ATLANTA, December 3, 2025 - Graphic Packaging International (Graphic Packaging), a global leader in sustainable consumer packaging, has announced the launch of its next-generation Boardio™ machinery technology, offering enhanced multi-footprint capability that transforms how brands and co-packers approach Boardio paperboard canister production.

Brands and co-packers face mounting pressure to respond quickly to shifting market demands while maximizing their equipment investments. When capital is committed to packaging machinery, that investment needs to work harder, deliver more, and provide the flexibility to adapt as consumer preferences evolve, and the new Boardio machine multi-footprint capability does just that.

Boardio is a recyclable, rigid paperboard canister that provides an alternative to plastic, glass, and metal containers. Made from up to 90% renewable materials, it can deliver a plastic reduction of more than 90% versus rigid containers. Alongside winning 20 global packaging awards since launch, Boardio has replaced more than 50 million rigid plastic containers in 2023 and 2024 alone.

The new machine technology takes a proven platform and adds format flexibility through the addition of modules. The new multi-footprint capability enables Boardio production in multiple shapes — round, octagonal, triangular, and square — along with variable heights, widths, and barrier specifications, all from a single machine. Customers simply select modules based on the degree of flexibility they require.

For co-packers managing diverse client portfolios or large brands seeking to differentiate product lines and serve both large families and smaller households, this technology represents a significant operational and commercial advantage.

Johan Werme, head of sales for paperboard canister solutions at Graphic Packaging, said: "This new capability addresses a longstanding frustration customers have had with traditional packaging; rigid plastic and metal canisters typically lock brands into off-the-shelf formats unless they have the volumes to justify custom tooling. However, with Boardio's new multi-footprint technology, we're putting format control directly into the customer's hands. That means shorter production runs across multiple configurations, the ability to iterate designs more frequently, and the transport and storage efficiency that comes from delivering canisters flat rather than pre-formed. It's flexibility that scales with your business, not against it."

For co-packers and brands alike, the technology ensures that capital investments in Boardio machinery deliver sustained value as market conditions shift, product portfolios expand, and the demand for more circular, more functional, and more convenient packaging solutions continues to grow.

The multi-footprint enhancement is now available as an option for new machine orders.

To learn more about Boardio and the Graphic Packaging portfolio of paperboard packaging innovations, visit 

Regina, Saskatchewan, December 2, 2025 – Canadian farmers could see significant income gains and new opportunities if agricultural productivity growth returns to historic highs. The Farm Credit Canada (FCC) report titled , estimates that boosting productivity growth to two per cent annually could unlock $30 billion in additional farm income, generate $31 billion in GDP, and create nearly 23,000 jobs across the country.

Canada has long been a standout among global food producers. Over the past half-century, the agriculture industry has achieved significant productivity growth through better farm management, improved input efficiency and technological innovation. The report warns, however, that productivity growth has slowed in recent years, threatening the industry’s competitiveness and Canada’s ability to meet growing national and global food demand.

“Canada’s agricultural productivity growth has consistently outpaced other G7 countries for more than three decades, showing the strength and adaptability of our producers,” says J.P. Gervais, executive vice-president strategy and impact at FCC. “Even so, our growth has slowed, turning that around will take continued investments to spur innovation, and smarter ways of working to help producers improve efficiency and stay competitive in a fast-changing global market.”

Low business investment in agricultural research and development and lagging venture capital investment in ag tech continue to slow productivity gains and limit the commercialization of new innovations. Closing Canada’s investment gap is critical, as every dollar invested in agricultural innovation delivers long-term returns many times over.

“Canadian agriculture has the talent, ingenuity and drive to lead the world in sustainable food production,” says Justine Hendricks, president and CEO at FCC. “By putting productivity and innovation at the centre of how we grow, we can strengthen our food system, support the people behind it and build a more resilient industry for today and future generations.”

Productivity is about helping farmers make the most of their resources. It means using land, livestock, labour and equipment efficiently, reducing waste, improving quality, and using technology to find new ways to grow.

The report identifies three key pathways for producers to boost productivity growth:

• Improving efficiency by leveraging data and elevating management practices;
• Scaling operations through strategic investment; and,
• Accelerating innovation by adopting new technologies and approaches on the farm.

Turning those goals into action takes practical tools and real-world testing. With a single growth season each year, farmers face substantial risk in testing new production technologies or methods, and returns on these investments take a long time to be fully realized. Through InnovationFarms powered by AgExpert, FCC supports on-farm innovation by helping producers test and refine new practices.

FCC has committed $2 billion by 2030 to advance ag and food innovation in Canada. Building on that commitment, FCC Capital is helping scale innovation across the entire value chain. The investment arm supports companies developing technologies and solutions that improve efficiency, productivity and sustainability, helping producers and processors adopt new tools, expand their operations and build a stronger, more competitive agriculture and food industry.

