Partners renew 4R support

Leading farm organizations and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Food have renewed their commitment to the 4R program.

It now covers more than 1.4 million acres where owners commit to using only the right fertilizers at the right rates at the right time and the right place.

It involves farmers and suppliers and crop advisors and it aims to sustain agriculture soils and waters and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The program is based on science and it certifies nutrient suppliers.

The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, Fertilizer Canada, Grain Farmers of Ontario, the Ontario Agri Business Association and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture joined the agriculture department in signing a memorandum of understanding to extend the program for a third term.

But where are the Ontario Branch of the National Farmers Union, Ecological Farmers of Ontario and the Organic Growers Ontario, the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Association and the Ontario Greenhouse Growers Association?

Those who signed on said that through continued collaboration among industry, government, and farm organizations, the initiative improves soil health, protects water quality, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions in support of climate-smart agriculture. 

By certifying agricultural retailers, engaging qualified professionals, and measuring progress, the MOC enhances sustainability and delivers long-term economic and agronomic benefits for Ontario farmers, the program said in a news release.

Chicken production to increase

 

Ontario has been granted room to increase chicken production to 6.5 per cent above base quota for the period between May 3 and June 21.

The national supply management agency said demand is strong “supported by competing meat prices, steady per capita consumption and overall positive economic indicators.”

China invited to invest in our agriculture

Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said he sees “lots of opportunities” under new trade agreements signed with Beijing for Chinese investment in areas such as domestic value-added processing – facilities that transform raw ingredients into marketable products – and in Canadian agricultural research. 

“They want our expertise and we have expertise in agriculture,” he said in interview with the Globe and Mail. “I think they have a keen interest.” 

He made a trip with Prime Minister Mark Carney to China and it resulted in significant cuts to a number of tariffs on agricultural products, such as canola, and agreements between the two countries on food safety standards and investment in energy and food production. 

Agriculture has long struggled to secure the capital required to transform Canada into the food juggernaut it could be, said Evan Fraser, director of the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph. 

“Canada is likely to become the most important breadbasket in the world over the next few years,” he said, noting the effects of climate change and rising aridity in other more southern agricultural competitors. 

“This will either put a target on our back – as some nations pursue empire – or we will form coalitions that situate Canada between China, the EU and the US ... if we don’t seize the moment, the moment will seize us.” 

Global recalls of infant formula

 

The three global dairy giants have recalled infant formula because they used ingredients that contained cereulitde which could cause vomiting and diarrhea.

French dairy giant Lactalis announced a recall of six batches of its Picot brand infant formula in France and markets in 17 other countries including China, Australia and Spain.

Danone confirmed that a batch of its Dumex Dulac infant formula was removed from the Singapore market at the request of the Singapore Food Agency, which cited concerns related to the same contamination issue. 

 Nestlé was the first to issue recalls for its infant formulas sold in about 60 countries.

There was a time when a Chinese company built a plant to make infant formula in Ontario, but supply management squabbles nixed those plans.

PED in Huron County

 Swine Health Ontario reports an outbreak of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in a farrow-to-fioish barn in Huron County.

Smithfield buying Nathan’s

 

Smithfield Foods Inc. is buying Nathan’s, the most well-known hot dog in the United States.

Smithfield is paying $450 million, but the deal means it will save about $9 million a year. It holds exclusive rights to make the Nathan’s hot dogs in a deal that expires in March, 2032.

Nathan’s Famous began in 1916 as a hot dog stand in Coney Island, home to its annual July 4 hot-dog eating contest.

China drops ban on Canadian beef

China has suddenly dropped its ban on Canadian beef, opening the possibility that exports will return to 2021 volumes when Canada shipped more than 20,000 tonnes to China.

The ban was imposed after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed its tests revealed atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy infected a cow.

Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said the first export of Canadian beef to China could come as early as February.

Macdonald said the news that China would lift its ban on Canadian beef came abruptly.

“When the door opened, it opened,” he said.

MacDonald also said Chinese tariffs on Canadian pork were on the agenda in Beijing despite no movement on the levies.

“One of the issues we face with pork in China is that they produce over 90 per cent themselves,” the minister added. “There still is a market there for us, and we’ll continue to pursue that.”