Bill's defeat brings grain farmers relief Thursday, February 10, 2011 by KRISTIAN PARTINGTONGrain Farmers of Ontario’s chief spokesman says his organization is “quite pleased” a controversial bill that would have added another step into the approval process for genetically engineered seeds was defeated Wednesday in the House of Commons. Up for its third and final reading, private member's bill C-474 called for “an analysis of potential harm to export markets be conducted before the sale of any new genetically engineered seed is permitted,” for use in Canada. Parliament rejected the motion with 178 members voting for it and 98 against.Once governments bring “subjectivity into the registration process you get behind the game competitively with other countries,” said Barry Senft, Grain Farmers’ CEO. Ontario growers are already satisfying markets for both genetically engineered and traditional products without having to resort to “an overall ban or bringing this uncertainty into the registration process,” he added. He pointed to identity preserved and non-GMO soybeans as an example of “a significant, program within Ontario that customers have the option” of utilizing.In an email issued Wednesday by his press secretary, federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz called the bill’s defeat, “good news for farmers,” and said it was critical “that our system remain based firmly in science.” “Economics is a science as well and you have to make sure that if you introduce something into the market that people are going to be able to make money off it,” said NDP MP Alex Atamanenko, the bill's sponsor, following the vote. Atamanenko noted he's had more than 13,000 letters and emails of support and various organizations across the country have come out in support of his bill.“This debate has only just started,” he said. BF Biodiesel rules a boost for farming Group wants resolution on agricultural business risk management
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