Bill's defeat brings grain farmers relief Thursday, February 10, 2011 by KRISTIAN PARTINGTONGrain Farmers of Ontario’s chief spokesman says his organization is “quite pleased” a controversial bill that would have added another step into the approval process for genetically engineered seeds was defeated Wednesday in the House of Commons. Up for its third and final reading, private member's bill C-474 called for “an analysis of potential harm to export markets be conducted before the sale of any new genetically engineered seed is permitted,” for use in Canada. Parliament rejected the motion with 178 members voting for it and 98 against.Once governments bring “subjectivity into the registration process you get behind the game competitively with other countries,” said Barry Senft, Grain Farmers’ CEO. Ontario growers are already satisfying markets for both genetically engineered and traditional products without having to resort to “an overall ban or bringing this uncertainty into the registration process,” he added. He pointed to identity preserved and non-GMO soybeans as an example of “a significant, program within Ontario that customers have the option” of utilizing.In an email issued Wednesday by his press secretary, federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz called the bill’s defeat, “good news for farmers,” and said it was critical “that our system remain based firmly in science.” “Economics is a science as well and you have to make sure that if you introduce something into the market that people are going to be able to make money off it,” said NDP MP Alex Atamanenko, the bill's sponsor, following the vote. Atamanenko noted he's had more than 13,000 letters and emails of support and various organizations across the country have come out in support of his bill.“This debate has only just started,” he said. BF Biodiesel rules a boost for farming Group wants resolution on agricultural business risk management
BASF introduces Surtain herbicide for field corn growers Tuesday, September 17, 2024 Field corn growers in eastern Canada have a new crop protection product available to them. After about 10 years of research and trials, BASF has introduced Surtain, a residual herbicide for corn that combines PPO inhibitor saflufenacil (Group 14) and pyroxasulfone (Group 15) in a premix... Read this article online
We Didn’t Start the Fire! Impacts of Wildfire Smoke on Corn Monday, September 16, 2024 Assistant Professor of Corn Production at Purdue University’s College of Agriculture, Daniel Quinn, PhD. recently provided fascinating insights into the impacts of fire on major corn producing areas, many of which have been impacted by smoke from wildfires. Quinn was the keynote... Read this article online
New home for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario Saturday, September 14, 2024 The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) has announced it has moved into its new office building in Ingersoll. Located at 274620 27th Line in Ingersoll, the new office will serve as the hub for CFFO’s ongoing efforts to advocate for and support Ontario’s Christian farmers.... Read this article online
Canadian Ag Youth Council Welcomes new Members Saturday, September 14, 2024 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has announced the latest members to join the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council (CAYC). This update introduces nine fresh members alongside thirteen returning youths, marking a significant step towards involving young voices in agricultural... Read this article online
New CEO for Livestock Research Innovation Corporation Friday, September 13, 2024 Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) is promoting from within with the appointment of the organization’s newest Chief Executive Officer. Industry Services Manager Kelly Somerville has been tapped to assume the role as of September 3, replacing retiring CEO Mike McMorris.... Read this article online