Explorez tous les épisodes de Food Farm Talk
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
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| 31 Oct 2019 | "Talk Dirty To Me" Episode 3 feat. Val Steinmann, Brent Preston, and Sarah Hargreaves | 00:32:09 | |
On this episode, Cam takes a trip to Heartwood Farm & Cidery to catch up with some friends from the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO). Val Steinmann and Brent Preston are both farmers involved with EFAO's award-winning farmer-led research program, coordinated by Sarah Hargreaves. Together they talk about the importance of soil for their operations, how EFAO has supported them to discover innovative ways to improve soil, and the results of a recent soil health benchmarking study. Give them a follow on social media: @EFAO2, @soilsarah, @heartwoodcidery Stay up-to-date on the latest Soils at Guelph news: @SoilsAtGuelph | |||
| 28 May 2020 | Some Canadian Agricultural News in May | 00:30:00 | |
In the episode, Abdul discusses some of the agricultural-related news that have made waves in May. Some of the issues include the Federal government support for the ag sector and sector reactions, Covid-19 deepened labour crises in Canadian agriculture and disruptions to meat supply chains. | |||
| 04 Dec 2019 | "Talk Dirty To Me" Episode 5 feat. Dr. Bill Deen and Nicola Linton | 00:29:43 | |
For a World Soil Day special episode, and the final installment in the "Talk Dirty To Me" miniseries, Cameron is joined by Dr. Bill Deen and Nicola Linton from the University of Guelph. Bill and Nicola talk about how different crop rotations and tillage practices impact the soil, crop production, and the environment based on discoveries from a 40-year experiment in Elora, ON. Hang in until the end to catch a montage of reflections on what we need to appreciate more about soil, from attendees at this year's Latornell Symposium. It's a special capstone to this series; we hope you've enjoyed it! Follow Nicola on Twitter @MicroNicola To stay up-to-date with Soils at Guelph activities, follow us on Twitter @SoilsAtGuelph and check out our website: soilsatguelph.ca | |||
| 20 May 2021 | Power Panel - Balancing Efficiency and Resilience in Agriculture - Part 3 | 00:29:40 | |
Listen to a power panel from Ontario agriculture discuss balancing efficiency and resilience in agriculture. Mel Luymes chairs the panel of Crystal Mackay (Loft32), Dan Petker (Norfolk farmer), Dr. Alfons Weersink (University of Guelph), and Cher Mereweather (Provision Coalition) that unpacks what these ideas from Roger Martin mean for the agri-food industry. "When More Is Not Better", thoughts from Roger L. Martin, on farm resilience, presented at the virtual Midwest Cover Crops Council Conference on February 24, 2021. Roger Martin is professor emeritus and former Dean of the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. He grew up in Wallenstein, Ontario where his family was active with an agri-business in the feed industry. "There is a trade-off between efficient and effective…we’ve been pushing efficiency so hard that it is now having counterproductive impacts on life, the economy, the environment." In agriculture, our attention naturally goes to bushels per acre, feed conversion efficiency, and other efficiency measures. But other proxies – profit per acre, soil organic matter, annual soil loss – are necessary to develop a holistic picture of whether our farm enterprises are pursuing efficiency at the expense of resilience. More information: https://rogerlmartin.com/ https://mccc.msu.edu/ https://soilsatguelph.ca/ https://www.headlands.ca/ https://loft32.ca/ https://provisioncoalition.com/ https://www.uoguelph.ca/fare/bios/f_weersink.html https://twitter.com/petkerfarm | |||
| 20 Jun 2019 | Composting at University of Guelph - Sustainability Office | 00:30:46 | |
Emily interviews Natalie Vasilivetsky, University of Guelph campus sustainability coordinator, about Composting and the circular economy. More information: | |||
| 14 Aug 2019 | Eat, Think, Vote: Food issues in the Canadian election | 00:31:00 | |
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| 12 Dec 2019 | 2019 Arrell Food Summit in brief | 00:28:14 | |
In this episode, we talk about the 2019 Arrell Food Summit which took place on 3rd December at the Globe and Mail Centre in Toronto. Abdul and Emily participated in the summit and they reflect on the packed day of presentations and discussions. Snippets from key guests, organizers, researchers, and student participants are presented to reflect on strategies for feeding the globe, a central theme at the summit. | |||
| 16 Jan 2020 | Paying tribute to Iran plane crash victims and looking into to Canada 2020 food prices | 00:28:28 | |
In this special episode, Abdul highlights themes in Canada 2020 Food Price Report while also paying tribute to two friends and the University of Guelph colleagues, Ghanimat Azhdari & Milad Ghasemi Ariani, who lost their lives in the Iran plane accident. Ghanimat's work on indigenous resource conservation and Milad's dedication to work and communality are highlighted. The later part of the episode dive into the forecast in 2020 Food Price Report to highlight some of the key issues that influenced prices in 2019. Anticipated food headlines including retail plastic packaging, Smart shopping, and climate change interventions in the food sector. #flightps752
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| 14 Nov 2019 | Reflections on the royal agriculture winter fair 2019 | 00:27:50 | |
The Royal Agriculture Winter Fair happens in Toronto every November, and the FoodFarm Talk team visited this years' event to capture highlights from participants. Reflections from participating organisations including Farm and Food Care Ontario, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Grain Farmers of Ontario, as well as individuals are presented in this episode. Participants reflects on the exciting activities witnessed through the 10-day event and what has been learned during the period, while emphasizing the rich culture and relevance of the fair. | |||
| 20 Dec 2019 | What were the top agri-food issues and stories of 2019? Our top 10 picks | 00:29:56 | |
Emily Duncan and Abdul-Rahim talk about the top stories on the show and main ag issues in Candian and global level in 2019. The show presents the top ten picks of our year. Issues discussed include; Main ag issues this year:
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| 13 Jan 2022 | First Nations, Agriculture, and Colonialism with Cadmus Delorme | 00:26:51 | |
Agriculture played an important role in colonialism and the dispossession of Indigenous peoples. Today it could help build prosperity and reconciliation. We hear from Chief Cadmus Delorme on the history of agriculture and colonialism as it is expressed on Cowessess First Nation, Treaty 4 in Saskatchewan. In this episode, Chief Delorme traces the history of his First Nation from before European contact, through signing of Treaty 4, the failure to implement Treaty obligations, and the roadblocks to real First Nations engagement in agriculture from the start. Support for European-style agriculture was promised in the numbered treaties of western Canada like Treaty 4, only to be quickly subverted. Chief Delorme talks about many of the issues regarding these treaties and the Indian Act. The Indian Agents’ power to control First Nations people, the pass system requiring the Indian Agents’ approval of sales of grain and cattle, and arbitrary reductions in the size of the Cowessess reserve land area. This is a brutal irony as Indigenous people and agriculture have a long history in Canada and on Turtle Island going back thousands of years. The agricultural innovations from Indigenous peoples in the Americas transformed global agriculture after European contact. This presentation was part of virtual conference in September 2021 on Indigenous Agricultural Innovation held by FHQ Developments and is used with their permission. Chief Cadmus Delorme, Cree (Nehiyaw) and Saulteaux (Anishinabe), is Chief of the Cowessess First Nation. He came to national attention in 2021 when 751 unmarked graves were identified on Cowessess First Nation. He holds a Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration from the First Nations University of Canada, and was also named in CBC Saskatchewan’s Future 40, a list of leaders, builders and change-makers under the age of 40. This episode is part of a series on different aspects of Indigenous agriculture. In the next episodes, Cadmus Delorme explores the challenges and opportunities for First Nations’ pursuing prosperity through business development in agriculture and agri-business. Cowessess First Nation A Brief History of Indigenous Agriculture Canada’s First Nations people were country’s first farmers File Hills Qu’Appelle (FHQ) Developments File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Indigenous Peoples in Canadian agriculture - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada | |||
| 23 Jul 2020 | COVID19 + Social Impacts on Rural Communities - Part 2 | 00:28:30 | |
Here is Part 2 of the discussion on #COVID-19 social impacts on rural communities. Philip Loring, Arrell Chair in Food Policy and Society at the University of Guelph, chairs a panel on the impact on rural communities. First panelist is Abdul-Raheem Abdulai, he's an Arrell scholar and PhD candidate in the Department of Geography. Second is Dr. Ryan Gibson who's an Associate Professor in Regional Economic Development, he's in the Rural Planning and Development program at the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development. Third is Dr. Helen Hambly Odame, she's an Associate Professor of Capacity in the Capacity Development and Extension program also in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development. Finally is Jacqui Empson Laporte is an Environmental Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs. Part 1 of this discussion is a previous episode.
