The Grower Newspaper May 2012

MAY 2012

CELEBRATING 132 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION

VOLUME 62 NUMBER 05

The winds of climate change challenge growers With norms uprooted, the grape industry seeks stabililty in local data KAREN DAVIDSON What many oenophiles may not know is that this year’s vintage started in March. Under wind machines. At dawn break.

That’s when Glen Koop, and other Ontario grape growers, were monitoring unseasonable temperatures and the abnormally rapid deacclimatization of grapes.

Many wine grapevines are susceptible to winter injury beginning around -18° C in winter months but they become more tender as they come out of dormancy. Activated by warm temperatures, the grapevine gradually starts to form new shoots for the next growing season.

Cold spring temperatures can freeze the susceptible buds and vascular tissue, snarling nutrient traffic.

“There is no such thing as a normal year,” says Koop, who’s been recording temperatures in his St. Catharines vineyards for 27 years.

“There are certain markers in a growing season and they can be off by two weeks.”

Koop has a lot at stake. With 225 acres of vinifera and French hybrid grapes contracted to Peller Estates and Vincor, he’s anxious to preserve his vines through the extremes of winter as well as the sudden spikes of spring temperatures. Understanding the acclimatizing and deacclimatizing of vines has become crucial for viticulture. And while many grape

INSIDE Update on soil fumigants

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Heritage crops are hopping new

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Focus: Irrigation

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www.thegrower.org P.M. 40012319

Ontario grape growers have put a stake in the ground to combat climate change. With funding from the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), they are monitoring temperatures and vines to prevent winter injury. CCOVI’s viticulturist Jim Willwerth (R) and his team post regional temperatures at the VineAlert website for all of Ontario’s grape-growing areas. He provides counsel on critical growth stages as the vines have deacclimated much faster than usual this spring. That’s comfort to St. Catharines, Ontario farmer Glen Koop who has spent many sleepless nights supervising his wind machines. Photos by Denis Cahill. growers have invested in wind machines to moderate temperatures, at a cost of $50 per hour for each propane-powered mill, the decision to flip the switch must be more than intuitive. With temperature variances within his own farm, Koop must decide which of 17 machines to activate and when.

The science behind making these decisions is getting better, thanks to VineAlert, a pioneering program developed and operated by the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI). Funded by a triumvirate of sources – federally by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, provincially by Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation and by industry’s Grape Growers of Ontario and Ontario Grape and Wine Research Inc. -- the grape industry is testing vine hardiness on a regional and varietal basis.

And it’s being done not just in the Niagara Peninsula but in the Prince Edward County and Lake

Erie North Shore viticultural areas.

Overall, $2.86 million has been awarded to CCOVI to address climate change issues in the Ontario grape and wine industry. It’s designed to diversify and sustain the sector at least 30 years into the future.

“This is a proactive approach to assist the industry now due to erratic weather events and to plan for the future climate,” says Debbie Inglis, CCOVI director.

“It could help identify new regions for grape production, match varietals to location based on that future climate and expand new wine styles for the region such as appassimento or sparkling wines.”

In recent years, Ontario has experienced extreme temperature highs during the growing season as well as extreme cold events during the winter, coupled with either lack of rain or excessive rain in different years. Warmer than normal winters, mixed with

cold events within seasons all threaten vine survival. Together, these extremes can compromise vine health and fruit quality if not managed properly.

“The spring of 2012 has been very dynamic,” according to Jim Willwerth, CCOVI viticulturist.

“Those spikes of warm temperatures in March really kick started the deacclimation process in the vine putting us approximately three to four weeks ahead of schedule. This rapid deacclimation means the buds are less hardy and the phloem, which lies just below the bark, is also cold susceptible. That means we have to monitor frost events very closely right now to avoid the impact of damaging temperatures.”

Willwerth and fellow CCOVI professional affiliate Kevin Ker along with their teams post new data regularly to VineAlert so that growers can decide the most favourable time to turn on wind machines. In this year, for some,

that was as early as March – one month ahead of normal for frost protection.

The VineAlert program, now subscribed by close to 200 growers, channels data from 30 Weather INnovation Inc. stations across Ontario. Bud hardiness data is sorted through drill-down menus based on variety and location. Daily minimum temperatures are also posted so growers can monitor potential damaging cold events.

Bud survival data following cold events can also be found through VineAlert as well as resources to other cold hardiness information.

But there’s more that can be done to salve weather’s sting.

Inglis is determined to take advantage of cool, less optimal years when grapes don’t fully ripen. Wine styles that require high acidity, for example, can be further developed, such as sparkling wines.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

PAGE 2 –– MAY 2012 THE GROWER

AT PRESS TIME… Long distance rewards If anyone deserves a healthy retirement, it’s Len Troup. He’s just passed the baton of chair of the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers to Phil Tregunno after 17 years in that role. The Jordan Station grower was first elected to the board in 1975.

dated at other centres, but there’s no word on the transition plan or how many employees will be affected.

In other news, the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP) will expire in March 2014, with no role for regional councils in delivery of future federally funded programs. In a letter to stakeholders, Ontario’s AAC chair, John Kikkert, emphasized

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“This initiative is very important for the vegetable and fruit growers in Manitoba,” says Kelly Beaulieu, vice-president.

“AAFC’s investment will enable value-added agribusiness to create jobs and improved sales for local growers. The vegetables and fruit produced in Manitoba are of premium quality and the puree format we developed is a superior method for providing global export opportunity.”

This is good news for local producers who will have another market for harvested crops that might not meet specifications for size and shape for direct sale.

Robot farmers to launch at Tech XChange

For his many years of industry service and sage advice, Len Troup recently received the 2012 Award of Merit from the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers Board. Photo by Denis Cahill.

As a grower of peaches, pears, nectarines, sweet and sour cherries, plums and apricots at Lakelee Orchards, he was well qualified to sit as a member of the Niagara Agricultural Task Force advising on land use issues. Not too long ago, 2005 and 2006, he served as chair of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. As part of that industry position, he was a director to the Canadian Horticultural Council. Provincially, he’s been the horticultural voice at the Presidents Council. As he slows the pace, he’s agreed to sit on the board of the Agricultural Adaptation Council.

In 2010, Troup gave an interview to The Grower which summarized his philosophy: “Leadership is about seeing that things get done. It’s not about doing it yourself.”

Federal cuts announced The 150-acre Delhi Research Station is scheduled to close at the end of 2012, a victim of federal budget cuts. Once a leader in tobacco research in Ontario’s Norfolk County, it more recently tested ginseng, sweet potatoes, garlic and other crops suited to the sand plains. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) says that the research will be consoli-

that all current projects, timelines and funding allocations remain unchanged. And all proposals currently pending board review will go forward as scheduled.

However, all projects must be completed by October 2013.

“The decision to abandon regional council delivery of future federal funding is disappointing news to the agriculture and agrifood industry,” says Kikkert. He pointed to the success of the program to respond quickly and efficiently to regional needs and priorities. Since inception, $140 million or $7 million per year has been awarded to the province to improve competitiveness.

Vegetable puree plant gets a carrot Canadian Prairie Garden Puree Products Inc. will boost production of high-quality purees, thanks to a $2.5 million federal investment. The repayable contribution, under the Agricultural Innovation Program, will help ramp up to commercial-scale production.

Based in Portage La Prairie, the company will process vegetable purees using a new technology that uses rapid steam-infusion cooking to retain colour, texture, flavour and nutritional quality of the products. Quality purees are ideal for making soup and

Iowa-based engineer, David Dorhout is on the cusp of introducing robotic farmers, not to replace farmers, but to free them for other strategic work. “ I think robotic support will become mainstream, starting in the high value horticulture sector,” says Dorhout. That’s why he’s about to launch his technology at Canada’s Fruit & Veg Tech X-Change on July 12 – 14, St. Williams, Ontario.

The robotic farmer named Prospero is a spider-like robot, a working prototype of an Autonomous Micro Planter that combines swarm and game theory. It is meant to be deployed as a swarm.

“Prospero will eventually

At the 87th annual convention and trade show of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), Jim DiMenna, JemD Farms, Leamington, Ontario was elected as its new chair.

In the CPMA’s annual awards program, The Produce News Fresh Health Award went to the Timiskaming Health Unit located in New Liskeard, Ontario. It was recognized for Jim DiMenna its Creating Healthy School Nutrition Environment in School Communities Program. The CPMA’s Freggie Friday program is an integral part of the community outreach.

Anthony Bisogno, a young professional with the Burnac Produce Group, was honoured with the Mary Fitzgerald Award. He was a participant in the 2011 Passion for Produce mentoring program.

The Packer’s Canadian Produce Person of the Year is Bernadatte Hamel, vice-president, national procurement, produce for Metro Inc. She’s an active member of the industry and plays a role on the CPMA executive team.

The CPMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed on Glenn Baty. In his career, he’s worked at Scott National and performed a founding role in the Fruits and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation. His widespread industry service has also included chairing the CPMA’s member services committee.

Ontario Tender Fruit Producers have elected Phil Tregunno, Niagara-on-the-Lake as the new chair, replacing Len Troup who has provided leadership for 17 years. Other board members are: John Thwaites, vice-chair; Fred Meyers, Jamie Warner, David Hipple, Leo DeVries, Rusty Smith, Ken Porteous and Jim Juras.

The Grape Growers of Ontario have elected their 2012 board including Bill George, chair and Matthias Oppenlaender, vicechair. Directors include: Kevin Watson, Bill Schenck, Jim Morrison, Debra Marshall, Steve Pohorly, Bill Jansenberger, Trevor Falk and Brock Piddicombe.

Henk Tepper, the Drummond, New Brunswick potato farmer who was jailed in Lebanon, for allegedly selling bad potatoes to Algeria, is safe home in Canada. His case has garnered national headlines for the Byzantine politics of the Middle East and domestic diplomacy.

Mark Wales, Alymer, Ontario was acclaimed president of the Garlic Growers of Ontario at its recent annual general meeting.

Wales is also president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.

The newly formed Ontario Hop Growers’ Association has elected Nicholas Schaut as president and Hugh Brown as vice-president.

Directors include: Melanie Doerksen, Dai Matthews and Shane Eby.

have the ability to plant, tend and harvest – autonomously transitioning from one phase to another,” says Dorhout.

Another robot named “Aquarius” is designed to aid greenhouse operators with dispensing water and other nutrients to plants. It will be ready for preorder at the event.

United Fresh named 25 honorees in retail produce manager awards, including one Canadian. He is Ross Corbin Conrad, Colemans Food Centres, Corner Brook, Newfoundland. The award pays special recognition to those on the frontline in supermarkets everyday to increase sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Farm Credit Corporation annually recognizes outstanding Canadian women for their leadership and commitment to the agriculture and agri-food industry. One of the five winners of the FCC Rosemary Davis Award is Judy Shaw, well-known to horticulture through her work as corporate and government affairs, Syngenta Canada. The honour is timely as Shaw is retiring this spring.

The Oppenheimer Group has promoted one of its own to lead its Calgary, Alberta sales team. Steve Young, who has been with Oppenheimer since 2008, has been promoted to sales manager of the full-service produce marketer’s Calgary office, effective April 1. His focus will be on customers in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with a goal of expanding distribution further east.

MAY 2012 –– PAGE 3 THE GROWER

The winds of climate change challenge growers

Too warm in spring, too cold in winter or too rainy in summer -- all extremes threaten grape vines and the harvest. Photos by Denis Cahill.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Perhaps fruit can be ripened off-vine to produce appassimento wines with a unique Ontario identity.

Technology from other industries, such as kilns and greenhouses, can be repurposed for drying. And lastly, Inglis wants to reduce climate-induced, green characteristics in wine – under-ripe grapes or ladybug taint -- using their patent-pending technology.

Tools for the future will include regional climate models that use historical temperature and precipitation data coupled to vineyard simulation models. These simulations will include number of frost-free days, days above

30° C, precipitation, damaging minimum temperatures and number of cold events. Taken together, they will predict grapevine development such as impact on budburst, veraison, harvest and dormancy. This type of modeling will provide ranges of probable future climate 30 years from now, enabling growers to adapt suitable vineyard management practices and grape varieties to projected changes in regional climates.

“We feel it’s of greatest value to focus on the regional scale for more realistic scenarios of climate change to our agricultural sector rather than applying a broader model,” Inglis explains.

These adaptive strategies will enable growers to plant

grape varieties suited for their specific environments. Add to the mix viticultural practices such as geotextiles and wind machines for cold protection, and growers see practical ways to manage change. They may even make it possible for new wine regions such as Ontario’s South Coast region near Simcoe to be developed using these tools. With just under 125 acres, it’s close to qualifying for an Ontario viticultural appellation.

Ontario’s grape growers or those anywhere else in Canada are not alone in facing climatic challenges. Other wine regions in Australia, Bordeaux and Burgundy are struggling with the same issues. However, it would seem that a global phenomenon can be mitigated by local data.

OUTREACH

Grape industry lobbies for more transition time In its rear-view mirror, the Grape Growers of Ontario (GGO) is savouring an almost record harvest of 65,000 tonnes in 2011.

But it’s not too soon to look through the front windshield to 2014. That’s when the minimum standard of domestic grape requirements at 40 per cent of winery purchases and 25 per cent in the bottle is set to expire.

“When the provincial government introduced new policy and regulations for the Ontario grape and wine industry in 2009, it also introduced more stability to an important economic driver in the province,” says Debbie Zimmerman, Chief Executive Officer, GGO. “Good government policy works, and is welcome in times of austerity when it has minimal impact on the bottom line. The government’s policy directive is a self-supporting initiative that has made Ontario’s grape and wine industry stronger.”

At a recent conference,

Thomas Homer-Dixon from the Balsillie School of International Affairs noted that the Ontario grape and wine industry contributes $10,000 to the provincial economy for every tonne of grapes grown and sold.

In comparison, a tonne of oil produced from the oil sands contributes only $700 to the Canadian economy.

“We live in an Ontario where imported wines still dominate our market, commanding threequarters of the market share in the LCBO, yet each litre of imported wine contributes less than a loonie of added value to the economy,” says Bill George, GGO chair. “We need the province to maintain its content regulations in Ontario wines until we have realized sufficient growth in VQA wines to sustain the industry.”

Zimmerman argues that there has been solid growth in the Ontario grape and wine industry.

One area that’s set to come on

Debbie Zimmerman, CEO, Grape Growers of Ontario, reports that 2011 was one of the largest vintages ever with 64,495 tonnes harvested for a farmgate value of $78.7 million. At a recent breakfast meeting with many provincial and municipal leaders in attendance, Bill George Jr. (left) chair, said the industry still needs time to transition to compete with imports. Photo courtesy Grape Growers of Ontario.

stream is the South Coast Wineries and Growers’ Association with 10 wineries and 10 growing opperations. Some of the new names include Burning Kiln Winery, Blueberry Hill Estate Winery and Quai du Vin. The region’s growers are on the doorstep of qualifying as a new viticultural area in Ontario, with almost the requisite number of 125 acres.

