The Grower August 2014

AUGUST 2014

CELEBRATING 135 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION

VOLUME 64 NUMBER 08

VALUE CHAIN IMPROVEMENTS

48 hours from the tree means juicy-in-time, tender fruit

On July 15, Loblaw’s Patrick Gilbert, one of three vendor development managers in Canada, monitored the start of the yellow plum harvest, sending field reports on size and sweetness to produce category managers. “The variety of Early Golden plums is unique,” he says. “They are a sweet piece of nature’s candy.” He’s pictured here with fifth-generation grower Jourdan Tregunno in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Photos by Denis Cahill.

INSIDE A profile of BC’s fresh cut apple slicer Page 6 FOCUS: Storage and containers Page 14

Quebec grower salutes the shallot Page 16

www.thegrower.org P.M. 40012319 $3.00 CDN

KAREN DAVIDSON There’s a harder edge to marketing Ontario’s tender fruit this summer. Out front early with buyers and proactive with incentive programs, the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers’ Marketing Board (OTFPMB) isn’t taking retail buyers for granted.

“We want buyers to forget about last year’s harsh winter,” says Phil Tregunno, OTFPMB chair. “That’s why we held a ‘Celebrate the Bloom’ event in May to reassure buyers that the industry is progressing on reasonable timelines for a full crop of peaches, plums, nectarines and apricots.”

The buzz on May 8 was about more than bees pollinating the plum orchard on Tregunno’s farm. It was a new incentive plan for retail buyers. In the past, the board has offered price rebates at the end of the season based on

volumes purchased. This year, the price incentive is upfront to pay retailers to advertise in their flyers and social media platforms.

In addition, there are transportation subsidies to farflung markets on the prairies and the Maritimes.

“Our emphasis is on quality, which means the entire consumer eating experience,” says Tregunno. “That’s flavour, appearance, shelf life, packaging.”

As the largest grower in the Niagara peninsula, Tregunno is reorienting the production system of his 700 acres to deliver a more mature piece of fruit. The retailers are eager to buy local but insist on a memorable taste experience. Think of it as juicy-in-time fruit, a much more complex task than just-in-time car parts.

That’s an order as tall as Tregunno himself. This means tree-ripening with absolutely no conditioning rooms as is the common practice in California.

Harvesting and packing systems must be finetuned to deliver hand-picked fruit within 48 hours to distribution centres.

This is why Tregunno and his sons Ryan and Jourdan have revamped both their container and packing systems in the last year. They sourced a Californiadesigned box container that can be palletized and moved from the orchard straight to the packing line and coolers.

With a radio-frequency

identification (RFID) tag system in each orchard block, they can now easily enter production and harvesting data into their Fruit Tracker software system. Specific to the tender fruit industry, this is a computer program that tracks all the inputs: fertilizer, crop protection, pruning dates and so on. Ryan Tregunno is impressed with the time saved by inputting the data just once for the CanadaGAP food safety program.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

PAGE 2 –– AUGUST 2014 THE GROWER

NEWSMAKERS

AT PRESS TIME… Royal Agricultural Winter Fair ready to welcome hort exhibitors The Royal is ready to welcome Canada’s fruit and vegetable growers – now that the Fair has published its 2014 fruit and vegetable competition information.

Growers can go to royalfair.org (click on For Exhibitors on the home page) to get more information about entering this year’s competitions. The Royal’s horticultural competitions cover everything from apples to potatoes to garlic and giant pumpkins.

“Any grower can benefit from winning at The Royal,” says Peter Hohenadel, director, Agriculture and Food. “When our judges select your produce as a top entry, that means a lot to consumers – and to wholesale buyers. It’s a marketing opportunity.”

Now in its 92nd year, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair opens November 6 at Exhibition Place in Toronto. Be sure to check out competition categories for your best crops at royalfair.org.

Fire hobbles Bonduelle plant Bonduelle, a world leader in processed vegetables, suffered $40 to $50 million in losses when a fire destroyed warehouses at its southwestern Ontario plant in Tecumseh on July 18. About 110 farmers have contracts for a variety of vegetables including peas,

Bonduelle operates seven plants in eastern Canada. sweet corn and green beans.

Daniel Vielfaure, chief operating officer for the French-owned company, estimates that 12 million pounds of produce were destroyed. However, he’s optimistic that the plant can be rebuilt at the site that’s been active since 1931, originally under Green Giant. In fact, plans were to start up the canning line within days of the fire and to restart the freezing operation about two weeks later.

Company officials estimated that about $20 million of crops were still to be harvested this summer. Bonduelle operates three plants in Ontario and four plants in Quebec. Altogether, Bonduelle processes or cans 355,000 tons of vegetables under the familiar brands of Arctic Garden and Stokely.

The catastrophe adds to the processing woes of southwestern Ontario. Windsor Essex Economic Development Corporation is working hard to shore up investment interest from West Michigan and Ohio with a familiarization tour in early October.

Food safety survey The University of Guelph is conducting a study to find out how your business manages food safety controls. To be heard, please visit Bit.ly/SafeFood1

Correction Correction to information in The Grower, page 16 of the July 2014 issue.

Registrations for Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) 2014: The Pest Management Regulatory Agency has revoked the emergency use registration of Ripcord (cypermethrin) for SWD control on bushberries. DO NOT use Ripcord on blueberries, elderberries, sea buckthorn, saskatoon berries. etc.

On raspberries and other caneberries, strawberries, grapes and stone fruit, you can use Ripcord once, at 150 mL/ha for suppression of SWD. The preharvest interval is two days for caneberries, strawberries, stone fruit and seven days for grapes.

See www.Ontario.ca\spottedwing for product registrations and weekly updates on SWD activity in Ontario.

Condolences to family and friends of Howard Staff, 71, who died suddenly on June 27 of a heart attack.

He was the sixth generation on the family homestead near Lincoln, Ontario, and was one of the longest serving members of the Grape Growers of Ontario (38 years) and a board director for 10. He was a major contributor to Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute as well as president of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (1979) and Vineland Growers’ Cooperative. His community and industry contributions will be missed.

Jeff Leal is Ontario’s new minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs. The Peterborough MPP was previously minister of rural affairs. Premier Kathleen Wynne split the ministry in two in February 2013, taking on the agriculture and food portfolio for herself. With a 58-seat majority Liberal government achieved on June 12, she is relinquishing the post.

The agricultural community will also have important intersects with the following ministries: • Brad Duguid (Minister of Economic Development) – expanding natural gas infrastructure • Glenn Murray (Minister of the Environment and Climate Change) • Dr. Eric Hoskins (Minister of Health) and Liz Sandals (Minister of Education) – introducing food literacy/nutrition into the school curriculum • Ted McMeekin (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing) – reviewing the Greenbelt, Oak Ridges and Niagara Escarpment Plans • Reza Moridi (Minister of Research and Innovation) – advancing agriculture research Ontario’s official opposition has appointed Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett as the critic for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. He lives on a mixed-farm operation north of Port Dover and is familiar with horticultural issues.

Food and Beverage Ontario, formerly known as the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors, has appointed Alan Grant, director of membership and industry relations. He will be the point person for the new membership structure – processor based – but with associate memberships for supplier businesses, associations, agencies, individuals and other stakeholders who have an interest in the food and beverage industry.

Tyler Whale has been hired as the new president of Ontario AgriFood Technologies, succeeding retiring Gord Surgeoner, effective September 2. Whale is currently the industry liaison officer with the University of Guelph’s Catalyst Centre, where he is responsible for connecting industry with Guelph faculty for collaborative research projects through the OMAFRA partnership.

Grape Growers of Ontario have announced that Canada’s Man in Motion, Rick Hansen, will be the celebrity luncheon speaker on September 17, kicking off the 63rd Niagara Grape and Wine Festival.

The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame will be inducting Lorne Hepworth for his outstanding contributions at this fall’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Hepworth began his life-long career in Canadian agriculture as a veterinarian in rural Saskatchewan, moving into provincial politics. His biggest legacy was championing advances in science and technology to Canada’s plant science industry.

Congratulations to the Holland Marsh Growers’ Association for two recent awards for its strengthening of community and public relations efforts. The association was recognized on Canada Day by the town of Bradford West Gwillimbury with its Civic Award for Outstanding Achievement. The Best Agricultural Association award was given by Food Partner Alliance for Simcoe County.

Brian Gilroy, past chair of the Ontario Apple Growers, is the 2014 winner of the Tommy Cooper award for his significant contributions to the agricultural community in Grey and Bruce counties. He is the owner of Nighthawk Orchards near Meaford, Ontario, a member of the Georgian Bay Fruit Growers’ Association executive and vicepresident of the Canadian Horticultural Council.

AUGUST 2014 –– PAGE 3 THE GROWER

COVER STORY

These plastic crates are palletized and moved from the orchard straight to the packing line and the cooler.

48 hours from the tree means juicy-in-time, tender fruit with the recyclability of the basket itself.

“If this trial is successful, we will be moving forward with this basket for all stone fruit,” says Gilbert.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 To enhance fruit appearance, their new European-designed packing lines reduce bruising as well as optically sort for size, colour and blemishes. One line is dedicated to small stone fruit such as apricots, plums and nectarines while the other line can handle both peaches and nectarines. This flexibility anticipates the evolving mix of tender fruit required by retailers.

