By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup for Friday September 29, 2023

Sep 29, 2023 | 12:30 PM

The federal government has set up a new Dairy Innovation and Investment Fund.

The $333 million over the next 10 years is part of the government’s commitment to support supply-managed sectors for the impacts of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Like most dairy-producing countries, Canada is facing a growing surplus of solids non-fat (SNF), the remaining component once cow’s milk is processed and the fat is removed for use in products like butter and cream. Limited processing capacity for SNF results in lost opportunities for dairy processors and farmers.

Canadian dairy processors will have access to support for medium to large-scale projects that will help the sector better manage the surplus of SNF in Canada. The Fund will support activities that help modernize, replace and increase processing capacity for SNF and minimize skim milk that is not marketed.

–

Music appreciation

Prince Albert youth jazz band creates harmonious connection

1h ago

Riderville

Click Click Boom - Riders Make the Playoffs Interesting

2h ago

2024 Municipal Election

Shellbrook council acclaimed, one seat empty

3h ago

The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) welcomes the release of findings on the protection of temporary foreign workers (TFP).

The results from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) show of the more than 2,100 completed inspections of employers of TFW, 94 per cent were found to be compliant with employment regulations and standards.

This follows ESDC’s introduction last year of new regulations to improve its ability to conduct TFW program inspections and help employers adhere to the rules.

OFVGA labour committee chair Bill George said the fruit and vegetable sector has a strong track record of compliance.

“Temporary and seasonal workers play a critical role in Ontario’s food supply system, and we support measures that encourage their safety, protection and well-being while they are working here.” George said.

Ontario’s fruit and vegetable growers employ more than 20,000 seasonal and temporary foreign workers annually. These are workers who come to Ontario legally under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP), or the agricultural stream of the federal government’s TFW program and help Canadian growers address labour needs on their farms.

–

African Swine Fever (ASF) has been found in Sweden for the first time in the country’s history.

Swine Health Information Center Associate Director Dr. Megan Niederwerder said, initially, the numbers were seven dead wild boars. That number has now been increased and confirmed to be 13 dead wild boars in the country.

“In the reporting of this first detection of ASF in Sweden, the comments were made that this was likely associated with either human movement such as the transition of the virus on shoes or clothing or potentially contaminated pork products as it is such a long distance spread from other European countries that are currently struggling with ASF outbreaks,” Niederwerder said.

SHIC noted another news ASF outbreak in a pig farm in Lombardi, Italy. Northern Italy is important for swine production.

–

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW