Cranberries – The Long History of an Indigenous Canadian Crop
Cranberries have been a staple Canadian food for a long time. Find out what they are, and how they reach your table.
Taste-Driven Crop Development
Researchers at Ontario’s Vineland Research and Development Centre create new fruit varieties based on, and for, Canadian palates.
Growing Food in Space?
Figuring out how to grow food on the Moon and Mars will be a major milestone in space exploration, and in the process, will also help sustain us on Earth.
Scientists Are Working On Improved Crops To Meet Challenges
Scientists focus on improving water use and breeding more resilient food crops.
What Innovation Can Do
As the world’s population continues to grow, we will need to produce more food from less land and with fewer resources. Innovation will be critical.
Better Potatoes Mean Less Food Waste
Genetic tweaks can drastically reduce food waste post-harvest. The Innate® potato is an example of a new crop designed to reduce food waste by being more durable.
What is Gene Editing?
Gene editing is another form of genetic engineering that focuses on making precise edits that already exist or could have arisen through conventional plant breeding.
New Crops Help us Solve Problems
Plant science – and specifically the science of plant breeding – is one of those tools which can help us overcome challenges as a global community.
Precision Farming: What is it?
Tech continues changing how farmers raise animals and grow crops.
Growing Better Crops: Carrying on a Tradition of Thousands of Years
Some plant breeding technologies are old, some are comparatively new, but they all help us adapt to challenges – from climate change and food insecurity to nutrition, taste, and food waste.
How is Canola Oil Made?
How does a bright yellow flower turn into a versatile culinary oil? For canola – one of Canada’s most widely grown crops – it starts with a good squeeze.
Farming Up: What is Vertical Farming?
With the right technology, food can be grown anywhere. Food doesn’t always come from the field – sometimes it can be grown inside.
Insect Farming in Canada
Insects are common fare in many parts of the world. In recent years, edible insects like crickets and mealworms are gaining in popularity in Canada.
Pesticides and Paperwork
The use and availability of pesticides is regulated by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). The PMRA must deem products safe for people and the environment before farmers can use them.
The Science Behind Apple Farming
Science and creativity are critical tools for apple growers. These characteristics have fostered more efficient production methods – from genetic tools to new orchard designs.
Sweet Potatoes in Canada?
New variety of sweet potato designed to grow in shorter spring and summer seasons.
What is an Agronomist?
The science of crop production is called agronomy. These professionals help farmers fight challenges like insects, weeds and diseases.
Plants That Defend Themselves
Crops can take a big hit from insect pests. To protect them, some farmers take a genetic approach. One of those control tools is the bacterium Bt.
Keeping Disease at Bay
How farmers work to keep crops fungus-free. Fungicides are a type of pesticide used to stop the spread of fungal pathogens.
Farming Across Generations
Farming often means doing many things at once. Historically, this was the main reason two or more generations of a family would work together.
Why Do Farmers Use Herbicides?
Why do farmers use herbicides?
What herbicides are, and where they fit on the farm.
Ranchers & Brewers Make Two Products From One
Farmers and brewers save money, keep organic waste out of the landfill, and produce two valuable food products from one ingredient.
Matt McIntosh
Matt works with his family on their sixth-generation grain farm near Lake Erie’s northern shore. He’s also a journalist and communications professional specializing in science, agriculture, social issues and all things critical thinking. Matt tries to bring a wider perspective – and a little dry wit – to his work, while emphasizing scientific rigour and the practicality of asking big questions.