Processing industry looking to polish its image Tuesday, June 12, 2012 by SUSAN MANNThere’s a shortage of skilled labour capable of maintaining food-processing equipment and Ontario’s newly appointed Jobs and Prosperity Council needs to address it, says a food industry spokesman.Steve Peters, executive director of the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors, says the food and beverage manufacturing sector is a major contributor to Ontario’s economy. It contributes 90,000 direct jobs and is a $39 billion a year industry for the province. The alliance represents more than 650 food and beverage processing companies in Ontario.He described the sector as the farmers’ best customer with 65 per cent of Ontario agricultural production being purchased by food and beverage companies in the province.“One of the things that needs to happen is the profile needs to be raised regarding job opportunities within the food and beverage sector,” he says, noting there’s a perception that food and drink manufacturing jobs are dirty and poorly paid but that is very far from reality.Peters says the council should also look at programs food and beverage manufacturers could use to upgrade their equipment. And it should look at how a better relationship between farmers, processors and retailers can be created. The government announced the formation of the council in this year’s budget and recently appointed 13 members plus chair Gordon Nixon, president and CEO of RBC, the Royal Bank of Canada, and its subsidiaries. The council will report directly to Premier Dalton McGuinty and have its first meeting later this month.Michael McCain, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods Inc., is the only food manufacturer’s representative on the council.Peters says his appointment is a recognition by the government of the industry’s importance.The council’s mission is to generate new ideas and approaches for improving Ontario’s long-term productivity and competitiveness. It’s made up of leaders from business, labour and the research community. BF Shropshire sheep found Farm registration grinds to halt
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
Bayer De Ruiter® Advances Tomato Innovation Monday, June 1, 2026 In mid-May, Bayer De Ruiter® hosted its Spring Demo Day in Leamington, Ontario, bringing together growers and industry partners. The event gave attendees a close look at the latest developments in greenhouse tomatoes and specialty crop production. The event was held in one of North... Read this article online
Wet Spring Delays Ontario Field Crop Progress Sunday, May 31, 2026 Persistent rainfall across Ontario through late May temporarily stalled fieldwork, but improving weather conditions are now helping farmers regain momentum, according to the latest Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) Field Crop News report released May... Read this article online