Sidebar 2: Standardized turbine testing on the way Tuesday, June 2, 2009 There is no standardized testing for small wind turbines, says Sean Whittaker, vice-president of policy for the Canadian Wind Energy Association. But there soon will be. Starting in 2010, buyers of "small" turbines, under 300 kW in capacity, are likely to see new labels on the devices. They will be tested for sound, performance and durability by the Small Wind Certification Council. Whittaker says that standards are being approved now and testing will begin soon. Labels with a rating on them, just like the energy rating on a dishwasher or refrigerator, will be on machines starting in 2010. The program will be voluntary.Whittaker says the Council will be a neutral body "North American in scope and not for profit." Turbines will be tested against a very strict set of rules and a jury will inspect the results. Testing will be expensive. A manufacturer will have to expect to sell many units to go to the bother of testing, Whittaker says.Turbines aren't like a tractor or a combine, Whittaker says. "There are few of them out there and less expertise available on how to deal with them." BF Sidebar 3: Doing the maintenance is important Sidebar 1: Wind energy - 'a work in progress'
Feds say Provinces Need to Act on Interprovincial Alcohol Sales Friday, June 5, 2026 Canada’s federal government is intensifying pressure on provinces and territories to complete negotiations and implement direct-to-consumer alcohol sales, a move expected to benefit agricultural producers, small businesses, and consumers across the country. The statement comes out... Read this article online
: Ontario Crops Show Strong Start Despite Weather Challenges Friday, June 5, 2026 Acorrding to the OMAFA fieldcropnews.com, crop conditions across Ontario indicate a generally positive start to the growing season, although dry weather and cool soil temperatures have created uneven growth and management challenges. Corn planting is nearly complete across most... Read this article online
Rural Canada Is Critical to Trade, Food Security and Economic Recovery Friday, June 5, 2026 Canada is facing global instability, affordability pressures and growing urgency to rebuild its economic foundations. Rural Canada is one of the country’s most important economic assets. Although only about 16% to 18% of Canadians live in rural communities, leaders say those regions... Read this article online
Kudrinkos Store Shines with Farm Focused Award Thursday, June 4, 2026 A grocery store in Ontario,Kudrinkoin Westporthas been recognized for its strong commitment to promoting locally grown food and supporting farmers. The recognition was presented as part of a well-known provincial awards program that highlights retailers who actively encourage the sale of... Read this article online
Transforming Brewers’ Spent Grain into High-Value Ingredients Wednesday, June 3, 2026 A new Canadian agri-food innovation project is set to turn brewery waste into high-value ingredients. Protein Industries Canada has announced a $1.1 million investment to support a collaboration between Terra Bioindustries and Great Western Brewing Company (GWBC). The initiative... Read this article online