OHIO LOOKS AT WHETHER FRACKING LED TO TWO QUAKES

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Source: NY Times
Ohio officials said Tuesday that an oil and gas well near the site of two small earthquakes was undergoing hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, when the quakes occurred. The State Department of Natural Resources ordered work halted at the well and six others in Poland Township, near the Pennsylvania border, on Monday after the two earthquakes earlier in the day. The quakes, of magnitude 2.6 and 3.0, caused no damage or injuries but were felt in nearby towns. (read more)

SMALL STUDY SAYS MILK NO HELP FOR LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

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Source: LA Times
A pilot study failed to show something many people believe – that drinking raw milk reduces the symptoms of lactose intolerance or malabsorption. The condition is common worldwide, and can lead to bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. But the specific prevalence of lactose intolerance is not known, the researchers from Stanford University said. (read more)

FRACKING “COULD HARM WILDLIFE”

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Source: BBC
Fracking has the potential to devastate wildlife habitats across the UK, says research commissioned by leading wildlife and countryside groups. The report Are We Fit to Frack? was launched by six organizations including the National Trust and the RSPB. It was reviewed by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and is supported by a cross party group of MPs. (read more)

P.E.I. WELCOMES PROGRESS ON CANADA-SOUTH KOREA FREE TRADE

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Source: P.E.I. Dept. of Innovation and Advanced Learning

 The Government of Prince Edward Island welcomes progress on free trade between Canada and South Korea, says Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning Allen Roach. “In recent years, Prince Edward Island has seen growth in its trade with the Korean market and this will only be helped by the recently signed trade agreement,” said Minister Roach. “During our recent trade mission to Korea, I was struck by the opportunities for Prince Edward Island to do business in their marketplace. The agreement will further open doors for businesses from every sector of our economy.” (read more)

 

 

SAFETY STARTS WITH COMMUNICATION

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Source: NSFA

A new Farm Safety Nova Scotia workshop highlights the importance of communication between farmers, their families and workers. According to the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, 1,975 accidental agricultural deaths were recorded in Canada from 1990 to 2008. Among those fatalities, 47 percent were farmer/owner operators and 14 percent were their children, with 104 annual average deaths on farms, or 12.9 people per 100,000 farm employees. More recent statistics are anticipated later this year.  (read more)

 

GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN R&D AT NORTHUMBERLAND CO-OP

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Source: N.B. Dept. of Economic Development

The provincial and federal governments are helping Northumberland Co-operative Ltd. develop a value-added, milk-based drink to meet increasing demand for quality and healthy beverages. “Value-added food is an important priority growth sector in New Brunswick,” said Human Resources Minister Robert Trevors. “Our investment will assist Northumberland Co-operative Ltd. in a research and development project to potentially produce a single-serve, value-added drink in Miramichi.” (read more)

 

PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION OF PORK IN EU FORECAST TO RISE

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Source: themeatsite.com

Following two successive years of contracted beef and pork domestic supply and demand, EU meat production and consumption is expected to recover in 2014. Increased productivity in the pig meat sector could allow production to recover, following the strong decline in the sow herd observed in 2012 and 2013 linked to the implementation of the new EU welfare rules for sows, according to the British Pig Executive (BPEX). (read more)

 

TAKING GOOD CARE OF FARM ANIMALS

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 Source: LaHave Bakery

 

Ever wanted to learn more about raising animals? Want to know how to responsibly and ethically care for them? Taking Good Care of Farm Animals on A Hobby Farm is a lecture on natural behaviors, housing, and handling of chickens, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, and cattle. A practical presentation by Jane Morrigan, M.Sc., P.Ag. Saturday, March 22 from 2-4:30pm at the LaHave Bakery. Call 902-688-2908 to register. $10 per Adult, kids free. (Read more)

 

NEW “FARM SCHOOL” PERFECT NEXT STEP FOR ASPIRING FARMERS

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Source: ACORN

The ground may still be covered in snow but gardeners and farmers are looking to their seed catalogues and dreaming of spring. This is also the time that young and aspiring growers plan the next step of their farm dream, and for many that begins with accessing the necessary training and education through on-farm experience and mentorship.ACORN has developed the Grow A Farmer Apprenticeship Program to draw on the expertise of long-established Maritime organic farmers in providing a new and multi-faceted learning opportunity for those keen to farm. (Read more)

 

MICHAEL SCHMIDT TAKES RAW MILK FIGHT TO ONTARIO’S TOP COURT

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Source: CBC.ca

A dairy farmer determined to defend his right to provide raw milk urged Ontario’s top court Wednesday to recognize that laws around pasteurization were outdated, unjust, and infringed on basic freedoms. Michael Schmidt made his stand during a hearing before Ontario’s Court of Appeal, as supporters packed two courtrooms to witness the latest step in a long-running legal battle between the 59-year-old farmer and the government. (Read more)

 

ALMOST 500 FOODS CONTAIN THE “YOGA MAT” MAT COMPOUND. SHOULD WE CARE?

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Source: NPR

That compound found in commercially baked bread – yep, the one that’s in yoga mats, too – is in the news again. A report from the Environmental Working Group finds that the compound, azodicarbonamide, is found in close to 500 food products, from Pillsbury Dinner Rolls to Little Debbie products to Wonder Bread. (read more)

 

DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR GROW A FARMER PROGRAM

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Source: ACORN

Whether you’re interested in growing organic vegetables, livestock, grain, or seeds, the Grow A Farmer Apprenticeship Program has an option for you! As more placements are confirmed for this year’s full-season program, some remaining options are available to participate, so we have extended the deadline to Friday March 28 at 5pm. (read more)

 

CANADIAN DAIRY QUOTA BUY-OUT COULD GROW SECTOR

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Source: FCC

A book-value buy-out of Canadian dairy quota could cost as much as $4.7 billion, but would eventually grow the sector and open new opportunities for exports, says a new report.
The Conference Board of Canada's Reforming Dairy Supply Management: The Case for Growth notes global dairy export volumes have increased by more than seven per cent per year over the last three years. (read more)

 

HALIFAX REGIONAL COUNCIL WON’T GIVE LOCAL FIRMS AN EDGE ON TENDER BIDS

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Source: The Chronicle Herald

When it comes to their own money, most regional councillors say they choose to buy local, but when it comes to Halifax’s municipal coffers, they won’t always do the same.  Regional council has approved a motion that would keep local firms from getting an edge on the competition on tenders put out by city hall. Councillors had asked staff to look at the practicality of such a policy last year, and a report this week recommended against it.(read more)

 

COMMUNITY FEED-IN-TARIFF PROGRAM RESULTS AVAILABLE

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Source: N.S Dept of Energy

Government is adjusting the Community Feed-in Tariff (COMFIT) program after releasing a review on March 6. Energy Minister Andrew Younger said that the department has received a lot of feedback on the program and are making changes as a result. As of January, 89 COMFIT projects had been approved, with a total capacity of 200 megawatts. When launched in 2011, the program's target was 100 megawatts. It is not expected that all approved projects will go into production. (read more)