July 2010
FEATURES THIS MONTH Weather! page 1 Testalinden dam collapse page 2 Eat! Vancouver event success page 5 Canadian fairs July to mid-Aug page 6
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or farmers, nothing is of greater importance than the weather. Long after retirement, it still commands a great deal of attention -- witness the coffee shop discussions anywhere in the country. The violence of the 2010 weather should provide fodder for a long time. In June, I travelled across northern Montana and North Dakota via Highway 2, close to the Canadian border, north through Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and points west in a full circle odyssey. Spring was wet nearly everywhere, but the worst trouble started June 22nd, when flooding knocked out the Trans Canada Highway and Canadian Pacific Rail lines at Maple Creek and Medicine Hat. A week later, the Trans Canada was still closed so I took highway 32 from Swift Current northwest to Leader and Empress, cross-country to Brooks and Calgary. South of Leader, entire quarter sections were under water. West of the Alberta border was much less sodden, perhaps because the land is more rolling and run-off occurs more quickly (and dumps the excess into the southern rivers that flow through places like Maple Creek and Medicine Hat.) Fran Bach, Publisher Thirty seven hundred miles and three weeks later, torrential rain, hail and tornados were still battering the west. Interior BC, with the exception of the south Okanagan, has received rainfall more like the monsoons on the north side of the Fraser River near Vancouver. The day I arrived home, a downpour in Yorkton, Saskatchewan put the downtown area under two feet of water, with large hail, heavy rain and damaging winds across the rest of the province. Tornados were spotted near Wynard, Saskatoon and Regina were under tornado watch. Those storms moved into southern Manitoba by the next day, but a new batch sprouted in their wake. On July 4th, southeast of Saskatoon, a tornado rated F3, with wind speeds estimated at 300 km per hour, followed on the heels of the Yorkton storm. In Manitoba, river valleys are flooded, Lake Winnipeg is near maximum capacity and Lake Manitoba is only 2.4 inches below its maximum. To June estimates of 8.5 - 12 million acres in Western Canada not being seeded must now be added huge seeded acreages that have been drowned out. If things dry out enough, some late seeding could provide green feed for the livestock industry. Otherwise, this group too will be in dire straits. It is hard to imagine the effects of so much weather unless you are in it. We watch storms like Hurricane Katrina on the television and wonder how people live in such places. Canada has always seemed the safe and serene exception to Nature’s upheavals. Not this year. Governments and private aid systems will be straining to alleviate the worst of the losses. For many farmers, crop insurance won’t kick in, as crops could not be seeded by the deadline. The breadbasket of western Canada will be a lot less full this year. Given that global grain supplies seldom are enough for more than a few weeks at a time, a monster breakdown of this sort in one of the world’s most dependable cropping areas throws food production projections into a tailspin. What more can happen? When can we look for a return to “normal” weather patterns, if such a thing exists? For the present, all we can say for sure is “This too shall pass -- eventually” and like farmers have always done, carry on as best we can. The 1930s took a terrible toll, and Canadian farming survived. This is the ‘30s in reverse. A bowed but not beaten people will still be on the land next year... and the next......
We can always talk about the weather
Cover photo - Regina, Saskatchewan, June 26, 2010 - This tractor may be sitting idle for the next few days in the valley between Craven and Lumsden. Photo by Troy Fleece/Leader-Post, Copyright Regina Leader-Post The Governments of Canada, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba, have just announced they will make up to $450 million ($30 per acre) available to help farmers take immediate steps to protect and restore damaged crop land. The funds will come via the AgriRecovery program. Agri Digest Online can be reached at 509-573-4245 or agridigest@fairpoint.net
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he Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) is calling on federal and provincial governments to provide timely assistance to farmers, ranchers and rural communities affected by this year's excessive moisture. APAS is also calling on the Ministers to kick start the first step in implementation of AgriRecovery through the appointment of a task team. AgriRecovery was created to provide a process to enable governments to "respond quickly" when a natural disaster hits and addresses gaps left by existing programs. The program is designed to provide a "rapid financial response" to assist with immediate recovery from a disaster situation and to help producers quickly resume business operations after a disaster. "If there was ever a time when this program was legitimately needed, that time is now," stated Greg Marshall, APAS President. "With the excessive moisture conditions that have affected seeding in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the widespread feeling amongst farmers and ranchers is that 2010 proves that current programs and coverage are woefully inadequate." The APAS Board assessed the excess moisture situation throughout the province and met with the Honourable Bob Bjornerud, Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture. Based upon discussions with the Minister and a tour by Premier Wall and Minister Bjornerud, the APAS Board is confident that provincial decision-makers are well aware of the disastrous situation facing farmers and ranchers throughout the province. "We believe that the AgriRecovery Task Team must be activated immediately to assess the extent of the damage affecting unseeded acres, crop establishment and livestock production and to develop options and recommendations for response. APAS is eager to participate on the task team to represent the interests of all farmers and ranchers in the province," Marshall continued. " Any program response through AgriRecovery must be province-wide and be available to assist both crop and livestock producers." Farm income was projected down over 50% in Saskatchewan from last year, " reminded Marshall, referring to an Agriculture Canada release in early May of this year. "Farmers were told that they might break even if they could deliver an average yield. Well, its clear now that it won't be close to average this year. We appreciate the governments' commitment to fostering long term industry strategies, but Saskatchewan farm families need immediate support." Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) is calling on Manitoba’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, Stan Struthers, and Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz to act quickly to offer additional programming beyond existing programs such as AgriStability to assist those hit hard by excess moisture conditions. “In some cases the impact on farms is extremely devastating,” said Ian Wishart, KAP President. “We won’t know the full extent of the damage until after the crop insurance deadline.” Due to the recent heavy rainfalls, many farmers will not be able to seed this season. Farmers with seeded crops washed out may not be able to reseed. After losing seeded crops to excess moisture, farmers lose a large percentage of their incomes due to the fertilizer and seed they’ve invested. In addition to these challenges, a flood watch has now been issued by Manitoba Water Stewardship for areas of western Manitoba which have already been affected by flooding. KAP will continue discussions with the federal and provincial governments to ensure the concerns of Manitoba producers are acknowledged.
APAS & KAP call on governments for "rapid response"
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Testalinden dam collapse - a warning Elizabeth Mann, Oliver
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n a Sunday afternoon. June 13, a small dam, high above the steep cliffs on the west side of the valley -- midway between Oliver and Osoyoos BC -collapsed. This created a heavy mud slide that crossed Highway 97 and blocked its use for three days. Fortunately, there is a parallel route - Black Sage Road-- for traffic to move north or south through the valley. A hiker in the area Friday afternoon saw the water level rising, debris and logs moving toward blocking the large culvert in the centre of the dam. This culvert was the route by which the water left the lake, creating the creek which passed through valley residents' lands. The hiker reported this to the Osoyoos Tourist office, who informed the RCMP, but somehow no checking was done. No alternate spillway was in place since this dam was built more than 30 years ago and had not been upgraded to current standards.. Five homes, plus a packing house, storage sheds, vineyards and orchards were inundated by five to six feet of mud...and fortunately, no lives were lost. Cathy Mercier, who lost her large home and Bed & Breakfast said she did not even know that dam and small lake was above her property. The unfortunate aspect of this event is that dams in BC are growing very vulnerable. There are 2000 dams in BC, with 75% of them over 50 years old. The Testalinden Dam was built in the 1930s. The government has ten engineer inspectors, with only three responsible for dam inspections. These inspections should occur every 5 to 10 years, depending on the age of the dam, but are they? All dams must have a Water License owned by the water user. The Testalinden Dam is presently licensed to Ace Elkink who has a large ranch west of Osoyoos on Highway 3 to Vancouver. Since February 2000, Water Act changes came into effect, making inspections and dam maintenance the responsibility of the license holder. Was this dam checked this spring by the license holder? Coincidentally, a movie was being filmed this spring on the Elkink Ranch. Perhaps that diverted Ace's attention from his routines? Editor’s note: Insurance companies are indicating that in this and similar cases, onus will likely fall on the owner of the dam and lake in question, and the liability insurance carried by the individual used to compensate other property owners affected by the dam collapse. Everyone concerned should be checking their policies and talking to their insurance agents.
