UN urges change in U.S. biofuel policy to avoid food crisis

The United Nations’ food agency stepped up the pressure on the United States on Aug. 10 to change its biofuel policies because of the danger of a world food crisis, arguing the importance of growing crops for food over their use for fuel. Global alarm over the potential for a food crisis of the kind



India potato story underscores need for reform

Reuters / Buried in recent monthly data for wholesale prices in India, the wild gyrations of a humble vegetable tell the tale of an economy trapped in inflation by its own rigidities. Back in December, after a bumper harvest of potatoes, furious farmers dumped tonnes of their crop on roads in protest over a crash

OUR HISTORY: August 23, 1962

Our Aug. 23, 1962 issue reported on record yields in prospect despite heavy rains and flooding from storms in southern Manitoba — a tornado had struck between Elgin and Underhill on Aug. 14. However, editor Q.H. Martinson reflected that despite fertilizer, chemicals, better cultural practices and improved varieties, farmers were still having trouble beating the


World powers weigh emergency meeting on food prices

Leaders want to avoid grain export embargoes that factored 
into global shortages and political instability in 2008.

Leading members of the Group of 20 nations are prepared to trigger an emergency meeting to tackle soaring grain prices caused by the worst U.S. drought in half a century and poor crops from the Black Sea bread basket. France, the United States and G20 president Mexico will hold a conference call at the end

Canadian farmers cash in on U.S. drought

After spring floods drowned his seeding plans two years straight, Walter Finlay is harvesting what looks to be an average or slightly better crop of wheat and canola. “Average” will do just fine this year. The worst drought in a half-century in the U.S. Midwest has scorched corn and soybean crops, igniting grain and oilseed


Tips and questions

Dear Reena, I just discovered a method for freezing peaches and it is a wonderful time and mess saver. This works the same way as freezing whole tomatoes and it is so easy! Just freeze the whole peach, with skin and all, and when it is time to use it, run it under hot water

Annual food safety reminder

Many of us have fond memories of family picnics and outdoor cooking from childhood. All you needed was a blanket and some food and you could set up a picnic on your lawn, at a park or even in the living room in the winter. Today, grills are prominent features on most patios and decks.


Recipe Swap, Aug. 9

RecipeSwap New rules for labelling help those with allergies Reading the label on food products just got easier for those living with allergies or celiac disease — and squinting at the fine print. Last week Health Canada unveiled new rules for what must be declared on food labels so you can tell at a glance

Growing local gains new ground

Digging up knowledge: Manitobans sign up to eat local and 
reap the rewards of local know-how along the way

Deb Versluis and her family aren’t just digging in — they’re digging deeper. The Tyndall-area family of four is taking part in Food Matters Manitoba’s Dig In Manitoba Challenge. The goal is to have participants spend $10 of their weekly food budget on locally produced food, while taking part in new activities. “Eating well and