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
Red Tape Pushes 70% of Agri Businesses to Deter Next Generation from Farming Thursday, February 5, 2026 Canada’s food production system is under mounting pressure as agri-businesses warn that regulatory overload is discouraging the next generation from entering the industry. A new snapshot from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reveals that almost 70% of agri... Read this article online
Ontario maple producers to kick off 2026 syrup season with First Tapping Ceremony Thursday, February 5, 2026 The start of Ontario’s maple syrup season will be officially welcomed next month as the Grey Bruce and District Maple Syrup Producers prepare to host their annual in Grey Highlands on February 8, 2026. The event marks the symbolic launch of the new maple season, when producers,... Read this article online
Canada’s Ag Day Is Coming Soon – Here is why it matters! Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Canada’s Ag Day is a national moment to recognize the people who grow, raise, make, and move our food. Ag Day will be on February 10th and it will be celebrating its 10th anniversary. But beneath the celebration lies something even more essential: our food system depends on... Read this article online
Growing Home with BASF Opens 2026 Nominations Wednesday, February 4, 2026 After strong community engagement in 2025, BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada is inviting Canadians to take part once again as nominations open for the 2026 Growing Home with BASF program. Now entering its fourth year, the initiative continues to support organizations that play an... Read this article online
Wean-to-Finish Survivability Drives Performance and Profitability Monday, February 2, 2026 Looking beyond mortality totals to understand survivability challenges and opportunities in wean-to-finish production. Wean-to-finish survivability has become a growing point of pressure for the swine industry. As pigs grow, the financial impact is significantly greater than losses... Read this article online