Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Thank You Famers - Government of Canada Celebrates Food Day and the Best Food on Earth - What Do You Think? Do You Celebrate....

Ottawa, Ontario, July 29, 2010 – Food Day, July 31, 2010 is a perfect opportunity to recognize Canadian farmers’ hard work and dedication to producing the best food in the world. This Saturday marks the 8th annual national celebration of Canada’s culinary excellence, from farm to fork.

"Canadian farmers produce the best food in the world and we're not shy to say it," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "What better day than Food Day to celebrate Canada’s hard working farm families and their important contribution to our economy, our country, and the health of consumers at home and around the world."

Agriculture is a vital part of Canada’s growing and modern economy as it drives eight percent of our Gross Domestic Product. The industry is responsible for one in eight of jobs and last year its contribution to trade was more than $40 billion.

The Government of Canada has played a proactive role in promoting the world-class agriculture products that come from Canadian farms. In addition to leading dozens of trade missions to expand international markets for Canadian farmers, Minister Ritz has broken down trade barriers in important markets such as Russia, Hong Kong, Colombia and most recently China.

At home, Minister Ritz has hosted a breakfast together with Canadian farm leaders and high profile chefs at the Calgary Stampede and the 2010 Vancouver Olympics where they spread the word about the delicious, healthy and quality Canadian foods to international and domestic media.

Paired with strategic international market development, these events help tell the great story of Canadian food and pave the way for increased international demand to boost the bottom line for Canadian farmers.

"On Food Day and every day of the year, everyone is encouraged to cook, grill and savour Canada's safe, high-quality food," said Minister Ritz. "Our Government will continue to maximize every opportunity to highlight Canadian agriculture because increased international trade delivers benefits to all Canadians."

For more information about Food Day 2010 visit www.foodday.ca.

Message from the Minister

On Food Day Canada – this Saturday, July 31 -- I encourage everyone to use the finest ingredients grown and raised by Canadian farmers and savour Canada!

Our Government takes every opportunity to highlight the top quality food that our farmers produce because we know consumers at home and around the world will enjoy it. We are always working to promote Canadian food and agriculture products, knowing that increased international trade stimulates economic growth and delivers benefits to all Canadians.

Chances are, no matter where you are in the world, a Canadian food product or one made with Canadian ingredients is close at hand. People around the globe are now starting to recognize Canada for producing world-class food and we are hard at work to bring those products to their doorstep.

What better day than Food Day to celebrate Canada’s hard working farm families and their important contribution to our economy, our country, and the health of consumers at home and around the world?

On Food Day and every day of the year, everyone is encouraged to cook, grill and enjoy Canada's safe, high-quality food.

Thank you farm families! Bon Appétit!

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz

Views: 81

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

I have never heard of this initiative....Minister Ritz says this is the 8th year????

This is a terrible effort to encourage consumers to "cook, grill and enjoy Canada's safe, high-quality food."

Come on Minister Ritz, if you want to support Canadian Agriculture you will need to do a little better than a news release.

Joe
Well Gerry, if you are sincere in your words, it is high time to put your money where your mouth is or there will less of that "Canadian" content on that menu all the time.

"Celebration" of the Canadian farmer is a wonderful concept and gives me the warm fuzzies, but proper remuneration is actually essential for survival.

Reply to Discussion

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Why Getting Your Acres Counted Could Put More Money in Your Pocket

Alberta Grains and Fertilizer Canada have launched Make Your Acres Count!, a campaign aimed at getting more Alberta farmers to register acres under the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework. The initiative encourages producers to work with a 4R Designated Agronomist to develop nutrient management plans that improve fertilizer efficiency, crop productivity and environmental stewardship. More than 2.15 million acres in Alberta were self-reported under 4R in 2024. The campaign’s goal is to nearly double that by the end of the 2025 crop year. “This campaign is about celebrating what Alberta farmers are already doing right and giving them a practical path to build on that success,” said Scott Jespersen, Alberta Grains chair and a farmer near Spruce Grove. “By getting your acres counted, you are demonstrating to governments and markets alike that we farm responsibly and with care for the land, while also improving the bottom line.” The 4R framework is based on applying the right source of nu

US Farmer Sentiment Down in August

US farmer sentiment slipped again in August, dragged down by souring expectations about the future. The latest monthly Purdue University–CME Group Ag Economy Barometer – released Tuesday – came in at 125 points, down 10 points from July. The barometer is based on a survey of 400 producers across the country. The August survey noted a marked disparity in optimism between livestock and crop producers, with the crop sector struggling mightily amid continued low prices. On the other hand, beef cattle operations especially are experiencing record profitability as the smallest cattle inventory since 1951 has pushed cattle prices to record levels. On the crop side, the barometer uncovered increasingly dire financial circumstances. Every January, the barometer survey includes questions on farm operating loans, but given rising concerns about farm income in 2025, the same questions were added to the August survey. The results underscored farmers’ financial stress. Twenty-two percent of

US Spring Wheat Harvest Nears Three-Quarters Finished

The US spring wheat harvest is approaching the three-quarter pole, slightly ahead of the average pace. According to Monday’s USDA crop progress report, 72% of the national spring wheat crop was in the bin as of Sunday. That is up from 53% a week earlier and ahead of both last year and the five-year average at 67% and 71%, respectively. In the largest production state of North Dakota, the harvest advanced 22 points from a week earlier to reach 62% complete as of Sunday, 4 points ahead of last year and 1 point ahead of the state average. The Minnesota harvest gained 16 points to 89% complete, compared to 72% last year and 76% on average, while Montana climbed 15 points to 73% done, behind 74% last year and 79% on average. At 91% complete, the South Dakota harvest advanced 7 points from a week earlier but was still behind 92% last year and 95% on average.

Alberta Boosts Loan Program to Support Beef Industry

The Alberta government is stepping up support for its livestock producers by raising the cap on the Feeder Associations Loan Guarantee Program to $225 million from the current $150 million. Announced last week, the move comes as international demand for Alberta’s beef continues to climb, pushing prices higher and creating greater financing needs for producers. The loan program provides government-backed, low-interest financing through 45 locally run feeder associations, enabling farmers to buy cattle and sheep and expand their operations. Since its creation in 1936, the program has issued more than $12 billion in loans and now finances between 17 and 24 % of Alberta’s calf crop each year. Agriculture Minister RJ Sigurdson said the increase will help ensure Alberta remains competitive in global markets. “Increasing the limit will ensure thousands of producers have access to the capital they need to keep producing Alberta’s world-renowned beef,” he said in a statement. “With

Keeping farmers’ voices heard in tariff and trade challenges

By Drew Spoelstra, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service