July2, 2014

N.B. FORESTRY AGREEMENT “NOT FINALIZED YET” . . . AFTER THE TREES DISAPPEAR . . . INSECT AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT 101 FOR ORGANIC GROWERS . . . ADDRESSING FOOTROT IN CATTLE . . . LARGEST CHERRY MARKET OPENS . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

N.B. FORESTRY AGREEMENT “NOT FINALIZED YET
Source: Global News
The Department of Natural Resources says the signing of the province’s new forestry agreement has been postponed. The 25-year agreement between J.D. Irving, Limited and the provincial government for the company’s forest operations on Crown land was supposed to be signed July 1. A Department spokesperson confirmed Monday that the agreement’s “not finalized yet.” (read more)

AFTER THE TREES DISAPPEAR
Source: NYTimes
This past winter was the coldest Detroit had experienced in 36 years. Across the upper Midwest, cities shivered, and more than 90 percent of the surface area of the Great Lakes froze solid. It seemed like ideal weather to kill an unwanted insect. But it did little to stop the emerald ash borer, an invasive Asian beetle that is devastating ash trees from Minnesota to New York. “We didn’t find a single dead larva.”  (read more)

INSECT AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT 101 FOR ORGANIC GROWERS
Source: ACORN
As part of the Grow A Farmer Learning Series, ACORN is offering two sessions all about the basics of insect and disease management for organic growers. These sessions are catered to beginner farmers, or for those that are seeking more information about management strategies for their organic operation. July 8 Vegetable Diseases and Disorders: Causes and Cures with Dr. Av Singh, Organic and Small Farm Specialist, Perennia. July 22 Insect Management for Organic Growers with Tara Scott, ACORN's Organic Transition Specialist. Each session is $10 or free for ACORN members. (read more)

ADDRESSING FOOTROT IN CATTLE
Source: Agriculture and Rural Development Alberta
Lameness, caused by footrot, is a persistent problem in herd health management programs and is a constant barrier to cattle reaching and sustaining peak performance. Brenda Ralston, beef research scientist with Alberta Agriculture, joins us on the line to talk about the impact of footrot, and a project initiated to address this issue. (read more)

LARGEST CHERRY MARKET OPENS
Source: FCC
As cherries begin to color up on trees in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, many growers are applauding a long-term, secure access agreement that opens up the largest cherry market in the world – China. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

“SO MANY WONDERFUL VENDORS A THIS WEEK’S MARKET!”
http://stjohnsfarmersmarket.org/weekly-vendor-list/

LATE BLIGHT OF POTATO AND TOMATO IN THE HOME GARDEN
http://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/10/pdf/Agriculture/00290048-e.pdf

TOLL-FREE NUMBER AVAILABLE FOR REPORTING FOREST FIRES IN NFLD-LAB
http://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2009/nr/0430n06.htm

NFU UPSET WITH PRESSURE TACTICS OF CAVENDISH FARMS
http://peicanada.com/island_farmer/publication/nfu_upset_pressure_tactics_cavendish_farms

June 30, 2014

ATLANTIC COASTAL ZONE INFORMATION STEERING COMMITTEE UPDATE . . . POTATO SECTOR RECEIVES RESEARCH DOLLARS . . . SOMETHING BERRY NEW IN NOVA SCOTIA . . . OPEN FARM DAY REGISTRATION DEADLINE MONDAY . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

ATLANTIC COASTAL ZONE INFORMATION STEERING COMMITTEE UPDATE 

 Source: ACZISC 
Upcoming ACZISC meeting- 17-18 September 2014: ACZISC Meeting #73, Charlottetown, P.E.I.
 http://coinatlantic.ca/index.php/meeting-minutes-and-other-reports

POTATO SECTOR RECEIVES RESEARCH DOLLARS

Source: FCC
New Brunswick potato growers are pleased to see funds being invested in a five-year research and development project that is sure to benefit their industry. “Anytime you have your largest processor invest into the future of your industry, it’s a positive,” says Matt Hemphill, executive director of Potatoes New Brunswick. New Brunswick and McCain Foods (Canada) are both investing $5 million in the project, which will focus on process improvements – including ways to reduce waste through technological means, as well as soil remediation and agrological analytics using drone technology. (read more)

SOMETHING BERRY NEW IN NOVA SCOTIA

© (Photo: Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada)

The new Laurel strawberry variety.

Source: Farm Focus 
The Atlantic Food and Horticulture Research Centre in Kentville, Nova Scotia has released two new June bearing strawberry varieties. The Laurel and the AAC Lila are the ninth and 10th varieties developed by Dr. Andrew Jamieson and his team since 1983. (read more)

OPEN FARM DAY REGISTRATION DEADLINE MONDAY 
 
Source; NSFA

The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture invites you to participate in our annual Open Farm Day. On Sunday, September 21, 2014, Nova Scotia farms will be opening up their doors to the public. This is a great opportunity for the public to visit a farm and learn about Nova Scotia agriculture. We encourage you to bring your experience, knowledge, and passion and become a vital participant to this event. Farms that plan to participate in Open Farm Day must be a registered farm and a member of the NSFA. Deadline for applications is June 30, 2014. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

COMMENTARY: TO RECALL OR NOT TO RECALL
http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-news/latest/Commentary--To-recall-or-not-to-recall-264944961.html

SWAT DOWN LIVESTOCK FACE FLIES 
http://southeastfarmpress.com/livestock/swat-down-livestock-face-flies

PIEDMONT, ITALY: SMALL FARMERS, ORGANIC AGRICULTURE AND TERRA MADRE, OCT. 18 – 26, 2014
http://foodfirst.org/italy/

HENNIGAR’S FARM MARKET IN GREENWICH ORDERED TO MOVE FLOWER BEDS
http://www.novanewsnow.com/News/Local/2014-06-28/article-3779971/Hennigar%26rsquo%3Bs-Farm-Market-in-Greenwich-ordered-to-move-flower-beds/1

June 27, 2014

POINTS TO PONDER . . . INDEPENDENT REPORT RELEASED ON LAND-BASED, CLOSED-CONTAINMENT SALMON AQUACULTURE . . . BEE GROUP HAILS CALL FOR PESTICIDE BAN . . . IT’S TIME TO BOOK YOUR SPACE FOR THE 2014 ACORN ORGANIC TRADE SHOW . . . NOVA SCOTIA BURNING RESTRICTIONS . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

POINTS TO PONDER

New Brunswick’s Forestry Plan

 Source: AtlanticFarmer.com

July 1 the government of New Brunswick will, or won’t, agree to give J.D. Irving the key to the province’s Crown Land forests under an arrangement announced in February.

Should the “understanding” become a binding agreement, and that is a widely held expectation, thousands of New Brunswick including residents, small mill owners, academics, environmentalists, and even former forestry ministers, deputy ministers, and Department of Natural Resources bureaucrats will be apalled. They have said so in letters and speeches and demonstrations that would appear to have been largely ignored by the Alward government.

In the July issue of Atlantic Forestry Review writer David Palmer dissects the memorandum of understanding (MOA) in his Industry Report. “Fifteen Questions: Points to ponder abour New Brunswick’s Forestry Plan.” 

“We’ve made a decision to save the forest industry,” Paul Robichaud, New Brunswick Minister of Natural Resources, has said of the MOA. Do you agree? Read Palmer’s “Points to ponder,” and decide for yourself. (Atlantic Forestry Review is available on newsstands or by ordering through www.RuralLife.ca.)