The changes of 2009 have allowed these new pioneers to emerge. But to thrive, content regulation needs to be maintained to allow the industry to continue to be a significant contributor to the Ontario economy.

“We can see that this good government policy is working,” says Zimmerman.

“We need more time to fully realize its benefits.”

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REGULATION

Refresher on passenger vans and employee transport Given the attention focussed on large passenger vehicles in the recent past, it seems timely for a brief refresher on the relevant requirements for operators of such vehicles. Chapter H.8 of the Highway Traffic Act defines a “bus” as "a motor vehicle designed for carrying ten or more passengers and used for the transportation of persons." This would include all vehicles capable of carrying 10 passengers plus the driver (11 occupants total)-including all 12 to 15 passenger vans--no matter how many passengers are actually being carried at the time.

Commercial Vehicles Buses used for commercial purposes in Ontario, including 1015 passenger vans, have specific requirements under section 16 of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).

In the Act, this would appear to mean that any vehicle registered to the farm business would require the farm to have a CVOR

certificate as well as follow all other commercial requirements, such as a mechanical inspection every six months, daily driving log books, and daily trip inspections. One important exemption to this would be a leased vehicle, where any vehicle leased by an individual for less than a month and used for "the transportation of goods kept for that individual’s personal use or the gratuitous carriage of passengers" is not considered a commercial vehicle. It would still be subject to the drivers' license requirements, however.

Regulation 555/06 states that the requirement for daily log books is removed for drivers who do not leave "a radius of 160 kilometres of the location at which the driver starts the day" and "returns at the end of the day to the same location from which he or she started." If the driver is not required to keep a daily log, "the operator shall keep a record for the day showing [...] the date, driver's name, and location at which the driver starts and ends the day,

the cycle the driver is following, the hour at which each duty status starts and ends and the total number of hours spent in each duty status, and the number of hours of on-duty time and the number of hours of off-duty time that the driver accumulated each day during the previous 14 days immediately before the start of the day, for which the driver was exempt from the daily log regulation."

Growers should contact the Ministry directly for a listing of all the activities necessary to remain in compliance with MTO's commercial vehicle requirements.

Licensing Vehicle licensing is contained within regulation 340/94 of the Highway Traffic Act. With regards to buses, Section 12 states that a Class F license is required for "any bus having a designed seating capacity for not more than 24 passengers."

While this regulation makes special allowances for farmers with regards to "D" licensed vehi-

N IO T C A F O E D O M NEW CITED IN APHID DEATHS.

www.uap.ca Western Canada: Ontario & Maritimes: Quebec: British Columbia:

cles (i.e. trucks with a gross weight exceeding 11,000 kg) where they require only a "G" license, there does not appear to be any such allowance for "F" (bus) licensed vehicles.

Personal Use There are two "personal use" exemptions to the licensing and commercial vehicle rules outlined above.

First, section 2.(5) of Ontario Regulation 340/94 states "A Class F motor vehicle [...] with a designed seating capacity for not more than 11 passengers that is used for personal purposes without compensation shall be deemed to be a Class G motor vehicle."

Secondly, Section 16 of the Highway Traffic Act states that a "commercial motor vehicle" does not include "a bus that is used for personal purposes without compensation." Compensation, as defined in that specific section, means "any rate, remuneration, reimbursement or reward of any

kind paid, payable or promised, or received or demanded, directly or indirectly", which would apply to any paid farm employee, and possibly even the farm owner if used for farm business. It is unclear what precisely would constitute "compensation" as it applies to farm employees, and farm operators are advised to contact MTO and/or their lawyer to determine if and how this section would apply to them.

Insurance Insurance companies appear to have varying interpretations of what they consider to be acceptable use of a large passenger vehicle under certain insurance policies. It is highly recommend that each grower operating a large van for their workers contact their insurance company to inform them of what they are using the vehicle for and to determine the precise level of coverage they are currently insured for in the event of an incident.

What’s at core of Canada’s next Agricultural Policy Framework With record high farm incomes and a positive economic outlook for the Canadian agriculture industry as a backdrop, Agriculture Ministers met in Gatineau, Quebec in late April and launched the final stage of negotiations of the next agriculture policy framework for the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector. Ministers agreed that the new framework will focus on investments in innovation, competitiveness, market opportunities, adaptability and sustainability. Ministers aim to sign the agreement at their next annual meeting in September and to have the new framework in place by April 2013.

“Just as farmers constantly adjust their farm practices to suit changing market or weather conditions, so too must governments review and adapt programs so they continue to support the evolving needs of the agriculture industry,” said federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.

“By focusing on innovation, market development and the long-term prosperity of the farm gate, federal, provincial and territorial governments will be able to help farmers capitalize on new innovations, emerging market opportunities, and increasing global demand for safe, high quality food.”

Ministers called for stronger government-industry partnership to foster a culture of innovation and to ensure investments and priorities are aligned with the needs of the sector. Ministers also discussed the need to continue to engage the entire value chain including the food processing industry.

FPT governments will continue to work closely with industry to create new market opportunities through science, market access, and food safety. Governments will strengthen their efforts to create and maximize opportunities for Canadian farmers, producers and processors to sell their safe, quality products to consumers here at home and around the world. Ministers also reiterated their support for advancing Canada's trade interests in free trade negotiations to benefit Canada's agricultural and agri-food sector, while maintaining support for Canada’s supply management system.

The next annual meeting will be held September 12-14, 2012, in Whitehorse, Yukon.

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MAY 2012 –– PAGE 5 THE GROWER

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PAGE 6 –– MAY 2012 THE GROWER

New products drive new business KAREN DAVIDSON Calgary, AB – Build it and they will come. That’s what happened when Calgary hosted the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) Annual Convention and Trade Show April 11 – 13. The marketing opportunity was seized by 230 companies active in the fresh fruit and vegetable market in Canada. In fact, it was CPMA’s second largest trade show floor to date with 416 (10 ft x 10 ft) exhibit spaces.

For B.C.-based Fresh Direct Produce, the Calgary

venue was opportune to underscore its new Calgary-based depot and expansion plans to further support prairie-based customers.

“Now the objective is to follow up on the interest generated for our new ‘Simply Asian’ line of veggie kits with this excellent exposure with new and existing customers and suppliers,” says Albert Lum, director sales.

“Really the work has just started.”

The dynamic mix of exhibitors attracted major retailers such as Costco, Loblaw, Metro, Safeway, Sobeys, Sysco, Walmart as well as local and regional retailers. The event

is held in a cyclical fashion, visiting the same four cities – Montreal, Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver – across Canada every four years. Plans are already underway for next year’s show in Toronto, Ontario, April 17 – 19, 2013.

At the close of this year’s event, CPMA revealed its new visual brand identity, reflecting the association’s commitment to its members. Shown at the top of this page, the new logo promotes healthy, fresh fruit and vegetable consumption to the public. The new tag line is: We bring something better to the table!

Here are some of the trade show trends.

GREENHOUSE

BEVERAGES

MEXICO

TECHNOLOGY

This burgeoning category was represented by many exhibitors from the Netherlands, the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Alberta’s Red Hat Cooperative put its 100 acres on the map with a display of tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, highlighting its prowess on local turf. Also from western Canada was Windset Farms, shown in this photo. Their gourmet offerings are extended with eggplant, and during holidays seasons, with Belgian endive.

Innovative companies have read the memo about the younger generations loving their liquid fuel. Whether it’s smoothies, ciders or antioxidant-laced teas, the trend is towards using healthy vegetables and fruits in beverages. Carrots, blueberries, strawberries, apples, pomegranate, acai, and other more exotic ingredients were some examples that surfaced in the complimentary tastings. Arthur’s smoothies are one example of this trend.

If you can eat it, Mexico can grow it. From citrus to greenhouse vegetables to berries to salad greens, Mexican marketers were anxious to talk about food safety programs and quality improvements. Impressive in size and scope, this exhibit won second place for best booth.

A new labeling machine from Edmontonbased Jet Label was an example of technology that’s useful in small and mid-sized packing situations. Just plug in to an outlet and go.

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Manitoba’s Peak of the Market went to new heights in building a mountain of vegetable produce, capped by a snow peak of cauliflower.

Their whimsy was captured in a climber made of zucchini and squash.

For their efforts, Larry McIntosh’s team, representing 70 farm families, received the show’s award for best booth.

MAY 2012 –– PAGE 7 THE GROWER

Member of “steak and potatoes” team sticks to her role Prince Edward Island native Heather Moyse has returned to her roots. The Summerside native and Olympic Gold Medalist in women’s bobsleigh feels totally comfortable hefting a bag of potatoes, almost the same weight as her medal. Yes, it’s surprisingly heavy!

Thanks to sponsorship from the Prince Edward Island Potato Board, Moyse is making media and event appearances, including the Canadian Produce Marketing Association trade show. As a brand ambassador, she’s a good fit, promoting the spuds that she grew up on and talking about her favourite recipe of garlic mashed potatoes. Just as importantly, she

can attest to the nutrition that a medium-sized potato offers at 100 calories, packed with more potassium than a banana.

Moyse is unusual in that she’s competed in several sports at an elite level. Besides bobsleigh, she’s played women’s rugby at a national level and she’s now pursuing velodrome cycling in Los Angeles and Denver venues.

Sports commentators know her winning smile and have their own fun with nicknames. Her women’s partner in two-man bobsleigh, Kaillee Humphries hails from Calgary, so they have been known as the “steak and

potatoes” team.

“Heather personifies a lot of the attributes of P.E.I. potato growers,” says Kendra Mills, marketing director for the potato board. “She’s local but international. She’s passionate and humble at the same time. The growers are very proud to be supporting her athletic pursuits.”

The campaign is now rolling out in earnest with Moyse’s photo on bags of PEI potatoes, on recipe cards and in social media. On Twitter, follow @heathermoyse or @peipotatoes.

Border security From the perspective of the Canadian Border Security Agency (CBSA), produce is a high risk. In 2011/2012 alone, the agency has seized illegal drugs and contraband worth $26.5 million at border crossings.

A large percentage (43%) or $11.5 million was packed among produce as diverse as green beans, red peppers and lettuce.

“Risk assessment is a big issue for us,” says Loretta Flood, CBSA, and a speaker at the recent CPMA conference. She explained that an eManifest system will be rolled out in the next three years to help combat illegal activity. This eManifest will require data on the driver, conveyance and cargo prior to arrival at the border to allow a complete risk assessment for the entire trip.

Flood encourages the reporting of damaged, spoiled or destroyed loads so that authorities can track questionable activity. Mexico is the gateway from South America for drugs, so any produce that emanates from that source becomes higher risk.

Last September, the CBSA and Canadian Produce Marketing Association held a joint tour to discuss security issues. As a result, the Produce Examination Working Group is now preparing an awareness document for the industry.

In the interim, here’s some practical advice.

• Have all required documents prior to arrival at the border • Know your suppliers and clients • Know your transport companies

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PAGE 8 –– MAY 2012 THE GROWER

ONTARIO MUCK VEGETABLE GROWERS CONFERENCE

Nematicide lessons from California KAREN DAVIDSON In the U.S., 80 per cent of the carrots are grown in California.

And while that statistic may not be useful in an everyday sense, it’s important in terms of the lessons about treating a North American pest: root knot nematode (RKN).

The number one pest of carrots, RKN causes galling, forking or stubbing of carrot roots. As any grower will attest, carrots cannot tolerate any nematode injury or else the market prospects are nil. Roots must be smooth and straight.

With so many acres planted to carrots, the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) has indepth knowledge of a crop that’s worth millions to the economy. Joe Nunez, UCCE farm advisor in Kern County, recently shared his nematicide research at the Ontario Muck Conference. His findings are particularly timely because Telone can no longer be used in Canada. And while soil fumigants such as Telone are still routinely used in California, nematicides as a whole are under increasing scrutiny says Nunez.

In the various California valleys – Salinas, southern San Jose, Cuvama, Antelope, Imperial and Coachella -- root knot nematode is managed through three-to-five year rotations, often with other RKN host crops. Each field is routinely soil sampled before planting to determine nematode levels. Metam sodium is the preferred treatment but Telone is employed when RKN populations are high.

What qualifies as a high density? “That all depends on the lab that runs the sample,� says Nunez.

"Growers must use one lab and stick with that lab because different labs get different ranges of what’s high and what is low.

So a high number for one lab may

be low for another lab."

The California Fresh Carrot Advisory Board has plowed millions of dollars of research into soil fumigants, realizing that this class of chemicals might not always be available. Originally set up in 1986 to resolve cavity spot disease in carrots, the group is now a major sponsor of nematology projects. This research has taken several directions including nematode resistance breeding, seed treatments and crop rotations/ biofumigants.

Nunez’s specific niche is research into biological and botanical products. Since 2008, he has investigated managing RKN using both biofumigants and a nematicidal seed treatment that Syngenta has used successfully in cotton. Used in minute amounts at a rate of 0.15 to 0.3 mg/seed, an abamectin treatment has proved useful in increasing per cent marketability from 32 to 45 per cent. Abamectins are naturally fermented from the soil bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis.

Cruciferous cover crops did not achieve sufficient nematode control or protect carrots from nematode damage. Pre-plant incorporation of mustard meal was generally as effective as Basamid, a granular soil fumigant, in reducing nematode damage to carrots. Together, Basamid and mustard meal helped growers achieve 75 per cent marketability of the crop.

Example of seed-coating effect in broccoli cover crop.

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of the carrots are grown in California.

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MAY 2012 –– PAGE 9 THE GROWER

ONTARIO MUCK VEGETABLE GROWERS CONFERENCE

How to fill the hole in nematode control FUMIGANTS WITH NEMATICIDAL ACTIVITY REGISTERED FOR CARROTS

KAREN DAVIDSON This spring will not be easy for growers of root crops without the usual arsenal of nematode control products.

While new nematicidal products are on the market, none are registered for carrots and little, if any, trial data are available on Ontario muck soils warns Marion Paibomesai, OMAFRA’s vegetable specialist.

“Soil sample to determine the type and population of nematode before planting,” she says. Populations are generally higher in May/June and again in September/October.

There is zero tolerance for root knot nematode and 1000/kg soil for root lesion nematode which can create entry points for secondary pathogens such as pythium and rhizoctonia.

“Determine what nematodes you have because up-andcoming products may have a narrower pest spectrum,” says Paibomesai.

Currently, there is a joint IR-4 project with the U.S. for MCW-2, a new Mahkteshim product, with activity on a variety of nematode species. From data generated in California on carrots, MCW-2 looks promising as a control for nematodes.

