PC ag critic promotes party's jobs bill as way to grow Ontario's agri-food industry Wednesday, February 19, 2014 by SUSAN MANN Progressive Conservative agriculture critic Ernie Hardeman has asked the provincial government to support his party’s million jobs bill to help grow Ontario’s food manufacturing industry again. In a Feb. 14 letter to Premier and Agriculture Minister Kathleen Wynne, Hardeman says his party’s proposed legislation is forecasted to create 125,000 jobs a year for the next eight years. “I believe this would result in significant growth in both the agri-food and agriculture industries,’ he says, noting it would also help Wynne meet her challenge issued to the agricultural and food processing industry last fall to double its growth by 2020 and create 120,000 new jobs. Since the agriculture minister issued this challenge, Ontario has lost 1,260 jobs after Heinz in Leamington and Kellogg’s in London both announced last fall they are closing, says Hardeman, noting there are reports of processors and abattoirs closing in small towns across Ontario. But Wynne says in an email supplied by agriculture ministry staff person Amber Anderson that her jobs plan is to build a strong and growing economy in every part of Ontario “while making sure we take care of our people. That’s why we’re working with the agri-food sector to grow business, attract new investment and develop new markets both at home and around the world.” Wynne also says she has “challenged the sector to set its course for growth precisely because this is a vital sector for our economy.” But Hardeman says high hydro rates and a mountain of government regulations and red tape are choking provincial farmers and food processors. Wynne says the Conservatives “want to cut services and drive jobs away from our province.” In response to Hardeman’s statement about job losses in Ontario’s food manufacturing sector, Wynne points out that there have also been investments, including Dr. Oetker and Natra in London, Royal Canin in Puslinch, along with Ferrero and Aryzla in Brantford. BF Beef Farmers awards recognize farmers in Grey and Bruce Counties Blood plasma feed ingredient still suspect in deadly pig virus
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online