Canada's seed potatoes nematode free: again Thursday, February 17, 2011 by BETTER FARMING STAFFFor the third year in a row the Canadian Food Inspection Agency found no sign of potato cyst nematodes in its survey of the country’s seed potato production fields.Brian Rex, acting national manager of the agency’s potato cyst nematode section, says that means seed potatoes produced in the surveyed areas will receive a green light for export. Survey results “facilitate market access for exports of Canadian seed potatoes” going to countries requiring assurance that the seed potatoes are free of the pest, he explains. The nematode does not pose a risk to human health but is recognized internationally as a quarantined plant pest. If left unmanaged it can reduce yields in potatoes and related crops such as tomato and eggplant.The potato cyst nematodes are microscopic wormlike organisms. Infestations are usually localize. Signs include yellowing, wilting or death of foliage and small potato tubers. In heavy infestations the cyst nematodes will be clearly visible on the plant’s roots.The agency analyzed 43,200 soil samples and tested about 80 per cent of the Canadian seed potato production area. Seed potatoes produced on fields that haven’t been surveyed can’t be exported, Rex says.Rex says some nematodes were found in Quebec and Alberta in 2006. Alberta, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick are Canada’s main potato seed producing provinces. In 2010, Ontario had 270 hectares of the country’s top 50 registered seed potatoes. PEI had 5,467 hectares, the most in the country. BF No appeal in alfalfa case CFIA outsources soybean seed crop inspection
FCC Predicts Canadian Farmers will Wait to Buy New Farm Equipment Thursday, May 1, 2025 This year may not be the year to buy a brand-new John Deere X Series combine. No matter how great it would be to raise harvest capacity by 45 percent, Canadian farmers may put off their purchase until later. Rising farm equipment prices due to trade disruptions will alter farmers'... Read this article online
Holland Marsh Celebrates 100 Years of Agricultural Excellence Thursday, May 1, 2025 Celebrating a century of farming, community, and natural heritage in Ontario’s “Salad Bowl” 2025 marks a significant milestone for the town of Bradford West Gwillimbury as it celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Holland Marsh—a region renowned for its rich soil, vibrant farming... Read this article online
How will Carney work with Farmers? Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Prime Minister Carney has a mandate to lead the country, but the country is quite divided, and much of the agriculture industry feels alienated. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre have both pledged cooperation on key issues like U.S. tariffs. As the new... Read this article online
Sheep farmers win Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Sheep farmers and wool producers from Wallenstein, Ont. are Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2025. “It’s great to be recognized by your peers in the industry with an award like that,” Ryan Schill told Farms.com. “When we started the sheep farm, there were people questioning us... Read this article online
2025 Election Results Prompt Concern and Reflection Among Prairie Farmers Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Users on Agriville.com weigh-in on the 2025 federal election outcome As news broke on April 28 that Mark Carney’s Liberals had won the 2025 federal election, many western Canadian farmers on Agriville.com shared their reactions. The mood was largely one of disappointment, with... Read this article online