Also, at the 2012 National Minor Use Priority Setting Workshop, nematode control topped the list of priorities in late March. Dazitol, a product of Champon Millennium Chemicals represented by Engage Agro, was chosen as a top priority for research in carrots. Registered in the U.S. as a pre-plant liquid soil treatment, its activity is due to essential oil of mustard plus oleoresin of capsaicin.

Unfortunately, there is no pre-existing carrot data in Canada for this product. Work is underway to determine data requirements for a Canadian registration.

For both of these new products, regulatory decisions would not be expected until 2016 at the earliest.

Here’s a chart that outlines current products and what performance to expect, as well as some highlights for new products in the pipeline. For registered products, refer to complete labels for directions of use and specific guidelines for applications.

Active Ingredient

Trade Name

Labelled Uses

Comments

Chloropicrin

Chloropicrin 100 Pic Plus On Crop Group 1, including carrots for early season control of soil-borne pests including root knot nematode, root lesion and diseases (i.e. Fusarium, Pythium)

• Pre-plant fumigant • Considered to be an excellent fungicide with moderate nematicide activity • Effectiveness depends on soil conditions (i.e. moisture, temperature, texture) and pest levels • Little current experience/data on Ontario muck soils

Metam sodium

Busan 1236 Vapam HL

• Pre-plant fumigant • Reports of ‘variable results by year and location’ • Effectiveness depends on weather, application and soil conditions (i.e. moisture, temperature, texture) • Limited current experience/data on Ontario muck soil

General label for ornamental, food and fibre crops for control of soil-borne pests including nematodes and soil-borne diseases (i.e.

Rhizoctonia, Pythium, Sclerotinia)

POTENTIAL NEMATICIDES NOT REGISTERED FOR CARROTS Oriental mustard seed meal

MustGro

In Canada, on raspberries and strawberries for suppression of root lesion nematode and various diseases (not carrots!)

• Pre-plant application

Fluensulfone

MCW-2

Not yet registered in North • Pre-plant non-fumigant America on any crops.

• Current joint IR-4 project with U.S. ongoing Activity on various nematode species identified.

Essential oil of mustard + oleoresin of capsaicin

Dazitol

Not yet registered in Canada • Soil treatment on any crops. Labelled in • 2012 Canadian National Minor Use top priority U.S. on various horticulture project crops including root and tuber vegetables for various nematode species (i.e. root knot nematode, root lesion) and diseases (i.e. Fusarium, Pythium, Rhizoctonia).

Forecasting sclerotinia rot Every year, forecasting of sclerotinia rot in carrots gets better. Monica Parker, PhD student at the University of Guelph’s Plant Agriculture department, concludes that using spore traps offers the best detection of disease. And that helps growers quantify and predict risk.

The best outcome is to optimize timing of management practices, specifically trimming of the canopy and using fungicides.

In 2011, two detection methods were used in trials in Ontario’s Holland Marsh. The blue-plate test, while standard, takes three days for results. The Burkhard trap uses PCR-DNA technology, and while more expensive, requires only six hours for results. Depending on resources and urgency, growers can decide the best tool to use.

Trial results showed that mechanical trimming and fungicides, together, work best.

Parker illustrated that best results are with trimming and Lance (Allegro, a.i. fluazinam), followed

by Lance alone, then trimming and Elexa-4 (active ingredient chitosan) and then Elexa-4 alone.

The trial carrots were trimmed on August 12, 2011 when the canopy closed and when greater than five spores were detected in the sample.

To conclude, before control measures are undertaken, use

spore traps to evaluate the disease risk. Results from spore trapping

are circulated on the Muck Crops Research Station Agriphone, the

biweekly IPM information line.

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Roger/Tom Congdon Sun Parlor Honey Ltd. Cottam 519-839-4000

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PAGE 10 –– MAY 2012 THE GROWER

Ingenuity is far from dead

MAC JAMES CHAIR, OFVGA

An interesting discussion took place in my driveway last week.

A young man came in looking for information as to where he could purchase some plants for a garden. As it turned out, he is involved with the community gardening program in the city of Windsor; his enthusiasm to get his hands dirty was enlightening but his knowledge of agriculture was very primitive.

Further into the conversation, he outlined that he had made deals with several neighbours to mow their front lawns if he could

use their back yards to grow food for himself.

Ingenuity or innovation or whatever you want to call it is far from dead; when these same ideas are moved to large scale we have modern agriculture. So do we keep on trying to become more efficient so that we can produce food for less or are there other directions we should be going? Human nature seems to be that if you want something bad enough, price is not a major influence ; maybe there is a lesson here for us.

Over the last several months whether it is the political climate or the budget cuts that are announced, there seems to be a little more interest in agriculture at the present time. The OFVGA board and staff are trying to take advantage of any opportunities that may arise from this current atmosphere but any support that you, as individual producers, can add through contact with all levels of government can further advance our efforts.

And they call this efficiency!

ART SMITH CEO, OFVGA In the recent federal budget, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty talked about fiscal responsibility being the order of the day and that unfortunately there would have to be some necessary cut backs. Now I have never complained about fiscal responsibility -- in fact it is something I strongly believe in. It is what happened afterward that rattled my cage.

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz recently announced the closure of all regional Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP) offices across the coun-

try including the Agricultural Adaptation Council (ACC) office in Guelph as of March, 2014. He went on to state that all program administration will be done in a central office in Ottawa.

For those who do not know, AAC is the organization that delivers CAPP funding. Each region is allocated so many dollars a year and for Ontario that amounts to about seven million dollars. Farm sector groups such as marketing boards, the OFVGA and others rely heavily upon these funds.

One of the unknowns at this time is whether or not regional allotments will continue or will there be one pot of funds that may not get delivered equitably across the country. Hmm? As I understand it, the reason given was to create efficiencies which, by coincidence, was the very reason that regional offices were created in the first place.

We have been very fortunate to have AAC here in Ontario. They have done a remarkable job and they continue to administer these CAPP funds(about 70 per cent of their business) at a fraction of the

cost that I am sure we will see from the central office when they take over in 2014. Currently AAC charges 10 per cent for administration. By way of example, the University of Guelph charges 25 per cent and other universities even higher. So as you can see I’m just a bit skeptical that a central office in Ottawa can do it for less or even the similar amount to the 10 per cent and that means less going to the CAAP programs for which the money is intended and probably much more for administration.

Then there is the issue of time efficiency and currently AAC is very quick in the turn-around time for project approval and signing; in fact they usually accept, review, communicate the decisions of the Board and forward a contract for signature within about three weeks and then another 15 days to receive any claim submissions and pay those claims. Compare that to the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Service Standards which are about 165 days! Hmm? Is that efficient?

And it goes beyond that. The

service AAC provides is great. In a recent survey commissioned by AAC 98 per cent of the respondents was pleased or very pleased with the service provided by AAC. It is run by an elected board of directors from Ontario’s agri-business sector. These people know Ontario agriculture and its needs. It is not political and is not there to service political whims.

This is very difficult to do if you work in the civil service; ever heard the term our “political masters”? The board judges applications based on merit and effectiveness, again something difficult to do if you have to answer to political masters.

So you can see that I am very disappointed with this move and I think it’s more about job cutting and politics than it is about efficiencies. I think this is a giant step backward and possibly the beginning of the end of CAAP. I know that all provinces are not happy with their delivery agents and maybe this will fix that, but AAC and more specifically those who work for them as well as the board have done a great job. The staff at AAC are

most knowledgeable and very, very helpful; this is something we will lose with this shift to a central office serving all of Canada.

When it comes to delivering Business Risk Management (BRM) programs , some provinces use the federal government to deliver. We use Agricorp. It would seem to me that if we can have an optional system for safety net delivery then we should be able to do the same thing here. For those provinces that want to use a central office in Ottawa to deliver their programs let them and for those provinces that are happy with their own regional offices’ performance then let them keep that office and the staff that has performed so well.

If AAC is closed in 2014 it will leave very big shoes to fill.

Congratulations to Terry and all the staff now and in the past that has done such a great job for the entire Ontario agri-food sector.

May the Force be with you!!!

For what it’s worth, it’s the way I see it!

Penny wise and pound foolish

ADRIAN HUISMAN ONTARIO TENDER FRUIT PRODUCERS

The recent announcement from Minister Ritz regarding Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) decision to discontinue delivery of their agricultural research and innovation funding programs through the regional Agricultural Adaptation Councils (AAC) is very unfortunate and I believe counterproductive. The only good news is that they have not decided to eliminate the programs but centralize the delivery mechanism in Ottawa.

Since its inception, Ontario’s

AAC has efficiently and effectively delivered $140 million in program funding (approximately $7 million annually). The strength and, I would add, the success of the AAC has been that it is industry-led and operates at arm’s-length from government.

The Council was and continues to be responsive and focuses on regional issues which are unique to Ontario. The AAC has successfully administered its program at a cost of less that 10 per cent. I challenge AAFC to do the same.

STAFF Publisher: Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association Editor: Karen Davidson, 416-252-7337, kdavidson@ecomente.ca Production: Carlie Robertson, ext. 221, production@thegrower.org Advertising: Herb Sherwood, 519-380-0118, hsherwood@cogeco.ca

OFFICE 355 Elmira Road North, Unit 105 Guelph, Ontario N1K 1S5 CANADA Tel. 519-763-8728 • Fax 519-763-6604

The Grower reserves the right to refuse any advertising.

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The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association is the sole owner of The Grower. All editorials and opinions expressed in The Grower are those of the newspaper’s editorial staff and/or contributor, and do not necessarily reflect the view of the association.

All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced either whole or in part without the prior written consent of the publisher.

P.M. 40012319

The Grower is printed 12 times a year and sent to all members of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association who have paid $30.00 (plus G.S.T.) per year for the paper through their commodity group or container fees.

Others may subscribe as follows by writing to the office:

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I strongly urge AAFC to rethink their decision, taking into account the diverse nature of agriculture across Canada and the related unique regional differences in production areas as well as the advantages resulting from the unique grower-led resources provided by the provincial councils.

ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2012 MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Chair Vice-Chair Fruit Director Veg Director Director

Mac James, Leamington Ray Duc, Niagara-on-the-Lake Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin Jason Ryder, Delhi Jason Verkaik, Bradford

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Apples Fresh Vegetable - Other Tender Fruit ON Asparagus Grws’. Mkg. Brd. GGO/Fresh Grape Growers Fresh Vegetable - Muck ON. Potato Board Small Fruit/Berries ON. Ginseng Growers’ Greenhouse Greenhouse

Brian Gilroy, Meaford Mary Shabatura, Windham Centre Fred Meyers, Niagara-on-the-Lake Jason Ryder, Delhi Ray Duc, Niagara-on-the-Lake Jason Verkaik, Bradford Mac James, Leamington Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin Ken Van Torre, Burford Jan Vander Hout, Waterdown Don Taylor, Durham

OFVGA SECTION CHAIRS Crop Protection Research Property Labour Safety Nets CHC

Charles Stevens, Newcastle Harold Schooley, Simcoe Brian Gilroy, Meaford Ken Forth, Lynden Mark Wales, Alymer Murray Porteous, Simcoe

MAY 2012 –– PAGE 11 THE GROWER

LETTER TO EDITOR Horticulture’s impact on the economy underestimated Re: Strategic plan to bolster funding and lobbying I smiled when I saw the picture on the front page of the April Grower because it is a good demonstration of how the horticultural industry has a larger impact on the economy than the value of the product we grow. The photo demonstrates this as follows: 1) The trees shown are Northern Spy on M9 rootstock budded by and purchased from Van Brenk Nursery in Fingal Ontario.

2) The posts used for the trees are sourced from Roy’s Metals in Port Dover and are a seamless tube to give longer useful support to the trees.

3) The branches are tied down to encourage earlier fruiting and the string is called R 2000 and breaks down with sunlight over time to reduce the need to cut or untie the string later – it is made by Guelph Twines in Guelph Ontario.

4) Prior to planting, the orchard land is soil sampled and the analysis on this block was done by A&L Labs.

5) Scotland Agromart wrote the prescriptions for the variable application of lime and fertilizer and assisted with GPS mapping and sampling.

6) The ground is seeded to Jasper (a dwarf-type tall fescue) that reduces the growth of nematode populations making orchard development more successful in replant situations.

7) The apples are being grown to be used in Chudleigh’s Apple Blossoms products because Northern Spy produces the highest quality product and provides them with a consistent quality product that maintains its integrity through shipment to markets around the world.

8) Fertilizer application is done on a variable rate basis and controlled using a Trimble monitor purchased through Premier Equipment. This reduces the total cost of the fertilizer program and targets nutrients where they are needed thereby reducing waste.

9) Labour used in the establishment of this orchard is sourced locally as well as from Jamaica, St Lucia and St Vincent as sourced through the FARMS program. Our men shop for their food in Simcoe, but because the cost of imported goods is so

high in the countries they come from, they can multiply their earnings or save themselves money by purchasing goods here for resale or personal use there. As a result, a significant portion of their earnings is used to purchase appliances, tools, hardware, clothing, foodstuffs, farming tools and tools for electrical, welding, landscaping, logging or masonry work in our local community.

APRIL 2012

CELEBRATING 132 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION

VOLUME 62 NUMBER 04

CANADIAN HORTICULTURAL COUNCIL

Strategic plan to bolster funding and lobbying KAREN DAVIDSON

10) Financing was done through the Bank of Montreal.

11) Fuel was purchased from F/S Fuel.

12) The tractor is a John Deere and was purchased from Premier Equipment.

13) Crop inputs are sourced from various crop protection companies.

14) Montague Construction did the post driving with a vibrator on a small excavator.

15) Tiling was done by H Sebben and Son of Strathroy.

16) Insurance was sourced through R.E. Mann Brokers.

17) The thing that looks like a red twist tie on the second tree is called Isomate Rosso and is a sex pheromone mating disruption dispenser for Oriental Fruit Moth.

18) The black tying cord in the photo was purchased from Chris Hedges of Windham Centre, hand pruners and gloves came from C. French in Beamsville and the duct tape is from the Mitt and Robe Company in Simcoe.

And at that point, we have only planted the crop. But as the trees begin to age, there will be pruning, tree health protection, harvesting storage, packaging, transportation and processing spin-offs to consider.

The point of the Creating a Legacy initiative at the Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) is to work with our industry partners to create a stronger horticulture sector for future farm families. We are asking those who would benefit from a stronger horticultural sector to partner with us financially to help us influence government policies and address member issues to strengthen our industry.

With the scope and diversity of our sector, the economic impact of Canadian hor-

What’s your story? If you can pare down an issue to a few words and put a face to it, then you’ve got a chance to intrigue investors, stakeholders, policymakers and politicians.

On Bay Street, it’s called the pitch. On Parliament Hill, it’s called the ask.