INDEPENDENT REPORT RELEASED ON LAND-BASED, CLOSED-CONTAINMENT SALMON AQUACULTURE

Source: NS Dept of Fisheries and Aquaculture

An independent report commissioned by government says growing Atlantic salmon in land-based, closed-containment is technically feasible, but its commercial viability remains to be proven. “Technical feasibility has been demonstrated, though some issues remain to be fully resolved,” says the Gardner Pinfold report. “Financial feasibility remains to be confirmed by actual performance of commercial-scale facilities.” (read more)

BEE GROUP HAILS CALL FOR PESTICIDE BAN

Source: The Chronicle-Herald

A call from a group of scientists for a ban on two pesticides linked to dead bees created quite a buzz in Nova Scotia on Wednesday. Any news is good when it comes to restrictions on insect killing pesticides, said Joe Goetz, president of the Nova Scotia Beekeepers Association. “In Nova Scotia, we are particularly concerned about the long term implications of these commonly used pesticides,” Goetz, a Windsor Forks beekeeper, said in an interview. (read more)

IT’S TIME TO BOOK YOUR SPACE FOR THE 2014 ACORN ORGANIC TRADE SHOW!

Source: ACORN

The ACORN conference is the largest of its kind in Atlantic Canada, and is known across the country for its high quality workshops and networking opportunities. This year we are pleased to be partnered with Food Secure Canada for their 8th National Assembly (November 14-16, same location)- a national organization that will attract hundreds of participants from across the country for its bi-annual conference and present a great opportunity for community collaboration. As a result we are preparing to host well over 500 attendees, hailing from Eastern Canada, Quebec, and the Northeastern United States. (read more)

NOVA SCOTIA BURNING RESTRICTIONS
Source: N.S. DNR
Brush burning and camp fires are not permitted in any county from 8am to 2pm. Is it safe to burn brush today? Check the colour-coded BurnSafe map, posted at 2pm each day. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

U.S. FDA SEEKS IDEAS FOR NANOTECH USE IN LIVESTOCK FEED
http://www.producer.com/daily/u-s-fda-seeks-ideas-for-nanotech-use-in-livestock-feed/

FARM ANIMAL WELFARE IN ORGANIC POULTRY PRODUCTION - BROILER CHICKENS
http://www.organicagcentre.ca/AnimalWelfare/aw_poultry_broilers.asp

RESEARCHERS STUDY NEW CLASS OF ANIMAL DEWORMING AGENT
http://www.ars.usda.gov/News/docs.htm?docid=1261
 
NOVA SCOTIA FUNGUS BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO BATTLE AGAINST SUPERBUGS
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/health/Nova+Scotia+fungus+breathes+life+into+battle+against/9973790/story.html

June 26, 2014

CFIA: LIST OF RESPONSIBLE ADMINISTRATORS . . . TRACEABILITY AND IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM . . . ISIS BUSINESS SESSION: STARTING A FARM IN NOVA SCOTIA . . . DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL FARM STEWARDSHIP AWARD  . . . N.B. APPLE CROP UPDATE . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

CFIA: LIST OF RESPONSIBLE ADMINISTRATORS
Source: CFIA
As of 1 July 2014, the Canadian Pork Council (CPC) is recognized as the administrator responsible for pigs and farmed wild boars under the livestock identification and traceability program. If you are a regulated party and would like more information on pig and farmed wild boar identification and reporting requirements, please contact PigTrace Canada, which is a program managed by the CPC, or one of the provincial pork producers association listed. (read more)

TRACEABILITY AND IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
Source: Canadian Pork Council
PigTrace is an industry led, live animal traceability initiative designed to ensure protection, prosperity and peace of mind for the Canadian pork industry and its customers. (read more)

ISIS BUSINESS SESSION: STARTING A FARM IN NOVA SCOTIA 
Source: ThinkFarm
ISIS and the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture present a free information session. Join us to learn about: Market opportunities for new farmers. The agriculture industry in Nova Scotia.  Life in rural Nova Scotia. Business planning and support for new farmers. And much more. The session is on Wednesday, June 25 at 6:30. This will be an excellent and valuable evening for you. No charge to participate. (read more)

DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL FARM STEWARDSHIP AWARD 
Source: NSFA
The Environmental Farm Plan team is accepting nominations for the 2014 Environmental Farm Stewardship Award until July 4, 2014.  Have you or a farmer in your area implemented projects to protect water, soil quality or wildlife habitat?  Maybe you use improved soil management practices, have installed energy efficient technologies, or demonstrate water conservation.  Farmers are doing a lot of environmental sustainable activities every day; this award is an opportunity to give them recognition for their work.  (read more)

N.B. APPLE CROP UPDATE
Source: N.B. Department of Agriculture
McIntosh reached calyx stage June 6-7 in the Fredericton area and June13-14 in the southeast orchards which are nearer the coast and in cooler locations. Later varieties like Honeycrisp are at bloom/petal fall stage. Growers will also assess fruit set carefully and determine if additional crop thinners are needed to optimize the crop load at the 8-12 mm fruitlet size. Thinning of the apples is important to encourage more consistent, annual cropping and improve fruit size and quality. Overall, fruit set has been very good for both apples and pears, with excellent weather for pollination during bloom. Where honeybees were not available, fruit set was lower. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

SMARTPHONE-CONTROLLED MICROFARMING SYSTEM CAN GROW VEGGIES IN TINY SPACES
http://www.treehugger.com/technology/

USDA Gives Initial Approval to Pig Virus Vaccine
http://www.agweb.com/article/usda_gives_initial_approval_to_pig_virus_vaccine_NAA_Associated_Press/

Effect of range enrichment on free-range chickens
http://www.worldpoultry.net/Layers/Nutrition/2014/6/Effect-of-range-enrichment-on-free-range-chickens-1548511W/

Biorationals: Ecological Pest Management Database
https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/biorationals/

June 25, 2014

FARM SAFETY EVENTS PROJECTED TO REACH OVER 15,000 CANADIAN CHILDREN AND PARTICIPANTS … SUMMER TEA PARTY … WHAT’S AHEAD FOR FARMLAND VALUES? … BLUEBERRY GROWERS TO HOLD FIELD DAY … OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

FARM SAFETY EVENTS PROJECTED TO REACH OVER 15,000 CANADIAN CHILDREN AND PARTICIPANTS
Source: Community Wire
The Canadian Agriculture Safety Association (CASA) is pleased to announce that over 15,000 children and participants are expected to take part in this year’s Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® events across Canada. This is the largest number of participants since the introduction of Safety Day events in Canada in 2002. (read more)

SUMMER TEA PARTY
Source: ThinkFarm
Find out why a making a compost pile is like baking a cake. Mixology 101 – Learn a plant-friendly version of Planter’s Punch. Got Food & Farming Literacy! – Tour the Just Food! Farm. Nutrient Cycling – Learn the difference between aerobic and fermented teas. Meet new farmers and help increase the social capital of our farming community. All are welcome, admission is free. Come to the Just Us! Centre for Small Farms on Monday, June 30 from 11 am – 2 pm. (read more)

WHAT’S AHEAD FOR FARMLAND VALUES?
Source: FCC
What are the economic drivers of farmland values? In short, crop receipts and interest rates. It’s no surprise then, that with receipts being as high as they’ve been and interest rates as low as they’ve been recently, that farmland has seen large increases in its value. But that could be about to change. (read more)

BLUEBERRY GROWERS TO HOLD FIELD DAY
Source: Island Farmer
The PEI Wild Blueberry Growers Association will be holding a field day July 10 at Terance and Marion MacDonald’s warehouse in Mount Stewart. The warehouse is located at 3141 Savage Harbour Road and will begin at 10 am. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

RALPH LOGLISCI TELLS THE REAL STORY BEHIND THE FDA’S SYMBOLIC STEPS TO LIMIT LIVESTOCK ANTIBIOTICS
http://politicsoftheplate.com/

COMMON BEAN’S GENOME SEQUENCED, COULD LEAD TO BETTER VARIETIES
http://southeastfarmpress.com/vegetables/common-beans-genome-sequenced-could-lead-better-varieties

