Author: Owen Roberts

Some surprising results were announced in the third annual Grassroots public opinion survey about Canadian agriculture and food. For example, the percentage of Canadians reporting that ag and food were of “very large importance to Canada’s national security” dropped 15 per cent from a year ago. But more respondents were feeling better about agriculture’s environmental sustainability.

A U.S. loan forgiveness program aimed at giving minority farmers a leg-up came under fire recently. Although the long history of discrimination they’ve faced has is widely acknowledged, a group of white farmers from four states are suing the Biden administration. They say their skin colour shouldn’t prevent them from being able to participate. It seems the road to righting past wrongs is still filled with plenty of potholes. Photo: nytimes.com

Only about five per cent of Ontario lands can actually produce food. But everyday, 175 acres are being lost to urban development. The province’s largest agricultural association, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture wants consumers to sign a petition to stop the loss of a dwindling resource that can’t be replaced once it’s paved over. Photo: Amy Mayer, Harvest Public Media

The Grain Farmers of Ontario recently surveyed young people to get a sense of their thoughts about eating grain. About 43 per cent of 18-34 year-olds reported looking for whole grains when making purchasing decisions. But 35-54 year-olds seemed to be less likely to be listening to Canada’s Food Guide recommendation that half of daily grains consumed be whole grains.