CFIA considers application for reduced lignin engineered alfalfa Thursday, May 23, 2013 by SUSAN MANN Monsanto Canada Inc. and Forage Genetics International are seeking Canadian Food Inspection Agency approval to commercialize their alfalfa that has been genetically engineered for reduced lignin. A notice on CFIA’s website states the companies have filed an application for the unconfined environmental release and livestock feed and food uses of their genetically engineered alfalfa. Their alfalfa line is called KK179. CFIA spokesperson Elena Koutsavakis says by email the “unconfined environmental release” means it would be released into the environment with limited or no restrictions “generally toward commercialization.” This product is different than genetically engineered Roundup Ready alfalfa, which was approved by CFIA and Health Canada for food, feed and environmental release in 2005, she says. In Canada, any genetically engineered plant product must be thoroughly assessed by Health Canada and CFIA and approved by them before it can be released into the environment or used as feed or food, she says. The approval process for genetically engineered plant products is based on internationally recognized scientific guidelines and involves several steps, including assessments of the potential impact of the product on the environment and on human and animal health. BF Huron County farmers take wind fight to tribunal Tougher federal meat inspection might help small plants
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