As Sarah Marshall, general manager, OFTMB explains, the industry is growing fewer yellowfleshed peaches and growing more nectarines, plums and apricots. In future, she expects that peaches will decrease from 80 per cent of the tender fruit market to 60 per cent, with smaller stone fruit making up the remainder.

Fruit specs

Yellow plums are optically sorted for size, colour and blemishes.

Packaging changes To showcase tender fruit, all five major retailers are in transition on packaging says Mike Ecker, president, Vineland Growers’ Cooperative Ltd. Working with the retailers, the cooperative has designed retail-ready, plastic clamshells and corrugated cases which are supplied to the growers’ packing lines. No longer open to tampering, packaged tender fruit shows well in displays with a minimum of in-store labour.

Canada’s leading grocery retailer, Loblaw Co. Ltd, is test marketing yet another basket for peaches this summer. This basket is completely recyclable, sourced from the plastics of North American water bottles, says Patrick Gilbert, vendor development manager for Ontario. A paper sleeve will be imprinted with the label without interfering

In the packing shed, Patrick Gilbert measures a brix level of 15 which exceeds Loblaw specifications for yellow plums.

His caliper, used to measure sizing, registers 40 mm, well above company standards.

Workers gently pack fruit in corrugated boxes supplied by marketer Vineland Growers’ Cooperative Ltd. When cooled, these Tregunno Farm plums will be trucked to Jordan, Ontario where orders are fulfilled and sent to distribution centres of all major retailers. Retail logistics teams must then organize the transport to their store networks with the aim of having fruit to consumers within 48 hours of orchard picking.

A familiar face on the Tregunno farm, Gilbert arrives at the start of plum harvest. This is a follow-up to mid-winter meetings where fruit specifications have been communicated to all Loblaw fruit growers. His field visit is equal parts visual inspection and scientific fact-gathering for size, colour, brix and weight. A testing kit includes calipers for sizing and a brix tester for sweetness.

On July 15, Gilbert was pleased with the brix level of 15 and 40mm for sizing. In the orchard, he was side-by-side with pickers observing few abrasions on the stone fruit – a sign of no weather or insect damage. Using his IPad, he captured photo images to immediately transmit to Loblaw’s fruit category managers.

“I have to say that working side by side with growers, I don’t think I could have got a better education in university,” says Gilbert. “They have gone out of their way to explain growing methods, insects and how weather affects the crop. When it comes to our specifications, we have worked together to make sure they are fair and attainable.

There are times, due to weather, when we need a temporary spec change. By being in the field, we’re closer to where it’s happening.”

More change is in the pipeline.

Retailers are always looking for something new to tempt the palates of consumers. While Canadian-grown, plum-apricot hybrids such as pluots and apriums are still three or four years

away, Gilbert says there’s excitement for the Vee Blush peach which has been developed by the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.

“It’s just a full-flavoured, beautiful peach,” says Gilbert.

“We’d also like to see the pear industry come back again,” adds Gilbert. “There are three varieties which are fireblight resistant that are in trials now.”

“

I have to say that working side by side with growers, I don’t think I could have got a better education in university. They have gone out of their way to explain growing methods, insects and how weather affects the crop.” ~ Patrick Gilbert

The industry is anticipating a full-fledged marketing push for the Harovin Sundown pear in the fall of 2015. Canadian-bred for a rosier colour and more flavour, it’s expected to be a consumer hit.

“Yes, there is an opportunity to grow more tender fruit,” says Gilbert. “The most important trait is taste which will drive sales and move tonnage.”

PAGE 4 –– AUGUST 2014 THE GROWER

INTERNATIONAL PERU

CALIFORNIA

WASHINGTON

Peru expands blueberry acreage

Produce prices up due to drought

Large apple crop predicted

Chile, make room for Peru’s blueberries. The neighboring country to the north is forecasting 10,000 acres by 2020.

Sierra Exportador, an export agency, predicts rapid growth from its current 900 acres in the area of Arequipa, Ica, La Libertad and Lima. Leaders say that Peru’s production will complement regional sales, taking advantage of the commercial export window from September to November. Both countries, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, are sharing production experiences.

Major destinations are the U.S., Belgium, the Netherlands and the U.K. Blueberry shipments are expected to total U.S. $35 million this year.

California’s deepening drought will force fresh fruit and vegetable prices up by about six per cent, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Hardest hit will be avocados, berries, broccoli, grapes, lettuce, melons, peppers, tomatoes and packaged salads.

To cope with less water supply, farmers are changing the mix of their crops. One 7,500acre, Salinas-area farm is cutting production of lettuce, broccoli and other veggies in favour of strawberries which use less water.

“We have conservatively projected that the average American family will spend about $500 more on food this year because of the drought," said Paul Wenger, president of the California Farm Bureau.

The American fresh and

Source: FreshPlaza.com

Source: FreshPlaza.com

processing apple crop could top 260 million, 40-pound boxes. A heavy crop in Washington is predicted to offset lighter crops in New York and Michigan. If that number is realized in the bin, then it would represent the thirdlargest harvest ever according to Don Armock, president of

Michigan’s Riveridge Produce.

Washington will likely have a fresh crop of 140 million to 150 million boxes, topping its record 128.8-million box crop of 2012.

Michigan’s crop – estimated at 27.6 million boxes -- is down due to a later spring and poor pollination. New York’s crop is predicted to be down significantly from about 34 million to 28 million boxes. Quantities of Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp and Fuji varieties will be down because of their alternate bearing cycle.

Industry leaders are confident in marketing the large crop, pointing to better quality, varietal mix and fast-food restaurants using more apple slices. A more precise forecast is expected at the U.S. Apple Association’s annual outlook conference in Chicago, Aug. 21-22.

GERMANY

Minimum pay equals $12.30/hour Germany has set its first minimum wage at $12.30 or € 8.50 per hour with a two-year transition for low-pay sectors.

The fruit and vegetable sector is arguing for exceptions, specifically that seasonal workers should receive only 80 per cent of the minimum wage if they’re in the country less than 50 days per year.

About 60 to 80 per cent of the cost of asparagus, for example, is made up primarily from labour.

Vegetable producers fear that production will move to countries such as Poland and Romania where the minimum wage is only € 2.31 or as low as €1.14.

Source: FreshPlaza.com

Source: FreshPlaza.com

CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST BRITISH COLUMBIA

Mother Nature smiles on large cherry crop B.C. Tree Fruits anticipates at least eight million pounds of cherries, doubling last year’s volume. A combination of grower management practices, good pollination and hot July weather has helped to size the crop

according to Chris Pollock, marketing manager.

“Our cherries will be the ideal size of 9 to 10 ½ row,” says Pollock, who anticipated the harvest of export-destined cherries about the fourth week of

July. The Lapin variety, for instance, is favoured for the Chinese market because of its size and colour. With phytosanitary regulations now set for China, the cooperative has installed a dedicated cherry line

through its broker, Sutherland S.A. Produce in Kelowna. The new line runs 16 hours per day at the height of the season, processing five tonnes of cherries per hour.

About 25 to 30 per cent of this year’s crop will reach foreign markets, some just south of the Canadian border. With a short cherry crop in drought-ravaged California, B.C. growers are set to send their cherries to the state’s 38 million consumers.

Meanwhile, a social media campaign is educating consumers on the length of the cherry season, while promoting western Canadian retail partners and sharing summer fruit recipes and

Lapin cherry nutrition information. The B.C. 2014 cherry season started in late June and with later-maturing varieties, will end in September.

QUEBEC

Virus devastates strawberries Many of the province’s 700 strawberry farmers have been devastated this summer by the mild yellow edge virus and the strawberry mottle virus.

“It’s a terrible year, the strawberries we’re getting are good, it’s just that we’re not producing nearly enough, says Martin Marineau, Ste-Dorothée, who complains that half of his usual yield has been lost.

Experts say the viruses likely originate from Quebec plant nurseries that sold the infected seedlings to farmers across the

province. The head of Quebec’s strawberry growers’ association says farms that bought their seedlings from Ontario aren’t nearly as affected as those who purchase plants locally.

“It’s unclear exactly what the extent of the damage is but I’ve spoken to people who lost as much as 75 per cent of their crops,” said Michel Sauriol, president of the Association des producteurs de fraises et framboises du Québec (APFFQ).

Source. HortiDaily.com

AUGUST 2014 –– PAGE 5 THE GROWER

PAGE 6 –– AUGUST 2014 THE GROWER

VALUE-ADDED PROCESSING

How a sliced apple is worth seven times more than the whole KAREN DAVIDSON What’s so valuable about a 138-count size Ambrosia apple? Plenty says Tony DiMaria, co-owner of Tamarac Fresh Cut Foods in Kelowna, British Columbia. Not only does the flavourful cultivar have crunch, it is a size that the fresh market discounts. So it represents an opportunity for slicing and packing. Sprayed with vitamin C, three-quarters of this size of apple will fill a snack-sized pouch and stay crisp for 20 days.

