This week, a Ministerial Trade Mission to China is being led by the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. The mission includes a group of Canadians from across the country working to build and expand markets for Canadian food and agricultural goods in China. Grain Farmers of Ontario is being represented on the mission by Crosby Devitt, vice president of strategic development.
 
Several meetings in the cities of Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing are providing the opportunity to build on our strong Canadian reputation, advocate for open trade, and showcase the many reasons why Chinese customers should choose Canadian food and agricultural products. China is a growing market for Ontario grains, particularly soybeans. 
 
You can learn more about why Grain Farmers of Ontario is participating in this trade mission to China in the latest episode of Inside Grain Farmers of Ontario.  •

The Ontario Cereal Crop Committee (OCCC) conducts variety performance trials to determine the genetic potential and adaptation of cereal varieties in the province of Ontario. Results of the 2017 Spring Cereal Performance trials are now available on www.gocereals.ca under the ‘Performance’ heading at the top of the page. The PDF of the public report will be available shortly. The tables can also be accessed here. •

Grain Farmers of Ontario is sharing the Good in Every Grain in Toronto this weekend at the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo. This is the third year we have participated in the four-day event which allows us to connect with an urban audience in a unique setting.
 
This year we have partnered with JP Wisers to highlight the use of corn in whisky. The 53 foot Growing Connections trailer exhibit has been transformed into a place to relax, enjoy a drink, and learn about how Ontario grain farmers played a role in how their whisky was made. It’s also an opportunity for Grain Farmers of Ontario staff to engage consumers in conversations about the other uses of Ontario grains and broader issues such as gluten-free diets and the use of GMOs and crop protection products. •

Grain Farmers of Ontario is proud of the work our farmer-members do – and during a long harvest season we are saying thank you! The first winners of this fall’s Thank a farmer prize-pack are Jason and Ginny Buttar of Londesborough (District 8 – Huron). They have been on their farm for a little over 10 years, they have four children, and along with Jason’s father they farm 800 acres. This year’s prize pack includes two chairs, gloves, a bag, Grain Farmers of Ontario and Good in Every Grain metal signs, and supper provided for the whole family.
 
Pictured below on the left are: Jason, Ginni, Ben, Emma, Ethan, Titus, Paul, and Nancy Buttar. •