Future of grain
HIGHLIGHTING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN GRAIN PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION
Seed and pesticide bag collection
Farmers in Ontario are being offered expanded options to manage their empty seed and pesticide bags this year. CleanFARMS will be operating an extended pilot project to collect and safely dispose of empty bags, at no cost to farmers.
Farmers can obtain free collection bags from select agricultural retailers to put their bags into for return to participating retailers. Pesticide bags included in the program are those of the multi-walled paper, plastic, or aluminum type and multi-walled paper or polywoven plastic seed bags will be accepted.
This pilot is part of the agricultural industry’s commitment to the responsible management of its products throughout their entire lifecycle and will help determine the feasibility of a permanent program. Collection sites will be located at participating retailers in Ontario. A list of participating retail collection sites can be found at www.CleanFARMS.ca.
“This pilot project will build on the solid agricultural stewardship programming that is already in place in Ontario and provide farmers with more options for managing packaging waste on the farm and contributing to long-term goals of keeping agricultural waste out of landfills,” said Barry Friesen, general manager of CleanFARMS.
From May to September 2015, CleanFARMS will collect, transport and ensure collected bags are safely converted to energy at facilities that have extensive emission controls and meet all necessary provincial and federal approvals. Farmers can contribute to a clean and healthy environment by ensuring that empty seed and pesticide bags end up in the right place.
“The end-of-life stewardship programs that CleanFARMS operates play an important role in our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Mark Brock, chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario.
Funding for this pilot program is provided by CropLife Canada, the Canadian Seed Trade Association, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. •
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.
@USDA
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and efficient management. They regularly tweet about issues important to agriculture, especially those impacting U.S. markets, as well as the latest news and events.
@KnowGMOmovie
KNOW GMO the Movie focuses on the frequently overlooked perspective on how the planet will be cared for and how people will eat in the future. The film, currently in production, will take the audience around the world to examine the people, ethics, and science behind the myths of our food. Visit www.knowgmo themovie.com for more information. •
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.
Weedinfo.ca
Weedinfo.ca is both a weed identification tool and a resource for management strategies. Farmers can identify a weed, read new research articles, and find new management options to make an informed decision about weed control.
They can search for species by common names, botanical name, or Bayer code. If the weed is unknown, farmers can search using specific terms describing the weed. Weed information pages feature illustrations, photographs, and links for further information. •
