The industry has worked with government to identify safe practices that could be implemented at greenhouses
Fears over the transmission of COVID-19 have prompted some significant recent changes in consumer behaviour. Among those changes is a significant uptick in demand for gardening supplies and bedding plants, including ornamentals and vegetable seedlings. “People are anxious to buy plants,” said Guenette Bautz, general manager of the Saskatchewan Greenhouse Growers Association (SSGA). “They’re excited. […] Read moreFarm Living
Alberta report shines spotlight on rural homelessness
The organization tasked with uncovering rural homelessness in Alberta suggested that up to one percent of the population is experiencing unstable housing in small communities. The findings, outlined in the Alberta Rural Development Network’s 40-page report released in late April, show there is an increasing need for more affordable housing in towns, villages and hamlets, […] Read more
Alta. couple renew vows on 70th anniversary
John and Winnie Anderson had to abandon plans for a big family gathering, but they were still able to mark the occasion
Sometimes, ways can be found to make the best of a tough situation. May 6 marked the 70-year wedding anniversary for John and Winnie Anderson, and their children hoped to have a big family gathering to celebrate. But the COVID-19 pandemic spoiled their plans. So family and friends held a surprise parade past the Anderson’s […] Read moreUncertain adjustment factor makes pandemic confusing
Q: I think most of us are somewhat puzzled by everything going on with the coronavirus these days. With so many opinions, many contradictory, it really is confusing. To my mind, the most confusing part of it is the proclamation made by so many people that we have, as they say, flattened our curve, that […] Read more
Alta. cuts regulations for low-risk food production
Alberta is changing regulations that will allow some food producers to sell low-risk products without being subject to inspections or permits. The government said today the changes will improve access to local food. Some small producers and processors have been advocating for regulatory changes, saying current rules bar them from being competitive in the market. […] Read more
Rural ERs to re-open next month in Sask.
Rural hospital emergency rooms closed as part of Saskatchewan’s pandemic plan will begin re-opening mid-June. Twelve ERs were temporarily closed to provide capacity, if needed, allow staff to train for COVID-19 treatment, and to move some vulnerable patients for their own protection. The closures were announced April 8, but communities expressed surprise when they actually […] Read more
Alta. local food council calls for better branding, food hubs
Alberta’s former local food council has put forward a number of recommendations it says will help bolster the sector. The recommendations were part of the council’s interim report, which was submitted in March 2019. The unreleased document was recently obtained by The Western Producer. Within the report, the council provided seven recommendations. It was mandated […] Read more
COVID changes consumer attitudes
Consumer attitudes toward food are changing, in some cases rapidly, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ujwal Arkalgud, a cultural anthropologist and board member with the United States Center for Food Integrity, said consumers are becoming more interested in shortening food supply chains and reducing the distance food travels. Those attitudes are not yet […] Read more
Father’s war experience chronicled
Marie Donais Calder writes about her father’s relationship with a German family at the end of the Second World War
Marie Donais Calder lays bare the struggles faced by her father and one family he decided to help in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War in Europe in her historical fiction series called The Other Side. The 25 books are based on real people, focusing on her father, Edmond Joseph Donais, who was […] Read more
Books can inspire commitment to eating local
Food stories are interesting. Karen Anderson’s storytelling in Food Artisans of Alberta draws you into the book and you can hardly wait to turn the page. It feels like an intimate chat with the author. In Jennifer Cockrall-King’s book Artisans of the Okanagan, the unique terroir of each region is front and centre. “Terroir is […] Read more
