Grain growers protest seed bill Saturday, April 17, 2010 by BRIAN LOCKHARTGrain Farmers of Ontario is protesting a proposal that would make the registration of genetically modified seeds in Canada contingent on how other countries view them. The private member’s bill C-474 passed second reading in the House of Commons on Wednesday. Introduced by British Columbia MP and NDP agriculture critic Alex Atamanenko, the bill proposes to amend the Seeds Regulations Act to require an assessment of the impact of genetically modified seeds on export markets. Barry Senft, Grain Farmers of Ontario CEO, says the current process has a “clear cut criteria when genetically modified products are brought forward whether they get registered or not.”The proposed bill, he says, would just create more red tape and reduce the science-based evaluation in the approval process.And that would create an unfair advantage for foreign competition, he says. “You could have the same type of crop being registered in the United States and not registered in Canada because of our criteria which would give U.S. competitors an advantage.Countries in Europe with a sensitivity to genetically modified products could use the legislation as a “non tariff” barrier, he adds.“Given the criteria they’re talking about, this may shut off the whole development of technology just because that one market isn’t accepting to a new technology,” says Senft. “But what about other markets that would be accepting? If you can’t register it, you can’t sell it.”He says several farm groups who are opposed to bill C-474, including the Grain Farmers, plan to lobby the Agricultural Standing Committee on the issue.The bill has been sent to the committee for further study. The committee can amend the bill and send it back to the House with changes or recommend that it shouldn’t proceed. BF— with files from Susan Mann 'Great' new program won't solve vet shortage Crown withdraws charges against beef marketers
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