Author: Owen Roberts

Odd timing for food safety to fall off consumers’ top worries

It seems that most people are confident in existing food safety systems…even if they have little faith in the government. For example, a recent US survey showed that public concern about the safety of fresh produce, which is government regulated, has declined in recent years. Unfortunately though, that confidence hasn’t inspired people to change their diets – too few of us consume enough fruits and vegetables. Image: southeastagnet.com

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2021 Census of Agriculture: Grains and oilseeds grab a share of the spotlight

There’s lots of interesting reading. – and a few surprises too – in Canada’s latest agriculture census, undertaken every five years. From growth in grains and oilseeds to niche farm markets, it reports on farmers’ expanding sustainable practices, but continued decline in the number of young operators. Photo: capi-icpa.ca

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Rift with Ottawa sparks new angle on climate

There was good news and bad for Canada’s agri-food sector at last week’s federal-provincial-territorial agriculture ministers’ meeting. The federal Liberals announced $250 million to compensate farmers for the environmental benefits their lands provide, but wouldn’t budge on the 30 percent fertilizer reduction mandate the industry says is too much, too soon.

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Name change keep cattle producers in step with Canadians

After more than 90 years, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association has changed its name and visual identity to better reflect its make-up and commitment to sustainability.
Rebranded as the Canadian Cattle Association, and with a new logo, the organization has shown its determination to be in step with its members and consumers.

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Cows cannot reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions

It’s true that cattle produce greenhouse gas, but not as much as they’re often blamed for. And there’s help on the way to reduce that even further. Feed supplements are now on the market that will reduce the gas emissions, and many more dietary alternatives will soon be available. Image: Letstalkscience.ca

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Urban Cowboy

Raising awareness and promoting dialogue about current food and agriculture issues.

OWEN ROBERTS

Headshot of Owen Roberts

Owen Roberts is a faculty member in the Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications program at the University of Illinois. As an agricultural journalist, he is the past president of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists and a lifetime achievement award recipient from the Canadian Farm Writers' Federation. His programs and research papers have been recognized nationally and internationally through awards from the Journal of Applied Communications, the National Agri-Marketing Association, the Association for Communications Excellence, and others.

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