Liz Robertson's Page

New funding supports fight against invasive plants

May is Invasive Species Action Month and 33 organizations throughout B.C. will be able to continue their work fighting invasive plants, due in part to a funding boost from the Province. “B.C. has some of the most amazing ecosystems in the world, with many that are unique, fragile and in danger from invasive plants,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “No one person, group, agency or government can effectively control invasive plant species alone, and collaboration is critical to everyone’s success. The work these groups do is crucial in our fight together to ensure B.C.’s unique environments remain healthy and vibrant.” Invasive plants can disrupt ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, increase soil erosion, alter soil chemistry and adversely affect agriculture production and water quality, causing substantial economic and environmental damage. They may also pose a health risk to people and animals.  Nearly $3 million will go toward groups, such as regional invasive species committees

Avian Flu: CFIA detects AI in two provinces, one positive case found in a wild bird in Saskatchewan

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency detected the presence of Avian Influenza (AI) in Saskatchewan and Manitoba last week. The CFIA noted AI was detected in three non-commercial poultry flocks in Saskatchewan, in the Rural Municipalities of Indian Head, Colonsay, and Lipton, as well as in a commercial poultry operation in the Manitoba R.M. of Wallace. Most poultry and egg production operations already have biosecurity measures in place, but producers who maintain small flocks, should look at enhancing their biosecurity measures as a way to protect their birds. Producers are reminded to contact a veterinarian or nearest animal health office if they believe their birds are infected, or if they spot a sick or dead wild bird to report it to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative or the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment general inquiry line. Testing wild birds for AI underway Testing for Avian Influenza in wild birds, such as Canada Geese, Snow Geese, and other migratory birds, is

Agriculture Student Scholarship recipients announced in Saskatchewan

Today, Saskatchewan students pursuing a post-secondary education in agriculture were awarded the Agriculture Student Scholarship. Abbey Norek is this year’s Agriculture Student Scholarship grand-prize $6,000 winner. Norek’s winning video highlighted an urban-rural disconnect when it comes to agriculture. She proposed education and advocacy as key solutions to this issue. Demonstrating strong personal commitment to this topic, she discussed her experience building a school garden using recycled materials, leading outreach programs on her family farm, and lobbying for agriculture electives in her school division. Norek is excited about encouraging other young people involved in agricultural education. Noah Skoropad from Chamberlin, Rebecca Mayerle from Tisdale and Ty Annand from Nipawin were all awarded $3,000 as the runners-up. The recipients will be attending post-secondary at the University of Saskatchewan in the fall at the College of Agriculture and Bioresources seeking Bachelo

2025 Board and Staff Retreat: Celebrating Wins and Planning for What’s Next

In April, OFT’s board and staff came together at the Guelph Arboretum for a board meeting and retreat. The day was an opportunity to reflect on recent achievements and look ahead to the exciting work underway. Highlights from the day included:

Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance reveals new board of directors

The Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance says its 2025 board of directors will be led by Steve Campione, chief financial officer of BrightFarms, as its chair.