Alfons Weersink

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The Canadian government has proposed a plan to cut emissions from fertilizers by 30 per cent from 2020 levels by 2030. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

The federal government’s plan to cut fertilizer emissions will not threaten food security

Michael von Massow, University of Guelph; Alfons Weersink, University of Guelph, and Claudia Wagner-Riddle, University of Guelph

The emission reduction targets outlined for Canadian fertilizer use will not lead to food shortages and food insecurity.
The war in Ukraine will continue to push up food prices as the supply from the ‘Breadbasket of Europe’ is cut in the short term and, possibly, the long term. (Shutterstock)

How the war in Ukraine will affect food prices

Alfons Weersink, University of Guelph and Michael von Massow, University of Guelph

The Russian invasion of Ukraine will have global impacts far beyond the region directly involved in the fighting. Food prices will increase, and the effects will be felt by the most vulnerable.
Il y a des changements évidents dans la consommation de viande. Mais elle n'est pas alimentée par une augmentation du véganisme et du végétarisme. Shutterstock

On mange moins de viande, mais ce n'est pas à cause des végétaliens

Michael von Massow, University of Guelph; Alfons Weersink, University of Guelph, and Molly Gallant, University of Guelph

Il y a des changements évidents dans la consommation de viande. Mais elle n'est pas alimentée par une augmentation du véganisme et du végétarisme.
Meat consumption is decreasing in Canada. But don’t look at vegans and vegetarians. In fact, it’s meat-eaters who are eating less than usual who are behind the trend. Yvonne Lee Harijanto/Unsplash

Meat consumption is changing but it’s not because of vegans

Michael von Massow, University of Guelph; Alfons Weersink, University of Guelph, and Molly Gallant, University of Guelph

There are clearly changes happening in meat consumption. But it’s not being fuelled by an increase in veganism and vegetarianism.
Cattle that are grass-fed, antibiotic- and growth hormone-free gather at a farm in Oregon in 2015. There’s a debate over whether antibiotic use in livestock makes germs more resistant to the drugs, and results in infections being passed on to humans who consume the meat. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

Why reducing antibiotics in farm animals isn’t as easy as it seems

Michael von Massow, University of Guelph and Alfons Weersink, University of Guelph

The use of antibiotics in raising livestock is complex. We could be moving towards a less-than-ideal result due to poor understanding, over-simplistic messaging and a rush for competitive advantage.
Production facility manager Derek Delahaye eats roasted crickets at the Entomo Farms cricket processing facility in Norwood, Ont., in 2016. Bugs are a diet staple in most parts of the world. Will Canadians join the masses in their search for alternate sources of protein to meat? THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Thornhill

Less meat, more bugs in our dietary future

Michael von Massow, University of Guelph and Alfons Weersink, University of Guelph

Canadians are increasingly looking to alternatives to meat to get their protein. Pulses like lentils and chickpeas are becoming more popular. Will insects find a way onto our plates too?
Pints of craft beer are seen on the bar at Main Street Brewing in Vancouver. Craft beer is experiencing an explosion in popularity. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Why Canada’s craft beer explosion isn’t leading to big acquisitions

Alfons Weersink, University of Guelph and Michael von Massow, University of Guelph

Canada’s craft beer industry is exploding. But antiquated regulations stemming from the years of the temperance movement is preventing big acquisitions by larger brewers.
Health concerns about red meat consumption, as well as the environmental impact of meat production, have fuelled an increased demand in plant-based proteins among Canadians. These calves are shown on the Grazed Right cattle ranch near Black Diamond, Alta., in 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Less meat, more choice: A look at key food issues in 2018

Michael von Massow, University of Guelph; Alfons Weersink, University of Guelph, and Bruce McAdams, University of Guelph

Canadians are increasingly invested in their food – where it comes from, how it’s produced, and whether it’s healthy. Here are some predicted food trends for 2018.

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