Smuggling clampdown welcomed Friday, May 16, 2008 by DON STONEMAN The strategy spells out losses suffered by manufacturers and governments, reduced government revenue, increased spending chasing criminals, a serious threat to public safety and health. It points to a study conducted by legitimate manufacturers that found that 22 per cent of Canadian smokers consume illegal cigarettes, up from 16.5 per cent the previous year. Contraband cigarettes hurt farmers at least as much as governments and manufacturers, Vandendriessche told Better Farming on Friday and the damage goes beyond the shrinking of the Ontario tobacco crop by 85 per cent in 10 years. Tobacco farmers are afraid to leave their homes and barns for even a short time, she says because they fear unsold tobacco will be stolen from their barns. Thefts have increased drastically and are linked directly to organized crime and contraband cigarettes. Returning to the farm from even a short time away “we look right at the barn to see if the doors are ajar,” she says. While she hasn’t been robbed other growers have. “I have a wicked dog out there,” she says, as well as a neighbourhood watch program. The strategy paper points out that tobacco farming revenue has fallen considerably and represents a temptation for farmers to “liquidate their stocks through illicit channels.” Tempting as it is, it’s not in a producer’s best interest to take that route, she says: “Farmers need to be part of the solution.” The board is calling for a buyout program that will “right size” the industry so that some producers will get out and some will continue tobacco growing, but not for an unlimited time. “We are not talking about a future (for the industry) for ever and ever,” she emphasizes. The industry’s future is limited. “We know that and we aren’t arguing that.” Currently the flue tobacco board is negotiating with manufacturers to sell the crop that has already been planted and with governments for a buyout plan. Vandendriessche and the board are promoting a buyout strategy that will remain in place until the last growers are ready to leave. The RCMP strategy paper says contraband tobacco seizures continue to increase even though policing resources aimed at the crime has been reduced. The profits from illegal tobacco contribute to illegal drugs and weapons smuggling. Vandendriessche says “as a mom” she is upset that cheap, illegal cigarettes are available so close to schools. Buyers don’t have to drive to find illegal cigarettes, she says. “They will come to you.” BF The Hill: Changing the name doesn't change a program Bovine TB case of little concern to Ontario producers
Sowing Solutions--Guelph’s Agri-Food Research Gets Federal Spotlight Friday, October 3, 2025 The University of Guelph welcomed two prominent federal representatives for a day of engagement and discovery on Friday, October 3rd. Dominique O’Rourke, Member of Parliament for Guelph, hosted the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, for a comprehensive tour... Read this article online
Downtown Diner Delivers a Taste of Canadian Farming to Ottawa Friday, October 3, 2025 This week, the heart of Canada’s capital was filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Canadian agriculture as Sparks Street played host to the Downtown Diner, a pop-up event celebrating Canadian food and the farmers who make it possible. At the center of the conversation was... Read this article online
Poll Reveals Mixed Public Sentiment on BC Ostrich Cull Decision Thursday, October 2, 2025 Farms.com poll shows divided opinions among Canadian farmers on the Supreme Court’s decision to halt the ostrich cull. A recent poll conducted on Farms.com's X account @OntAg aimed to capture Canadian farmers' views on the Supreme Court’s decision to halt the ostrich cull in British... Read this article online
Effective Strategies for Corn Soybean and Wheat Thursday, October 2, 2025 As reported on the OMAFRA website fieldcropnews.com, effective crop residue management in corn, soybean, and wheat fields is key to profitability and long-term soil health. It begins at harvest, with combines and headers set correctly to size and spread residue evenly across the... Read this article online
New Ontario agrobotics challenge seeking high school submissions Thursday, October 2, 2025 A new competition for Ontario high school students is looking for innovative ways to solve challenges in the ag sector. The AgRobotics Ontario Challenge launched at the end of September. The competition is a collaboration between the Western Fair District, the Ontario Council for... Read this article online