ALBERT’S ORGANICS SAYS ALIGNING ORGANICS WITH LOCALLY GROWN FOOD IS THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE
http://www.producenews.com/more-what-s-new/13285-albert-s-organics-says-aligning-organics-with-locally-grown-food-is-the-wave-of-the-future

“NATURAL” FOOD SOUNDS GOOD BUT DOESN’T MEAN MUCH
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/06/24/325189610/natural-food-sounds-good-but-doesnt-mean-much

June 24, 2014

OPEN FARM DAY  . . . BLUEBERRY PRODUCTION EXPANDS . . . MERCER AND RESOLUTE JOIN FORCES TO COMMERCIALIZE SUSTAINABLE NEW BIOMATERIAL . . . 2014 ALL CANADA SHEEP CLASSIC . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

OPEN FARM DAY
Source: NSFA
On Sunday, September 21, Nova Scotia farms will be opening up their doors to the public. This is a great opportunity for the public to visit a farm and learn about Nova Scotia agriculture. We encourage you to bring your experience, knowledge, and passion and become a vital participant to this event. Deadline for applications is June 30. (read more)

BLUEBERRY PRODUCTION EXPANDS
Source: FCC
An even exchange of Crown land for private land for blueberry production in the Acadian Peninsula has been finalized between Acadian Farms Development Partnership and the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources. Acadian Farms Development Partnership, a subsidiary of Oxford Frozen Foods Ltd., exchanged 15,712 acres with the department. (read more)

MERCER AND RESOLUTE JOIN FORCES TO COMMERCIALIZE SUSTAINABLE NEW BIOMATERIAL 
Source: CNW Group
Mercer International Inc. (Mercer) and Resolute Forest Products Inc. (Resolute) have announced a new joint venture company – Performance BioFilaments Inc. – focused on the development of commercial applications for cellulose filaments, one of the world’s most exciting new biomaterials. Cellulose filaments have unique performance-enhancing properties with significant potential to improve a wide array of consumer and industrial products. (read more)

2014 ALL CANADA SHEEP CLASSIC
Source: Canadian Sheep Breeders' Association
The 2014 Classic will be held at the Ancaster Fairgrounds (630 Trinity Rd. S, Ancaster, Ont. L0R 1R0) from July 10 to 12. This year, 61 consignors from seven provinces have entered 368 sheep. The show (July 11) and sale (July 12) will include the following 15 breeds: Border Leicester, Canadian Arcott, Charollais, Dorper, Dorset (polled and horned), Hampshire, Ile de France, Lincoln, North Country Cheviot, Oxford, Rideau Arcott, Shropshire, Southdown, Suffolk, and Texel. The catalogue is also available on the website. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

WESTERN CANADIAN CATTLE ON FEED REPORT
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/newslett.nsf/all/cotl22365

THE LACK OF CLOVER INOCULANT IN CANADA
http://www.canadianfga.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/The-lack-of-clover-inoculant-in-Canada-English.pdf

FARM THINK-TANK TAPPED OUT AS GEORGE MORRIS CENTRE FOLDS 
http://www.grainews.ca/category/news/

CALIBRATION OF MANURE APPLICATION EQUIPMENT ON-FARM 
http://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/10/pdf/Agriculture/CalibrationManure.pdf

June 23, 2014

CONCERNS RAISED ABOUT MYCOTOXINS  . . . FINDING ENOUGH PICKERS A CONCERN FOR CB STRAWBERRY PRODUCERS . . .  GOING AGAINST THE GRAIN: FDA THREATENS BREWERS’ FEED FOR FARMERS . . .  SMALL FARM EXPO NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

CONCERNS RAISED ABOUT MYCOTOXINS 
Source: FCC
A North America-wide storage survey by a major animal health company suggests producers should be particularly mindful of mycotoxin contamination in their feed. The findings from Alltech’s storage survey, which ran from last September through to this month, shows an increase in mycotoxin risk in feedstuffs and complete feeds. The mycotoxins present can have effects on dry matter intake, milk production, milk components, rumen function, gut health, organ health, and immune response. (read more)

FINDING ENOUGH PICKERS A CONCERN FOR CAPE BRETON STRAWBERRY PRODUCERS
Source: Cape Breton Post
The strawberry fields are full of blossoms, but getting enough pickers could put a damper on the season for local producers. “It’s a struggle each year,” said Boularderie farmer Eddie Rendell. “We have about 20 acres, but are going to have to cut back if we don’t get the workers.” (read more)

GOING AGAINST THE GRAIN: FDA THREATENS BREWERS’ FEED FOR FARMERS
Source: NPR
Want to infuriate the entire brewing industry? Start poking around its trash. That's what the Food and Drug Administration discovered when it threatened to dramatically affect how breweries use their spent grain. Last fall, the FDA proposed a new role: facilities producing feed for animals should be subject to regulations similar to those in food manufacturing. Any facility producing animal feed would be required to produce a written plan to identify and minimize contamination. (read more)

SMALL FARM EXPO NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION
Source: ThinkFarm
Registration is now open for 2014’s celebration of small-scale farming in Nova Scotia, which has been renamed the Small Farm Expo! Join us on Monday, July 28 at the Gaelic College in St. Ann’s, Cape Breton, for another great day of farmer-led workshops and demonstrations. The Small Farm Expo is held in a different region of the province each year and features experienced farmers, mainly from the host region, presenting workshops on areas of interest for small-scale farmers. This year’s speaker line-up consists of nearly all Cape Breton-based farmers and we’re thrilled to give them the opportunity to share their expertise and experiences with up-and-coming farmers. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST
WHAT’S AHEAD FOR FARMLAND VALUES?
https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/ag-knowledge/publications/fcc-express/fcc-express-archives/20140620.html?utm_source=FCC+Emails&utm_campaign=420e656945-Express_June_20_2014_EN_6_20_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ec568fff6d-420e656945-16338577#story4

GROUP ACHIEVES PILOT-SCALE PRODUCTION OF GASOLINE FROM WOODY BIOMASS
http://www.pulpandpapercanada.com/news/pilot-scale-production-of-gasoline-from-woody-biomass/1003117934/438qvsM3oyW6x08yM2vx/?ref=enews_PP&utm_source=PP&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PP-EN06182014

PRESSURE BUILDS AGAINST FRANCE’S BAN ON FRACKING 
http://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-france-fracking-20140622-story.html#page=1

U.S. SETS UP HONEY BEE TASK FORCE
http://www.bbc.com/news/science_and_environment/

June 20, 2014

CASCADES LAUNCHES RESPAK: THE ALTERNATIVE TO POLYCOATED PACKAGING  . . . CRITTERS COME CALLING . . . A NEW AGRICULTURAL WEATHER SITE FOR ATLANTIC CANADA! . . .  EARTHWORMS–ARCHITECTS OF FERTILE SOILS . . .  WINDMILL HOLSTEINS HOLDING AN OPEN HOUSE . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

CASCADES LAUNCHES RESPAK: THE ALTERNATIVE TO POLYCOATED PACKAGING 
Source: CNW Group
Cascades is proud to announce the launch of Respak, the ecological answer to the environmental challenge of polycoated packaging products. Designed primarily for the food and food services industries, Respak is recyclable and compostable, without compromising on the performance and durability characteristic of traditional polycoated packaging. (read more) www.cascades.com

CRITTERS COME CALLING
Source: The Chronicle Herald
Fresh stitches cut through Domenico Di Francescantonio’s face. One eye weeps a yellowed tear. But it is the man’s smile — straining a freshly sewn cheek — that captures you. He beams, aglow. Clutching a cane in one hand and the arm of an assistant in the other, he inhales deeply, sensing first the straw, mixing with the sweat greasing the pigs. Both aromas are nearly drowned out by the earthiness of the barnyard filling Northwood Centre’s auditorium. He closes his eyes for a moment and travels backward more than 50 years. He’s no longer an old man, he says, but a boy in the countryside of central Italy. (read more)
http://halifaxchronicle.can.newsmemory.com/?token=DWHUJRyYuVJVh%2fbSzSdpyg%3d%3d

A NEW AGRICULTURAL WEATHER SITE FOR ATLANTIC CANADA!
Source: NSFA
A new weather-based website is under development for Atlantic Canada producers. It puts local, accurate and fast weather data for the agricultural sector at your fingertips! Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has supported the development of an agricultural based weather website delivered by Mesonet Solutions specifically for producers and producers groups. (read more) http://atl.agrometeo.org 

EARTHWORMS–ARCHITECTS OF FERTILE SOILS
Source: OACC
Today, much is known about the general taxonomy and biology of earthworms, whereas relatively little is known about their impact on soils, their interactions with other soil organisms, and the influence of farming practices on their populations.