More information: https://arrellfoodinstitute.ca/webinars/
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| 07 Sep 2022 | Environmental Farm Plan: Ag's Best Kept Secret? - Encore | 00:29:50 | |
The Environmental Farm Plan or EFP builds sustainability on Ontario and Canadian farms by farmers assessing their farms' environmental risks and changing practices to reduce or eliminate those risks. It began over 25 years ago in Ontario, led by farmer organizations working with governments, building consensus and changing social norms. EFP has now spread across Canada and evolved to fit each region’s needs. The evolution continues to meet changing demands. EFP may become the base for farms’ sustainability certification. An electronic version improves convenience and may appeal to younger generations. Listen to Paul Smith’s conversation with Andy Graham, Executive Director of Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, and others reflecting on the history, evolution and future of the Environmental Farm Plan. (First aired in 2019). https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/oscia-programs/workshops-webinars/environmental-farm-plan/ http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/efp/efp.htm https://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/sar/article/view/0/43433 | |||
| 17 Aug 2022 | Sustainable Fertilizer Use in Agriculture – the Environment - Encore | 00:29:10 | |
Fertilizer is fundamental to agriculture and key to feeding all us, but excess nitrogen and phosphorus have unintended effects on soil ecosystems, water quality, and greenhouse gas emissions. This episode explores how the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program brings together research, agronomy, environmental science, and education to help farmers plan fertilizer use to conserve the environment while growing their crops. 4Rs practices can reduce phosphorus contributing to excessive algal growth and eutrophication, as well as reduce conversion of nitrogen to the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide. Extensive research is needed to define and support these practices. McKenzie Smith, Director, Stewardship and Regulatory Affairs at Fertilizer Canada in Ottawa and Nicole Penney of FS PARTNERS out of Guelph help us explore this topic. This second part of a two-part exploration of the 4Rs delves into the science, environmental aspects and related research on the 4Rs system. (First aired in 2020). More information: https://fertilizercanada.ca/nutrient-stewardship/ https://nutrientstewardship.org/ | |||
| 07 Jun 2023 | Guelph Centre For Urban Organic Farming with Mike Smith | 00:32:46 | |
The Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming at the University of Guelph is a fascinating project combining the university’s strength in food and agriculture, local food supply chains, student learning and research, student activism, and community engagement. Mike Smith, the centre’s farm coordinator, talks with us about the activities of the Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming. University of Guelph is known as Canada’s Food University and it began its existence as the Ontario Agricultural College. Students can also get a certificate in organic agriculture through the university. So, it is fitting to have the Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming here to help in learning and research. The centre is run through the Department of Plant Agriculture within the Ontario Agricultural College and is located within the University of Guelph Arboretum. The centre also connects to Hospitality Services at the university, to the SEED, to the student food bank, and other local partners. Students voted in a 2019 referendum to provide $1 per student per term for 10 years to support the activities of the centre, through the Central Students Association. That funding plus support from the Department of Plant Agriculture, Ontario Agricultural College, finances the current activities of the centre. Mike Smith, the farm coordinator, summer student employees, and volunteers deliver farm activities. Student and community volunteers are an important part of centre activities and are welcome to help with seasonal activities including planting, weeding, and harvest. More Information: https://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/gcuof https://csaonline.ca/elections/archive/W19-general https://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/guelph-centre-urban-organic-farming/volunteers | |||
| 15 May 2024 | Connecting People to Place on Rachel Lightfoot's organic, biodynamic vineyards | 01:05:06 | |
2023 was a challenging year for Canadian farmers and ranchers and for humanity in general. We had droughts, wildfires, floods, an affordability crisis and a number of armed conflicts. According to scientists working with the European Union, 2023 smashed temperature records globally. And yet, someone like Nova Scotia organic and biodynamic wine producer, Rachel Lightfoot still finds ways of being optimistic even after her farm got hit by a polar vortex, a dry spring and a very rainy summer all in the same year. Welcome to Stories of Regeneration, a podcast series brought to you by Rural Routes to Climate Solutions and Regeneration Canada. Join me, your host Derek Leahy, as we delve into the importance of supporting an agricultural system that not only prioritizes the health of our land and ecosystems but also ensures the sustainability of our farmers and ranchers. Get ready to explore the transformative power of regenerative agriculture.
If you want to learn more, we recommend you check out the following:
Our Farmers Blog shares stories about Alberta farmers who do an exceptional job of caring for the land, producing food, and building up their communities. This podcast has been partially funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada
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| 17 Feb 2022 | Soil Conservation Council of Canada with Jim Totarchuk | 00:29:50 | |
Soil health and conservation is a hot topic in Canadian agriculture. The Soil Conservation Council of Canada is the only national organization working on soil conservation and Jim Totarchuk, Executive Director of the council, tells us about the council and its work. In November 2021, the council held their virtual Summit on Canadian Soil Health 2021 with the theme “Healthy Soil – Healthy Planet”. They sponsor the annual Soil Conservation Week in April each year. That has often included a focus on the “Soil Your Undies” test for soil health which has garnered a lot of media and public interest. This “cheeky” test of soil biological health tests a soil’s ability to digest the cotton underwear. The Council also issues a soil health report card, assessing how different parts of Canada are doing on soil conservation. The council has also had a project on the go called the soil carbon road map, summarizing the science on soil carbon in agriculture. Since its founding in 1987, the Council has been the national voice to advance soil conservation in Canada. More information: Soil Conservation Council of Canada Senator Rob Black on soil health 2021 Soil Summit Soil Conservation Week “Soil Your Undies” Soil Health Report Card | |||
| 03 Feb 2022 | What a Year! Highlights of 2021 in Farming and Food | 00:28:07 | |
What a year 2021 was in agriculture and food! Emily, Abdul and Paul get together to review some highlights of events in agriculture and food, from global to local. The UN Food Systems Summit made its mark. Extreme weather and climate change made their impact. Flooding in British Columbia and drought throughout western Canada and northwest Ontario prompted Government assistance to affected farmers. The cooperative Hay West also assisted. Canada’s new climate plan now includes agricultural programs that were confirmed in Budget 2021. A contested Fertilizer Canada study claimed a 30% reduction in emissions due to fertilizer use would cost farmers massive lost production. Equity and reconciliation are getting attention in agriculture. The Guelph Ministers’ statement shows direction on next federal-provincial-territorial agricultural policy framework. Farmland protection from development was a hot topic across Ontario. Locally in Guelph, we highlighted the work of Our Food Future and the SEED tackling issues of food security and food waste. Those are just a fraction of hot topics in 2021, even without COVID. More information: UN Food Systems Summit https://www.un.org/en/food-systems-summit Canada’s new climate plan AgriRecovery funding for farmers facing extreme weather $3 million of Funding for Hay West Ontario's Drought Support for Northwestern Farmers Farm groups issue statement on reconciliation Fertilizer Canada study Canada’s Ministers of Agriculture release Guelph Statement Farmers hampered by excessive rain https://www.producer.com/news/ontario-farmers-hampered-by-excessive-rain/ Our Food Future The SEED Guelph | |||
| 30 Jan 2020 | New Soil and Crop Prez – Stuart Wright, talks soil health and sustainability | 00:29:37 | |
Sustainable farming is about the people and organizations working daily to that end. Stuart Wright, a dairy and cash crop farmer from Kenilworth, Wellington County, is the new President of Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. Both Stuart and the Soil and Crop organization work hard on farm sustainability. Stuart describes his family’s work building soil health and sustainability using crop rotation, no till, strip till, cover crops, and the 4Rs of nutrient management. Since 1939, Soil and Crop has been innovating new ways of growing crops to improve both production and conservation. Stuart’s discussion with Paul Smith illustrates the complexity of juggling crops, livestock and changing practices. He also reflects about how farmers learn from other farmers, advisors and researchers, and then try new things on their farms—illustrating the importance of the network of organizations collaborating on sustainable agriculture. More information is available at: https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/ https://wellingtonsoilcrop.org/ https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/association/the-soil-fixers/ https://www.farms.com/videos/rural-lifestyle/stuart-wright-138455.aspx | |||
| 17 Mar 2022 | Plant based diets by Katherine Eckert | 00:26:14 | |
In this episode, we speak to Katherine Eckert, a Ph.D. student and Arrell Food Scholar at the University of Guelph. Katherine discusses working with the Guelph Family Health Study and the creation of the new "Plant-Based Proteins: Recipes Made Easy-Peasy". We also discuss Katherine's journey to health and nutrition, Ph.D. research, and the conversations around plant-based diets. | |||
| 06 Sep 2019 | "Talk Dirty to Me" Episode 1 feat. Dr. Adam Gillespie | 00:32:26 | |
We're pleased to bring you this series on soil health in partnership with the Find out more on the Soils at Guelph initiative by visiting the following news articles: https://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/news/soils-guelph-welcomes-communications-and-outreach-coordinator https://news.uoguelph.ca/2018/12/soil-health-outreach-donation-announced-to-mark-world-soil-day/ | |||
| 23 Jan 2020 | Urban Sugaring in the City of Guelph | 00:27:02 | |
Have you ever wanted to make your own maple syrup but were unsure where to start or how to do it? Urban sugaring provides the answer. The Urban Sugaring Project allows tree owners in the City of Guelph to work together to create maple syrup. And in this episode, Emily Duncan interviews organizers on the specifics of the program this year, which is scheduled for Feb. 1, 2020. Listen to this episode to learn more about Urban sugaring and how to participate. | |||
| 21 Aug 2024 | Healthy Food, Healthy Environment with ranchers Craig and Peter | 01:01:07 | |
On this stop in the Stories of Regeneration tour, we returned to Alberta, making a stop at Peony Farms in Lacombe. Facing his daughter’s health issues, rancher Craig Cameron and his family turned to regenerative farming to grow the healthiest food possible for her. Craig, alongside his father-in-law Peter DenOudsten, shifted their traditional beef farm to a regenerative model. They now grow over 10 types of grass and clover, use less fertilizer, and produce some of the healthiest, most nutritious beef you can find.
