, delaying efforts to regulate so-called land grabbing as investors race to snap up agricultural land. A voluntary code of conduct has been in the works since 2008, driven by concerns that countries such as China and Gulf Arab states are

Letters – for Oct. 20, 2011

We welcome readers comments on issues that have been covered in the Manitoba Co-operator.In most cases we cannot accept open letters or copies of letters which have been sent to several publications. Letters are subject to editing for length or taste. We suggest a maximum of about 300 words. Please forward letters to ManitobaCo-operator, 1666DublinAve.,Winnipeg,