In 1884, Montrealer Marcellus Gilmore Edson asked the U.S. government to issue a patent for a peanut paste he developed by milling peanuts. Originally meant to be used in candy, that peanut paste is believed to be the launch point of what we consider today as peanut butter — that creamy, delicious staple the Peanut Council […] Read more
Stories by Kelsey Johnson
Ministers to spend summer basking in ag policy, trade, food plan
Politicians may have headed home for the summer, but don’t expect Canada’s key agricultural files to slow down any time soon. Canada’s agriculture ministers will gather in St. John’s in a few weeks for their annual July federal-provincial-territorial meeting, where they will try to finalize the next five-year funding agreement for the sector. The current […] Read more
Biotechnology remains a mystery for many Canadians
Canadians “generally do not have a solid understanding of what exactly the term ‘biotechnology’ refers to,” according to recently released public opinion research collected by Nielsen Consumer Insights on behalf of Agriculture Canada. In July 2016, the department issued a contract asking Nielsen Consumer Insights to conduct a “comprehensive research project to measure Canadian consumers […] Read more
Respectful discussion on ag trade a breath of fresh air
Canadian politicians are getting to know U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. The former Georgia governor made his first visit to Canada as agriculture secretary June 5, where he met with his Canadian counterpart, Lawrence MacAulay, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Ontario Agriculture Minister Jeff Leal. Ottawa billed the meeting, which was largely ignored by the […] Read more
Infrastructure funding among key issues at rural leaders meeting
Canadian municipal leaders descended on the nation’s capital in early June for the annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities meeting — a national gathering that gives mayors and councillors a chance to discuss the latest challenges facing their communities. More than 1,900 officials came this year, with delegates invited to attend workshops, political speeches and participate […] Read more
The great Canadian butter tart tour — yes, it’s real
A few weeks ago, I asked my good friend Jace if he wanted to go on a three-hour road trip with me during the May long weekend and eat butter tarts. He sounded a bit incredulous, apparently not understanding the butter tart aspect of the trip But it’s a thing, I assured him. Ontario is […] Read more
Canadian food insecurity report shows need for national plan
It’s hard to believe that in a country like Canada, so many people still go hungry. But they do, every day. The Conference Board of Canada recently released its annual provincial food report card. The report, in its second year, takes a look at various provinces’ food systems, including food insecurity figures. The report found about […] Read more
New U.S. trade official has lots to consider in NAFTA negotiations
The United States finally has an official trade representative. American lawyer and former deputy trade representative Robert Lighthizer was confirmed with a U.S. Senate vote of 82-12. Here in Ottawa, his appointment is significant because it means the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump can move ahead with its promise to renegotiate the North American […] Read more
Ministers to outline priorities for next ag policy framework
Canada’s agriculture ministers will gather in Ottawa May 10 for their annual spring meeting. The meeting is officially being billed as a preparatory meeting on the next Agriculture Policy Framework, which is expected to be finalized when the ministers meet in Newfoundland and Labrador in July. The current Growing Forward 2 framework expires in 2018. […] Read more
Clock ticks down on Liberals’ chances of passing policies
It’s crunch time in Ottawa. With a maximum of seven weeks left in the official parliamentary calendar, the Liberals still have a long legislative to-do list; one that could easily be complicated by disgruntled senators and opposition MPs. Technically, the House of Commons could adjourn for summer recess as early as June 9. However, the […] Read more
