Chickening out on organic rules Tuesday, March 3, 2009 The seemingly worldwide recession has caused a crisis for organic producers. Sales are down and they can't sell their stuff as consumers tighten their belts and try to make the green stuff in their wallets go further. British newspapers report that organic food sales slumped by 10 per cent in September, October and November, while overall food sales increased six per cent. Organic certification organizations asked the Rural Affairs Secretary to relax stringent rules on animal feed for an indefinite period. They wanted to be able to feed their organic animals conventional feed at half the cost per tonne of organic grains. Standards on stocking densities, antibiotic and fertilizer use would remain in place.Growers are concerned that economic conditions will be even worse in the coming year. The Organic Research Centre condemns the move, fearing that even more consumers will move away from organic food if standards aren't maintained. BF Name your cow and get more milk Clouds over Solar in East Hawkesbury
From Plows to Plates - The 2025 International Plowing Match Returns to Niagara Friday, September 12, 2025 For the first time since 1926, the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo (IPM) is returning to the Niagara Region Setpember 16 to 20. Set to take place in West Lincoln, the 106th edition of this iconic event will run under the theme “,” celebrating the deep roots and fresh flavours of... Read this article online
Festival of Guest Nations returns to Leamington Friday, September 12, 2025 On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Seacliff Park in Leamington, Ontario, will come alive with music, food, and celebration as the Festival of Guest Nations returns to honour the migrant worker communities who play a vital role in Essex County’s agricultural economy. With more than 20 years... Read this article online
York Region launching new Agri-Food Startup Program Thursday, September 11, 2025 A new program in York Region is designed to help entrepreneurs find their footing in the food space. The 14-week hybrid Agri-Food Start-up Program partners entrepreneurs with local organizations like the Foodpreneur Lab, Syzl, York Region Food Network, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island... Read this article online
Corn and Soybean Diseases Spread This Season Wednesday, September 10, 2025 As reported on the OMAFRA website fieldcropnews.com, as well as in previous articles by Farms.com, the 2025 growing season is nearing its end with corn and soybean farmers in Ontario and the U.S. Corn Belt facing disease challenges that reflect changing weather conditions. For corn, two... Read this article online
Wheat Output Decline Projected for 2025 Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Statistics Canada’s latest modelled estimates suggest that wheat production in Canada will decline slightly in 2025, driven primarily by weaker yields across several regions. National output is expected to edge down 1.1% to 35.5 million tonnes, with yields forecast to fall 1.2% to 49.6... Read this article online