Framing that “ask” is a complex task. To that end, the Canadian Horticultural Council tabled a strategic plan at the 90th Annual General Meeting that aims to secure the industry’s economic future over the next 10 years.

Newly elected president, Murray Porteous, presented the “Creating a Legacy” plan that will simultaneously fund the CHC and strengthen its government relations capabilities. For the first time, a funding mechanism will reach out to the breadth of the industry’s input and service suppliers from crop protection companies to equipment manufacturers to financial institutions.

The rationale is that by properly funding a stronger lobbying effort, the result will be a stronger horticultural industry with ancillary benefits for the entire value chain.

The timing of the recent Perimeter Security Agreement between U.S. President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Harper is, in large part, driving

INSIDE Homegrown products debut at CPMA Page A9 Watch China on potato front

Page A15

Focus: Containers Section B

www.thegrower.org P.M. 40012319

A newly planted Spy apple orchard is just one of the long-term projects of Lingwood Farms operated by Murray Porteous, Simcoe, Ontario.

Also the newly elected president of the Canadian Horticultural Council, Porteous has championed a plan that will fund the Ottawa-based organization in the decade ahead and deepen its government relations capabilities. Photo by Denis Cahill. the agenda. The thinking is that without more robust lobbying, the window of opportunity may close on achieving many of the objectives promised in the cross-border reforms. Top of the list are: • negotiating timely payment for

farmers in the event of client bankruptcy • securing harmonized rules for crop input registrations within North America • mitigating trade disruptions by reducing risk from invasive

species and diseases • developing common approaches to North American food safety • establishing a National Research and Promotion Agency for fresh fruit and vegetable research and promotion

• securing recognition of the importance of fruit and vegetables in Canadian diets by developing and implementing national food security, sustainability and health promotion policies CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Early spring shatters historical records KAREN DAVIDSON Bud break, heartbreak. That’s the worry of fruit growers across Canada as a mild winter shed its coat and slipped into spring four weeks early.

A surprise snowstorm isn’t so much the concern as cold temperatures according to OMAFRA’s apple specialist Leslie Huffman.

When fruit trees come out of dormancy, the cells start rehydrating.

If there’s any moisture around the pistils of the flowers and temperatures drop too low, the moisture crystallizes and shatters the reproductive organ. A couple degrees below zero Celsius will effectively thin the crop. But expect a 10 per cent loss at temperatures of minus 7.8° Celsius. If temperatures reach minus 12° Celsius,

then it’s a complete crop loss and you can consider yourself a nextyear farmer.

In Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, temperatures also broke records on the first official day of spring with a high of 27° Celsius, said Dela Erith, executive director, Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association. “If the temperature remains high, we’ll have an exceptionally early year. If temperatures return to cool or cold, everything will slow down or damage may occur.”

The astonishing weather places unexpected pressures on farm managers and the entire value chain. Some Ontario growers had already sprayed fungicides twice

by March 25. They are now in the unusual predicament of pruning and spraying at the same time, all the while balancing re-entry

ticulture is in the tens of billions of dollars per year and the potential funding partners are extensive. The ability to demonstrate that impact and reach is important when it comes to influencing government policy.

The CHC is developing a lobbying strategy that will tell our stories and demonstrate the expanded impact of our sector in MP’s ridings across the country. All of the companies that were mentioned from the April photo will be given the opportunity to assist us.

Obviously, the challenge that we have undertaken at CHC is very ambitious and will be as successful as the participation of our sector leaders. So if you are a farmer reading this letter, think about the photos you have and what story they tell about the

intervals. At the end of every day, the pruned branches must be shredded before contemplating the next fungicide spray.

“

I think I see green tissue in apple buds. That means the scab season is starting.” ~ Leslie Huffman For many growers, offshore labour is just arriving or arrangements are underway to move up arrival dates. Bunkhouses must be prepared. Food safety audits must be completed. Bee hives need to be ordered earlier for pollination. Decisions on storage and cartons won’t be far behind.

And buyers must be primed that early crops are on their way. In

other words, the ramifications will be felt right through to harvest.

Social media is playing an important role as extension workers alerted growers to signs of disease as early as March 17.

“I think I see green tissue in apple buds,” tweeted Huffman, @OntAppleLady on a Saturday.

“That means the scab season is starting.” Later, she confirmed similar findings in Ontario’s Norfolk County, Niagara, Georgian Bay and as far east as Durham Region.

And yet that balmy weather is prodding others for an early start.

“Here we go!!!,” tweeted Trevor Herrle-Braun, @HerrlesMarket.

“Working some ground for planting peas.” That was March 16.

“We’re into growing season,” Huffman concluded.

impact of our sector. If you are a potential industry partner, we welcome your involvement. At the time of this writing, we have already received financial commitment from FARMS, Peak of the Market, Syngenta and AgroFresh as well as donations from three of the CHC executive members.

If you would like to help, please contact mporteous@execulink.com or phone 519 428 4727.

Murray Porteous President, Canadian Horticultural Council Simcoe, ON

PAGE 12 –– MAY 2012 THE GROWER

PERSPECTIVE Timely report points to energy crops, not Big Oil

OWEN ROBERTS UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH I’m among that crowd of Canadians who feel they’re getting taken to the cleaners by Big Oil, while governments stand by and collect tax on inflated gas prices.

Greed is the only reason that’s emerging after the most recent mean-spirited spike at the pumps.

Other excuses – such as switching from winter to summer gas, problems in the Middle East and shortages due to refineries closing – have been written off as lame

by industry experts.

Some people say complaining about the price of gas is like a junkie complaining about the price of dope. But I don’t accept that. Mass transit works well in many situations, but it doesn’t always fit the bill in an expansive country such as ours. In certainly doesn't wash in farming.

Periodically, advances are made in renewable fuel, an energy source that’s already arrived and shows great promise for further refinement. Efforts are underway in labs and facilities across the country, including the University of Guelph, to create and improve reasonably priced bio-based fuels and products made from feedstocks, or biomass, which can be grown in Canadian farmers’ fields. As an example, a consortium of 10 scientists from seven Ontario universities came together in March, led by Guelph-based Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, to form what they’ve called the Ontario Biomaterials A-team, to zero in on these opportunities.

Biomass production comes

“

Some people say complaining about the price of gas is like a junkie complaining about the price of dope.

with its own critics who say using land to grow crops for energy is diverting it away from food production. Still others say land will degrade if biomass is harvested and not put back into the soil.

However, others argue farmers should be able to grow whatever

they want. It’s their land. And despite whatever romantic vision people have of farming, it has to make farms money.

To that end, the price of biomass for farmers has been a problem. But a new report says feedstocks such as miscanthus, switchgrass, sorghum and tall prairie grass, in particular, can produce profitable energy. The report, Assessment of the Business Case for Purpose-Grown Biomass in Ontario, says farmers here have the potential to grow “hundreds of thousands of tonnes” of these crops. And more importantly, says the report, they can fetch a margin comparable to that of traditional cash crops.

That's a significant finding.

Profitability is relative compared to some other forms of energy, says Don Hewson, managing director of the Bowman Centre for Technology Commercialization in London, which had a lead role in the study. In local markets, he says, biomass is less than half the cost of heating oil and propane, which now supplies a large portion of

rural Ontario. Indeed, space heating applications -- using heating oil and propane -- are potentially profitable markets for purposegrown biomass pellets in Ontario.

Hewson admits large energy utilities are currently best served by coal or natural gas. But, he adds, in the near term other opportunities could arise such as agricultural biomass exports to Europe. The business case for energy crops is expected to improve even more as additional acreage is grown, especially as research in plant breeding and advances in production practices help increase yields.

“There is a future for the purpose-grown biomass industry,” says the report. “Farmers are encouraged to include these crops in Ontario's agricultural system.”

I believe consumers will support a homegrown biomass sector.

Look how they've taken to local food. Why wouldn't they have the same reaction to reasonably priced local fuel?

COMING EVENTS 2012 May 1 – 3

United Fresh Produce Show, Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas

June 10

Garlic Growers of Ontario Field Day, Arranhill Garlic Farm, Allenford, ON

July 12-14

Canada’s Fruit & Veg Tech X-Change, St. Williams, ON

July 15 – 17 13th Annual Oenology Viticulture Conference, Penticton Convention Centre, Penticton, BC July 26, 27 International Fruit Tree Association Study Tour, South Shore, 20 miles south of Montreal, QC August 4

Food Day Canada

Sept 8, 9

Stratford Garlic Festival, Stratford, ON

Sept 11 – 13 Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, Woodstock, ON Sept 12 – 14 Federal, provincial, territorial agriculture ministers’ meeting, Whitehorse, Yukon Wally Andres, manager of the University of Guelph Simcoe Research Station demonstrates the vigour of miscanthus. Photo by Denis Cahill.

Nov 2 – 11 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, ON

MAY 2012 –– PAGE 13 THE GROWER

OFVGA

Board briefs Following are highlights from the OFVGA board meeting held March 22, 2012. The purpose of this brief is to keep you up-todate on the issues that the OFVGA is working on, as well as projects and initiatives the organization is involved in.

license requirements, please contact the Ministry of Transportation for further information. License requirements pertaining to these vans will be published in the May edition of The Grower.

safety in Ontario, including having the authority to set standards to enhance health and safety training and working with Ontario’s Health and Safety Associations to establish effective delivery of prevention programs and services.

Labour License requirements for passenger vans In wake of the recent traffic accident that killed 10 Peruvian workers travelling in a van, growers are reminded to make sure they have the proper class of drivers’ license needed for the vehicles they are using. If you have a van that can carry 10 or more passengers and are unsure about your

Property Ken Forth, Chair of OFVGA’s Labour Section, has recently met with both Agriculture Minister Ted McMeekin and Ontario Labour Minister Linda Jeffries to discuss the sector’s labour issues.

Forth has also met with Ontario’s new Chief Prevention Officer (CPO). The CPO is responsible for various issues and activities related to occupational health and

Self-propelled harvester

Environmental Compliance Approvals: Section chair Brian Gilroy reported on an Open for Business meeting held earlier this month co-chaired by Ontario Federation of Agriculture President Mark Wales and Ontario Agriculture Minister Ted McMeekin. Concerns were raised regarding various environmental issues, including recent enforcement actions by the Ministry of Environment (MOE) concerning the need for horticulture operations to have Environmental Compliance Approvals (ECA).

Currently, this affects primarily greenhouse operations and farmers who wash produce on-farm prior to marketing. The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) has made a formal request to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to have these issues regulated under the Nutrient Management Act (NMA) for their sector. The NMA originally was designed to apply to all farming operations, although currently only some livestock operations are regulated under this legislation. A commitment has been made by OMAFRA to consider this request.

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Farm tile drainage systems and Permits to Take Water: OFVGA has received confirmation from MOE that farmers do not need a Permit to Take Water for farm tile drainage systems. Although MOE considers tile drain systems to be sewage works under the Ontario Water Resources Act, the Act provides an exemption for works used to drain lands for the purposes of growing crops.

Soil preparation

Vegetable washers and polishers

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Stripper LF

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Crop Protection Chair Charles Stevens attended the Global Minor Use Summit in Rome during the last week of February.

Canada was well represented with a delegation that included government, industry and grower representatives. The U.S. and Canadian minor use systems and the working relationship between the two countries are the envy of the world.

Research Ontario Agri-Food Technologies (OAFT): Research section chair Harold Schooley was elected Chair of the Board of OAFT at that organization’s recent annual general meeting. Schooley replaces outgoing chair Henry Olechowski of Hyland Seeds.

OAFT has three funding programs to help advance innovation.

The organization will provide up to $10,000 to cover the costs of meetings to develop sales of products from Ontario.

Turnaround time applying for this funding is 48 hours. The focus is on innovation in products, delivery, marketing, etc. OAFT’s member-to-member program provides up to $10,000 for projects that any two members of OAFT deem worthwhile and that can benefit Ontario agriculture. A grant writing program will provide funding of up to $10,000 to cover the costs of grant writing services. More information is available at www.oaft.org.

New horticulture research partnership: Dr. Youbin Zheng is the newly appointed Vineland/University of Guelph Chair in Environmental Horticulture. He will be working alongside Dr. Michael Brownbridge, VRIC’s Director in Horticultural Production Systems.

These two scientists bring together decades of combined experience in green roof technology, greenhouse and nursery plant production and urban agriculture.

Zheng was previously an adjunct professor and technical manager

of the Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility at U of G’s School of Environmental Sciences.

Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention CEO Art Smith attended the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention in Niagara in February and reported it was a very well attended show at the new facility. This year marked the first time the event had been held at the new Niagara convention centre. The OFVGA participated in this year’s show in two ways: a general sponsorship to the show of $2,500 and a joint effort with Vineland to host a tech and innovation seminar focused on robotics in the field, packaging that stretches storage and shelf time by several weeks (28 days for strawberries) and two different smart phone Apps.

Life Sciences Ontario Dr. John Kelly, Vice President of Erie Innovation and Commercialization, was honoured

by Life Sciences Ontario with their Volunteer of the Year award. The award was presented at the organization’s banquet on February 29.

Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) New president elected: Murray Porteous was elected president of CHC at the organization’s recent annual general meeting in Ottawa.

Brian Gilroy and Adrian Huisman are the two Ontario representatives on the CHC Executive Committee for this year.

CanadaGAP audits: CHC delegates approved a $50 flat fee per farm on all CanadaGAP audits to help fund CHC. Farmers who are certified under the GlobalGAP program are not required to have CanadaGap certification.

The next board meeting will take place April 19 at the OFVGA office starting at 9 a.m.

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PAGE 14 –– MAY 2012 THE GROWER

We can all make a difference – one farming story at a time

LILIAN SCHAER If farmers don’t like what’s being said about their industry, it’s up to them to do something about it.

That’s the message South Dakota ranchers and agricultural advocates Troy and Stacy Hadrick brought to a sold-out crowd at the Farm and Food Care annual meeting in Waterloo last month. Their mission: encourage producers and growers to speak up for agriculture by building bridges with the 98 per cent of the population who aren’t involved in farming.

Well-funded activist campaigns are designed to scare and enrage consumers. Their videos, posters, billboards, tweets, postings and websites incense many farmers with their sensationalism and inaccuracy – but that silent, seething farmer anger is often where agriculture’s response stops.

A bad media experience in 2002 made the Hadricks start actively encouraging all farmers to speak up for agriculture. They had opened their ranch to writer Michael Pollan, who was working on an article following a steer from birth to steak. What Pollan ended up writing for the New York Times – and later in the book “An Omnivore’s Dilemma” – was entirely different from what he had told the family.

"Michael Pollan lied to us,” says Troy. “He pitched it as a positive story but what he wrote

told people we abused our livestock, polluted the air and water and that the food we grow is making people sick. That’s when we decided no one is ever going to tell our story again. I’ve shown him the real story and he refuses to tell it and he knows that most of us won’t do anything about it.

