Ontario’s rural residents have stories unique to living life ‘in the country’. Now there’s a chance to read and share those experiences in a new, online space called the People’s Archive of Rural Ontario, thanks to a University of Guelph professor and the Rural Ontario Institute. Image: ruralontario.org

The Ottawa-based lobby group, Farmers for Climate Solutions says action on climate change should be the #1 priority for federal and provincial agriculture ministers. And it seems the decision makers were listening.

Urban agriculture is small-scale commercial farming, bringing food production to consumers’ doorsteps. Durham College has just received a $5 million gift to create a centre for sustainable urban agriculture. Strategic partnerships with the University of Guelph could multiply its impact for both urban and rural farming.

According to a national farm equipment association, Americans are moving to rural areas in record numbers. But until broadband providers pick up the pace of their upgrades, the potential for success by rural enterprises will be stifled. Image: csnbc.com

Global warming and environmental issues made the ‘top five’ list (for the first time) of Canadian consumer concerns about food production, according to a national survey. Food company profits and consumer affordability were up there too. The food industry would do well to better explain rising food costs, and the link between profits and sustainability. Image: canadiangrocer.com

Ottawa’s plan to have farmers reduce chemical fertilizer use by 30 per cent by 2030 would take about $10 billion out of the Canadian economy, according to consultants for Fertilizer Canada. And that’s assuming continued improvements in precision agriculture. Photo: tfi.org

A nation’s food security depends on profitable and sustainable food production. Agri-food research is the key to helping farmers achieve both those goals. A recent report by Global Food Security shows that despite healthy Canadian farm gate returns in 2021, we can’t afford to let research slide. Image: uoguelph.ca

Kudos to Lisa Thompson, Ontario minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for her plans to meet with representatives from across the sector to discuss increasing Ontario’s ag competitiveness – at home and abroad. She’s zeroed-in on the hot topics including trade and export, women in agriculture, innovation, jobs and training – all issues that will benefit from bright ideas and collaborations. Photo: ofa.on.ca

Farmers aren’t happy about the continuing flurry of consolidations in the agricultural industry. They say that fewer companies with more influence throughout the supply chain limits their options and profits. Now they’re pushing back – with the Fairness for Farmers campaign. Image: nfu.org

Agriculture has an important role to play in Canada’s post-pandemic economic recovery, and the Grain Farmers of Ontario have let Ottawa know how they can help. Three key priorities, they say, will translate into fiscal progress for the sector, and benefits for the environment. Image: grainfarmers.ca

According to recent University of Michigan research, the humble hot dog may rob you of 36 minutes of healthy life each time you eat one. Peanuts, however, could be redemptive because of their “good” fat quotient. So…peanut butter on a hot dog? Perhaps, a happy medium. Photo: delish.com

Anti-GMO sentiment seems to be waning in Europe, and the European Commission is stepping up approvals for farmers to grow genetically modified crops. At the same time, in North America, where GMO crops got their start, concerns have heightened about farmers’ overuse of the herbicides that control weeds in GMO fields. Photo: geneticliteracyproject.org

The numbers of Ontarians accessing food banks hasn’t declined in step with post-pandemic economic recovery. Feed Ontario, the province’s largest collective of hunger relief organizations, has released a report of recommendations aimed at resolving the root causes of hunger. It should be top drawer reading for all politicians.