Disruptions in Food Marketing Patterns Possible
CANADA - The U.S. based Food Marketing Institute warns short term disruptions in traditional food marketing patterns are possible as a result of the introduction of Mandatory Country of Origin Labelling, writes Bruce Cochrane.

Formation of Alberta's Livestock and Meat Agency
ALBERTA - The formation of Alberta's new Livestock and Meat Agency was announced in June 2008. The role of the Agency is to work as a catalyst with industry to help regain Alberta's competitiveness and return to profitability.

Reason for Maple Leaf's Product Recall Confirmed
OTTAWA - The Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency have received laboratory results from Health Canada that establish a link between meat products recalled by Maple Leaf Foods from their plant in Toronto and an outbreak...

Maple Leaf Recalls ' Precautionary Measures'
TORONTO - Maple Leaf Foods today announced it is voluntarily expanding a recall of packaged meat products manufactured at its Bartor Road facility in Toronto, as a precautionary measure, as they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes....

Import Limits Announced for Poultry and Dairy Products
CANADA - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has published import limits for poultry and dairy products under the Special Safeguard Measure of the World Trade Organization. Agriculture minister Gerry Ritz committed the government to implementing the special...

Farmers Unite over Food Safety
CANADA - Chicken boards from coast to coast signed a landmark agreement on 12 August, committing to the ongoing implementation and maintenance of a national on-farm food safety program.

In-vessel Composting for Biosecure Deadstock Disposal
CANADA - A desire to relieve the impact of higher fuel costs while, at the same time, improving biosecurity on the farm is prompting a growing number of livestock operations to rely on in-vessel composting to dispose of animal mortalities.

Tightening of Corn Supplies Expected
CANADA - The Manitoba Corn Growers Association says less-than-ideal growing conditions and a strong demand from the ethanol industry could put pressure on supplies of corn for feed for the livestock industry this fall, writes Bruce Cochrane.

Feed Grain Prices Expected to Decline
CANADA - Informa Economics is projecting an easing of feed grain prices heading toward fall, writes Bruce Cochrane.

Interactive Agricultural Display Launched
CANADA - Prairieland Park in Saskatoon has introduced a new interactive educational display designed to build awareness of the importance of the province's agriculture sector, writes Bruce Cochrane.

WTO Efforts Should Not Be Wasted
CANADA - Poultry, egg and dairy industry leaders have returned from Geneva after World Trade Organization (WTO) talks broke down abruptly when countries were unable to reach agreement on special safeguard mechanisms for developing countries.

Maple Leaf Foods Reports Q2 Results
CANADA - Maple Leaf Foods' report to 30 June 2008 includes adjusted earnings (loss) per share of ($0.01) compared to $0.13 last year, as higher grain and fuel costs outpaced price increases. Restructuring of protein operations are on track, with Brandon...

Korver Receives Poultry Nutrition Award
CANADA - University of Alberta poultry nutrition expert, Dr Douglas Korver, was recognised for his professional achievements by the Poultry Science Association this week.

Chicken Carcass Contamination Study
CANADA - A baseline study conducted by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development's Food Safety Division (FSD) has determined that the presence of food-borne pathogens and bacteria in Alberta chicken carcasses is similar to that found in other areas....

Disease Protocols for Animals and People
CANADA - Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) has developed new biosecurity protocols to assist veterinarians and farmers to prevent and manage disease outbreaks.

Emergency Response Plan Praised
CANADA - The poultry industry in Alberta has received praise for its plan for a quick reaction in case a serious disease is discovered in birds.

2008 Billboard Campaign Receives Positive Feedback
CANADA - The Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan reports its 2008 'Billboard Campaign' is attracting attention and feedback has been extremely positive and encouraging, writes Bruce Cochrane.

There's Hope for Feed Grain Price Relief
CANADA - A Winnipeg-based grain market analyst says the bright light for livestock producers right now is the anticipated large global wheat crop expected to be harvested during 2008, writes Bruce Cochrane.

Industry Consolidation: an Ominous Trend?
CANADA - A member of Vancouver Humane Society raises concerns about mergers and acquisitions in the poultry industry.

Hallmark is Vancouver's Fourth Largest Water User
CANADA - Hallmark Poultry Processors used almost half a million cubic metres of water last year.

OIMP and Homegrown Ontario Join Hands
ONTARIO - Ontario Independent Meat Processors (OIMP) has joined the Homegrown Ontario program. Homegrown Ontario is a brand that launched in June 2007 to help consumers clearly identify meat products from Ontario. Currently the logo, a red barn with a...

"Product of Canada": Farmers Welcome Label Guidelines
CANADA - The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has responded enthusiastically to the federal government’s new “Product of Canada” and “Made in Canada” label guidelines. The CFA and its member organizations have been calling for updates to labeling...

Government Debates Chicken Processing Legislation
CANADA - Quebec Agriculture Minister Ron Ouellette may drop legislation prohibiting chickens from crossing the Quebec border after receiving an offer from a company to build a slaughterhouse in the province.

New Canadian License Aids Rural Meat Producers
CANADA - A new move in the city of Prince George means that ultra-rural meat producers, and those in the region who qualify, have an easier way to sell their wares.

Bill 17: Ruffling Feathers in Manitoba
CANADA - Manitoba Egg Producers is urging the provincial government to abandon plans to ban hog industry development and instead focus on recommendations proposed by the Manitoba Clean Environment Commission, writes Bruce Cochrane.