Seems simple but it’s taken a decade to refine the varieties, processes and equipment that work best for this convenience product. DiMaria is a long-time apple grower from the Lake Country who understands the heartbreak of under sizes, over sizes and hailed fruit. Back in the early 2000s, the Okanagan North Growers Coop decided not to expand into value-added processing, staying strictly focused on packing and storing whole fruit. But two of the association directors, DiMaria and Russell Husch, were convinced there was the seed of a profitable business in sliced, snack-size apples. That’s how their brand -- Russ and Tony’s – got started.

Their first client, the B.C. Fruit and Vegetable Nutritional Program, has helped grow the business as the original 50 participating schools has multiplied to 1500 schools today.

Locally-grown B.C. apples, combined with the story of the cultivar’s origin in the Similkameen Valley, were ideal for teaching healthy eating to children.

By 2006, Air Canada wanted a slice of the healthy snack, providing its packages of apples, celery and baby carrots to passengers. With this client on board, Tamarac Fresh Cut Foods bought its own site with greater production capacity and automated packaging equipment.

Through this growth phase, the

company developed its own slicer to feed an automated scale and bagger. Fast forward, and today DiMaria and his new partner Katalin Haaben are slicing and packaging 16,000 units per shift.

Vitamin C is diluted and sprayed onto the apple slices as they move down the line. The solution must be circulated, filtered and topped up every 30 minutes.

The solution ratio depends on the apple variety, with Ambrosia and Gala their top preferences. That’s because these varieties react well with the antioxidant, requiring a lower concentration. DiMaria and Haaben have discovered that a stainless-steel, spray tunnel uses less solution than a dipping tank.

Haaben, co-owner and production line supervisor, brings her German food science degree into play. Since 2010, she has worked to certify the plant to HAACP food safety standards. With these protocols in place, the company was well positioned to service bigger clients such as Sysco and to custom co-pack for other companies.

The commercial baking sector has represented new territory for their peel-and-slice product. Working through Vancouver baking ingredient distributor Snow Cap, DiMaria says they are now packing nine-kilogram cases for commercial bakeries in the Lower Mainland.

“Until recently, there have been no fresh options for the local baking industry,” DiMaria says. “The IQF product is all Granny Smith apples out of Washington.

We won’t get down to the IQF price, but we can fill a void for the preference of fresh versus frozen.”

These are the challenges of a value-added processor operating in a niche fresh market yet still competing with across-the-border frozen suppliers. As it stands, Tamarac Fresh Cut Foods is the only processor of year-round B.C. freshly sliced fruit.

Tony DiMaria, co-owner, Tamarac Fresh Cut Foods, Kelowna, B.C., has spent more than a decade picking the best apple varieties and processing equipment to extend the shelf life of apple slices. He now expects 20 days with apples treated with vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

With adherence to strict food safety protocols, Tony DiMaria and co-owner Katalin Haaben have expanded the business into the provincial baking sector.

POLICY DEBATE

Neonicotinoids caught between politics and science The Ontario government is planning to restrict the use of neonicotinoids, a group of

insecticides used widely in agriculture. “Neo-nics” -- as they are known in common

parlance -- have been controversially linked to bee deaths.

Although the science is not clear

on the link, groups such as the Sierra Club have been lobbying for a ban on their use. Neo-nics are commonly used as corn seed treatments to protect against pests such as wireworm.

This group of insecticides has become more popular in the last decade because of their reduced toxicity compared to older classes of organophosphates and carbamates. In Canada, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency is conducting a review with a final report due in 2015.

As reported by the Globe and Mail July 7, the Ontario government seeks to force commercial growers to apply for permits to plant seeds treated with neonicotinoid insecticides. Jeff Leal, Ontario’s new agriculture minister was quoted that the 2015 planting season is the target for having a licensing system in place. Meetings with grain farmers, beekeepers and pesticide makers such as Bayer and Syngenta are to commence immediately.

The Ontario Fruit and

Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) was not originally part of the provincial bee committee, but now seeks member status. As Craig Hunter, OFVGA crop protection consultant explains, “There are multiple applications of this insecticide class at different rates per acre. A foliar or granular application is a viable option at certain times in horticulture. These products are registered for use on virtually every fruit and vegetable crop grown in Ontario. We do not want to become ‘collateral damage’ from any government action intended for corn seed treatments.”

Since these insecticides have been registered by Health Canada, it’s unusual for a provincial government to seek to control their use. To date, no news release has been issued on the topic from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Rural Affairs.

AUGUST 2014 –– PAGE 7 THE GROWER

FOOD AND BEVERAGE ONTARIO

Competitiveness, complex consumer trends are challenging food processors KAREN DAVIDSON More than $39 billion in sales.

That sounds like a big number for Ontario’s food processors but it’s far from what it could be after the closure of high-profile plants: Kelloggs in London and H. J. Heinz in Leamington. How long can the Greater Toronto Area retain its status as the fourth biggest food cluster in North America with these leaks?

That’s a question for Philip Donne, president of Campbell Company of Canada whose iconic soup firm contracts seven carrot farms and six potato farms for vegetable ingredients.

“I’m very worried about food processing in Ontario,” he told the recent annual meeting of the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors, now rebranded as Food and Beverage Ontario. “My job is to secure the sustainability of the Campbells plant in Toronto.”

He cited city tax rates, water and effluent rates as high compared to Campbells’ U.S. parent.

He candidly shared that Campbells is still $2 per case higher in cost than competitors.

The company is moving into co-generation of power to reduce energy costs.

Food processors are also facing a wall of worry in getting products on shelves. The new product failure rate is anywhere from 25 to 40 per cent said Jo-Ann McArthur, president, Fisheye Marketing.

“It’s tougher to break through

than ever,” said McArthur. “The brand-centric model is evolving to a consumer-centric model that’s a two-way conversation.

Stop shouting and start listening.”

Branding agencies such as Fisheye Marketing are finding that more choice translates into less happiness for consumers.

“At three choices, the consumer is happy but after that, they become less happy and more confused,” she told the Food and Beverage Ontario audience. “Walmart and Costco have figured this out and that’s why it’s tougher to break through with new products at retail.”

The demographics of the primary grocery shopper have changed dramatically in recent years. The “mom” represents only 20 per cent of shoppers. The statistic of once-a-week grocery shopping has fallen to the wayside. It’s more like eight times a week – granted to non-traditional stores such as Shoppers Drug Mart for staples such as dairy products and prepackaged salads.

The biggest dollar value in the grocery cart is now spent by those with no kids.

“We are seeing a resurgence of Brand Canada,” said McArthur.

“Sixty-six per cent of Canadians have made an effort to buy local or Canadian-made products in the last year, especially in the food and beverage category. Local is the new quality.”

Canadian demographics are changing rapidly. The population of Muslims will have doubled by 2020. There were 30,000 attendees at the recent Halal Food

Details on the new governance Food and Beverage Ontario (FBO), the new moniker for the former Alliance of Ontario Food Processors, has also changed its governance structure for the board. Norm Beal, owner of Peninsula Ridge Estate Winery, has been re-elected chair. It will now have a membership structure – processor-based – but with associate memberships for supplier businesses, associations, agencies, individuals and other stakeholders that have an interest in the food and beverage industry.

The transformation will permit FBO to respond to emerging issues in the industry and to

implement recommendations from The Ontario Food and Beverage Processing Industry Strategy – The New Engine of Ontario’s Economy report.

By the year 2020, the FBO strategy outlines the goal of the processing sector as the largest manufacturing employer in Ontario for professionals, young people and new Canadians. Food and beverage processors will be the number one customer of Ontario farmers, will be a driver of local economies and will be a critical part of ensuring a continued supply of healthy and safe food for Canadians.

Sparkling wine is bottled at Trius Winery at Hillebrand, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Photo by Denis Cahill.

Festival in Toronto. Are you halal-ready?

But the biggest demographic shift will soon be upon the food sector. By 2020, millennials will overtake baby boomers in numbers. These consumers have grown up with Food Network TV

and are demanding products with stories and fresh ingredients.

Internet shopping is still in its infancy in Canada, but without strong consumer knowledge of brands, how will they shop?

Clean ingredient labels with the product story, or how the brand

was conceived will play a greater role.

Getting a fix on these emerging trends isn’t easy says McArthur. “If you want to learn how a lion hunts, don’t go to the zoo, but the savannah.”

PAGE 8 –– AUGUST 2014 THE GROWER

MARKETING

Social media builds touch points for SweeTango apples

Grown in Canada

WIN a SEASON’S SUPPLY of SWEETA NGO APPLES!

KAREN DAVIDSON The Latin American dance, the tango, comes from a root word meaning “to touch.” How apt for a new club apple, SweeTango, that’s about to be promoted by social media channels, the closest thing to touching consumers directly in a mass-media world.

It’s exciting times for 19 Annapolis Valley and Quebec growers who will be marketing an estimated 28,000 pounds this season. That’s enough commercial volume to support an August launch in Canada.

SweeTango apples, a cross between a Honeycrisp and Zestar, have been planted in high-density orchards and are now coming

®

Plus, A TRIP FOR TWO ® to a S W E E TANGO O RC HARD !

