Weather woes, wildlife damage | Winterkill, flooding and a late spring prove costly to U-pick operation
VANSCOY, Sask. — A desire to grow healthy food drives the Fehr family to overcome weather, wildlife and winter every year. “There’s been a share of challenges, but I enjoy the work,” said Ernie Fehr, who grows sour cherries, haskap and raspberries a short commute from Saskatoon at the Prairie Cherry Pit. “The reward is […] Read moreStories by Karen Morrison
Food labelling review ‘a waste of resources’: consumer group
A Canadian Food Inspection Agency review of what local food means is an exercise in futility, says a consumer advocate. “It’s a waste of resources of the CFIA to be playing around with this,” said Mel Fruitman, vice-president of the Consumers’ Association of Canada. The CFIA announced it will seek input from consumers, industry and […] Read more

An ounce of prevention lowers risk
Food safety regimes | Producers need to have processes in place to meet buyer demands
TORONTO — Adopting only minimal food safety regimes is a recipe for failure for fledgling food companies, says a food consultant. Paul Medeiros of the Guelph Food Technology Centre said some producers are looking to do just enough to meet the requirements and audits that many buyers demand. “You’re setting yourself up for failure. You’ve […] Read more
Man. farmer enters competitive health food market
Building a business | Entrepreneurs advised to combine healthy traits in products
TORONTO — When triathlete Colleen Dyck decided to make an energy bar, she found ingredients close to home on her Manitoba farm. “What I saw on the market was a lot of corn syrup and a lot of cheap fortified bars, so I decided to make my own,” said the Niverville entrepreneur, grain and oilseed […] Read more
Food sensitivities impact markets
‘Eat well’ attitude grows | More education needed to clarify what’s in everyday food
TORONTO — A growing number of people with food sensitivities is influencing marketplace choices, says a food and health marketing specialist. Isabelle Marquis, a director with XTC World Innovation, said 20 percent of the Canadian population claims to be allergic. “In reality, they may be intolerant, not allergic, but that still influences choices,” she said, […] Read moreHave your cake and eat the plate too
TORONTO — Diane Bisson has designed a spoon, a bowl and a plate that are good enough to eat. The Quebec industrial designer said the idea came from seeing the garbage bin heaped with disposable plates, napkins and cutlery in her son’s classroom when the children celebrated one another’s birthday. “I decided to look at […] Read more

Immigration brings new opportunities
Ethnic strategies needed | Canadian food markets poised to expand to cater to new populations and different palates
TORONTO — The changing face of Canada represents a $5 billion opportunity for enterprising producers. Bernice Cheung, ethnic practice lead for Nielsen Canada, said studies show one in three people in Canada will be a visible minority by 2031. She told the Salon international de l’alimentation (SIAL) food trade show here April 30 that the […] Read moreNostalgia fuels couple’s antique business
Love of the hunt | Retired farmers’ passion for collecting is motivated by more than money
RADISSON, Sask. — Joyce and Wally Schultz sit at a quarter cut oak table, surrounded by glass cabinets bursting with patterned ceramic biscuit jars, delicate china tea cups and a wall adorned with seafood plates. “You have to be a bit of a hoarder,” Joyce said about antique collectors. “I have trouble throwing anything away.” […] Read more
Large family works together, plays together
MARSDEN, Sask. — Every child deserves a home, agree Arianne and Otto Koedyk. That’s why the couple decided to adopt six children that they had cared for during their 22 years of foster parenting and build a nine-bedroom house on their Saskatchewan dairy farm near the Alberta border. “It’s important for kids to have stability […] Read more

Saskatchewan film pays tribute to family, pioneer life
Two Prairie Farmers | Izzy Avraham tells stories of farming, family and danger
PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. — Three-year-old Tirzah Avraham is the reason her father, Izzy, created a visual tribute to the family’s farming roots. “I want my children to know these stories and feel that connection to Saskatchewan,” said the Prince Albert film producer. “It’s my tribute to my grandparents, one of those labours of love.” Avraham, […] Read more