Growing Forward programs announced Tuesday, December 11, 2012 by BETTER FARMING STAFFThree new federal programs that will come into effect in April 2013 were announced Friday by Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. They include something called AgriInnovation that, according to the announcement’s news release, will provide investment to “expand the sector’s capacity to develop and commercialize new products and technologies.”The programs, as outlined in the news release, are part of the $3 billion Growing Forward 2 policy framework agreed between federal, provincial and territorial ministers in September.The second program announced is AgriMarketing to help industry “improve its capacity to adopt assurance systems,” such as food and safety traceability. It will also support branding and promotional activities to maintain and “seize” new markets for their products.The third program – AgriCompetitiveness – will target investments “to help strengthen the agriculture and agri-food industry’s capacity to adapt and be profitable in domestic and global markets.”AgriInnovation will start accepting applications immediately while the other two programs will accept applications in the new year.Growing Forward 2 is a five-year policy framework to replace the original Growing Forward program, which expires April 1, 2013. BF Order to pay township's legal fees sets a 'dangerous precedent' says Lystek protester White bean growers and marketing commission settle differences
Protect Lake Simcoe from Water Soldier Spread Monday, May 18, 2026 Residents and visitors in Ontario are being encouraged to protect Lake Simcoe from watersoldier, a fast-growing invasive aquatic plant. This plant spreads quickly in shallow water and along shorelines, making activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating difficult. It can also pose a... Read this article online
90 percent of agri-businesses are concerned about the future of Canadian agriculture Thursday, May 14, 2026 Canada’s agriculture sector is facing a prolonged period of low confidence and limited growth, raising concerns about its long-term resilience. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), agri-business sentiment remains near the bottom across all industries, with... Read this article online
Grain Bin Emergencies Turn Deadly in Seconds, but Training Can Save Lives Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Would you know what to do if someone you loved was trapped in a grain bin? The reality is sobering. Compared to a flowing mass of grain, a person is only several bushels in volume. When grain begins moving, escape becomes nearly impossible. In most cases of full grain engulfment,... Read this article online
Free safety kits help Canadian farm families teach children safe farming habits Wednesday, May 13, 2026 BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada is celebrating five years of the BASF Safety Scouts program, an initiative designed to help farm families teach children about farm safety in a fun and engaging way. Since its launch in 2021, the program has supported safe learning by providing free... Read this article online
Tom Green bringing celebrities to his Ont. farm Tuesday, May 12, 2026 A Canadian known for his comedic chops in Hollywood is bringing some friends to his Ontario farm. THE TOM GREEN FARM, starring Tom Green, whose movie credits include Road Trip and Charlie’s Angels, begins airing on May 29 on Crave. The backdrop of the show is Green’s 150-acre farm in... Read this article online