U SP Te ll us W HE RE YO

OT TE D SW EE TA NG

, TW Po st on FACE BO OK

Originally bred at the University of Minnesota, this cross is available to select growers through exclusive licensing agreements. The concept, developed by The Next Big Thing Cooperative, is to control volumes and quality to capture

®

ITT ER OR IN STAG

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into their own.

“We expect volume to double or even triple in the next two to three years,” says Franco DiLiberatore, vice-president sales and marketing for Scotian Gold which holds the rights to grow SweeTango in Canada.

O

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Other ways to enter: Text 'SweeTango' to 99000 or visit SweeTango.com @SWEETANGO @SWEETANGO FACEBOOK.COM/SWEETANGO

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let YOUR TASTE BUDS DANCE!

Have you discovered the many paths to innovation at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre?

If you’ve had a chance to look at The 2014 Innovation Report, visit vinelandresearch.com/survey to provide us with your valuable feedback.

tel. 905.562.0320 e. info@vinelandresearch.com 4890 Victoria Avenue North, Box 4000, Vineland Station, ON L0R 2E0

SweeTango® is a registered trademark of Regents of the University of Minnesota

premium prices, by dealing with selected packers and marketers.

DiLiberatore describes SweeTango as a smaller apple than Honeycrisp, demanding thinning and pruning to manage tree load. What’s more challenging than orchard management is marketing. SweeTango is a shortseason apple, available between end of September and end of November. Sounding a little like wine, it’s described as a crisp, sweet apple with citrus notes and honey finish. However, SweeTango must compete with many varieties at the height of fresh apple season.

The branding, therefore, must stand out for consumers to give this variety a spot in their fruit basket. Priced at $2.69 to $2.99 per pound, SweeTango is in the premium category trying to take a bite out of competitors such as Pink Lady and Envy.

Social media plays a central part in this year’s promotional campaign explains Alex Gaterud, an associate with Fast Horse marketing agency, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Hired by the club apple’s marketing mind, Tim Byrne, this agency coordinates how the brand is communicated throughout all markets in North America.

“In-store, on-pack and online messaging will encourage customers to tweet, Instagram or text a picture of an in-store SweeTango display using #SweeTangoSpot,” Gaterud says.

Shoppers will be entered to win a year's supply of apples while retail locations will automatically be added to SweeTango's map and shared socially.

At press time, Scotian Gold was finalizing retail locations right across Canada, including Overwaitea, Safeway, Thrifty’s, Sobeys, Loblaw, Costco, Walmart and Longo’s. The effort is expected to provide a solid base for the next club apple next February.

Look for Sonya.

AUGUST 2014 –– PAGE 9 THE GROWER

OFVGA

Board briefs Following are highlights from the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) board meeting held June 19, 2014.

The purpose of this brief is to keep you up-to-date on the issues that the OFVGA is working on, as well as projects and initiatives the organization is involved in.

will take over the helm of the organization from retiring CEO Art Smith, who led the OFVGA for 11 years. Throughout his career, Kelly has been focused on innovation development and implementation, and advancing products and technologies in the agriculture, food, biotechnology, pharma and bioeconomy sectors. He most recently headed Erie Innovation and Commercialization, a four and a half year initiative of the OFVGA with a mandate to diversify agriculture and food opportunities for the sand plains area of the South Central Ontario Region (SCOR). John Kelly can be reached at 519763-6160 ext 115 or johnkelly@ofvga.org.

Crop Protection Section chair Charles Stevens reported that the Canadian Pesticide Advisory Committee is working on developing action plans for implementation of regulatory harmonization between Canada and the United States. Fourteen topics are being addressed and a sub-committee of Craig Hunter, Tracy Shinners-Carnelley, André Bourdonnière and Iris Bitterich is working on proposals for each topic with respect to implementation.

The review of Captan by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency hasn’t yet been announced, but in anticipation, CHC is preparing a survey on the use of the product in Canadian horticulture. Captan has already been successfully re-evaluated in the United States and Europe.

Property Section chair Brian Gilroy reported that work on the wildlife damage mitigation project is continuing. Twenty-eight kestrel nesting boxes have been distributed, with ten being monitored regularly as part of the project. Brian will be presenting an update

Container tolls are collected on packages such as these plums. Photo by Denis Cahill Alternative funding mechanism on the project to the Wildlife Damage Mitigation Working Group at the end of June.

The Great Lakes Protection Act had completed second reading and was at the committee stage when the provincial election was called. One hundred amendments were proposed, 30 of which were from government, but the committee had only worked through four before the writ was dropped.

OFVGA will again be renting booth space at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in 2014 and subletting it to interested member organizations. More details to follow. In other Royal news, several competitions – such as potatoes, garlic and rutabagas – may be discontinued due to lack of participation. Work is underway to attract more competitors.

Canadian Horticultural Council Adrian Huisman, OFVGA representative to the Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC), reported that construction is underway on the new CHC office, which has an estimated completion date of November 2014.

CHC Executive Vice President Anne Fowlie made a presentation at the CropLife Canada Spring Dialogue on May 8, which included a summary of a CHC member survey on priorities. The top three were crop protection, research and lobbying.

New Executive Vice President at OFVGA John Kelly joins the OFVGA as its new Executive Vice President on July 1. Kelly

OFVGA continues to explore options for an alternate funding mechanism for the organization that will be equitable for all members. Several meetings have been held with members of the Farm Products Marketing Commission on the issue.

Currently, the organization is funded through container tolls but these fees do not apply equally to all growers or sectors.

The OFVGA began work on an alternate mechanism last year as a result of a resolution from the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers that was passed at the OFVGA annual general meeting in 2013.

The next OFVGA board meeting will take place on Thursday, July 24 at the OFVGA office, starting at 10 a.m.

PAGE 10 –– AUGUST 2014 THE GROWER

New beginnings . . .

JOHN KELLY EXECUTIVE VP, OFVGA The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) is there to serve its members. When Art Smith announced that he was retiring from his position as CEO of the OFVGA, he left a terrific legacy

from which anyone coming in could build upon. This past month, I was given the privilege to take on the role of executive vice-president and thank the OFVGA board of directors for the opportunity. The organization has a tremendous reputation as one of the key agricultural bodies in Ontario, and certainly is a leading national horticultural group in Canada.

This role is a natural progression for me, having recently served as vice president of the OFVGA responsible for the Erie Innovation and Commercialization project.

Throughout my career, I have sought positions that have been forward-looking, challenging, influential, but most of all, with the ability to have a significant impact on stakeholders.

The OFVGA has a primary focus on the grower, and when I meet with staff and others, this has become my mantra. We at the OFVGA have a responsibility to work on behalf of producers to ensure that issues are addressed to ensure the long-term viability, profitability and success of the industry. We want to work towards having all who benefit from what the OFVGA does having an equitable stake in the association.

The OFVGA is a very active organization. By being the official representative of Ontario’s fruit and vegetable sector, we take a lead role in working with our government officials. The OFVGA is the key lobbying organization on behalf of the horticultural sector and also contributes to research, food

safety and helps coordinate the non-regulated crops. We will continue to manage and support local food programs that supply northern schools with fruits and vegetables. These enhance the options for Ontario growers to grow market opportunities.

Certainly there are challenging issues facing the edible horticulture industry in Ontario. Whether it is the challenge of unionization and minimum wage, influencing government policy to enhance support, elevating the profile of the sector to other key influencers, sustainable funding, supporting the development of new tools, water, and markets to name but a few, there is no shortage of issues that the OFVGA faces on behalf of its members.

With a dedicated board of directors, engaged section chairs,

and a very strong and capable staff, the OFVGA has the tools to address these issues facing the horticultural industry in Ontario.

We will continue to face challenges to the industry head on and ensure that the OFVGA is relevant, important and seen as the go-to representatives for issues related to the Ontario horticultural sector.

Art Smith had an open-door policy and it is my intention to continue this tradition. The OFVGA is there for its members, was formed for its members, and works on behalf of its members.

I encourage you to contact us at the OFVGA, and specifically to connect with me. I can be reached at 519-763-6160 x 115.

WEATHER VANE

University students hand weed carrots at the Muck Crops Research Station, Bradford, Ontario against the background of highway 400, one of the busiest arteries to cottage country. Photo by Glenn Lowson.

STAFF Publisher: Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association Editor: Karen Davidson, 416-557-6413, kdavidson@ecomente.ca Production: Carlie Robertson, ext. 221, production@thegrower.org Advertising: Herb Sherwood, 519-380-0118, advertising@thegrower.org The Grower reserves the right to refuse any advertising. Any errors that are the direct result of The Grower will be compensated at our discretion with a correction notice in the next issue.

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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.

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

$30.00 (+ G.S.T.) /year in Canada $40.00/year International Subscribers must submit a claim for missing issues within four months. If the issue is claimed within four months, but not available, The Grower will extend the subscription by one month. No refunds on subscriptions.

