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
Facing up to harassment in agriculture
The Western Producer
January 14, 2021
Women shine a light on sexual harassment as they tell their stories of what they have faced while working at farm shows.
Conservatives call for rapid testing pilot for agriculture
High River Online
January 10, 2021
There’s a renewed push on Ottawa to do more when it comes to streamlining the process for international farm workers in regards to COVID.
Their diversity solution
Country-Guide.ca
January 2021
Is there a better way to find and retain farm employees in Canada’s tough market? Alberta’s Van Raay Paskal Farms figured there must be, with innovative thinking and a readiness to look to non-traditional sources.
British Columbia News
B.C. government says land matching program reaches milestone of 100 farmers
CTV News
January 12, 2021
The government says 46 land matches were finalized last year, which will bring more local food options to communities.
How B.C.’s fruit farming industry could go for gold again
The Tyee
January 11, 2021
Amritpal Singh, lead scientist at the Summerland Research and Development Centre, acknowledges these are tough times for B.C.’s apple industry. But new varieties and a focus on quality could bring a brighter future, he says.
Alberta News
Lakeland College launches Canada’s first degree in agriculture technology
RealAgriculture
January 14, 2021
Lakeland College is offering Canada’s first degree in agriculture technology for the fall of 2021.
Alberta officials need to focus on trade relationships: experts
Global News
January 8, 2021
Federal trade experts spoke recently with the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs about how Alberta’s agriculture and agrifood sector could position Canada to expand trade in coming years.
Saskatchewan News
Farmers propose tying carbon credits to carbon tax
The Western Producer
January 15, 2021
During Crop Production Week meetings, numerous provincial crop commissions representing oilseed, cereal grain, pulse crop and special crop producers passed resolutions aimed at pushing the provincial and federal government to recognize environmentally friendly farming practices that have been adopted by the province’s farmers.
Saskatchewan crop researchers receiving nearly $10M in government funding
Global News
January 12, 2021
The federal and provincial governments are committing $9.8 million in funding for 39 crop-related research projects through Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund.
Manitoba News
Roquette powers up $600 million pea protein plant
RealAgriculture
January 18, 2021
Roquette’s new 200,000 square foot pea processing plant has started accepting deliveries from farmers.
People, relationships the highlight of a long career
Manitoba Co-operator
January 13, 2021
Since the 90s a lot of new knowledge and agricultural solutions have come out of the Ian N. Morrison Research Farm at Carman. But looking back at his career there, that’s not what Alvin Iverson thinks of.
Ontario News
Food processors ramp up Cornwall operations
Ottawa Business Journal
January 14, 2021
Several food processors have invested millions of dollars into their Cornwall operations in recent years, capitalizing on the proximity to major urban markets and propelling the industry into one of the city’s largest employers.
Governments support beef farmers and protect food supply chains
Government of Ontario
December 18, 2020
The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $5 million in immediate, emergency assistance to help the province’s beef farmers manage costs associated with the impacts of COVID-19 and to help protect Ontario’s food supply network.
Quebec News
Innovative farming produces fresh Quebec strawberries during the winter months
Global News
December 23, 2020
In its windowless South Shore facility, Ferme D’Hiver can produce an estimated one ton of fresh strawberries within a six-week period during the winter months.
Sans déconfinement, les producteurs d’œufs du Québec craignent des surplus
Radio-Canada
Le 6 décembre 2020
Depuis le début de la pandémie, la fermeture des salles à manger au Québec bouscule l’industrie agroalimentaire. Si le gouvernement n’allège pas les mesures sanitaires après le temps des Fêtes, les producteurs d’œufs du Québec craignent de se retrouver avec des surplus.
Atlantic Canada News
Cooke Aquaculture proposes $58M salmon hatchery on Digby Neck
CBC News
January 13, 2021
Cooke Aquaculture plans to spend $58.6 million building a salmon hatchery on Digby Neck, N.S., over the next five years.
Groundfish council won’t support federal cod stock program
CBC News
January 10, 2021
The Newfoundland and Labrador Groundfish Industry Development Council says it can’t support the federal government’s recently announced cod stock rebuilding plan, saying it’s too restrictive and won’t allow the industry to rebuild along with the fish.