Global food ingredients giant Bunge has backed Merit Functional Foods by investing money in the plant protein startup being established in Winnipeg. “Bunge is a strong, strong partner,” said Ryan Bracken, co-chief executive officer of Merit Functional Foods. “If you could choose any partner, Bunge is a great partner to choose.” Bunge plans to invest […] Read more
Hemp processing gets boost
Hemp is versatile. The plant can be used to make cat litter, shopping bags, skin cream, paper and cardboard, diapers, shoes, concrete, garden amendments, jeans and bioplastic. Companies and entrepreneurs could convert hemp into a longer list of consumer goods, but one piece of the puzzle is often missing: processing. “All of those industries … […] Read more
Consumers expect more from beverages
Modern options include ready-to-drink teas, drinks with less sugar and beverages containing pulses and cannabis
Comfort and health are behind the most recent trends in consumer beverage choices. And the COVID-19 virus may affect consumer beverage purchases, said Howard Telford, head of soft drinks for Euromonitor International. “Particularly when we think about the last few weeks, this anxiety economy of consumer products, I think that’s certainly an area where demand […] Read more
Fibre demands growing for Alberta hemp
Hemp can be grown for seed, fibre or both, as well as cannabinoids, and agronomics depend in part on the crop’s end goal
MEDICINE HAT, Alta. — Results of hemp research trials in Alberta are providing guidance on the agronomics of the crop. Seeding dates, seeding densities, fertilizer use, nitrogen application rates and harvest dates were explored at Falher, Vegreville and Lethbridge, said hemp expert Jan Slaski of Innotech Alberta. Because hemp can be grown for seed, fibre […] Read more
Organic producers looking at slim profits
This year could be one of slim profits for organic producers. Over the last several months, organic grain prices have dropped and data from Manitoba Agriculture suggests that organic farmers could lose money on certain crops. Farmers that produce decent yields will still make a profit. But farmers with sub-par yields could struggle this year. […] Read more
Farm takes different approach to soil fertility
On the Farm: Producer adds calcium and reduces glyphosate while growing a variety of crops, including ancient einkorn
OUTLOOK, Sask. — Brad Boot noticed a difference between dairy cows in central Saskatchewan and those in southern Alberta. When he was 14 his father sold his dairy in Fort Macleod, Alta., and bought one three times the size near Outlook, Sask. The Saskatchewan dairy cattle were more prone to disease. They appeared to have […] Read more
Alberta launches strategy for value-added agriculture
The Alberta government plans to embark on a strategy to attract investment into value-added agriculture, hoping its latest corporate tax cuts will lure investors. Details of the strategy are slim, but agriculture minister Devin Dreeshen has said the strategy will be commodity specific, allowing the province to track investments for each sector within the industry. […] Read more
Hemp demand goes organic
Manitoba Harvest sells hemp food products at more than 16,000 stores in North America. That’s up from about 7,000 stores in 2015, which qualifies as robust growth. But demand for organic hemp foods, granola bars, protein powder and hemp oil is climbing much faster than demand for regular hemp. Which is why organic hemp acres […] Read more
American hemp processor sees opportunity for growth
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The founder of a relatively new hemp-processing company is hoping the crop will take off in the United States, despite issues that plagued farmers who grew it this year. Steve Groff, founder of Groff North America, said there is huge demand for products derived from hemp, but the supply chain is in […] Read more
Ottawa funds plant protein processing facility in Winnipeg
Boosting the value of western Canadian canola and peas is a foundation of new government funding for a plant protein company planned for Winnipeg. While the Merit Functional Foods plant and its processing is expected to add about 200 jobs to the local economy, the underlying focus is on creating more value for the crops […] Read more
