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FARMING IN THE FINGER LAKES: Embrace the diversity of agriculture

(Editor’s Note: In 2017 and ‘18 we ran a monthly column on our Monday Farm Page called “Farming in the Finger Lakes.” Thanks to the effort and initiative of Eileen Jensen, that feature is returning. Eileen’s columns focusing on the local agricultural scene will run the first Monday of every month).

The time is here when the holidays are creeping up quickly and family gatherings become more abundant. We are fortunate to live in a region surrounded by farmers and an abundant food supply. As consumers of food, we have the pleasure of walking into local grocery stores to fill our bags with whatever food item we’re craving. It’s something that most of us don’t think twice about as food is the centerpiece for our tables.

Living in the Finger Lakes region allows all of us to have access to a diverse array of food. Let’s take a closer look at the diversity in a four-county radius including Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties.

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Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.