http://www.thehartford.com/ag
http://www.bclna.com
4 Alberta wine takes gold and “Best of Type” at prestigious international competition Strathmore, Alberta, June 2, 2010 -- Alberta-based berry and fruit wine company Field Stone Fruit Wines is celebrating its first “Best of Type” Award in the Fortified Wine Category for its recently released “Black Currant Dessert Wine” at the 2010 Northwest Wine Summit competition in Oregon, USA. The NorthWest Wine Summit is one of the region’s oldest and most popular contests, with 24 judges from around the world judging 1,200 wines over three days. This new Top of Category Award puts the Strathmore Winery on the same notable list as the venerable Okanagan-based Mission Hill Family Estate Riesling Ice wine, and vineyards from Washington, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Alaska. Field Stone also went on to win a Gold Medal for the same Black Currant Dessert Wine, Silver Medals for its rare Strawberry-Rhubarb Wine and its delicate Raspberry Dessert Wine, and an additional “Best of Region Award” for representing Alberta.
presented annually by the BC Cattlemen’s Association to recognize BC ranchers for going the extra mile in enhancing the environmental attributes of BC ranch land through outstanding management practices. Big Bear Ranch is located in the foothills of the Cariboo Mountains with hundreds of lakes and streams in the surrounding area. The Krumsiek’s maintain a focus of working with Mother Nature to raise their livestock and grow their forage. This priority has enabled Big Bear Ranch to implement management practices that exemplify the ranch’s commitment to water quality, riparian and rangeland stewardship, nutrient management and habitat conservation. Big Bear Ranch was presented with the award at the BC Cattlemen’s Association Annual General Meeting on May 28 in Williams Lake, BC. As provincial winners, The Krumsiek’s will now be considered for the national Environmental Stewardship Award to be announced at the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association semi-annual meeting this August in Calgary.
Five students win CASC scholarships Big Bear Ranch wins Stewardship Award
Steffi & Florian Krumsiek and Rainer & Gigi Krumsiek at the ranch Williams Lake, BC, May 28, 2010 -- The BC Cattlemen's Association is proud to present Rainer and Gigi Krumsiek of Big Bear Ranch in Horsefly, BC with the 17th Annual Environmental Stewardship Award. The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) is
Five Canadian graduate students are the winners of the 2010 Canadian Association for Studies in Co-operation (CASC) scholarships. The Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) administers the annual scholarships, which are aimed at supporting student research about co-operatives as well as students who are actively involved in the co-operative sector. This year's winners, who were announced at the CASC conference in Montreal on June 2, are: Amy and Tim Dauphinee Scholarship ($3,000) to Neil Nunn, University of Victoria; Alexander Fraser Laidlaw Fellowship ($1,000) to Joel Ratcliffe, University of Ottawa; Lemaire Co-operative Studies Award ($1,000 each) to Claude-André Guillotte, Université de Sherbrooke, Victoria Morris, Cape Breton University and Lesley Voellmecke, University of Ottawa. In addition to the monetary awards, the scholarship winners receive a free one-year membership in CASC and free registration at the 2011 CASC conference, which will be held in Fredericton NB next June. The competition for the 2011 scholarships will be launched in January. For more information about the scholarships, go to www.coopscanada.coop/en/orphan/CASC-Scholarships.
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BC farm-raised salmon served up at Eat! Vancouver
t was lucky year number seven for the BC Salmon Farmers Association, who had their best and busiest time yet at the Eat! Vancouver food show early in June. With nearly 1,000 pounds of smoked and fresh grilled salmon handed out as free and for-purchase samples, thousands of people were able to try these delicious made-in-BC products. "Food shows are a great opportunity for people to try our greattasting salmon, highlight the good work of our member companies and answer questions for people one-on-one," said Mary Ellen Walling, BCSFA's Executive Director. Industry employees volunteered their weekend to run the BC Salmon Farmers booth - handing out cup after cup of Hardy Buoys smoked salmon and fresh grilled fillets topped with our signature green curry aioli. On Saturday alone, an estimated 30,000 people came through the show which was held at Vancouver's new Convention Centre. About 25,000 samples were given from the BC Salmon Farmers booth - with packaged smoked salmon nuggets and fresh salmon loins selling out. While most people were just eager to get a taste - some asked questions about feed efficiency, research into closed containment and sea lice management. With lots of industry employees on hand, there was plenty of information to dish out as well. "Eat! Vancouver is always a positive experience," said Walling. "It's a great way to open up communication between salmon farmers and consumers so that information can be shared about our business."
Salmon farm tours offer chance to learn about local industry
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here's no better way to learn about salmon farming, than by talking to the farmers themselves. That's the opportunity provided by the BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) with their summer public tour program, which began in mid June. Visitors to the farms will get to see how they operate with lots of information to answer questions from both locals and visitors. It's a great way to learn more about this complex and important business, while enjoying the outdoors and meeting lots of friendly people. The tours, which are held each Thursday from June 17 to Sept. 16 depart from Discovery Launch Water Taxis in Campbell River at 9 a.m. and last about five hours. The boat ride takes visitors through the Seymour Narrows offering beautiful scenery and the chance to see marine wildlife such as seals, otters and whales. Tours include lunch and cost $45 per person. To reserve a spot, phone Minato at the BCSFA (250) 286-1636 x224.
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Canadian Fairs - July to mid August BRITISH COLUMBIA July 23 - 25
Aldergrove Fair Days Daniel Dayette 604-856-1223 dano@answerswanted.com
July 24 - 25
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Country Fest Lorraine Bates 604-463-6922 lorraine@mrpmcountryfest.com
July 29 - Aug 2
Aug 1
Aug 6 - 8
Aug 6 - 8
100th Abbotsford Agrifair Pamela Brenner 604-852-6674 agrifair@telus.net Tlell Fall Fair Doug Louis 250-557-4276 sewhat@qcislands.net Chilliwack Exhibition Wendi Prinse 604-824-8191 chillex@uniserve.com Kiskatinaw Fair (Sunset Prairie) Joe Breti 250-843-7361
Aug 11 - 15 Dawson Creek Exhibition & Stampede Connie Patterson 250-782-8911 fairinfo@dawsoncreekfair.com Aug 11 - 15 Prince George Exhibition Terri McConnachie 250-563-4096 pgxterri@yahoo.ca Aug 13 - 15 Aug 14 - 15
North Peace Fair (Fort St. John) Eleanor Steffensen 250-261-4899 Coombs Fair Janet Boley 25-248-4478 info@coombsfair.com ALBERTA
All the fun of the Fair!
