Supreme Court turfs processors' appeal of cheese regulations Thursday, November 24, 2011 by SUSAN MANNCanada’s agriculture minister says he’s pleased with the Supreme Court of Canada’s Thursday decision to reject an appeal by two cheese manufacturers challenging rules for cheese compositional standards. “Canadian consumers will continue to have access to world-class cheese products made from ingredients of the highest quality,” says Gerry Ritz in a press release. The decision to turf the appeal upholds the federal government’s authority to set compositional standards, he states.The Supreme Court’s website didn’t give a reason for its decision. The appeal was dismissed with costs. The two processors, Saputo Inc. and Kraft, launched the appeal after the Federal Court of Appeal dismissed their challenge earlier this year of government amendments to the national cheese standards in the Food and Drug Regulations. Dairy Farmers of Canada spokesperson Therese Beaulieu says by email dairy farmers have always supported the goal of protecting the integrity of Canadian cheeses so they live up to consumer expectations.“DFC has welcomed standards that ensure consistency and integrity of all cheeses, which will serve to reinforce consumer confidence in Canadian cheeses and lead to growth in the dairy industry,” she says.Despite processors saying cheese making in Canada would be threatened by the standards, Beaulieu says there have been several new cheeses created since the cheese standards have come into force.Compositional standards for cheese outline basic requirements so these food products have a uniform composition and meet consumers’ expectations. The regulations list the minimum level of milk that must be used to produce various cheeses but also allow for other milk products, such as skim milk powder, whey, and milk protein concentrates. Processors have said the regulations force them to buy more raw full fat milk to produce cheese by limiting the use of ingredients made from milk and that pushes up their production costs. As part of the standards that came into effect Dec. 14, 2008, the government maintains a licensing system for cheese importers to facilitate the enforcement of regulations in a consistent and equitable way. The standards apply to cheese marketed in import, export or interprovincial trade. BF Lower costs raised farm incomes in 2010 Raw milk crusader slapped with fine, probation
Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week veterinary prize awarded Saturday, June 14, 2025 has been a mainstay for the agricultural industry in Grey and Bruce Counties since 1966. While things have evolved over the years, the mandate to provide information to producers and agribusiness has remained firm. Seventeen years ago, the event committee created an annual $1,000 ... Read this article online
Canada Grows Hope Abroad Friday, June 13, 2025 Toronto-based indoor farming company transforms food access in Moldova with first-of-its-kind humanitarian hydroponic project A new Canadian-led indoor farming project is changing lives in Moldova. Built by Just Vertical in partnership with GlobalMedic, the hydroponic farm is the first... Read this article online
Ontario Bean Growers are having a day and you are invited Friday, June 13, 2025 The Ontario Bean Growers have announced it will be holding its annual on August 20, 2025. The day begins with research presentations at 1 pm. Details of the research presentations will be published as they become available. At 4 pm, Chris Gillard will lead attendees on a tour... Read this article online
Ottawa Police looking for farm equipment accident witnesses Thursday, June 12, 2025 The Ottawa Police Service is looking for witnesses or people with dashcam footage to come forward regarding an accident involving farm equipment. A vehicle struck farm equipment on June 6 at Twin Elm Road and Brophy Drive around 6 p.m. The accident resulted in two people requiring... Read this article online
Canada Not Fully Using its Agriculture Potential and Not Competitive Thursday, June 12, 2025 Canada is known for its natural wealth — including minerals, energy, forestry, and agriculture. Among these, the agriculture and agri-food sector stands out with enormous global export potential. This according to Senator Mary Robinson on her Senate of Canada weppage. Senator Robinson... Read this article online