WINDMILL HOLSTEINS HOLDING AN OPEN HOUSE
Source: NSFA
Windmill Holsteins, the home of Nova Scotia’s first power generating bio-gas plant, is holding an open house to take place on June 28 from 10 am–3 pm. If you would like to view this new facility, visit the open house at 1396 Hwy 224 Shubenacadie East. (read more) nsfa-fane.ca/

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

ASPARAGUS, REVISITED
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/17/science/asparagus-revisited.html?rref=science&module=ArrowsNav&contentCollection=Health&action=click&region=FixedRight&pgtype=article

GOATS IN THE CITY? MAKING A CASE FOR DETROIT’S MUNCHING MOWERS 
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/06/18/321659645/goats-in-the-city-detroit-s-munching-mowers-make-a-case

“DISEASED MEAT COULD GO UNDETECTED” DUE TO RULE CHANGE
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-27866293

OTTAWA TO ANNOUNCE CHANGES TO FOREIGN-WORKER PROGRAM FRIDAY 
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-to-announce-changes-to-foreign-worker-program-friday/article19244789/

June 19, 2014

A NEW SLUG IN TOWN . . . PINK SLIME IS MAKING A COMEBACK . . . WHERE RAISING BEEF ON APPLES AND HERBS IS TRULY THE FRUITS OF THEIR LABORS . . . THE MILKMAN’S COMEBACK MEANS DAIRY AT THE DOOR AND MORE . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

A NEW SLUG IN TOWN

Source: AtlanticFarmer.com
There are large shiny black slugs showing up in yards, gardens, and on the seashore in Cherry Hill on Nova Scotia’s South Shore. Is this an isolated infestation, or are they appearing elsewhere? And what are they?

Photos by Teena Coolen

PINK SLIME IS MAKING A COMEBACK 
Source: NPR
A much-maligned beef product that was once frequently added to hamburger is making a comeback. Two years ago, beef processors cut back sharply on producing what they call “lean, finely textured beef” after the nasty nickname for it, “pink slime,” caught on in the media. Now, higher beef prices are leading to increased demand for the product. (read more)

WHERE RAISING BEEF ON APPLES AND HERBS IS TRULY THE FRUITS OF THEIR LABORS 
Source: The Globe and Mail
Typically, “finishing” – the final stage of a beef cow’s life – begins after the beasts have spent between 12 to 18 months on pasture, where they graze on grasses; after that, the standard feedlot-finished cow is moved into pens and fed a diet of 90 percent grain.(read more)

THE MILKMAN’S COMEBACK MEANS DAIRY AT THE DOOR AND MORE
Source: NPR
You don’t even have to get out of your PJs to go to the farmers’ market now. All over the country, trucks are now delivering fresh milk, organic vegetables, and humanely raised chickens to your door — though in New York, the deliveries come by bike. Fifty years ago, about 30 percent of milk still came from the milkman. By 2005, the last year for which USDA has numbers, only 0.4 percent was home delivered. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

AGRICULTURE SECRETARY IN EUROPE TO MAKE U.S. CASE ON TRANS-ATLANTIC FARM TRADE ISSUES
http://www.startribune.com/business/263453831.html

BOOTS 'N BLOOMS 2014
http://www.dal.ca/faculty/agriculture/news-events/news/2014/06/17/boots__n_blooms_2014.html

CFIA TO AUDIT ITSELF
http://ontariofarmer.com/sitepages/

RANDOM LENGTHS LUMBER AND PANEL MARKET REPORT
http://www.randomlengths.com/Woodwire/RL-Lbr-Pnl/

June 18, 2014

MARITIME ANGUS ASSOCIATION FIELD DAY . . . CHICKEN CAMPAIGN CREATES CONNECTIONS . . . FARMWORKS CREATES JOBS IN NOVA SCOTIA . . . N.B. GOVERNMENT TO ENFORCE STRICTER ORGANIC FOOD LABELLING STANDARDS . . . SAPUTO DROPS CHILLIWACK CATTLE SALES MILK OVER COW ABUSE VIDEO . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

MARITIME ANGUS ASSOCIATION FIELD DAY
Source: Atlantic Beef

The participants in The Maritime Angus Association Junior Show held at Port Elgin Fair grounds on Saturday June 14, 2014. The Juniors are decked out in the black vests they wore in the show ring.

Left to right: Corinne Gibson, Canadian Angus Association president (Six Mile Red Angus, Fir Mountain, Sask.); Kurt, Kinley, and Karly Duncan, 25-year member (Duncan Livestock, Cornwall, P.E.I.); Trevor Welch, Maritime Angus Association director to the CAA Board and Past President of the Maritime Angus Association (Garvie Farms, Glassville, N.B.); Betty Lou Scott, 25-year member and 25-year Secretary-Treasurer Maritime Angus Association (WindCrest Farm, Mt Thom, N.S.); and Bill Scott accepting on behalf of Sandy Scott, 25-year member, also of WindCrest Farm. Dr. Bill Best of P.E.I. also qualified for a 25-year award but was unable to attend the Field Day in Port Elgin on June 13-14, 2014. (Photos by Emily Pipes)

CHICKEN CAMPAIGN CREATES CONNECTIONS
Source: FCC
Chicken farmers are hoping a new grassroots branding campaign will capitalize on producers already high public standing, while appealing to consumers’ demand for quality, safety, and local food. The campaign, “Raised by a Canadian Farmer,” was launched on Monday by the Chicken Farmers of Canada. The campaign showcases farmers’ commitment to provide nutritious chicken raised to the highest standards of care, quality, and freshness, says CFC chair David Janzen. (read more)

FARMWORKS CREATES JOBS IN NOVA SCOTIA
Source: AtlanticFarmer.com
As a result of strategic investments by FarmWorks Investment Co-operative Limited, more than 25 jobs have been created. FarmWorks announced today that 18 Nova Scotia food-related businesses have added 20 full-time jobs and six part-time jobs as a result of FarmWorks loans they received between May 2012 and December 2013. This is in addition to 21 full-time and 14 part-time positions held by the business owners themselves. The 2013 Workforce Multiplier Effect Study of Local Farms and Food Processors in Northwestern Ontario described a multiplier of 1.4, which indicates that 20 jobs in the local farm and food processing sector in Northwestern Ontario support eight additional jobs indirectly with suppliers and retailers. 
For startup and young businesses involved, roughly 25 percent of their total capital came from FarmWorks, representing a significant contribution to their businesses. For established businesses, loans accounted for 1.5 percent to 100 percent of project capital.
FarmWorks was established in 2011 to promote and provide strategic and responsible community investment in food production and distribution in order to increase access to sustainable local food for all Nova Scotians. Money invested in the FarmWorks CEDIF is used to provide subordinated debt funding to farms and food-related businesses to help increase the supply of local food, and the level of agricultural and related economic activity. Multipliers ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 bring about direct, indirect and induced economic improvement with relatively small amounts of local investment.
FarmWorks does not require collateral, payments are deferred for three months, and no fees are charged for loan applications or early repayment. Applicants’ values and goals must align with FarmWorks’, and extensive due diligence is required before loans are made. Protection of shareholder investments in the FarmWorks Community Economic Development Investment Fund is paramount in order to ensure the ongoing success of the CEDIF program.
The amount invested in the surveyed businesses was part of $449,500 raised in the first two CEDIF offers. The recently closed third offer raised $271,500 that is now being loaned to food related businesses across the Province. The total raised within 27 months was $721,000.
The survey was conducted by Dr. Irena Knezevic, PhD, Laurier Centre for Sustainable Food Systems and Chloe Kennedy, MSc, Farm to School Coordinator, Clean Nova Scotia, in March and April 2014. 
AtlanticFarmer.com

