Renewable energy production program open for applications Tuesday, November 12, 2013 by JOE CALLAHAN The Ontario Power Authority is accepting applications for renewable energy production projects between 10 kilowatts and 500 kW under its Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program until Dec. 13. The FIT program was designed as part of Ontario’s 2010 Long Term Energy Plan. According to the program’s web site, it fosters the development of renewable generating facilities of varying sizes, technologies and configurations via a standardized, open and fair process. Renewable energy sources that qualify include rooftop solar systems, non-rooftop solar systems, onshore wind, waterpower and renewable biomass technologies. The program’s pay rates per kilowatt depend on the source of energy and the volume produced. There are widespread changes in the program from FIT 2.1 to the current FIT 3 and they are detailed on FIT’s website. According to statistics released by Ontario Power Authority, up to March 2013 the FIT program had awarded 1,706 contracts that generated 4,540,790 kW. The highest number of contracts was awarded to rooftop solar systems (1,393) and they generated 247,587 kW. The largest source of renewable energy was wind, which produced 3,112,561 kW from 75 projects. BF Kellogg's downsizing plan skips grain buying New Chatham farm show highlights regional producers
Proposed USDA budget cuts could shift the North American ag landscape Wednesday, April 15, 2026 The US administration’s latest budget proposal includes a significant reduction to the US Department of Agriculture’s discretionary spending, a move that could have ripple effects across North American agriculture. According to Farms.com reporting, the proposal outlines a... Read this article online
Study reveals key climate drivers of potato beetle outbreaks Tuesday, April 14, 2026 A long term research project from Michigan State University (MSU) and the University of Wisconsin is offering new insight into what drives Colorado potato beetle outbreaks, giving US potato growers a clearer picture of how weather patterns and environmental conditions shape one of the... Read this article online
Fuel Tax Suspension Offers Timely Relief for Canadian Farmers Ahead of Peak Growing Season Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Canadian farmers are set to see short-term relief at the fuel pump following a major federal policy announcement that directly affects on-farm operating costs. On April 14, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the federal government will temporarily suspend the Fuel Excise Tax on... Read this article online
Operating farm equipment in Ontario Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Farms.com continues to dive into farm equipment licensing and insurance requirements for Canadian producers with a look at the rules for Ontario. Do Ontarians need a license to drive a tractor? No license is required for a farm tractor or other self-propelled farm equipment whether on private... Read this article online
Ontario Farm Leaders Drew and Heather Spoelstra Named 2026 Outstanding Young Farmers Friday, April 10, 2026 Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (COYF) Program has announced Drew and Heather Spoelstra of Binbrook, Ontario, as the Ontario regional winners for 2026. The announcement was made following the Ontario regional competition held April 7 through 9 in St. Jacobs, Ontario. As provincial... Read this article online