With many food retailers and manufacturers now incorporating sustainability into their purchasing criteria, farmers must assume major leadership or risk having many of their farm management decisions set solely by food industry executives
by TERRY DAYNARD
Many cities and municipalities are considering bylaws to enhance local food production. But questions remain about the implications for animal health, nutrition, odour and pest control
and codes of practice
by JIM DALRYMPLE
The world’s food system will be under tremendous pressure in coming decades. But if Canada is to play its part, more – not less – research and innovation will be needed
by JIM DALRYMPLE
Recent studies show that, contrary to media reports, intensive farming is better for the environment than ‘old-fashioned’ methods and is key to feeding a growing world population
by JIM DALRYMPLE
Where animal rightists, such as PETA, believe that animals are not there to be used as food or by humans in any way, farmers and commodity groups say that society has the right to make proper and humane use of animals if they are treated with care
by JIM DALRYMPLE
Animal welfare has been receiving increased publicity over the past several years and agriculture has been under a terrible attack by animal rightists.
Over the past two decades, operations have become substantially larger, notes a recent report, and productivity has increased. The downside is decreased competition, more worries about air and water pollution
by JIM DALRYMPLE
Canadian livestock and poultry producers closely monitor what is occurring south of the border and its affect on Canadian production.
The loss of extension services has made it all the more important that farmers have access to sound information on technology and the right advice to help them in making decisions
by JIM DALRYMPLE
The role of government extension personnel, agribusiness and farm organizations in informing and educating all the players in the agriculture and food industry has evolved over the last century.
Toronto City Council has been asked to approve backyard poultry operations in the city. But, argues this livestock specialist, this could lead to lower product quality and pose health concerns for the public at large
by JIM DALRYMPLE
A recent request from a group of Toronto citizens to Toronto City Council could bring about dramatic changes in poultry production in Ontario. A petition has been circulated asking that the Toronto Municipal Code be changed approve “backyard” chicken production in the city.
Research suggests that cage-raised birds and gestation stalls for sows improve animal welfare, as well as offering environmental and economic benefits. Yet animal rights activists and some retailers are moving against them
by JIM DALRYMPLE
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