Science behind organic systems gains ground

Organic agriculture’s critics routinely claim the practice is more philosophy than agronomy — and the worst cut of all — lacking in “sound science.” Not anymore. Organic is pushing back one peer-reviewed research paper at a time. “We can claim science and we are,” declared Ralph Martin at the opening of the first Canadian Organic

Industry official fights the image of potatoes as fattening

There’s no denying the impact of the image. A morbidly obese woman struggles up a short flight of stairs, while in the forefront of the advertisement are three servings of french fries, growing from modest to mammoth. “Portion sizes have grown, and so has obesity, which leads to many health problems,” reads the headline of


Use coupons wisely

Clipping coupons and saving money has become the subject of TV shows. Yes, you can save money, but be sure that you are able to use the food within a reasonable period of time to ensure you enjoy foods at their safest and highest quality. Consider these tips: Organize your coupons in categories for easy

Recipe Swap, March 1, 2012

“Myth information” When it comes to food, we all have our likes, dislikes, preferences and prejudices. Many of us also live (and eat) by our “food myths.” These can be simple “dietary must-dos” like, “you must take minerals and supplements to stay healthy” or, “you must avoid carbs if you want to lose weight.” Some


Yara eyes new Canada plant in fertilizer expansion

Yara International ASA, the world’s biggest producer of nitrogen fertilizer, is eyeing construction of a new $2-billion plant in Canada, among other options, as it looks to expand its production 40 per cent by 2016. Oslo-based Yara intends to add eight million tonnes to its global fertilizer production capacity, as projected population growth boosts demand

Canadian potato industry faces new challenges: McCain exec

The 1990s were the Good Old Days for Canadian potato industry. The U.S. economy was growing, providing strong markets just to the south — markets that were suddenly available as never before due to NAFTA. The Canadian dollar was in the tank, so you could sell in greenbacks and get 30 per cent more in


Arab countries consider grain storage site

The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAID) is considering building a system for storing three to six months of grain reserves for the Gulf region, a senior official from the investment bank said Feb. 22. AAID, which was set up by Arab governments in the late 1970s, will study construction of storage for

Grain World: High- quality Canadian wheat grades questioned

Canadian wheat exports are known for their quality internationally, but the country may be able to sell more grain and receive better returns by growing different classes of wheat or adjusting current grading standards, said presenters at the Wild Oats Grain World conference in Winnipeg, Feb. 27. Lawrence Yakielashek, president of Alfred C. Toepfer (Canada)


Plant product to go toe to toe with meat and dairy?

A researcher says the global food problem is not feeding people, but animals Livestock agriculture is an obsolete technology, says Stanford researcher, Patrick O. Brown. “Animal farming is by far the biggest ongoing global environmental catastrophe,” says Brown. “It’s an inefficient technology that hasn’t changed for a millennia.” In a presentation to the American Association

U.S. food sales to Cuba fall

U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba declined six per cent last year on top of a 31 per cent decline in 2010 as the Communist-led island’s financial woes continued and it turned elsewhere to buy food, a trade group said Feb. 22. Cuba, which imports most of its food, gets chicken, corn, soy, wheat, pork and