Farmers have the credibility to speak with consumers about food production and every individual can make an impact.

Opportunities to start conversations are everywhere, says Stacy, and social media has added some great tools that farmers can use to reach out.

Troy himself shot to social media fame in 2010 when he helped lead a social media campaign against Australian winery Yellow Tail after he learned they had donated $100,000 to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), a powerful animal rights activist group. His now famous homemade video “Yellow Tail is now Yellow Fail” went viral and the ensuing social media furor caused the winery to stop all subsequent donations to HSUS. “Social media is an amazing tool.

We’ve proven how powerful it can be with our Yellow Tail experience,” says Troy. “But we’ve also answered the question ‘what can I do?’ We didn’t have to leave home or spend any money, we just had to speak out and by doing so, we changed how a multi-national company did business. That’s a pretty powerful

tool.”

For Stacy, there’s other value in online relationships too.

Twitter is a way of connecting people in our fast-paced world that would otherwise never get to know each other, she says. One of her highlights is the Twitter relationship she has struck up with an influential “mommy blogger” in Los Angeles who now contacts her when she needs information about food and farming topics.

It can be daunting to start down the path of agricultural advocacy, but the Hadricks encourage all farmers to take that first step towards positive action by starting with family, friends, church or a child’s school. Take any opportunity where you meet people – wait staff, bank tellers, flight attendants – to talk about who you are and what you do.

The Hadricks have printed up "I met a rancher today" stickers that they hand out to help make people aware of food and farming wherever they go.

“When we work classrooms or talk to school kids, we send every kid home with a sticker like that on their shirt. What are those kids going to tell their parents that night? About the farmer they met that day,” says Troy, who also hands the stickers out to flight attendants and others he meets on his travels.

“Build your confidence about speaking out by starting with school children. Believe me, it’s the closest you'll ever be to being a rock star,” says Stacy. “There’s no wrong way to start telling your story and connecting with people one on one – whether online or in person – can make a difference in

RETAIL NAVIGATOR

The landscape will be very different next Easter!

PETER CHAPMAN

I hope you had a chance to get to some stores during the busy Easter week in early April. With stores closed on Good Friday, the Thursday and Saturday of Easter week are two of the busiest single days in food retail.

Hold on to your hat because Easter for 2013 will be very different in this industry. By this time next year…

• Target will be opening stores in Canada.

• Wal Mart will have spent hundreds of millions of dollars in Canada to get ready for Target.

• Sobeys will have a new president.

• Loblaws, Sobeys, Metro, Safeway and everyone else will be remodeling stores and adjusting pricing to get ready for the Target stores and the Wal Mart response.

There will be many other developments but these are some of the biggest. This is only a year away and ads will be planned much sooner than 12 months out. Make sure your business is ready and prepared for the changes in the market.

changing perceptions. The key is to take action; don’t wait for someone else to do something about it.”

Food and farming story telling tips Prepare a 30-second elevator speech – a quick description of who you are and what you do.

Keep it simple by using words and concepts people will understand. Avoid using industry jargon and lingo, be prepared for the questions people will ask once they hear what you do and be aware of the criticism people have of your industry.

“For most people, meeting a farmer is like meeting Big Foot – they’ve heard it exists but have never met one,” says Stacy. ``You only get one chance to make a first impression so make sure you adapt your elevator speech to your audience.”

Build a message map. If you’re asked to do an interview or answer questions about what you do, take a few minutes to gather your thoughts. Pick your topic or key point and support it with three key messages and supporting arguments. This technique also works for writing a letter to the editor, talking to your school board or meeting with politicians.

Be careful not to overwhelm your audience with complicated messages or too many numbers, but if you don’t have any statistics handy, don’t make them up.

“Always take a few minutes to compose yourself and get some points together,” advises Troy.

“You can do this anywhere, in the dust on the dash of your pickup, on a napkin, anywhere – and don’t be afraid to have it sitting right in front of you.”

Stay informed. Know what consumers are seeing and hearing and what some of the common myths are about agriculture. To consumers, a farmer is a farmer regardless of what commodity you produce so you’re likely to be asked questions about all sorts of things people hear or see in the news. Be enthusiastic about what you do – if you’re not excited about what you do, no one else will be either.

“Talk with emotion, not fact and science,” says Stacy. “As farmers we're not used to being emotional but activists and those who are against agriculture use emotion all the time.”

Become involved. Join the groups in your area. This can be a local chamber of commerce, business association or other organization so you can meet people who aren’t part of your regular agricultural world. These venues provide opportunities for you to speak up about who you are and what you do to produce food. The Hadricks also advise farmers to be active in the farm organizations they belong to.

“Take part in setting policy and be there when they need people to do things,” says Stacy.

“We’re all busy but think about what you can do to squeeze a little bit more time to do your advocacy.”

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MAY 2012 –– PAGE 15 THE GROWER

WORLD CROPS

Agronomic data show promise for new crops The crop was direct-seeded onto bare soil beds on June 9th and was later thinned. Carrots were harvested on-time 70 days after seeding. The Vineland soils were not ideal for carrot production, and only 21 per cent of the total yield was considered marketable.

AHMED BILAL With the wide variety of cultures represented in the Greater Toronto Area, there is growing demand for fresh fruits and vegetables from around the world. At the moment, the bulk of these vegetables are imported, yet we have the capacity to grow many of these crops in Canada.

Innovation is needed to allow growers and other businesses to access these new markets and grow these ‘new’ crops locally.

Not to mention that growing locally would provide fresher, better tasting products to the consumer.

In partnership with the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, The Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is spearheading research to identify new ‘World Crops’ which can be profitably grown in Ontario, at least on a seasonal basis. This is a multi-faceted project, which includes both production and market research, and engages the entire value chain all the way to the end consumer. Vineland is collaborating with researchers from the University of Guelph and OMAFRA, as well as commercial farmers, retailers and distributors to address different aspects of the project that aims to provide growers with the tools they need to produce the crops, and viable markets where the crops can be sold. As reported by Glen Filson, University of Guelph, demand for ethnocultural vegetables far exceeds supply, creating an opportunity for local farmers to be entrepreneurs in local production of world crops.

A fundamental component is, simply, to determine which crops known to be ‘in-demand’ at the retail level, can be successfully grown in Ontario. To this end, vegetable performance trials were established at the Vineland research station and in farmers’ fields throughout southern Ontario. Yield and marketability of the fresh produce was measured to gauge performance.

Consumer and market research is addressing acceptance of these ‘locally-grown’ vegetables and defining the size of the market opportunity for different crops.

The recent appointment of a vegetable breeder at Vineland will allow varieties to be developed which are better adapted to Canadian conditions and exhibit specific beneficial traits to support sustainable production systems.

Evaluating World Crops at the Vineland Research Station Last year six crops from the global village were evaluated in a 1.25 acre trial plot. All crops were grown on raised beds covered with black plastic mulch with drip-tape irrigation

Daikon radish- ‘Omny’

The crop was direct-seeded onto bare soil beds on June 9th and was later thinned, producing harvestable roots after 40 days.

Effects of High Density Crop Spacing on Okra Performance

Gillian Limebeer (L), junior research technician, carries a tray of vegetable seedlings for seed germination tests at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. She assists Ahmed Bilal in the world crops program.

Okra was transplanted at eight, 12 or 24 inches apart, on beds containing one row of plants at each spacing interval, and onto beds which contained two rows of plants. Okra performed best at the high-density planting rate beds containing two rows of plants spaced eight inches apart, compared to the standard of 12 inches. At these planting rates, harvestable pods were picked every two to three days.

The next steps

underneath, spaced six feet apart centre-to-centre (see Figure, above). Half of the area was dedicated to trials to maximize the production of okra, yard long bean and Asian long eggplant.

The remaining area was used for a varietal trial incorporating round (Indian) eggplant, tomatillo, bottle gourd, daikon radish, Indian red carrot, and maca, three varieties of each. A similar varietal trial was set up in conjunction with OMAFRA staff at the Simcoe Research Station.

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Tomatillo- ‘Toma Verde’ Crops were grown using bamboo trellising constructed in an Aframe six feet in height to support the vines. Interestingly, the “short bottle” variety appeared to show resistance to both downy and powdery mildew.

Varietal Trial Performance Based on the performance of the crops in field and their acceptance by market retailers and consumers, the following crops showed excellent market potential: Round eggplant- ‘Birgah’ and ‘Pinstripe’ This crop has growth habits very

Vineland plans to add new varieties into the 2012 Varietal Trial to introduce new cultivars of the selected crop types (E.g. okra, eggplants and yard long beans), as well as investigating other new crops. Together with OMAFRA collaborators, we are also moving selected crops into commercial production, with the goal of providing growers with new and profitable alternatives for a growing market.

Ahmed Bilal is research associate, Crop Production and Diversification, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.

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PAGE 16 –– MAY 2012 THE GROWER

NEW CROPS This focus on new crops intersects with the retirement of University of Guelph researcher, Alan McKeown. He was instrumental in advancing vegetable production and introducing new crops to Ontario’s horticulture sector. During his career, he bolstered research on many crops including traditional vegetables as well as unique and emerging crops such as castor oil for industrial uses, sand prairie plants, tree nuts, herbs and global vegetables. In recent years, he initiated lavender research that has led to new opportunities for more than 35 farmers, processors, retailers and businesses, now

under the umbrella of the Ontario Lavender Association.

“

Diversification for farmers in south central Ontario region has been a tenet of Dr. McKeown’s work.” ~ John Kelly

“The diversification of agricultural opportunities for farmers in south central Ontario region has been a tenet of Dr. McKeown’s work,” says John Kelly, vice president of Erie Innovation and Commercialization. “It is through the efforts of academics like Dr. McKeown that we can identify new opportunities so that our agri-food sector – now the largest segment of the Ontario economy – will continue to grow and prosper.”

The following stories salute new crops research and echo the legacy he leaves at the Simcoe Research Station.

Alan McKeown

Cracking the hazelnut opportunity KAREN DAVIDSON Tree fruit growers have long timelines, patiently waiting years for trees to bear fruit. That’s why they’re the logical target for growing hazelnuts.

Martin Hodgson sees only opportunity for hazelnuts, given that candy maker Ferrero Canada Inc. has a plant in Brantford, Ontario. He’s lobbying for an organization along with other value chain players, including University of Guelph - Simcoe researcher Adam Dale and John Kelly, Erie Innovation and Commercialization.

Hazelnuts aren’t finicky to grow says Hodgson who has planted more than 5,000 trees in the last 15 years. Eastern filbert blight (EFB) is the biggest menace, and Hodgson has seen its impact. It has taken time, but Hodgson has managed that disease threat. While some of his trees appear to be immune to the disease, he holds several criteria for keeping trees in his orchard.

These range from annual yield, nut meat-to-shell ratio, to how easily the shell skin is shed.

Other factors include whether the trees are resistant to bud mites and how winter hardy the trees are. After all those agronomic tests are met, the ultimate is whether the nuts have good shape and taste.

Not every hazel nut is a “Ferrero” nut, which has strict criteria on flavour characteristics and on size (about 12-13 mm in diameter and roundshaped).These are the nuts that pass muster for the “Ferrero Rocher” that are made in the Brantford, Ontario plant. The rest can be crushed for the coating of

Nut size, shape and blanch-ability are some of the characteristics of concern

This 16 year old tree dropped 20 lb. of nuts in 2011. 20 lb. X 150 trees / A X $1.50/ lb. = $4,500 gross per A the Ferrero Rocher or creamed for Nutella spread. The Ferrero plant currently imports several million dollars of hazelnuts a year, mostly from Turkey. Its rugged hillsides support 65 per cent of the world’s supply. As the geopolitical bridge between east and west, Turkey is relatively stable, however business is concerned that a lack of labour and poor handling procedures might hinder the harvest in

coming years.

Ferrero is also ramping up production in an expanded Brantford plant. Ontario is in a very good position to supply this increased demand, with several thousand acres of hazelnuts. The issue is scaling up from the small orchards that currently sell out at farmers’ markets and to maintain consistent, high-quality supply for one buyer. It’s a long-term

proposition for tree fruit growers who would wait four to five years for a return on investment. Yields

grow exponentially until about 10 years when a good tree should yield 10 pounds.

Symposia in Ontario have explored the opportunity for three years now. What needs to happen? Ontario can now ramp up production of EFB-resistant trees.

Growers are also becoming engaged, having recently established a steering committee to organize the industry. Favourable cost-of-production analysis has been completed by University of Guelph’s Elliot Currie.

By understanding all of the market opportunities and challenges, new growers will have the best decision-making tools to enter this sector.

The University of Guelph has developed the protocol to tissue culture hazels, but need a commercial operation to ramp up to thousands of trees. Growers are encouraged to work with nurseries, which will help get trees into fields as fast as possible.

At current prices of about $1.50 per pound, are the rewards enough to offset the risks? This is a decision every grower needs to make. Using Currie’s cost-ofproduction model, growers can use their own inputs and predict their returns on investment. This is a long term proposition, and, as orchard growers indicate, the grower must be a patient business person.

MAY 2012 –– PAGE 17 THE GROWER

NEW CROPS

A weed today, an industrial rubber tomorrow Russian dandelion may look like a weed pest, but in fact, may prove to be a new industrial crop for Canadian growers. Native to Kazakhstan, the plant’s tap roots are a source of natural rubber. That’s why University of Guelph researcher Dave Wolwyn is investigating potential to identify cultivars that have economically viable levels of 10 per cent rubber or more.

After the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ruled that there was a low risk of any impact to the environment or economy, Wolwyn proceeded with the first trials in the summer of 2011. The plants were divided between three different soil types at Ontario’s Simcoe Research Station, ranging from lighter sandy soils to clay loam soils.

In the wild, Russian dandelion may yield only about five per cent rubber, but the scientific literature has recorded up to 30 per cent. It’s those higher numbers which are spurring researchers to investigate the potential for an industrial ingredient from a plant base.

“The total yield per acre isn’t clear yet,” says Wolwyn,

who emphasizes the preliminary nature of the trials. “We still have to figure out the agronomics from optimum spacing to fertility and harvest times.”

Companies such as Bridgestone and Veyance have expressed interest in the project. Nova BioRubber Technologies, based in Vancouver, British Columbia, is an advocate because of its patent on an extraction process.

Trials are expected to continue in the summer of 2012 with newly announced funding from OMAFRA’s New Directions fund and the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program.

Left: Jim Todd, OMAFRA’s transition crops specialist, examines specimens of Russian dandelion which may become an industrial source of rubber. Trials are underway at the University of Guelph Simcoe Research Station. Photo by Denis Cahill

Ontario is ‘hopping’ by re-introducing heritage crops Hops are enjoying a revival.

While the long-legged perennial plant has had a checkered record since Prohibition, the craft brewing business is dusting off the history. Local ingredients are the charm.

