Explore every episode of the podcast Food Farm Talk

Dive into the complete episode list for Food Farm Talk. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

	Title	Pub. Date	Duration
	Digging into Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes with Helen Hambly Odame	04 Nov 2026	00:40:36
Join us for an insightful conversation with Professor HelenHambly Odame, professor at the University of Guelph and current Board Chair of the International Potato Centre. The Centre is one of 15 CGIAR research centres, a global research partnership working for a food-secure future since 1971. In this special episode, we explore the work, achievements, research priorities, and contributions of the International Potato Centre, drawing on insights from its 2025 Annual Report and Helen’s experiences with the centre and other international development agencies. Agricultural research plays a transformational role in addressing hunger and food security around the world. Our discussion focuses particularly on potatoes, sweet potatoes, and other tuber crops, examining their significance in agricultural development, food security, nutrition, climate resilience, research and innovation, and the livelihoods of farming communities. Helen reflects on the role of these crops and research in food, health, justice, business, and development in the global south, especially the Americas, Africa, and Asia. We delve into the evolution of international development research agencies and the place of agriculture historically and in the current challenging policy environment. With Professor Hambly Odame’s academic expertise and leadership experience as Board Chair of CIP, we gain insights into the Centre’s work and its contribution to transforming agri-food systems through research, partnerships, and innovation. The International Potato Centre (CIP) was founded in 1971 as a research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweet potato, and Andean roots and tubers. It delivers innovative science-based solutions to enhance access to affordable nutritious food, fosters inclusive sustainable business, and employment growth, and drives the climate resilience of root and tuber agri-food systems. Headquartered in Lima, Peru, CIP has a research presence in more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. FoodFarmTalk – Agriculture • Food • Community Hosts: Isaac Quansah and Paul Smith Don’t miss it! More information: The Potato Crop - all you would love to learn about potatoes! The Potato Crop: Its Agricultural, Nutritional and Social Contribution to Humankind - Springer Nature Link The World Potato Congress Home - World Potato Congress Canadian research project info sheets ENGLISH-Potato-Research-Activities-–-March-2025.pdf Sweet potatoes in Canada! SweetPotatoes in Canada? - Canadian Food Focus
	Who is helping farmers navigate the future of agriculture?	02 Sep 2026	00:51:28
From climate change and food security to new technologiesand changing markets, farmers face increasingly complex challenges. On this episode of FoodFarmTalk on CFRU 93.3 FM, we discuss“The Importance of Agricultural Extension Officers in Modern Agriculture.” 🎙️ Our Speakers: 👨🏾‍🎓 Andrew Lonta —Graduate Student, University of Guelph 🎙️ Isaac Quansah — Host, FoodFarmTalk 🎙️ Paul Smith — Co-host, FoodFarmTalk We explore: 🌾 How extension officers support farmers 📱 The role of technology and innovation 🌍 Climate change adaptation 🥗 Food security and sustainable agriculture 👩🏾‍🌾 Supporting farmers andrural communities 👨🏾‍🌾 Encouraging youngpeople to enter agriculture 🚜 The future of agricultural extension Agricultural extension is about more than transferringknowledge it is about empowering farmers to make informed decisions and buildresilient, productive communities.
	Agriculture in Ghana as Compared to Ontario, Canada	26 Aug 2026	00:51:58
What does it mean to be a farmer in Ghana compared with Ontario, Canada? In this episode of Food Farm Talk on CFRU 93.3 FM, Isaac Quansah sits down with Paul Smith for an engaging discussion exploring the similarities and differences between agricultural systems in Ghana and Ontario.We discuss who farmers are, how people enter farming, farming methods and technologies, major crops and livestock, government and NGO support, and the key challenges farmers face in both contexts.From Ghana's predominantly smallholder farming systems and reliance on rainfall to Ontario's highly mechanized and technology-driven agriculture, the conversation highlights how farmers in different parts of the world respond to issues such as access to land, finance, climate change, markets, technology, and succession.Tune in for a conversation about farming, food systems, innovation, and the future of agriculture in Ghana and Ontario.
