Ag industry players argue environmental, social and governance reporting standards are coming and urge producers to be ready for them; others aren’t so sure
Canadian farmers might want to brush up on their report-writing skills. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting standards are going to affect the agriculture industry sooner than you might think, says Canada’s largest landowner. “No loans or mortgages will be available from the major lenders unless certain ESG standards and carbon footprint is identified,” said […] Read moreStories by Delaney Seiferling
Fear of farming shares common roots
Researcher says fostering direct, personal links among producers and consumers can help develop comfort and trust
Why do some people embrace misinformation and conspiracy theories about farming and food production and others do not? A team of American and Canadian researchers dug into this question by looking at 170 studies involving more than 158,000 participants. Their meta-analysis found that people vulnerable to misinformation and conspiracy theories share three traits. They tend […] Read more
Plant breeders need to be recognized
If you asked a consumer who produces their food, they would likely answer “the farmer.” But the farmer is only one cog in the chain of the food production system. One key piece of that chain — one that often goes unappreciated — is the plant breeder. Those in the agriculture industry know the monumental […] Read more
Let’s start the #EatEfficient movement
In recent years, a growing amount of information has shown that, in most cases, eating local is not better for the environment, nor can it ensure food security or promote resiliency in local markets.
Health anxiety can have major impact
Excessive fear can lead to questionable food and wellness choices, but heightened awareness also seen as beneficial
Deana Williams found that her health-related anxiety spiked during the pandmic, particularly after a family member was hospitalized, and in critical condition, after contracting the Delta variant of COVID-19.
Navigating the digital diet culture
The internet has opened the floodgates of dietary advice; how does that affect food production and should producers care?
Earlier this year, Kim Kardashian announced on social media her new role as “chief taste consultant” for the Beyond Meat company and her passion for its plant-based products, calling them “better for you and better for the planet.” Kardashian is one of many celebrity influencers who have endorsed a vegetarian or vegan diet and products […] Read more
Food choices are often personal
We all know someone who is extremely vocal about their food choices, even to the point of it causing friction with others. If not, you’ve never been on Twitter. Sustainable, organic, vegan: terms like these are increasingly morphing into exclusive tribes and dirty words rather than simple descriptive nouns. This is a problem, especially at […] Read more
Craft beer growth gives barley sector a boost
Production requires about three to four times more malt than mainstream beer-making, which is good news for growers
The thirst for a new kind of beer continues to grow in Saskatchewan. The province’s craft beer sector has grown steadily in recent years and one brewer says it is not done expanding yet. “We just view it as nothing but untapped potential, especially for Saskatchewan,” says Mark Heise, president and chief executive officer of […] Read more
Do consumers really want to know?
There’s a prevailing notion in agriculture that we must get consumer and public “approval” for modern farming practices and that we need to build “social licence” among consumers. We have responded and invested significant resources and money into winning hearts and minds. Lately, I have been increasingly wondering if this a strategically sound effort and […] Read more
Sask. CEO recognized for corporate citizenship
The United Nations in Canada honored Murad Al-Katib for his work in providing food distribution in countries struggling with political and social unrest
TORONTO — Saskatchewan’s farmers and agriculture industry play an important role in global food security. This was the theme of a United Nations in Canada (UNA-Canada) event that took place in Toronto April 21, honouring Murad Al-Katib, chief executive officer of Regina-based AGT Food and Ingredient, with its annual Global Citizens Award. The award is […] Read more
