Imagine floating weightless in an office far above earth, eating pizza straight out of a 3D printer. Well, astronauts may not be far from experiencing such unique meal preparations in space. In May 2013, NASA announced funding for a phase I, six-month $125, 000 study on 3D printing of foods in order to assess the technology’s ability… Read More
The idea that GMO-free foods are more “natural” than those with genetically modified ingredients is a misconception, says a plant biologist and advocate for genetic modification from the University of Florida. Speaking at the University of Manitoba last week, Kevin Folta discussed how transgenic (or GM) technology works and misunderstandings about genetically modified organisms. He said by definition,… Read More
This Ruminating with RealAg podcast takes us back to the Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference in Saskatoon, where we hear from Suzanne Bertrand, deputy director general at the International Livestock Research Institute, on the differences between Canadian and African adoption of genomics technology, and how genetically modified cattle could combat African Sleeping Sickness. Related: Julie Borlaug Kicks… Read More
Quality problems with this year’s durum crop in Italy and France, combined with the worst quality crop on record and lower yields in Canada, have resulted in skyrocketing prices for durum. Buyers are scrambling to find higher quality supplies for pasta production, says Neil Townsend, director of market research with CWB, in the interview below…. Read More
Here is a secret for you……red meat tastes very good. So much so that Impossible Foods has worked diligently to design a burger that looks and has the texture of real hamburger. They are claiming that this high-tech veggie burger is realistic it even oozes “blood.” Now it’s plant blood, but Impossible Foods is boasting… Read More
Sometimes things are not what they seem at all. Never has this been more true than in the debate over what is great tasting food. Two food pranksters attended a high-end food show to show off their newest and greatest organic dishes. The reviews that they got from attendees were great. There was one slight… Read More
Despite criticism from the farm community, the number of items on A&W’s menu that require specific animal care practices on farms is growing. After moving to beef raised without the use of growth promotants and eggs from hens fed vegetarian diets without animal by-products, the fast food chain announced Monday that it has switched to only serving… Read More
World Food Day has been observed annually, every October 16th, since 1981. The aim of the event is to raise awareness of world hunger and poverty and to inspire solutions for world change. Canada has a responsibility to help farmers in developing countries where people don’t have enough to eat, according to a survey of Canadians conducted… Read More
Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited has reached an agreement to purchase Hewitt’s Dairy, effective November 1, 2014. Hewitt’s, a family-owned and -operated processor in Hagersville, Ontario, has been in the dairy industry for over 125 years, and offers a complete line of goat milk products, including organic goat milk in glass bottles and fresh organic… Read More
The little blue cow symbol that appears on products made with 100 percent Canadian milk will now be seen on pizza boxes from Domino’s Pizza of Canada. The pizza chain announced a partnership with Dairy Farmers of Canada today that includes a commitment to using cheese made from 100 percent Canadian milk. “Domino’s decision to only… Read More
As a proud farmer, I love answering questions, discussing issues and listening to concerns about everything agriculture, food and all of the connections in between. Sometimes though, some of those conversations have me thinking for weeks. Case in point: a simple enough question from a young woman left me trying to sort out a tremendously… Read More
I was glad to see stories surface this week from scientists at the University of Guelph and elsewhere warning consumers to beware of restaurant food deep fried in oil. They carried out a study showing oil with too many miles on it in the deep fryer gives off some nasty compounds, even if the food… Read More
What’s a GMO? What do the letters GMO stand for? Do you try to avoid GMOs? Genetically modified organisms received some mainstream attention this week on Jimmy Kimmel Live. The late night comedian sent a reporter to a farmers’ market to find out how much people actually know about biotechnology and food. We don’t know the complete… Read More
On the heels of Canada’s National Biotechnology Week, the Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference (ABIC) is taking place in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan this week. ABIC, hosted this year by Ag-West Bio, was initiated in 1996 in Saskatoon, and has grown to include delegates from over 60 countries, promoting and discussing the benefits of agricultural biotechnology. The conference started on… Read More
With so much change and uncertainty surrounding us, the saying (curse?) “may you live in interesting times” is certainly appropriate this year among farmers. I’m hoping farmers are front and centre in everyone’s thoughts as Thanksgiving approaches and their efforts to feed us are remembered, particularly in a year in which they’ve had more than… Read More