The massive rise in consumption of alternative proteins has put huge pressure on the livestock and dairy industries
The overpowering plant-based narrative is clearly helping lentils, chickpeas and soya win the proteins wars. The livestock and dairy industries feel the pressure. With the publication of the new Canada’s Food Guide, we have officially ended more than 70 years of state-endorsed fascination for animal proteins. Let’s face it, the change was necessary. The guide…
For years, farmers have tried to tell their stories through social media and elsewhere – and too often failed
For years, farmers have tried to convey their message and explain the agriculture and rural lifestyle to the broader Canadian populace. They’ve taken to social media with touching stories and countless messages, telling Canadians what things are like on the farm. Some have called this “agvocacy.” But the new Canada’s Food Guide and recent policy…
We need clear warning labels on the front of unhealthy food products and legislation that protects children from marketing
By Andrew Pipe and Yves Savoie Heart & Stroke The new Canada’s Food Guide has the potential to help challenge the impact of diet on Canadians’ health. But more must be done to realize that potential. The updated version of this vital document, the first such major change to the Food Guide since 2007, has been…
Food fraud affects many food categories, but stakes are a little higher with olive oil due to potential allergens in substitute ingredients
Olive production in Italy was hard hit last year due to an early frost. The country’s production dropped by 57 per cent. Greece and Portugal suffered similar fates, along with pest issues, and saw their production drop by 35 and 15 per cent, respectively. Short food supplies generate economically-motivated adulteration, that is, adding a inferior…
Customer service, exclusive products, ambience, pricing and systems are all important to the coffee giant – and you
My wife Margaret likes Starbucks but when I ask her what she likes about it, she can’t quite put her finger on just what it is. She tells me that the coffee is good (I don’t drink coffee so I wouldn’t know) but I have friends who say that McDonald’s coffee is even better. She…
After years of celebrating our agricultural know-how, the guide has gone urban – and is more than a little patronizing
Say goodbye to the four food groups. Almost 12 years after the launch of the previous version, the new Canada’s Food Guide celebrates food by displaying a plate filled with greens, fruits, plant proteins and grains. And if you look very carefully, you’ll see a cup of yogurt alongside a piece of beef that looks…
Scientists have found no negative differences in the health of people eating GM and non-GM foods
The changing environment means we face weather patterns that haven’t been seen in generations. And that means new challenges in feeding humanity. But we have the tools. Storms and floods are more frequent and widespread. Changing temperatures affect oceans and lands, wildlife and crops. Because we haven’t seen such changes before, we often don’t know…
Canada is by far the largest destination for U.S. exports of high-value agricultural products. But is that food safe?
The U.S. government shutdown poses a threat to food safety in the United States and Canada. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for 80 per cent of all food facilities in the U.S. It announced recently that it has had to change its daily operations as a result of the partial shutdown, which…
Grocers understand that e-commerce only makes sense if consumers get convenience. That means delivery
Grocers can no longer afford to wait for money to show up at their stores. They need to go after it. Grocery e-commerce was barely a thought five years ago – retailers didn’t want to cannibalize sales and decrease foot traffic. The primary idea has always been to have more people in grocery stores, not…
If we don't mitigate the risks that come with relying on global food supply chains, one mistake will affect many
We went from a slew of alerts on romaine lettuce this fall to a series of clearcut recalls affecting various produce items – including romaine lettuce and cauliflower – when Canadian consumers were at their most vulnerable. At this time of year, the Canadians economy is particularly vulnerable when safety issues arise in imported produce,…
The overpowering plant-based narrative is clearly helping lentils, chickpeas and soya win the proteins wars. The livestock and dairy industries feel the pressure. With the publication of the new Canada’s Food Guide, we have officially ended more than 70 years of state-endorsed fascination for animal proteins. Let’s face it, the change was necessary. The guide…
