Endangered Species Act changes take effect July 1 Thursday, June 6, 2013 by DAVE PINK Changes to Ontario’s Endangered Species Act should make life easier for the province’s farmers and its rural municipalities, says the president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. “We view the changes as a positive, with more balance and common sense,” says Mark Wales. “The changes are geared to simplify the process. It made no sense to put people through a long, costly bureaucratic process.” The new rules take effect July 1, along with a new species-at-risk website to provide easy-to-access information to help people comply with the legislation. The changes will not reduce or eliminate any of the protective measures for any of the animal and plant species believed to be endangered. In fact, the revised legislation will add 65 new species to the endangered list – although none of those new entries is likely to have a significant impact on rural communities, with the exception of a few trees and shrubs. However, the new rules clearly state what is endangered, and what people must do if there is a minor disruption of the environment of those endangered species. “Say you are going to cut down one butternut tree. You now know you have to plant 10 butternut trees to take its place,” says Wales. “It would be different if someone was going to do a major clearcut, but farmers just aren’t doing that.” The OFA was one of several organizations to make a submission to the Ministry of Natural Resources while the changes were being considered. The ministry says its new rules, and new online registry, will also make it easier for volunteers and researchers to undertake projects that protect endangered species, and will simplify the requirements for municipalities to carry out projects to protect human health and safety, such as road repairs. As well, there will be a harmonization of the Endangered Species Act and the Crown Forest Sustainability Act to preserve protection while avoiding overlap. Of greater interest to the province’s farmers will be the new guidelines aimed at the protection of ground-nesting birds such as the bobolink and eastern meadowlark, says Wales. He says they are expected this summer, and it’s hoped they will provide some long-term answers for farmers needing to harvest their hay crops. BF Behind the Lines - June/July 2013 Thompsons buyout must obtain Competition Bureau approval
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