P.M. 40012319

ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013

OFVGA SECTION CHAIRS

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Crop Protection Research Property Labour Safety Nets CHC

Chair Vice-Chair Fruit Director Veg Director Director

Ray Duc, Niagara-on-the-Lake Jason Verkaik, Bradford Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin Jan Vander Hout, Waterdown Charles Stevens, Newcastle

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

Charles Stevens, Newcastle Mary Shabatura, Windham Centre John Thwaites, 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

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

AUGUST 2014 –– PAGE 11 THE GROWER

PERSPECTIVE Less food waste, more consumer understanding

OWEN ROBERTS U OF GUELPH Food waste leaves a bad taste in everyone’s mouth -- and I don’t mean just the rotten-to-thecore kind of taste. I mean the kind where people think the waste could have been avoided, but they feel frustrated because they don’t know what to do about it.

Like many Grower readers, I don’t come from a food-waste culture. As a kid, in the summer I helped sell corn, tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers from what would generously be called a roadside stand, on a busy intersection near Mitchell’s Bay in Kent County. Back then, a lot of

people canned. Those who bought mega-size baskets of tomatoes, for example, were destined to spend the next day or so putting them up for the winter. Little would be wasted.

But canning and other timehonoured (and time-consuming) traditions are not mainstream anymore, owing to changing lifestyles and demographics.

Along with safety and quality, people want convenience -- and clarity. They need help knowing how to prepare the kind of fresh food that’s coming off fields and orchards now, beyond just plucking it out of a basket.

If they don’t have that knowledge, chances are it will go to waste.

And as they dump it in the garbage, they end up feeling like someone – producers, perhaps -should have given them more guidance, such as recipes. Or they should have been offered more options, such as smaller-sized packages, even if they’re less economical. I think people would rather pay more for a smaller quantity, and use it all, than pay less for a larger amount and watch it rot.

Some producers have been ahead of the food-waste, consumer-education curve for years.

Others are catching up, as is the industry itself. Advanced storage approaches for some commodities, aimed at longer shelf life, are being researched with support from the Ontario government at the University of Guelph and elsewhere. Ultimately, those approaches will help. But with 50-plus per cent of food waste in the value chain being attributed to consumers, there’s still a lot of room for improvement at home.

On the farm, producers are being urged to join the rest of the agri-food industry in finding ways to reduce Canada’s annual $27billion food waste problem.

Martin Gooch, CEO for Value Chain Management International, says farmers are among those who are losing significant profits to food waste, through the cost of inputs that go towards producing food that is lost along the value chain or thrown away.

His firm has co-authored a new study, Developing an Industry-Led Approach to Addressing Food Waste in Canada, to spark some action on

this issue. Others involved in this report, commissioned by Provision Coalition, were David Sparling and Nicoleta Uzea from the Richard Ivey School of Business, and Tara Hadler from the Network for Business Sustainability.

“This is a multi-billion dollar opportunity for the industry to come together, reduce food waste, improve efficiencies and start capitalizing on what is currently being sent to landfill and composting,” says Gooch.

He notes that food waste is highly visible during fresh fruit and vegetable season, when people typically buy in greater volumes – such as an entire basket of fruit (often at discounted prices) rather than a few pieces -- and rarely get to the end before the lot goes bad.

Gooch thinks farmers need to have a new perspective on how much of their efforts are being wasted, and how it impacts their profitability. A report he co-produced in 2010 showed around 40 per cent of Canada’s food production is wasted, a figure he suspects is similar today.

“Farmers are paying for inputs

used to grow food that is thrown away,” he says, noting the cost of farm inputs is often out of balance with the revenue generated at the farm gate. “This is a form of waste, too. Ultimately farmers get paid for what gets sold to consumers, not for what gets thrown away.”

The new report estimates about 10 per cent of food is wasted on the farm. This results from such factors as incorrect planting, management and harvesting, over-production, over-feeding, climate change, weather conditions and lack of connectivity downstream to processors and other participants in the value chain.

Gooch points to better communications and management as key to addressing farmers’ portion of the food waste problem.

“Get closer to retailers, let them know when you are coming in with something…and with consumers, understand what they want and target it,” he says. “That makes you more valuable to other members of the value chain, including retailers and processors.”

levelling The new orchard standard.

3-cylinder Kubota diesel. Auto levels both ways to 6° slope. Ultra sonic sensors for auto steer. Hydrostatic drive with speeds between 0 and 15km/h.

The levelling is designed with flexibility in mind and can be optioned to accommodate many different row widths and tasks. It’s Built to Last.

The Bartlett Leave the ladder in the barn.

This 2-man electric orchard platform will allow you to prune, thin, train, hang phermones, hang hail net, and pick without the use of inefficient ladders!

Designed with High Density orchards in mind, this platform can be used in 9-15’ row widths with it’s easy to use width and height adjustment. Easy to operate, costs next to nothing to charge, affordable.

The Future of Orchard Production NOW.

1.800.263.1287 905.563.8261 Beamsville, On

info@provideag.ca A Bartlett Company

www.provideag.ca EST. 1912

PAGE 12 –– AUGUST 2014 THE GROWER

CANADIAN HORTICULTURAL COUNCIL

PMRA proposes phase-out of Metiram Please note that the Canadian Horticultural Council has requested a time extension to respond to this re-evaluation decision and will update members accordingly as information is received. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns regarding this proposed decision please do not hesitate to contact Andre Bourbonniere at 613-226-4880

ext.209 or at abourbonniere@hortcouncil.ca After a re-evaluation of the fungicide Metiram, Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), is proposing phase-out of Metiram uses in Canada. An evaluation of available scientific information found that under the current conditions of use, the human health and environmental risks

estimated for Metiram do not meet current standards. At this time, these assessments support a phase-out of Metiram and all associated uses - in other words, on apple, asparagus, celery, root and tuber vegetables (such as carrot, sugar beet and potato), grapes and tomato. Additional riskreduction measures are proposed during the phase-out of Metiram.

Proposed Re-evaluation

Decision PRVD2014-03, Metiram is a consultation document that summarizes the science evaluation for Metiram and presents the reasons for the proposed re-evaluation decision.

The information in Proposed Re-evaluation Decision PRVD2014-03, Metiram is presented in two parts. The Overview describes the regulatory process and key points of the

evaluation, while the Science Evaluation provides detailed technical information on the human health, environmental and value assessment of metiram. The summary document can be found at the following address: http://tiny.cc/metiram

CFIA requests comments from stakeholders on grapevine pests The CFIA is circulating two Risk Management Documents (RMDs) related to grapevine pests. The first RMD is for Grapevine Virus A (GVA) and Grapevine Virus B (GVB) and the second is for Grapevine Red Blotch Associated Virus (GRBaV). Both RMDs examine the

distribution of these diseases in Canada and present regulatory recommendations for these diseases. GVA, GVB and GRBaV have worldwide distribution and are transmitted primarily through propagation and grafting.

The CFIA is requesting written feed-

back to the two RMDs by August 12, 2014 (60 days) by email at horticulture@inspection.gc.ca or by fax at (613) 773-7163.

Questions should be addressed to horticulture@inspection.gc.ca.

Download Response to the Detection of Grapevine Virus A and Grapevine Virus B

PDF: English: http://goo.gl/sA5cvy French: http://goo.gl/TMhsgX Download Grapevine Red Blotch associated Virus RMD PDF: English: http://goo.gl/4jDBxT French: http://goo.gl/pWIpSe

CHC, CFIA and U.S. greenhouse farmers discuss formal definition

The CHC and representatives from its Greenhouse Committee, as well as representatives from Certified Greenhouse Farmers (CGF) of Fresno, California, met with the CFIA in Ottawa on June 16, 2014 to discuss industry’s adopted definition of Greenhouse both here in Canada as well as in the USA. During this meeting we

provided a thorough explanation of the definition of “Greenhouse” as it was adopted during the 2014 CHC Annual General Meeting.

The definition was presented as having been thoroughly reviewed and adapted to represent the current state of this industry’s operating practices and representing an important step in ensuring

that Canadian and US vegetable products originating from greenhouses are, in fact, appropriately recognized as such.

CHC’s desire is to see the definition adopted as widely as possible and the opportunity to review the differences between actual greenhouse facilities and those that are being “improperly” marketed as greenhouse was seen as an excellent opportunity to advance the greenhouse industry’s position in regards to proper labelling. Understanding this distinction is important to protecting domestic production from erosion of market (and price) arising out of mislabeling and ensuring consumers are aware that when they purchase a

product labelled as “greenhouse grown” that it is in fact within the parameters of the operational practices as defined within our definition.

