Researchers explore green roof plant options Friday, June 3, 2011 by SUSAN MANNScientists in Ontario and Nova Scotia are studying the suitability of 22 different plant species and how they will survive for use in green roof habitats.The researchers are from the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and Nova Scotia Agricultural College. The Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance and the federal government are sponsoring the project.Dr. Rumen Conev, Vineland’s ornamental plant breeding scientist, says they’re looking to move away from more common green roof plants dominated by Sedum species to a broader selection of native plants that demonstrate sun, wind, cold and drought tolerance.They’ve finished the construction portion of the project and have started planting. “The most important part of our research will be plant performance,” he explains.The project will take three years to complete. When its done researchers will make recommendations on which plants performed the best and had the best survivability. Conev says Dr. Norman Goodyear is also working on the project in Nova Scotia where one of the two test sites is located. The other site is at Vineland.The research will help both homeowners wanting to install green roofs and companies that build them, Conev says.In a Vineland Centre press release, it says green roofs contribute to a significant reduction in a building’s heating and cooling costs. They also help with storm water runoff management and natural habitat creation. But lack of research in planting options and managing green roof health in Canadian climatic conditions has been a barrier to their uptake. BF Pig genetics company partners with Russians Waterlogged fields a season long challenge: OMAFRA specialist
Ontario invests $6.1 million in northern agriculture projects Thursday, October 8, 2026 The Ontario government is investing more than $6.1 million in 14 agricultural projects across Northern Ontario in an effort to improve farm productivity, support rural communities, and strengthen the province’s food production capacity. The funding is being provided through the Northern... Read this article online
How Much of Your Thanksgiving Dinner Reaches Canadian Farmers? Thursday, October 8, 2026 There are lots of articles and videos about the cost of this year's Thanksgiving dinner. But the Farms.com team we wondered, how much of the pie so to speak, was making it to the farmer. Admittedly, we used Artificial Intelligence to help us make certain calculations and assumptions.... Read this article online
Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Donate $25,000 to Fight Hunger During Agriculture Week Thursday, October 8, 2026 As Ontario Agriculture Week gets underway and Thanksgiving celebrations approach, Ontario's fruit and vegetable growers are once again demonstrating their commitment to local communities through a significant contribution aimed at fighting hunger and reducing food waste. The Ontario Fruit... Read this article online
Canadian Food System Trust Holds Steady, but Uncertainty and Misinformation Are Rising Thursday, October 8, 2026 Canadians largely maintain a positive view of the nation's food system, but rising concerns about affordability, misinformation, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence are creating a more complex environment for maintaining public trust. That was among the key findings... Read this article online
Farmland Demand Strong in Alberta, Not so for the Rest of Canada Wednesday, October 7, 2026 Canadian farmland values continued their upward trend during the first half of 2026, although growth has moderated compared to the rapid gains seen in recent years. According to Farm Credit Canada's (FCC) mid-year farmland values review, cultivated farmland increased by an average of... Read this article online