LIGNIN A RISING STAR IN BIO-CHEMICALS, SAYS PÖYRY . . . BURNING RESTRICTIONS NOW IN PLACE . . . CANADIAN PORK INDUSTRY MOVES TOWARDS GROUP SOW HOUSING . . . CAPITAL GAINS EXEMPTION RISING . . . BUZZ OVER BEE HEALTH: NEW PESTICIDE STUDIES REV UP CONTROVERSY . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

LIGNIN A RISING STAR IN BIO-CHEMICALS, SAYS PÖYRY
Source: Pulp & Paper Canada
On the subject of biochemicals, experts at Pöyry Management Consulting believe that the European market will invest effort in supplying lignin. In a new report called “Biosight up to 2025,” the firm makes this assessment on the basis that lignin is currently underutilized but is a market enabler for lignocellulose sugars and therefore has potential for significant growth. (read more)

BURNING RESTRICTIONS NOW IN PLACE
Source: NSDNR
Burning restrictions are now in place throughout Nova Scotia, until Oct. 15. The restrictions were delayed this year because of heavy snow. Starting April 22, burning domestic brush and campfires is not permitted any day between 8am and 2pm. Domestic brush refers to brush on properties of homeowners, woodlot owners, farmers, and other non-industrial lands. After 2pm. the burning of domestic brush and campfires may or may not be permitted, depending on conditions. An online map shows when and where burning is permitted, each day, by county. (read more)

CANADIAN PORK INDUSTRY MOVES TOWARDS GROUP SOW HOUSING
Source: The Pig Site
A research scientist with the Prairie Swine Centre reported that changes to Canada’s Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs has fuelled an increased interest in sow housing research, writes Bruce Cochrane. As a result of changes to Canada's Pig Code of Practice, the Canadian pork industry is moving away from stalled housing of gestating sows. “Transitioning to Group Sow Housing: What Does the Science Say” will be discussed on Wednesday 22 April in Niverville and Thursday 23 April in Portage La Prairie as part of the Prairie Swine Centre’s annual spring producer meetings. (read more)

CAPITAL GAINS EXEMPTION RISING
Source: Ontario Farmer
The federal budget includes a promise to increase farmers’ capital gains exemption to $1 million. It has been increasing since the 1980s when it was $500,000. It went to $700,000 in 2007 and now sits at $813,600. The $1 million exemption takes effect immediately. The budget also promises improved tax writeoff provisions for investments in food-processing equipment. (read more)

BUZZ OVER BEE HEALTH: NEW PESTICIDE STUDIES REV UP CONTROVERSY
Source: NPR
It’s been about a decade since beekeepers and scientists began documenting a decline in honeybee populations and other important pollinators. Even if you’re not a lover of bees or honey, you should know that bees are critically important to our food supply. They help pollinate billions of dollars of crops each year, from apples and carrots to blueberries and almonds. So if bees are threatened, ultimately, the production of these crops will be threatened, too. Scientists have shown that a range of factors – from climate change to viruses to loss of habitat – are contributing to the global decline in bee health. (read more)