For further information on this meeting or for more detailed information concerning the

CHC’s adopted definition of “Greenhouse,” please contact Linda Delli Santi, CHC Greenhouse Committee chair at (604) 531-5262 linda@bcgreenhouse.ca or Andre Bourbonniere at (613) 226-4880 ext.209 abourbonniere@hortcouncil.ca

COMING EVENTS 2014 August 2

Food Day Canada

Aug 9, 10

Perth Garlic Festival, Perth, ON

Aug 12, 13 Introduction to CanadaGAP Seminar, Guelph, ON nsfgftctrainingservices@nsf.org Aug 17

Newmarket Garlic Festival, Newmarket, ON

Aug 21

Ontario Potato Field Day, HJV Equipment, Alliston, ON

Aug 21, 22 Apple Crop Outlook and Marketing Conference, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Chicago, ILL Aug 22 – 24 Winona Peach Festival, Winona, ON www.winonapeach.com Aug 23

Sudbury Garlic Festival, Sudbury, ON

Aug 30

Verona Garlic Festival, Verona, ON

Sept 6, 7

Stratford Garlic Festival, Stratford, ON

Sept 9 – 11 Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, Woodstock, ON Sept 10

Ontario Berry Growers’ Association Twilight Tour, 4 pm, Josmar Acres, Lynden, ON (RSVP: 613-258-4389 or info@ontarioberries.com)

Sept 13, 14 Niagara Garlic Festival, Great Mountain Centre, Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON Sept 16 – 20 International Plowing Match & Rural Expo, Simcoe County, Ivy, ON Sept 17

Grape Growers of Ontario 31st Annual Celebrity Luncheon, Club Roma, St. Catharines, ON

Sept 19, 20 British Columbia Lavender Workshop, University of BC, Okanagan, Kelowna, BC Sept 21

Toronto Garlic Festival, Evergreen Brick Works, Toronto, ON

AUGUST 2014 –– PAGE 13 THE GROWER

RETAIL NAVIGATOR

What does online shopping mean for food suppliers? advantage in that large numbers of consumers on their website are already savvy to online purchasing. www.grocerygateway.com

PETER CHAPMAN Online shopping for food in Canada goes to a new level with the launches from Amazon.ca, Walmart.ca. and more recently Loblaw. Suppliers need to understand the impact on their business.

A Google search for ‘online grocery purchases in Canada’ will deliver more than 30 million results. Certainly only a small percentage offer actual shopping options. Grocery Gateway, for example, has existed in the Toronto market and there are selected other regional players who have been offering a full shop for a number of years. The 2 Here are some suggestions for suppliers to consider going forward. www.walmart.ca Similar to its stores, Walmart builds its program on value. It is not fancy and there are no recipes for gourmet meals. The price is the price and there is no minimum order. At the present time Walmart only offers shelf-stable items; there is no refrigerated or frozen available.

It is confusing in that they include refrigerated items in the selection however there is a ‘not available online’ statement. Items listed online include a price and then in smaller print, there’s the price at your closest store. The online price is higher on every item I checked.

You can return product to your local store if you are not satisfied.

Walmart is the #1 source that comes up when you do the Google search.

I would expect Walmart to expand its listing of base and fresh items. www.amazon.ca When Amazon launched online shopping for food in Canada they claimed 15,000 items and they continue to expand. You have to know the Amazon website to find the food as they are trying to sell you many things. The categories in Amazon are refined a number of times before you get to the actual items.

Free shipping is a part of the offering to compete with Walmart. Amazon has a big

This offering has been available for a number of years and is now operated by Toronto retailer Longo’s. This is different from the two previous options because they are selecting your items in a store and then delivering them.

They also offer the entire store listing base so you can purchase everything available in a Longo’s store.

There is a minimum order of $45 and a $9.95 delivery fee.

They guarantee minimum shelf life for fresh foods with bestbefore dates and your delivery is guaranteed within a 90-minute window. This must be a challenge based on the traffic I have experienced in the Toronto market recently!

Grocery Gateway also offer a mobile app. Consumers can have the order completed right on their phone. www.magasiniga.net In Quebec, IGA stores offer the option of shopping online with home delivery or store pickup. Similar to Grocery Gateway, the order is prepared in a store and one feature they promote is that an expert in the specific department will prepare your purchases. For example the butcher will select your meat.

Consumers are charged $4 assembly fee for orders. One

appealing feature of the site was the running total of the shopping cart . As you add each item to your electronic cart, you see the total. If you are on a budget you can stay within your limit very easily.

I found three regional players who operate similar to Grocery Gateway and IGA. They are: www.onlinegrocer.com Ottawa market www.ezgrocer.com Saskatchewan market www.grocerycheckout.com London market There are certainly others but these caught my attention because they were high on the Google search and they all offer a full shop.

Loblaw only announced their intentions in April and they will be offering a click-and-carry model which has proven to be popular in Europe. The consumer completes their order online and stops at the selected store to pick up an assembled order. It is obvious that the Shoppers Drug Mart locations will be a key component of this offering.

Each of these is a slightly different business model and as the consumer becomes more comfortable with shopping for food online the business model will evolve. The one thing is for sure – with the big players in the game, online shopping will get more attention.

The following are my considerations for suppliers as we move into a new era of shopping for food in Canada: 1. You need to understand what

the direction is for your customers in this arena. If you sell to Longo’s or Loblaw then they will select the items from the existing offering in the store. You will not see a big change. If you sell to a retailer who is selecting the orders from a central warehouse how do you make sure you are part of the listing base for online?

2. Packaging has a whole new dimension. I used to advise taking your packaging to the store and looking at it on the shelf before you finalize it. Now you need to take it to the store and look at it as a photo on a screen with 18 other items in the category. Is the brand legible and are the key product attributes apparent in the store and online?

3. Your packaging needs to protect the product during shipping after it leaves the store. You should learn how the distribution is done and understand what your product looks like after it makes the trip through the supply chain, to the shelf, through the delivery and finally to the consumer.

4. Introducing new items will be a whole new challenge. Many of the online retailers offer quick lists where the consumer can store frequently purchased items.

Great if you are on the list but if you are new then this presents a problem. How do you get noticed?

5. Many online retailers offer consumers the chance to rate products. You will need to know what people are saying about you;

it is right below your product.

6. There are considerable crossmerchandising opportunities available online. In a physical store it is tough to merchandise the potatoes beside the steak.

Online you can prompt the consumer so you need to think about suggestions or partnerships you can build.

7. We are seeing more packaging in produce. Are there applications for your product and if so do you have the equipment and additional cost built in?

8. Pricing is in metric. Most consumers understand pricing in imperial measurements and flyers are still there too. What will the retail price be for your product and will people understand?

9. Consumers are forced to shop by category online. Is it clear where you fit and are you easy to find? Watch at a self checkout to see how consumers can find your item. If it is difficult to find, you might want to start working now to define the category where it will be sold online.

10. You will need to understand how the retailers will list the items on the page. I have seen price, size and alphabetical listings. Page one of the tomato category is a better place to be than page five.

11. Online retailers have fallen into the black hole of specials so this is another area where you will have to monitor pricing.

PAGE 14 –– AUGUST 2014 THE GROWER

FOCUS: STORAGE AND CONTAINERS

Stackable modules provide flexibility for modified atmosphere storage KAREN DAVIDSON Controlled atmosphere storage is well known to extend the life of pome fruits. But can this concept be modified for a wider variety of fruits as well as vegetables?

A French company called Janny MT (Mat Tiempo) is changing the minds of several Ontario growers with its stackable module for modified atmosphere storage. Patented in Europe and North America, this bin creates a low-oxygen environment – between two and four per cent oxygen – that slows down the respiration rate of both fruits and vegetables. In asparagus, for example, shelf life can potentially be extended potentially by 24 days.

“Thanks to the membrane in the lid, the module will release the carbon dioxide and allow the oxygen level to be maintained,” says Vincent Nicoletis, Janny MT general manager. “The produce has to be cooled and maintained in a cold room first before placing into a module.”

“Since there is no constant control of the atmosphere, this is what I would call modified atmosphere,” says Jennifer DeEll, fresh market quality program lead, horticultural crops for OMAFRA. “Modified atmosphere refers to enclosure within an airtight environment in which the O2 is lower and/or the CO2 is higher than the concentrations found in fresh air. The atmosphere eventually equilibrates and then simply stays at whatever O2 and CO2 levels.”

Depending on what commodity is to be stored, the bins accommodate between 140 and 660 pounds. Using this system, growers have experienced only one per cent weight loss compared to more than six per cent in classic controlled-atmosphere rooms or

cold storage. Produce can be stored in bulk or on trays within the module. Gas concentrations can be analyzed often with a gas analyzer and the atmosphere is maintained through six membranes that can be closed or opened according to the gas readings.

Apple grower Ray Ferri, already familiar with controlled atmosphere rooms, was quick to experiment with the technology for this season’s asparagus crop.

Because asparagus is so labourintensive, he’s keen on maintaining product integrity with less waste.

“My bins have worked quite well,” Ferri says. “I stored asparagus in the middle of June and when I opened the bin, the product was as fresh as the day it was stored.”

Ferri’s experience is that the bins provide flexibility.

Asparagus can be cooled and stored the day it’s picked. Or, according to your production and marketing schedule, asparagus can be cooled and stored several days later. Freshly-picked asparagus of say, 140 pounds, will fit the bin but 180 pounds can fit the same container a few days later – your choice.

Because Ferri retails his asparagus through his Brampton, Ontario store, the bins allow him to store the mid-season heavy pickings and to unpack in July when asparagus harvest is usually over. What’s more, he expects to use these bins for pears later in the season.