N.B. GOVERNMENT TO ENFORCE STRICTER ORGANIC FOOD LABELLING STANDARDS
Source: Global News
New Brunswick is taking steps to make sure all products labelled as organic live up to their name. The provincial government has created new regulations it will enforce to ensure such products meet national standards. (read more)

SAPUTO DROPS CHILLIWACK CATTLE SALES MILK OVER COW ABUSE VIDEO
Source: CBC BC
Saputo, producer of Dairyland dairy products, says it is no longer accepting milk from Chilliwack Cattle Sales, a B.C. farm where eight employees were caught on video beating cattle. The move comes after Mercy for Animals Canada released undercover video last week showing dairy cows being whipped and beaten with chains and canes, as well as punched and kicked, at Canada’s largest dairy farm. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

HORSE OWNERS, PRACTICE SOUND BIOSECURITY MEASURES
http://www.bccourier.com/Archives/Farm_detail.php?contentId=17158

SPONSOR THE 2014 ACORN CONFERENCE AND PARTICIPATE IN OUR TRADE SHOW!
www.acornorganic.org/

REPLACEMENT NAMED FOR RETIRING FARM CREDIT CHIEF
http://www.grainews.ca/category/news/

SENATE COMMITTEE TO RELEASE AGRICULTURE REPORT
http://peicanada.com/island_farmer/publication/senate_committee_release_agriculture_report

June 17, 2014

PEIFA CLAIMS LESS THAN IDEAL SITUATION FOR LOCAL LOBSTER FISHERMEN . . . BIOSECURITY REMAINS TOP IN PEDV BATTLE . . . NDP FOOD STRATEGY A WELCOME CONTRIBUTION TO DEMOCRATIC POLICY PROCESS . . . CASCADES TURNS TO SOLAR POWER AT KINGSEY FALLS MILLS . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

PEIFA CLAIMS LESS THAN IDEAL SITUATION FOR LOCAL LOBSTER FISHERMEN
Source: West Prince Graphic
According to Ian MacPherson, executive director for Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association Ltd, Island wide catches are down by 20 percent as of the end of May. As with any season, Mr MacPherson explained, some areas are up from last year, but a number of areas are lower, hence the overall volume decline. (read more)

BIOSECURITY REMAINS TOP IN PEDV BATTLE
Source: FCC
As news comes this week of another case of Porcine epidemic diarrhrea virus detected at an Ontario farrow-to-finish operation, hog experts in the United States are reminding their producers to remain vigilant with biosecurity. Speaking to media last week at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa, Dr. Tom Burkgren of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, says warmer summer weather is expected to result in a decline in the number of incidents of PEDv, which thrives in cooler climates. Still, he warned, producers need to remain mindful. (read more)

NDP FOOD STRATEGY A WELCOME CONTRIBUTION TO DEMOCRATIC POLICY PROCESS
Source: NFU
The National Farmers Union welcomes the release of Everybody Eats, the pan-Canadian food strategy launched by the New Democratic Party in early June. “We need a national discussion that brings together those who produce and process food and those who eat it to talk about issues such as what type of food and agriculture policies we need to ensure the survival of Canada’s family farms, how to ensure all Canadians have adequate, nutritious and culturally appropriate food and the protection of our natural environments in farming regions,” said Ann Slater, National Farmers Union (NFU) Vice-President, Policy. (read more)

CASCADES TURNS TO SOLAR POWER AT KINGSEY FALLS MILLS
Source: Pulp and Paper Canada
Cascades will install a powerful, 1,490 m2 concentrated solar power (CSP) system on a 4,000 m2 lot to reduce consumption of natural gas used to produce the hot water required by the company’s complex of tissue and board mills in Kingsey Falls, Que. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

ALBERTA WEEKLY LIVESTOCK MARKET SUMMARY
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/newslett.nsf/all/cotl22352

CONNECTICUT GOVERNOR VETOS CHOCOLATE MILK BAN
http://farmprogress.com/story-connecticut-governor-vetos-chocolate-milk-ban-25-113861

PASO FINO WORLD CUP PRACTICE
http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Dato=20140614&Kategori=PHOTOS51&Lopenr=406160803&Ref=PH&pl=1

WHAT KID DOESN'T DIG A PIZZA FARM?
http://www.leaderpost.com/business/What+doesn+pizza+farm/9927150/story.html

STUDENTS CELEBRATE SUCCESS OF CLASSROOM GARDENS
http://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2014/edu/0616n01.aspx

June 16, 2014

FORESTS ONTARIO SUPPORTS GOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT TO RESTORATION . . . STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ON NEW STEWARDSHIP REGULATIONS . . . 4,000 LBS OF BEEF RECALLED OVER FEARS OF MAD COW DISEASE . . . STUDY: DEFORESTATION LEAVES FISH UNDERSIZED AND UNDERFED . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

FORESTS ONTARIO SUPPORTS GOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT TO RESTORATION 
Source: Forests Ontario
Forests Ontario supports the Liberal government's vision to ensure the long-term health of the province’s forest resources. Our organization is particularly pleased to acknowledge the election commitment of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne to continue to work with municipalities and other partners such as Trees Ontario (the restoration arm of Forests Ontario) to maintain and enhance the province’s tree planting efforts across rural and urban areas. (read more)

STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ON NEW STEWARDSHIP REGULATIONS 
Source: NSFA
We have been advertising a stakeholder consultation on new stewardship regulations to take place on June 20 at St. Mary’s University. There has been a low response to this and it is in danger of being cancelled, so if you plan to attend, please let us know. For more information on these regulations, please see “Revising Our Path Forward: A public discussion paper about solid waste regulation in Nova Scotia,”  (read more)

4,000 LBS OF BEEF RECALLED OVER FEARS OF MAD COW DISEASE 
Source: LA Times
More than 4,000 pounds of beef, some of which made its way to Whole Foods stores, were recalled last week over fears of possible contamination with substances that could lead to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, otherwise known as mad cow disease, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (read more)

STUDY: DEFORESTATION LEAVES FISH UNDERSIZED AND UNDERFED
Source: BBC
Deforestation is reducing the amount of leaf litter falling into rivers and lakes, resulting in less food being available to fish, a study suggests. Researchers found the amount of food available affected the size of young fish and influenced the number that went on to reach adulthood. The team said the results illustrated a link between watershed protection and healthy freshwater fish populations. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

WHEAT HASN’T TURNED INTO POISON: RESEARCHERS
http://www.producer.com/daily/wheat-hasnt-turned-into-poison-researchers/

FRACKING INFORMATION SESSION 2: JUNE 17, 1-3PM
http://www.nsen.ca

CAN YOU CALL YOURSELF AN ENVIRONMENTALIST AND STILL EAT MEAT?
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/06/11/320776028/can-you-call-yourself-an-environmentalist-and-still-eat-meat

ZELLCHEMING-EXPO JUNE24-26, FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY
http://www.zellcheming.de

