Ontario's agriculture minister outlines provincial goals for new ag policy Tuesday, September 18, 2012 by SUSAN MANNWater management, conservation and drought-resistant crop research are some of the ways Ontario Agriculture Minister Ted McMeekin would like to spend money set aside for innovation and market development in the new Growing Forward 2 agreement.We might think we’re a petroleum-based economy but there are lots of alternatives to petroleum, the minister notes. There is, however, “no alternative to water,” he says. “If we can get on top of water management, conservation, drought-resistant crops then I think we can position ourselves in the global economy very, very well.” He adds that soil enhancement work in the province should also continue. He made the comments Monday as he outlined his message to Ontario farmers about the new five-year Growing Forward policy framework agreement the federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers reached during their annual meeting last week in Whitehorse, Yukon. Set to begin next year after the current agreement expires March 31, 2013, the agreement contains investments of more than $3 billion over five years across Canada into innovation, competitiveness and market development. The agreement includes a 50 per cent increase in government cost share initiatives.The minister says he’d like to set up an agri-food sector innovation group to monitor what’s happening in Ontario and provide an opportunity for industry players to work together to establish some fresh thinking on strategic investments, innovation and market development. The group would include representatives from the entire value chain, including farm group leaders, academics, the provincial agriculture ministry and people interested in innovation.“You need to ensure the innovation and research that you’re doing is actually contributing to growing the economic sector and it’s not just stuff that’s going to be done and put on a shelf somewhere,” he notes.About the business risk management programs, McMeekin says the new agreement still contains an effective suite of programs. “We tried to find a balance between protecting those programs that farmers rely on and defending the integrity of operations in Ontario.” BF New food safety and veterinary chief officers at CFIA Bean board merger talks fail
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