After providing Canadian families with a reliable source of food throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s agriculture sector is in a position to help lead the post-pandemic economic recovery. But in order to do so, farmers are telling their governments that they cannot do it without help. Beyond the unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, […] Read more

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An American firm is developing a new type of camelina, which produces bioplastic in the seed. Yield10 Bioscience of Massachusetts announced this morning that the bioplastic in the seed could eventually be used to make biodegradable consumer products, such as Ziploc sandwich bags or bio-degradable grocery bags. “It is truly exciting to reach this milestone […] Read more

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Federal agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and her Ontario counterpart have issued a statement urging all provinces to support proposed changes to AgriStability. Swift endorsement and delivery of this enhanced AgriStability program is critical,” Bibeau and Ernie Hardeman said. They said farmers face challenges from COVID-19, yet have pressed on. “While the proposed changes to AgriStability […] Read more

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Due to growing public opposition to its plans for the development of open-pit coal mines on Alberta’s eastern slopes, the provincial government has blinked. “We have listened carefully to the concerns raised in recent days, and thank those who spoke up with passion,” energy minister Sonya Savage said in a statement Jan. 18. “As a […] Read more

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Canadian country musicians are opposing an Alberta decision easing the development of open-pit coal mines along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. “One of the things I’d like to point out is that people get kind of annoyed when some entertainers talk about current events, and I agree with them most of the time,” […] Read more

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Canadian grain farmers grew a huge oat crop in 2020. It came at a time when global demand for oats was high due to a number of factors, including increased demand from the United States and Mexico, and lower production in Australia, a key competitor. Another major factor was unexpectedly strong demand from South America, […] Read more

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Saskatchewan’s crop producers say it’s time farmers were compensated for the contributions they’ve made toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They want provincial crop commissions and grower associations to lobby government for a system that does just that. During Crop Production Week meetings, numerous provincial crop commissions representing oilseed, cereal grain, pulse crop and special crop […] Read more

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As Canadians brace for a COVID-19 vaccine shortage, it remains unclear when temporary foreign workers — thousands of whom are employed in meat packing plants — will receive it. On Jan. 15, Canada’s minister responsible for vaccine procurement, Anita Anand, said the country’s supply of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine was experiencing a delay because the […] Read more

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Harvest Meats, based in Yorkton, Sask., has issued a recall for its Harvest brand Polish sausages due to undercooking. The 675-gram package with a best-before date of March 15, 2021, is the batch affected. The sausage has been distributed in all western provinces as well as Ontario and Northwest Territories. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency […] Read more

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Canada is exploring the merits of a trade agreement with Indonesia. International Trade Minister Mary Ng announced Jan. 11 that Canada was beginning public consultations. “Canada is committed to diversifying trade across the Asia-Pacific region to create new trade and investment opportunities for all Canadians,” Ng said in a statement. “Deepening trade ties with Indonesia […] Read more

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