Future of Grain
HIGHLIGHTING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN GRAIN PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION
Agriculture Ministers annual meeting
In July, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) agriculture Ministers held their annual meeting which this year focused on the potential of Growing Forward 2 to spur innovation and market growth in Canada’s agriculture, agri food and agri-products sector.
Both levels of government recognize the importance of a strong agricultural and food industry as a catalyst for new jobs and new growth across the country. With sector exports reaching a record $47.7 billion last year, remaining competitive and productive are critical components to expanding trade and generating growth. Growing Forward 2 is complemented by Canada’s ambitious trade agenda, aimed at maintaining and expanding export opportunities in traditional and emerging markets. In this context, Ministers also reaffirmed their support for supply management.
Growing Forward 2 will also facilitate a modern regulatory environment for the sector through industry and regulatory agency collaboration to enhance Canada’s competitive advantage. Ministers discussed the direction the federal government is following to improve the regulatory environment for the sector, which will continue to target health, product safety and the environment.
Ministers also discussed the control of imported goods, particularly reciprocity of standards. They recognized the perception of differences in oversight expressed by industry and consumers. They agreed to further examine this subject, while stressing the quality of Canadian products and the strict controls to which all foods are subject.
Ministers were given an overview of food safety modernization activities under the federal government’s Safe Food for Canadians Action Plan, which will further strengthen Canada’s world-class system and better protect Canadian families. As part of the plan, the CFIA is moving forward on new, stronger and more streamlined food regulations to bring the Safe Food for Canadians Act into force.
Officials updated Ministers on the options and engagement process for streamlining and modernizing the crop variety registration system, while ensuring it continues to support and promote Canada’s sterling reputation for high-quality grains. •
Who are you following?
Farmers are using Twitter to stay connected and up to date with industry news. Each month, Ontario Grain Farmer magazine will highlight Twitter accounts we think you should consider following or hashtags (#) that will help you join specific conversations.
@AgWag
This is the account of Peter Gredig, a corn, soybean and wheat producer based near London, Ontario. He is a partner in AgNition Inc and has a background in agricultural media and communications. On Twitter, he regular tweets about the progress of his own crop. He writes about mobile technology in this issue of Ontario Grain Farmer.
@agmanagement
The Agricultural Management Institute (AMI) encourages Ontario farmers to take a new approach to farm business management. They tweet links to farm business profiles and management tips and share industry news through re-tweets. They have nearly 700 followers from the ag community. •
The Digital Toolbox
The smartphone, tablet and computer are important tools on today’s farms. Each month, Ontario Grain Farmer magazine will highlight an app, online tool, or website that may help you in the field or in the farm office.
FM Pro Mobile
Farm Credit Canada recently introduced the new FM PRO Mobile application. It enables farm producers and agronomists to enter all of their field records on the spot, mark out target areas, track soil testing and geo-reference photos and then safely transmit the data to a home computer.
The app is to be used in conjunction with the most recent versions of Field Manager PRO and Field Manager PRO 360. The mobile application is compatible with iPhones and iPad devices and can be downloaded from the App Store. Compatibility with Android devices will be coming shortly on Google’s Play Store. •
