While consumer opinion is split on the health and safety of food and food ingredients derived from genetic modification (GMOs), the majority of Canadians support labeling foods that contain GMOs, according to a recent survey by Dalhousie University. Researchers at the university, led by Sylvain Charlebois, surveyed 1,046 Canadians in an effort to measure “attitudes… Read more »
Category: Food
In 30 years, will farming be as controversial as oil & gas is now?
I read a column recently that made my stomach drop, just a little. The article, a sign-off from seasoned journalist Claudia Cattaneo, showcased not just her career spent covering the oil and gas sector, but also highlighted the current lack of in-depth, credible reporting on a controversial industry. As I read the following, I noticed… Read more »
“The grocery store — the most confusing place in the world”
Food companies go to great lengths to differentiate and sell their products, using all kinds of marketing claims displayed on food packaging. Peel Back the Label, a campaign funded by U.S. dairy producers, and the well-known comedy outfit Funny Or Die, recently launched a tongue-in-cheek video highlighting the problems with food labeling and what happens… Read more »
Saskatchewan rancher challenges consumers with “What if?” in TEDx talk
“What does someone who raises cattle look like?” Adrienne Ivey, a Saskatchewan cattle rancher, stood in front of a TEDx audience in Regina recently and asked this question. Soon after, she openly admitted to some pretty shocking things — like running a corporate farm, using growth implants in cattle, and even using antibiotics. She also… Read more »
Farm & Food Care offers individual membership to bolster funding
It’s been 30 years since a fledgling organization called the Ontario Farm Animal Council began working to counter the efforts of activists opposed to animal agriculture in Ontario. After three decades, which included a name change and an amalgamation with AgCare, a like-minded farm organization concerned about resources and environmental stewardship, Farm & Food Care… Read more »
U.S. groups raise hackles over the definition of ‘meat’
The issue The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) has submitted a petition to the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), asking that labeling rules exclude certain products from being called ‘beef’ or ‘meat’. The group is asking that ‘meat’ only be used as a descriptor for products derived directly from animals… Read more »
Does activism have to be a four-letter-word?
First: a disclaimer. I completely agree that the Health Canada front-of-package labeling regulations, as written, are not what I want, as a consumer and as a farmer. I also completely agree that if, as individuals and as groups, people share a view they should absolutely speak up and voice their concerns, especially during the comment… Read more »
Proposed food guide and label changes prompt #HandsOffMyPlate campaign
A group of people concerned about the impact of Health Canada’s plan to revise Canada’s Food Guide and introduce new labels on food packaging have launched a campaign to raise awareness of and opposition to the government’s proposed changes. The campaign, which uses the slogan “Hands Off My Plate,” includes a website, a hashtag (#HandsOffMyPlate,… Read more »
New study to look at health outcomes of consuming grains-based foods
Producer groups from both eastern and western Canada are partnering on a research project with the University of Saskatchewan looking to provide information to consumers on consumption of foods made from both whole and enriched non-whole grains. Led by Hassan Vatanparast of the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Pharmacy and Nutrition and School of Public Health,… Read more »
Walmart Foundation grant to fund Canadian project to reduce food waste
The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity has received a grant of over US$520,000 from the Walmart Foundation to fund research into Canadian attitudes on food waste. The funding will also be used to assist food and beverage businesses make changes to achieve measurable food waste reductions. It’s estimated that 18% of Canada’s food waste happens… Read more »
Nutrition claims of grass-fed milk require closer scrutiny
Recently, a dairy company out of Wisconsin rolled out its latest marketing campaign, claiming “Organic grass-fed milk is more nutritious. It’s science.” Well, there is good scientific evidence that the composition of milk from cows fed dry hay or fresh forage is higher in omega-3 fatty acids versus cows fed ensiled feed. But, does the… Read more »
Canadian Foodgrains Bank responds to supporters’ concerns about article
The Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) has responded to concerns from farmer supporters about an article commissioned by the organization that was published in The Hill Times newspaper. The column, written by third-party author Sophia Murphy, argued the Canadian government should expand the scope of its proposed national food policy to account for the global impact… Read more »
CFIA now says Non-GMO Project Verified doesn’t mean non-GMO
After forcing some companies to change their labels over complaints of the Non-GMO Project Verified seal, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) now says the “butterfly” label does not imply a non-GMO claim. The regulatory enforcement change came last year, after complaints poured in from across the country regarding products that featured the Non-GMO Project… Read more »
Chicken Farmers of Ontario launch Innovation and Growth program
Have you got a great idea for the next big thing for chicken? Chicken Farmers of Ontario on Wednesday announced the Ontario Chicken Innovation and Growth Program to “accelerate consumer-facing product innovation and stimulate growth in the Ontario chicken industry.” Rob Dougans, president and CEO, Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO), says, “Our goal is simple: put… Read more »
Proceed to checkout — what online shopping could mean for the beef industry
Would you buy a steak, roast, or package of hamburger online? Changes in the way consumers are purchase food ingredients may offer new opportunities, and challenges, to the beef industry. Don Close is a senior analyst of animal protein at Rabo AgriFinance, and recently completed a report entitled Food Fight! — Online and Brick and Mortar Battle… Read more »