Drought spares grape growers Friday, August 10, 2012 by SUSAN MANNThis summer’s hot weather is contributing to what’s shaping up to be a ‘super’ vintage for the grape crop, says a spokesperson for Grape Growers of Ontario.The lack of rain hasn’t decimated grapes the way it has other crops in some parts of Ontario, including hay, corn, vegetables and fruit, says CEO Debbie Zimmerman. “The drought isn’t helpful to us either but it’s not critical at this point.”Some of the young vineyards in areas where irrigation isn’t available are facing challenges but as long as some rain arrives “we’ll be okay,” she says, also noting that harvest this year will begin very early.Everything looks great and it’s going to be a great crop, she says.Ontario farmers normally grow 50,000 to 60,000 tonnes of grapes for wine production annually. In 2011, the tonnage was 62,028 with a farm gate value of $77.4 million, according to the Winery & Grower Alliance of Ontario website. BF Fast track drought assessment farm group pleads Court upholds import permits for Greek yogurt maker
Colouring a Safer Future for Farm Kids Tuesday, April 28, 2026 Teaching children about farm safety is an essential part of protecting the future of Canadian agriculture. With that goal in mind, the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) has launched the Kids FarmSafe Colouring Contest, a creative initiative designed to help young people learn... Read this article online
Spring Economic Update Sets the Stage for a Challenging Year on the Farm Tuesday, April 28, 2026 The Federal Government released its 2026 Spring Economic Update on April 28, outlining the country’s current economic position and federal priorities for the months ahead. While the update does not contain new direct funding announcements for agriculture, it offers important signals for... Read this article online
Bluetooth Meets Bumblebees in Groundbreaking Guelph Study Tuesday, April 28, 2026 Queen bumblebees at the University of Guelph Arboretum will be carrying some of the smallest tracking devices ever used in pollinator research this summer. Fifty queens are being fitted with ultra-lightweight Bluetooth radiotransmitters as part of a study aimed at better understanding... Read this article online
Ontario Plans New Law to Protect Farmland Friday, April 24, 2026 Ontario is taking new steps to protect its farmland and strengthen the agri-food sector. The provincial government plans to introduce legislation that would limit the foreign acquisition of Ontario farmland. The goal is to keep farms in domestic hands and protect local food production for... Read this article online
Fuel Tax Suspension Offers Timely Relief for Canadian Farmers Ahead of Peak Growing Season Friday, April 24, 2026 Canadianare set to see short-term relief at the fuel pump following a major federal policy announcement that directly affects on-farm operating costs. On April 14, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the federal government will temporarily suspend the Fuel Excise Tax on gasoline,... Read this article online