If you want to learn more, we recommend you check out the following:
Our Farmers Blog shares stories about Alberta farmers who do an exceptional job of caring for the land, producing food, and building up their communities. This podcast has been partially funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada WANT TO LEARN MORE? | |||
| 16 Apr 2020 | SPECIAL EPISODE - Regenerative Agriculture at General Mills: The Way Forward | 02:01:43 | |
Learn why food companies are investing in regenerative agriculture in this special episode recorded at a public lecture held back in September, 2019. Hosted by the SOILS AT GUELPH initiative of the University of Guelph, the CREATE-Climate Smart Soils graduate program, and Grain Farmers of Ontario, “Regenerative Agriculture at General Mills: The Way Forward” features speaker Steve Rosenzweig, a soil scientist at General Mills where he leads research and outreach programs across North America to support farmers in improving soil health. Rosenzweig's talk was followed by a panel discussion with Dan Petker, a farmer from Norfolk County; Anne Loeffler, a conservation specialist with Grand River Conservation Authority; Jim Barkley, an agronomist with Hensall District Co-op; and Paul Johnston, the farm products manager at Thompson’s Limited. The panel was moderated by Mike Buttenham of Grain Farmers of Ontario. Click here for the episode transcript. Follow SOILS AT GUELPH, CREATE-CSS, and Grain Farmers of Ontario on twitter: @SoilsAtGuelph, @SmartSoils, and @GrainFarmers. Find out more about the SOILS AT GUELPH initiative on our website: https://soilsatguelph.ca/ | |||
| 03 Oct 2019 | "Talk Dirty to Me" Episode 2 feat. Mel Luymes and Tori Waugh | 00:33:47 | |
Series host Cameron Ogilvie talks with Mel Luymes and Tori Waugh about the state of Ontario's agricultural soils and how the Ontario Soil Network, a farmer-to-farmer learning network, is improving soil health across the province. Follow the Ontario Soil Network on twitter @SoilNetwork, and find them on the web at http://ontariosoil.net/ | |||
| 11 Jun 2020 | Sustainable Fertilizer Use in Agriculture – the Environment | 00:29:10 | |
Fertilizer is fundamental to agriculture and key to feeding all us, but excess nitrogen and phosphorus have unintended effects on soil ecosystems, water quality, and greenhouse gas emissions. This episode explores how the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program brings together research, agronomy, environmental science, and education to help farmers plan fertilizer use to conserve the environment while growing their crops. 4Rs practices can reduce phosphorus contributing to excessive algal growth and eutrophication, as well as reduce conversion of nitrogen to the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide. Extensive research is needed to define and support these practices. McKenzie Smith, Director, Stewardship and Regulatory Affairs at Fertilizer Canada in Ottawa and Nicole Penney of FS PARTNERS out of Guelph help us explore this topic. This second part of a two-part exploration of the 4Rs delves into the science, environmental aspects and related research on the 4Rs system. More information: https://fertilizercanada.ca/nutrient-stewardship/ https://nutrientstewardship.org/ | |||
| 26 May 2020 | PART 2- COVID 19 + Lessons for Food Systems | 00:29:35 | |
This episode is part two of the podcast version of the COVID 19 + Lessons for Food Systems webinar by the Arrell Food Institute and Food from Thought Initiative. In this episode, food experts reflect on some of the potential impacts of the COVID-19 on the food system | |||
| 09 Jan 2020 | The Future of Conservation Authorities: Keeping Above Water? | 00:29:30 | |
Conservation Authorities work with Ontario farmers and other landowners to assist in conservation work like tree planting, erosion control, water quality improvement and soil health. Conservation authorities undertake many other activities to fulfill their watershed management mandate. The Ontario government’s Bill 108 amended the Conservation Authorities Act as well as many other statutes for the stated purpose of “increasing housing supply”. Then in August 2019 the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks sent a letter to all conservation authorities telling them to “wind down” programs not within the “core mandate” of conservation authorities. Farm and conservation organizations are concerned that important stewardship programs of conservation authorities are not lost to farmers and landowners. Paul Smith discusses these issues with Kim Gavine, General Manager of Conservation Ontario and Joanne Rzadki, Business Development & Partnerships Coordinator also of Conservation Ontario. More information is available at: https://conservationontario.ca/ https://voiceofniagara.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/yurek_letter.jpg https://www.ontario.ca/page/more-homes-more-choice-ontarios-housing-supply-action-plan https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-42/session-1/bill-108 | |||
| 03 Apr 2024 | Business Case for Climate Solutions - Arrell Food Summit | 00:59:27 | |
A panel discussion exploring the business case for climate solutions was part of the 2023 Arrell Food Summit: Pathways to Change on November 14, 2023. Speakers included: - Mauricio Alanis, Director of Sustainability Strategy and Partnerships, Maple Leaf Foods - Mohamed Yaghi, Climate and Agriculture Policy Lead, Climate Action Institute, RBC - Julie Gartside, Global Head of Integration Management Climate Change Strategies Technical Director, SLR Consulting - Ellery Burton, Principal Managing Partner, Alterra Innovation - Sally Flis, Director, Sustainability Program Design & Outcome Management, Nutrien Ag Solutions The discussion explores the “why” behind adopting climate solutions in food and agriculture. While climate change can be seen only as a risk, many companies are seizing the opportunity to strengthen their resilience to climate impacts, reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and adopt new technologies that will create a competitive business advantage and lead to economic growth. Many businesses also recognize that policy changes are already underway, and are moving to align their business practices with investor, stakeholder and consumer values. Perspectives from farming, industry and policy will inform this panel discussion, which helps companies, industry and decision-makers explore their ‘why’ behind adopting climate solutions in food and agriculture and helps to strengthen the business case for sustainable decisions. More information: https://arrellfoodinstitute.ca/ | |||
| 11 Feb 2021 | Agri-food News Roundup - Sustainability, Climate, Food Prices and Labour | 00:28:20 | |
Emily, Abdul and Paul roundup some of the hot topics in agri-food in the last six months. These include Quebec's new Sustainable Agriculture plan, Canada's new climate plan and agriculture, food price trends in 2021 and labour unrest in agriculture, especially India. More information: https://www.quebec.ca/gouv/politiques-orientations/politique-bioalimentaire/agriculture-durable/ https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html https://www.dal.ca/sites/agri-food/research/canada-s-food-price-report-2021.html | |||
| 07 May 2020 | COVID19 and Local Food and Farming in Guelph-Wellington | 00:28:15 | |
The #Coronavirus pandemic affects local food and farm businesses in Guelph and Wellington County in so many ways. Christina Mann of Taste Real (County of Wellington) tells us about how local farm and food businesses are coping with and adapting to the challenges of #COVID19. Increased demand for local food sources have created opportunities for some businesses, while the challenges of offering food in ways that protect producers and customers require much extra work. Going online for purchases has helped for many businesses. Farmers markets in 2020 will be very different to accommodate distancing. Greater interest in growing and preparing food at home is a factor, online cooking classes are one way of meeting that demand. Consumers can support our local farm and food businesses. More information is available at: https://10carden.ca/localfood/ https://arrellfoodinstitute.ca/food-systems-in-a-time-of-disruption/ http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/about/covid-19.htm http://www.cfa-fca.ca/resources/resources-on-covid-19/ http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/covid-19-information-for-the-agriculture-and-agri-food-industry/ | |||
| 30 Jul 2020 | COVID-19 + Data Decisions after Disruption - Part 1 | 00:25:15 | |
Got data? That is a question of the day it seems. In the midst of this pandemic our interest in data has never been great. Welcome to the panel discussion on data and decision making during the time of disruption. It's hosted by the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph. Jeff Wichtel, Dean of the Imperial Veterinary College chairs a panel of University of Guelph experts. Rozita Dara, an associate professor school of computer science, Amy Greer Research Chair in Population Disease Modeling and associate professor, Department of Population Medicine. Simon Somogyi, an Arrell chair in Business of Food and associate professor school of Hospitality Food and Tourism Management. And Alfons Weersink professor, department of Food Agriculture and Resource Economics. More info: | |||
| 24 Oct 2019 | From City to Farm: An Agriculture Student's experience at Guelph | 00:29:17 | |
Abdul talks to Alan Abdul Kader (@fortybytwenty) , an undergraduate student in the Ontario Agricultural College, on a range of issues in today's agriculture. Alan traces his journey as a young high school student who fell in love with agriculture while working on friend's family farms. The values of farming, including the ability to care for nature and being outdoors are among the drivers in his journey. The episode emphasizes the positives agriculture has to offer and why it is important for farmers (and the industry in general) to be proactive in reaching out to the public. | |||
| 20 Mar 2024 | Loyal to the Soil with farmers Tannis and Derek | 01:15:03 | |
During the growing season of 2023, Rural Routes to Climate Solutions teamed up with Regeneration Canada to connect with agricultural producers across Canada who are tackling the pressing social and environmental crises through the adoption of regenerative agriculture. One such farm is Axten Farms, situated in Minton, Saskatchewan. With a steadfast commitment to growing healthy grains, Axten Farms takes a regenerative approach focused on enhancing their land’s soil biodiversity, creating a thriving environment for food production. Their unwavering dedication is captured in their motto, “Loyal to the Soil.” Welcome to Stories of Regeneration, a podcast series brought to you by Rural Routes to Climate Solutions and Regeneration Canada. Join me, your host Derek Leahy, as we delve into the importance of supporting an agricultural system that not only prioritizes the health of our land and ecosystems but also ensures the sustainability of our farmers and ranchers. Get ready to explore the transformative power of regenerative agriculture.
