Regulation changes for Ontario's meat processors and anaerobic digester operators Friday, November 1, 2013 by SUSAN MANN Provincial government changes to meat regulations that take effect Jan. 1, 2014 will make it easier for businesses to comply with the rules. Laurie Nicol, executive director of the Ontario Independent Meat Processors, says there are a number technical amendments to regulations under the Food Safety and Quality Act “that will provide flexibility and reduce some regulatory burdens.” The changes will make the regulations more modern and “outcome based,” she adds. The regulation changes cover a “number of critical control areas,” she says. The language is clearer, less prescriptive and the regulation is more outcome based. “There are many ways to achieve the same outcome but in the regulatory text it was very prescribed before,” she explains. The meat processors association isn’t advocating for lower standards and companies still must have controls in place to cover, for example, the handling of dry storage. The regulation just isn’t going to specify any one way that it must be handled. As long as meat processors meet the food safety requirements of the regulations, there will be some latitude in how they accomplish them. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food says on its website the meat regulation changes are part of the “Open for Business strategy and reduces regulatory burden on businesses while continuing to protect the public interest.” Another recent regulatory change under the strategy is to streamline approvals for on-farm anaerobic digestion facilities that treat up to 50 per cent off-farm materials, which includes organic waste materials from food processing and feed production. The changes will enable those facilities to be regulated under the Nutrient Management Act. That will lead to faster approval times and lower costs but environmental protection requirements will continue. The changes were effective Oct. 25. BF The changing face of Ontario's agricultural research DuPont adds to Chatham facility
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