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
Ontario’s most problematic weed -- Canada Fleabane Cuts Corn and Soybean Yields Wednesday, September 17, 2025 At the , Dr. Peter Sikkema of the University of Guelph highlighted the persistent challenge of Canada fleabane, one of Ontario’s most problematic weeds. Once easily controlled with glyphosate, the weed has now developed resistance not only to glyphosate but also to multiple herbicide... Read this article online
Augusta Van Muyen selected as the 67th Grape King Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Grape Growers of Ontario and Farm Credit Canada have announced that Lincoln vineyard manager Augusta Van Muyen has been chosen by her peers as the . Currently, the vineyard manager at Tawse Winery, Van Muyen, followed a path to success that took her across Ontario and the world.... Read this article online
Grain Growers of Canada calls on Carney to Prioritize Upgrades to the Port of Vancouver Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is calling on the federal government to urgently prioritize major upgrades to the Port of Vancouver and its connecting rail infrastructure. The organization warns that without these improvements, Canada’s economic growth and global trade reliability are at... Read this article online
Strategies to Optimize Market Returns in Ontario Monday, September 15, 2025 Berkley Fedorchuk, grain marketing specialist with Hensall Co-op in Southwestern Ontario, recently shared insights into the current corn market and strategies for forward marketing during his presentation at the . With a focus on the Ontario and Eastern Canadian grain sectors,... Read this article online
From Plows to Plates - The 2025 International Plowing Match Returns to Niagara Friday, September 12, 2025 For the first time since 1926, the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo (IPM) is returning to the Niagara Region September 16 to 20. Set to take place in West Lincoln, the 106th edition of this iconic event will run under the theme “,” celebrating the deep roots and fresh flavours of... Read this article online