Ontario and Canada Investing in Barrie Area Agricultural Projects

Jul 27, 2016

The provincial and federal governments have invested over $1 million in 24 projects in Barrie and the surrounding area of Dufferin County and Simcoe County to help grow the area's food and beverage sector and the local economy.

Federal and provincial representatives made the announcement Tuesday at Cookstown Greens, which received $80,850 to support upgrades to its refrigeration system and the creation of cold wash and pack areas. These projects will improve the produce quality and extend the farm's selling season.

The 24 projects received funding through Growing Forward 2 — a federal-provincial-territorial initiative that provides funding for programs that improve innovation, competitiveness market development, adaptability and industry sustainability in Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors.

These investments help achieve the federal government's goal of encouraging the agricultural and agri-food sector to be a leader in job creation and innovation in order to grow the middle class.

Investing in Ontario's agri-food sector is part of the provincial government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

Source: AAFC

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.