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
Study reveals key climate drivers of potato beetle outbreaks Monday, April 6, 2026 A long term research project from Michigan State University (MSU) and the University of Wisconsin is offering new insight into what drives Colorado potato beetle outbreaks, giving US potato growers a clearer picture of how weather patterns and environmental conditions shape one of the... Read this article online
Broadband Access is a Defining Issue for Rural Canada’s Future Thursday, April 2, 2026 Broadband connectivity took centre stage during the on March 26, as speakers emphasized that reliable, high-speed internet is now foundational to rural economic growth, community well-being, and Canada’s broader ambitions in technology and resource development. The Coalition’s latest... Read this article online
Agricultural Educator and Industry Leader Dr Tom Funk Remembered for Lasting Influence Thursday, April 2, 2026 The agricultural education community is mourning the passing of Dr Tom Funk, a highly respected Professor Emeritus at the University of Guelph whose influence spanned more than three decades of teaching, leadership, and mentorship. Dr Funk dedicated over 35 years to teaching... Read this article online
What Distributed Energy Resources Mean for Canadian Producers Thursday, April 2, 2026 As energy costs rise, many Canadian farms are looking for ways to take greater control of their electricity use. One term that farmers are hearing more often is distributed energy resources, often shortened to DERs. While the phrase may sound technical, the concept is highly practical, and... Read this article online
Western Fair District Wins Agribusiness Award 2026 Thursday, April 2, 2026 Western Fair District has been named the winner of the 2026 Business Achievement Award in Agribusiness by the London Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes the organization’s strong efforts in supporting agriculture, innovation, and community development. A key part of this... Read this article online