What are the Benefits and Strengths of FSSC 22000?

A new Information Bulletin has been issued by the Foundation for Food Safety Certification, owner of the FSSC 22000 certification scheme, on the benefits and strengths of FSSC 22000. The main differences between FSSC 22000 and other GFSI recognized schemes are also discussed in this Bulletin. The Bulletin clarifies the interconnection of the FSSC 22000 certification scheme with the global independent ISO standards and the possible integration with quality management certification using the requirements of ISO 9001.

"One can conclude that within the short period of its existence – less than 2 years from the date of GFSI-recognition – FSSC 22000 now is a robust, ISO-based, independently managed certification scheme for auditing and certification of food safety in the whole supply chain, fulfilling the needs for reliable food safety certification by a rapidly growing number of manufacturers and retailers all over the world."

Click here to read the complete Information Bulletin from the Foundation for Food Safety Certification.

New Funding Opportunity Hones Competitive Edge

British Columbia's agricultural and agri-products sector can increase its competitive edge through funding under a new innovation program to facilitate the development and adoption of innovations in the BC agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sector.

The $1.5 million Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program is funded through the federal and provincial Growing Forward Agreement. It supports projects that lead to innovation that will enhance profitability and competitiveness, both on-farm and throughout the rest of the supply chain. The Investment Agriculture Foundation is pleased to deliver this program on behalf of the BC Ministry of Agriculture.

Businesses, organizations and individuals can access up to $250,000 for eligible projects. Examples include:
• Adaptive or applied research;
• Development or demonstration of innovative technologies, processes or products; and
• Projects that support the adoption of product, process or technological innovation

Proposals may be submitted immediately, with a closing date of August 5, 2011 for the first intake, which will be adjudicated in September 2011. Proposals received after August 5, 2011 will be considered up to July 13, 2012, funding permitting. All projects must be completed by March 31, 2013.

For detailed program information, please review the Request for Proposals on our website or contact us:
Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC
www.iafbc.ca
Tel: 250.356.1662
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC is an industry-led not-for-profit that strategically invests federal and provincial funds in support of projects that benefit the agriculture and agri-food industry in BC.

AAFC Ready to Launch Canada Brand

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is now ready to implement the Canada Brand in the domestic market.  This expansion holds great promise!
 
With this in mind, we are encouraging companies to become Canada Brand members and use our stylized maple leaf on the front of their product labels, along with a clear Canadian content statement such as:
 
• Product of Canada
• Made with 100% Canadian (ingredient name inserted here)
• Processed in Canada
• Prepared in Canada
• Roasted in Canada
 
At the consultation you expressed an interest in becoming a Canada Brand member and using the stylized maple leaf alongside a Canadian content statement on your product package/label to identify and promote your products as Canadian in the domestic market.
 
AAFC is now ready to begin accepting applications for its domestic branding initiative.
 
To apply to become a Canada Brand member and gain access to all the free tools and products the initiative offers, including the stylized maple leaf, go to:
http://www.marquecanadabrand.agr.gc.ca/who-qui/marquecanadabrand-eng.pdf and follow the instructions to complete the application form and usage agreement.
 
Once your application has been received at AAFC, you will be sent a confirmation email. Processing your application for membership usually takes 5 to 10 days once you have received the initial email notification.
 
You will be contacted by a Canada Brand staff member once your application has been approved. At that time you will be given information on how to access the password-protected part of the Canada Brand web site and given access to the tools and products.
 
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
 
Thank you.
 
Canada Brand Team

News from the Food Directorate at Health Canada

The Food Directorate at Health Canada has circulated a new quarterly newsletter for stakeholders. It makes an interesting read and provides an update on some of the Directorate's activities. Links to the English and French pdf versions of the July 2011 edition (Issue 1): Food Times | Chronique Alimentaire