“Now the stories are emerging of what grandfathers used to do when portions of nearby towns were dry,” says Nicholas Schaut, newly elected president of the Ontario Hop Growers’ Association, near Meaford, Ontario. “I’ve been amazed at the plants that are still growing on back acres, including one that has an incredible aroma. It’s as good as those which have been patented.”

The nascent community of 28 independent growers, brewers, herbalists and enthusiasts are finding strength in trading anecdotes like these. More importantly, they need to share their agronomic knowledge to meet quality standards of brewers.

There are three kinds of hops, says Schaut, and growers need to aim for the appropriate alpha acids or bitterness levels. Aroma hops or ‘noble’ hops are pursued for their aroma, and typically range from three to six per cent in alpha acids. High-alpha hops are sought for levels that range from 11 to 18 per cent. And then dual-purpose hops straddle the aroma and bitterness scales.

“Hops can be grown in many areas of southern Ontario,” says Evan Elford, OMAFRA’s new crop development specialist.

Currently, there are 20 acres of hops, with another 10 acres planned for this year. Welldrained, sandy loam soils are preferred.

Patience – and money – are required to grow them. Rhizomes can be bought from other growers or sourced from three outlets in the U.S. A hop yard must be built with elaborate 18 foot trellises that are fastened to the ground with coconut fibre cord.

That’s to prop the plants while they produce flowers that look similar to burrs. Those flowers

turn into cones, ranging from a half-inch to 2.5 inches. At the base of the cone is a gland which contains oil, the bitter flavouring agent used to make beer. Outlay costs to establish a hop yard are $10,000 per acre.

Harvesting presents its own challenges. Schaut has ordered a stationary platform from Germany to assist in cone-gathering next fall. Growers have the option of selling their hops wet or drying, baling and in some cases, pelletizing.

“There’s been a remarkable renaissance in the beer industry,” says Schaut. “It’s away from industrialized beers and towards micro breweries.”

Great Lakes, Muskoka and La Trois Brasseurs are three examples of brewers willing to

“

Hops can be grown in many areas of southern Ontario.” ~ Evan Elford

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contract for hops. For them, the story is about the grower and the brewmaster’s recipe. The brewmaster’s art is to balance the sweetness of fermented barley malt with the bitterness of hops.

Sound similar to grapes? In many ways, the hop association is where Ontario’s grape industry was back in the 1970s. They’re trying to integrate relationships so that everyone understands the front end of production as well as the craft of making beer.

Part of that quest for quality is looking to OMAFRA to provide Alpha Acid Unit testing available to growers.

While the cultural practices are important, Schaut says the association looks forward to working with researchers and the brewmaster’s program at Niagara College.

To reinforce a value-chain approach, the association is pairing growers with brewers in a “wet hops” challenge. The contest is to see who can produce the freshest, best-tasting beer with wet hops at harvest time. Expect to hear some hops hoopla next September.

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PAGE 18 –– MAY 2012 THE GROWER

FOCUS: IRRIGATION

How to treat and reuse leachate water

Pipe & Fittings for Water Systems

Operating principle Stories by KAREN DAVIDSON Here’s the challenge.

Rehabilitate leachate water into water that can be irrigated again.

That’s what Lloyd Rozema is offering through his company, Aqua Treatment Technologies Limited. In a large project completed with Ontario Plant Propagation in 2010, a full scale wetland treatment system was installed to filter irrigation leachate water from the greenhouse and make it useable for irrigating plantlets again.

“I’ve been in the wetland business since the early 1990s,” says Rozema. “The business is constantly evolving as we learn to treat wastewater from different sources, such as mushroom farms and greenhouses. The ultimate solution for the greenhouse industry may include a combination of technologies, such as a wetland treatment system followed by reverse osmosis.”

Here’s how the system works.

The AQUA Wetland System (AWS) consists of three cells, each lined with an impermeable synthetic liner. Each cell contains a sand/gravel medium and cattail plants (typha sp.). Septic tank effluent (or equivalent) is applied to the top of the first cell in series via buried ‘summer’ and ‘winter’ distribution manifolds. Water from the bottom of cell # 1 is collected and then applied to cell # 2 in the same manner.

Likewise, water from cell # 2 is applied to the top of cell # 3. The treated water is then discharged from the system. During winter this is accomplished via ‘winter’ dosing manifolds and in summer via ‘summer’ dosing manifolds.

Treatment process Physical, chemical, and biological processes combine within the AWS to remove contaminants from wastewater. Treatment of wastewater within the AWS occurs as the wastewater passes through the AWS sand medium

and the plant rhizosphere. A thin aerobic film around each root hair is aerobic due to the leakage of oxygen from the rhizomes, roots, and rootlets of the cattail plants. Decomposition of organic matter is facilitated by aerobic and anaerobic micro-organisms present. Microbial nitrification and subsequent denitrification releases nitrogen as gas to the atmosphere. Phosphorus is coprecipitated with iron,

aluminum, and calcium compounds located in the rootbed medium Suspended solids are filtered out by the sand medium of the AWS and subsequently decomposed. Harmful bacteria and viruses are reduced by filtration and adsorption by biological films on the sand media.

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MAY 2012 –– PAGE 19 THE GROWER

FOCUS: IRRIGATION

Water: A precious commodity requires precision irrigation Keoma, Alberta may seem an unlikely place to grow seed potatoes, but its seclusion is a plus in keeping pests and disease at bay.

Just 25 miles northeast of Calgary, that’s where brothers Markus and Ludwig Reicheneder have helped build Rockyview Elite Tuber Ltd. “Our parents have grown and packed potatoes in Germany,” says Markus, who recalls that grains and oilseeds seemed the logical field crops when they first arrived in 1996. They soon realized there was an opportunity for 400 to 500 acres of seed potatoes with the assistance of central pivot irrigation. Their location allows them to draw water from

an irrigation district downstream from the Bow River.

“We need a uniform product,” says Ludwig, “so the extremes

must be kept to a minimum so we are guaranteed yield set and size.”

Their farms comprise a range of sandy to loam soils, so the requirements for irrigation and fertility are demanding.

To make the most of a precious commodity, precision irrigation is now the order of the day. This season, they plan to use new equipment utilizing GPS and moisture monitoring technology. The idea is to measure moisture content in the field and to irrigate when necessary. This will allow for fertigation, applying the right amount of nutrients at the appropriate times.

It’s all part of a strategic plan to make the most of their quality potato seed production program..

Propagated in the laboratory, to

the greenhouse to the desired Elite generation their potatoes need the best care in the field.

Dakota Diamond, for example, is

“

We need a uniform product, so the extremes must be kept to a minimum so we are guaranteed yield set and size.” ~ Ludwig Reicheneder a variety that they are propagating for the chipping market. Another is AC Vigor for which they have exclusive commercialization rights.

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PAGE 20 –– MAY 2012 THE GROWER

FOCUS: IRRIGATION

Variable rate irrigation saves water and energy costs Alberta growers, many of whom farm in dryland conditions, have an important ally in Len Hingley. He’s the province’s irrigation technologist, leading the way on the most effective and economic practices.

In his work, he’s followed the studies of Carolyn Hedley who has six research sites in New Zealand. She observes that in any one year, variable rate irrigation (VRI) saves between nine and 26 per cent of irrigation water. In turn, that reduces the overall amount of energy required for irrigation.

So for the 2012 season, Alberta will evaluate the technology in potatoes. The collaborators include: - Chris Perry, Perry Produce potato producer - Jeff Bronsch, Sunrise Ag, satellite imagery provider and irrigation prescription provider - Steve Myshak, Isisgeomatics, provider of field-specific LiDar using unmanned aerial vehicles - Brian Slomp, Oliver Irrigation, provider of the Valley VRI system installation and maintenance - Dave Gross, New Way Irrigation, provider of the Zimmatic VRI system installation and maintenance - FritoLay, Taber, potato tuber quality evaluations - Michele Konshuh, Alberta government potato specialist,

Individual Sprinkler Control Each sprinkler is programmed to turn on/off or pulse at a customized rate depending on crop, terrain or obstacle.

potato yield, tuber number and stem and stand evaluations Hingley says the cooperators want to assess the benefits and challenges of using VRI in an irrigated potato field. The pilot will include temporal and spatial dynamic soil water status within the field, assess tuber quality, quantity, yield and storage evaluation, assess the variability of fertility and biomass during the field season using satellite imagery, evaluate the application rates within the various irrigation zones, and create and optimize irrigation prescriptions for daily scheduling.

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The 'AQUA Wetland System' “A new breed of constructed wetland” AQUA Treatment Technologies Inc. designs and installs the 'AQUA Wetland System' (AWS) for tertiary treatment of many types of waste water including sanitary sewage, landfill leachate, dairy farm & abattoir wastewater, greenhouse irrigation leachate water & mushroom farm leachate water (i.e. manure pile leachate) and high strength winery washwater.

The 'AQUA Wetland System' is operated out of doors and can achieve year-round tertiary treatment of wastewater. This sub-surface, vertical flow constructed wetland consists of sand & gravel beds planted with moisture tolerant plant species. Water is pumped vertically from cell to cell. There is no open or standing water.

Treatment occurs through physical filtration & biological degradation. Plants shade & insulate the cells, cycling nutrients while preventing algae growth. There is no production of sludge.

The AWS has been approved for use by the Ontario Ministry of Environment through over 40 Environmental Compliance Approvals. Recently the Region of Niagara began approving the AWS for treatment of 'small flow' winery washwater I.e. < 10,000 liters per day. Other agencies who have issued approvals include Health Canada, USEPA and OMAFRA. Recent projects include: 1) treatment of cider mill washwater at Bennett's Apple and Cider in Ancaster 2) treatment of winery washwater at DiProfio Wines and Lincoln Farm Winery in Niagara 3) treatment of pond water at Hihojo Farms for supply of hog drinking water

For additional information please Contact Lloyd Rozema at: cell. 905-327-4571 email. lrozema@aqua-tt.com

A

program designed to help Ontario farmers with water taking permit needs

S G

urface Water Services round Water Services

G S

eorge Shearer urface Water Specialist

Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association 105-355 Elmira Road North Guelph, Ontario N1K 1S5 ph: 519-763-6160 ext. 219 cell: 519-222-3272 fax: 519-763-6604 email: water@ofvga.org

MAY 2012 –– PAGE 21 THE GROWER

TECHNOLOGY

Evaluating the Spudnik bed planter for chipping potatoes in southern Alberta Editor’s Note: New planting equipment, combined with irrigation practices, are resulting in efficiencies in potatoes. This article is reprinted courtesy of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.

TED HARMS AND MICHELE KONSCHUH Background There have been a number of recent reports identifying the benefit of planting potatoes in wider beds for moisture conservation (Harms and Konschuh, 2010; Steele et al., 2006; Mundy et al., 1999). Moisture conservation is important, primarily when potato production relies on supplemental irrigation to provide sufficient soil water for growth and bulking of the tubers, however, the main interest of producers regarding bed planting of potatoes is for uniform size, regular shape, increased production per unit area and better economic return.

Bed planting of potatoes is fairly new to North America but is

Figure 2. Bed planted section of field after emergence. Soil water monitoring site shown in upper left part of picture.

Figure 1. Spudnik bed planter. widely practised in Europe as the production method of choice.

Plant densities within the beds can be varied depending on the equipment used. Standen-Pearson Corporation out of England sells planters that will seed three to nine rows in a bed with variable seed spacing from 13 cm to 45 cm.

The primary advantages identified, for bed planted potatoes in Europe, are the increase in yield, consistent size, less greening, protection from frost damage and regular shape compared to con-

ventionally spaced and planted potatoes in the standard “hill – furrow” system.

Growers in Idaho have been experimenting with bed planting over the last few years using a planter developed by Spudnik (Baum, 2010). Responding to the interest expressed by a few growers and a processor, Growers Supply secured one of the Spudnik bed planters and brought it in to Canada for a limited trial in 2010.

The purpose of the evaluation was to assess yield, tuber unifor-

mity, water use efficiency and economic returns between bed planted potatoes and conventionally planted potatoes.

The Spudnik Bed Planter The Spudnik bed planter used was designed to seed seven rows

were dug from rows in the conventionally planted area and compared with four samples of 3m x ½ bed section within the bed planted area.

Samples were evaluated for total yield, marketable yield, tuber deformities, specific gravity and internal defects and are pre-

Figure 3. Bed shaper of potatoes in a 98” bed (Figure 1). The configuration used in 2010 was to block the center row of the seeder and plant six rows in a 98” wide bed (Figure 2). With conventional hill seeding, four rows would be planted within the same width.

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The Spudnik bed planter was used on a portion of three commercial potato fields in southern Alberta in 2010 and at Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s Irrigation Demonstration Facility in Lethbridge (CACDI). Growers Supply staff assisted with the set up of the bed planter at all sites, Western Tractor supplied a John Deere 8345RT with wide spaced tracks to ensure the power equipment straddled the beds.

Soil water monitoring sites were set up in each field, one in the bed planted area of the field and one in the standard hill/furrow section of the field.

Instrumentation at the sites consisted of an access tube to take weekly soil water readings and a collection rain gauge to monitor irrigations and rainfall amounts.

Tuber samples were obtained from three of the sites immediately prior to the main harvest by AARD staff. Four samples (3m)

sented in ton/acre.

A basic analysis was performed to evaluate the economic benefit or penalty of bed planted potatoes in 2010.

Results Consistent with previous findings (Harms and Konshuh, 2010), soil water content in the bed planted areas of the field retained about 10 per cent more moisture (week to week) compared to the standard shaped hill.

Different varieties were grown and different plant density strategies were used by growers to test the bed-planting concept. In two of the three fields sampled, yield from the bed-planted area of the field was greater than that from the conventional hill planted area.

Both total and marketable yield were significantly greater in Field B. Specific gravity was unaffected by bed-planting in this study.

Assuming a basic contract price for marketable potatoes, gross economic returns in the commercial fields were 34 per cent greater from beds than from hills once the seed costs were deducted (Figure 3). To our knowledge, other costs (fertility, pesticides, irrigation, manpower, etc.) incurred were the same for hilled or bed-planted regions of each field.

PAGE 22 –– MAY 2012 THE GROWER

CONSUMER RESEARCH

As chronic meal skippers, millennials represent a new marketing challenge Social media is the one frequent consumable KAREN DAVIDSON If you could rent an apartment inside the head of a millennial, what would you find?

“Millennials love to see imagery reflecting themselves and those that they know,” says Kathy Perrotta, NPD Group. The consumer researcher says this is just one of the habits of a group that represents many marketing opportunities for fruit and vegetable growers. At the recent annual general meeting of the Canadian Horticultural Council, she presented insight into this 18- to 34year-old cohort born between 1976 and 1992.

