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 9th issue, taking a look at how carbon tax exemptions for certain activities in farming can benefit the environment, how farmers work with pollinators, agriculture in PEI and more!

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The Environmental Case for Carbon Tax Relief in Canadian Agriculture

Canada’s carbon tax has been in the spotlight recently, as the government recently announced an exemption to the tax for home heating oil over the next three years.


In terms of the recent exemptions on home heating oil, one of the rationales provided by the government is that the price of home heating oil has nearly doubled over the past two years. These large increases in cost already provide enough financial incentives to push consumers towards heat pumps to heat their homes, which are far less carbon intensive.


However, it's been noted there are large barriers to adopting this technology, as these systems can cost well over $10,000 to install.


But what does this have to do with agriculture?

Click here to learn about how carbon tax exemptions for agriculture can help the environment
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Canadian Agriculture in 2023


Helping Pollinators Grow | PEI Agriculture | Dairy at the holidays | Call for Support from Canadian Salmon Farmers | Delicious Recipes!

Barry Balsom nurtures nature’s pollinators to help his orchard grow


One of Barry Balsom’s favourite pastimes is sitting on the porch in the summer with his wife Carol, looking over their orchard under a full moon. It offers a rare moment of quiet: Arlington Orchard on Prince Edward Island is usually buzzing, quite literally, with thousands of native pollinators. It wasn’t always like that, though. Barry had to work to get his orchard abuzz.

Discover how protecting the environment for future generations also makes great business sense for Barry.

Prince Edward Island Agriculture


Prince Edward Island is an island of many names, and almost all of them have something to do with the delicious and healthy foods we produce! As the “Garden of the Gulf”, agriculture continues to be one of the most important industries on this beautiful Island off Canada’s east coast. The iconic red soil gets its colour from a high iron-oxide content and its sandy nature combined with PEI’s moderate climate create ideal conditions for growing yet another PEI icon: the potato. 

Learn more about PEI agriculture here!

Canada is on the verge of a significant step forward in seed innovation


After an extensive review, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recently recognized that gene edited plants are as safe as their conventional counterparts. This approach, echoed by government regulators and scientific experts around the world, will make it easier to introduce new plant varieties that are resistant to drought and pests. 

Learn more here!

Choose Canadian dairy this holiday


Before wowing them with your signature seasonal dish, choose Canadian dairy, made with milk that meets some of the world’s highest quality standards, a dedication to animal care, and a commitment to sustainability.


Canadian dairy should be at the top of everyone’s wish list — and grocery list. Because before you serve your holiday mac and cheese, or bake your charming caramel cheesecake, a lot of thought and care goes into Canadian milk from the very start.


  • Canadian milk meets 42 food safety requirements and is made to some of the world’s highest standards.
  • Canadian dairy farmers are dedicated to sustainable farming practices with a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050.
  • Canadian dairy cows are treated with a commitment to comfort and care, and have teams of experts to ensure cows stay healthy and comfortable.
  • Dairy farmers are connected to their communities and work hard every day to offer quality milk to Canadians, while preserving the land for future generations.
Find out more and get some great recipes here!

Call for Support from Canadian Salmon Farmers


Canada's salmon producers are calling on the broader farming and food community to participate in a digital letter-writing campaign in support of Canadian salmon farmers.



B.C. salmon farmers are in a very challenging situation. Government decisions have shut down 40% of salmon farms in B.C. since 2020, making groceries more expensive for Canadian families and wiping out jobs that are the lifeblood of rural, coastal and Indigenous communities.

Click to learn more and to participate.
Enjoy some great recipes with delicious Canadian ingredients below!

No Nonsense Orange and Sage Roasted Turkey


This simple but delicious recipe will let your turkey take centre stage during the holiday season!

View the full recipe here

Lobster and Mussel Chowder with Baby Red Potatoes


This recipe, from the Canada’s Food Island cookbook, showcases the best of land and sea with PEI lobster, mussels, potatoes and dairy.

View the full recipe here

Charcuttertree


This festive “Charcutertree” is the essence of holiday entertaining! A traditional charcuterie spread - just vertical, in a Christmas tree shape. Include all your favourite Canadian cheeses for this delicious addition to your holiday table.

View the full recipe here