If you want to learn more, we recommend downloading and listening to: Our Farmers Blog shares stories about Alberta farmers who do an exceptional job of caring for the land, producing food, and building up their communities. This podcast has been partially funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada
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| 22 Aug 2019 | Why and How podcast from agricultural college by Josh Moran | 00:29:56 | |
A conversation with Josh Moran, honours agriculture student, hosts the Why and How Podcast where we look to answer big questions in agriculture, food, and the environment through casual conversations rooted in research. The Why & How is published by the Ontario Agricultural College of the University of Guelph. | |||
| 06 Jun 2019 | Canadian food and food policy, a talk with Dr. Lenore Newman | 00:29:55 | |
Abdul talks with Lenore Newman, who holds a Canada Research Chair in Food Security and Environment at the University of the Fraser Valley, where she is currently an Associate Professor of Geography and the Environment. She also serves as Director of the Food and Agriculture Institute. https://www.ufv.ca/geography/faculty-and-staff/faculty-members/newman-lenore.htm | |||
| 22 Jun 2022 | First Nations, Agriculture, and Colonialism with Cadmus Delorme - Encore for Indigenous History Month | 00:26:51 | |
Agriculture played an important role in colonialism and the dispossession of Indigenous peoples. Today it could help build prosperity and reconciliation. We hear from Chief Cadmus Delorme on the history of agriculture and colonialism as it is expressed on Cowessess First Nation, Treaty 4 in Saskatchewan. In this episode, Chief Delorme traces the history of his First Nation from before European contact, through signing of Treaty 4, the failure to implement Treaty obligations, and the roadblocks to real First Nations engagement in agriculture from the start. Support for European-style agriculture was promised in the numbered treaties of western Canada like Treaty 4, only to be quickly subverted. Chief Delorme talks about many of the issues regarding these treaties and the Indian Act. The Indian Agents’ power to control First Nations people, the pass system requiring the Indian Agents’ approval of sales of grain and cattle, and arbitrary reductions in the size of the Cowessess reserve land area. This is a brutal irony as Indigenous people and agriculture have a long history in Canada and on Turtle Island going back thousands of years. The agricultural innovations from Indigenous peoples in the Americas transformed global agriculture after European contact. This presentation was part of virtual conference in September 2021 on Indigenous Agricultural Innovation held by FHQ Developments and is used with their permission. Chief Cadmus Delorme, Cree (Nehiyaw) and Saulteaux (Anishinabe), is Chief of the Cowessess First Nation. He came to national attention in 2021 when 751 unmarked graves were identified on Cowessess First Nation. He holds a Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration from the First Nations University of Canada, and was also named in CBC Saskatchewan’s Future 40, a list of leaders, builders and change-makers under the age of 40. (First aired January 2022). Cowessess First Nation A Brief History of Indigenous Agriculture Canada’s First Nations people were country’s first farmers File Hills Qu’Appelle (FHQ) Developments File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Indigenous Peoples in Canadian agriculture - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada | |||
| 19 Jan 2023 | Recruiting Soil to Tackle Climate Change: A Roadmap for Canada | 00:29:40 | |
"Recruiting Soil to Tackle Climate Change: A Roadmap for Canada" is a 2022 report by the Soil Conservation Council of Canada and the Compost Council of Canada aimed at helping more people put carbon into soil and keep it there. The world’s soils have lost an estimated 133 billion tons of carbon since the beginning of agriculture 12,000 years ago. This loss represents a substantial opportunity for climate-change mitigation via carbon sequestration in soils. The challenges to building soil carbon, however, include socio-economic, political, and cultural barriers. Healthy soil microbial communities build carbon, while also generating societal benefits like clean water, but managing for soil health means adopting best-management practices (BMPs) that often run counter to perceived economic advantage and long-established cultural norms. Soil-carbon sequestration is a “no regrets” approach, applying landscape-based solutions to climate change. It can be implemented at a relatively low cost per tonne of CO2e, and it has numerous co-benefits, such as increased fertility, cleaner water, and greater farm profitability. Moreover, the science behind these statements is not disputed. While there is some disagreement between scientists around the details, even the most conservative among researchers and academics recognize that the potential for building soil carbon levels is real and worth the investment. In fact, soil health is a topic that has been receiving a growing amount of attention worldwide over the past few years The Soil Conservation Council of Canada and the Compost Council of Canada released the final report in April 2022. The Roadmap is a call to action and a plan for Canada to create a partnership with soil and with soil managers. And that will deliver significant benefits – for generations to come. More information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0orPeMZVB8 https://soilcc.ca/programs/recruiting-soil-to-tackle-climate-change/ http://www.compost.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Press-Release-Recruit-Soil-to-Tackle-Climate-Change.pdf | |||
| 08 Jun 2022 | What is in our food? Food quality and safety with Dr. Maria Corradini University of Guelph - Encore Episode | 00:28:51 | |
Emily Duncan talks about the quality and safety of the food we eat with Dr. Maria Corradini of the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph. Maria discusses her research in food processing and value addition. The discussion highlights the role of food processing in improving the quality, safety and life of food. It emphasizes the need for consumers to appreciate the central role of processing as food moves from farm to table. (Originally aired in 2019). https://arrellfoodinstitute.ca/experts/maria-corradini/ | |||
| 28 Oct 2021 | New Climate Programs for Canadian Farmers – with Brent Preston | 00:28:13 | |
Canada now has new programs aimed at helping farmers adopt practices to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The new federal climate plan released in December 2020 and Budget 2021 made major commitments for funding agriculture climate programs. But are these programs well designed and will they actually help farmers change practices? We explore this topic with Brent Preston of Farmers for Climate Solutions. They advocated for the new $200M On-Farm Climate Action Fund for cover crops, fertilizer management and rotational grazing. Others include $185M for Agriculture Climate Solutions focused on Living Labs research collaborations, $165.7M for Clean Ag Tech Program, and some part of the $631M Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund aimed at agriculture. And the new federal-provincial funding framework for 2023-2028 is being negotiated right now. Will it also increase agri-environmental funding? Canada dramatically underfunds agri-environment efforts compared to Europe and the United States. Listen to find out more about climate and agriculture. ------------------------ Links: Canada’s Revised Climate Plan https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan.html - On-Farm Climate Action Fund - Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund - Farmers for Climate Solutions https://farmersforclimatesolutions.ca/ - The Power of Soil: An Agenda for Change to Benefit Farmers and Climate Resilience https://www.greenbelt.ca/the_power_of_soil | |||
| 21 Sep 2022 | Agriculture: When More Isn't Better with Roger Martin - Encore | 00:29:20 | |
"When More Isn’t Better", thoughts from the world’s #1 management thinker, Roger L. Martin, on farm resilience, presented at the virtual Midwest Cover Crops Council Conference on February 24, 2021. Roger Martin is professor emeritus and former Dean of the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. He grew up in Wallenstein, Ontario where his family was active with an agri-business in the feed industry. "There is a trade-off between efficient and effective…we’ve been pushing efficiency so hard that it is now having counterproductive impacts on life, the economy, the environment." Following the theme of his latest book, WHEN MORE IS NOT BETTER: Overcoming America’s Obsession With Economic Efficiency, Martin participated in a keynote conversation with Mel Luymes (Principal, Headlands Ag-Enviro) to discuss the perils of obsessively pursing efficiency in agriculture, and how integrative thinking can help agriculture become more resilient. “There is a trade-off between efficient and effective…we’ve been pushing efficiency so hard that it is now having counterproductive impacts on life, the economy, [the environment]. Pushing things to the extremes leads to extreme outcomes.” In agriculture, our attention naturally goes to bushels per acre, feed conversion efficiency, and other efficiency measures. But other proxies – profit per acre, soil organic matter, annual soil loss – are necessary to develop a holistic picture of whether our farm enterprises are pursuing efficiency at the expense of resilience. (First aired in 2021). More information: https://rogerlmartin.com/ https://mccc.msu.edu/ https://soilsatguelph.ca/ | |||
| 18 Apr 2022 | New Climate Programs for Canadian Farmers – with Brent Preston - Video Now Available on Spotify | 00:29:08 | |
New Climate Programs for Canadian Farmers – with Brent Preston. Canada now has new programs aimed at helping farmers adopt practices to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The new federal climate plan released in December 2020 and Budget 2021 made major commitments for funding agriculture climate programs. But are these programs well designed and will they actually help farmers change practices? We explore this topic with Brent Preston of Farmers for Climate Solutions. They advocated for the new $200M On-Farm Climate Action Fund for cover crops, fertilizer management and rotational grazing. Others include $185M for Agriculture Climate Solutions focused on Living Labs research collaborations, $165.7M for Clean Ag Tech Program, and some part of the $631M Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund aimed at agriculture. And the new federal-provincial funding framework for 2023-2028 is being negotiated right now. Will it also increase agri-environmental funding? Canada dramatically underfunds agri-environment efforts compared to Europe and the United States. Links: Canada’s Revised Climate Plan https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan.html On-Farm Climate Action Fund Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund Emissions Reduction Plan https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview/emissions-reduction-2030.html Farmers for Climate Solutions | |||
| 14 Apr 2022 | What a Year! Highlights of 2021 in Farming and Food - Video Available on Spotify | 00:29:49 | |
What a year 2021 was in agriculture and food! Emily, Abdul and Paul get together to review some highlights of events in agriculture and food, from global to local. The UN Food Systems Summit made its mark. Extreme weather and climate change made their impact. Flooding in British Columbia and drought throughout western Canada and northwest Ontario prompted Government assistance to affected farmers. The cooperative Hay West also assisted. Canada’s new climate plan now includes agricultural programs that were confirmed in Budget 2021. A contested Fertilizer Canada study claimed a 30% reduction in emissions due to fertilizer use would cost farmers massive lost production. Equity and reconciliation are receiving attention in agriculture. The Guelph Ministers’ statement shows direction on next federal-provincial-territorial agricultural policy framework. Farmland protection from development was a hot topic across Ontario. Locally in Guelph, we highlighted the work of Our Food Future and the SEED tackling issues of food security and food waste. Those are just a fraction of hot topics in 2021, even without COVID. More information: UN Food Systems Summit 2021 Canada’s new climate plan Increases in AgriRecovery funding to up to $500 million to support farmers facing extreme weather $3 million of Funding for Hay West from Canadian Government https://www.cfa-fca.ca/2021/12/15/cfa-pleased-to-announce-3-million-of-funding-for-hay-west-from-canadian-government-but-more-funding-is-needed-for-coming-months/ Ontario Providing Additional Drought Support for Northwestern Farmers Farm Groups issue joint statement recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Fertilizer Canada study Canada’s Ministers of Agriculture hold annual meeting and release Guelph Statement Our Food Future The SEED Guelph | |||
