TRADE PANEL TOPPLES VEGETABLE OIL BAN . . . INTRODUCTION TO BERRY PRODUCTION . . . COMPOSTING ON THE FARM . . . THE TOXIC BREW IN OUR YARDS . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

TRADE PANEL TOPPLES VEGETABLE OIL BAN
Source: FCC
Quebec’s restrictions on certain margarines, coffee whiteners, and dessert toppings go against the pan-Canadian Agreement on Internal Trade, according to an April 30 ruling by a dispute resolution panel. Saskatchewan requested, with support from British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba, that the trade agreement panel investigate Quebec’s restrictions on the sale of dairy substitutes in the province. The Western provinces allege the restrictions impede interprovincial trade and favour dairy producers and processors in Quebec over producers and manufacturers of oilseeds in other provinces. (read more)

INTRODUCTION TO BERRY PRODUCTION
Are you interested in exploring commercial berry production? This one-day workshop will introduce the business, marketing, and production aspects of operating a successful berry farm and will conclude with tours to nearby berry operations. Cost (due in advance): $23 ($20 + HST), Wednesday, May 21, 9 am – 3:30 pm, Perennia Innovation Park, Bible Hill. (read more)

COMPOSTING ON THE FARM
Source: Dal Faculty of Agriculture
Extended Learning at the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus is pleased to offer a composting course for agricultural producers who are looking for waste management techniques for their operations. Through a combination of speaker-led sessions and hands-on activities, this practical training course will enable participants to safely manage waste on the farm. The course has been designed to showcase best practices in waste management (deadstock or other organic waste). Participants will also learn methods that meet the requirements of the Nova Scotia Fur Industry Act and Fur Industry regulations. June 25 -26, Bible Hill, N.S. (read more)

THE TOXIC BREW IN OUR YARDS
Source: New York Times
In much of the country, it’s time to go outside, clean up the ravages of winter and start planting. Many of us will be using chemicals like glyphosate, carbaryl, malathion and 2,4-D. But they can end up in drinking water, and in some cases these compounds or their breakdown products are linked to an increased risk for cancer and hormonal disruption. Some of those chemicals are also used by farmworkers, and there is a growing recognition that they can be hazardous. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST:

NB FAIRS AND EXHIBITIONS 2014
http://www.gnb.ca/0027/10/index-e.asp

BEEF CATTLE RESEARCH APPLIED TO MARITIME BEEF PRODUCERS’ NEEDS
http://nscattle.ca/2014/04/beef-cattle-research-applied-to-the-maritimes-beef-producers-needs/

BUFFALOBERRIES FUTURE CASH CROP FOR PEI?
http://peicanada.com/island_farmer/publication/buffaloberries_may_prove_be_future_cash_crop_island_farmers

PLANT MORE SEEDS WITH NARROW ROWS
http://www.agriculture.com/crops/corn-high-yield-team/plt-me-seeds-with-narrow-rows_545-ar42217

MOBILE SLAUGHTER UNIT FEASIBILITY STUDY
http://www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/agrifoods/animal/livestock/slaughter_unit_feasibility.pdf