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
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