RETIREMENT RECEPTION . . . NEW RESEARCH SHOWS N.S. FARMERS’ MARKETS FEEDING OUR ECONOMY . . . COOL DEBATE BACK IN COURT . . . WASTEWATER “PERFECTLY FINE” TO USE . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

NEW RESEARCH SHOWS N.S. FARMERS’ MARKETS FEEDING OUR ECONOMY
Source: Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia's farmers' markets have long been praised for serving up fresh, local produce and a vibrant social atmosphere. New research turns the spotlight on the economic impact of farmers' markets across the province. According to an economic impact study released today by the Farmers' Markets of Nova Scotia Cooperative (FMNS), 55,000 people shop at
Nova Scotia's farmers' markets each week, spending 20 percent of their food budget on local goods and helping to keep more than 1,500 local producers in business. (read more)

COOL DEBATE BACK IN COURT
Source: FCC
Canadian livestock producers were in an American courtroom earlier this week fighting against labelling requirements blamed for having devastated their exports to the United States. The case revolves around the free-speech rights guaranteed in the First Amendment. Canadian and Mexican producers, and the U.S. partners they supply, argue those speech rights are being violated by the requirement that they stamp country of origin labels on meat packaging. (read more)

WASTEWATER “PERFECTLY FINE” TO USE
Lafarge has begun using fracking wastewater in its cement plant near Brookfield. Trucks started hauling the wastewater from Atlantic Industrial Services in Debert for use in the Lafarge cement-making kiln earlier this week. “This is twice-treated water," said Lori Errington, a spokeswoman for the provincial Environment Department. “It has had the chemicals removed through reverse osmosis; it had the norms reduced to below Canadian standards. The water meets the standards to be released into the drinking water supply, a freshwater source. It’s perfectly fine to be used for anything at this point in time. It meets all those criteria." (read more)