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.

• 5:22 – Peter shares the history of Peony Farms.
• 6:46 – How did Peter become aware of regenerative agriculture principles and practices?
• 9:15 – Why did the farm start heading down the regenerative agriculture path?
• 15:25 – Peter and Craig talk about the regenerative practices they use on the farm.
• 22:48 – Have Peter and Craig seen benefits from implementing regenerative agriculture?
• 25:06 – What is forage-finished beef?
• 30:53 – Why raise piedmontese cattle?
• 36:35 – Peter and Craig talk about testing.
• 46:34 – What role can consumers play in supporting the adoption of regenerative agriculture?
• 51:29 – What is the regenerative mindset?

• Stories of Regeneration
• Stories of Regeneration Short Film Series
• Regeneration Canada’s Farm Map
• Peony Farms

If you want to learn more, we recommend you check out the following:

• EP 47 – The Regen Mindset
• EP 67 – Total Grazing – SoR Part 1
• EP 69 – Loyal to the Soil – SoR Part 2
• EP 70 – Maximizing Soil Function – SoR Part 3
• EP 71 – Sharing the Land – SoR Part 4
• EP 72 – Connecting People to Place – SoR Part 5
• EP 73 – Diversity is Resiliency – SoR Part 6
• EP 75 – From Pastures to Cheese – SoR Part 7
• EP 76 – Partners in the Ecosystem – SoR Part 8

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?

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.

• 8:33 – Rebecca and Mike help us get to know them better. 
• 15:31 – How did the land that KPU sits on get involved in agriculture?
• 27:22 – What’s taking place on the KPU farm?
• 37:14 – What regenerative practices are used on the KPU farm? 
• 40:13 – Mike talks more about the farm’s crop rotation.
• 48:08 – What is the story that KPU farm is trying to tell?
• 53:31 – How hard was it for the university to take that leap into establishing an ecosystem?
• 58:45 – Why are community partners an important part of the ecosystem at the KPU farm?

• Kwantlen Polytechnic University
• Stories of Regeneration
• Stories of Regeneration Short Film Series
• Regeneration Canada’s Farm Map

If you want to learn more, we recommend you check out the following:

• EP 67 – Total Grazing – SoR Part 1
• EP 69 – Loyal to the Soil – SoR Part 2
• EP 70 – Maximizing Soil Function – SoR Part 3
• EP 71 – Sharing the Land – SoR Part 4
• EP 72 – Connecting People to Place – SoR Part 5
• EP 73 – Diversity is Resiliency – SoR Part 6
• EP 75 – From Pastures to Cheese – SoR Part 7

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

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

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

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!

"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

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/

"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/

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

http://nationalefp.ca/

https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/oscia-programs/workshops-webinars/environmental-farm-plan/efp-videos/

https://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/sar/article/view/0/43433

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/

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:

https://fertilizercanada.ca/nutrient-stewardship/

https://nutrientstewardship.org/

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.)

https://twitter.com/AlanKaderAg

https://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/

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:

• Stories of Regeneration
• Stories of Regeneration Short Film Series
• EP 20 – The Brown Revolution
• EP 32 – Alley Cropping
• EP 39 – New Farmers
• EP 41 – New Farmers Part 2
• EP 58 – Fungi in Drought
• The Holistic Orchard by Michael Phillips 
• Snowy Mountain Farms

This podcast has been partially funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada.

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

https://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/rcmartin

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
https://www.cowessessfn.com/

A Brief History of Indigenous Agriculture
https://manitobamuseum.ca/a-brief-history-of-indigenous-agriculture/

Canada’s First Nations people were country’s first farmers
https://www.producer.com/crops/canadas-first-nations-people-were-countrys-first-farmers/

File Hills Qu’Appelle (FHQ) Developments
https://fhqdev.com/

File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council
https://fhqtc.com/

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations
https://www.fsin.ca/

Indigenous Peoples in Canadian agriculture - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/indigenous-peoples-canadian-agriculture

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/

https://www.uoguelph.ca/foodscience/people/maria-corradini

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maria_Corradini

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

https://www.canada.ca/en/agriculture-agri-food/news/2021/08/helping-farmers-to-reduce-ghgs-and-improve-resiliency-to-climate-change.html

Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund

https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-funding/programs/nature-smart-climate-solutions-fund.html

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

https://farmersforclimatesolutions.ca/

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
https://www.un.org/en/food-systems-summit 

Canada’s new climate plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview/healthy-environment-healthy-economy.html 

Increases in AgriRecovery funding to up to $500 million to support farmers facing extreme weather
https://www.canada.ca/en/agriculture-agri-food/news/2021/08/government-of-canada-increases-total-agrirecovery-funding-to-up-to-500-million-to-support-farmers-facing-extreme-weather.html 

$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
https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1000835/ontario-providing-additional-drought-support-for-northwestern-farmers 

Farm Groups issue joint statement recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
https://ofa.on.ca/newsroom/joint-statement-recognizing-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation/ 

Fertilizer Canada study
https://fertilizercanada.ca/news-events/news/new-report-warns-of-potential-for-48-billion-loss-in-farm-income-if-fertilizer-reductions-are-required-of-growers/ 

Canada’s Ministers of Agriculture hold annual meeting and release Guelph Statement
https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/agri-info/canadas-ministers-agriculture-hold-annual-meeting-and-release-guelph-statement Ontario farmers hampered by excessive rain https://www.producer.com/news/ontario-farmers-hampered-by-excessive-rain/ 

Our Food Future
https://foodfuture.ca/ 

The SEED Guelph
https://theseedguelph.ca/

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
https://fhqdev.com/

File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council
https://fhqtc.com/

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations
https://www.fsin.ca/

Indigenous Peoples in Canadian agriculture - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/indigenous-peoples-canadian-agriculture

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
https://soilcc.ca/

Senator Rob Black on soil health
https://senparlvu.parl.gc.ca/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20220211/-1/10448?mediaStartTime=20211202140539&viewMode=3&globalStreamId=16

2021 Soil Summit
https://soilcc.ca/events/summit-on-canadian-soil-health-2021/

Soil Conservation Week
https://soilcc.ca/programs/national-soil-conservation-week/

“Soil Your Undies”
https://soilcc.ca/programs/soil-your-undies/

Soil Health Report Card
https://soilcc.ca/programs/sccc-soil-health-report-card/

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. 

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
https://soilcc.ca/

Senator Rob Black on soil health
https://senparlvu.parl.gc.ca/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20220211/-1/10448?mediaStartTime=20211202140539&viewMode=3&globalStreamId=16

2021 Soil Summit
https://soilcc.ca/events/summit-on-canadian-soil-health-2021/

Soil Conservation Week
https://soilcc.ca/programs/national-soil-conservation-week/

“Soil Your Undies”
https://soilcc.ca/programs/soil-your-undies/

Soil Health Report Card
https://soilcc.ca/programs/sccc-soil-health-report-card/

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

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview/healthy-environment-healthy-economy.html

AgriRecovery funding for farmers facing extreme weather

https://www.canada.ca/en/agriculture-agri-food/news/2021/08/government-of-canada-increases-total-agrirecovery-funding-to-up-to-500-million-to-support-farmers-facing-extreme-weather.html

$3 million of Funding for Hay West

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's Drought Support for Northwestern Farmers

https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1000835/ontario-providing-additional-drought-support-for-northwestern-farmers

Farm groups issue statement on reconciliation

Fertilizer Canada study

https://fertilizercanada.ca/news-events/news/new-report-warns-of-potential-for-48-billion-loss-in-farm-income-if-fertilizer-reductions-are-required-of-growers/

Canada’s Ministers of Agriculture release Guelph Statement

https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/agri-info/canadas-ministers-agriculture-hold-annual-meeting-and-release-guelph-statement

Farmers hampered by excessive rain

https://www.producer.com/news/ontario-farmers-hampered-by-excessive-rain/

Our Food Future

https://foodfuture.ca/

The SEED Guelph

https://theseedguelph.ca/

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.