“There’s a lot of research in storing apples but not a lot with asparagus,” notes Ferri. Thanks to funding from Ontario AgriFood Technologies, DeEll is involved in initial trials focused on asparagus, cherries, blueberries, peaches, plums, pears, and apples.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

AUGUST 2014 –– PAGE 15 THE GROWER

FOCUS: STORAGE AND CONTAINERS

Stackable modules provide flexibility Shelf-life times for various commodities Commodity

Shelf-life

Asparagus

25 days

Cherries

25 days

Blueberries

35 days

Broccoli

35 days

Cauliflower

40 days

Currants

40 days

Plums

50 days

New potatoes

90 days

Beets

210 days

Pears

210 days

Apples

240 – 270 days Source: Janny MT

Grower Ray Ferri experimented with modified atmosphere storage for his asparagus crop in June and found only one per cent shrink after 24 days. He’s planning to use these Janny MT bins for apples this fall.

“

My bins have worked quite well. I stored asparagus in the middle of June and when I opened the bin, the product was as fresh as the day it was stored.” ~ Ray Ferri As part of the research trials, modules will be opened once or twice per week, depending on commodity, and product samples will be evaluated for quality and weight loss.

Matching control samples, not stored in Janny modules but held in the same large refrigerated rooms, will also be evaluated at the given times. Comparisons and

appropriate statistical analyses will be subsequently performed and conclusions will be made in regards to the potential benefits of using Janny modules.

To date, DeEll says the asparagus trial data shows that storage in the modules resulted in significant reduction in weight loss, and better quality ratings for overall appearance, tip and butt condition, and spear firmness.

Nicoletis, Janny MT’s general manager, points out that these bins can be used throughout the season with different crops. Cherries can be stored up to 25 days and apples for 240 to 270 days depending on the variety.

The modules are stackable to nine in height. According to European experience, the bins have longevity of 15 years or more. For more information, go to www.jannymtca.com or call 519-830-6472.

PAGE 16 –– AUGUST 2014 THE GROWER

FOCUS: STORAGE AND CONTAINERS

A packaging makeover gives the stylish shallot its due KAREN DAVIDSON Veg Pro International has proved that packaging can move the stylish shallot from a special occasion treat to a purchase every week. By moving from a 250gram mesh bag to a 350-gram plastic wrap, the company has increased sales of shallots in eastern Canada. Over the last four years, the farming company based in Sherrington, Quebec has increased its acreage from 75 to 150 acres to meet demand.

“By going to this packaging, the company showcases the product better and eliminates the issue of shed skins in the produce counter of retail stores,” explains Anthony Fantin, vice-president for Veg Pro International. “If I can’t get product into the stores, it will never reach the consumer.”

Thanks to the innovative idea of Sandra Bourdages from Delfland Farms, partners of Veg Pro International, more acreage is planned for next year. The farming and marketing company expanded its knowledge of oxygen transpiration rates from lettuce to bulb crops. Through its own in-house laboratory, the company has improved its understanding of how shallots and onions store in updated packaging. Their staff has identified a plastic supplier and perfected not only the number of holes but size of holes to extend shelf life.

Shallots, the classy cousin of the onion, has not had a high profile in the Allium family. The small bulbs, while pungently

flavourful, tend to dry out at room temperature. However, the perforated plastic packaging allows the right amount of oxygen to increase shelf life to three months. Until this new packaging was introduced, the bulbs have been lost in the produce counter beside garlic. Veg Pro has lowered the price by 50 cents per package, another marketing strategy to increase volume.

Success with shallots has encouraged more research in packaging onions. First showcased at the 2014 Canadian Produce Marketing Association trade show in Vancouver, this year’s Quebec-grown onions will be in plastic, two-, three-, fiveand 10-pound bags. Again, the idea is to have no mess in the produce counter or the consumer’s storage space.

Three major retail clients – Sobeys, for example, as well as private labels -- are going to carry this product in the fall. “I don’t know how the onions will work,

but we’re hopeful that this new packaging will appeal to Quebec consumers,” says Fantin.

“Virtually the entire crop is consumed within the province.”

AUGUST 2014 –– PAGE 17 THE GROWER

FOCUS: STORAGE AND CONTAINERS

Maturity and storage of ‘Honeycrisp’ JENNIFER DeELL Determining the optimum harvest maturity for ‘Honeycrisp’ is difficult. Standard maturity indices, such as internal ethylene concentration, starch index, soluble solids concentration and fruit firmness are not always consistent. Current recommendations suggest that harvest should occur when the ground colour begins to change from green to yellow and the starch index is at least six (on the Cornell chart). The best eating quality has been associated with 13.5 lb minimum firmness and at least 13 per cent soluble solids (Watkins et al., 2004). There has been no consistent relationship of internal ethylene to harvest date and differences in maturity do not always exist among ‘Honeycrisp’ apples with varying levels of red colour. For example, brilliant red fruit can exhibit very similar internal ethylene concentrations, starch content, and firmness values as those having poor red colouration.

Immature ‘Honeycrisp’ may never mature and thus remain of poor eating quality. Fruit harvested too early do not develop varietal flavour and are almost tasteless. This remains true throughout storage as well. If harvested too late, ‘Honeycrisp’ can develop fermentation products, such as ethanol and acetaldehyde, which cause undesirable flavours. The onset of such off-flavours is difficult to predict, as there are no associated visual symptoms.

Harvesting at optimum maturity is the best way to achieve the characteristic flavour of ‘Honeycrisp.’

‘Honeycrisp’ is extremely susceptible to bitter pit.

Lesions may appear prior to harvest or during storage, and usually develop in the calyx end of the fruit. The cause for bitter pit is a mineral imbalance in the apple flesh, associated with low levels of calcium. ‘Honeycrisp’ fruit are also prone to developing soft scald during storage.

Soft scald is a low-temperature disorder of apples that is

Soft scald in ‘Honeycrisp.’ Photo courtesy of Jennifer DeEll. characterized by sharply defined, irregularly shaped, smooth, brown lesions of the skin. Peel tissue is initially affected and then hypodermal tissue is damaged as the disorder continues to develop. Skin lesions are often then invaded by secondary pathogens, such as Alternaria or Cladosporium. ‘Honeycrisp’ is also susceptible to soggy breakdown, which likewise develops during storage.

Soggy breakdown is distinguished by soft, brown, spongy tissue within the fruit cortex.

Prior to cold storage, conditioning at 10°C for one week is recommended to reduce the incidence of soft scald and

soggy breakdown. Conditioning at warmer temperatures has been shown to substantially reduce titratable acidity, which has also been noted within sensory evaluations.

Bitter pit can develop more rapidly at warmer temperatures, so conditioning at 10°C is a compromise between bitter pit and soft scald development.

After conditioning at 10°C for one week, ‘Honeycrisp’ is best stored in ambient air at 3°C. Controlled atmosphere (CA) storage of ‘Honeycrisp’ is not currently recommended in Ontario. However, limited success has been observed using 3 per cent O2 and 1-1.5 per cent CO2 at 3°C (DeEll, unpublished data; Watkins et al., 2013). CA tends to substantially reduce greasiness, as well as maintain titratable acidity. Severe internal browning can develop when ‘Honeycrisp’ is held in many of the standard or typical CA regimes used for other apple cultivars.

‘Honeycrisp’ tends to be very sensitive to CO2, so CO2related disorders can develop easily. Treatment with diphenylamine (DPA) has been shown to reduce CA-related disorders in ‘Honeycrisp’ apples (Contreras et al., 2014).

Ethylene production, respiration, and greasiness can be reduced by SmartFresh (1 MCP) on ‘Honeycrisp.’

SmartFresh tends to be slightly more effective when applied at the onset of the conditioning period at 10°C, compared to after that one-week period. However, always be aware of any CO2 accumulation during the SmartFresh treatment, as this has potential to cause CO2 injury. There is little loss of firmness in ‘Honeycrisp’ during storage, so any improved firmness retention caused by SmartFresh treatment is difficult to discern.

Dr. Jennifer DeEll is Fresh Market Quality Program Lead, Horticultural Crops, for OMAFRA, based in Simcoe, Ontario.

IT’S WHAT’S

INSIDE THAT COUNTS The Canadian corrugated industry develops creative packaging solutions that are cost effective, versatile, environmentally sound and food safe. Our boxes are designed with high-impact graphics that communicate your brand.

We focus on what matters: what’s inside the box.

Visit us at www.cccabox.org to learn more.

Proud supporter of the Paper & Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council (PPEC)

PAGE 18 –– AUGUST 2014 THE GROWER

FOCUS: STORAGE AND CONTAINERS

New choices for pick-your-own farms

P: 519-326-8200 F: 1-888-567-1297 www.madleyglobal.com

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

Supplying Fruit and Vegetable Growers with: • Baskets • Masters • Fertilizer • Vineyard Trellis Supplies

String bags

Word art

This season’s trend is towards smaller bags for pick-your-own farms and farmers’ markets says Carrie Blondin, Premier Containers. Now available are eight-pound and 18-pound string bags.

“I am also running word art on three additional bag lines so no extra die charges will be incurred,”

says Blondin. This design is available on ½-bushelsize cotton bags as well as generic 10-pound pickyour-own bags. The ½-bushel size is also available in a reusable non-woven polypropylene bag.

