Farmers’ Gain Seen In Federal Food-Labelling Decision

While Health Canada took only a cautious first step, its recent decision to allow health claims on foods that contain plant sterols intended to lower blood cholesterol levels could create a new market for farmers. Its refusal until recently to accept health claims worked to the disadvantage of growers and food companies, said Derek Nighbor,

Fda Advises Against Drugs In Livestock Feed

An American health regulator has moved a step closer toward recommending a ban on the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics in livestock feed. The U. S. Food and Drug Agency last week issued a “draft guidance” to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance in veterinary drugs used in raising food-producing animals. The document, released for public


U. S. Court Relaxes Limits On Roundup Ready Alfalfa

“We’re waiting to hear what they’re going to decide.” – TRISH JORDAN, MONSANTO CANADA Both sides are claiming victory after the U. S. Supreme Court last week overturned a lower court ruling which imposed a ban on Roundup Ready alfalfa. The court ruled a district court judge in San Francisco overstepped his authority in preventing

Park Area Farmers Sought For Direct-Marketing Initiative

Aplan to link farmers offering local food products for sale and people who live in or visit the communities around Riding Mountain National Park aims to bring more dollars to those communities. Earlier this month staff with the Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve, made up of 15 municipalities that surround the park, put out the call


Bees Need Diverse Landscape To Thrive

If you’ve ever complained about there being too many bees around, consider yourself lucky. Pollinators – such as bees, butterflies and bats – are responsible for the continued existence of more than 70 per cent of the world’s flowering plant population. But they are significantly decreasing in number. By carrying pollen from the male to

Action Plan For Food Industry Could Help Farmers

An action plan to help the Canadian food industry expand its international presence could pay dividends for Canadian farmers as well, says Jean-Pierre Blackburn, minister of state for agriculture. “The food processing sector can help propel Canada’s economic recovery,” Blackburn told reporters after a meeting with 50 representatives of the food industry. “This is why


NDP Says Canada Needs Food Security Policy

Canadians are looking to their government for a comprehensive food strategy to protect our food security and sovereignty, a report released by the New Democrats June 22 says. The report is based on the “Food for Thought” tour led by Agriculture Critic Alex Atamanenko, which held public forums in 28 communities across the country over

Traditional High-Fat Diets Offer Health Benefits

Born in 1939 in a remote community on Vancouver Island, Richard Atleo’s earliest food memories are of villagers eating feasts of salmon and seafood, foraged berries and gathered plant roots he can recall were “piled as high as a house.” Food at home was in stark contrast to the white bread, potatoes with a little


Add Some Herbs To Your Menu

Although I’d like to say “good nutrition” is the No. 1 factor people use when choosing foods, “good taste” rates the highest. Adding fresh and dried herbs can improve flavour and help reduce fat and salt in your favourite recipes. Herbs virtually add no calories, yet they add distinctive flavours. They get their characteristic aromas

In Brief… – for Jun. 24, 2010

Butt out and keep your hands on the wheel: As of July 15, drivers caught texting or using hand-held cellphones while operating a motor vehicle face a $191 fine, Highways Minister Steve Ashton has announced. That’s when amendments to the Highway Traffic Act approved last year take effect. Use of hands-free devices and 911 calls