American and European businesses are transforming Canada's retail landscape Tuesday, January 14, 2014 photo: Jacques Nantel by SUSAN MANN Jacques Nantel, professor of marketing at the University of Montréal, says Canada is the new frontier for American and European retailers. And this changing food retail landscape marked by new players from the United States and Europe, consolidation within the Canadian industry and a diversification of the stores’ product mix, means farmers will have to “adapt to more and more types of retailers.” Farmers “will have to think up ways to penetrate other market distribution channels,” he told delegates attending Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s annual meeting last week. For American retailers, the new frontier is Canada and Mexico. More American retailers are slated to come into Canada and “that means that you will have to deal with more and more players,” he says. Farmers will also have to consider new strategies focused on marketing. There’s also a need for really strong brands. Major retailers will be looking for “strong brands,” he notes. BF Yield challenge winners see corn yields of more than 310 bushels per acre Consumers' attitudes towards science a factor in animal welfare debate
Why farmers built their own renewable energy association Friday, February 20, 2026 When renewable energy developers come knocking on rural doors, farmers often find themselves staring at 40-page leases, unfamiliar terminology, and long-term commitments that could shape their land for decades. For many, the opportunity is exciting and enticing—but also... Read this article online
Looking for a heritage machine Friday, February 20, 2026 A Brantford, Ontario area heritage organization—the Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre (CIHC)—is putting out a call to the Canadian agricultural community in hopes of locating a rare piece of machinery that helped transform grain harvesting around the world. The CIHC is preparing... Read this article online
Ontario beef farms honoured for pasture innovation and environmental stewardship Friday, February 20, 2026 Two Ontario beef operations earn top 2026 awards for pasture and environmental excellence. At the Beef Farmers of Ontario’s (BFO) 64th annual general meeting banquet in Toronto on February 18, 2026, two standout Ontario beef operations were recognized for their commitment to... Read this article online
New Leadership Team Named at OFVGA Friday, February 20, 2026 The Ontario Fruit & VegetableGrowersAssociation has announced a new leadership team following recent elections. Mike Chromczak has been selected as chair, and MatthiasOppenlaenderhas beenelectedvice chair. Chromczak brings more than a decade of industry involvement to the position.... Read this article online
Food Freedom Day 2026 - What Canada’s Grocery Costs Really Tell Us Thursday, February 19, 2026 The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has announced that Sunday, February 8th, 2026, markedFood Freedom Day—the date by which the average Canadian household has earned enough income to cover its entire annual grocery bill. Each year, CFA analyzes how much of Canadians’... Read this article online