After providing Canadian families with a reliable source of food throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s agriculture sector is in a position to help lead the post-pandemic economic recovery. But in order to do so, farmers are telling their governments that they cannot do it without help. Beyond the unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Read more The post Risk management needs support now appeared first on The Western Producer.

An American firm is developing a new type of camelina, which produces bioplastic in the seed. Yield10 Bioscience of Massachusetts announced this morning that the bioplastic in the seed could eventually be used to make biodegradable consumer products, such as Ziploc sandwich bags or bio-degradable grocery bags. “It is truly exciting to reach this milestone Read more The post New camelina produces plastic in the seed appeared first on The Western Producer.

Federal agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and her Ontario counterpart have issued a statement urging all provinces to support proposed changes to AgriStability. Swift endorsement and delivery of this enhanced AgriStability program is critical,” Bibeau and Ernie Hardeman said. They said farmers face challenges from COVID-19, yet have pressed on. “While the proposed changes to AgriStability Read more The post Ottawa, Ontario urge support of AgriStability changes appeared first on The Western Producer.

Due to growing public opposition to its plans for the development of open-pit coal mines on Alberta’s eastern slopes, the provincial government has blinked. “We have listened carefully to the concerns raised in recent days, and thank those who spoke up with passion,” energy minister Sonya Savage said in a statement Jan. 18. “As a Read more The post Alberta pauses coal lease sales appeared first on The Western Producer.

Canadian country musicians are opposing an Alberta decision easing the development of open-pit coal mines along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. “One of the things I’d like to point out is that people get kind of annoyed when some entertainers talk about current events, and I agree with them most of the time,” Read more The post Country stars speak out against coal mining appeared first on The Western Producer.