Author: Owen Roberts

Emergency plan needed for foreign workers says food sector

Food and Beverage Canada has called on Ottawa for an emergency foreign worker program to help fill dire labour shortages in those sectors. It’s is a chronic and critical issue, but it seems federal politicians may need a reminder from their constituents about just how significant the impact is “ not only for agriculture, but for rebuilding the post-COVID Canadian economy. Photo: macleans.ca

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Working together: A winning approach to curbing emissions

When Ottawa committed to cut fertilizer use by 30 per cent as of 2030, farmers balked. As much as they want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, fertilizer is essential for current crop production levels. Now Ottawa’s invited their suggestions on new technologies and practices that might just make that target more feasible. Photo: foodfromthought.ca

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Rail stoppage? Your timing couldn’t be worse

Railway labour woes meant fertilizers almost didn’t make it to North American farmers in time for planting this year. Binding arbitration saved the day, for now. But the impact on world grain markets could have been catastrophic if the railways didn’t run “ especially with a greatly depleted grain and oilseed harvest expected from Ukraine and Russia this year. Photo: theglobeandmail.com

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Farm safety measures vital as spring planting approaches

Farmers will soon be gearing up for planting, and it’s one of their busiest, most stressful seasons…especially this year, when input costs are so high and world grain harvests are forecast to be low. Canadian Agricultural Safety Week is an important reminder each year to take time and take care. Image: casa-acsa.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 an agricultural journalist and communications instructor based in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. He is a trustee on the Global Foundation for Agricultural Journalism and an associate editor (communications) for the Journal of Agromedicine. Previously, Owen was president of the International Forum for Agricultural Journalists, an agricultural communications faculty member at the University of Illinois, and research communications director at the University of Guelph. His programs and research papers have been recognized through awards from the Journal of Applied Communications, the National Agri-Marketing Association, the Association for Communications Excellence and the Canadian Farm Writers' Federation.

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