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
Sunflower farming in Ontario Tuesday, August 19, 2025 While Manitoba dominates sunflower production in Canada—accounting for about 90 percent of the national output (https://oggardenonline.com/where-in-canada-are-sunflowers-grown.html)—Ontario is home to a growing number of sunflower farms. These farms are often smaller in scale and... Read this article online
2025 Livestock Tax Deferral Regions Announced Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has published the initial list of prescribed regions eligible for the 2025 Livestock Tax Deferral provision, a key support measure for Canadian livestock producers grappling with the impacts of extreme weather. “As we continue to see the very... Read this article online
Winter wheat in Ontario: A resilient crop for a sustainable future Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Winter wheat has long been a staple in Ontario’s agricultural landscape, offering both economic and environmental benefits to farmers across the province. Grown primarily in southwestern Ontario, this crop plays a vital role in crop rotation systems, soil health, and food... Read this article online
Better Soil Health Improves Rain Absorption Monday, August 18, 2025 The OMAFA Fieldcropnews.com team recently held demonstrations regarding how soil management can greatly affect the amount of rainfall absorbed into the soil for crop use. This is especially important for corn, soybean, and wheat growers facing dry spells or intense summer storms. In early... Read this article online
Farm ponds and the trouble with algae Monday, August 18, 2025 Farm ponds are more than just tranquil features on rural landscapes—they’re essential tools for water management, livestock care, irrigation, and biodiversity—especially in North America. They are also considered to be a key agricultural asset outside North America, especially in... Read this article online