University receives first donation towards new beneficial insect health centre Tuesday, May 6, 2014 by SUSAN MANN The University of Guelph has received the first donation towards a new Centre for Beneficial Insect Health that it is developing. Bayer CropScience Inc. has donated $750,000 towards the project. Lori Bona Hunt, the university’s communications and public affairs director, says by email the university approached Bayer for the donation “with the proposed centre flagged as a priority.” She adds Bayer agreed to have its donation used for the centre, which is being set up through the Environmental Sciences School. The centre is “in the development stages,” she says, adding she wasn’t sure when it would be up and running. The centre’s work will have an emphasis on sustainable pest management in agriculture, including projects on field and horticultural crops, greenhouse production, insecticide resistance and biological insect control, the university’s May 5 press release says. The diversity and numbers of insect pollinators are falling globally due to a number of factors, including disease, pesticide exposure, malnutrition, habitat loss and climate change, the release says. In Canada, 28 species of butterflies and moths and two bee species are known to be at risk. Pollinators are vital to agriculture. Of approximately 300 crops used for food, fodder and fibre worth more than $200 billion a year, about 80 per cent need pollinators to set seeds and fruit, the release says. Ontario Agricultural College dean Rob Gordon, says in the release the donation will help the university find innovative ways to improve pest management systems while safe guarding pollinators and promoting a productive agricultural industry. The donation from Bayer compliments an earlier donation of $3 million from the W. Garfield Weston Foundation that helped the university establish a chair in pollinator conservation to be held by Nigel Raine of Britain. Bona Hunt says Bayer’s donation, made to the university’s BetterPlanet Project, is one of the largest donations to the project. Some of the other large contributions are in the range of $3 to $5 million. The BetterPlanet Project is the university’s fundraising campaign for teaching and research in food, environment, health and communities. BF MNR explores long term exemption for agriculture from habitat protection provisions Canada's pullet growers denied marketing agency
Canada Packers Posts Strong Volume Growth and Profitability in First Year as Standalone Company Tuesday, March 17, 2026 Canada Packers Inc., recently split off from Maple Leaf Foods, reported its financial results earlier this month for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2025, highlighting increased hog volumes, steady sales growth and disciplined financial execution. In the fourth quarter of 2025,... Read this article online
Canada’s Real Seasons (According to Farmers Who Actually Live Here) Monday, March 16, 2026 According to a chart that’s been making the rounds on social media, courtesy of The Weather Network—the Canadian calendar has officially been updated. Apparently, we no longer live by the simple rhythm of winter, spring, summer, and fall. Instead, we now rotate through such crowd... Read this article online
Ontario Equine Industry Drives Rural Economy Monday, March 16, 2026 A new economic study has revealed the major contribution of Ontario’s equine agricultural sector to the province’s economy and rural communities. The Ontario Equine Agricultural Economic Impact Study Report provides the first comprehensive evaluation of the industry since 2010 and offers... Read this article online
Julia Montgomery Named OVC Dean Monday, March 16, 2026 The University of Guelph has announced the appointment of Dr. Julia Montgomery as the new dean of the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC).She will begin her five-year leadership term on June 15, 2026.The appointment marks an important step for one of Canada’s most respected veterinary... Read this article online
Canada Seeks Agriculture Champions for Hall of Fame Sunday, March 15, 2026 The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association is inviting nominations for individuals who have made lasting and meaningful contributions to the agriculture and food industry in Canada. The organization is seeking candidates for the 2026 class of inductees, with nominations accepted... Read this article online