“Pink slime” pushes processor into bankruptcy

Ground beef processor AFA Foods filed for bankruptcy protection April 2, citing the impact of the uproar over a meat filler dubbed “pink slime” by critics. Meat processors have faced a backlash over the use of an ammonia-treated beef filler they call “finely textured beef.” Food activists have campaigned to have it banned, but supporters



The virtues of patient capital

The story of the Prairie grain co-operatives is certainly one for the business books. Starting from nothing in 1923, by 1929 the Pools through the Central Selling Agency had the largest sales of any business in Canada. A year later it collapsed, but the Pools rose again as handling companies, and along with UGG, dominated




Food companies poised to profit as production rebounds

The world’s farmers are poised for a year of plenty in 2012 after last year’s weather-related disasters, and prospects of lower grain prices from bumper harvests could offer relief to the battered bottom lines of grain and food companies. Food and beverage companies like Sara Lee, PepsiCo and General Mills have struggled to absorb high


Briefs, March 29, 2012

Safeway to stop buying “pink slime” beef filler washington / reuters Safeway, the No. 2 U.S. supermarket operator, will stop buying the ammonia-treated beef filler critics call “pink slime” because of widespread customer concern. The halt is a fresh blow to use of the ground beef filler, also known as lean, finely textured beef, which

Ag issues bog down European trade talks

Meeting the needs of export oriented commodities without compromising the supply managed sector is an ongoing challenge for negotiators

Agriculture and food issues remain a stumbling block for free trade talks between Canada and Europe, according the Commons trade committee. Export-oriented agri-food industries are keen to gain access to Europe’s 500 million consumers, but tariffs protecting supply management, genetically engineered crops, and rules of origin are among the most sensitive issues in the talks,