| 14 May 2020 | COVID 19 + Lessons for Food Systems | 00:28:09 | |
This episode is a podcast version of the COVID 19 + Lessons for Food Systems webinar by the Arrell Food Institute and Food from Thought Initiative. In this episode, food experts reflect on some of the potential impacts of the COVID-19 on the food system. Hosted by Rene Van Acker, Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph, the panel includes Larry Goodridge, Lee Young Professorship in Food Safety and the director of the Centre for Research in Food Safety; Jess Haines, associate professor in the Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition and one of the leads of the Guelph Family Health Study; Dana McCauley, the director of New Venture Creation in the Research Innovation Office of the University of Guelph; and Mike von Massow, OAC Chair in Food Systems Leadership and an associate professor in the department of Food Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Guelph. | |||
| 21 Nov 2019 | Environmental Farm Plan: Ag's Best Kept Secret? | 00:29:50 | |
The Environmental Farm Plan or EFP builds sustainability on Ontario and Canadian farms by farmers assessing their farms' environmental risks and changing practices to reduce or eliminate those risks. It began over 25 years ago in Ontario, led by farmer organizations working with governments, building consensus and changing social norms. EFP has now spread across Canada and evolved to fit each region’s needs. The evolution continues to meet changing demands. EFP may become the base for farms’ sustainability certification. An improved electronic version improves convenience and may appeal to younger generations. Listen to Paul Smith’s conversation with Andy Graham, Executive Director of Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, and others reflecting on the history, evolution and future of the Environmental Farm Plan. https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/oscia-programs/workshops-webinars/environmental-farm-plan/ | |||
| 20 Feb 2020 | Some stories in Canadian Ag landscape | 00:27:01 | |
In this episode, Abdul talks about some of the stories making headlines in Canadian Agriculture in the week. The rail blockade, labour shortages, and discussions a potential seed royalty in Canada are some of the issues talked about. | |||
| 13 May 2021 | Agriculture - When More Is Not Better - Roger Martin - Part 2 | 00:30:00 | |
Roger Martin, the world’s #1 management thinker, continues his conversation with Mel Luymes (Principal, Headlands Ag-Enviro) on the perils of obsessively pursuing efficiency in agriculture, and how agriculture can become more resilient. "When More Is Not Better", thoughts from Roger L. Martin, on farm resilience, presented at the virtual Midwest Cover Crops Council Conference on February 24, 2021. Roger Martin is professor emeritus and former Dean of the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. He grew up in Wallenstein, Ontario where his family was active with an agri-business in the feed industry. "There is a trade-off between efficient and effective…we’ve been pushing efficiency so hard that it is now having counterproductive impacts on life, the economy, the environment." “There is a trade-off between efficient and effective…we’ve been pushing efficiency so hard that it is now having counterproductive impacts on life, the economy, [the environment]. Pushing things to the extremes leads to extreme outcomes.” In agriculture, our attention naturally goes to bushels per acre, feed conversion efficiency, and other efficiency measures. But other proxies – profit per acre, soil organic matter, annual soil loss – are necessary to develop a holistic picture of whether our farm enterprises are pursuing efficiency at the expense of resilience. More information: https://rogerlmartin.com/ https://mccc.msu.edu/ https://soilsatguelph.ca/ | |||
| 13 Feb 2020 | Food Security: From Excess to Enough - A Chat with author Ralph Martin | 00:29:34 | |
Ralph Martin’s new book is an evocative mix of science, philosophy, memoir, reflection and manifesto for change. And food and farming tie it all together. Food security is certainly a focus, but the book ranges far beyond a narrow view of that phrase. Ralph is a retired professor of plant agriculture at Guelph with an emphasis on organic agriculture and forage crops. The book promo says the following. “Canadians are failing to balance reasonable food consumption with sufficient and sustainable production. The modern agricultural system is producing more and more food. Too much food. The cost is enormous: excess nutrients are contaminating the air and water; soil is being depleted; species loss is plunging us toward the sixth extinction; and farmers, racking up debt, are increasingly vulnerable to economic and climatic shifts. And then there is the waste — householders, food processors, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers collectively waste 40 percent of the food produced. A radical rethink is required. We need to move from excess to enough.” Listen to his discussion with Paul Smith. More information is available at: | |||
| 23 Aug 2023 | Cows, Crops, and Soil Health, with Stuart Wright, Wellington County farmer (Encore) | 00:29:37 | |
Sustainable farming is about the people and organizations working daily to that end. Stuart Wright is a dairy and cash crop farmer from Kenilworth, Wellington County, and a past President of Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. Both Stuart and the Soil and Crop organization work hard on farm sustainability. Stuart describes his family’s work building soil health and sustainability using crop rotation, no till, strip till, cover crops, and the 4Rs of nutrient management. Since 1939, Soil and Crop has been innovating new ways of growing crops to improve both production and conservation. Stuart’s discussion with Paul Smith illustrates the complexity of juggling crops, livestock and changing practices. He also reflects about how farmers learn from other farmers, advisors and researchers, and then try new things on their farms—illustrating the importance of the network of organizations collaborating on sustainable agriculture. (Originally aired in 2020). More information is available at: https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/ https://wellingtonsoilcrop.org/ https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/association/the-soil-fixers/ https://www.farms.com/videos/rural-lifestyle/stuart-wright-138455.aspx | |||
| 12 Sep 2019 | Canada's Outdoor Farm Show - Impressions | 00:31:32 | |
Today Emily Duncan discusses the https://www.outdoorfarmshow.com Survey for farmers: https://uoguelph.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8DlMUAPDuEjqoxn | |||
| 03 Aug 2022 | Sustainable Fertilizer Use in Agriculture – the 4 Rs – What is it? - Encore | 00:31:22 | |
Fertilizer is fundamental to agriculture and key to feeding the world population. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are often the focus—what agronomists call crop nutrients. Yet fertilizer use can have unintended effects on soil ecosystems, water quality, and greenhouse gas emissions. So, sustainable use of fertilizer is a key issue in farm sustainability. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship program brings together agronomy, environmental science, crop planning and education to help farmers plan fertilizer use to grow their crops, save money and conserve the environment. The 4Rs stand for the Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place for fertilizer application. McKenzie Smith, Director, Stewardship and Regulatory Affairs at Fertilizer Canada in Ottawa and Nicole Penney of FS PARTNERS out of Guelph help us explore this topic. The first of this two part exploration of the 4Rs delves into the science, training and practices within the 4Rs planning system. The next episode explores the environmental aspects and related research on the 4Rs system. (First aired in 2020). More information: | |||
| 10 Oct 2019 | Measuring Farm Sustainability: Mission Possible? | 00:29:59 | |
How can we measure Farm Sustainability? Sustainable sourcing for the agri-food marketplace requires measurement and certification. What does this mean for Ontario farmers and consumers? Nick Betts of Sustainable Agriculture Initiative or SAI Platform and Andy Graham of Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association help us explore this topic. This show forms part of a new series on farm sustainability hosted by Paul Smith. #ontag #cdnag #food #ontagweek More info: https://saiplatform.org/profile/nick-betts/ https://www.agrifoodsustainability.ca/resources https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/research-resources/publications-resources/ | |||
| 11 Jul 2020 | COVID-19 + Social Impacts on Rural Communities, Part 1 | 00:27:55 | |
COVID-19 has had many social impacts on rural communities. Philip Loring, Arrell Chair in Food Policy and Society at the University of Guelph, chairs a panel on the impact on rural communities. First panelist is Abdul-Raheem Abdulai, he's an Arrell scholar and PhD candidate in the Department of Geography. Second is Dr. Ryan Gibson who's an Associate Professor and the Libro Professor in Regional Economic Development, he's in the Rural Planning and Development program at the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development. Third is Dr. Helen Hambly Odame, she's an Associate Professor of Capacity in the Capacity Development and Extension program also in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development. Finally is Jacqui Empson Laporte she's an Environmental Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs.
Part 1 of the discussion. Part 2 to come. More information:
https://arrellfoodinstitute.ca/webinars/
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| 06 Dec 2023 | A Climate-Smart Agriculture Plan with Mohamad Yaghi | 00:44:03 | |
Climate change challenges Canadian agriculture in so many ways. How can Canada help farmers adapt? The report, “A New Ag Deal: A 9-Point Plan for Climate-Smart Agriculture”, lays out ideas to help farmers adapt and reduce the impacts of climate change on their farms while growing food production to feed the world. Mohamad Yaghi, Agriculture & Climate Policy Lead at the Royal Bank’s (RBC) Climate Action Institute tells us about their plan in this episode. The Royal Bank has been active reporting about agriculture and climate as part of its Thought Leadership initiative, working with the Arrell Food Institute here at the University of Guelph on several of these. Mohamad and his team spoke with more than 500 farmers and food producers, to gain a better understanding of what practical policies could make a difference helping farmers adapt. We talked about a number of these ideas. The world’s top food producing countries are making sustainable agriculture a strategic priority, building formidable climate-smart food supply chains backed by sizeable funding and bold policy measures. The sector risks falling behind if Canadian governments don’t match their competitors in supporting producers with the funding and policy tools to grow more food with fewer emissions. The agriculture sectors in the U.S., EU, Australia, and China get roughly three times the climate funding that Canada provides to its industry. We talk about carbon markets and how to build markets that are fair and that farmers can benefit from, for soil carbon, methane, and other emissions. Encouraging innovative farmers who drive the initial charge to new farming practices is another important focus that farmers often say is neglected. Canada’s dwindling knowledge sharing network or extension system for getting new research knowledge into the hand of farmers needs a major boost. We also discuss the newly launched Canadian Alliance for Net Zero Agrifood (CANZA) and what the Alliance plans to do in coming years. RBC is a partner in this new Alliance, along with the Arrell Food Institute. More information: A New Ag Deal: A 9-Point Plan for Climate-Smart Agriculture https://thoughtleadership.rbc.com/a-new-ag-deal-a-9-point-plan-for-climate-smart-agriculture/ The Next Green Revolution: How Canada can produce more food and fewer emissions The Canadian Alliance for Net Zero Agrifood Arrell Food Institute https://arrellfoodinstitute.ca/ | |||
| 06 Feb 2020 | An overview of 2020 farms.com Precision Agriculture Conference | 00:28:11 | |
This episode provides highlights of the 2020 Farms.com Precision Agriculture Conference, held in London, Ontario on the 29th and 30th of January 2020. An overview of the main activities at the conference is provided alongside interviews with organizers and digital technology exhibiters. | |||
