MNR explores long term exemption for agriculture from habitat protection provisions Wednesday, May 7, 2014 by SUSAN MANN The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is seeking comments on a plan to continue agriculture’s exemption to the Endangered Species Act’s habitat protection provisions for the bobolink and eastern meadowlark for 14 more months. The current exemption is due to expire in October but under the ministry’s proposal, it would be extended until December 2015. That will give the ministry time to consult the public and stakeholders on the development of a protection and recovery plan for the two ground nesting bird species. It will also give the ministry time to evaluate the Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark Round Table’s recommendations. Among the recommendations of that advisory group, made up of farmers, conservation group representatives, along with the industrial and development sectors, is an “integrated solution package’ that includes a 10-year extension of the current exemption for agriculture, it says in the ministry’s notice on the Environmental Registry. The ministry is actively considering the recommendations in the round table’s report, the notice says. Mark Wales, Ontario Federation of Agriculture president, says “they’re trying to figure out how to implement the 10-year exemption so the 14 months is just buying them some time to finish that process.” The 14-month extension “gives them (the ministry) plenty of time to then put in the 10-year exemption for agriculture,” he says, noting the 10-year exemption for agriculture is the only viable solution. “There is no other option.” The ministry’s notice says hay and pasture lands provide the greatest percentage of bobolink and eastern meadowlark habitat in Ontario. In two previous regulations, the Ontario government gave an exemption period of about three years. The exemption means the protection provisions of the Endangered Species Act do not apply to agricultural operations for bobolink and meadowlark habitats. Comments are due by June 2. BF Quality Meats creditors meeting scheduled for later this month University receives first donation towards new beneficial insect health centre
Organic Farming in Canada Enters the Mainstream as Market Nears $12 Billion Thursday, September 17, 2026 September is recognized as Organic Month across Canada, offering an opportunity to feature a sector that has transformed from a niche market into a significant component of Canadian agriculture. For many years, organic farming was often viewed as a specialized production system... Read this article online
FCC Launches $1 Billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund for Canadian Food Processing Growth Thursday, September 17, 2026 Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has opened a 60-day Expression of Interest (EOI) process for a new $1 billion Agri-food Project Finance initiative, marking one of the largest targeted investments in Canadian food processing infrastructure in recent years. The financing program is intended to... Read this article online
Canadian Innovation Aims to Transform Nitrogen Fertilizers While Eliminating Microplastics Wednesday, September 16, 2026 A Canadian agricultural technology company is taking aim at two of agriculture's most pressing environmental challenges with a new fertilizer innovation designed to improve nitrogen efficiency while eliminating microplastics from crop production. Burnaby, B.C.-based Lucent BioSciences... Read this article online
Canadian Wool Council Opens New Trade Pathways in Italy as Canada Looks Beyond U.S. Markets Wednesday, September 16, 2026 As Canada continues to strengthen trade relationships beyond the United States, the Canadian wool industry is taking a significant step onto the global stage. The Canadian Wool Council (CWC) has launched its third international trade mission, bringing a delegation of Canadian wool... Read this article online
Bruce County International Plowing Match Nears Wednesday, September 16, 2026 With the 2026 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo less than a week away, Bruce County residents, farmers and businesses are being recognized for helping create a welcoming showcase of rural Ontario. Organizers recently celebrated the winners of the 2026 International Plowing... Read this article online