July 9 - 11
Rycroft Fair & Chuckwagons canzesko@yahoo.ca
July 9 - 18
Calgary Stampede calgarystampede.com
July 14 - 17
Colonial Days, Lloydminster www.lloydexh.com Westerner Days Fair & Expo Contact 403-343-7800 askus@westerner.ab.ca www.westernerpark.ca
July 21 - 25
July 23 - Aug 1
Capital Exhibition, Edmonton Northlands 780-471-7210 www.capitalex.ca
Aug 7 - 8
Ashmont Heritage Days Jenny Bespalko 780-726-3949 jbespalko@yahoo.com
July 30 - Aug 1
Carmangay 100th Celebration, Fair & Sports Day Edith Svanes 403-757-2108 rsvanes@myipplus.net
Aug 10 - 11
26th Round Hill Bench Show Connie Prost 780-672-8905
Aug 11 - 12
Hanna & District Fall Fair Maureen Tyers 403-854-3263 mtyers@telusplanet.net www.aroundhanna.com
Aug 14 - 15
Mayerthorpe & District Ag Fair Leota Heaven 780-648-2144 Ponoka County Fair Jennifer Heift 403-392-8622 www.ponokaagsociety.ca
Aug 5 - 7
Vegreville Country Fair Cathy Freed 780-632-3950 info@vegrevilleagsociety.ca www.vegrevilleagsociety.ca
Aug 5 - 8
Bentley Fair & Rodeo Janis Bickford 403-748-3561 btbar@telusplanet.net www.bentleyagsociety.com
Aug 14 - 15
Aug 6 - 8
Barrhead BlueHeron Fair Lynn Down 780-674-5076 lynnik@shaw.ca www.barrhead.ca
SASKATCHEWAN Most Saskatchewan fairs are operated by local ag societies. Contact them for details. July 3
Mortiach Fair
Aug 6 - 8
Valleyview Fair & Rodeo JoAnn Clarke 780-524-3473 vvag@telus.net www.valleyviewagsociety.ca
July 3
Stoughton Fair
July 4 - 6
St. Walburg & District Fair
July 5 - 7
Buffalo Fall Fair Marc Schonhofer 403-379-2272
Weyburn Exhibition http://www.weyburnagsociety.com
July 7 - 10
87th Lougheed Ag Fair Gail Ness 780-384-3755
Yorkton Exhibition http://www.yorktonexhibition.com
July 10
Ogema Fair
Minburn & District Ag Society Bench Show Shey Andrews 780-593-2153
July 14 - 17
Lloydminster Colonial Fair Days http://www.lloydexh.com
July 17
Creelman Fair
Aug 7 - 8
Rochester Fair Days Edith Anderson 780-698-3971
July 19 - 21
Nipawin Exhibition http://www.nipawin.com/exhibition
Aug 7 - 8
Manyberries Country Fair Shari Reimer 403-868-2004 msreimer@shockwave.ca
July 22
Mayfield Fair
July 22 - 23
Perdue Fair
July 23
Abernethy Fair
Aug 7 Aug 7 Aug 7
http://www.armstrongipe.com
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July 23 - 25
Melfort Exhibition http://www.melfortex.com/
July 24
Glenavon Fair
July 24-25
Carlton Trail Fair
July 30-31
Connaught Fair
July 30 - Aug 1
Kelvington Fair
July 31 - Aug 1
Turtleford Fair www.turtlefordagsociety.com/
July 31
Nokomis Fair
Aug 1 - 2
Rosthern Fair
Aug 3 - 7
Prince Albert Exhibition http://www.paexhibition.com/
Aug 4 - 8
Queen City Exhibition, Regina http://www.evrazplace.com/
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July 3 - 4
Carberry Alex Christison 204-834-3772
July 3 - 4
Manitou Hugh Waddingham 204-246-2105
July 6 - 7
Rivers Alice Fast 204-328-7512
July 8 - 10
Carman (Dufferin) www.carmanfair.ca
Aug 6 - 8
Radisson Fair
Aug 7
Golburn Fair
Aug 7 - 8
Invermay Fair
Aug 7 - 8
Shaunavon-Admiral Fair
Aug 10 - 15
Saskatoon Exhibition http://www.saskatoonex.com/
July 9 - 10
Crystal City-Clearwater Dean Buchanan 204-873-2661
Aug 11
Shand Fair
July 9 - 12
Aug 14
Moosamin Fair
Souris/Glenwood www.sourismanitoba.com/ organized-events
Aug 14 - 15
Vanscoy & District Fair
July 10 - 11
Minnedosa Bruce Sharpe 204-867-7503
July 10 - 12
Portage Industrial Exhibition www.portageex.com
July 14 - 16
Virden www.virden.ca & click on Upcoming Events
July 16 - 18
Deloraine Dallas McGee 204-747-3177
MANITOBA June 30- Jul 1
Glenboro Geraldine & Rudy Kovar 204-827-2661
July 1 - 3
Dauphin www.dauphinfair.ca
July 3 - 4
Holland Joyce Elder 204-526-2005 or Terry Early 204-526-2263
http://www.goatkeeper.ca
http://www.bcfairs.ca
http://www.fallfair-rodeo.com
July 16 - 18
Gilbert Plains/Grandview Bonnie Kasper 204-548-2327 www.gilbertplains.com/recreation
July 16 - 18
Selkirk (St. Andrews/ Clements) Erin Park 204-886-3686 www.selkirkfairandrodeo.com
Miami Jan Moody 204-435-2288
July 27
Elkhorn Sharon Henry 204-845-2622
July 29 - Aug 1
Austin Threshermen's Reunion Sandra Head 204-637-2354 www.ag-museum.mb.ca Swan River Valley Colleen Immerkar 204-734-3718
July 18 - 19
Oak River Ivy Heapy 204-566-2104
July 29 - Aug 1
July 20
Strathclair Wendy Harder 204-365-2607
July 30 - Aug 1
July 21
Shoal Lake Donna Jenkins 204-759-3367
July 22
Hamiota Linda Wilson 204-764-2642
July 22 - 25
Morris Arden Ross 204-746-2552 www.manitobastampede.ca
July 23
Harding Bonnie Kent 204-838-2241
July 23 - 24
Reston (Pipestone/Albert) 100th Anniversary Fair Sharon Henderson or Jeff Pringle 204-662-4477
July 24
Oak Lake Pat Baker 204-855-2030
July 24
Plumas Doreen Smith 204-386-2881 Dugald Bill Paulishyn 204-866-2806 Cypress River Yvonne Jansen 204-743-2103 www.cypressriver.ca/events
July 24 July 24 - 25
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July 24 - 25
St. Pierre Roger Robert 204-347-5856 www.stpierrejolys.com/tourism/tourism
July 31 - Aug 1
Killarney Gladys Mason 204-523-8495 www.killarneyagriculturalsociety.ca
Aug 1 - 2
McCreary Dave Benson 204-835-2519
Aug 6 - 7
Birtle Sharron Wilander 204-842-3419 www.birtle.ca/events
Aug 13 - 15
Gladstone Valerie Emerson 204-385-2523
Aug 13 - 15
Winkler Peter Penner 204-326-8444 www.winklerharvestfestival.com
Aug 14
Kelwood Lise Munro 204-967-2550 (exhibiting only)
Aug 14
Teulon Eileen Campbell 204-886-2642 or Ralph Trombo 204-886-2098
Aug 14 - 15
Wawanesa Dave Mooney
Ford Road, Coombs BC Fairs since 1913!
