Electric power from potatoes Monday, February 28, 2011 Slices of freshly cooked potatoes can provide electricity for remote, off-grid communities, says a research team at the University of Jerusalem. A slice of potato can generate light for 20 hours, and several slices could power simple medical equipment, or even a low-powered computer.The work was described last year in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy and hinges on a recent discovery that electricity flows from membranes disrupted by boiling. Potato batteries are estimated to generate electricity at a cost of about US$9 per kilowatt hour, about the same cost as AA alkaline batteries. D cells generate electricity for about $50/kWh.Expect to see another debate about "food or energy" to develop. The "antis" argue that these "food batteries" would be grown and used in areas of Africa where food may already be in short supply. Proponents, on the other hand, say many potatoes can't be moved to city markets in time to prevent them from rotting. BF ALUS and EG&S: The tangled world of ecological services Key Asian meat market in turmoil
CFIA Proposes Changes to Expand Interprovincial Meat Movement Friday, July 10, 2026 The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is proposing temporary regulatory changes aimed at improving interprovincial trade of red meat while supporting food security and strengthening Canada's food system. The proposed amendments to the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations would... Read this article online
Lutz Lube Drive Cuts Workplace Strain Friday, July 10, 2026 Lutz Pumpen has introduced a mobile grease pump powered by a cordless screwdriver. Their goal is to help farmers, and others who work regularly with grease pumps to reduce ergonomic strain. Workplace ergonomic strain continues to cost U.S. businesses billions of dollars each year,... Read this article online
Greenfield Global Expands U.S. High-Purity Alcohol Supply Friday, July 10, 2026 Greenfield Global is strengthening its position in the North American high-purity alcohol market through a new long-term agreement with Missouri-based Show Me Ethanol (SME), a move designed to provide customers with enhanced supply security, faster delivery times, and greater protection... Read this article online
Ontario Plowmen's Association Vows to Keep 2027 International Plowing Match in Lambton County on Track Thursday, July 9, 2026 The Ontario Plowmen's Association (OPA) says it remains fully committed to hosting the 2027 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) in Lambton County, despite recent reports that the local volunteer committee has withdrawn from the event following unsuccessful negotiations with... Read this article online
Canadian Grain Commission Updates Grain Grading Rules for 2026-27 Crop Year Wednesday, July 8, 2026 The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) is introducing several important changes to grain grading procedures for the 2026-27 crop year, including updates affecting Canada Western Amber Durum, wheat and red lentils. The revisions, which take effect August 1, were developed following... Read this article online