Comprising seven million people, the millennial generation has been influenced by a number of factors including globalization, media, brands, cultural influences and nutrition labels. The largest percentage of Canada’s new immigrants or the second generation reside in this millennial group. “Millennials are used to having everything at their fingertips – a click away,” says Perrotta. “They want to experience life but are also procrastinating on responsibility of having kids.”

If you were to draw a caricature of a millennial female, they would be holding a Starbacks soy latte in one hand and texting on their Blackberry with the other hand. Inside a Coach-branded handbag slung over her shoulder, you would find a low-fat yogurt and a Honeycrisp apple for lunch.

Millennials eat fewer meals than older adults, and as such, are chronic meal skippers. With these habits, it’s no surprise that they

To put a face on the various demographics of Canada’s 33 million people, use this handy infographic.

are liquid fuelers. The good news is that this demographic is increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables, but could be eating even more. Perrotta sees opportunities in foodservice because millennials, especially in the 25 to 34-year category with no kids, eat more meals away from home. There’s also an opening in the snack category, because millennials prefer portable snacks from home.

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Of the top 10 snacks, millennials rate sandwiches first and fruit second, then soup, salad and vegetables. All of these five categories are ripe for expansion, whether it’s new products or convenient serving size and packaging. In the prime of their lives, this generation is not worried about dieting or healthy living, although from a purchasing perspective, they favour “all natural” products.

For companies targeting the chronic meal skippers, underline the importance of beginning the day, no matter what time that is, with good-tasting, healthy and

convenient foods. For liquid fuellers, fruit and veggie smoothies are popular even at higher price points. For those with an on-the-go lifestyle, tempt them with snacks that fill those skipped meals. Busy millennials are cooking less than past generations, so convenient formats of fruits and vegetables appeal to this demographic. Portable options and packaging are an important consideration for this group. Messages about taste, energy and convenience will hit the mark.

It’s important to connect with millennials in a media that they

consume. That means social media and couponing. Even with video games, encrypt messaging that has instant consumability.

Take-aways • Breakfast continues to be the key fruit eating occasion and is growing in importance.

• Fruit is the number one snack consumed by millennials.

• Raw vegetables, vegetables as ingredients and one-dish meals are on trend.

MINOR USE

New liquid potato seed-piece treatment in Canada Bayer CropScience is introducing Titan Emesto, a complete liquid insecticide and fungicide potato seed-piece treatment for protection against major insects and diseases. A new coloured formulation ensures growers can uniformly and safely apply it to potato seed-pieces to maximize pest control and yield potential. The product provides excellent fusarium protection, superior seed-borne rhizoctonia control, good activity on silver scurf and unsurpassed insect control.

“Titan Emesto is a co-pak of Titan, the broadest spectrum potato seed-piece insecticide, and Emesto Silver, a new potato seed-piece fungicide with two new modes of action protecting against major diseases,” says David Kikkert, portfolio manager,

horticulture, Bayer CropScience. “Growers will benefit from the outstanding protection provided by Titan Emesto against fusarium tuber rot including current resistant strains, seed-borne rhizoctonia, silver scurf, Colorado potato beetle, leafhopper, aphids and flea beetle, and reduces the damage caused by wireworms.”

“To achieve optimal disease and insect control, growers must ensure good uniform coverage of the potato seed-piece,” says Andrew Dornan, field development rep, Eastern Canada, Bayer CropScience.

Source: Bayer CropScience news release

MAY 2012 –– PAGE 23 THE GROWER

TERMINATE EARLY BLIGHT

THE ONLY GROUP 9 Scala® fungicide is programmed to protect against the threat of early blight in potatoes. And as the only Group 9 fungicide, it utilizes a unique mode of action, making it an exceptional resistance management tool.

Hasta la vista, early blight.

BayerCropScience.ca/Scala or 1 888-283-6847 or contact your Bayer CropScience representative.

Always read and follow label directions. Scala® is a registered trademark of Bayer. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada.

H-21-03/12-BCS12170-E

PAGE 24 –– MAY 2012 THE GROWER

Spotted Wing Drosophila update An OMAFRA team of specialists monitored for Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) in 2011 at more than 65 sites in 16 counties in Ontario. SWD was detected in 12 of these counties and at over 50 per cent of the monitored sites.

Because SWD has spread quickly through many states and provinces in North America, all growers should be aware of this new pest and the risk it poses to fruit crops.

Berry crops, especially blueberries and raspberries, and stone fruit such as apricots, cherries, peaches and plums are at highest

risk for this pest, but all thinskinned fruit may be susceptible.

With support of the Ontario Berry Growers’ Association, The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association and the Farm Innovation Program, we will continue to monitor for spotted wing drosophila in 2012.

Check our website (www.ontario.ca/spottedwing) for updates on pest development in Ontario. Here are some other steps you can take to prepare for SWD in 2012.

• Review the information on pest

biology, identification and management on the OMAFRA website (www.ontario.ca/spottedwing).

• Attend an OMAFRA IPM scout training workshop to learn about identification of SWD adults.

(Intro to IPM Workshop, April 30, Tomatoes and Peppers May 1, Tender Fruit and Grapes, May 2, Strawberry Workshop, May 7).

For more information and to preregister call 1-877-424-1300.

• Consider using traps baited with apple cider vinegar or a yeastsugar solution, to monitor for SWD adult files.

• Monitor for symptoms of damage in your fruit crops during harvest.

• Plan to use insecticides for SWD control if your crop is ripening and if SWD is present in your area.

• Check the efficacy tables of OMAFRA publication #360 Guide to Fruit Production for

information about the pesticides you are already using and their effect on SWD. • Stay tuned to OMAFRA sources for updates on products registered for SWD control. We have applied for emergency use registration of several insecticides and expect to have registration of these products in early June.

IPM Scout Training Workshops for 2012 Here are the updated IPM scout workshops available for those who will be scouting horticultural crops this year.

To register contact: Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300

For more information contact: Margaret Appleby IPM Systems Specialist OMAFRA Brighton, 613-475-5850 Email: margaret.appleby@ontario.ca

Lunch on your own Handouts provided

FOLLOW-UP FIELD TRAINING Spotted winged drosophila ID training

Lunch on your own Handouts provided

Spotted winged drosophila ID training

May 2 9 a.m. to Noon

Rittenhouse Hall Wendy McFadden Smith Lunch on your own Vineland OMAFRA advisory Handouts provided building

Spotted winged drosophila ID training

Apples

May 10 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Margaret Appleby

Cole Crops

May 2 9:00 am to 2:00pm

Simcoe Arena Lounge Simcoe Recreation Centre 182 South Dr. Simcoe 1 Stone Rd., Guelph Room TBA

Lettuce, Celery, Onions, Carrots

May 3 9:00a.m. to 2:00.pm.

1 Stone Rd., Guelph Room TBA

Marion Paibomesai

Handouts provided Lunch on your own Have to pay for parking

Asparagus – learn, lunch and July 10 field walk 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (tentative)

Norfolk County

Elaine Roddy

NOTE: 11 am start time Handouts provided. Lunch provided by OAGMB

Strawberries

May 7 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Woodstock OMAFRA Boardroom

Pam Fisher

Required: OMAFRA Publication Spotted winged drosophila #360 Guide to Fruit Production ID training $20 On request

Cucurbit Crops

May 9 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wilson Hall Conference Room Ridgetown Campus

Elaine Roddy

NOTE: 9:30 am start time Lunch on your own

Ginseng Garden Walkers Workshop

May 16 1 to 3 p.m.

Simcoe Research Station Library - Simcoe

Sean Westerveld Melanie Filotas

Bring ginseng disease samples for diagnosis. NOTE: Workshop will only be held if there are a minimum of 5 registrants by Friday, May 11.

Sweet Corn, Peas and Beans May 17 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Woodstock OMAFRA Boardroom

Elaine Roddy

NOTE: 10 am start time Lunch on your own

Potatoes

1 Stone Rd., Guelph Room TBA

Eugenia Banks

Potato Scouting Manual Field training dates TBA Provided Recommended: OMAFRA publication #823; Potato Field Guide Lunch on your own Have to pay for parking

WORKSHOP

DATE & TIME

LOCATION

Introduction to IPM

April 30 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Lab Services bldg.

93 Stone Rd., Guelph

Tomatoes & Peppers

May 1 8:45 am to 2 pm.

Wilson Hall Conference Room Ridgetown College

Tender Fruit Grape

May 24 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WORKSHOP LEADER Margaret Appleby Janice LeBoeuf

Marion Paibomesai

MATERIALS NEEDED

Handouts provided If possible bring copy of Pub #360 & 310 Lunch on your own Handouts provided Lunch on your own Have to pay for parking

on request

on request

MAY 2012 –– PAGE 25 THE GROWER

New registrations for berry growers PAM FISHER, OMAFRA There have been many new registrations for berry crops.

These are so new that they are not included in OMAFRA publication #360, Guide to Fruit Production.

ALTACOR INSECTICIDE from E.I Du Pont Canada is registered for control of several Lepidopteran pests and suppression of Japanese beetle on the bushberry crop group (blueberries, gooseberries, currants, saskatoons, sea buckthorn, elderberry and honeysuckle). The active ingredient of Altacor is chlorantraniliprole, the first Group 28 insecticide for berry crops. It is very effective for Lepidoptera control and also provides control or suppression of some other

Syngenta or pam.fisher@ontario.ca for a copy.

MPT MUSTGRO CROP BIOFUMIGANT was recently registered by MPT Technologies for suppression of red stele in strawberries, Phytophthora root rot in raspberries and root lesion nematodes in both strawberries and raspberries. This is a pelletized formulation of oriental mustard seed meal. It must be applied preplant, incorporated by cultivation, watered in, and left to work for an unspecified period of time before planting. I have no experience with this product, but hopefully we will see some trials and trial results soon. As with all new active ingredients, this product cannot be sold in Ontario until it is classified by the pesticides advisory committee.

FONTELIS FUNGICIDE from E.I Du Pont Canada Co. for control of Botrytis on strawberries and suppression of mummyberry on lowbush blueberries (not highbush). A minor use project is in place to expand this label to highbush blueberry against more diseases. The active ingredient is

penthiopyrad, is Group 7, which is the same fungicide family as Lance and Cantus fungicides. The preharvest interval is one day.

Link to the product label: http://pr-rp.hcsc.gc.ca/1_1/pr_web.ve1?p_ukid= 21565

TIVANO is a new bio-fungicide and bactericide registered by AEF Global Inc and available from UAP. Tivano is registered on a variety of crops for several diseases. On berry crops it is registered on strawberries for suppression of angular leaf spot and powdery mildew. The active ingredients are citric and lactic acid, present as fermentation products of Lactobacillus casei strain LPT-111. Tivano should be applied before disease symptoms appear, and repeated at seven-to10 day intervals. I have no experience with this product. If you try it, test it out on a small scale. The label suggests using Tivano with a surfactant such as Agral 90, or LI 700 or Citowett Plus. These may be phytotoxic to some varieties of strawberries, especially if applied in hot weather.

insect pests. Ontario growers will find it very useful for control of leafroller and suppression of Japanese beetles. The preharvest interval is one day.

Altacor label: http://www2.dupont.com/Prod_A griculture/en-ca/content/cropprotection.html QUADRIS FLOWABLE FUNGICIDE registered by Syngenta Canada Inc. for new plantings of strawberries for suppression of black root rot caused

Growers have some unusual traditions — things they do every year to ensure a successful growing season. From the hula girl one grower pulls out at planting, to the barn dance another grower throws after every harvest, you go with what works. Just like the products that come through for you year after year, why mess with a good thing?

by Rhizoctonia. The active ingredient is azoxystrobin, a group 11 fungicide. The preharvest interval is 365 days, so this is not a product for day-neutral strawberries.

Apply once in-furrow at planting or a banded drench application immediately after planting up to eight days post planting.

Maximum one application per season. Quadris is extremely phytotoxic to certain apple varieties, so be sure to avoid spray drift.

The revised label should be on line soon, but meanwhile contact

Thanks for putting your trust in our products. For more information, visit www.gowithwhatworks.ca or call 1-866-761-9397 toll free.

PAGE 26 –– MAY 2012 THE GROWER

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LOUTH & NIAGARA ORCHARDS P.O. Box 43 • Virgil, Ontario • L0S 1T0 • 905-468-3297 4000 Jordan Road • Jordan Station, ON • 905-562-8825

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• Berry Boxes • Waxed Cartons • Crop Protection Material

Visit

our website to order,

1-800-305-7714 or email us; agent opportunity available

W W W. A NAT I S B I O P R OT E C T I O N . C O M

BIOPROTECTION

ANNOUNCEMENT

Turn your used farm equipment into cash!

Classified ads 1-866-898-8488 x 221 EQUIPMENT

PACKHOUSE & GREENHOUSE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Produce Pr odu uce P Packaging ackaging

CONVEYOR LINE with 40 working stations. Twin lines 45’ long; 3 layers; 2 motorised.

TRANSPALETT double length (96’’ forks) Caterpilar WR6000; 350 hours of duty.

PICKING carts for pipe rail of 51mm X 55 cm c/c distance; with handle bars. Lot of 45 units. Aluminium & closed top.

HANDWASHING station, all stainless.

OZONE AIR CLEAN system (brand new!). AC330A LABEL APPLICATOR Nita AE612 with stand.

Manufacturer & Distributor

1-800-265-2397 • www.wwp.on.ca Mount Forest 519-323-1060 • Leamington Area 519-326-2394

Interested? Contact Marc at 418-286-6681 #249

MAY 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PAGE 27 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

To advertise phone: 519-380-0118 â&#x20AC;˘ 866-898-8488 x 218 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: 519-380-0011 EQUIPMENT

FOR SALE: Greefa model MSE 2000 Fruit Sizer, includes washer/waxer and two 20â&#x20AC;&#x2122; return flow beltsnew in 2004, 4 lane, 5 cups/ second/ lane, 4 drops and an all out, camera sizing.

Light usage, only 7 weeks/year. $37,500.

NIAGARA ORCHARD & VINEYARD CORP 905-646-5777 or alepp@niagaraorchard.com

SPRAYERS FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE

VINEYARD WITH RESIDENCE IN THE NIAGARA WINERY REGION with 26 acres of modern, high producing grapes. Sold as a going concern. $1,900,000. 0165 GREAT RETAIL BUSINESS LOCATED CLOSE TO GTA! 130 ac fruit farm with 86 ac workable. Large cold storage facility with excellent rental income, CA storage and 3 phase electrical, large office, shop and implement sheds and 3 houses. Additional 4 acre parcel with 6 bedroom home for additional $795,000.