Join us! AUG. 14 & 15th, 2010
Visit our website at http://www.coombsfair/fair for prize book, admission& judging schedule or contact the Fair Office at 250.248.4478 or info@coombsfair.com http://www.coombsfair/fair
July 9 - 12 July 15 - 18 July 15 - 18 July 16 - 18 July 16 - 18 July 16 - 18 July 20 - 22 July 22 - 25 July 22 - 25 July 23 - 24 July 23 - 25 July 23 - 25 July 23 - 25 July 30 - 31
July 30 - Aug 2 July 30 - Aug 2 Aug Aug 5 - 7 Aug 5 - 8 Aug 6 - 7 Aug 6 - 8 Aug 6 - 8
ONTARIO Tweed-Hungerford Fair sylvietweedfair@hotmail.com Listowel Fair http://www.listowelfair.com Odessa Fair http://www.odessafair.org Avonmore Fair http://www.avonmorefair.ca Lansdowne Fair http://www.lansdownfair.com The Almonte Fair http://www.almontefair.com Bayfield Fall Fair evanderwouden@tcc.on.ca Delta Fair www.deltafair.com/Welcome Dresden Exhibition http://www.dresdenex.com Zurich Fair 519-236-4969 Beachburg Fair http://www.beachburgfair.com Chesterville Fair http://www.chestervillefair.com Lakefield Fair http://www.lakefieldfair.com/ Glengarry Highland Games, Maxville www.glengarryhighlandgames.com Lombardy Fair http://www.lasfair.ca Napanee Fair napaneefair@msn.com Ridgetown Fair 519-674-3278 Kenora Fair http://www.kenorafair.com Sutton Fair & Horse Show http://www.suttonfair.com Wilberforce Agricultural Fair http://www.wilberforcefair.com Arnprior Fair arnpriorfair@yahoo.ca Campbellford Fair http://www.campbellfordfair.ca
Aug 6 - 8 Aug 6 - 8 Aug 6 - 8 Aug 6 - 8 Aug 6 - 8 Aug 11 - 15
Aug 12 - 15 Aug 12 - 15 Aug 12 - 15 Aug 13 - 15 Aug 13 - 15 Aug 13 - 15
July 1 - 4 July 7 - 11 July 8 - 11 July 9 - 11 July 9 - 18 July 15 - 18 July 19 - 25
July 20 - 25
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Comber Fair http://www.comberfair.on.ca Drayton Fair http://www.draytonfair.com Fenelon Fair http://www.fenelonfair.com Merrickville Fair http://www.merrickvillefair.com Williamstown Fair http://www.williamstownfair.com Canadian Lakehead Exhibition, Thunder Bay http://www.cle.on.ca Aylmer Fair http://www.aylmerfair.ca Navan Fair http://www.navanfair.com Peterborough Exhibition http://www.peterboroughex.ca Dungannon Fair dkthomson@hurontel.on.ca Laird Fair girlie.collings@sympatico.ca Melbourne Fair http://www.melbourneagsociety.com
QUEBEC Exposition de Drummond, Drummondville shinse@xittel.ca Exposition BBQ Bellechasse, StAnselme http://www.expobbq.net Exposition d'Argenteuil, Lachute http://www.expolachute.com Exposition agricole de Calixa-Lavallée http://www.expocalixa.com Exposition agricole de Trois-Rivières http://www.expotrois-rivieres.com Exposition agricole de portneuf http://www.expoagricoleportneuf.com Exposition duBassin de la Chaudière, St-Isidore http://www.expobassinchaudiere.com Exposition de Kamouraska, St-Pascal de Kamouraska nikita395@hotmail.com
July 21 - 25
Exposition de Chicoutimi www.expoagricoledechicoutimi.com July 22-Aug 1 Expo de St-Hyacinthe http://www.expoagricole.com July 28-Aug 1 Exposition de Rimouski http://www.exporimouski.com July 29-Aug 1 Exposition agricole d'Abitibi, StFelix http://www.saabitibi.ca Aug 2 - 8 Exposition de Victoriaville http://www.expovicto.com Aug 4 - 8 Expo de Lotbinière http://www.expolotbiniere.com Aug 5 - 8 Exposition de la Vallée de Coaticook http://www.lefestivaldulait.com Aug 11 - 15 Exposition agricole de Beauce http://www.expobeauce.tk Aug 12 - 15 Exposition agricole de Bedford http://www.expobedford.com Aug 13 - 15 Exposition d'Huntingdon bj.elder@gmail.com NEW BRUNSWICK July 21 - 25 Miramichi Ag Ex, Chatham http://www.ex-one.com July 30-Aug 7 Woodstock Old Home Week http://www.oldhomeweek.ca Aug 1 - 7 Westmorland County Fair, Petitcodiac http://www.wcafair.piczo.com Aug 12 - 15 Napan Agricultural Show show@napan.com
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NOVA SCOTIA July 27–Aug 1South Shore Exhibition, Bridgewater http://www.thebigex.com Aug 3 – 7 Western Nova Scotia Ex, Yarmouth http://www.yarmouthexhibition.com Aug 10 – 14 Shelburne County Exhibition http://www.shelburneexhibition.ca
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Jun 23 - July 1 Tignish Irish Moss Festival 902-882-2414 July10 - 17 Summerside Lobster Carnival www.exhibitions-festivalspeiae.com/ summersidelobstercarnival July16 - 17 West Point Lighthouse Festival 902-853-2436 July 19 - 26 Potato Blossom Festival potatoblossomfestival08@hotmail.com July 29-Aug 1 Northumberland Fisheries Festival, Murray River www.exhibitions-festivalspeiae.com northumberland@eatlink.ca July 31 Crapaud Exhibition www.crapaudexhibition.com July 29-Aug 1 Prince County Exhibition, Alberton www.exhibitions-festivalspeiae.com marilee.warren@pei.sympatico.ca Aug 4 - 8 Tyne Valley Oyster Festival www.exhibitions-festivalspeiae.com annagary@pei.sympatico.ca
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cross America, there is panic in the beekeeping community as winter losses soar beyond even the high levels of the past few years. Queens and package bees are hard come by and off-shore sources are not proving up well. Pollination contracts wither with low prices for the commodities they serve. On the positive side, honey prices surge as the threat of shortages increases. It is a topsy-turvy world, as beekeepers and researchers struggle to prioritize the many desperate needs of the industry and put a finger on the biggest contributor(s) toward the situation. In the US, a myriad of surveys and tests are being done. Many things have been proposed as contributors to the situation -- chemicals, electronics, stress of long-haul trucking for pollination, poor feeding practices, poor feed quality, mites, nosema, viruses -- on and on it goes, but still nothing definitive. A practical -- and basic -- explanation comes from bee geneticist Dr. Steve Sheppard at Washington State University, who says genetic problems may be at the bottom of the pile. Sheppard, working with Sue Cobey of the University of California, Davis, says there are only 400 genetic "lines" in Fran Bach the US, and no estimation of how closely related those 400 may be. So in-breeding is a measurable and measured problem. Jim Bach, the Washington State Apiarist for 25 years, says he noticed the kinds of aberrant behaviour now associated with Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) as far back as 1969 and agrees with Sheppard that genetics is a major issue. The litmus test for a good queen, he says, is a quiet hum within the colony and the size of her retinue -- if there are less than 10 worker bees surrounding her, heads pointed in her direction and antennae reaching toward her -- she hasn't enough pheromones to keep the hive operating as it should. Bach says he has seen retinue-less queen bees approach a worker, touch antennas in a "feed me" gesture, and the worker bee simply walk away without responding. Such a queen cannot survive long, and may help explain why so many colonies go queenless.
