There's no escaping pesticide residue, claim organic leaders Tuesday, December 13, 2011 by BETTER FARMING STAFFLeaders of Canada’s organic movement say consumers shouldn’t be surprised or alarmed that Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) tests found trace amounts of pesticides in organic apples from Canada, the United States and New Zealand. Records released to CBC News by the CFIA show 23.6 per cent of the 178 organic apples tested in 2009 and 2010 contained pesticide residue.Jacob Pries, in charge of membership and communications for the Organic Council of Ontario, says there is no escaping trace amounts of herbicides, fungicides and pesticides, “because we live in a polluted world. They find pesticides in Arctic ice.”Ted Zettel, president of the Organic Federation of Canada, says, “these things are in the air and in the water so these trace amounts are not something that we would be surprised or alarmed at.” Zettel added that producers and consumers understand “that there has never been or will be any claim to be perfectly pure or free from the agricultural toxins that contaminate the landscape.”While routine chemical testing is not part of the organic certification process, Zettel says random tests are allowed if there “is suspicion of fraud” on the part of the producer.Pries says the main problem facing Canadian organic apple producers is post-harvest contamination in processing centres where conventional apples have been dipped in a fungicide. “It’s real hard to get those fungicides out of the buildings, out of the processing centres,” he says. BF Flour mill planned for Guelph site Prince Edward County farmer wins wheat yield challenge
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online