Most Canadians aren’t directly involved in farming. Therefore most of us have yet to have the chance to learn all there is to know about growing the crops we eat every day. Here, we analyze a handful of the frequent queries farmers have.

DESCRIBE AGRICULTURE

“agriculture” refers to cultivating plants and animals to produce food and materials humans may use and enjoy. Agriculture, which also covers plant science, is divided into various subfields, one of which is farming, which entails cultivating land and rearing livestock.

Agriculture has been practiced for thousands of years by people all over the world. Canada has produced some of the highest crop yields worldwide because of current farming advances and plant science technologies, providing us with a competitive edge on the international stage.

Agriculture serves as a means of subsistence, a source of income, and a passion for farmers like the Keddy, who take great pleasure in it daily.

HOW DO YOU GET INTO FARMING?

There are numerous ways to start a farm. The most straightforward way is to be born into it. In Canada, 98% of farms are still run by families[1], with knowledge being passed down through the generations and kids eventually taking over their parents’ labor.

However, anyone can start a farm if they have the desire and motivation to do so and access to enough funding. Basic agricultural production knowledge and practical experience working on a farm are required. You can enroll in specific college or university courses like agronomy, agricultural science, plant science, or business to succeed.

WTF DO PESTICIDES DO?

Farmers employ pesticides as a tool to ensure the success of their crops. To safeguard crops against weeds, insects, and diseases, they are one tool in an integrated pest management plan. Herbicides are used to control weeds, insecticides to control insects, and fungicides to handle a variety of diseases. These different kinds of pesticides are crucial for assisting Canadian farmers in growing crops of excellent quality and plenty, which keeps Canadian food prices reasonable. To ensure that food produced with pesticides is safe to consume, Health Canada regulates all pesticides used in Canada, including lawn and household pesticides.

HOW CAN AGRICULTURISTS REDUCE FOOD WASTE?

When crops, fruits, vegetables, or other food products cannot be harvested or are wasted, there is food loss and waste. It may occur during the food’s production (on the farm), handling, storage, and distribution (to and at the store) and in consumers’ homes. By preparing ahead of time and only purchasing what we eat, we can reduce food waste at home. But for farmers, cutting down on food waste begins in the field.

Farmers can now grow high-quality crops less prone to spoil throughout the growing season, after harvest, or during transportation, thanks to advances in plant breeding and other areas of plant science. For instance, scientists have created a species of apple called the Arctic apple to address the 40% of apples that are typically wasted. It has the same taste, texture, and crunch as regular apples but won’t bruise or brown.

Utilizing pesticides also lessens food loss before the crop is harvested by preventing insects and diseases from destroying crops. Around 20 to 40 percent of crops are lost annually owing to insects, weeds, and illnesses worldwide. Without plant science technologies, this number would be far higher. By continuing to protect crops from insects and other pests while they are in storage and transit, pesticides can also assist in reducing waste after harvest.

Finally, some farmers, like the Keddy, have a creative fix for deformed produce or don’t adhere to the standards of good looks for sale. The Keddy feed their cattle the extra sweet potatoes from their crop to ensure they don’t end up in the trash.