The first edition of a Farm Animal Care newsletter has been published by the animal care team at FFC. This quarterly newsletter will highlight specific activities related to farm animal care.

The first edition of a Farm Environmental newsletter has been published by the farm environmental team at FFC. This quarterly newsletter will highlight specific activities related to environmental issues that FFC is working on.

Farm & Food Care will host its 2014 Annual General Meeting and Conference on April 15 and 16 at the Teatro Conference and Event Centre in Milton.  This meeting is a unique chance for farmers and agri-food industry leaders from all sectors to come together, listen to some thought provoking speakers and help shape the direction for the future. 
 

The afternoon of April 15 will profile the timely topic, "Sustainable Food and Farming - what does it mean in Canada?"   The whole supply chain from the farm to the largest retailers are talking about sustainable food and working on programs to make that happen.  Join the discussion and share your views on what sustainable farming could and should mean in Canada.   Concurrent sessions will also feature speakers related to farm animal care and the environment. 
 

In the evening of April 15, Farm & Food Care members and supporters are invited to a complimentary "Speak Up" style of communications workshop entitled "Let's Talk about Tough Topics". Farming is complex and those that work in agriculture can frequently be asked questions about the technologies they use such as biotechnology, pesticides, hormones and antibiotics.   Participants will be given tips and techniques related to answering questions and having confident conversations with the non-farming public.
 

Joining the workshop will be Dr. Joe Schwarcz, Director of McGill University's "Office for Science & Society". Dr. Schwarcz is one of Canada's foremost experts in interpreting science for the public. He will use his extensive experience to give real life examples of how he talks about science as it relates to farming and how farmers can better explain what they do. Space is limited.
 

On April 16, the full business meeting will feature the challenge of continuing to increase consumers' understanding about food and farming, including a keynote presentation by Dr. Joe Schwarcz.  Directors from the Farm & Food Care Foundation will be leading an interactive discussion on creating a proactive dialogue with Canadians.  Plan on attending and helping to set the course for what should be done to build public trust in food and farming in a long-term coalition approach.  The day will also feature updates of Farm & Food Care's 2013 activities, election of the 2014-2015 Board of Directors, and presentation of the Farm & Food Care Champion Award.   
 

Registration will commence in early February. Visit www.farmfoodcare.org for a complete agenda and registration details.