| 04 Apr 2022 | Soil Conservation Council of Canada with Jim Totarchuk - Video Available on Spotify | 00:36:48 | |
Soil health and conservation is a hot topic in Canadian agriculture. The Soil Conservation Council of Canada is the only national organization working on soil conservation and Jim Totarchuk, Executive Director of the council, tells us about the council and its work. In November 2021, the council held their virtual Summit on Canadian Soil Health 2021 with the theme “Healthy Soil – Healthy Planet”. They sponsor the annual Soil Conservation Week in April each year. That has often included a focus on the “Soil Your Undies” test for soil health which has garnered a lot of media and public interest. This “cheeky” test of soil biological health tests a soil’s ability to digest the cotton underwear. The Council also issues a soil health report card, assessing how different parts of Canada are doing on soil conservation. The council has also had a project on the go called the soil carbon road map, summarizing the science on soil carbon in agriculture. Since its founding in 1987, the Council has been the national voice to advance soil conservation in Canada. More information: Soil Conservation Council of Canada Senator Rob Black on soil health 2021 Soil Summit Soil Conservation Week “Soil Your Undies” Soil Health Report Card | |||
| 02 May 2019 | Food from Thought research assistant program at Guelph | 00:30:14 | |
Abdul and Emily talk about with Jeanna Rex about Food from Thought research assistant program at the Arrell Food Institute More information: | |||
| 13 Jun 2019 | Farm sustainability: what, why, how - A new series hosted by Paul Smith | 00:27:50 | |
Farm sustainability will be the focus of a number of episodes this year. But what is farm sustainability? And what does it mean for farmers and consumers. Host Abdul discusses this with Paul Smith, who will be the guest host on farm sustainability issues. Paul worked in environment management for three decades including half of that on environmental sustainability for Ontario farms. Sustainability includes environmental, economic and social elements and so in complex to assess. Some links on sustainable agriculture: | |||
| 19 Sep 2019 | The SEED local food hub and Carrot Stock concert | 00:29:26 | |
Abdul speaks with Rebecca Clayton of the Seed FoodHub ahead of the Carrot stock food and music festival this Saturday September 21 at the Everdale Farm. An encore presentation. | |||
| 23 May 2019 | Climate Change project with the Ecological Farmers | 00:30:18 | |
Hear about a project where several Guelph graduate students worked with the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario on Climate Change issues among their members. Victoria Lesy, Matt Orton, Abdul-Rahim Abdulai, Nicole Unterlander, Abigail Van Reisen from the Arrell Food Institute worked with the EFAO. More information: https://arrellfoodinstitute.ca/feedback-resilience-in-ag/ https://efao.ca/climate-change-and-ontario-agriculture-introducing-a-series-of-farmer-case-studies/ | |||
| 28 Nov 2019 | "Talk Dirty To Me" Episode 4 feat. Dan Petker | 00:30:02 | |
Series host Cameron Ogilvie managed to catch up with Norfolk County farmer Dan Petker (@PetkerFarm) in the combine cab to learn about his pursuit of soil health. Dan offers both a hopeful and critical perspective on what it takes to improve soil and loves to talk about the economic burden of sustainable soil management practices. For more information on the December 5, World Soil Day event, visit the event posting here: https://news.uoguelph.ca/event/world-soil-day/ For more information on cost-share and incentive programs that support Ontario farmers, check out the following links: https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/ | |||
| 27 May 2021 | Power Panel - Sustainability, Markets and Incentives in Agriculture - Part 4 | 00:29:20 | |
In this episode, the excellent and insightful agri-food power panel discussion continues on the topics of markets, sustainability and incentives. Mel Luymes chairs the panel of very knowledgeable people in Ontario agriculture, Crystal Mackay, an agriculture communicator, Dan Petker, a Norfolk farmer, Cher Mereweather, president of Provision Coalition, a food sustainability partnership, and Alfons Weersink, economics professor at University of Guelph. This discussion is inspired by Roger Martin’s ideas in his book “When More is not Better”. This is the fourth and final of four episodes focused on the ideas raised by management guru Roger Martin in his talk and book “When More is not Better” at the virtual Midwest Cover Crops Council Conference on February 24, 2021. These are made available courtesy of Soils at Guelph. Roger Martin is professor emeritus and former Dean of the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. He grew up in Wallenstein, Ontario where his family was active with an agri-business in the feed industry. "There is a trade-off between efficient and effective…we’ve been pushing efficiency so hard that it is now having counterproductive impacts on life, the economy, the environment." In agriculture, our attention naturally goes to bushels per acre, feed conversion efficiency, and other efficiency measures. But other proxies – profit per acre, soil organic matter, annual soil loss – are necessary to develop a holistic picture of whether our farm enterprises are pursuing efficiency at the expense of resilience. More information: https://rogerlmartin.com/ https://mccc.msu.edu/ https://soilsatguelph.ca/ https://www.headlands.ca/ https://loft32.ca/ https://provisioncoalition.com/ https://www.uoguelph.ca/fare/bios/f_weersink.html https://twitter.com/petkerfarm | |||
| 24 Apr 2024 | Sharing the Land with farmer Rébeka Frazer-Chiasson | 01:19:52 | |
Fifth generation farmer, Rébeka Frazer-Chiasson believes strongly in the practices of regenerative agriculture. Located in Rogersville, New Brunswick, her farm Ferme Terre Partagee currently operates as a coop based on common values and objectives including peasant agroecology and food sovereignty. Welcome to Stories of Regeneration, a podcast series brought to you by Rural Routes to Climate Solutions and Regeneration Canada. Join me, your host Derek Leahy, as we delve into the importance of supporting an agricultural system that not only prioritizes the health of our land and ecosystems but also ensures the sustainability of our farmers and ranchers. Get ready to explore the transformative power of regenerative agriculture.
If you want to learn more, we recommend downloading and listening to:
Our Farmers Blog shares stories about Alberta farmers who do an exceptional job of caring for the land, producing food, and building up their communities. This podcast has been partially funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada. | |||
| 21 Feb 2024 | Maximizing Soil Function with farmer Blake Vince | 01:09:09 | |
Soil is very much alive. And hungry too. Some estimates go as far as saying that there is more life in a teaspoon of healthy soil than there are people on the planet. You just need a microscope to see the vast majority of it. Or you do what grain farmer Blake Vince did, and bury a pair of “tighty whities” (underwear) in the soil to produce proof of the existence of this vast and diverse soil microbial community.
In the soil, you’ve got well-known critters like earthworms, bacteria and fungi and lesser-known ones like protozoa and nematodes, who have this tendency to eat the bacteria and fungi. In this bustling environment where a lot of things are eating each other, there is an exchange between soil organisms and plants so both sides of the equation get what they need to survive and thrive and produce food for the rest of us living above ground. This interaction between the soil and plants is something that fascinated Blake Vince, who farms mainly soya and corn in southwestern Ontario, it fascinated him at a young age.
Welcome to Stories of Regeneration, a podcast series brought to you by Rural Routes to Climate Solutions and Regeneration Canada. Join me, your host Derek Leahy, as we delve into the importance of supporting an agricultural system that not only prioritizes the health of our land and ecosystems but also ensures the sustainability of our farmers and ranchers. Get ready to explore the transformative power of regenerative agriculture.
4:42 – Blake Vince shares some information about himself.
6:50 – Did Blake always want to be a farmer?
8:31 – Blake explains his farm’s environment and typography.
9:45 – What have been some of the challenges for Blake this year?
12:32 – What is tile drainage?
18:57 – Blake talks about no-tillage.
36:07 – What else is Blake doing to maintain soil health?
41:55 – Blake talks about his crop rotation.
51:16 – How can consumers support farmers who are in the process of weaning their soil off of inputs like fertilizers?
59:13 – Does Blake find it hard, being one of only a few producers in his community farming in an “unconventional” way?
1:07:06 – Blake shares his final thoughts.
Stories of Regeneration
Stories of Regeneration Short Film Series
Soil Your Undies “The Cotton Test”
Kiss The Ground
If you want to learn more, we recommend downloading and listening to:
EP 20 – The Brown Revolution
EP 67 – Total Grazing – SoR Part 1
EP 69 – Loyal to the Soil – SoR Part 2
Our Farmers Blog shares stories about Alberta farmers who do an exceptional job of caring for the land, producing food, and building up their communities.
This podcast has been partially funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada
Thanks to Rural Routes to Climate Solutions and Regeneration Canada for permission to air this episode.
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| 06 Mar 2020 | Corona-virus epidemic and the food system | 00:28:47 | |
The corona-virus epidemic has caused panic around the globe, affecting over 90,000 people in over 70 countries. The growing trend of infections around the globe has caused panic in many countries, including in Canada. We review some of the issues emerging from this epidemic in relation to the food system. Declining sales in the restaurant industry, panic buying and clearing of stocks in grocery stores, and the disruption of supply chains and export markets are some of the issues discussed in the episode. #covid19 #coronavirus
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| 26 Oct 2022 | First Nations Build Agricultural Businesses, with Cadmus Delorme | 00:29:38 | |
First Nations are building modern agricultural businesses in many parts of Canada. Historically, agriculture played an important role in colonialism and the dispossession of Indigenous peoples. Today it could help build prosperity and reconciliation, as envisioned in Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 92. In this episode, we hear from Cadmus Delorme on their efforts to build successful agricultural businesses on the Cowsessess First Nation, Treaty 4 in Saskatchewan. Chief Delorme recounts how they have built their crop and livestock business and overcame challenges that many First Nations face in the agriculture business.
This presentation was part of virtual conference in September 2021 on Indigenous Agricultural Innovation held by FHQ Developments and is used with their permission.
Both First Nations and the Métis faced historic exclusion from agriculture and dispossession of their land that could have provided livelihoods for people and communities. This is well documented in the historical literature.
For First Nations, especially in western Canada, agriculture was promised as the means for livelihoods. Provisions for training, farm implements, and livestock were included in treaties, but reneged on or subject to graft and nepotism. First Nations were then excluded from agricultural markets to protect European settlers from competition. Indian agents had to approve all sales. For Métis, the government promised that land grants under the Métis Scrip system would provide agricultural livelihoods for future generations. But a system of graft and corruption deprived most Métis of their land.
That is Canada’s lesser know history.
Today is a new era with many changes to agriculture and government policy regarding Indigenous people in agriculture. There are new Indigenous-focused programs at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada and some Provincial programs. IAPO or the Indian Agriculture Program of Ontario has new funding from the federal government and is providing new services to support First Nations agriculture in Ontario. The Anishinabek Nation group of 39 First Nations are developing a strategic approach to agriculture business and received provincial agriculture funding for that effort. In 2021, Farm Management Canada released “The Path Forward: Supporting the Business Management Needs of Indigenous Producers”, a brand-new research report investigating the business management needs of Indigenous agricultural producers.
Hopefully, these changes reflect our future direction.
