Ontario's agriculture minister outlines provincial goals for new ag policy Tuesday, September 18, 2012 by SUSAN MANNWater management, conservation and drought-resistant crop research are some of the ways Ontario Agriculture Minister Ted McMeekin would like to spend money set aside for innovation and market development in the new Growing Forward 2 agreement.We might think we’re a petroleum-based economy but there are lots of alternatives to petroleum, the minister notes. There is, however, “no alternative to water,” he says. “If we can get on top of water management, conservation, drought-resistant crops then I think we can position ourselves in the global economy very, very well.” He adds that soil enhancement work in the province should also continue. He made the comments Monday as he outlined his message to Ontario farmers about the new five-year Growing Forward policy framework agreement the federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers reached during their annual meeting last week in Whitehorse, Yukon. Set to begin next year after the current agreement expires March 31, 2013, the agreement contains investments of more than $3 billion over five years across Canada into innovation, competitiveness and market development. The agreement includes a 50 per cent increase in government cost share initiatives.The minister says he’d like to set up an agri-food sector innovation group to monitor what’s happening in Ontario and provide an opportunity for industry players to work together to establish some fresh thinking on strategic investments, innovation and market development. The group would include representatives from the entire value chain, including farm group leaders, academics, the provincial agriculture ministry and people interested in innovation.“You need to ensure the innovation and research that you’re doing is actually contributing to growing the economic sector and it’s not just stuff that’s going to be done and put on a shelf somewhere,” he notes.About the business risk management programs, McMeekin says the new agreement still contains an effective suite of programs. “We tried to find a balance between protecting those programs that farmers rely on and defending the integrity of operations in Ontario.” BF New food safety and veterinary chief officers at CFIA Bean board merger talks fail
How Busch turned bales into advertising dollars for farmers Wednesday, July 29, 2026 Busch is taking a different approach to advertising in rural Canada by moving marketing dollars from city billboards directly into farmers’ fields. The brand’s new “Baleboard” campaign transforms hay bales into oversized six-pack displays inspired by Busch’s limited-edition Farmer’s Pack.... Read this article online
Great Ontario Yield Tour Seeks Volunteer Farm Fields as Final Crop Tour Events Approach Tuesday, July 28, 2026 Ontario farmers have an opportunity to help shape one of the province's most closely watched crop assessments as the Farms.com Great Ontario Yield Tour prepares for another season of field scouting and yield forecasting. The annual tour is currently seeking volunteer farmers who are... Read this article online
Canada Opens Interprovincial Alcohol Sales Monday, July 27, 2026 A major change to Canada's internal marketplace is set to create new opportunities for wineries, breweries and distilleries after nine provinces signed a landmark agreement allowing direct-to-consumer sales of alcoholic beverages across participating jurisdictions. The deal is being hailed... Read this article online
Ontario Spinach is a Relatively Small Crop for the Province Monday, July 27, 2026 Canadians are eating more fresh leafy greens than ever, and spinach continues to be one of the most popular choices in salads,smoothiesand prepared foods– but it islikely notCanadian. Spinach production is highly concentrated in a small number of growing regions across North America.... Read this article online
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