Farmers bet on Bitcoin Monday, February 3, 2014 At press time, the value of volatile digital currency Bitcoin was skyrocketing. CNBC reports that the five-year-old open-source currency went up 8,000 per cent over the course of 2013, and on Nov. 29th, Coindesk.com reported that one Bitcoin was (briefly) worth more than an ounce of gold. Most companies are reluctant to accept this new currency, but some small businesses are getting on board. And according to a recent story on NPR blog The Salt, this includes some small farmers. Bitcoin means no credit card transaction fees and more physical security at the farmer's market. Clinton Felsted of Utah farm La Nay Ferme tells The Salt, "Taking money with you is a real risk . . . a real security problem. With Bitcoin you can take it anywhere with no risk." Transactions pass from smartphone to smartphone. And if Bitcoin's value continues to rise, Bitfarms.com argues it may provide unsubsidized small farms with an industry advantage. Campbellford's Carlen Farm is hoping to cash in on Bitcoin's promise. The small honey and maple syrup farm has been accepting Bitcoin since opening in the spring of 2013, but has yet to make their first Bitcoin sale. The problem, owner Mark Carlen says via text (a true modern farmer!), is a "lack of people knowing what (Bitcoin) is." However, he still sees the value in Bitcoin as a means "to increase exposure and possibly be a part of an alternative medium of exchange due to (the) underlying fragility of our current system." BF B.C. land speculation edges out young farmers The Heinz/Kellogg's plant closures A body blow to Ontario food processing
Poilievre pledges to reverse the harmful capital gains tax hike Friday, January 24, 2025 Tax cuts for economic growth in Canada Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has pledged to reverse the tax hike on capital gains introduced by the NDP-Liberal government in June 2024. This tax increase, which raises the capital gains tax inclusion rate to 66%, has been widely... Read this article online
Let’s celebrate women in dairy Friday, January 24, 2025 Do you know a woman doing amazing things in the dairy industry? If, so Jersey Canada wants to hear from you. Join Jersey Canada to help celebrate women in the dairy industry by nominating someone to be recognized on its social media channels for this March 8, 2025, as well as in... Read this article online
Ontario MPP wants farmland exempt from stormwater fees Friday, January 24, 2025 An Ontario MPP wants her colleagues to work on a plan to exempt farmland from stormwater fees. Donna Skelly, the Conservative MPP for Flamborough-Glanbrook, raised a motion in the Ontario legislature in December calling on Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Calandra to “prohibit... Read this article online
Parliament’s shut down leaves farmers vulnerable Wednesday, January 22, 2025 In March 2025, Canada's agriculture sector and broader supply chain will face a another setback with the expiration of the extended interswitching pilot program. With Parliament prorogued until March 24th, there is effectively no opportunity to renew or make the program permanent before... Read this article online
Peavey Mart Closing 21 Stores in Ontario Wednesday, January 22, 2025 Peavey Industries LP (“Peavey”) has announced the closure of 21 Peavey Mart stores in Ontario and one store in Nova Scotia as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its operations and ensure long-term sustainability. The decision is part of an effort to streamline Peavey’s retail... Read this article online