There is no economic benefit in establishing a genetically modified-free zone in Canada, says a report from the George Morris Centre. “Most consumers are unlikely to perceive that non-GM products sourced from a GM-free zone provide an added value sufficient to warrant the payment of an additional premium,” said author Martin Gooch. “They expect to […] Read more
Sean Pratt
Stories by Sean Pratt
Organic industry continues struggle over standards
Canada’s battered and bruised national organic standard is still in limbo. Votes on the fourth ballot are in and little has changed. Eight of the 40 members on the Canadian General Standards Board’s organic committee are opposed to the main portion of the standard. That is one fewer nays than the last time a vote […] Read more
Exchange paves way for pulse sales
A new commodity exchange will make Canadian pulses more competitive for sales into the Middle East and North Africa, says a major buyer from that region. The Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange opened for business on Nov. 22. At first it will trade only gold but within nine to 12 months the exchange is expect […] Read more
Canadian feed barley steals ground in Japan from U.S.
Canada is gaining ground in the world’s second largest feed barley market at the expense of the United States. The U.S. was shut out of Japan’s fifth and final Simultaneous Buy and Sell or SBS barley tender of the year on Nov. 30, leaving the spoils to be split between Canada and Australia. Japanese importers […] Read more
GMOs harm mice in Australian lab test
An incident halfway around the world in which genetically modified peas made laboratory mice sick is proof that Canada needs to apply the precautionary principle when it comes to dealing with biotech crops, says the National Farmers Union. “This new information fundamentally reinforces the NFU policy, which states that every new genetically modified product has […] Read more
Glyphosate campaign has dual purpose
Syngenta is taking a lead role in spreading the gospel that farmers must take steps to thwart the growing tide of glyphosate-resistant weeds. The chemical company has set up a website at www.resistancefighter.com, hired a weed resistance manager and launched a promotional campaign to inform farmers how serious an issue it has become. Syngenta’s 2-1-2 […] Read more
Researcher: barley, oats potential fuel sources
Ethanol’s corn versus wheat debate should be broadened to include a couple of other crops, says a University of Saskatchewan researcher. “Barley and oats should at least be considered as viable alcohol input options for Saskatchewan,” Crop Development Centre breeder Brian Rossnagel told nearly 100 delegates attending the Northern Plains Ethanol Workshop in Saskatoon. The […] Read more
Biodiesel seeks equality
Ottawa’s alternative fuel policy has been heavily weighted in favour of ethanol, say biodiesel boosters. Western Canada’s largest biodiesel distributor wants to see more equity in how federal money is doled out, starting with the establishment of a program to mimic the recently completed $118 million ethanol expansion program, which provided funding to 11 projects. […] Read more
WTO panel to rule in Jan. on Europe’s GM restrictions
Farmers have learned patience is a virtue when it comes to making headway on an issue at the World Trade Organization. For years Canadian growers have waited for an announcement on further subsidy reductions through the WTO and it could be a while yet. But within two months the international body will deliver a verdict […] Read more
Pulse crop big in India
Farmers in India are harvesting their summer pulses and according to preliminary government estimates, it is going to be a big crop. The first advance estimate from the department of agriculture’s directorate of economics and statistics shows farmers are expected to produce 4.98 million tonnes of kharif pulses in 2005. That is nearly identical to […] Read more
