Specialty foods have different regulatory needs from mainstream products: report Wednesday, March 7, 2012 by DAVE PINK Canada’s specialty food industry needs a little more understanding from government, according to a just-released report commissioned by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and prepared by the Value Chain Management Centre. “The major response from those in the industry is that government is more of an obstacle than a service provider,” says Martin Gooch, a director with the Value Chain Management Centre. Gooch says specialty items exist in all food sectors, but are just a little bit different than mainstream products. They could be items that appeal only to ethnic shoppers, or products that cater to the needs of those with allergies or those on doctor-stipulated diets. “There is a need to provide a more objective and informed platform for government and industry to develop a more effective specialty food system,” he says. “This is about how we can enable innovation to respond to consumer demand. “Most of the regulations now in effect are not designed for specialty foods, but for mainstream commodities,” adds Gooch. “This is not at all about reducing food safety standards,” he says. It’s about bringing Canadian standards in line with internationally accepted standards to more easily accommodate importers. The industry is also asking for more government support with its market intelligence and consumer research. “With immigration and changing diets there are so many factors that are driving change in the food industry,” says Gooch. BF Lucan farm family's creative efforts generate public interest Ontario dairy farmers celebrate top score
Sunflower farming in Ontario Tuesday, August 19, 2025 While Manitoba dominates sunflower production in Canada—accounting for about 90 percent of the national output (https://oggardenonline.com/where-in-canada-are-sunflowers-grown.html)—Ontario is home to a growing number of sunflower farms. These farms are often smaller in scale and... Read this article online
2025 Livestock Tax Deferral Regions Announced Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has published the initial list of prescribed regions eligible for the 2025 Livestock Tax Deferral provision, a key support measure for Canadian livestock producers grappling with the impacts of extreme weather. “As we continue to see the very... Read this article online
Winter wheat in Ontario: A resilient crop for a sustainable future Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Winter wheat has long been a staple in Ontario’s agricultural landscape, offering both economic and environmental benefits to farmers across the province. Grown primarily in southwestern Ontario, this crop plays a vital role in crop rotation systems, soil health, and food... Read this article online
Better Soil Health Improves Rain Absorption Monday, August 18, 2025 The OMAFA Fieldcropnews.com team recently held demonstrations regarding how soil management can greatly affect the amount of rainfall absorbed into the soil for crop use. This is especially important for corn, soybean, and wheat growers facing dry spells or intense summer storms. In early... Read this article online
Farm ponds and the trouble with algae Monday, August 18, 2025 Farm ponds are more than just tranquil features on rural landscapes—they’re essential tools for water management, livestock care, irrigation, and biodiversity—especially in North America. They are also considered to be a key agricultural asset outside North America, especially in... Read this article online