In the news
NEWS BITES THAT MATTER
2011 ag census on the way
Census of Agriculture questionnaires will be mailed to all farmers in Canada over the first two weeks of May. Alternatively to filling out the paper survey, farmers can use the new internet application which automatically adds totals and skips through the parts of the questionnaire that are not applicable.
The census captures a data “snapshot” to help create an up-to-date picture of agriculture in Canada. The profile of Canada’s farmers and the agriculture industry is different than the general working population. Data is collected on topics from manure management to crop area to access to high speed internet. Results will show how, or if, Canadian farms are changing.
The agriculture industry will gain insight into trends and developments and the information will be seen by legislators and the public. This data can also help with international trade negotiations and assist the Governments with decisions on the issues that affect farmers.
Statistics Canada conducts the census and protects the information provided on the census forms — privacy is a fundamental component of the census.
For more information on the 2011 Census of Agriculture visit the website at: www.statcan.gc.ca/ca-ra2011/index-eng.htm. •
Shrinking allowance reduced to zero
Effective March 19, 2011, the maximum shrinkage allowance is fixed at zero for licensed process and transfer elevators. This news was announced by the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) and means that licensed process and transfer elevators may not make a shrinkage deduction from grain deliveries.
The Canada Grain Act defines shrinkage as “the loss in weight of grain that occurs in the handling or treating of grain… including loss of grain and dust during handling, transportation, and processing, and loss of moisture during handling, storage, and drying”.
Prior to this announcement the shrinkage allowance was fixed at zero for licensed primary and terminal elevators. The Canadian Grain Commission consulted with farmers and industry regarding concerns of an uneven regulatory framework that allowed variances in shrinkage deductions across elevators. The result is an amendment to the Canadian Grain Regulations to fix the maximum shrinkage allowance at zero for all licensed elevators.
The CGC will notify all licensees and will review and investigate any farmer complaints surrounding shrinkage deductions at licensed elevators. Farmers will now see consistent deductions at all licensed elevators. •
Naked oats help hunger
Recently, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) revealed a new variety of oat that is hulless and hairless, or naked.
This new oat replaces rice in a new complete meal, ‘Nourish’, created by Campbell Company of Canada. ‘Nourish’ is a good source of fibre, protein, iron and calcium and could help hunger issues in Canada and around the world.
The naked oat is the result of over 15 years of research and breeding by AAFC scientists and was a finalist for SeCan’s 2010 “Seed of the Year” award.
Naked oats will benefit farmers, processors and consumers. Because naked oats are hulless they eliminate respiratory issues during harvest and do not require dehulling and sorting equipment. According to AAFC these oats are also dense and require less storage space and reduce transportations costs. They are also suitable for gluten-free diets.
Campbell’s is donating ‘Nourish’ to Food Banks of Canada. To find out how to boost their donation, visit: facebook.com/CampbellCanada. •
