Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Dollars for tracking a smart move says Ontario producer

Monday, February 14, 2011

by KRISTIAN PARTINGTON

Federal investment in traceability measures is a smart move regardless of the province in which it takes place, says a Warkworth, Ontario producer.

Traceability measures are a fact of life in the agriculture industry and Canadian maple syrup producers must take advantage of any means necessary to increase consumer confidence in their product, says George Potter of Sandy Flat Sugar Bush. “Every batch I make I can pinpoint, either at stores or what have you – that's the key to traceability.”

On Tuesday, the federal government committed more than $110,000 to Potter's Quebec counterparts to help them enhance maple syrup traceability. The money, presented to the Fédération des Producteurs Acéricoles du Québec, will fund feasibility studies of new technologies, such as radio frequency identification chips, to track barrels of syrup through all stages of the value chain, from tap to market.

Potter, who has been in the syrup business for more than 25 years, says all producers stand to benefit from any knowledge gained. He tracks every ounce of syrup that comes from his 5,000 tapped sugar maples.

If consumers feel more confident in the product then the work is worth it, he says.

Potter says it’s logical to locate the initiative in Quebec because its maple syrup production is much larger than Ontario’s. Quebec's maple syrup industry produced an average of more than 24 million litres of syrup between 2000 and 2004 compared to Ontario's 1.1 million over the same five year period.

He says he isn't concerned the funding could place Ontario producers at a competitive disadvantage.

“I think it's a wonderful thing,” Potter says, of today's announcement. If Quebec's producers find new technologies that make traceability measures more efficient and effective then “it would help everybody in Canada.” BF

Current Issue

December 2024

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

Alveo Technologies enters agreement with CDC

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Alveo Technologies, Inc.—a leader in molecular sensing and diagnostics with its proprietary IntelliSense molecular detection technology—has announced it received an agreement issued by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on a competitive basis to develop a... Read this article online

University of Guelph looking for new OAC Dean

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

A position has opened at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC). The OAC is looking for a new Dean to lead the school into the future. The ideal candidate is “a visionary leader who shares its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service, and who... Read this article online

Women Agriculture Leaders Embrace Innovation and Growth

Monday, November 11, 2024

The future of agriculture depends on diverse leadership that can drive innovation and address the sector's evolving challenges. Women are already at the forefront of this transformation, leading advancements in agtech, sustainable farming practices, and agribusiness. A recent article by Dr.... Read this article online

Lift heavy equipment with ease - TG Equipment Jack

Sunday, November 10, 2024

The TG Equipment Jack is a heavy-duty lifting device designed for large high clearance sprayers. This Cool Tools’ innovative design ensures secure and stable lifting of heavy equipment, making it an essential tool for repairs and tire changes. Key Features: Unwavering Stability: Built with... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2024 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top