Category: The Grower

Farm labour, food production and immigration are inextricably joined, maybe more than ever. The North American agricultural sector is keenly aware of the critical, chronic labour shortage it’s facing. It’s making the problem as clear as possible to elected officials, along with an ultimatum: import labour, or import food.

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With increasingly fierce competition from nearly all corners of the planet, Canadian growers are anxious to have access to new technology. After all, technology uptake has long been one of their defining characteristics, and helps them compete against growers who enjoy larger economies of scale.

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When calamity arises somewhere in the world, it’s natural to wonder if the same thing could happen here…and if it did, what would we do?
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Jaws dropped earlier this year when export figures showed Brazil was becoming the global top exporter in grain and oilseeds, surpassing the U.S.in the likes of soy. And now, as 2024 unfolds, it’s clear there’s even more to come in other commodities from the South American powerhouse.
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Soil, once a supporting actor in agriculture, is finally finding its way to the spotlight. It hasn’t quite made it to the red carpet yet, but integrated soil health and management are well on the way to getting top billing, even outside of agricultural circles.
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U.S. apple production is expected to increase at least 10 per cent this year, thanks mainly to a bounce-back year in Washington. That’s making up for Michigan’s ho-hum production and declines in parts of the Midwest.

Jalisco, Mexico native Vivian Ibarra studied to be a dental hygienist – it’s steady work, decent pay and rife with opportunities to get in and out of the workforce to start a family. But upon graduation, she decided to forgo the dentist office. Instead, she returned home to help run the family berry farm…which these days, with the Mexican fruit sector in high gear, also means steady work and decent pay.

An Ontario-based ag strategist and communications specialist says the province’s food production and processing sector is well positioned to lead the agri-food agenda in this country. With wide consumer support for Canadian food, and the industry’s rapid adoption of modern technologies, it could potentially become the sector of the future.

Shortages of labour, packaging and even pallets will be among our worst 2021 memories. Canada’s food system remained resilient though, and kept food on the shelves. However, political leadership is needed to address the skyrocketing prices farmers and consumers are now facing. Photo: thegrower.org

Colleges and universities in Canada serve thousands of meals every day…meals that are affordable, delicious and produced by accomplished chefs with local fare. Photo: Mark Kenny.

There’s no doubt that we’re increasingly receiving more of our information from on-line sources. And COVID19 seems to have accelerated the trend, with traditional conferences and industry events replaced by virtual gatherings. But what will happen after the pandemic? Will the benefits of our face-to-face interactions be outweighed by on-line safety and savings? Photo: The Grower.

The packaging industry largely prefers to manufacture its products from cheap, virgin plastic. Packaging technology can be key to less food waste, but if it’s damaging to the environment with its reliance on non-renewable resources, what’s the point? A new report aims for some positive actions for growers, industry and government to address these conflicting priorities.

Canada is critically dependant on the skills and knowledge of the folks who prepare, plant, pick and prune our horticultural produce every year. It’s not expertise that can be gained overnight, and we benefit hugely from the fact that many – if not most – return year after year. Let’s recognize these essential workers for the professionals that they are.