The planting season is about to break, but how will it look when things wrap up? Agricultural markets are always volatile because they are influenced by so many factors. In addition to the usual concerns such as weather, input prices, and crop selection, this year, farmers face new issues stemming from the pandemic. A shortage of foreign works threatens the market garden harvest before seeds have been planted. Livestock producers face meat processing plant shutdowns coupled with historically low prices for pork and beef with little hope for higher prices on the horizon. The good news is there is a stronger desire to consume local food. In the long term, food security concerns fueled by the pandemic, could improve the domestic market for agricultural products, but if Canada loses between five and seven percent of its farms every year, what will that number look like at the end of 2020?
Policy Regarding Letters to the Editor
We welcome the opinions of our readers in the form of letters to the editor. These must be no longer than 200 words and address a local issue, and include the writer’s name and address which must be local. Street addresses are not published. We do not publish 3rd party letters. Letters must be clear, polite and not include any personal attacks on individuals. We reserve the sole discretion on the decision to publish letters on the opinion page which express the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the editor.
Upcoming Events
Apr28Sun202410:00 am Millbrook Farmers’ Market @ Millbrook/South Cavan Public SchoolMillbrook Farmers’ Market @ Millbrook/South Cavan Public SchoolApr 28 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pmIn the parking lot of Millbrook/South Cavan Public School featuring fresh local produce and artisan products.May1Wed2024May6Mon20249:00 am New To You Clothing Store @ New to You Clothing StoreNew To You Clothing Store @ New to You Clothing StoreMay 6 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pmOpen 9am to 3pm every Monday to Friday. Please consider donating good quality used clothing. Funds received from the sale of these items support local programs and services.May8Wed2024May15Wed2024