BRIGHTER ECONOMIC OUTLOOK DOESN’T SHINE EVERYWHERE THROUGHOUT THE U.S. … IGNITING GROWTH – CAPTURING OPPORTUNITIES … RUSSIA TO BLOCK CANADIAN PORK OVER RACTOPAMINE … LOBSTER FISHERY RECEIVES CERTIFICATIONOTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

BRIGHTER ECONOMIC OUTLOOK DOESN’T SHINE EVERYWHERE THROUGHOUT THE U.S.
Source: FCC
In my recent presentation to a large group of food processors at Food Trends 2014 in Toronto, I emphasized the brighter economic outlook in the U.S., where GDP is projected to grow in 2015 at an annual rate of 2.9 percent. In the discussion and questions afterwards someone pointed to an interesting puzzle: If the economy in the U.S. carries such momentum, why are we seeing little pick-up in their food demand? (read more)

IGNITING GROWTH – CAPTURING OPPORTUNITIES
Source: ThinkFarm
Innovation event being offered in New Minas on Friday, December 12. This one-day “Igniting Growth – Capturing Opportunities” workshop is a launching pad for initiating significant improvements in agri-business innovation in N.S. (read more)

RUSSIA TO BLOCK CANADIAN PORK OVER RACTOPAMINE
Source: The Pig Site
The Russian food safety and veterinary authority, Rosselkhoznador, said that over a 10 month period it has recorded an increasing number of incidents where pork from Canada had tested positive for a number of contaminants including ractopamine. Rosselkhoznador said that on each occasion it had notified the Canadian authorities of the breech of food safety regulations, but despite intense negotiations about developing measures to prevent contaminated meat coming on to the market in Russia, the Canadian meat sector and veterinary authorities had failed to meet the guaranteed performance standards and food safety requirements. (read more)

LOBSTER FISHERY RECEIVES CERTIFICATION
Source: PEIcanada.com
The Prince Edward Island lobster fishery has received eco-certification through Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). This will support new and increased access for Island lobster into key markets around the world and ensure the industry remains strong in an increasingly competitive global market. (read more)