Some American approaches to finding the cause of CCD
Queen with normal retinue
Queen with no retinue
If all is well, contentment within the hive is registered as a decibel level below 55. The higher the agitation level as the system deteriorates, the noisier it gets. Work by David Tarpy in the eastern US indicates that mating of many queens is incomplete. For a sufficient amount and mix of genes to sustain a queen throughout a normal productive life span, she needs to mate with about two dozen drones on her one mating flight. Tarvy says that in many cases there are insufficient numbers of drones in a breeding area, and they may be too closely related. This requirement for a broad selection of genetics makes bee breeding a vastly different process than that used in animals such as cattle and sheep. Queen breeders (sometimes termed "queen propagators" for their lack of interest in queen quality) focus on producing high numbers of queens and make no claims as to how well, or even if -should weather turn bad at the point the queens are flying -- their queens are mated. Artificial insemination controls the volume and mix of sperm administered to each queen but is useful only as a lab procedure, too difficult and time-consuming for commercial delivery, and it often damages the queen's reproductive apparatus though it is a means of controlling genetic characteristics in a particular cross. Work at the Tucson bee lab on pollen quality and availability through the year is finding a wide variety of pollens needed to maintain acceptable nutrition levels -- much as people cannot be healthy eating nothing but carrots. Dr. Jerry Bromenshenk at the University of Montana has developed a method to scope the complete range and quantity of viruses in a bee sample, revealing that viruses are much more widespread than previously thought, though their actual impact remains in question. Tracheal and Varroa mites have been held up as the main culprit in bee deaths for years now, yet no one has been able to quantify their effect or determine how lethal. Bees seem to be able to live with reasonable levels of both mites. While tracheal mites seem less problematic, Varroa has numberof effects, all potentially devastating. In brood cells, where mites lay eggs before the cells are capped, the newly hatched mites feed on the bodily fluids of bee larvae and chew at the
13 developing wings so when the new bee hatches, its ability to fly is compromised by deformed wings, at the same time it is deprived of physical strength after providing dinner for the mites during the larval period. There is conjecture, but no proof yet, that the weakening effect of Varroa, combined with viruses, is the smoking gun. New strains of nosema have appeared and are being assessed as to virulence. Work at WSU shows over 200 chemicals in the wax of brood chambers, throwing into question the effect of each individual chemical as well as the combined effect. While it seems obvious this will have deleterious effects on developing brood, there is no indication it is sufficient to account for the massive losses beekeepers are seeing. The stress factor in health issues is well known in human and animal medicine and applies to bees in the same way. Any health problem, whether stemming from disease, parasites, chemicals, nutrition, genetics, or physical forces, stresses the body. All of the above affect bees, and we add to their stress level by hauling them great distances on trucks. How much does this add to the overall stress load and is it enough to be "the straw that breaks the camel's back"? The jury will be out for a long time on this one. The official US Department of Agriculture summation in its 2009 CCD report underlines the dearth of good answers, saying, “During the past two years, numerous causes for CCD have been proposed and investigated. Although the cause of CCD is still unknown, research has lent credence to the hypothesis that CCD may be a syndrome caused by many different factors, working in combination or synergistically. Looking ahead, studies will focus increasingly on combinations and synergistic effects of factors in causing CCD.�
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anchers from all around the province were at the Legislature to help celebrate the occasion and raise awareness about the importance of the BC ranching industry. Cattlemen celebrated BC Beef Day at the Parliament Buildings by offering a beef barbeque lunch to guests. In her welcome speech at the Legislature, BC Cattlemen’s Association new President Judy Guichon says, “Lets make the most of this opportunity today, to share a meal while talking about what ranching means to British Columbia and how we can continue to bring wholesome BC beef to supper tables in the years ahead.” Guichon thanked Premier Campbell for declaring BC Beef Day and for acknowledging the important role ranching families play in our communities. Minister of Agriculture & Lands Hon. Steve Thomson, along with members of the Ranching Task Force and co-chair MLA Dr. Terry Lake were also recognized for giving the industry a vehicle to have its concerns heard and addressed. “BC Beef Day is a recommendation from the Task Force intended to raise the profile and awareness of ranching within Government,” explains Kevin Boon, BCCA General Manager. For over 150 years, ranching has been a backbone of rural communities around British Columbia.
Eat beef! Premier Campbell declares BC Beef Day
(Left) BCCA President Judy Guichon presenting Minister Thomson with a cowboy hat. (Right) Award winning Competition Barbecue Chef Brian Misko from the House of Q.
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griculture Minister Gerry Ritz has just completed his third successful trade mission to China in less than a year. During the mission, China agreed to take the vital regulatory step to formally lift the ban on Canadian boneless beef under 30 months (UTM) and tallow for industrial use, effective July 3. This essential move, coming a week after the initial agreement for full staged Chinese market access for Canadian beef, is a clear indication of the current strong Canada/China trade partnership. Minister Ritz kicked off his mission by serving up the first plates of Canadian beef available in China in almost a decade at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 with Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada, in celebration of Canada Day. Also on hand was Gib Drury, Board Chair of the Canada Beef Export Federation, and Travis Toews, President of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association, who rolled up their sleeves to help cook up and promote the special delivery ofCanadian beef, as well as Canada's world-class pork in a delicious canola marinade. The Shanghai 2010 Expo will be the first opportunity for Chinese citizens to eat Canadian beef since May 2003. In June, China announced it will initiate a process aimed at restoration of full access for Canadian beef in a historic agreement that marked the first time China has resumed imports of beef from a country that has had a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Once fully realized, the agreement will represent annual exports of $110 million for Canadian cattle producers. The first stage of the agreement sees China resume imports of tallow and boneless beef from cattle under-thirty-months (UTM) of age. To celebrate 50 years of agricultural cooperation with China, Minister Ritz hosted a second barbecue in Beijing, where he presented a plaque to the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture to commemorate 50 years of agricultural cooperation that started with the first wheat shipments to China, which saved thousands of people facing famine due to drought and marked the beginning of the strong agricultural relationship that exists between the two countries. Building on continued interventions at multiple government levels by Minister Ritz, the Canadian Wheat Board signed a memorandum of agreement with COFCO, China's largest government food processors, which will double wheat sales to China over recent years. The agreement to sell 500,000 metric tonnes by the end of 2011 is worth $130 million. Minister Ritz continued to press his counterparts to remove access restrictions on Canada's signature canola crop and emphasized the need for Canada and China to find a long term solution to address current restrictions. Minister Ritz acknowledged progress has been made on this issue, as Canada recently secured an extension of transitional measures to allow canola producers to export their 2010 canola crops to China. Canola is one of Canada's most valuable exports to China. For the 2008 crop, exports to China were worth $1.3 billion. China is the world's number one producer and consumer of agriculture products. With a growing population of 1.3 billion, China represents tremendous market potential for Canadian agriculture and food products. China is Canada's third-largest trading partner after the United States and European Union, with two-way trade of over 50 billion dollars ($50B), including three billion dollars ($3.1B) in agriculture and food.
Ritz in China advancing beef and wheat deals
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Canola industry welcomes China market extension
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he Canola Council of Canada (CCC ) is applauding the news that China is extending access for canola seed imports for one year under the current restrictions. "This is very good news and it shows that China values its canola trade relationship with Canada," said CCC president JoAnne Buth. "The extension will allow Canadian farmers some access to China for the 2010 crop. This development is the result of persistent efforts in China by the Government of Canada and our industry." In November, 2009, China imposed a quarantine order to block the importation of Canadian canola seed testing positive for the presence of blackleg, a fungal disease which can reduce canola yields. For the marketing of the 2009 Canadian canola crop, China implemented a transition year during which Canadian canola One billion and counting -- Canadian beef brand forms testing positive for blackleg can lasting impressions only be delivered to a limited The Canadian beef brand mark is having a huge impact in the retail, number of facilities. These foodservice and processing industries. With 66 brand license holders in locations are in areas where Canada, the Canadian beef brand mark has had an estimated one billion Chinese rapeseed is not grown and impressions in the past 12 months (an impression is a single exposure to is meant to reduce the chances of an advertisement or display of a banner ad). blackleg being transferred to the A little over 18 months ago, the Canadian Cattlemen's Association domestic rapeseed crop. The one(CCA) and the Beef Information Centre (BIC), along with Canada Beef year extension means deliveries Export Federation (CBEF) and Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC), can continue to these ports. developed the global Canadian beef brand mark. Its purpose was to "While the extension keeps the provide a consistent image with the identifiable attributes of the door slightly open to China, it Canadian Beef Advantage (CBA), for use in Canada and abroad. doesn’t open it any wider," she Retailers, such as Costco , Safeway and Sobeys, have embraced the said. "We still have only very brand mark, featuring it on their Canadian beef offerings and on signage limited access, so we will continue to work with China to address their at the meat counter. The Canadian beef brand mark has also been highly publicized by various restaurants -- for instance, Panago Pizza, Boston blackleg concerns and to restore Pizza and Arby's - on their menus, on direct mail campaigns and in full trade," Buth said. advertising promotions including television. Canada is undertaking cooperative studies with China to Health professionals learn of nutrient-rich approach for analyze ways to mitigate the healthier diets transfer of blackleg to China’s The nutrient-richness of Canadian beef is recognized by dietitians crop, and to undertake dairy feed across the country, and the Beef Information Centre (BIC) is key to trials to increase the value of ensuring these health professionals are provided with factual based canola meal in China. information. China was Canada's largest Recently, BIC introduced the Nutrient-Rich Advertorial Series in the canola seed market in 2008-09 at Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research, which is distributed 2.8 million tonnes. Under current to 6,200 registered dietitians across Canada. The first advertorial was restrictions, Canada’s access is published in the spring 2010 edition, while the second advertorial is limited to 1.4 to 1.5 million scheduled for the fall 2010 edition. tonnes annually. As of April 2010, The goal of the Series is to ensure registered dietitians and health Canada had shipped 1.62 million professionals develop a greater understanding of the Nutrient Rich tonnes in 2009-10, just over 1 Foods Index, can identify lean beef as an example of a nutrient rich million tonnes before November food and understand the importance of counselling on the topic of 15, 2009. nutrient density.