June 13, 2014

PORK INDUSTRY WELCOMES AGGRESSIVE TIMETABLE FOR CANADA-KOREA FTA . . . ELECTRICITY SYSTEM REVIEW . . . AGRICULTURE INNOVATION ACCELERATOR AWARD . . . PROVINCE LOOKING FOR NORTHERN PULP MARKETS. . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

PORK INDUSTRY WELCOMES AGGRESSIVE TIMETABLE FOR CANADA-KOREA FTA
Source: Canadian Pork Council
The Canadian Pork industry welcomed today’s news that the Federal government tabled the text of the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement in the House of Commons. Canadian hog producers, pork processors and meat traders and the many other companies in Canada that provide inputs and services to the industry have a very strong interest in Canada aggressively pursuing further progress toward reducing agri-food trade barriers and achieving additional market access through bilateral trade agreements similar to this trade agreement with South Korea. (read more)

ELECTRICITY SYSTEM REVIEW
Source: NS Dept of Energy
The department encourages people to visit the Electricity System Review webpage to view technical studies, a summary document and videos. This new information will help inform public discussion in the fall. Updates will continue throughout the summer. The department welcomes feedback on the studies and invites interested parties to submit their thoughts and evidence.
electricityreview@gov.ns.ca 

AGRICULTURE INNOVATION ACCELERATOR AWARD
Source:NSFA
The Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced the second year of its Agriculture Innovation Accelerator Award. The award is open to farmers, processors, suppliers, and organizations with innovative ideas and projects that will advance their business or the industry as a whole. The award winner will receive a prize that is estimated at $40,000 in an equal combination of cash and in-kind services, counseling and other contributions from sponsors. Deadline to apply is June 30, 2014. (read more) 

PROVINCE LOOKING FOR NORTHERN PULP MARKETS
Source: AtlanticFarmer.com
Nova Scotia Minister of Environment Zach Churchill says his department is working with sawmills to find other markets during Northern Pulp’s enforced shutdown. Churchill says the indefinite shutdown will have a ripple effect throughout the forest industry. NP buys wood chips, an important revenue source for sawmills, and is seen as a critical part of the supply chain.

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

WHALE DISENTANGLEMENT IN THE BAY OF FUNDY
http://www.ifaw.org

THE NFU IN NB IS LOOKING FOR A NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
http://www.nfunb.org

US STUDY LINKS RED MEAT CONSUMPTION TO BREAST CANCER
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-27790484

LATEST NEWS FROM THE ORGANIC VALUE CHAIN ROUNDTABLE
http://www.organicagcentre.ca/MarketInfo/ovcrt_update_may2014.asp

June 12, 2014

NORTHERN PULP SHUT DOWN TO ADDRESS EFFLUENT LEAK . . . COASTAL MAPPING COULD SHORE UP N.S. . . . WE’RE GOING TO COURT TO CHALLENGE DFO’S FISHY PRACTICES . . . PEI FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP . . . MOUNT A GRAD LAUNCHING VODKA BUSINESS USING N.B. POTATOES . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

NORTHERN PULP SHUT DOWN TO ADDRESS EFFLUENT LEAK
Source: Pulp & Paper Canada
Operations have been temporarily halted at Northern Pulp Nova Scotia after an effluent leak was discovered near the mill site in Abercrombie, N.S. Media reports say the leak was detected around 7 am on Tuesday, June 10. The mill was shut down while the company evaluates the situation. (read more)

COASTAL MAPPING COULD SHORE UP N.S.
Source: The Chronicle Herald
Recent opinion pieces by Iaian Archibald (“Let’s map our way to excellence,” March 21), and Eric Melanson (“N.S. ahead of mapping curve,” Opinions online, April 10) state that genuinely embracing our mapping potential will bring jobs and economic opportunities to Nova Scotia. I entirely agree. Yet what if we harnessed our exemplary mapping capacity to help Nova Scotia’s homeowners, businesses, municipalities, communities, and investors identify and reduce their vulnerability to climate change? (read more)

WE’RE GOING TO COURT TO CHALLENGE DFO’S FISHY PRACTICES
Source: Ecojustice
Here’s a scenario: Rather than regulate fish farm transfers itself, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is standing by and letting fish farm companies decide to put farmed fish carrying disease agents into the Pacific Ocean. Seems a little reckless doesn’t it? And yet, this is what’s happening on B.C.’s coast. In 2013, DFO granted 123 aquaculture licences to fish farm companies that allow them to transfer farmed fish carrying disease agents into waters shared with wild fish.  (read more)

PEI FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP
Source: PEIFA
In partnership with Farm Credit Canada, the PEI Federation of Agriculture is pleased to offer a scholarship of $2,000 for the upcoming academic year. The scholarship is available to: Federation members, their spouses, or their children who are enrolled in a leadership program that helps expand their knowledge of the industry and promote leadership; Federation members, their spouses, or their children who are enrolled in a post‐secondary or graduate program. (read more)

MOUNT A GRAD LAUNCHING VODKA BUSINESS USING N.B. POTATOES 
Source: The Sackville Tribune Post 
Mount Allison University commerce graduate Devon Strang will soon be running his own business – a distillery. This is a business that he was able to make the focus of an independent study class, under the guidance of commerce professor Nauman Farooqi. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

AMICUS BRIEF: IDAHO’S NEW “AG-GAG” LAW IS ABOUT CONDUCT, NOT SPEECH 
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2014/06/idaho-agriculture-protection-law-is-about-conduct-not-speech/#.U5kMBS_1-k0

WILD BIRD FLU COULD MUTATE INTO DEADLY HUMAN PANDEMIC
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn25713-wild-bird-flu-could-mutate-into-deadly-human-pandemic.html#.U5kMVS_1-k0

A FISH WITHOUT BONES: THE RISE OF MEAT GLUE
http://www.meatpaper.com/articles/2011/mp_fifteen_meatglue.html

IRISH POTATO FAMINE PATHOGEN ORIGINATED IN MEXICO
http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/2014/06/irish-potato-famine-pathogen-originated-mexico

June 11, 2014

ANTI-FRACKING CAMPAIGN DAMPENS BRITISH BUZZ OVER SHALE… FARM MARKET ECONOMICS MEASURED … CAAP FUNDING DOESN’T MEAN MUCH TO NOVA SCOTIA… ACORN INVITES LOCAL ORGANIC FOOD ENTHUSIASTS TO JOIN ORGANIC CONSUMER GROUP… OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

ANTI-FRACKING CAMPAIGN DAMPENS BRITISH BUZZ OVER SHALE
Source: The Globe and Mail
The walk from the village of Balcombe to the drill site takes less than half an hour on a footpath that winds through the dense West Sussex forest, past a farmyard, and then down the overgrown verge of a rural road. It reaches the spot where a group of anti-fracking protesters encamped and police converged in a high-profile standoff last summer. (read more)

FARM MARKET ECONOMICS MEASURED
Source: FCC
It’s a busy Saturday morning at the Historic Farmers' Market in downtown Halifax. Farmer Ted Hutten and his staff weigh and bag fruit and vegetables from Hutten's 50-acre family farm in the Annapolis Valley. Hutten has been a market mainstay for nearly 30 years (he grossed a grand total of $55 his first week), and in that time, he's watched as the number of markets in the province has grown. A newly released study notes that over the last 10 years, their number has shot up from 15 to 45, which gives Nova Scotia the largest number of farmers’ markets per capita in the country. (read more)

CAAP FUNDING DOESN’T MEAN MUCH TO NOVA SCOTIA
Source: NSFA
Recently the Federal Minister of Agriculture, Gerry Ritz announced a renewed Canadian Agriculture Adaptation Program (CAAP) for Canadian agriculture. Under the CAAP program, $50.3 million dollars is being made available over the next five (5) years to “help the agriculture sector adapt and remain competitive, respond to emerging issues, and look at new approaches to deal with new and ongoing challenges.”
Dennis Boudreau, President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture says, “This program is too broad and won’t do much to help the industry here in Nova Scotia. It is fifty million over five years for the entire country.” (read more)