• 3:19 – Rachel shares her farming story.
• 8:12 – Rachel shares more about where she farms and the different types of products Lightfoot & Wolfville produce.
• 9:47 – What types of farming happen at Lightfoot & Wolfville?
• 12:43 – What styles of wine are produced?
• 16:51 – What is biodynamic agriculture?
• 26:19 – How was Lightfoot & Wolfville established?
• 30:40 – Rachel explains how reciprocity works on her farm.
• 41:31 – How is biodynamic agriculture helping make Rachel’s farm more resilient?
• 46:50 – By implementing these practices, are there benefits that extend outside of the farm?
• 51:51 – Why should consumers care about regenerative agriculture?
• 58:15 – Why does Rachel care about regenerative agriculture?
• 59:21 – How does the winery connect people with their product?

• Stories of Regeneration
• Stories of Regeneration Short Film Series
• Lightfoot & Wolfville
• Regeneration Canada Farm Map

If you want to learn more, we recommend you check out the following:

• Regenerating Rural Opportunities
• Regenerating Humility
• EP 67 – Total Grazing – SoR Part 1
• EP 69 – Loyal to the Soil – SoR Part 2
• EP 70 – Maximizing Soil Function – SoR Part 3
• EP 71 – Sharing the Land – SoR Part 4

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

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
https://www.cowessessfn.com/

A Brief History of Indigenous Agriculture
https://manitobamuseum.ca/a-brief-history-of-indigenous-agriculture/

Canada’s First Nations people were country’s first farmers
https://www.producer.com/crops/canadas-first-nations-people-were-countrys-first-farmers/

File Hills Qu’Appelle (FHQ) Developments
https://fhqdev.com/

File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council
https://fhqtc.com/

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations
https://www.fsin.ca/

Indigenous Peoples in Canadian agriculture - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/indigenous-peoples-canadian-agriculture

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 

 https://fhqdev.com/

-

File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council

https://fhqtc.com/

-

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations

https://www.fsin.ca/ 

-

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

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/rob-magazine/article-breaking-barriers-for-thomas-benjoe-building-indigenous-wealth-is-a/

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

https://www.canada.ca/en/agriculture-agri-food/news/2021/08/helping-farmers-to-reduce-ghgs-and-improve-resiliency-to-climate-change.html

-

Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund

https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-funding/programs/nature-smart-climate-solutions-fund.html

-

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

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

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

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/

"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/

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.

https://agcarbonalliance.ca/

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview/healthy-environment-healthy-economy.html

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

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/

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.

• 5:42 – How did Rébeka come to implement regenerative agriculture practices on her farm?
• 11:55 – Rébeka shares her farming story.
• 17:39 – Rébeka talks about the cooperative operating on her family’s land.
• 23:16 – What led to the decision to create a coop?
• 29:05 – Why doesn’t Rébeka sell her product to the big grocery store chain?
• 31:52 – Rébeka shares the unique challenges of the 2023 growing season.
• 38:00 – What does biodiversity mean to Rébeka and Ferme Terre Partagee
• 40:01 – What are some of the challenges of doing the closed loop system? 
• 47:41 – Rébeka talks about the impact that local wildlife has on Ferme Terre Partagee.
• 54:23 – What methods does Rébeka use to support biodiversity?
• 1:01:35 – Why should consumers care about regenerative agriculture?
• 1:03:12 – Why should consumers support producers practicing regenerative agriculture?
• 1:13:57 – Why does Rébeka care about regenerative agriculture?

• Stories of Regeneration
• Stories of Regeneration Short Film Series
• Ferme Terre Partagee
• On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)

If you want to learn more, we recommend downloading and listening to:

• Regenerating Rural Opportunities
• EP 32 – Alley Cropping
• EP 37 – Climate Farm Plan
• EP 67 – Total Grazing – SoR Part 1
• EP 69 – Loyal to the Soil – SoR Part 2
• EP 70 – Maximizing Soil Function – SoR Part 3
• Experimenting with No-Till Regenerative Agriculture – Steel Pony Farms – Red Deer, AB

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.

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:

https://arrellfoodinstitute.ca/webinars/

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:

https://arrellfoodinstitute.ca/webinars/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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. 

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

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.

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:

http://tastereal.ca/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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.

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