Promoting Canadian beef
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The CFFO Commentary ....
Supporting local abattoirs to support local food By John Clement June 25, 2010
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he demise of local abattoirs has been a hot item in the news lately. As in the farming community, there is a rationalization going on within the processing sector and this affects both the economies of rural communities and local markets for livestock. Almost everyone likes the idea of local food and views local processors as an important part of making it happen. Most credit an increase in government regulations as the culprit in the recent woes of the local abattoir. But the reality is that the situation for Ontario processors is rather complex and not simply the result of government regulation. Regulations are at least part of the challenge, but as in other industries, there are more than enough challenges to go around. Lori Nichol, the Executive Director for the Ontario Independent Meat Processors, recently explained to delegates to the Provincial Council of the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario that there are a wide variety of factors involved in the attrition of local abattoirs. They include increased regulations, but also contain a number of other items that reflect other changes in the industry. Here’s her list: • A decline in livestock production, leading to decreased business. • Increased overhead costs not reflected in the cost of service. • A loss of revenue from a loss of byproduct sales (hides, bones, fat) • Additional costs to deal with federal regulations for Specified Risk Material. • Market access restrictions. • A shortage of kill floor workers due to a highly labour intensive job with limited investment in automation. • A failure amongst some processors to reinvest in the processing business. • A lack of succession plans amongst those owning processing businesses. • Regulatory burdens from all levels of government, including food safety, environmental and labour. According to Nichol, the key component to success for either farmers or processors is to have a sustainable business operation. That means working collaboratively with others while keeping a keen eye on the future and the economic bottom line. The CFFO has been monitoring the situation with abattoirs and recently recommended a few steps that can be taken to offer appropriate support. Our organization has said that food safety goals need to be less prescriptive and more results oriented. We’ve also said that non-food safety regulations need to recognize the difference between large-scale operations and small facilities that are often family run with little outside help. Finally, we’ve said that small processors need an appeal process they can turn to in order to challenge inspection requirements that seem onerous or unnecessary. John Clement is the General Manager of the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO Commentary represents the opinions of the writer and does not necessarily represent CFFO policy. The CFFO Commentary is heard weekly on CFCO Chatham, CKNX Wingham, Ontario and is archived on the CFFO website: www.christianfarmers.org/index.html. CFFO is supported by 4,300 family farmers across Ontario.
Bill C-474 has potential to stifle canola innovation, says Canola Commission
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bill currently being considered by the House of Commons has the potential to stifle crop innovation, significantly impacting the future competitiveness of the canola industry and, more specifically, canola growers. Bill C-474 would introduce a subjective analysis of potential market harm to the regulatory approval process for new genetically modified seeds and be counterproductive to our internationally-recognized variety registration system – a system which has been critical to the innovation of Canadian canola. Canada currently maintains a stringent, science-based variety approval system that ensures new seeds are safe for food, feed and the environment. The type of subjective criteria that Bill C-474 seeks to implement would breed uncertainty into the current seed variety approval process, opening the door for potential activist intervention and driving commercialization and investment to other countries that continue to maintain science-based approval systems. "Canola is the most profitable crop for many farmers in Alberta", says Jody Klassen, a director on the Alberta Canola Producers Commission and the Chair of the Market Development Committee. "Under Bill C-474 we might not enjoy the varieties we have today. Those varieties bring an incredible amount of economic value to the Canadian economy as well as nutritional value to consumers worldwide." Bill C-474 passed second reading in April and was then sent to the Standing Committee on Agriculture to be studied before it is returned to the House to be voted on at third and final reading. On June 2nd, the Canadian Canola Growers Association and the Canola Council of Canada were among the first groups invited to appear before the Committee where they warned of the severe consequences this bill could have on the future competitiveness of the canola industry. They also spoke of the success of the Canola Council’s Market Access Policy, a voluntary agreement that ensures new GM seed traits are only introduced commercially when they have been approved in all major export markets. The fact that this policy has been always been respected since its inception in 1995 is a strong reflection that the industry recognizes and respects the importance of being responsible about the introduction of new technologies and does not require regulation to police itself. A copy of CCGA’s submission to the Committee can be found on the CCGA website. With the House now in summer recess until September, the Committee will resume its study of the bill and invite more groups to present their views in the fall. "Given the importance of this bill to the canola industry, it is important that Members of Parliament hear from as many canola growers as possible", adds Klassen. "MPs are now at home in their constituencies for the summer where you can contact them and express your concerns about Bill C-474. "
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Rethink Bipole III route Commentary By Ian Wishart, Keystone Agricultural Producers President
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he Manitoba Government is due to announce its preferred route for Bipole III, and farmers are very clear -- none of the western routes are preferred by them. It is hard for us to understand why ”pristine” forest is viewed as more important than productive farmland, especially against predictions of the critical challenges we'll face concerning feeding the world in 2050. The province tells us hydro sales are important for Manitoba’s future, and that customers will not buy hydro from Manitoba if we disturb pristine areas on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. Frankly, I think the whole world is having to rethink what is ”suitable” energy after the disaster in the Gulf. Perhaps Premier Greg Selinger and his cabinet could consider an option used in B.C. to obtain access for a gas line through the Spirit Bear Preserve. Access was granted in return for an annual payment to the First Nation tribe for maintaining environmental services, like ALUS, and they also have the right of ecotourism in that area. Given the interest in access on the east side of Lake Winnipeg and the need to create employment, it is worth approaching hydro customers again to see if alternatives such as these can lead to a win for all Manitobans. In a subsequent press release, the Manitoba government has stated that Manitoba Hydro is still working on its site selection and environmental assessment process and that the government will initiate a CrownAboriginal consultation before the end of the year. Potentially affected communities will be alerted to opportunities to advise officials of issues and concerns about potential effects.
