Research combines water, agriculture Tuesday, May 17, 2011 by PAT CURRIEThe Ontario government announced Wednesday that it is investing $300,000 in new research aimed at protecting and conserving water while strengthening agri-food industries. The water-related research is part of almost $1.3 million provided under the New Directions research program. The program also includes projects aimed at the emerging organic and ethnic markets, the ornamental horticulture (flowers and plants) sector and food processing.The Centre for Agricultural Renewable Energy and Sustainability in Ridgetown has commissioned a research biodiesel facility to investigate technological, economic and environmental aspects of biodiesel production. Researchers will investigate how the wastewater can be used to purify crude glycerol (useful as an animal feed ingredient) and help compost waste from poultry farms. Benefits could include reducing costs, improving water use and quality, and improving air quality from poultry operations.Researchers will also compare water use in 20 dairy systems on several farms. The findings will be will then be shared with other dairy farmers. Researchers will measure how much water is used for such things as cleaning cows before milking and washing dairy equipment and milking parlours.Researchers will also probe water use at greenhouses producing vegetables, plants and flowers. Five innovative treatment technologies will be evaluated under field conditions for their effectiveness in providing high-quality water for re-use. The best technologies will then be shared with the horticulture industry. BF GFO study seeks to explain price spikes RMP on track
Looking for a heritage machine Tuesday, February 10, 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
Why farmers built their own renewable energy association Tuesday, February 10, 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
Food Freedom Day 2026 - What Canada’s Grocery Costs Really Tell Us Monday, February 9, 2026 The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has announced that Sunday, February 8th, 2026, marked Food 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
Canadian Grain and Pork Sectors Join Others in Sound Alarm Over AAFC Research Cuts Friday, February 6, 2026 The Grain Growers of Canada (CGC), the Canadian Pork Council (CPC), and Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) are expressing serious concern following recently announced staff reductions and facility closures or consolidations within Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada (AAFC). The groups warn that... Read this article online
Red Tape Pushes 70% of Agri Businesses to Deter Next Generation from Farming Thursday, February 5, 2026 Canada’s food production system is under mounting pressure as agri-businesses warn that regulatory overload is discouraging the next generation from entering the industry. A new snapshot from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reveals that almost 70% of agri... Read this article online