Other key report findings:

• Since peaking at two per cent in the 1990s and 2000s, annual productivity growth has steadily declined, reaching 1.3 per cent in the 2010s. It is projected to be under one per cent annually, a level reminiscent of the 1970s if current trends continue.
• Boosting productivity growth to peak levels seen in past decades could increase returns to farmers by $30 billion – $18.5 billion for crop producers and $11.5 billion for animal producers –significantly improving profitability across the sector.
• Every dollar invested in agricultural research and development yields an estimated long-term return of $10 to $20, highlighting the strong economic value of innovation.

Venture capital investment in ag tech businesses remains vital for driving innovation and supporting commercialization, yet it continues to lag in Canada. In 2024, U.S. firms captured $6.5 billion of these investments, representing 45 per cent of global deal values, while Canadian firms secured $276 million, or about 2 per cent, highlighting a major commercialization gap.

December 1, 2025 (Winnipeg, MB) — Richardson International Limited (“Richardson”) is pleased to announce the successful close of its acquisition of the pasta business of 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc. (“8th Avenue”), following regulatory and closing approvals. The acquisition was previously announced on August 29, 2025.

The transaction adds a durum mill and three pasta manufacturing facilities — located in Carrington, North Dakota (which combines durum milling and pasta production), New Hope, Minnesota, and Winchester, Virginia (both dedicated to pasta manufacturing) — along with the Ronzoni® brand. These operations complement the company’s existing vertically integrated network across Canada and the US.

The acquisition strengthens Richardson’s fully integrated model — from sourcing and milling durum wheat to producing semolina and finished pasta — and expands its presence across retail, private label, foodservice, and ingredient channels. The company will continue to pursue innovation and growth opportunities in the pasta market.

“This is a meaningful step in Richardson’s growth strategy. It aligns with our vision to deliver value-added food ingredients through a vertically integrated supply chain connecting farm to table across North America,” said Darwin Sobkow, President and CEO of Richardson International.

“We’ve strengthened our position in the durum value chain and extended our production reach, further enhancing our ability to serve customers across retail, industrial, and foodservice markets. We are committed to the long-term success of this business and will continue to invest in these facilities, the people, and the partnerships that drive sustained value.”

“We look forward to working with our new colleagues to take a collaborative approach to advancing quality and innovation in pasta manufacturing,” Sobkow added.

“As a family business with 168 years of history in agriculture and food, we’ve spent generations building a resilient and trusted supply chain,” said Thor Richardson, President, James Richardson & Sons, Limited, parent company to Richardson International. “This acquisition builds on that legacy, extending our ability to deliver quality food ingredients to customers across North America. We look forward to continuing to earn that trust as we welcome 8th Avenue employees and customers to Richardson.”

Richardson remains committed to operational excellence, with a continued focus on safety, reliability, and making a positive impact in the communities where it operates.

More than 500 employees from 8th Avenue will join Richardson’s US team, including operations personnel, while sales and commercial staff transition to the Richardson US Country Office in St. Louis, Missouri.

Regina, SK — [November 28, 2025] — The National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF) is proud to announce it has been selected as a key delivery partner under the new Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative (IPBI), receiving $2 million over three years to support capacity building, training, and mentorship across the Prairie bison sector.

Funded through the Strategic Partnership Initiative (SPI), the IPBI allows federal partners to work together to advance Indigenous-led economic development. The new investment in the NCIAF will help strengthen Prairie Indigenous communities’ participation in bison ranching by expanding access to land-based learning, business planning support, herd management training, and opportunities to connect with experts, lenders, and other Indigenous producers.

“The return of the buffalo is more than an agricultural opportunity—it is a healing opportunity. Indigenous Peoples have always held deep relationships with the buffalo as teachers, providers, and protectors. This initiative ensures that communities have the tools, knowledge, and partnerships needed to build sustainable bison herds for food sovereignty, cultural revitalization, and economic independence. The NCIAF is honoured to help lead this work alongside our federal partners and, most importantly, with the communities who have asked for this support.” — Kallie Wood, President and CEO, National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food

As a coordinating partner in the IPBI, the NCIAF will lead:
• Training and mentorship programs for emerging and existing bison producers;
• Business planning and feasibility supports tailored to community needs;
• Land-based learning opportunities for youth, Elders, and producers;
• Knowledge-sharing and networking activities, including support for a Prairie-wide Learning Herd Network;
• Connections to funding programs, financing pathways, and technical expertise to help communities build sustainable operations.

The Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative represents a growing partnership between Indigenous communities, federal departments, scientific partners, and conservation leaders. Over the next three years, this collaboration will help strengthen a culturally grounded bison economy across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

For Indigenous communities interested in participating or learning more about upcoming training and engagement sessions, please contact: IPBI@nciaf.ca