It’s time for farmers to take a stand Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP), the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS), Wild Rose Agricultural Producers (WRAP), the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB), and the National Farmers Union (NFU) are urging producers to get involved in an email campaign to ask Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Transportation Minister John Baird, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, and Minister of State Rob Merrifield to conduct a rail costing review as soon as possible. You can send an email automatically through www.cfa-fca.ca/programs-projects/advocacy/rail-costing-review
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Farmers demand costing review of railway grain transportation Ron Bonnett, Canadian Federation of Agriculture President
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isbelief. Followed by frustration and, we hope, the desire to do something about it. That is response many western grain farmers are likely to feel upon receiving news that they may have greatly overpaid the railway companies to ship their product. Railway earnings for handling grain are the focus of a new study by respected rail analyst John Edsforth. With this information, the CFA and its members have renewed the call for a full rail costing review. In the March 2010 study, "Estimated Contributions Earned by Railways from Handling of Statutory Grains and Grain Products, 2007/08 and 2008/09," Edsforth concluded that the rail companies had overcharged farmers and exceeded the federally-regulated revenue cap by a startling $123 million (for the crop year 2007/08). This figure jumps to $275 million for the following crop year, 2008/2009. The study reports that Prairie grain farmers have paid anywhere from $4.61 to $8.81 per tonne more than what the railways could have obtained according to contribution levels that the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) had deemed fair and adequate under the Western Grain Transportation Act. The study is based in part on CTA decisions from 2007/08 (628-R-2008) and 2008/09 (529-R-2009). How can farmers continue to accept this status quo? How much longer can the government justify its reluctance to launch a full rail costing review? Upon reviewing the Edsforth study, the Canadian Wheat Board developed a Rail Cost Calculator that gives individual farmers an estimate of how much they may have overpaid for transporting grain by rail (for shipping wheat, durum, barley, canola, peas, oats, flax, and other grains). The calculator is available on the CWB web site: http://www.cwb.ca/rail. Try it out, and get a better sense of what you may have given away due to outdated CTA costing formulas (they were last reviewed in 1992). To date the federal government has declined our call for a costing review, saying it would only consider the request once the current rail service review is complete. Unfortunately the service review is already behind schedule. The CFA believes that both the service and costing reviews could be run concurrently. It's time for farmers to take a stand. The CFA is urging producers to get involved by joining its email campaign to ask Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Transportation Minister John Baird, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, and Minister of State Rob Merrifield to conduct a rail costing review as soon as possible. You can send an email automatically through our web site: http://www.cfa-fca.ca/programs-projects/advocacy/rail-costing-review
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ive new reports were released June 15th that together present a new vision for how we think about, produce and consume food. The reports offer a range of strategies to promote local economic development and improve access to healthy and abundant locally-produced food. The report collection, titled Metcalf Food Solutions, is the result of an open competition led by the Metcalf Foundation, a private family foundation that has been working behind-the-scenes for the past eight years to jump start a sustainable food movement in Ontario. From more than 40 applications, top innovators and experts were identified and funded to carry out five research projects to tackle food system reform. According to the Foundation’s President Sandy Metcalf Foundation releases Houston the province’s food system – including the growing, processing, distribution and consumption of food – runs contrary to the very essence of food. grant-winning reports "Food is a fundamental human concern central to our health, economy and environment and yet the system we have built around it is complex, rigid and opaque," Houston said. At the core of the problem is an outdated system designed for the export market that is no longer producing local food for local markets: Farmers are in a financial crisis. Agricultural land is fast disappearing. Food bank use is increasing and health is declining due to lack of access to nutritional food. The combined solutions in the reports aim to address these issues through new, integrated approaches that span sectors and interests. One of the report authors, Sustain Ontario, was launched by the Metcalf Foundation with a mandate to facilitate multi-stakeholder engagement, bringing farmers and agri-business together with health, environmental and anti-poverty groups. Their report, Menu 2020, the collection’s anchor document, offers a high level summary of the reports, identifying ten leading ideas that have surfaced across this burgeoning sector. " These reports are must-reads for anyone who cares about poverty and health, the environment or economic development," says Dr. Lauren Baker, Director, Sustain Ontario – The Alliance for Healthy Food and Farming. Overall, the recommendations are designed to build a healthy, ecological, equitable and financially viable food system for Ontario. This will mean protection of rural and urban land to grow food, a thriving local food and farming economy, jobs and infrastructure, and healthier Ontarians demanding locally-produced food. • Rural Entrepreneurship: Investment, regulation and marketing should support new and innovative farmers growing and processing organic and niche products that respond directly to consumer demand thereby contributing to local, sustainable economic development; • Return of the Cannery: A stronger regional processing sector is recommended to build a local food economy, helping Ontario’s farmers and processors benefit from and meet consumers’ growing demand for local food; • City Gardens and Farms: Urban agriculture is recommended as a strategy to grow a sizable amount of the city’s vegetables and herbs, increasing access to healthy food for all while growing green jobs and cities; • Community Food Centres: Toronto’s The Stop presents an innovative model – a place where people come together to grow, cook, eat, learn about and advocate for good food– that is ripe for roll-out across the province. To facilitate implementation of the reports’ collective recommendations, the Metcalf Foundation has committed financial support to a round table venture launching in the fall of 2010. Metcalf Food Tables will convene a series of tactical meetings designed to forge new linkages and expedite progress. To download the reports go to: www.metcalffoundation.com.
New solutions to fix our broken food system
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n June and early July, the following announcements were made regarding program funding by federal and provincial governments -CO-OP REFINERY CELEBRATES 75 YEARS May 27, 2010 - Consumers' Co-operative Refineries Limited (CCRL), the world's first co-operativelyowned petroleum refinery, celebrated its 75th Anniversary on Thursday, May 27. The refinery, which is part of Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL), began operating on May 27, 1935, processing 500 barrels of crude oil per day. Today, the CCRL Refinery Complex has a total capacity of 100,000 barrels per day. CCRL is in currently undergoing a $1.9 billion expansion which will increase its capacity to130,000 barrels per day in 2012 and 145,000 barrels per day by 2015. The refinery supplies petroleum to FCL's co-op gas bars and cardlock operations across western Canada. ----------------------------------------A WEBSITE SECTION AND A NATIONAL FUTURE FARMERS NETWORK Ottawa, Ontario, May 31, 2010 - The Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), Jean-Pierre Blackburn, is producing tangible results for young farmers to make farming in Canada a sustainable prospect for the future. Today, he is proud to announce the National Future Farmers Network and the official launch of a new section on the Agriculture and AgriFood Canada website devoted entirely to young farmers: www.agr.gc.ca/youngfarmers. This new section responds to the issues raised at the five round tables held by Minister Blackburn last fall with young farmers, agricultural students, academics and other industry stakeholders to attain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing young and beginning farmers. The website section will provide better access to information on tools, programs and services available to young farmers. ----------------------------------------------NEW FARMERS' MARKET AND U-PICK GUIDE HELPS CONSUMERS LOCATE FRESH LOCAL MANITOBA FOOD Winnipeg, Manitoba, June 5, 2010 -- The Province
of Manitoba is providing $32,300 to the St. Norbert Farmers' Market Co-op to explore development opportunities that will help ensure its sustainability and manage future growth Premier Greg Selinger announced today as the popular marketplace in the St. Norbert community opened for the 2010 season. Le MarchĂŠ Saint-Norbert Farmers' Market Co-op, a non-profit co-operative, first opened in 1988 and now includes more than 130 full-time vendors and approximately 50 casual vendors. The Vision 2020 initiative was prompted by the need to manage the SNFM's growing popularity and aging infrastructure, help the co-op to become more financially sustainable and capitalize on the changing face of the St. Norbert business zone, the premier said. The study is expected to cost $65,000. -----------------------------------------------CANADA SECURES EXTENSION FOR CANOLA EXPORTS TO CHINA Ottawa, Ontario, June 14, 2010 - Canada has secured an extension of transitional measures so canola producers will be able to export their 2010 canola crops to China. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced that, starting today, Canadian canola exporters will be able to sign contracts to export the 2010 crop to China. In the fall of 2009, exports of Canadian canola seed were impacted by import restrictions related to blackleg. At that time, Canada negotiated transitional measures for the 2009 crop year. Today's announcement is an extension of that temporary import agreement for the 2010 crop. Canola is one of Canada's most valuable exports to China. For the 2008 crop, exports to China were worth $1.3 billion. ---------------------------------------------ARECA UNDERGOES A FACELIFT Alberta, June 14, 201 - The Agriculture Research and Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA) has launched its new and improved website with great fanfare. The improved website allows producers easy access to information and contacts on recent and ongoing programs and projects carried out by ARECA and its 17 member associations across the
