In the news
NEWS BITES THAT MATTER
AGCARE AND OFAC EXPLORE UNION
Two groups heavily involved in public outreach have announced they are working towards an amalgamation. AgCare (Agricultural Groups Concerned About Resources and the Environment) and the Ontario Farm Animal Council (OFAC) currently share office space and some staff and projects.
As their names imply, AgCare is focused on teaching the general public about the relationship agriculture has with the environment and OFAC focuses on farm animal care.
Within the new amalgamated organization, there will be a collective focus on public outreach and creating a strong voice for both crop and animal sectors. The organization would also strengthen its resources on environment and animal care issues.
The two groups are still in an exploratory stage of this amalgamation; expect to hear more about this process as it develops. •
NEW BRANDING FOR FFC
To emphasize the importance of a strong farming industry to Ontario’s wellbeing, Farmers Feed Cities has re-launched its campaign. The updated campaign will see a new website, an increased social media presence, updated messaging, additions to the merchandise line and new programs.
The goal of Farmers Feed Cities is to be a major driver in ensuring a thriving and sustainable farming industry in Ontario. The rebranding marks a shift toward collaboration between urban and rural Ontario through its new website design, creating a visual connection between ‘farm’ and ‘city’.
“The urban and rural partnership is vital to the success of the Farmers Feed Cities campaign and the online space is a great place to start the conversation,” says Jenny Van Rooy, Campaign Coordinator. “A strong farming industry is crucial in maintaining a strong province – we are excited to promote the role farmers play.”
Look for the new t-shirts and flags around the cities and in the countryside and visit the campaign online at www.farmersfeedcities.com for more information. •
RENEWABLE FUELS STANDARD
The federal government recently released the final regulations for blended fuels in Canada. The standard is now five percent ethanol and biodiesel blended transportation fuels across the country.
This announcement demonstrates federal support for ethanol and an opportunity to further build the ethanol industry in the future. “These regulations will help deliver new jobs, new rural growth, and considerable greenhouse gas reductions,” said Gordon Quaiattini, President of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association (CRFA).
Doyletech Corporation conducted an economic impact assessment of renewable fuels in Canada and concluded that major benefits include rural re-vitalization, increased oil exports from western Canada, industrial development and options for re-balancing the fuel mix. The full report is available at www.greenfuels.org.
Building on this success, CRFA is now working with the federal government to finalize the start of a two percent renewable diesel standard, which the government is committed to implementing by 2011. •
