Commentary

Cannabis on the Scene

August 31, 2018 | By Josh Kraemer

With the legalization of recreational marijuana only three weeks away, have we fully considered the influence this new commodity will have on agriculture in Ontario? For instance, food production may be affected through competition for farmland and farming expertise.

Dead trees cause problems in Ontario

August 24, 2018 | By Paul Bootsma

According to a CBC report in July, northeastern Ontario is experiencing a Spruce budworm infestation. The Spruce budworm is the biggest threat to North American spruce and fir forests, and, on top of that, the resulting dead trees are much more susceptible to forest fires.

SynBio and Vanilla

August 17, 2018 | By Suzanne Armstrong

Human understanding and our scientific ability to manipulate and control genetics and thus life is rapidly changing with new possibilities opening up all the time. One particular form or use of genetic modification that is being explored for numerous possible uses is something called synthetic biology, or synbio for short.

Love Food Hate Waste

August 10, 2018 | By Josh Kraemer

This summer, the federal government launched the Love Food Hate Waste (LFHW) campaign with the goal to inspire and empower people to make their food go further for them and ultimately to reduce household food waste.

Technology over Time

August 3, 2018 | By Marie Versteeg

Using technology successfully on the farm is about attitude, not age. That’s the message guests at the CFFO Farming under 40 BBQs heard this summer from tech expert Peter Gredig. Gredig.

Trade or Protectionism

July 27, 2018 | By Paul Bootsma

It’s hard to believe that two neighbouring nations with the world’s longest unprotected border are in a trade war. When the US announced in March that it would impose tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, Canada had no choice but to retaliate.

A Whole Systems View of Supply Management – Part II

July 20, 2018 | By Suzanne Armstrong

The CFFO prides itself on considering agricultural issues not only from an economic perspective, but from the triple bottom line. Last week’s commentary considered the social impacts of Canada’s supply management system, and this week we will examine its environmental impacts.

A Whole Systems View of Supply Management: Part I

July 13, 2018 | By Suzanne Armstrong

The CFFO prides itself on considering agricultural issues not only from an economic perspective, but from the triple bottom line. We recognize that economic, environmental and social impacts are always closely interconnected. This is the first of two commentaries looking broadly at supply management and focuses on the social impacts of Canada’s dairy system.

Farmers Helping Others

July 6, 2018 | By Simon de Boer

No doubt by now everyone has formed for themselves some opinion about the NAFTA trade talks. Complex as the issues are, supply management for dairy and poultry is important in those negotiations.

Future Farmers of Ontario

June 29, 2018 | By Josh Kraemer

In July, the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario will be hosting two Farming Under 40 Barbeques. The CFFO hosts annual summer barbeques in various districts to celebrate young farmers and their families.