23 province. These include the Sustainable Grazing Mentorship Program and Regional Variety Trials as well as the new Energy Conservation and Energy Efficiency Project. We are even mobile phone compatible including Blackberry and iPhone, and we're on Facebook, so we're never more than a click away. Check us out at www.areca.ab.ca. ------------------------------------------------NEW MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN HONEY PRODUCERS Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, June 18, 2010 – The Government of Canada is investing in a new Canadian technology that will benefit honey producers. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced today that Island Abbey Foods Ltd. will receive up to $473,000 to expand operations and manufacture fully dehydrated honey-based products. The investment will go towards expanding operations, training and introducing the products into international markets. The project is expected to create 15 jobs and increase demand for Canadian honey, encouraging development of the Canadian Apiculture sector. ----------------------------------------------PUSHING BOAT OUT ON CANADIAN SEAFOOD MARKETING Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, June 19, 2010 - The Government of Canada is investing in marketing focused on boosting international sales for Canadian seafood producers. Agriculture and AgriFood Minister Gerry Ritz and Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea today announced an investment of over $1 million for the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) to promote the high quality and diversity of their products globally. New promotional activities will feature the high quality and safety of Canadian salmon, mussels and sablefish to increase international sales. Marketing initiatives include a salmon public relations campaign, an in-store tasting program for farmed mussels, an industry-wide promotional tour for mussels and outgoing missions of industry representatives. -----------------------------------------------RESEARCH WILL BENEFIT STRAWBERRY GROWERS Saint Laurent, Ile d’Orléans, Quebec, June 23,
2010 - Canadian strawberry growers will benefit from research and innovation that will improve competitiveness for the sector and boost profits for farmers. The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), announced today that Les Fraises de l'Île d'Orléans will receive $276,875 to assess new varieties of strawberries and raspberries and develop effective breeding processes. The funding will help create and evaluate new berry varieties with improved hardiness and disease resistance. Research will also focus on developing better breeding and indoor growing methods that will be beneficial to growers across Canada. ----------------------------------------------PROVINCE SUPPORTS UNIQUE, MANITOBAMADE HYBRID VEHICLE Winnipeg, MB, June 24, 2010 - A unique plug-in hybrid vehicle developed in Manitoba and now being tested in American cities will be piloted at the University of Manitoba as the province supports efforts to secure federal approval for its use on Canadian roads, Innovation, Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak announced today. The Interceptor hybrid runs on electricity from a battery pack that is recharged as needed by a gas fuelled generator while the vehicle is in operation. This is different from conventional hybrid technology that switches between a gas-powered engine and battery power. ---------------------------------------------FIRST USE OF NEW GREENHOUSE TECHNOLOGY Lacombe, Alberta, June 24, 2010 - A Government of Canada investment will introduce new technology in greenhouse construction that will help growers remain competitive in the market by maximizing energy efficiency and reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Today, Member of Parliament Blaine Calkins (Wetaskiwin), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced that Doef's Greenhouses will receive $2.2 million in repayable funding to build a new five-acre greenhouse. This project will include the installation of a Vertifan vertical air circulation system, an innovative new greenhouse technology from the Netherlands. The system rotates air from the top of the greenhouse and distributes it under the crops to maintain targeted
24 temperature and humidity levels which helps the plants grow better. It will also incorporate shade screens and innovative diffused glass that will allow for improved climate control, energy savings and optimal plant growth by shielding plants from overexposure to harsh light on sunny days, and on dark and wet days will allow more of the plants to be exposed to the available light. It is expected to create 17 jobs and will generate $4 million in annual demand for greenhouse vegetables by its third year. -------------------------------------------ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS MUST SATISFYFARMERS AND CONSUMERS Castlegar, BC , June 25, 2010 – New Democrat Agriculture Critic, Alex Atamanenko (BC Southern Interior), says no matter how you choose to spin it, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that Monsanto’s genetically engineered Roundup Ready Alfalfa will remain illegal to sell or plant for quite some time. According to the ruling genetically modified alfalfa cannot be sold until a full and adequate impact assessment, subject to farmer and consumer satisfaction, has been carried out by the US Department of Agriculture. Atamanenko’s private members bill to rein in the introduction of genetically engineered (GE) seeds was recently passed at second reading in the House of Commons and is in the process of being considered by the Standing Committee on Agriculture. The bill is meant to require an analysis of potential harm to export markets before new genetically engineered seeds are permitted. ------------------------------------------------COUNCIL WANTS TO HEAR FROM SMALLSCALE FARM OPERATORS ABOUT THEIR LABOUR NEEDS OTTAWA, ON, June 29, 2010 - The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) is researching the labour needs of small-scale farms and is looking for input from farm operators across Canada. Gathering labour market information helps CAHRC understand and explain the nature and scope of the human resource challenges being faced by agriculture today - and the issues that are anticipated in the near future. Research results also provide valuable baseline data that will be used by the Council and its partners to develop a better way to
collect, survey and track the ongoing employment needs of farmers and develop tools and resources to meet those needs. Small-scale farm operators with annual gross receipts of less than $100,000 are encouraged to participate in the short online survey located on the CAHRC website (www.cahrc-ccrha.ca). Responses to the survey are strictly confidential and will be used to estimate labour force needs of smaller operations. Farm operators who complete the survey will also be entered into a draw for a chance to win $100. Have Your Say...Visit www.cahrc-ccrha.ca or call 1-866-430-7457 ext. 228 ----------------------------------------------CCA ANNOUNCES CATTLEMEN’S YOUNG LEADERS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Calgary, AB, June 30, 2010 – The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) is pleased to announce the creation of a national youth initiative called the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders (CYL) Development Program. The CYL program will provide industry-specific training and mentorship opportunities to producers between the ages of 18 and 35, providing them with the expertise and business acumen necessary to sustain the cattle industry into the future. The CYL program will offer a combination of formal and informal mentorship opportunities to learn from leaders in the beef cattle industry as well as from other youth organizations with a focus on mentorship. The project will set in motion a generation focused on optimizing opportunities for beef cattle producers. ---------------------------------------------$5M FOR TREE FRUIT INDUSTRY KELOWNA BC, July 2, 2010 - The Government of Canada, in partnership with the Province of British Columbia, announced today an investment of $5 million to support the tree fruit industry. This funding will deliver real results for farmers by helping to develop new marketing opportunities, infrastructure, and further improve orchard pest management. The Province of B.C. announced $2 million in funding, and the Federal Government will provide an investment of $3 million more. This combined funding will be used for new environmentally friendly packing and storage infrastructure, marketing
25 opportunities that raise the profile of fresh and processed apples, and to build on work accomplished by the sterile insect release program in the Okanagan and Kootenay regions. ----------------------------------------------GOVERNMENT ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS TO HELP MAKE CATTLE INDUSTRY MORE COMPETITIVE Ottawa, Ontario, July 5, 2010 – The Government of Canada is now accepting applications for support that will help the Canadian cattle industry become more competitive. Canadian slaughterhouses can now apply to the Abattoir Competitiveness Program and the Slaughter Waste Innovation Program, as announced in the 2010 Jobs and Growth Budget. The Abattoir Competitiveness Program will make $25 million available to help Canadian cattle slaughterhouses maintain critical slaughter capacity in Canada for over-thirty-month-old (OTM) cattle while the industry undertakes efforts to become more innovative and competitive when dealing with
specified risk materials (SRM). Federally, provincially and territorially inspected cattle slaughter facilities that slaughtered OTM cattle in Canada during 2009 and 2010 calendar years will be eligible for support based on their 2010 production of SRM from OTM cattle in Canada. The Slaughter Waste Innovation Program will make $40 million available to help drive research, development, and adoption of innovative technologies or processes to reduce handling costs or return profits from the use or disposal of SRM. Federally, provincially, and territorially inspected cattle slaughterhouses; stand alone businesses handling SRM; and research or engineering firms in partnership with these parties or with livestock industry associations are eligible to apply. These programs were developed from the $500 million Agricultural Flexibility fund, announced as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to help the cattle sector adapt to cost pressures and improve its competitiveness.