The federal budget injects some new life into Canada's agricultural industries, but not enough funding and not nearly enough clarity of vision
Canada’s agri-food sector has underachieved for too long. The new federal budget gives the sector the opportunity to re-imagine its potential. Finally, Ottawa wants to make the agri-food sector a place to invest and foster innovation. The Liberal government aims to increase Canada’s agri-food exports to at least $75 billion annually by 2025 (from $56…
Canada, as one of Brazil’s main livestock industry competitors, will likely gain from this scandal, but the industry should not become too complacent
Brazil, the largest exporter of meat products in the world, faces a food fraud crisis – and it seems federal authorities have been complicit. There's a lesson here for Canada. Brazil authorities recently announced they would investigate several companies, including meat-packing giants JBS SA and BRF SA. The companies are accused of bribing licensed inspectors to…
Canadian dairy producers have long refused to admit that the system fails the dairy supply chain and consumers
The great Canadian dairy crisis could be coming to a head. Donald Trump, as the 45th president of the United States, could bring about the end of Canada’s infatuation with dairy marketing boards. Trump has taken aim at perceived prejudicial trading tactics that harm America, mainly by China and Mexico. And now U.S. dairy groups want Trump to turn his sights…
Canada's Food Guide needs to be revamped to reflect the nation's shifting eating habits, our varied cultural needs and our growing obesity
Canada's Food Guide is a big deal – but it can be much more influential. On the whole, the guide is a symbol Canada's food-related values. Public institutions, schools, universities and community-based organizations look to it to reflect our fundamental nutritional principles. But past guides have failed us. Health Canada says that more than 60 per cent of…
From higher commodity prices to lower business taxes to changes in available labour, Trump's policies could dramatically alter agriculture
Donald Trump has been a topic of conversation at dinner tables for some time. Now, the American president-elect is poised to push up the cost of the food on those same tables. Policy proposals on immigration, trade and security dominated the U.S. presidential campaign. Not much was said about agriculture or food policies. But a…
Walmart and Visa face off in a battle over transaction fees that could dramatically alter the retail food landscape in this country
Food politics is usually a game of nuances. But in the battle between Walmart and Visa, nuances are few and far between. Visa is offering $10 to anyone in Manitoba who buys groceries using their Visa card. Walmart stopped accepting Visa as of Oct. 24 in the province. So the credit card company wants to hit the retail giant…
Health Canada recently announced that it will completely overhaul its food labelling regulations – and replace its iconic food guide
Should Canadians' food choices be a matter for bureaucrats and legislators to decide, or should it ultimately be left up to consumers? Health Canada recently announced that it will completely overhaul its food labelling regulations – and replace its iconic food guide. Protecting children and encouraging healthy lifestyles seem to be at the core of this initiative, which…
Consumers win when food prices fall, but all down the supply chain there are losers, including retailers, processors and farmers
Making money in the food business isn't nearly as simple as it once was. It's becoming cheaper to buy food in Canada – prices fell in August for the first time in years in every province except Alberta. And the Statistics Canada data may indicate the start of significant ongoing food deflation. But while consumers may be delighted…
People living alone make up more than a quarter of Canadian homes and that has wide-ranging implications for the food and beverage industry
Singles represent one of the fastest-growing demographics in Canada but the food industry is slow to serve up a focused strategy. There has been a significant effort to capture the millennial market in recent years. And single-person households and millennial needs overlap. But how these markets are developed is very different. And despite compelling research in…
Should be lauded for building partnerships that work for all, especially for consumers
The food industry is showing signs it can change, and the timing couldn't be better. Animal proteins have been a dietary mainstay in much of the western world for thousands of years. But demand for processed and red meats has been declining for a number of years now, for a variety of reasons. The arguments against animal protein consumption…
Canada’s agri-food sector has underachieved for too long. The new federal budget gives the sector the opportunity to re-imagine its potential. Finally, Ottawa wants to make the agri-food sector a place to invest and foster innovation. The Liberal government aims to increase Canada’s agri-food exports to at least $75 billion annually by 2025 (from $56…
