The changing business landscape – with bankruptcies looming in the restaurant and institutional sectors – may finally persuade the federal government to consider financial protection legislation.  Similar to the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act in the U.S., legislation would protect produce sellers if they’ve sold to a business that goes bankrupt.

British Columbia’s 350 tree fruit growers are facing unprecedented challenges, not the least of which are an increase of minimum wage rates to $15.25 per hour as of June 1 and hurdles in accessing labour for the 2021 season.  A Tree Fruit Stabilization Initiative is underway with the provincial government, with hopes for a draft plan by end of July. 

Canada’s ag minister Marie-Claude Bibeau has announced $1.6 million over two years to fund Agriculture in the Classroom Canada. The initiative launches Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month, now in its 10th year. 

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is conducting a needs assessment survey to modernize seed regulations, including seed potatoes. Deadline is March 15. 

Horticulture Strong - Reflect. Adapt. Persevere. That’s the theme of this year’s 99th annual general meeting of the Canadian Horticultural Council to be held virtually on March 16 and 17th.

McCain Foods Limited tops up investment to $65 million in national network of indoor vertical farms. GoodLeaf Farms, the first commercial venture in Guelph Ontario, will also set up a vertical farm to serve the grocery and food service networks in eastern Canada and another one in western Canada.

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association is encouraging all Canadians to celebrate Safe & Strong Farms. 

The Ontario government has renewed a three-year agreement for continued research and grants that protect and enhance acres of farmland, forests, wetlands and watersheds. The Greater Golden Horseshoe is expected to be home to 15 million Canadians by 2051. 

Farm & Food Care and Agriculture in the Classroom Canada have partnered on a national resource for students and teachers:  The Real Dirt on Farming in the Classroom.