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By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup

Agriculture Roundup for Thursday April 2, 2020

Apr 2, 2020 | 9:43 AM

The COVID-19 pandemic created a greater realization of the importance of the food production and delivery systems.

Consumers have been stocking up on grocery store items creating shortages of some products and prompting stores to impose limits.

Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan executive director Clinton Monchuk said instead of buying four to seven days worth of food at one time, consumers are now buying two weeks worth of food.

He said while it’s good for social distancing it puts a strain on the food supply system however those shelves will be replenished through supply chains.

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Canadian grain is in high demand as shippers try to feed a growing appetite from mills and governments seeking to shore up staple reserves amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Chamber of Marine Commerce said grain shipments at the Port of Thunder Bay doubled year over year in March, with vessels loading 200,000 tonnes last week.

Carsten Bredin, who runs merchandising at Richardson International, said there is more demand for wheat and durum at flour mills and pasta plants around the world. Customers are stocking up on staples, partly in preparation for extended lockdowns.

CN Rail chief executive JJ Ruest said last week demand for grain has been particularly strong over the past month. He said shipments of the bulk product will likely stay solid at least through May.

Wade Sobkowich with the Western Grain Elevator Association said strong demand in Europe and Africa is welcome following a tough year that saw rail blockades, labour action and a late harvest.

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Applications are being accepted for two post-secondary scholarships.

The Bayer Crop Science Scholarship for Future Leaders is for students already enrolled in an agriculture bachelor’s degree program at one of six eligible Canadian agriculture universities.

It’s awarded to students who have shown leadership, engagement, and a contribution to agriculture in Canada through their academic, volunteer and community involvement as well as extra-curricular activities. Each scholarship is worth $5,000 annually. The deadline to apply is April 30.

The Bayer Fund Opportunity Scholarship is for graduating grade 12 students entering their first year of post-secondary education in agriculture, food science, or a culinary program at a Canadian university or college starting in the fall of 2020. Up to 65 scholarships valued at $1,500 each will be awarded to students based on academics and leadership in their community. The application deadline is June 10.

More information is available here.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF