Ontario's premier optimistic agri-food sector will achieve growth target Thursday, June 18, 2015 by SUSAN MANNIt’s two years into Premier Kathleen Wynne’s challenge to the agri-food industry to create thousands of new jobs plus double its growth rate in seven years and if the current trend holds the sector will meet the goal.In October 2013, Wynne challenged the sector to create 120,000 new jobs and double its growth rate by 2020.In a telephone interview from Stratford Tuesday, Wynne says “food processing is the area where we have a huge opportunity to grow in Ontario. We are very optimistic that if we can work with food processors we’re going to see the growth that we need.”She says it’s her “sincere hope” the sector will reach the goal in the seven-year time frame she’s established. “I’m hearing a lot of optimism from the sector and we’re working with them to make sure the conditions are right so they can be successful.”In an email, Christina Crowley-Arklie, press secretary and communications adviser to Agriculture Minister Jeff Leal, says by 2014 agri-food employment had an annual increase of more than two per cent since 2012, creating more than 34,000 jobs.If the sector continues the current growth rate, the 120,000 jobs target by 2020 will be met, she says.As for the growth rate, the ministry has created a scorecard that includes targets for growth related to Gross Domestic Product but GDP numbers for 2014 haven’t been included yet. The sector’s GDP is targeted to go to $40 billion in 2020. It was at $34.8 billion in 2013.Jobs are pegged to reach 859,738 in 2020 and were at 767,473 in 2013. Exports are targeted to be at $20 billion in 2020 and were $11.9 billion in 2013. BF Bee report raises questions and shows mitigation measures worked, says Health Canada spokesman US buys time over COOL
Take a virtual reality tour of Ontario’s egg and sheep farms Saturday, December 21, 2024 Canadians now have the opportunity to explore new virtual farm tours on www.FarmFood360.ca, thanks to Farm & Food Care Ontario (FFCO), is a coalition of farmers, agriculture and food partners proactively working together to grow public trust and confidence in food and farming. The... Read this article online
Snow Begone: The RapidTrak Series Friday, December 20, 2024 BYLINE: Zahra Sadiq Winter is upon us, and with it comes thick layers of snow, making everything just a little more difficult. But it doesn’t have to be that way, thanks to the RapidTrak Snow Blowers by Ariens. This company’s story starts in 1933 when Henry Ariens took his sons... Read this article online
AEM partners with Euro counterpart to enhance global alignment on key ag manufacturer issues Friday, December 20, 2024 The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the European Agricultural Machinery Association (CEMA) have signed a () to enhance advocacy efforts for the agricultural equipment industry. The agreement seeks to create a positive legislative and regulatory environment across... Read this article online
The 2024 Topigs Norsvin Canada Awards Banquet Thursday, December 19, 2024 Topigs Norsvin Canada Inc.—headquartered in Oak Bluff, Manitoba—is a global leader in swine genetics, and recently held its in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Stratford, Ontario, via two events for its producers. The banquets blended recognition for outstanding production achievements and... Read this article online
Premier equipment strengthens reach with new acquisition Wednesday, December 18, 2024 Premier Equipment, a John Deere dealership in southwestern Ontario, has reached an agreement to acquire Hutchinson Farm Supply, effective January 31, 2025. Hutchinson, which has been in business for 60 years, has served agriculture and rural property owners in York and Durham... Read this article online