Rural Roots Canada

Hosted by Craig Lester

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922

Latest episode

Nov 2026

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About the show

RRC strives to tell unique stories from the agriculture community that show the true roots of the industry. It will also show off new products and ideas from the ever evolving industry.

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60 recent

November 6, 20261 min

Farmfair International Brings the World of Agriculture to Edmonton

From international livestock competitions to calf cuddling and cultural celebrations, Farmfair International is bringing together agricultural traditions, emerging leaders and families for its 52nd year. The annual Edmonton event continues to showcase the livestock industry while introducing urban audiences to agriculture through interactive experiences and family-friendly activities. Kimberly Zagar, an agriculture specialist with Farmfair International, says one of the biggest highlights this year is the expansion of the Battle of Emerging Elite Farmers (BEEF) competition. The competition brings together young agricultural leaders between the ages of 18 and 25 from around the world to test their skills, share knowledge and build connections.

November 5, 20261 min

2026 CCFI Trust Report: Farmer Trust

Farmers have returned to first place among the five most trusted groups in Canada’s food system. CCFI"s Lisa Bishop-Spencer said farmers and scientists regularly compete for the top position. Scientists moved ahead of farmers for the first time last year, but farmers have now taken back the number one spot. “Farmers and scientists and university researchers, those are the most trusted sources,” she said. Bishop-Spencer said the gap between who Canadians trust and where they get their information creates a challenge for the food system. Bishop-Spencer said the food sector needs to rethink how it communicates with Canadians.

November 5, 20261 min

2026 CCFI Food Trust Report: Canadians question food claims as misinformation concerns rise

Canadians are paying closer attention to claims about their food as more people question whether the information they receive can be trusted. The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity’s latest research found concern about food and marketing misinformation has risen to 43 per cent. CCFI executive director Lisa Bishop-Spencer said misinformation has become so common that many Canadians now expect to come across it. “Canadians are not simply absorbing food information at face value anymore,” Bishop-Spencer said. “Many are actively checking claims and they’re comparing sources and trying to determine what’s credible.” One issue getting more attention is “maple washing.” Bishop-Spencer described maple washing as making a product appear more Canadian than it actually is. She said this raises questions about whether the information people receive truly reflects the food they are buying. “We’re seeing sort of these concerns going beyond communications,” she said. “They speak to Canadians’ confidence that the information they receive actually reflects the food that they’re buying.” Bishop-Spencer said the sources Canadians use most for food information are not always the ones they consider the most trustworthy. Artificial intelligence is one example.

November 5, 20261 min

Canada, China extend canola, pulse and seafood market access through 2028

Canada and China have agreed to extend favourable market access for Canadian canola meal, peas, lobster and crab through the end of 2028, providing farmers, harvesters and exporters with greater certainty. International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu has announced that Canada and China have agreed to extend the measures through the end of 2028. The agreement was reached during a meeting of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETC) in Beijing, co-led by Sidhu and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. It was the first time the commission had met at the ministerial level. The extension builds on the Preliminary Joint Arrangement on Addressing Bilateral Economic and Trade Issues, announced during Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China in January. That agreement restored market access for Canadian beef and lowered tariffs on canola seed, canola meal, peas, lobster and crab, Sidhu said.

November 3, 20261 min

Dapp, Alberta Beef Producer Named Canadian Cattle Young Leader Finalist

Dapp, Alberta beef producer Andria Carlyon is among 16 finalists selected for the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders Program. Carlyon grew up on a beef operation near Westlock and is involved in direct meat marketing and agricultural research with the Gateway Research Organization. She says the opportunity to learn from others is exciting. Canadian Cattle Association program pairs young beef industry professionals with mentors for 9 months and provides $3,000 for travel and learning. Carlyon says mentorship is what she's most looking forward to. The finalists were selected during the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Winnipeg.