	The Future of Agricultural Knowledge Sharing with Ataharul Chowdhury	14 Aug 2026	00:35:27
Ataharul Chowdhury joins Isaac Quansah and Paul Smith to talk about the future of agricultural knowledge sharing through extension and advisory services. Dr. Chowdhury is Associate Professor of Capacity Development and Extension and Program Graduate Coordinator in the Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph. Ataharul grew up on a family farm in Bangladesh, and also had opportunities to live, study and work in different countries. He developed a passionate interest in food, agriculture and the environment, and the roles these play in the well-being of communities. Ataharul joined the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, and brings more than a decade of teaching and research experience at universities, non-profits and private foundations in the Caribbean, Canada, Austria, and South Asia. He has collaborated with many leading international partners to help build more sustainable agriculture and rural development in remote and resource-poor communities around the world. More information: https://www.uoguelph.ca/sedrd/people/ataharul-chowdhury https://theconversation.com/canadas-new-food-security-strategy-invests-in-technology-but-overlooks-the-people-who-help-farmers-use-it-286812
	Isaac Quansah joins Food Farm Talk on CFRU	05 Aug 2026	00:46:46
Isaac Quansah is a graduate student in international development in his Capacity Development and Extension Program at the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph. Isaac is joining Food Farm Talk on CFRU as a host and producer, with Paul Smith. Isaac is from Ghana in west Africa and hopes to play a role in rural development back in Ghana. He grew up in rural Ghana, farming casava, maize, and cocoa with his family. First attending university in Accra, the capital city of Ghana, Isaac came to Canada to study at Conestoga College and then University of Guelph. Isaac’s work at Food Farm Talk on CFRU forms part of his academic studies and reflects his interest in communications and extension, or knowledge mobilization, for rural communities. Isaac and Paul discuss Isaac’s background, interests, and hopes for future career development. They also discuss food security, improving farming practices, and empowering local farmers and rural people in Ghana as well as the roles of central government, municipalities, non-profit organizations, and other actors.
	Business Case for Climate Solutions - Summer Rewind	27 Aug 2025	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. Thanks to the Arrell Food Institute for partnering to air this episode on Food Farm Talk. First aired in 2024. More information: https://arrellfoodinstitute.ca/
	Food Security: From Excess to Enough - Ralph Martin - Summer Rewind	20 Aug 2025	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 https://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/rcmartin
	First Nations, Agriculture, and Colonialism with Cadmus Delorme - Summer Rewind	13 Aug 2025	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), was 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. Thanks to Thomas Benjoe and Indigenous Agriculture Innovation for partnering to air this on Food Farm Talk. 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
	Water is Food - Emerging Knowledge - Summer Rewind	06 Aug 2025	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. First aired in 2024. https://arrellfoodinstitute.ca/ https://www.fao.org/world-food-day/en https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8vAPL48kaI
	Everybody Wins - Ottawa's Just Food Farm	02 Oct 2024	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: 6:45 – What is Just Food Community Farm? 15:25 – Chadwick and Sun Shan talk about their individual farms and how they got involved in agriculture. 23:14 – What regenerative practices do they implement on their individual farms? 34:33 – Sun Shan and Chadwick talk about food sovereignty. 46:02 – How can we support new Canadians who want to get involved in agriculture and ensure economic viability? 1:02:31 – Why did Sun Shan and Chadwick choose farming? Thanks to Regeneration Canada and Rural Routes to Climate Solutions for partnering to air this episode on Food Farm Talk and CFRU. Useful links: Stories of Regeneration Stories of Regeneration Short Film Series Regeneration Canada’s Farm Map Just Food Community Farm 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 EP 77 – Healthy Food, Healthy Communities – SoR Part 9 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.
	Healthy Food, Healthy Environment with ranchers Craig and Peter	21 Aug 2024	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. 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?
	Partners in the Ecosystem with Rebecca Harbut and Mike Bomford	10 Jul 2024	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. 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
	Diversity is Resiliency, organic fruit production with Aaron Goddard	12 Jun 2024	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: 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.
	Connecting People to Place on Rachel Lightfoot's organic, biodynamic vineyards	15 May 2024	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. 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
	Sharing the Land with farmer Rébeka Frazer-Chiasson	24 Apr 2024	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. 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.
	Business Case for Climate Solutions - Arrell Food Summit	03 Apr 2024	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/
	Loyal to the Soil with farmers Tannis and Derek	20 Mar 2024	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. 3:42 – Tannis and Derek Axten share their farming experience and background. 8:11 – What are the future plans for Axten’s farm? 11:20 – Derek shares his experience learning about intercropping. 15:55 – What are the benefits of intercropping? 18:42 – What are the outcomes that Tannis and Derek have seen with intercropping? 23:58 – Derek and Tannis talk about where their farm is situated. 25:32 – How can soil be fragile? 28:10 – Why do Tannis and Derek keep their soil covered? 31:54 – How do they keep their soil covered? 37:05 – The Axtens talk about regenerative agriculture practices that they use on their farm. 42:30 – What are some of the inputs that the Axtens use on the farm? 47:34 – Is farming with a regenerative mindset more than ‘just farming’? 51:03 – What are the benefits of regenerative agriculture? 56:12 – Why do the Axtens implement regenerative agriculture practices on their farm? 58:23 – Derek talks about the differences between organic agriculture and regenerative agriculture practices. 1:04:12 – What can others do to increase the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices? Stories of Regeneration Stories of Regeneration Short Films Series Gabe Brown – Soil Health Academy Axten Farms If you want to learn more, we recommend downloading and listening to: Ep 67 – Total Grazing – SoR Part 1 Intercropping: Experimenting for Diversity – Andy Kirschenman 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
	Water is Food - Emerging Knowledge	06 Mar 2024	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
	Maximizing Soil Function with farmer Blake Vince	21 Feb 2024	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.
