OCPA - Industry News

First Line seeds
Our congratulations to Peter Hannam and his colleagues at First Line Seeds. Twenty years ago at the London Farm Show, a group of farmers launched a seed company with a vision to bring more value to growers through high quality, certified seed and new, better performing genetics. The result was the creation of First Line Seeds Ltd. Within four years, the company was introducing identity preserved soybeans for the Japanese market.

Within ten years, First Line launched the first soybean variety licensed on an exclusive basis from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. In 1997 the company established the first Canadian processing facility dedicated to identity preserved soybeans. One year later, Monsanto joined First Line, buying an equity position. The company has had a lot of firsts over the past 20 years, and we wish them much success as the future unfolds.

Perth County gets 2005 IPM
After two years of hard work putting together their bid for the 2005 International Plowing Match and Farm Machinery Show, Perth County organizers were rewarded by the Ontario Plowmen’s Association with a positive decision. The site will be Carson Farms and Auctions in North Perth. The organizing group hopes to match the record attendance of the last Perth IPM in 1988.

The 2002 International Plowing Match will take place near Glencoe in Middlesex County from September 17-22. Lanark County will host the IPM in 2003 and Grey County in 2004.

OCPA on the web
A reminder, as we head to spring planting, to check out GOCORN.net on the Internet. The web site provides farmers with up-to-date information on the state of the corn crop and crop conditions across the province. Managed by OMAFRA corn specialist Greg Stewart, the web site contains articles on everything from getting ready to plant to getting the most from your crop. The site contains a number of links to the experts on corn production in Ontario, including weeds and insects, corn breeding and other research and studies. The site is maintained by the OCPA.

And get ready for the new and improved Corn Connection. The OCPA, working with our sponsor BASF, will be launching a new and improved Corn Connection or corninfo.com, providing producers with links to research and corn production information from around the world.
Food Safety Network Formally Launched at U of Guelph

In recognition of its outstanding contribution to food safety issues in Canada and internationally, the University of Guelph formally launched the Food Safety Network, spearheaded by Dr. Douglas Powell, late in March.

The network provides international research and commentary, policy evaluation and public information on food safety and safe food handling. Features include a food safety web site (http://www.foodsafetynetwork.ca ), extensive databases, field research, daily news pages and listservs on evolving issues, and a research and demonstration farm. A national toll-free food safety hotline will be added in the near future.

In collaboration with other national and international groups, the network will develop food safety programs and identify and assess appropriate food safety interventions. Survey work and media analysis will be used to determine public perceptions and the effectiveness of food safety programs.

Through a proactive media outreach program, the network will provide a strong, science-based voice on emerging food safety issues. Food producers and scientists will also benefit through an increased understanding of public concerns and perceptions.