Urban bees use plastic to build hives Thursday, May 1, 2014 "Busy" may need to be changed to "resourceful." A recent study by scientists from the University of Guelph and York University shows that two Toronto bee species are using bits of plastic waste as construction material for their brood cells. Scott MacIvor and Andrew Moore published their findings in Ecosphere in December. By observing trap nests in Toronto, they discovered that the Megachile campanulae hives, traditionally made with plant and tree resins, had bits of polyurethane exterior house sealant incorporated into them. And the hives of Megachile rotundata (leafcutter bees), usually made with leaves, contained chewed-up pieces of plastic bags. The study shows that the use of plastics was "incidental" rather than accidental and not a result of a shortage of natural building materials. Larvae developed successfully from the trap nests. Plastic may have an advantage as it can physically impede parasites. BF Herbicide resistance a problem . . . for somebody else Behind the Lines - May 2014
Festival celebrates migrant workers in Leamington Friday, September 11, 2026 The Festival of Guest Nations will mark its 20th anniversary on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Seacliff Park in Leamington, Ontario, bringing together migrant workers, local residents, community organizations, and service providers for a day focused on culture, community, and... Read this article online
El Niño Forecast Signals Warm Fall Across Canada Friday, September 11, 2026 According to the Weather Network, the El Niño is strengthening and is expected to become one of the most significant events on record, raising questions about how the climate pattern could influence Canada’s fall weather and the end to the growing season for producers. With El Niño... Read this article online
Premier Ford names new ag minister in cabinet shuffle Thursday, September 10, 2026 When the Ontario legislature returns in October, the province’s agriculture industry will have a new voice at Queen’s Park. In a Sept. 10 cabinet shuffle, Premier Ford named Sam Oosterhoff as the new minister of agriculture, food and agribusiness. He takes over for Trevor Jones, who... Read this article online
Canada Trade Tribunal Submits Report on Vegetable Imports and Potential Industry Injury Thursday, September 10, 2026 The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) has submitted its report on imports of certain vegetable goods to the Governor in Council following a six-month safeguard inquiry into potential injury to Canadian producers. The Tribunal announced Sept. 9 that the report contains its... Read this article online
Canada-U.S. Trade Dispute Raises Concerns for Agri-Businesses Tuesday, September 8, 2026 Like many of their small business counterparts, Canadian agri-businesses operating across the border are warning that prolonged trade tensions could threaten their financial stability, according to a by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) that was released last... Read this article online