December 2004

Young Leaders in Rural Canada Awards
Being young in rural Canada can be seen as a challenge, but some young leaders see these challenges as opportunities on which to thrive and succeed. The Rural Secretariat is seeking nominations of young rural Canadians (18-29 years old) for the Young Leaders in Rural Canada Awards. Persons who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and contributions to rural, remote and northern Canada, at the local, regional or national level may be nominated. Awards will be presented in the categories: Innovation, Leadership and Partnership. Nominations will be evaluated by a panel representing the Government of Canada, the National Rural Youth Network, the Rural Advisory Committee and Rural Teams. Submissions must be post marked no later than Monday, January 17, 2005. Nomination forms and information may be obtained by calling the Rural Secretariat at 1-888-781-2222 or on the Web at www.rural.gc.ca.
Derrick Pieters, (780) 910-5330

At The End Of The Vine
During the holiday season, a toast with a favourite vintage might include a salute to the grape's origin. Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Pinot noir grapes, the founts of fine Canadian wines, may offer a healthy fringe benefit. Grape seed oil has high levels of antioxidants reported to protect against certain diseases and phytosterols that block the absorption of dietary cholesterol into the bloodstream. The pleasant-tasting, all-purpose cooking oil is highly unsaturated and enhances the natural flavour of foods. Agriculture and Agri-Food researchers in Summerland, British Columbia have found an environmentally friendly way to extract grape seed oil from a product that is often considered waste.
Tom Beveridge, 250-494-6363

A Range of Problems
Prairie ranchers and Mongolian grassland herders share the challenges of climate and geography. Now, the lessons learned from Canada's 1930s Dustbowl are finding a motivated audience in China's Inner Mongolia. Canadian adaptations to the drought and soil erosion of the Dirty Thirties are helping China manage similar problems. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration is working with Chinese experts to preserve the region's fragile grassland ecosystem, while offering practicable agricultural alternatives for the region`s sheep and cattle herders. Their work is documented in Grassland Transfer, a film shot primarily on location in Inner Mongolia. Beyond drought, desertification and practices to renew ailing lands, the documentary by Sure Fire Video Productions and Live Wire Video Production offers vibrant images of the land, the people, their culture and their customs.
Gerry Luciuk, (306) 780-5082

Mull This Over
Cinnamon and cloves taste great in apple cider, and the mixture not only suits the season, but also offers unique anti-microbial properties. The spicy environment is not hospitable to E.coli pathogens sometimes found in raw apple cider. These natural and flavourful spices, in combination with mild heat treatment, can improve the safety and quality of apple cider. Because some bacteria are a serious health concern for farmers, food processors and consumers, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada remains committed to ensuring food produced in Canada continues to be among the safest and highest-quality in the world.
Robin McKellar, 519-780-8026

All About Turkeys
The Canadian Turkey Marketing Agency (CTMA), established in 1973 by the Government of Canada, administers the orderly marketing system for turkey in Canada. CTMA's primary purpose is to provide price and supply stability by gearing production towards market needs. The Agency represents more than 550 turkey producers in eight provinces and, in addition to market analysis, is actively involved in research, marketing, food safety, policy development, trade and regulatory analysis. Canadian Turkey Facts 1974-2003 provides the latest domestic and international information on turkey and competing meats, and is an example of the Agency's commitment to provide current, accurate and useful information to the public on the Canadian turkey industry. This publication is available for download along with information on the Agency and the Canadian turkey industry at www.canadianturkey.ca.
Adele Pelland, Manager - Communications, (905) 812-3140 ext. 232

Some Cranberry Information

• Only three fruits - the cranberry, the blueberry, and the Concord grape - originate in North American.
• Cranberries do not grow in water. They grow on vines in impermeable beds layered with sand, peat gravel and clay originally formed by glacial deposits.
• An undamaged cranberry vine will live a very long time. Some vines on Cape Cod are more than 150 years old.
• The first known cultivator of cranberries was Massachusetts farmer Henry Hall who began growing cranberries on Cape Cod in 1816.
• In 1870, William MacNeil began Canada's first commercial cultivation of cranberries in Annapolis County, Nova Scotia.

Unpalatable but Healthy
A truly versatile cousin of the mulberry has a surprising virtue. The inedible fruit of the Osage Orange is rich in cancer-fighting compounds. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researchers are studying these substances that are similar to the isoflavines found in soybeans and red clover. This tree has a host of other qualities. The decorative fresh fruits may have insect-repelling properties. The wood is valued for fencing, highly prized by bow makers, and once burned, the ash is said to make a very beautiful pottery glaze. This native North American tree was once widely used by farmers in horse-high and hog-tight hedge rows.
Rong Tsao, 519-780-8062