More information:
Cowessess First Nation
https://www.cowessessfn.com/
File Hills Qu’Appelle (FHQ) Developments
https://fhqdev.com/
Talking With the Plow: Agricultural Policy and Indian Farming in the Canadian and U.S. Prairies
https://cjns.brandonu.ca/wp-content/uploads/16-2-bateman.pdf
Indigenous Peoples in Canadian agriculture - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/indigenous-peoples-canadian-agriculture
IAPO – First Nations Farm and Business Financing
http://indianag.on.ca/
Anishinabek Agriculture
https://anishinabekagriculture.ca/
Supporting the Business Management Needs of Indigenous Producers
https://fmc-gac.com/indigenous-ag-report/
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| 07 Nov 2019 | What is in our food? Food quality and safety with Dr. Maria Corradini University of Guelph | 00:28:51 | |
Emily Duncan talks about the quality and safety of the food we eat with Dr. Maria Corradini of the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph. Maria discusses her research in food processing and value addition. The discussion highlights the role of food processing in improving the quality, safety and life of food. It emphasizes the need for consumers to appreciate the central role of processing as food moves from farm to table. https://arrellfoodinstitute.ca/experts/maria-corradini/ | |||
| 18 Nov 2021 | Indigenous Agricultural Innovation with Thomas Benjoe | 00:27:53 | |
Indigenous Agricultural Innovation with Thomas Benjoe - Agriculture played an important role in colonialism and today it can hopefully help build reconciliation. We explore how First Nations can pursue prosperity through business development in agriculture and agri-business with Thomas Benjoe, President/CEO of FHQ Developments in Saskatchewan, chair of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, and 2021 Globe Report on Business Changemaker. Thomas and FHQ held a virtual conference in September 2021 on Indigenous Agricultural Innovation. FHQ Developments is the economic development entity of the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, itself a council of 11 First Nations in the Treaty 4 area of Saskatchewan including Saulteaux (Anishnabe), Lakota, Dakota, Nakoda and Cree (Nehiyaw). We explore the opportunities and challenges of First Nations’ economic development including access to capital and credit as well as skills development and training. Indigenous people and agriculture have a long history in Canada and on Turtle Island. The agricultural innovations from Indigenous peoples in the Americas transformed global agriculture after European contact, with new crops like maize, beans and potatoes. And European-style agriculture was promised as the means for livelihoods in the numbered treaties of western Canada, only to be quickly subverted. Over the next couple of months, we will be doing a series of shows on different aspects of Indigenous agriculture. ---------------------------- More information: File Hills Qu’Appelle (FHQ) Developments - File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council - Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations - Indigenous Peoples in Canadian agriculture - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/indigenous-peoples-canadian-agriculture - For Thomas Benjoe, building Indigenous wealth is a fundamental part of reconciliation | |||
| 13 Jul 2022 | Food Security: From Excess to Enough - A Chat with author Ralph Martin - Encore | 00:29:34 | |
Ralph Martin’s book is an evocative mix of science, philosophy, memoir, reflection and manifesto for change. And food and farming tie it all together. Food security is certainly a focus, but the book ranges far beyond a narrow view of that phrase. Ralph is a retired professor of plant agriculture at Guelph with an emphasis on organic agriculture and forage crops. The book promo says the following. “Canadians are failing to balance reasonable food consumption with sufficient and sustainable production. The modern agricultural system is producing more and more food. Too much food. The cost is enormous: excess nutrients are contaminating the air and water; soil is being depleted; species loss is plunging us toward the sixth extinction; and farmers, racking up debt, are increasingly vulnerable to economic and climatic shifts. And then there is the waste — householders, food processors, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers collectively waste 40 percent of the food produced. A radical rethink is required. We need to move from excess to enough.” Listen to his discussion with Paul Smith. (Originally aired in 2020). More information is available at: https://ralphmartin.ca/ https://www.dundurn.com/books_/t22117/a9781459744028-food-security | |||
| 26 Sep 2019 | What is Farm Sustainability? Cutting through the "sustainababble" | 00:28:32 | |
What is Farm Sustainability? Cutting through the "sustainababble". We explore farm #sustainability and #sustainable sourcing with Nick Betts of Sustainable Agriculture Initative or SAI Platform. Perspectives of the Food and Agriculture Organization, Canadian Roundtable on Sustainable Beef and Syngenta are also presented. This show forms part of a new series on farm sustainability hosted by Paul Smith. #ontag #cdnag #food More info: https://saiplatform.org/profile/nick-betts/ http://www.fao.org/policy-support/policy-themes/sustainable-food-agriculture/en/ | |||
| 18 Mar 2021 | Agriculture Carbon Alliance and Canada's Climate Plan | 00:29:31 | |
The Agriculture Carbon Alliance was recently launched and Keith Currie talks about the Alliance membership and purpose and the federal climate plan. Keith is the Vice-President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, a member of the Alliance, a Simcoe county farmer and past president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. The new federal climate plan has many climate-related proposals and funding for agriculture, but few details. The Alliance hopes to engage the federal government on those proposals. We discuss carbon tax, soil health, offsets, fertilizer use, technology and nature-based solutions. 2021 should be an interesting year for climate policy and agriculture. | |||
| 27 Aug 2020 | COVID-19 + Data Decisions after Disruptions - Part 2 | 00:28:15 | |
COVID-19 and Data Decisions after Disruptions - Part 2. Got data? That is a question of the day it seems. In the midst of this pandemic our interest in data has never been great. Welcome to the panel discussion on data and decision making during the time of disruption. It's hosted by the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph. Jeff Wichtel, Dean of the Imperial Veterinary College chairs a panel of University of Guelph experts. Rozita Dara, an associate professor school of computer science, Amy Greer Research Chair in Population Disease Modeling and associate professor, Department of Population Medicine. Simon Somogyi, an Arrell chair in Business of Food and associate professor school of Hospitality Food and Tourism Management. And Alfons Weersink professor, department of Food Agriculture and Resource Economics. Part 2 of the webinar. More info: | |||
| 10 Jul 2024 | Partners in the Ecosystem with Rebecca Harbut and Mike Bomford | 01:14:21 | |
In this episode, we’ll be doing some exploration into the relationship between society and regenerative agriculture and how one can help advance the other. But the real meat and potatoes of the last three episodes, just like in all the other episodes in this series, will be about getting to know and understand the boots on the ground folks who are leading the way on this change that we are seeing in the agriculture sector. Meet Rebecca Harbut and Mike Bomford from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) in Richmond, BC—prime examples of such trailblazers. Now, you might wonder, how do university professors fit the description of being ‘on the ground’? Well, let me tell you, KPU isn’t just any university; it boasts a farm that lies at the heart of Rebecca and Mike’s endeavors. Moreover, as we’ve touched upon throughout this podcast series, with Canada’s population nearing the 40 million mark, farm and ranch operators, along with farm laborers, represent a mere fraction—around 1%—of the populace. The takeaway here? It’s going to require a collective effort, involving many of us outside the traditional farming community, to partner with that crucial 1%. This collaboration is key to expanding regenerative agriculture from a niche practice to a widespread one.
If you want to learn more, we recommend you check out the following:
Our Farmers Blog shares stories about Alberta farmers who do an exceptional job of caring for the land, producing food, and building up their communities. This podcast has been partially funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada
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| 02 Oct 2024 | Everybody Wins - Ottawa's Just Food Farm | 01:12:58 | |
Wrapping up our Stories of Regeneration tour, we land in Ottawa at Just Food Community Farm, a 150-acre farmstead located in Ottawa’s Greenbelt that is championing small-scale, viable agriculture businesses and initiatives like Chi Garden and Urban Fresh Produce. Dedicated to cultivating a thriving local food economy and sustainable farming sector, Just Food integrates agroecology-based conservation with land stewardship. The farm is a testament to how community-led initiatives can redefine our food systems, offering food sovereignty for all, including newcomers to Canada. Its Start-up Farm Program addresses the critical barrier of land access, turning aspiring individuals into farmers and fostering community regeneration. Highlighting this unique model, Chadwick Lewis (Urban Fresh Produce) and Sun Shan (Chi Garden), participants of the program, share their experiences in our series finale, underscoring the farm’s role in sustainable agriculture and community building. Highlights:
Thanks to Regeneration Canada and Rural Routes to Climate Solutions for partnering to air this episode on Food Farm Talk and CFRU. Useful links:
If you want to learn more, we recommend you check out the following:
Our Farmers Blog shares stories about Alberta farmers who do an exceptional job of caring for the land, producing food, and building up their communities. This podcast has been partially funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada.
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| 06 Mar 2024 | Water is Food - Emerging Knowledge | 01:00:57 | |
Water is Food - Emerging Knowledge is a panel discussion hosted by the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph. This was held on World Food Day on October 16, 2023, as a panel discussion looking at emerging research and insights into best practices, barriers and opportunities at the intersection of water and agri-food. Arrell Food Institute director Dr. Evan Fraser moderated a panel of University of Guelph experts at the intersection of water and agri-food to discuss the latest research and best practices in their fields. The panel discussion features: - Dr. Larry Goodridge, director of the Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety and professor in the Ontario Agricultural College’s Department of Food Science, who will discuss research in detecting and treating waterborne pathogens that can impact the food system. - Dr. Tongzhe Li, professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (FARE) and the inaugural Arrell Family Chair in Behavioural and Experimental Economics, who will share insights from research conducted on consumer preferences toward growing fresh foods using recycled irrigation water. - Dr. Hugh Simpson, researcher at the Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute, who will discuss private water wells and their importance to local food. Simpson is currently working on a project with U of G researchers to examine the needs of the rural community for guidance about private water wells for agricultural, business and domestic purposes. The event took place at the Anita Stewart Memorial Food Lab in the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics. This World Food Day 2023 event was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in partnership with: Food Tank, Driscoll’s, WholeChain, University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University. and in collaboration with: International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Arrell Food Institute, Compass Group Canada. Thanks to the Arrell Food Institute for permission to air this recording. https://arrellfoodinstitute.ca/ https://www.fao.org/world-food-day/en https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8vAPL48kaI | |||
| 11 Jul 2019 | Organic farming and community with Brent Preston of "The New Farm" | 00:30:57 | |
We talk to Brent Preston of TheNewFarm on the values of organic farming, short supply chains, growing what people eat, building communities through farms and customers with shared value. | |||
| 05 Apr 2023 | Plant based diets and recipes with Katherine Eckert (Encore) | 00:26:14 | |
In this 2022 episode, we speak to Katherine Eckert, a Ph.D. student and Arrell Food Scholar at the University of Guelph. Katherine discusses working with the Guelph Family Health Study and the creation of the new book "Plant-Based Proteins: Recipes Made Easy-Peasy". We also discuss Katherine's journey to health and nutrition, Ph.D. research, and the conversations around plant-based diets.
The 2019 Canada’s Food Guide recommends eating plant-based proteins more often. Eating plant-based proteins can have a positive effect on your health and the health of the planet. It can also help reduce your grocery bill.
They designed this cookbook and 12 instructional videos as a resource for understanding the different types of plant-based proteins and how to incorporate them in recipes to make delicious healthy meals and snacks for your family.
They created recipes guaranteed to meet the discerning taste buds of picky preschoolers, meat lovers, and long-time plant-based protein enthusiasts alike!
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| 17 Oct 2019 | World Food Day 2019 - The View from Guelph "Food University" | 00:27:16 | |
World Food Day is October 16 and this year focuses on zero hunger and healthy diets. Emily Duncan and Abdul-Rahim Abdulai explore the themes and significance of World Food Day. They also interview a number of researchers at the University of Guelph on the significance of their research for food. #wfd #worldfoodday #zerohunger More info: http://www.fao.org/world-food-day/home/en/ https://www.worldfooddaycanada.ca/ https://news.uoguelph.ca/2019/10/experts-alert-world-food-day/ https://news.uoguelph.ca/2019/10/world-food-day-u-of-g-research-focused-on-sustainable-crops/ | |||
| 06 May 2021 | Agriculture - When More Is Not Better - Roger Martin - Part 1 | 00:29:20 | |
"When More Isn’t Better", thoughts from the world’s #1 management thinker, Roger L. Martin, on farm resilience, presented at the virtual Midwest Cover Crops Council Conference on February 24, 2021. Roger Martin is professor emeritus and former Dean of the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. He grew up in Wallenstein, Ontario where his family was active with an agri-business in the feed industry. "There is a trade-off between efficient and effective…we’ve been pushing efficiency so hard that it is now having counterproductive impacts on life, the economy, the environment." Following the theme of his latest book, WHEN MORE IS NOT BETTER: Overcoming America’s Obsession With Economic Efficiency, Martin participated in a keynote conversation with Mel Luymes (Principal, Headlands Ag-Enviro) to discuss the perils of obsessively pursing efficiency in agriculture, and how integrative thinking can help agriculture become more resilient. “There is a trade-off between efficient and effective…we’ve been pushing efficiency so hard that it is now having counterproductive impacts on life, the economy, [the environment]. Pushing things to the extremes leads to extreme outcomes.” In agriculture, our attention naturally goes to bushels per acre, feed conversion efficiency, and other efficiency measures. But other proxies – profit per acre, soil organic matter, annual soil loss – are necessary to develop a holistic picture of whether our farm enterprises are pursuing efficiency at the expense of resilience. More information: https://rogerlmartin.com/ https://mccc.msu.edu/ https://soilsatguelph.ca/ | |||
| 12 Jun 2024 | Diversity is Resiliency, organic fruit production with Aaron Goddard | 01:08:53 | |
During the growing season of 2023 as summer turned into fall, the Rural Routes to Climate Solutions podcast and Regeneration Canada were on the final leg of the Stories of Regeneration tour. After covering most of the Prairies and most of central and eastern Canada in the summer, our months-long journey came to an end in Canada’s two most western provinces around harvest time. This next phase of our journey brought us to Cawston, British Columbia, acclaimed as the Organic Farming Capital of Canada. At Snowy Mountain Farms, managed by Aaron Goddard and his family, you will find a 12-acre farm that boasts over 70 varieties of fruits such as cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, pears, apples, and quince. Aaron employs regenerative agriculture practices to cultivate and sustain living soils, which are essential for producing fruit that is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients. Highlights: 3:20 – Aaron talks about his farm. 5:55 – Aaron shares the story of how he got into agriculture. 8:34 – Aaron talks about his family and farmhands. 13:56 – When was the first time Aaron heard about regenerative agriculture? 21:02 – Aaron describes the landscape of Snowy Mountain Farms. 28:27 – Why is diversity important? 42:50 – What is Aaron doing to help stimulate fungal growth in the soil? 51:08 – Aaron talks about how, and why, he’s integrated livestock on his farm. 52:43 – What are some challenges Aaron faces as an agriculture producer? 56:04 – Why is regenerative agriculture important to Aaron? Useful links:
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| 12 Nov 2020 | Farmers for Climate Solutions - Karen Ross - Pandemic Recovery and Climate Change | 00:29:34 | |
Farmers for Climate Solutions' Director Karen Ross talks to Paul Smith about their report “A better future starts on the farm: Recommendations for recovery from COVID-19 in Canadian agriculture” and its five recommendations to support farmers recovering from the pandemic while helping them deal with the long-term effects of the climate crisis. Their lobbying efforts resulted in a key phrase added to the recent Throne Speech "recognize farmers, foresters, and ranchers as key partners in the fight against climate change, supporting their efforts to reduce emissions and build resilience." Hopefully, additional measures for farmers and ranchers will appear in the new federal climate plan, expected soon. The five recommendations are discussed. https://farmersforclimatesolutions.ca/policy-solutions https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/campaigns/speech-throne/2020/speech-from-the-throne.html https://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/agriculture-and-climate/agricultural-practices/climate-change-and-agriculture/greenhouse-gases-and-agriculture/ | |||
| 04 Jun 2020 | Sustainable Fertilizer Use in Agriculture – the 4 Rs – What is it? | 00:31:22 | |
Fertilizer is fundamental to agriculture and key to feeding the world population. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are often the focus—what agronomists call crop nutrients. Yet fertilizer use can have unintended effects on soil ecosystems, water quality, and greenhouse gas emissions. So, sustainable use of fertilizer is a key issue in farm sustainability. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship program brings together agronomy, environmental science, crop planning and education to help farmers plan fertilizer use to grow their crops, save money and conserve the environment. The 4Rs stand for the Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place for fertilizer application. McKenzie Smith, Director, Stewardship and Regulatory Affairs at Fertilizer Canada in Ottawa and Nicole Penney of FS PARTNERS out of Guelph help us explore this topic. The first of this two part exploration of the 4Rs delves into the science, training and practices within the 4Rs planning system. The next episode explores the environmental aspects and related research on the 4Rs system. More information: https://fertilizercanada.ca/nutrient-stewardship/ https://nutrientstewardship.org/ | |||
| 10 Apr 2019 | Food Farm Talk: What is it about? | 00:00:48 | |
Food Farm Talk a podcast and radio show about food and farming in Ontario, Canada and beyond. Based at CFRU at University of Guelph, we interview researchers, farmers, food activists, students, agronomists and many others. Food security, farm economics, food sustainability, food systems, and soil health are among the topics we explore.
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| 27 Feb 2020 | Taste Real: Local Food and Farming in Guelph-Wellington | 00:29:00 | |
Taste Real is an innovative local food and farming initiative of the County of Wellington and many other partners. In this episode, Christina Mann, the Taste Real coordinator for the County, talks with Paul Smith. Taste Real started out as a branding initiative “to support local businesses, farms and producers who are passionate about the way local food is grown, prepared, presented and enjoyed, and how real it tastes”! Taste Real supports “local small businesses and farms to build stronger rural communities and grow one of the most vibrant, local food economies and food tourism destinations in Ontario”. The local food map is well known to residents and tourists as a go-to way to find local food. The local food fest held each year at Ignatius Centre on June 21 is a celebration of local food and community for the whole family. The spring and fall Rural Romp events get people to visit local farms and businesses to gain authentic experiences of agriculture and food. More information is available at: | |||
| 27 Jul 2022 | From City to Farm: An Agriculture Student's experience at Guelph - Encore Episode | 00:29:17 | |
Abdul talks to Alan Abdul Kader (@AlanKaderAg) , now a graduate of the Ontario Agricultural College, on a range of issues in today's agriculture. Alan traces his journey as a young high school student who fell in love with agriculture while working on friend's family farms. The values of farming, including the ability to care for nature and being outdoors are among the drivers in his journey. The episode emphasizes the positives agriculture has to offer and why it is important for farmers (and the industry in general) to be proactive in reaching out to the public. (First aired in 2019. Alan is now employed in agri-business in Alberta.) | |||
| 09 Apr 2020 | Farmers for Climate Solutions - What, Why and How | 00:29:35 | |
The Farmers for Climate Solutions campaign is an effort to build a movement and change policies to help farmers fight climate change and adapt to the changes. Farmers are experiencing weather extremes brought by climate change, 2019 being a glaring example. Katie Ward, the national President of the National Farmers Union and Brent Preston, President of the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario tell Paul Smith more about the campaign. Those organizations and five others are partners in the campaign that launched on Agriculture Day, February 11, 2020. The focus is on changing federal and provincial policies to better encourage farmers to adopt climate-friendly practices that can also benefit profit and resilience. We also talk about recruiting more organizations to the campaign.
More information is available at:
https://farmersforclimatesolutions.ca/
https://www.nfu.ca/
https://efao.ca/
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| 05 Apr 2022 | Indigenous Agricultural Innovation with Thomas Benjoe - Video Available on Spotify | 00:28:50 | |
Agriculture played an important role in colonialism and today it can hopefully help build reconciliation. We explore how First Nations can pursue prosperity through business development in agriculture and agri-business with Thomas Benjoe, President/CEO of FHQ Developments in Saskatchewan, chair of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce and 2021 Report on Business Changemaker. Thomas and FHQ held a virtual conference in September 2021 on Indigenous Agricultural Innovation. FHQ Developments is the economic development entity of the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, itself a council of 11 First Nations in the Treaty 4 area of Saskatchewan including Saulteaux (Anishnabe), Lakota, Dakota, Nakoda and Cree (Nehiyaw). We explore the opportunities and challenges of First Nations’ economic development including access to capital and credit as well as skills development and training. Indigenous people and agriculture have a long history in Canada and on Turtle Island. The agricultural innovations from Indigenous peoples in the Americas transformed global agriculture after European contact, with new crops like maize, beans and potatoes. And European-style agriculture was promised as the means for livelihoods in the numbered treaties of western Canada, only to be quickly subverted. Over the next couple of months, we will be doing a series of shows on different aspects of Indigenous agriculture. File Hills Qu’Appelle (FHQ) Developments File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Indigenous Peoples in Canadian agriculture - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada | |||
| 11 Apr 2019 | Precision Agriculture research with Emily Duncan | 00:28:05 | |
Emily Duncan talks about her research on Precision Agriculture in Ontario. From interviews with grain farmers, dairy farmers, and precision agriculture technology retailers she found potential social consequences of digital data-gathering technologies in agriculture. More information: https://ontariograinfarmer.ca/2018/12/01/the-consequences-of-new-technology/ | |||
| 12 Mar 2020 | Hack the Farm - Student reflections of 2020 Improve Life Challenge | 00:28:52 | |
In this episode, we spoke to students about their experiences at The Improve Life Challenge (ILC). The ILC-Hack the Farm is a one-day immersive experience where interdisciplinary student teams will work together with community partners to tackle real problems and come up with possible solutions. At the end of the day, student teams will present their solution in a pitch-style competition. | |||