ACORN INVITES LOCAL ORGANIC FOOD ENTHUSIASTS TO JOIN ORGANIC CONSUMER GROUP
Source: ACORN
ACORN has several consumer education projects planned in the months ahead, and in order to ensure we’re really effective, we’re hoping to form a small group of engaged and informed consumers to: Bounce ideas off of and brainstorm new ideas for our consumer education activities; Build connections amongst local organic enthusiasts, so that together we can grow the organic movement in Atlantic Canada! (read more) 

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

COASTAL ZONE CANADA CONFERENCE 2014
http://www.theoceanwewant.eventbrite.com

A PRICE TAG ON CARBON AS A CLIMATE RESCUE PLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/30/science/a-price-tag-on-carbon-as-a-climate-rescue-plan.html?ref=science&_r=0

PHOTOS: YOUNG ORGANIC FARMERS
http://www.latimes.com/visuals/photography/la-fi-adv-young-organic-farmers-pg-photogallery.html

PROPER DIET MINIMIZES RISK OF NEGATIVE ENERGY BALANCE IN COWS
http://www.grainews.ca/2014/05/30/proper-diet-minimizes-risk-of-negative-energy-balance/

June 10, 2014

WELCOMING PEGGY WEATHERBEE . . . FLOCK MANAGEMENT SERVICES AVAILABLE . . .  “TOMATO PILL” HOPE FOR STOPPING HEART DISEASE . . . GLOSSY BUCKTHORN FEELS THE WRATH OF VOLUNTEERS . . . GLOSSY BUCKTHORN . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

WELCOMING PEGGY WEATHERBEE
Source: NSFA
The N.S. Department of Agriculture announced this week that Peggy Weatherbee has accepted the position of Manager of Programs for the Department of Agriculture. 
Peggy brings a great depth of experience in program delivery and client services for agriculture across Canada.  (read more)

FLOCK MANAGEMENT SERVICES AVAILABLE
Source: SPANS
Amanda Dunfield is available in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to provide a variety of flock management and health services for sheep, llamas and alpacas. Her services include shearing, hoof trimming, deworming external parasite treatment, vaccinating, and more. (read more)

“TOMATO PILL” HOPE FOR STOPPING HEART DISEASE
Source: BBC 
Taking a tomato pill a day could help keep heart disease at bay, say UK scientists who have carried out a small but robust study. The trial, which tested the tomato pill versus a dummy drug in 72 adults, found it improved the functioning of blood vessels. But experts say more studies are needed to prove it really works. The pill contains lycopene, a natural antioxidant that also gives tomatoes their color. (read more)

GLOSSY BUCKTHORN FEELS THE WRATH OF VOLUNTEERS
Source: The Chronicle Herald
Armed with loppers, saws and bug spray, a small army of volunteers slogged through slimy mud holes, clambered over fallen trees and swatted interminable swarms of mosquitoes on Sunday in their search for an invader near Pugwash. Suddenly, there it was, all around them  – the glossy buckthorn  a nondescript shrub with speckled bark and shiny leaves, almost invisible among the alders, wild raisin, and serviceberry trees. The glossy buckthorn may not be much to look at, but the introduced shrub has aggressively grown its way through much of the Pugwash Estuary Nature Reserve, pushing native species out of the way at this site, across Nova Scotia and elsewhere in North America. (read more)

GLOSSY BUCKTHORN
Source: P.E.I. Invasive Species Council
Glossy Buckthorn was introduced from Europe as an ornamental shrub. It is a very aggressive and invasive shrub with multiple stems and can grow to be 20 feet tall. Glossy Buckthorn tolerates a wide range of habitats from wetlands to woodland edges, old fields, ditches and grassy areas. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

WEBINAR: BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN UK FOR CANADIAN AGRI-FOOD INDUSTRY
http://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/eng/document.jsp?did=151744

STOP GENETICALLY MODIFED WHEAT IN CANADA
http://www.organicconsumers.org/canada/

EMPLOYMENT: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CLEAN ANNAPOLIS RIVER, ANNAPOLIS ROYAL, N.S.
http://www.annapolisriver.ca

SHEEP AND LAMBS WERE LOWER; GOATS STEADY
http://www.ontariofarmer.com/sitepages/?aid=9090&cn=QUICKLINKS&an=Sheep%20and%20lambs%20were%20lower;%20goats%20steady

June 9, 2014

GOVERNMENTS RENEW COMMITMENT TO WOODWORKS! PROGRAM . . . CANADA SELECTED FOR SUSTAINABLE BEEF PILOT PROJECT . . . DAVID FROST AND NFU IN N.B. SCHOLARSHIPS . . . CAN FARMED FISH FEED THE WORLD WITHOUT DESTROYING THE ENVIRONMENT? . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

GOVERNMENTS RENEW COMMITMENT TO WOODWORKS! PROGRAM
Source: Cumberlandnewsnow.com
The federal government and four Atlantic governments have renewed their commitment to the Maritime Lumber Bureau’s WoodWORKS! program. The program aims to increase the use of locally produced solid wood materials in the non-residential building sector in Atlantic Canada. (read more)

CANADA SELECTED FOR SUSTAINABLE BEEF PILOT PROJECT 
Source: FCC
McDonald’s choice of Canada for its sustainable beef pilot project is a positive step for ranchers according to the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. “Any time you head down this path and you get recognized for the excellent things you’re doing, we view it as feeding into what we refer to as the overall Canada beef advantage,” says Dennis Laycraft, executive vice president of the CCA, which represents Canada’s 68,500 beef farms and feedlots. (read more)

DAVID FROST AND NFU IN N.B. SCHOLARSHIPS
Source: NFUNB
The National Farmers Union in New Brunswick is offering three scholarships to N.B high school graduates who are entering a program at a recognized Canadian institution. Priority will be given to students enrolling in an agricultural program. The David Frost Memorial Scholarships are for $1,000 toward a degree program and for $500 toward a two year diploma program. Applicants must be sons or daughters of a registered professional agriculture producer in N.B. Applicants for the $1,000 NFU in N.B. Scholarship must from a family which holds an NFU membership through Service N.B. Academic standing, school and community involvement, demonstrated interest in agriculture, and financial need will be taken into consideration. (read more)

CAN FARMED FISH FEED THE WORLD WITHOUT DESTROYING THE ENVIRONMENT?
Source: NPR
We Americans love our fried shrimp, our sushi and our fish sticks. And a lot of other people around the world count on fish as a critical part of their diet, too. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, fish now accounts for almost 17 percent of the world's intake of protein – in some coastal and island countries it’s as high as 70 percent. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

HERBICIDE CARRYOVER INJURY SHOWS UP IN CORN IN IOWA
http://farmprogress.com/story-herbicide-carryover-injury-shows-corn-iowa-9-113499

EU TO TEST IMPORTS OF LIVE PIGS FROM CANADA, U.S. FOR PEDV
http://www.agcanada.com/daily/eu-to-test-imports-of-live-pigs-from-canada-u-s-for-pedv

CDC: TEXAS PATIENT DIED OF MAD COW-RELATED DISEASE
http://www.agweb.com/article/cdc_texas_patient_died_of_mad_cow-related_disease_NAA_Associated_Press/

BFREPA CALLS FOR EARLY REVIEW OF BEAK TRIMMING 
http://www.worldpoultry.net/Home/General/2014/6/BFREPA-calls-for-early-review-of-beak-trimming-1535426W/trimming

June 6, 2014

ATLANTIC AGROLOGY WORKSHOP: SUSTAINABLE WATER FOOTPRINT . . . HYDROPONIC TOMATOES MAY ONE DAY BE TASTIER THAN ONES GROWN OUTSIDE . . . WORLD CONGRESS ON CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE . . . CAN ORGANIC FARMING COUNTERACT CARBON EMISSIONS? . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

