Institute says more ag research funding needed: federal budget reaction Wednesday, February 12, 2014 by MATT MCINTOSH Yesterday’s federal budget specifically mentioned the importance of Canada’s agricultural sector, but to achieve that potential, more funding should be dedicated to agricultural research, says the Agricultural Institute of Canada. “Overall, the membership is happy to see research funding, specifically the $1.5 billion for the Canada Research Excellence Fund, and the $15 million for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council,” says Dan Kosick, director of communications at the Agricultural Institute of Canada. “However, we would like to see more funding for agricultural research.” The agricultural initiatives identified for funding in the budget fell short of the institute’s recent recommendations on the federal government’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy – a plan designed to identify areas of investment in scientific research. According to their press release from February 10, the institute gave four recommendations to Industry Canada, the ministry responsible for administering the strategy: Continue to invest in “key business innovation programs and demand driven research.” Set up a “real-time” database listing current research initiatives. Increase funding for federal research laboratories to “engage in long-term” research. “Expand on international accreditation efforts” in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The four recommendations were presented to the government during a public hearing period, which ended on Feb. 7. “The hearing was a chance for us and the rest of the public to weigh in on where funding should be allocated . . . Our recommendations stressed the importance of agriculture,” says Kosick. BF Snow on the railroads George Morris Centre executive director departs; organization undertakes core business review
Ontario Grows Most of the Nation's Celery Friday, July 24, 2026 When Canadians reach for a stalk of celery at the grocery store, there is a good chance it began its journey on an Ontario farm. While celery occupies only a small share of Canada's overall vegetable acreage, the crop continues to play an important role in the country's fresh... Read this article online
University of Guelph Receives $1 Million Gift to Advance Sustainable Materials Research and Bioeconomy Growth Friday, July 24, 2026 The University of Guelph has received a $1-million gift from The WB Family Foundation to expand research into sustainable materials and support the continued growth of Ontario's bioeconomy. The investment will support the University's Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre... Read this article online
Southco Launches R4-50 Rotary Latch with Dual Triggers for Equipment Cabs Friday, July 24, 2026 Southco has launched a new cab access solution aimed at improving safety, durability, and ease of operation in demanding environments. The company’s latest product, the R4-50 Rotary Latch with Dual Triggers, is designed specifically for agricultural and heavy-duty... Read this article online
Zucchini Harvest and Summer Squash – Ontario leads the way. Friday, July 24, 2026 Ontario has the largest field vegetable sector in Canada, with approximately 859,000tonnesof field vegetables produced in 2024, representing about 34% of total Canadian field vegetable production. Quebec was second at about 694,000tonnes. Ontario also has the largest number of field... Read this article online
Pilot project supports Ontario and Quebec ag Friday, July 24, 2026 A new two-year pilot project is designed to help livestock farmers in Quebec by giving them access to an Ontario abattoir. The project, a collaboration between the Quebec and Ontario governments, with additional support from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), would see a limited... Read this article online