Turkey Farmers ease outdoor restriction for organic producers Friday, November 20, 2009 by SUSAN MANNTurkey Farmers of Ontario will allow organic producers to raise turkeys outdoors.The Organic Council of Ontario used a postcard campaign this fall to enlist Ontario Agriculture Minister Leona Dombrowsky’s help in changing a May 2008 Turkey Farmers policy requiring all turkeys to be raised indoors.Turkey Farmers had introduced the policy to mitigate the risk of Avian Influenza from wild birds. It didn’t apply to farmers with flocks under 50 turkeys.The Council protested the policy because it conflicted with requirements for organic certification.The amended policy requires conventional turkey producers to raise birds indoors but exempts organic producers from this requirement.The Council sent the new policy to the federal Standards Interpretation Committee of the Canada Organic office to ensure it complies with the Canadian Organic Standard. Jodi Koberinski, Council executive director, doesn’t know when the office will complete the review.The Council’s board agreed organic farmers could live with Turkey Farmers’ changes. But “it’s not for us to say what meets the Standard,” Koberinski says.Ingrid DeVisser, chair of Turkey Farmers board, says in the end “it came down to politics, really.”The minister told Turkey Farmers it had the right to make policy. “But she asked us to look at whether we can make accommodations to the policy,” DeVisser explains.Farmers must be certified organic growers and have proof of certification to be exempted, DeVisser says. Turkeys’ food and water must be either in a building or outside in covered range feeders.One week before going to market, organic growers must have a random sample of their birds, normally 20, blood-tested for Avian Influenza. After the blood test, the birds must be kept under a solid roof with either mesh or solid sides.“For us it has always been about disease prevention and mitigating risks,” DeVisser notes. BF Dow AgroSciences buys Hyland Seeds Quebec changes rules for ag funding
University of Guelph looking for new OAC Dean Tuesday, November 12, 2024 A position has opened at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC). The OAC is looking for a new Dean to lead the school into the future. The ideal candidate is “a visionary leader who shares its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service, and who... Read this article online
Women Agriculture Leaders Embrace Innovation and Growth Monday, November 11, 2024 By Deanna Ciaccia The future of agriculture depends on diverse leadership that can drive innovation and address the sector's evolving challenges. Women are already at the forefront of this transformation, leading advancements in agtech, sustainable farming practices, and... Read this article online
40 Agriculture Groups Urge Senate to Reject Bill C-282 Sunday, November 10, 2024 Forty of Canada's leading agriculture and agri-food groups sent a letter today to the Senate urging them to reject Bill C-282. Bill C-282 is an Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management). "This bill risks handcuffing Canada’s... Read this article online
Lift heavy equipment with ease - TG Equipment Jack Sunday, November 10, 2024 Byline: Denise Faguy The TG Equipment Jack is a heavy-duty lifting device designed for large high clearance sprayers. This Cool Tools’ innovative design ensures secure and stable lifting of heavy equipment, making it an essential tool for repairs and tire changes. Key... Read this article online
Ontario’s Best in Agri-Food Excellence 2024 Thursday, November 7, 2024 Ontario celebrates excellence in agriculture and food sector achievements The Government of Ontario is celebrating the achievements of outstanding contributors in the agriculture and food industry through the 2024 Excellence in Agriculture Awards. This year’s awards recognize 13... Read this article online