FoodFarm Talk

08/26/2026

What does it mean to be a farmer in Ghana compared with Ontario, Canada?

Listen on:
📻CFRU 93.3
📅August 27
⏰10am

🛜Hear anytime:
https://buff.ly/rB94TL3

In this episode of Food Farm Talk on CFRU 93.3 FM, Isaac Quansah sits down with Paul Smith for an engaging discussion exploring the similarities and differences between agricultural systems in Ghana and Ontario.

We discuss who farmers are, how people enter farming, farming methods and technologies, major crops and livestock, government and NGO support, and the key challenges farmers face in both contexts.

From Ghana's predominantly smallholder farming systems and reliance on rainfall to Ontario's highly mechanized and technology-driven agriculture, the conversation highlights how farmers in different parts of the world respond to issues such as access to land, finance, climate change, markets, technology, and succession.

Tune in for a conversation about farming, food systems, innovation, and the future of agriculture in Ghana and Ontario.



The Ontarion Kobby Quansah

08/19/2026

Hear about "Ensuring safe, nutritious and sustainable food for all" from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) podcast Farms, Food, Future.

Listen on:
📻CFRU 93.3
📅August 20
⏰10am

🛜Hear anytime:
https://buff.ly/mUISnjx

Around the world, small-scale farmers are pushing our food systems to evolve. They’re the key to producing enough safe, nutritious food to feed the world sustainably.

In this episode, we explore how IFAD works hand in hand with rural communities to build a more nourishing future. Learn how innovative agroecology projects are driving economic growth and hear directly from IFAD’s President, Alvaro Lario, about how school meals are inextricably linked to resilient local food systems.

This episode continues our collaboration with the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development.

Thanks to IFAD for partnering to air episodes on CFRU. Previously aired in April 2026.

On this episode:
- Corinna Hawkes, Director, Division of Food Systems and Food Safety for FAO
- Sheena Kapoor, ACCESS Development Services
- Arnoud Hameleers, Country Director for Brazil, IFAD
- Alvaro Lario, President of IFAD
- Elisabeth Steinmayr, Programme Officer, Agroecology Value Chains Project, IFAD



Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph Department of Geography, University of Guelph The Ontarion

08/17/2026

Hear reflections on "The Future of Agricultural Knowledge Sharing" from Dr. Ataharul Chowdhury with hosts Isaac Quansah + Paul Smith

Listen on podcast:
https://buff.ly/UuyhQGb

Ataharul Chowdhury joins Isaac Quansah and Paul Smith to talk about the future of agricultural knowledge sharing through extension and advisory services. Dr. Chowdhury is Associate Professor of Capacity Development and Extension and Program Graduate Coordinator in the Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph.

Ataharul grew up on a family farm in Bangladesh, and also had opportunities to live, study and work in different countries. He developed a passionate interest in food, agriculture and the environment, and the roles these play in the well-being of communities. Ataharul joined the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, and brings more than a decade of teaching and research experience at universities, non-profits and private foundations in the Caribbean, Canada, Austria, and South Asia. He has collaborated with many leading international partners to help build more sustainable agriculture and rural development in remote and resource-poor communities around the world.



OAC Graduate Student Council Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph The Ontarion

08/12/2026

Hear Dr. Ataharul Chowdhury discuss agriculture, extension, and advisory services with hosts Isaac Quansah + Paul Smith

Listen on:
📻CFRU 93.3 FM
📅Aug 13
⏰10am

Ataharul Chowdhury is Associate Professor - Capacity Development and Extension, University of Guelph. Ataharul grew up on a family farm in Bangladesh, but he’s also had the opportunity to live, study and work in different countries. He developed a passionate interest in food, agriculture and the environment, and the roles these play in the well-being of communities. Ataharul joined the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, and brings more than a decade of teaching and research experience at universities, non-profits and private foundations in the Caribbean, Canada, Austria, and South Asia. He has collaborated with many leading international partners to help build more sustainable agriculture and rural development in remote and resource-poor communities around the world.



Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph The Ontarion Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph

08/06/2026

Come join us for a great day. Please rsvp thru contact method on picture or dm on Facebook.
Hope to see ya there.

08/06/2026

New University of Guelph podcast:

Faculty in Fifteen is the latest podcast from the University of Guelph featuring one-on-one interviews with U of G faculty. Through fifteen questions, and over fifteen minutes (roughly), learn all about their work, research, expertise and a little about themselves.

08/05/2026

🍑 Here’s a sweet stat for : while Canada’s total peach-growing acreage dipped slightly from 6,034 acres in 2024 to 5,776 acres in 2025, Ontario continued to lead the way, accounting for just over three-quarters (76.5%) of the country’s peach-growing acreage.

Learn more about the area, production and farm gate value of marketed fruits in Canada:
https://ow.ly/BQ5i50Zv66g.

08/05/2026

"Isaac Quansah joins Food Farm Talk on CFRU"
Hear about Isaac, a new host and producer.

Listen on:
📻CFRU 93.3 FM
📅Aug 6
⏰10am

🎧Listen anytime:
https://buff.ly/n1SeugN

Isaac Quansah is a graduate student in international development in his Capacity Development and Extension Program at the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph. Isaac is joining Food Farm Talk on CFRU as a host and producer, with Paul Smith.

Isaac is from Ghana in west Africa and hopes to play a role in rural development back in Ghana. He grew up in rural Ghana, farming casava, maize, and cocoa with his family. First attending university in Accra, the capital city of Ghana, Isaac came to Canada to study at Conestoga College and then University of Guelph.

Isaac’s work at Food Farm Talk on CFRU forms part of his academic studies and reflects his interest in communications and extension, or knowledge mobilization, for rural communities.

Isaac and Paul discuss Isaac’s background, interests, and hopes for future career development. They also discuss food security, improving farming practices, and empowering local farmers and rural people in Ghana as well as the roles of central government, municipalities, non-profit organizations, and other actors.

Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph The Ontarion
Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph Isaac Kobby Quansah

07/29/2026

Hear "Elevating rural voices on the global stage" from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Listen on:
📻CFRU 93.3 FM
📅July 30
⏰10am

🎧Or listen anytime:
https://buff.ly/xxAXqmA

World leaders are meeting in New York for 80th session of the UN General Assembly – where rural communities hit hard by climate change, conflict and hunger have a chance to be heard on the global stage.

In this episode, we hear from advocates who are taking action to amplify these rural voices. Join us as we discuss how rural development is financed, the power of building political movements and how we can keep food security high on the political agenda.

On this episode:
- Tim Diphoorn, European Director of Business Development at One Acre Fund
- David McNair, Executive Director for Global Policy and Strategy at ONE Campaign
- Mick Sheldrick, Co-Founder and Chief Policy, Impact and Government Affairs Officer at Global Citizen



The Ontarion Farm Radio International - Radios Rurales Internationales Canada’s International Development – Global Affairs Canada
One Acre Fund Global Citizen