Check out these recent news articles to find out more about the challenges and opportunities facing farmers and agri-food organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
National News
Canadian government gives millions in aid to agricultural workers
OH&S
October 15, 2020
The federal Canadian government along with provincial governments announced on October 13 that they will be investing $11.6 million to help protect agricultural workers from coronavirus, according to the London Free Press.
Anuvia Plant Nutrients and ATP Nutrition launch SymTRX™, the first bio-based granular fertilizer in Canada
Cision
October 15, 2020
Anuvia Plant Nutrients has entered into a strategic relationship with ATP Nutrition to promote, sell and service Anuvia’s SymTRX products in Canada. SymTRX is a bio-based granular fertilizer line (16-1-0-20S and 14-24-0-10S) engineered to increase nutrient availability to the plant while contributing to improved soil health.
Program to protect farms, workers from COVID
The Western Producer
October 5, 2020
Applications are now open for a federally administered $35 million Emergency On-Farm Support Fund available in Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and the territories.
Protecting the health and safety of farm workers during COVID-19
Government of Canada
October 5, 2020
The Government of Canada will continue to protect the health and safety of all Canadians from COVID-19, including those in the agricultural sector who work hard to provide us with high-quality food.
How Canadian food buying and cooking habits have changed due to Covid-19, according to experts
Forbes
September 27 2020
As sales moved online for many, the adjustments in purchasing habits in the household changed not only how we consume food, but the effects of our purchasing habits on the amount we waste.
Empowering women leadership in the agriculture and agri-food sector
Government of Canada
September 18, 2020
The Farm Credit Canada’s Women Entrepreneur Program is part of the federal Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, a $5-billion investment. In agriculture, there are over 75,000 female farm operators, representing some 28.7% of all farm operators in Canada – a number which continues to modestly increase. The Women Entrepreneurship Program is expected to increase this proportion.
British Columbia News
Unconfirmed Asian giant hornet sighting in Terrace, B.C.
Yorkton This Week
October 18, 2020
An Asian giant hornet, colloquially known as a ‘murder hornet’, may have been spotted in Terrace, B.C.
Alberta News
Alberta agriculture shines ‘during these tough times’
Alberta Farmer Express
October 15, 2020
The provincial government says “record crops and strengthened cattle prices are leading Alberta’s economic recovery.”
Manitoba News
New agricultural Crown land credit supports beef producers affected by dry conditions
Government of Manitoba
October 16, 2020
The province is helping position the Manitoba beef industry for success through a number of new and ongoing measures, including a one-time rent credit for agricultural Crown land leaseholders and enhanced risk management tools, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced.
New site promotes Manitoba agriculture and food research
UM Today News
October 7, 2020
The Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences today launched the Manitoba Agriculture and Food Knowledge Exchange website, a resource which shares current research by Faculty scientists and their collaborators.
‘The thing you do around here:’ Prairie fall suppers adjust to COVID-19 reality
CBC News
October 4, 2020
Fall suppers, an annual tradition hosted at community halls and churches, have now pivoted to serving food drive-thru style.
Ontario News
Ontario’s agricultural food businesses to get funding to help prevent spread of COVID-19
Global News
October 13, 2020
The federal government has announced that $11.6 million can now be accessed to help with COVID safety improvements for Ontario farms, such as building physical barriers for worker separation, upgrading HVAC systems and improving hand-washing facilities.
Government of Canada supports Ontario dairy processors to enhance productivity and protect worker health
Cision
October 7, 2020
Neil Ellis, Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced funding totaling more than $2.5 million under the Dairy Processing Investment Fund to support Empire Cheese Co-operative, Kawartha Dairy and Mariposa Dairy.
Ontario celebrates innovation with the 2020 Excellence in Agriculture Awards
Government of Ontario
October 5, 2020
The Ontario government is kicking off Ontario Agriculture Week by celebrating the farmers, processors, organizations and businesses that have made agri-food one of the most innovative sectors in the province with the 2020 Excellence in Agriculture Awards.
Quebec News
Supporting Quebec food processors in their effort to protect employees
Cision
October 14, 2020
The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced an investment of over $380,000 under the Emergency Processing Fund for four local food processors in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec.
Smaller birds for a smaller Thanksgiving, says local farmer
CBC News
October 4, 2020
The turkeys at Sylvain Bertrand’s farm in western Quebec are smaller than in previous years — making them ideal for a more intimate Thanksgiving celebration during COVID-19.