Since the 40s, the number of farms in Canada are fewer and larger, a trend that holds every census. But digging in to a layer below that, are all farms getting a bit bigger year-over-year, or what does that dynamic look like? Plus, what factors are driving that average? Al Mussell, research lead at Agri-Food Economic… Read More
Tag: Agri-Food Economic Systems
Foodbanks are reporting more use across Canada, and any recent trip to the grocery store proves that lately the same amount of money buys less food. But what’s causing that price hike? Al Mussell, research lead at Agri-Food Economic Systems, says that there are several things coming together right now that are increasing the cost… Read More
China has a large agricultural base, but despite this, their self-sufficiency is hindered by rapid urbanization and the sheer volume of people to feed. Even though it relies on other countries for commodities, China is a challenging country to do trade with. Canada’s not the only country that has had problematic negotiations with China —… Read More
Domestically, Canada’s agri-food system is facing a lot of challenges, but the pressures aren’t from just within the country. Many newly-felt pressures are from external forces. A new report from Agri-Food Economy Systems based out of Guelph, Ont., outlines these new pressures on agri-food policy in Canada. The list of those pressures in the report… Read More
There is no question that the COVID-19 pandemic will have a huge impact on the global economy. The major disruption to food supply chains is one that will have a significant impact on domestic policy, infrastructure investment, and trade patterns in both the short and long term. Al Mussell, research lead with Agri-Food Economic Systems,… Read More
Canada’s domestic food and agriculture supply chains have been put to the test and (the hoarding of toilet paper, flour, and meat notwithstanding) held up exceptionally well under the sudden panic-buying ahead of the COVID-19 self-isolation directive. Al Mussell, research lead with Agri-Food Economic Systems, says that these supply chains have proven to have a… Read More
As RealAg Radio regular host, Shaun Haney is in Hanover, Germany for Agritechnica, Jessika Guse is filling in for today’s show. You hear from the following: Top agriculture news with RealAgriculture’s Lyndsey Smith; A check in with Shaun and RealAg production lead, Jason Stroeve at Agritechnica; Al Mussell of Agri-food Economic Systems discusses their latest… Read More
The Canadian dairy sector’s problem with too much skim milk supply could get worse if the Trans-Pacific Partnership becomes reality, according to analysis done by Al Mussell and his colleagues at Agri-Food Economic Systems. Milk, in simple terms, consists of butterfat and skim milk, with Canada’s dairy quota production system based on demand for butterfat. As… Read More