Cleaning up oil spills with milkweed Sunday, March 8, 2015 Using the crop from the world's only industrial milkweed farm, Quebec-based Protec-Style has found an ingenious new way to clean up oil spills, the CBC reports.Protec-Style president François Simard says milkweed fibre is perfectly suited for cleaning oil spills as the fibre is hollow, waxy and naturally repels water. Simard told Vermont Public Radio that milkweed fibre "can do five times better a job than polypropylene (the petroleum-based material currently used to clean spills) because it can absorb up to 50 litres per kilogram of fibre." Furthermore, as milkweed is also the habitat and food source of the endangered monarch butterfly, Protec-Style's milkweed farms have an added benefit for the environment.According to the CBC, Protec-Style currently has 325 hectares of milkweed farm in Quebec and has entered into a $186,651 contract with Parks Canada to supply 50 national parks with the absorbent kits. BF Parchment offers clues to old-time sheep breeding Milk regulations that don't make sense
Canadian Grain and Pork Sectors Join Others in Sound Alarm Over AAFC Research Cuts Friday, February 6, 2026 The Grain Growers of Canada (CGC), the Canadian Pork Council (CPC), and Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) are expressing serious concern following recently announced staff reductions and facility closures or consolidations within Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada (AAFC). The groups warn that... Read this article online
Red Tape Pushes 70% of Agri Businesses to Deter Next Generation from Farming Thursday, February 5, 2026 Canada’s food production system is under mounting pressure as agri-businesses warn that regulatory overload is discouraging the next generation from entering the industry. A new snapshot from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reveals that almost 70% of agri... Read this article online
Ontario maple producers to kick off 2026 syrup season with First Tapping Ceremony Thursday, February 5, 2026 The start of Ontario’s maple syrup season will be officially welcomed next month as the Grey Bruce and District Maple Syrup Producers prepare to host their annual in Grey Highlands on February 8, 2026. The event marks the symbolic launch of the new maple season, when producers,... Read this article online
Canada’s Ag Day Is Coming Soon – Here is why it matters! Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Canada’s Ag Day is a national moment to recognize the people who grow, raise, make, and move our food. Ag Day will be on February 10th and it will be celebrating its 10th anniversary. But beneath the celebration lies something even more essential: our food system depends on... Read this article online
Growing Home with BASF Opens 2026 Nominations Wednesday, February 4, 2026 After strong community engagement in 2025, BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada is inviting Canadians to take part once again as nominations open for the 2026 Growing Home with BASF program. Now entering its fourth year, the initiative continues to support organizations that play an... Read this article online