Multi-year recovery expected after cold snap severely injures Nova Scotia vineyards

A perfect storm of a mild winter then temperatures that plummeted to -25°C for a sustained eight hours in early February has dampened spirits for the Grape Growers Association of Nova Scotia (GGANS).

All varieties in Nova Scotia were affected. About 1,500 acres are under vine with 1,200 in production.

Steve Ells, GGANS president said that members are still assessing the vines, but they likely won’t understand the extent of damage until summer. Vinifera is predicted to be the most

Manitoba

significant loss at 90-100 per cent and hybrids have also taken a hit with some of the most hardy varieties predicted to suffer a 50 per cent loss based on early bud survey results.

“We’re very concerned about structural damage with trunks cracking from the cold,” he said, adding that if a vine’s trunk is cracked, not much can be done to save the plant.

“In that case it would be a pull out and replant situation … We could be seeing a three-year rebuilding situation before we see really any significant amount of vinifera (grapes) back,” Ells said. Only about 10 per cent of the GGANS members carry crop insurance.

“It’s early days yet, however, our MP Kody Blois is encouraging an application to AgriRisk, a disaster relief program administered through the federal government,” says Ells.

As they always have, local wineries will need to reassess production decisions, including those around the Tidal Bay brand. However, it’s too soon to know what that plan will look like.

U of Manitoba to establish research chair in potato sustainability

Industry stakeholders have been working with the Faculty of Agricultural & Food Sciences to create this new position at the University of Manitoba.

Dr. Tracy Shinners-Carnelley reported to attendees at the Manitoba Potato Production Days that this is an opportunity for the potato industry to partner with the University of Manitoba.

“Our vision is to be a world leader in cutting-edge potato research, education and extension to support a thriving and resilient potato industry in Manitoba and beyond,” said Shinners-Carnelley.

The benefits of such an undertaking are multifold. First, it’s an opportunity to leverage funding from a wider variety of sources. Secondly, more training and capacity-building opportunities will be created for students. And lastly, the industry will be positioned to respond to sustainability challenges such as: soil productivity, fertility and health; irrigation and water management; disease and pest management; variety evaluation; storage.

The goal is to raise $1.5 million to establish the position.

“So far, we have donations committed from 12 different funders representing all aspects of the industry,” reported ShinnersCarnelley.

Donations can be made on a one-time basis or spread over the five-year term of the chair. For more details, go to: https://give.umanitoba.ca/PotatoChair