Food for Thought Newsletter

Brought to you by Canadian Federation of Agriculture, representing over 190,000 farmers and farm families across Canada
An update from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture.

Welcome to the Food for Thought newsletter!

As part of our Food for Thought campaign, you signed up to receive further emails and updates on Canadian farmers and agriculture.

This is our 5th issue, giving an update on some serious issues such as how inflation is affecting farmers and consumers.

We also have some fun educational pieces on farming neighbours in Nova Scotia, Dairy Farmers of Canada's goal to be net-zero by 2050, and exciting career opportunities in agriculture!
How Rising Inflation is Affecting Farmers, and what that Means for Consumers
With inflation consistently on the rise, Canadians are finding it more and more difficult to afford food. In December 2021, The Arrell Food Price Report predicted another 5% - 7% increase on food prices over 2022, and those estimates were made before another large disruption to the food chain occurred, the war in Ukraine.

Farmers have seen their bottom-line costs increase tremendously over the past few years, with a sharp rise in 2021 and 2022. Crucial inputs to their business have seen drastic price increases throughout 2021 and 2022 As an example:

  • Diesel fuel prices increased 47.4% from January to May 2022.
  • Fertilizer prices have increased by 148% from 2021 to 2022. For the average farm of 778 acres, that represents an increased cost of $56,000.

These inputs are absolutely necessary for a farmer to grow their crops or feed their animals. Farmers have no lower-cost alternatives to turn to.

With recent surveys showing that nearly half of all Canadians are finding it difficult or very difficult to feed their families, it's time to try and understand how inflation and rising costs are affecting farmers, the food supply chain and ultimately the consumer.
Canadian Agriculture in 2022

Dairy Farmers of Canada - Net-Zero by 2050 | Farming Neighbours in Nova Scotia | Career Opportunities in Food Production Chain | Getting the Dirt on Soil Health | Delicious recipes!
Dairy Farmers of Canada’s latest campaign a rallying cry for sustainable agriculture; Delicious recipes! 

This summer, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) launched a powerful new advertising campaign promoting the ambitious dairy industry target to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050. DFC’s “I’m In” campaign builds upon the long-standing commitment of dairy farmers as stewards of the land and demonstrates how innovation is taking place on farms to achieve the sustainability goal. Throughout the campaign, real farmers proudly demonstrate their actions to protect the environment by declaring, “I’m in!” for DFC’s Net Zero 2050 goal. 

There are also several delicious recipes at the end of the article for you to enjoy!
Farming Neighbours in Nova Scotia

Located in the beautiful Annapolis Valley, farming neighbours Jocelyn and Tim of Seven Acres Farm and Andy and Ben Vermeulen of Vermeulen Farms Ltd. are a wonderful example of the diversity of farm size that can be found in Nova Scotia. 

Jocelyn and Tim are both first-generation farmers. They do everything by hand- from planting to weeding to harvesting, no machines are used. The pair have deep connections to the ecosystem on their farm. They have been very strategic in farming in a way that supports a diverse ecosystem, to build biodiversity and wildlife habitats, and build soil health.
Career Opportunities are Bountiful in Canada’s Food Production Value Chain 

Did you know farmers are environmental stewards, working in soil conservation, carbon sequestration and playing an important role in climate change while they work to feed the world? And in doing this it is hard to think of area of expertise that is not required in Canadian agriculture. The adoption of technology, digitalization and automation are also transforming the industry.

Not what you thought agriculture was all about? Modern agriculture runs on science, technology and innovation and offers great opportunities for rewarding, well-paying careers for people with all backgrounds and experience. 
The Senate Digs In: Getting the Dirt on Soil Health with Senator Rob Black

Soil is one of Canada’s most precious natural resources, forming the very fabric of our ecosystem. It puts food on our plates, purifies our water, protects us against flooding, and helps combat drought. Unfortunately, our soils are in need of immediate help and attention to ensure they can continue supporting and providing for our planet.

Today, we are facing a dire situation as more and more soil is deemed unsuitable for agricultural use. In fact, according to Dr. David Lobb, a soil expert at the University of Manitoba, only 7% of Canada’s soil was considered suitable for agriculture in 2016. This comes as a result of many practices of the past and of the present, some of which have had severely detrimental effects on our country’s soil health. While it is clear that soil conservation efforts are an integral aspect of a sustainable future for agriculture, I think we can all acknowledge there is more to soil than meets the eye, or the tractor.
Enjoy some great recipes with delicious Canadian ingredients below!
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Burgers

Jalapeno poppers and chicken burgers collide in this flavour mash-up. Roasted jalapeno and cheddar accent a perfectly moist and seasoned chicken patty crowned with a jalapeno popper inspired blend of 2 cheeses and peppers.
Classic Eggs Benedict

There’s nothing more classic for brunch than Eggs Benedict. Perfecting this dish is all about timing. Have all ingredients close at hand and prepare the Hollandaise sauce first. Eggs can be poached on the stovetop or in the microwave, then set on English muffin halves topped with a slice of back bacon and a spoonful of creamy Hollandaise.