By Appointment Only! $3,690,000 C148

3 John Bean Modulars Coming Soon â&#x20AC;˘ NEW Hardi 3pt. Air Cannon, $4500.00 â&#x20AC;˘ NEW 100gal 3pt JB Air, $7500.00 â&#x20AC;˘ New Durand Vineyard Sprayer, $25,900.00 list $35,000.00. â&#x20AC;˘ Barely used Hardi Mercury, $8,900.00 only used 1.5 seasons â&#x20AC;˘ 1 Hardi 800 gal sprayer , Tandem, 50 ft. Hyd. $8800.00 â&#x20AC;˘ 1 Used Hardi 950, 80ft.

Hyd., Raven, Amazing Shape. $18,000.00 GOOD TRADES WELCOME

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400, 500, 600 GAL.

ALL STAINLESS STEEL Made in Canada

NEW Turbo-Mist SPRAYERS - CLEAN TRADES NEEDED - ALL MAKES LOW DRIFT SPRAY TOWERS to fit any TURBO-MIST - IN STOCK NOW Turbo-Mist 500 gal, Myers Centrifugal Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,500 Turbo-Mist 400 gal, 30â&#x20AC;? Fan, Like New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,700 Turbo-Mist 300 gal, 24â&#x20AC;? Fan, EL Controls, Very Clean . . .. . . . . . $8,500 John Bean/FMC 252 S. Steel, Hydr. Controls, A-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,900 Durand Wayland 500 gal, Stainless Steel, Centrifugal Pump . . . $5,500 Perfect ZA380, 13ft Rotary Mower, 11ft F. Swing Cutter . . . . $4,950 Votex 3-PH, 11FT Mower, New Blades - 6 Yrs Old . . . . . . . . . . . $4,700 New and Used Bin Trailers For Wood and Plastic Bin Rotator for Tractor Loader or Forklift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,100

New Perfect H.D. Flail Mulchers in Stock New Myers Centrifugal Sprayer Pumps in Stock **Turbo-Mist Parts & Service Available - 7 Days a Week (In Season)** ** Instant photos to you by e-mail - all advertised items ** TRADES, CONSIGNMENTS, LEASING, DELIVERY ANYWHERE

D O N A RT H U R O R C H A R D E Q U I P M E N T (519) 599-3058 donarthur3@gmail.com Clarksburg, ON

STRAWBERRY EQUIPMENT FOR SALE JOHN DEERE 670 offset disk, KENNCO bed shaper (4 beds) KENNCO mulch, drip, fumigant, layer, 4â&#x20AC;&#x2122; beds, 4 rows per bed KENNCO drip nozzle sprayer, covers 4 beds 3000 waxed 6 X 1 strawberry flats, 55,440 paper Qts 10,000 1LB plastic clamshells MAKE OFFER ON CONTAINERS PHONE 941-916-8007

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Cole

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â&#x20AC;˘ ROW CROP WEEDERS, ETC. â&#x20AC;˘ DISC HILLERS â&#x20AC;˘ SPECIALIZED ROW CROP EQUIPMENT Cultivator Steels, Sweeps, Hoes, Furrowers, Hillers, Etc.

JOHN C. GRAHAM CO. LTD. DISTRIBUTORS 88 Erie Street North â&#x20AC;˘ P.O. Box 13 Leamington, Ontario â&#x20AC;˘ N8H 3W1

Tel:(519) 326-5051 Fax: (519) 326-0480 CONSULTING

!

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"

PAGE 28 –– MAY 2012 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

To advertise phone: 519-380-0118 • 866-898-8488 x 218 • Fax: 519-380-0011 NURSERY AND ROOTSTOCK

Alpine Nurseries

(Niagara) Limited

SPECIALIZING IN FRUIT TREES & GRAPE VINES & ELDERBERRIES. VARIETY AND PRICE LIST AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Howard A. Colcuc Nursery Manager R.R. #4 Creek Road Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. L0S 1J0 Tel: (905) 262-4971 Fax: (905) 262-4404 howardcolcuc@rogers.com

The best producing orchards start with exceptional trees.

Apples Apricots Cherries Nectarines Peaches Plums

BIRD REPELLERS BIRD REPELLERS

Mori Nurseries 1695 Niagara Stone Rd., RR#2 Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S1J0 T: 905-468-3217 F: 905-468-7271 Email: fruittrees@morinurseries.com

GREAT EAGLE (44” wingspan) $99.95 BLACK EAGLE (26” wingspan) $59.95 BLACKHAWK (13” wingspan) $29.95

www.morinurseries.com

OLOF’S TRAVELMAPS 7037 WYANDOTTE ST. E. WINDSOR, ON. N8S 1R1 TEL: 519-944-9196 FAX: 519-944-8331 Email: info@olofmaps.com Website: www.olofmaps.com

ASK FOR MORE INFORMATION

IRRIGATION

ORCHARD SUPPLIES

p

www.thegrower.org

Quality Fruit Trees for 60 years.

MAY 2012 –– PAGE 29 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

To advertise phone: 519-380-0118 • 866-898-8488 x 218 • Fax: 519-380-0011 IRRIGATION

CROP TUNNELS

GREENHOUSE MANUFACTURING Complete Greenhouse Systems For Your Needs!

Complete Greenhouse Systems Since 1986

Tel: 519-582-3081 Fax: 519-582-0851 Toll Free: 888-786-4769 RR 1, Simcoe Ontario, Canada info@decloetgreenhouse.com www.decloetgreenhouse.com

ORIENTAL VEGETABLE

REFRIGERATION

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IRRIGATION PIPES

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FOR SALE! Located in Eastern Ontario

5” x 30 ft pipes, $40 ea 4” x 30 ft pipes, $35 ea 2” x 30 ft pipes, $15 ea Korea Green - F1

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Custom Built Designs • Domestic and International Markets

Szechuan Red

Dan Fong

AgroHaitai Ltd. Ph: 519-647-2280 • Fax: 519-647-3188 seed@agrohaitai.com• www.AgroHaitai.com

PAGE 30 –– MAY 2012 THE GROWER

MINOR USE CRAIG’S COMMENTS

Cutting remarks

CRAIG HUNTER OFVGA I recall the time back in the 1990s when severe cuts were made by the Ontario government that led to widespread lay-offs of OMAFRA staff. In particular I remember the anguish of a friend who signed each and every severance letter. In his case, he knew each one of them as an individual, and it hurt with each and every signature. In recent days there have been announcements about similar sized cuts being made by Research Branch of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). I may not know all of the individuals involved, but I certainly appreciate the work they have done on behalf of Canada’s farmers. We will now be scrambling to replace the WORK regardless of the loss of the FACILITY that has been closed (as of March 2013).

I lament the loss of their expertise most of all. I lament the loss of some bright, young and enthusiastic scientists, technicians and farm staff who should be part of ‘our’ future research efforts.

Just as much, I feel for those who are left at other facilities who will be asked to “pick up the slack,” when they are already 100 per cent committed to their existing programs. (Been there, had that asked of me!) Most importantly, I hope that the inventory of projects that each and every one of the soon to be laid-off staff has been carefully taken, and an impact analysis has been done.

Back at Ottawa headquarters, I have yet to see or hear about other similar cuts being made there. For instance, if one is to go

online and look through the myriad of ‘sections’ just within Research Branch (likely similar for all other branches) there are large groups of staff doing various things- all based on paper or based on the outcomes of work done ‘in the field.’ With less work to be done in the field with the closure of six research sites across Canada, can we expect similar reductions in these staff?

One thing that leaped out at me when I perused these lists was the large number of former research station directors (at least four) amongst the staff of these ‘sections.’ I could hardly believe that some of them who I thought had retired on full pension some time ago are in fact still working.

In my mind’s eye, I wonder if some of them would be willing to ‘sacrifice’ their position to let some of these younger staff remain employed? There was one whole section dealing with ‘international science,’ but had at least two people solely dedicated to ‘China’ relations. I wondered to myself if “we” can afford dedication of such resources on any one country when we are giving up resources to do research work here in Canada?

Coming back to getting the work done, there are several considerations that affect horticultural producers. There is (was) work on-going at Delhi on ginseng, hops and other specialty crops.

There are NO other locations in Canada currently doing so, and this work must be re-located to ensure it gets done. It cannot be replaced overnight like could be done for an annually planted commodity. However, as longterm planting and multi-year production is involved, I expect the growers of these commodities will have much to say in coming days! The same holds true for the tree fruit work being done at Frelighsburg Quebec. The tree fruit growers in Quebec will also have angst about where the vital work will be done in the future on their commodities.

The closure of other centres also includes Bouctouche in New Brunswick. This station was one

of the original centres chosen to do Minor Use work for Zone 1.

At that time, P.E.I. was considered a unique zone (1A). While this distinction was successfully challenged, there are several differences in production and capacity between there and Kentville N.S. which is now the remaining centre in Zone 1. The loss of the expertise and the location must be covered or the growers in that part of Canada could be disenfranchised. Other facility losses in western Canada (Fort Vermillion Alberta and the Cereal Research Centre in Manitoba) will be felt equally by the affected commodity groups they catered to.

I recall an old saying that seems to apply in this instance: ‘There is never enough time to do it right, but there is always time to do it again.’ It would seem that ‘head office’ determinations of what and where to cut were done without enough foresight. They would also appear to have been orchestrated by some of those who should have ‘fallen on their own swords’ first! Again, let it be clear that this is not my sacred cow approach to save any given site per se. What is important is the value of the work being done across the board, and deciding

what is the least valuable to GROWERS, before making the cuts. Likewise, when staff has to be cut, decisions on the current and future value of that staff should matter and in fact should be paramount.

I remember well the advice ‘we’ got when provincial cuts were made. The first ones to be let go will snag the best jobs ‘out there.’ Those that are left will forever be thinking of when they too may get the next ‘tap on the shoulder’ when their pink slip is coming. Think of what that does to morale when they feel cuts are made regardless of work ethic, value of program, or their future worth to the organization!

A friend made a really important comment on cuts a few years back. It goes something like this: “When valuable people leave, their loss is felt immediately.

When some others leave, it may be ten years before we even notice!” Wouldn’t it be nice to think that cuts could be made on just those criteria? Wouldn’t it be nice to know that very senior staff would indeed step aside in favour of those who have a whole career ahead of themselves to contribute to Canadian Agriculture?

I am sure there will be other

kinds of criticism of these cuts. I know that budgets have had to be cut, and that changes are necessary. It is not that cuts are made, but rather how they are made, and on what basis. Is it possible to satisfy everyone-never! Is it easy to get senior staff to agree to leave first- no way! Will growers care about the cuts if they do not affect them directly- probably not.

Will Canada be better off if cuts are made- probably yes. Could the cuts have been better planned and managed to minimize impactabsolutely! Are we willing to work with them to find ways to ensure that critical work is continued, and critical staff resources are maintained- yes, of course!

Has any request been made from the feds back to grower groups to do the above- none at this time.

Plans will be made over the next days and weeks, between long hours spent doing a grower’s day job- farming! The timing of these cuts was poor, but perhaps there is never a good time. Let us hope that someone is prepared to listen!

It may help to soften the blow felt by whoever had to sign those pink slips, too.

Guide to Fruit Production 2012-2013 This publication provides recommendations for the commercial production of fruit crops including apples, pears, tender fruit, berries and tree nuts. New for 2012 are pest management calendars for day-neutral strawberries and fall-bearing raspberries.

This publication includes a comprehensive section on thinning tree fruits. Pest management guidelines are presented in a calendar format. Technical information on products is easy to look up in the many tables. Chapters on resistance management, reduced risk products and biopesticides, and spray application technology have been extensively updated. This publication also provides crop-by-crop information on fertilizer rates, tables for interpreting soil and tissue analysis and information on micronutrients.

Order on line at www.ontario.ca/u528 or visit an OMAFRA regional office. $20 each, discounts for multiple copies.

MAY 2012 –– PAGE 31 THE GROWER

MINOR USE

Minor use registration added to Quadris fungicide label Quadris fungicide has received Minor Use Registration for suppression of Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria brassicae) on cabbage, suppression of blossom blight (Ascochyta spp. and Alternaria spp.) on cumin and suppression of black root rot (Rhizoctonia fragariae) on strawberries.

“These minor use registrations were added to the Quadris label at the request of Canadian growers who face challenges with certain diseases and want the protection that Quadris has to offer,” stated Eric Phillips, asset lead, fungicides and insecticides for Syngenta Canada Inc. Quadris is a broad-spectrum, preventative fungicide with systemic properties. Optimum dis-

Altacor insecticide label expanded on bushberries JIM CHAPUT, OMAFRA, MINOR USE COORDINATOR The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of an URMULE registration for Altacor insecticide for control of several species of Lepidopteran pests and suppression of Japanese beetle on crop subgroup 13-07B, bushberries in Canada.

Crop subgroup 13-07B, bushberries includes blueberries, gooseberries, currants, saskatoons, sea buckthorn, elderberry and honeysuckle. The active ingredient chlorantraniliprole was already labeled on a wide range of vegetables and fruits for a number of key insect pests.

Altacor insecticide can be used for control of fruitworms, leafrollers, lesser appleworm, red-striped fireworm, spanworm and suppression of Japanese beetle on bushberries at a rate of 215 – 285 grams per ha in a minimum finished spray volume of 200 L water per ha. Begin applications when treatment thresholds have been reached. Reapply if monitoring indicates it is necessary but do not apply more than once every seven days.

Do not apply more than three times per year and do not apply within one day of harvest for bushberries.

For a copy of the new minor use label contact Pam Fisher, OMAFRA, Simcoe (519) 4262238 or Jim Chaput, OMAFRA, Guelph (519) 826-3539.

ease control is obtained when Quadris is used as a protective treatment prior to disease establishment Cabbage Alternaria leaf spot can cause losses from spotting lesions on the heads of cabbage, reducing yields and increasing the number of unmarketable heads.

Symptoms appear first on the older leaves as small yellowish lesions that expand to resemble a target with concentric light and dark areas. Alternaria leaf spot can quickly spread from the leaves to the heads, with the lesions ranging in size from pinpoint to several centimeters in width.

Cumin Blossom blight infected plants show minute, brownish necrotic spots, which later turn a shade of black. Diseased plants fail to produce seeds. If seeds are produced, they remain shriveled, light in weight and dark in colour.

Strawberries Black root rot on strawberries is a very complex and serious disease.

It affects primary feeder and perennial roots of the strawberries. Often symptoms are not evident until a year or two after planting. Infected roots develop black lesions on the surface that eventually extend into the interior tissue, resulting in the entire root becoming black and rotted.

Infected plants typically appear wilted and stunted, particularly around fruiting time when there is greater demand on the roots for water and nutrients. As a result, less fruit is produced from the infected plants. Additionally, plants with black root rot are susceptible to secondary pathogen infections and can be at higher risk of winter injury. Management of black root rot begins with disease avoidance and keeping plants healthy and vigorous from transplanting through to harvest.

Source: Syngenta Canada news release

PAGE 32 –– MAY 2012 THE GROWER