An Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada cherry cultivar that has led to number of new cherry varieties was honoured for its "sweet" success. The American Society for Horticultural Science, during its annual conference, presented Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada with the award for Outstanding Fruit Cultivar Award 2012 for the 'Sweetheart' cherry cultivar. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz … Read more
The government is investing in innovative wastewater treatment solutions to boost competitiveness and mitigate the environmental footprint of the food processing sector. On behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, SK), Conservative MP Bernard Trottier (Etobicoke-Lakeshore, ON) announced an investment of $95,000 for a project that will test an innovative water recycling system used to … Read more
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, SK) marked the eve of marketing freedom for Western Canadian wheat, durum and barley growers. Ritz was joined by Conservative Manitoba Senator Donald Plett, Conservative MP Kelly Block (Saskatoon Rosetown-Biggar, SK) and representatives from the western grain industry to mark the countdown to marketing freedom. Ritz said the government has … Read more
Maple syrup producers in Quebec will benefit from new market opportunities and quality assurance innovations. Minister of State (Agriculture) Christian Paradis (Megantic-L'Erable, QC) announced that Le Centre de recherche, de developpement et de transfert technologique acericole du Quebec (Le Centre ACER) and the Federation des Producteurs Acericoles du Quebec will receive up to $1.7 million … Read more
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, SK) announced that a producer check-off will be in place for Aug. 1, 2012, to fund research, market development, and technical assistance for the western Canadian grain industry. Following a consultation process to develop the new regulations, another key element in the orderly transition to marketing freedom for western Canadian … Read more
New wireless integrated pest management technology will give farmers timely information on insect activity in their crops, allowing them to more efficiently use biopesticides and reduce their manual monitoring costs. Heritage Minister James Moore (Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam, BC) announced an investment of over $485,000 to SemiosBIO Technologies Inc. (SemiosBIO) to develop three value-added applications to … Read more
The Peace River region of British Columbia will be able to put forage land to better use thanks to an investment from the government. On behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, SK), Conservative MP Bob Zimmer (Prince George-Peace River, BC) announced an investment that will help the Peace River Forage Association of British Columbia … Read more
Whether it's on a backyard patio or at a favourite local restaurant, Canadians are encouraged to remember where their food comes from on August 4 for Food Day and to make their meals Canadian all year long. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, SK) said Food Day Canada is a yearly reminder of what can be … Read more
A group of four Mexican journalists and celebrity chef Alfonso Cadena have been making their way across Western Canada, getting a taste of some of the best foods Canada has to offer. This unique experience is providing reporters with a new appreciation and understanding of Canadian food, which will enhance their ability to promote it … Read more
Flax and hemp producers could soon benefit from a major increase in value per acre. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz (Battlefords-Lloydminster, SK) announced that Advanced Foods and Materials (AFM) Canada is receiving an important investment to turn by-products of flax and hemp into high-quality fiber. Ritz said this technology will create a new revenue stream for … Read more
