GFO Newsletter for November 2013
GET THE LATEST NEWS FROM GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO
Breeding and Genetics Research Insert
Attached on the opposite page, you will find the Grain Farmers of Ontario research insert on breeding and genetics. An electronic version of this insert is also available online at www.gfo.ca/ research. This insert highlights some of the research projects we have funded over the past year. Breeding and genetics is one of the areas that has been selected by our members as a priority area to target our research dollars. •
Research Committee
The Grain Farmers of Ontario Research Committee is comprised of three Directors and four Delegates. They recently met in Ottawa with Grain Farmers of Ontario Chair, Henry Van Ankum, and research staff members to review the research priority survey results, finalize specific priorities for the year, and make plans for reviewing research proposals. They also toured Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Eastern Cereals and Oilseeds Research Centre (ECORC); making stops at the grain quality lab, and corn and soybean breeding plots out in the field. It was a great opportunity to visit eastern Ontario and it was the first time the committee has visited ECORC. •
Research Call for Proposals
Grain Farmers of Ontario is now welcoming the submission of proposals for research conducted in corn, soybean or wheat for funding in 2014. Research funding is targeted to opportunities that will enhance our farmer-members’ returns.
We are looking to fund projects in the four research priority areas: Agronomy & Production; Weed, Disease & Insect Pests; Breeding & Genetics; and Crop Quality & Utilization. All proposals are welcome, however, this year we are targeting the specific high priority topics of measuring and improving soil health, improving cover cropping systems and strategies, and developing and validating precision agriculture technology.
For your submission, please complete the new research proposal template as well as the budget template available at www.gfo.ca/research. Grain Farmers of Ontario strongly encourages partnerships amongst research institutions and with other funding agencies.
Researchers seeking funding in 2014 must submit proposals by Monday, December 2, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. All proposals will be reviewed by the Grain Farmers of Ontario Research Committee and Board of Directors. If you have questions, or would like to submit a proposal, please contact Meghan Moran at mmoran@gfo.ca or 519-767-4138. •
Research Funding Ensures Future of Ontario Grains
Grain Farmers of Ontario is a member of the Canadian Field Crop Research Alliance (CFCRA), a not-for-profit entity founded in 2010 with an interest in advancing the genetic capacity of field crops in Canada, particularly corn, soybean, wheat, barley, and oat.
A recent announcement of funding for a breeding project led by the CFCRA was made by the federal government under Growing Forward 2 (GF2).
The “Canadian Field Crop Genetics Improvement Cluster”, is a five-year, $10.3 million initiative that will bring together researchers from the public and private sectors to enhance the genetics of grain corn, soybeans, oats, and barley in order to produce high-yielding, low input, disease-resistant varieties.
This research will address the unique climate and specialized markets of Ontario while also meeting the need for value-added traits that deliver higher levels of nutrition and improved processing attributes. Any promising varieties that are developed as a result of this research are expected to be commercialized, ensuring our farmers will remain competitive. •
PMRA Consultation
Grain Farmers of Ontario would like to make members aware of an opportunity to provide comments to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) around the issue of bee health.
Details:
The PMRA invites stakeholders and the public to submit written comments on Notice of Intent NOI2013-01, Action to Protect Bees from Exposure to Neonicotinoid Pesticides.
The purpose of this notice of intent is to solicit comments on our intended measures to mitigate risks to pollinators, related to the use of neonicotinoid treated corn and soybean seed.
This consultation is open for comments. Interested parties are encouraged to provide written comments by 12 December 2013. The consultation document is available online at:
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pest/part/consultations/_noi2013-01/noi2013-01-eng.php.
Grain Farmers of Ontario will submit comments on behalf of the organization and will make these comments available online at www.gfo.ca/Protecting Pollinators upon submission. On this webpage you are also able to access recent information and details about Grain Farmers of Ontario’s involvement and activities to date on this issue. •
Market Commentary
by Philip Shaw
Market action into October is reflecting harvest pressure across North America and much uncertainty coming into the grains complex. The September 30 USDA quarterly stocks report set a bearish tone with higher than expected ending stocks. •
