Whole Foods introduces 'value-oriented' stores Sunday, October 4, 2015 Saddled with the moniker "whole paycheck" because of its prices, premium grocer Whole Foods will open its first five "value-oriented" concept stores branded "365 by Whole Foods Markets" next year in the United States.These stores will carry its private brands promoted as "products that can fill your pantry without emptying your pocketbook." The stores will carry products made from whole grain flours, "shade grown coffee," organic milk and frozen vegetables, presumably also organically grown. Animal welfare and meat quality standards will be maintained, including "no antibiotics, ever."There is no indication if this concept will come to Canada, or if some of the "savings" will be taken by lower prices paid to suppliers, i.e. farmers, who do a lot more work to get a premium price for their products.In its last fiscal year, Whole Foods reported sales of US$14 billion from 421 stores in the United States, Canada and United Kingdom. According to its website, there are six Whole Foods stores in Ontario. BF Judge says Chinese ownership irrelevant Behind the Lines - October 2015
Canadian Grain Commission Updates Grain Grading Rules for 2026-27 Crop Year Tuesday, July 14, 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
Snap Beans are the Fastest-Growing Vegetable Crop in Canada? Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Fresh yellow and green bean season is officially underway across Ontario and Quebec, bringing one of Canada's most popular summer vegetables to grocery stores and farmers' markets. Harvest typically begins in July and continues through early fall, with both provinces serving as... Read this article online
Minnesota Wildfires Threaten Agriculture as Governor Walz Mobilizes National Guard Monday, July 13, 2026 Farmers across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario and Manitoba are closely monitoring a growing wildfire situation in northern Minnesota after Governor Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency and mobilized the Minnesota National Guard to assist firefighting efforts. The decision... Read this article online
Gordie Howe International Bridge Could Boost Canadian Agriculture Through Faster Trade and Lower Costs Monday, July 13, 2026 The upcoming opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor, Ont., and Detroit, Mich., could provide significant long-term benefits for Canada's agriculture and agri-food sectors. As announced last week, it is scheduled to open on July 27, 2026. The six-lane... Read this article online
Ontario Cherries are Ready to Eat Monday, July 13, 2026 Ontario Cherry Season Begins Across Key Fruit-Growing Regions Ontario's cherry season is officially underway, bringing one of the province's mostanticipatedsummer fruits to farm markets, grocery stores, and roadside stands. Harvest activity typically begins in July and continues through... Read this article online