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
Rural Canada Is Critical to Trade, Food Security and Economic Recovery Friday, June 5, 2026 Canada is facing global instability, affordability pressures and growing urgency to rebuild its economic foundations. Rural Canada is one of the country’s most important economic assets. Although only about 16% to 18% of Canadians live in rural communities, leaders say those regions... Read this article online
Kudrinkos Store Shines with Farm Focused Award Thursday, June 4, 2026 A grocery store in Ontario,Kudrinkoin Westporthas been recognized for its strong commitment to promoting locally grown food and supporting farmers. The recognition was presented as part of a well-known provincial awards program that highlights retailers who actively encourage the sale of... Read this article online
Transforming Brewers’ Spent Grain into High-Value Ingredients Wednesday, June 3, 2026 A new Canadian agri-food innovation project is set to turn brewery waste into high-value ingredients. Protein Industries Canada has announced a $1.1 million investment to support a collaboration between Terra Bioindustries and Great Western Brewing Company (GWBC). The initiative... Read this article online
Ontario Marks Local Food Week 2026 Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Local Food Week began on Monday, June 1and runs until June 7, 2026--celebrating the important role of farmers, food processors, and agribusinesses in Ontario, providing safe, healthy, and high-quality food for families while supporting the province’s economy. The government is highlighting... Read this article online
Ontario Pork Congress 2026 Set to Showcase Innovation and Growth in Canada’s Swine Sector Tuesday, June 2, 2026 The Ontario pork sector will take centre stage this summer as the 2026 Ontario Pork Congress (OPC) returns to Stratford, Ontario, on June 17–18, bringing together producers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders for one of Canada’s premier livestock events. Held annually at the... Read this article online