ATLANTIC AGROLOGY WORKSHOP: SUSTAINABLE WATER FOOTPRINT
Source: NSFA An Atlantic Agrologist Workshop will take place July 20 – 22, 2014 in P.E.I. at the Stanley Bridge Country Resort. (read more)

HYDROPONIC TOMATOES MAY ONE DAY BE TASTIER THAN ONES GROWN OUTSIDE
Source: NPR
Peak tomato season – July through September here on the East Coast – is almost upon us, and the anticipation is palpable. Before we know it, those super sweet, juicy fruits, grown outdoors under the hot sun, will be back in abundance. We tend to fetishize summer tomatoes, especially heirloom varieties like Brandywine and Cherokee Purple, and regard them as the pinnacle of tomato flavor. (read more)

WORLD CONGRESS ON CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE 
Source: WCCA 
The growing season of 2013 was one for the record books. It was too wet, too dry, too cold, too hot. Although variability in the weather cannot be changed, we can learn to better manage under these conditions. Conservation of water and soil is vital to your success in all kinds of weather. On June 22 - 25, 2014 the 6th World Congress on Conservation Agriculture being held in Winnipeg, Manitoba will present new ideas on all these topics and more. (read more)

CAN ORGANIC FARMING COUNTERACT CARBON EMISSIONS?
Source: The Wall St. Journal
Organic practices could counteract the world’s yearly carbon dioxide output while producing the same amount of food as conventional farming, a new study suggests. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

2014 P.E.I. POTATO AMBASSADOR
http://peifa.ca/2014-pei-potato-ambassador/

U.S. OFFICIALS CUT ESTIMATE OF RECOVERABLE MONTEREY SHALE OIL BY 96 PERCENT – LA TIMES
http://altwire.utne.com/rt_story/r_resilience/us-officials-cut-estimate-of-recoverable/416c344b6c6867546e6f586a6134786c6e76622b77413d3dTimes

20 HORSE ART PIECES AT SPRUCE MEADOWS FOR GOOD CAUSES
http://www.calgaryherald.com/These+horse+pieces+Spruce+Meadows+will+help+many+good+causes/9911290/story.html

HAVE CATTLE PRICES AND LOST GRAZING ACRES ALTERED CULLING PRICES?
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/cattle-news/Have-cattle-prices-and-lost-grazing-acres-altered-culling-prices-261837981.htmlaltered culling prices?

June 5, 2014

NORTHERN GATEWAY FAILS THE TEST . . . KRUGER PRODUCTS ACQUIRES METRO PAPER’S TISSUE CONVERTING ASSETS . . . ATTENTION  N.B. FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PRODUCERS! . . . SMALL FARMS WORK TO IRON OUT FOOD RULES . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

NORTHERN GATEWAY FAILS THE TEST
Source: WWF
Canada’s most eminent scientists are telling our government to reject the Joint Review Panel’s report. The Northern Gateway pipeline fails the test of science. And it fails the test of what is right for Canada. Sign their letter and let the Prime Minister know this project fails your test of what is right. (read more)

KRUGER PRODUCTS ACQUIRES METRO PAPER’S TISSUE CONVERTING ASSETS
Source: Pulp and Paper Canada
Kruger Products L.P. has completed the acquisition of all of Metro Paper Industries Inc.'s (MPI) Canadian tissue converting assets, located in Trenton, Ont., and Scarborough, Ont., for a total cash consideration of $23.5 million.  (read more)

ATTENTION  N.B. FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PRODUCERS!
Source: NBDAAF
In recognition of the growing demand for year-round local food, the N.B. Department of Agriculture is continuing to offer its support for season extension infrastructure such as tunnels and greenhouses, as well as on-farm storage facilities. (read more)

SMALL FARMS WORK TO IRON OUT FOOD RULES
Source: FCC
Making life easier for smaller scale Manitoba farmers who market from their own homes to local foodies and restaurants is the task of a new provincial government working group. Growers in the province may sell products like uninspected poultry, homemade jam, and ungraded eggs from their farm gate or at farmers’ markets, but not online. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

SUSTAINABILITY, HEALTH, DEVELOPMENT HOOKED INTO NDP FOOD PLAN
http://www.grainews.ca/daily/sustainability-health-development-hooked-into-ndp-food-plan

SOLAR ROADWAYS: JUST PORKPIE IN THE SKY
http://rabble.ca/columnists/2014/06/solar-roadways-just-porkpie-sky

CALIFORNIA PROCESSING TOMATO TONNAGE CLIMBS 17 PERCENT 
http://westernfarmpress.com/vegetables/california-processing-tomato-tonnage-climbs-17-percent

VERY FEW LOBSTER LICENCE HOLDERS HAVE VOTED ON BALLOT YET; VOTING CONTINUES THIS WEEK
http://www.digbycourier.ca/News/2014-06-03/article-3748193/Very-few-lobster-licence-holders-have-voted-on-ballot-yet%3B-voting-continues-this-week/1

June 4, 2014

ORGANICPRICETRACKER.CA NEEDS YOUR PRICE LISTS! . . .  CLEAN ANNAPOLIS RIVER PROJECT ANNUAL MEETING . . . NEW ONLINE FORUM FOR FRACKING REVIEW . . . CME LIVE CATTLE UP ON BEEF DEMAND, EXPECTED HIGHER CASH . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

ORGANICPRICETRACKER.CA NEEDS YOUR PRICE LISTS!
Source: ACORN Started as a COG project in Ontario, ACORN expanded OrganicPriceTracker.ca to our region last year. The online tool serves as an easy-to-access resource where farmers can find regional price information, helping beginner farmers in establishing their own prices and similarly helping farmers of all experience levels to better understand the market for local organic products. (read more)

CLEAN ANNAPOLIS RIVER PROJECT ANNUAL MEETING
Source: CARP
The 2014 Annual General Meeting of the Clean Annapolis River Project (CARP) will take place on June 17 starting at 6pm with social greetings, snacks and refreshments. (read more)

NEW ONLINE FORUM FOR FRACKING REVIEW 
Source: CBU
Cape Breton University is conducting an online discussion forum beginning June 5 at 9am on the Topic: “The Potential Oil and Gas Resource Base in Nova Scotia Accessible by Hydraulic Fracturing.” This discussion forum has been developed to provide stakeholders with the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments directly to the expert panel on select discussion papers. This is part of the Hydraulic Fracturing Review's ongoing efforts to solicit feedback on the work of the Expert Panel. (read more) 

CME LIVE CATTLE UP ON BEEF DEMAND, EXPECTED HIGHER CASH
Source: The Western Producer
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle closed higher on Tuesday as strong beef demand and expectations of higher prices in the cash market lent support, traders said. “When you have futures trading at a discount to the cash market, that usually creates a bullish situation,” Lane Broadbent, president of KIS Futures said. Last week, cash cattle in the U.S. Plains sold at $143 per hundredweight, feedlot sources said. This week the list of cattle for sale, known as a showlist, is smaller and could push prices higher, traders said. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

CANADIAN FOOD STUDIES
http://canadianfoodstudies.uwaterloo.ca/index.php/cfs

GOP DEMONIZES ONCE FAVORED CAP-AND-TRADE POLICY
http://www.npr.org/2014/06/03/318414868/gop-demonizes-once-favored-cap-and-trade-policy

STROLLING OF THE HEIFERS WEEKEND, JUNE 6, 7, 8!
http://www.strollingoftheheifers.com/strollweekend/

STUDY: BLUEBERRY LEAF EXTRACT CAN ADD SHELF LIFE
www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-news/Study-Blueberry-leaf-extract-can-add-shelf-life-261723601.html