Author: Owen Roberts

Farmers’ direct marketing efforts, such as roadside stands and farmers markets, do better in areas that already offer what the study called “natural” and “social” capital – specifically, farmland and cultural destinations for day tourists. Building a community with those attributes requires broad support. Photo: Fredrictonfarmersmarket.ca

US President Joe Biden is introducing legislation that will make it easier for American livestock producers to sue unscrupulous meat processors. The legislation is aimed at encouraging more competition in a sector that has grown increasingly powerful with consolidations. Next up on the President’s agriculture agenda: clearer country of origin labelling, which could have a huge impact on Canadian beef producers. Photo: cnbc.com

Farmers are embracing ‘smart’ farm equipment technologies that can save them money and benefit the environment – if they have adequate internet access.
Now, several major farm equipment and non-agricultural groups are stepping up to lobby for better rural bandwidth, not only for use in food production but for residents’ health and education, as well. Image: Land O’Lakes Inc.

A recent Grassroots Public Affairs survey of Canadians found that consumers’ edginess towards federally approved products farmers use to protect their crops has slightly lessened. Perhaps scientists’ messages regarding product safety are finally being heard. Photo: bestfoodfacts.org

Lisa Thompson, MPP for the riding of Huron Bruce, has been appointed agriculture minister for Ontario. She’s been a strong agricultural education advocate and she’s well respected by the farming community…and now, she’s in a position to make a real difference for agriculture. Photo: omafra.ca