Farmers have traditionally marketed their harvests on freshness and taste. But new research results show nearly 80 per cent of consumers surveyed believe the right foods can keep them healthy – and that’s what farmers can deliver. Image: freshproduce.com

King Charles has been long been an environmental advocate when it comes to farming, and believes that regenerative agriculture is the future of food production. In his new role, he has a chance to intensify his focus on sustainable food systems, and convince other world leaders to do the same. Photo: theguardian.com

Farmers need to get out in front of public anger over rising food prices. They’re an easy target, especially when most consumers don’t realize just how much the price of fertilizer and energy – both major expenses in food production – have sky-rocketed. Photo: FarmandDairy.com

U.S. agriculture ecretary Tom Vilsack is pumping about $1 billion in USDA funding into pilot projects designed to move food production closer to net zero emissions, without reducing yields. More than 1000 prorojects have been submitted to-date. Vilsack says he expects to see “enormous opportunities” come out of this initiative. Photo: usda.gov

McCain Foods Limited and MacDonald’s Canada are putting up $1 million to show potato farmers how to adopt regenerative growing practices that are good for the environment. Encouraging growers to reduce tillage and chemical applications and increase biodiversity are positive moves. But although the environment comes out a winner, consumers are losers when sustainably grown potatoes are turned into fast-food french fries.

When it comes to school lunchboxes, keep things simple with fruits and vegetables. There’s plenty of great information available on every food topic, but what’s most important is that kids enjoy eating what you’ve sent and it’s good for them too. Photo: Food-Guide-Canada.ca

Earlier this week, US lawmakers agreed to take a $20-billion gamble on what’s called climate-smart farming practices, as well as investments in renewable power, biofuels and forestry. With climate change upon us, there’s no time to lose. Research innovations that produce more food with less environmental impact will be essential. Image: dairynow.ca

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

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.

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.

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

Every five years, the federal government sets out a national agri-food policy framework. It’s like a roadmap with priorities – and the next one is due in 2023. The Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses says the framework needs to enable Canadian agri-businesses to become more competitive in world markets. But first, they say, the sector faces other challenges that need governments’ immediate attention. Image: cfa-fca.ca