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
Canada and Ontario Invest $12M in Farm Sustainability Program Tuesday, June 16, 2026 The governments of Canada and Ontario are providing an additional $12 million through the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI) to help farmers invest in technologies and management practices that improve efficiency, lower operating costs, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of... Read this article online
Rappa High-Speed Electric Fencing System Friday, June 12, 2026 Rappa has introduced its vehicle-mounted fencing solution, the Rappa Winder, to the U.S. market, offering a faster and more efficient way to install and retrieve electric fencing. The system reduces fencing time by up to 80 percent, allowing producers to deploy approximately 650... Read this article online
P&H and Picton Terminals officially open new Picton grain facility after months of early operations Wednesday, June 10, 2026 Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited (P&H) and Picton Terminals formally opened their new bulk agricultural marine terminal today, June 10, 2026—an event that marks the public debut of a facility that has already been operating for months. Construction wrapped up in February, with... Read this article online
Ontario Crops Show Strong Start Despite Weather Challenges Friday, June 5, 2026 Acorrding to the OMAFA fieldcropnews.com, crop conditions across Ontario indicate a generally positive start to the growing season, although dry weather and cool soil temperatures have created uneven growth and management challenges. Corn planting is nearly complete across most regions, with... Read this article online
Kudrinkos Store Shines with Farm Focused Award Thursday, June 4, 2026 A grocery store in Ontario, Kudrinko in Westport has 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