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AI adoption low despite potential benefits for farmers

1 week ago

AI adoption low despite potential benefits for farmers

Artificial intelligence (AI) could help Canadian farmers save time, reduce costs and improve farm management, but adoption remains low as producers weigh the potential benefits against the costs, panelists said at the recent Food Forward Summit.

Canada could unlock $75 billion in additional GDP

Canada could generate up to $75 billion in additional cumulative GDP by 2035 through increased capital investment and regulatory reform in food and beverage manufacturing, according to new economic analysis released by the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute.

Grocery inflation at lowest level since May 2024

Grocery prices increased 1.7 per cent year-over-year in September, the smallest yearly increase since May 2024. September marks the second consecutive month where grocery price growth increased at a slower pace than the all-items Consumer Price Index, Statistics Canada said.

Bayer to build $50M Winnipeg canola innovation centre

Bayer Crop Science’s new canola innovation centre in Winnipeg isn’t built and won’t be for a few years. But it broke ground on the $50-million facility. Bayer will develop new and improved canola, camelina and winter canola seeds.

GOURMA announces $25M greenhouse expansion

GOURMA announced a $25-million investment to expand in Saint-Norbert, Que., in 2027, adding approximately 2.5 acres of greenhouse space. The project will feature a fully automated germination chamber and semi-enclosed glass greenhouses, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions.

FCC invests $1.5 million in 83 rural projects across Canada

Farm Credit Canada is investing $1.5 million in 83 rural community projects across Canada. Funding ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 supports projects focused on food security, agricultural and community infrastructure, accessibility, energy efficiency, recreation and emergency services.

Strategic maple syrup reserve close to empty: Producers

Canada’s maple syrup reserve is near empty, the result of a strong demand that has drained supply. The Quebec industry is worth about $1.2-billion a year. And its stockpile is maintained by a government-sanctioned cartel.

Food bank use hits 2.3 million monthly visits: Report

A new report from Food Banks Canada says food bank visits hit a new record of more than 2.3 million in March. The organization’s latest report says cost-of-living is weighing on nearly 10 million Canadians experiencing food insecurity.

McCain U.K. jobs in spotlight amid production rejig plans

McCain Foods is looking for manufacturing changes in U.K. that could lead to job losses. McCain employs more than 1,300 in U.K. Last month, the company abandoned a plan to set up its first manufacturing plant in Germany.

PepsiCo ‘immediately’ shuts down Tennessee bottling plant

PepsiCo promptly shut down a bottling plant in Tennessee and cut over 100 jobs amid broader concerns about its beverage business. CEO Ramon Laguarta said during its earnings call that PepsiCo officials did not “feel good about the beverage business.”

New lawsuit filed challenging Trump’s tariffs on Canada

A U.S. food importer has filed a lawsuit challenging U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs targeting Canada. Trump slap an array of Canadian goods with a 50 per cent levy that was used to ban imports of alcohol and dairy products.

Farm to supply year-round greens for Regina Food Bank

Regina Food Bank has opened a modular indoor farm, giving the organization a year-round source of fresh leafy greens. The 40-foot hydroponic farm — manufactured by Growcer — will produce spinach, romaine lettuce and bok choy.

A&W promotes Anderson to chief strategic growth officer

A&W Canada has promoted Catherine Anderson to chief strategic growth officer. She will oversee its restaurant expansion strategy, and evaluate complementary brand expansion opportunities. Publicly traded A&W is the second largest quick-service hamburger restaurant chain in Canada.

Nestlé tracks targets; not immune from Russia seizure

Philipp Navratil marked his one-year anniversary as Nestlé CEO with results putting the company on course to meet its mid-term annual targets. Nestlé delivered organic growth of four per cent, more than the consensus estimate of 3.3 per cent.

Ultra-processed foods diet costs more than $350,000: Study

Americans who eat a diet high in ultra-processed foods face an estimated $359,836 in additional lifetime costs per person compared to those with a diet low in them, according to a new economic analysis.

Italy trucker protest leaves supermarket shelves empty

Some supermarket shelves were empty in Naples on Tuesday due to a weeklong protest by truck drivers against the high cost of diesel. The truckers are adding their voices to demonstrations across Europe as the U.S.-Iran war disrupts economies.

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