	A Climate-Smart Agriculture Plan with Mohamad Yaghi	06 Dec 2023	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 https://thoughtleadership.rbc.com/the-next-green-revolution-how-canada-can-produce-more-food-and-fewer-emissions/ The Canadian Alliance for Net Zero Agrifood https://canza.ca/ Arrell Food Institute https://arrellfoodinstitute.ca/
	Cows, Crops, and Soil Health, with Stuart Wright, Wellington County farmer (Encore)	23 Aug 2023	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
	Guelph Centre For Urban Organic Farming with Mike Smith	07 Jun 2023	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
	Plant based diets and recipes with Katherine Eckert (Encore)	05 Apr 2023	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!
	Recruiting Soil to Tackle Climate Change: A Roadmap for Canada	19 Jan 2023	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
	First Nations Build Agricultural Businesses, with Cadmus Delorme	26 Oct 2022	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/
	Agriculture: When More Isn't Better with Roger Martin - Encore	21 Sep 2022	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/
	Environmental Farm Plan: Ag's Best Kept Secret? - Encore	07 Sep 2022	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 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
	Sustainable Fertilizer Use in Agriculture – the Environment - Encore	17 Aug 2022	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/
	Sustainable Fertilizer Use in Agriculture – the 4 Rs – What is it? - Encore	03 Aug 2022	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: https://fertilizercanada.ca/nutrient-stewardship/ https://nutrientstewardship.org/
	From City to Farm: An Agriculture Student's experience at Guelph - Encore Episode	27 Jul 2022	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.) https://twitter.com/AlanKaderAg https://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/
	Food Security: From Excess to Enough - A Chat with author Ralph Martin - Encore	13 Jul 2022	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 https://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/rcmartin
	First Nations, Agriculture, and Colonialism with Cadmus Delorme - Encore for Indigenous History Month	22 Jun 2022	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 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
	What is in our food? Food quality and safety with Dr. Maria Corradini University of Guelph - Encore Episode	08 Jun 2022	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/ https://www.uoguelph.ca/foodscience/people/maria-corradini https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maria_Corradini
	New Climate Programs for Canadian Farmers – with Brent Preston - Video Now Available on Spotify	18 Apr 2022	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 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! Highlights of 2021 in Farming and Food - Video Available on Spotify	14 Apr 2022	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 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/
	Indigenous Agricultural Innovation with Thomas Benjoe - Video Available on Spotify	05 Apr 2022	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 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 Conservation Council of Canada with Jim Totarchuk - Video Available on Spotify	04 Apr 2022	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 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/
	Plant based diets by Katherine Eckert	17 Mar 2022	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.
	Soil Conservation Council of Canada with Jim Totarchuk	17 Feb 2022	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 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! Highlights of 2021 in Farming and Food	03 Feb 2022	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 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/
	First Nations, Agriculture, and Colonialism with Cadmus Delorme	13 Jan 2022	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 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	18 Nov 2021	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 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/
	New Climate Programs for Canadian Farmers – with Brent Preston	28 Oct 2021	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 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
	Power Panel - Sustainability, Markets and Incentives in Agriculture - Part 4	27 May 2021	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
	Power Panel - Balancing Efficiency and Resilience in Agriculture - Part 3	20 May 2021	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
	Agriculture - When More Is Not Better - Roger Martin - Part 2	13 May 2021	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/
	Agriculture - When More Is Not Better - Roger Martin - Part 1	06 May 2021	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/
	Agriculture Carbon Alliance and Canada's Climate Plan	18 Mar 2021	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. https://agcarbonalliance.ca/ https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview/healthy-environment-healthy-economy.html
	Agri-food News Roundup - Sustainability, Climate, Food Prices and Labour	11 Feb 2021	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
	Farmers for Climate Solutions - Karen Ross - Pandemic Recovery and Climate Change	12 Nov 2020	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/

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