Banana republics cut an EU deal Thursday, January 3, 2013 Last fall, according to The Economist, Latin American countries signed an agreement with the European Union (EU), ending a two-decade-long trade war over restricted imports of bananas. When the EU was formed, it had given preferential treatment to producers of bananas in Africa, the Pacific and even the Caribbean, whilst imposing quotas and tariffs on fruit from 11 Latin American countries. The Latin American countries began to push back 20 years ago and finally succeeded.The EU imports one third of the US$8 billion-worth of bananas exported around the world annually. Ecuador is expected to benefit and it is already Europe's biggest supplier. The Economist described this as the longest running dispute in the history of multi-national trade, a dubious distinction. Haven't Canada and the United States been arguing with the EU over exports of beef raised using implants for at least that long? BF Brazil subsidizes its agriculture January 2013- Natural culling or getting fleeced?
Canada Packers Posts Strong Volume Growth and Profitability in First Year as Standalone Company Tuesday, March 17, 2026 Canada Packers Inc., recently split off from Maple Leaf Foods, reported its financial results earlier this month for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2025, highlighting increased hog volumes, steady sales growth and disciplined financial execution. In the fourth quarter of 2025,... Read this article online
Senators examine Canada’s food system firsthand during southwestern Ontario fact finding mission Monday, March 16, 2026 A delegation of Canadian senators conducted a full day fact finding mission on Friday, March 6, 2026, visiting several major food system organizations and research facilities across Southwestern Ontario. The tour supported the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry’s ongoing... Read this article online
Canada’s Real Seasons (According to Farmers Who Actually Live Here) Monday, March 16, 2026 According to a chart that’s been making the rounds on social media, courtesy of The Weather Network—the Canadian calendar has officially been updated. Apparently, we no longer live by the simple rhythm of winter, spring, summer, and fall. Instead, we now rotate through such crowd... Read this article online
Ontario Equine Industry Drives Rural Economy Monday, March 16, 2026 A new economic study has revealed the major contribution of Ontario’s equine agricultural sector to the province’s economy and rural communities. The Ontario Equine Agricultural Economic Impact Study Report provides the first comprehensive evaluation of the industry since 2010 and offers... Read this article online
Julia Montgomery Named OVC Dean Monday, March 16, 2026 The University of Guelph has announced the appointment of Dr. Julia Montgomery as the new dean of the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC).She will begin her five-year leadership term on June 15, 2026.The appointment marks an important step for one of Canada’s most respected veterinary... Read this article online