For more information, call 705-324-1994 or email applebags@live.ca

• Berry Boxes • Waxed Cartons • Crop Protection Material

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Agricultural * Commercial * Industrial

50 Years of Excellent Service Refrigeration (All Types) Heating, Air Conditioning Controlled Atmosphere

905-685-4255 www.pennrefrigeration.com info@pennrefrigeration.com 18 Seapark Drive, St Catharines ON, L2M 6S6

AUGUST 2014 –– PAGE 19 THE GROWER

FOCUS: STORAGE AND CONTAINERS

How worldwide demand for recyclable fibre is impacting the corrugated container market of the production of manufactured goods from current offshore sources. This positive development for U.S. manufacturers can be linked to increasing productivity and more competitive costs, supported by an emerging “buy American� attitude. An attitude which Canadians could well emulate.

On the upside, if North America’s economic recovery continues to gain momentum, a stronger sustainable business environment could provide the rationale for investment that would trigger expansion of American and Canadian mill capacity of virgin Kraft paper.

DAVID ANDREWS On June 24, the U.S. market intelligence organization, Industry Intelligence Inc., sponsored an online seminar titled “The Changing Landscape of Paperboard.�

Led by New York-based forest products and packaging specialist Chip Dillon, a partner in the equity research firm Vertical Research Partners, the in-depth webinar session addressed a number of areas pertinent to Canadian corrugated users. The prĂŠcis below summarizes some relevant information of particular interest to produce growers and shippers.

The Canadian angle

The importance of virgin Kraft paper to recycling mills Creating new corrugated containers from recycled wood pulp fibre requires a constant replenishment: ‘topping-up’ and blending-in virgin Kraft corrugated clippings to replace the wood pulp fibres that have lost tensile strength, durability and resilience during their several ‘rounds’ of recycling and milling into new linerboard paper for corrugated board and containers.

North America’s paper mills and converting plants are experiencing growth in demand for products made from old recycled corrugated containers (OCC). As America’s embrace of boxes made from recycled containers begins to catch up to our Canadian experience, there are no plans on the horizon for construction of new virgin Kraft paper mills to meet future needs. In the view of seminar host Chip Dillon, this tightening availability of virgin Kraft likely will challenge containerboard producers until fibre supply and demand reach a new balance.

In the U.S., new sources and emerging methodologies to collect OCC coupled with the effect of rising discretionary spending on consumer goods have combined to generate more “emptied boxes� destined for recycling paper mills. As a consequence of higher volumes, Dillon characterized the United States as the “Saudi Arabia� of the OCC market. A wryly accurate characterization given their large base of “emptied boxes.�

The China syndrome China’s hunger for OCC continues unabated. Interestingly, despite China’s burgeoning middle-class population, its domestic demand for packaged consumer goods remains at such a relatively low level that the country cannot generate sufficient OCC internally to even approach

Canadian governments -- both federal and provincial -- have demonstrated strong and continued support for developing infrastructure and roads to open natural resources in remote northern areas. So Canada possesses the means and motivation to access renewable forest resources for new virgin Kraft paper mills, if and when they become economically viable.

For the foreseeable future, however, Rock Tenn’s La Tuque mill in north-central Quebec serves to introduce virgin Kraft containerboard into the product waste stream here and is a significant contributor to success of modern domestic recycled containerboard manufacturing processes evolved by Canadian companies, including Atlantic Packaging, Kruger and Norampac.

China now purchases about 40 per cent of all old corrugated containers (OCC) collected for recycling in the U.S.! China’s increased demand has contributed significantly to higher commodity prices for OCC worldwide. Top photo by Denis Cahill. Bottom photo by Glenn Lowson. meeting the recycling feedstock requirements of its paper mills.

As a consequence, in order to make up that ongoing domestic shortfall, China now purchases about 40 per cent of all OCC collected for recycling in the U.S.! China’s increased demand has contributed significantly to higher commodity prices for OCC worldwide.

While China struggles to obtain adequate supplies of OCC feed stock for its recycling mills, its interim solution includes extending the usage-life of weakening pulp fibres during paper milling, rather than replacing them earlier with fresh fibre from the virgin Kraft component contained in OCC. However, that alternative will degrade board quality and reduce corrugated container wallstrength.

Fortunately for Canadian buyers, this is not necessary due to our balanced availability of virgin and OCC-based fibres.

In some foreign markets, another interim and relatively costly solution to counter the detrimental effect is to increase the “basis-weight� of containerboard: increasing both crush and column strength by using thicker, weightier corrugated board in the container-making process to maintain product protection during handling and shipping.

The downside risk of such changes is especially significant for so-called “North American� export goods packed in Chinesemade corrugated boxes for both transit and display purposes.

Retailers and consumers who perceive it as a source of product quality problems could react negatively, possibly avoiding “Made in China� products as a worst-case scenario.

Looking back to the future In projecting possibilities for the North American paper

products industry, Dillon also noted an emerging U.S. trend toward “re-coupling�: repatriation

David Andrews, former sales & marketing vice president for Smurfit-MBI, has been executive director of the Canadian Corrugated and Containerboard Association (CCCA) since 2010.

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PAGE 20 –– AUGUST 2014 THE GROWER high humidity (>85% RH) and extended periods of leaf wetness.

Infections occur most rapidly at temperatures of 24°C (75°F). In muskmelons, it prefers slightly cooler temperatures around 18°C (65°F).

Fusarium

Alternaria

Identifying common diseases of watermelon and muskmelon ELAINE RODDY, VEGETABLE CROP SPECIALIST RIDGETOWN, OMAFRA Watermelon and muskmelon are usually vigorous, healthy crops without a huge range of pest problems. However, there are a few diseases that can affect the vigour of the plants, and the final quality of the fruit.

Early season scouting, prior to vine development, can help identify any hot spots or problem areas. However, most diseases do not appear until mid-season, after the canopy closes over. Scout all fields regularly during fruit sizing. Early detection can help to

properly select the correct fungicide for the diseases present in the field.

Gummy Stem Blight

Gummy Stem Blight can infect all vine crops. On muskmelons, symptoms often show up as brown, necrotic tissue between healthy green veins. On watermelons, circular tan spots extend inwards from the leaf margin.

Occasionally the lesions will be surrounded by a yellow halo. The leaf margins eventually become dry and curled.

Infected stems develop watersoaked lesions, becoming tancoloured as the infection ages.

Reddish-brown gummy beads may ooze from infected stems.

This type of exudate is not always caused by gummy stem blight.

Fusarium and insect feeding may also cause gummy stems.

Gummy Stem Blight prefers

Alternaria infects both watermelon and muskmelon.

Symptoms normally appear on the crown leaves first. Lesions start as small, yellow-to-brown flecks. These spots enlarge in size, often developing concentric rings. Lesions frequently grow as large as one cm in diameter.

Under severe infections, large lesions may also occur on the fruit.

Infections require long periods of high humidity and can occur at almost any temperature above 20°C (68°F). This disease is most common mid-to-late season, after the canopy has closed over.

Anthracnose

Fusarium wilt is most common in muskmelons, however cucumbers and watermelons are also susceptible. It usually appears on mature plants, but it may also infect seedlings. Especially during periods of delayed growth due to cool temperatures or soil insect feeding. Infected plants become wilted. The disease then progresses to yellowing and eventual vine death. In the initial stages it may be mistaken for water stress.

Fusarium symptoms frequently go unnoticed in the field until it reaches peak harvest load and then the vine collapses and dies.

Infected fruit have low sugar content and spoil rapidly.

The stems of infected plants often show long, linear lesions along one side. A gummy, red exudate may be present along the lesion (see also, gummy stem blight). Look for discolouration in the veins of infected plants.

Where fusarium has been a problem in the past, resistant varieties are highly recommended.

Look for varieties with resistance to all three fusarium races (0,1 & 2).

Scab

Anthracnose infections appear as irregular-shaped, reddishbrown lesions with light yellow borders. In muskmelons, the lesions can become considerably larger than those pictured above on watermelon. Infected new growth often becomes twisted and distorted.

On older leaves the dead tissue may fall out of the centre of the lesion, giving the leaf a ragged appearance. Small black spores (pycnidia) may be visable on the older lesions.

Infected fruit develop sunken lesions, two to five mm in diameter (or larger on watermelon.)

Salmon pink spores may develop on the fruit under moist conditions.

Anthracnose is usually a lateseason disease. It prefers consistently warm temperatures of at least 24°C (75°F).

Scab infections occur as small, pale yellow-to-white lesions on the leaves, stems and petioles.

Infected fruit develop large (up to one cm), irregular-shaped cavities on the rind. The margins of these sunken lesions are often coated with a dry, corky layer.

Scab fungi prefer cool temperatures (17-20°C /62-68°F), heavy dews and intermittent showers.

Dry days, followed by moist nights create optimal conditions for wind-borne spore distribution.

Symptoms may progress in storage at temperatures as low as 8°C (46°F).

AUGUST 2014 –– PAGE 21 THE GROWER

VEG FOCUS

Squash bees, pollinators of pumpkin, squash and zucchini HANNAH FRASER, ENTOMOLOGY PROGRAM LEAD – HORTICULTURE, AND JIM CHAPUT, PROVINCIAL MINOR USE COORDINATOR At the 20th Annual Diagnostic Day in Ridgetown (July 9th and 10th, 2014), we asked growers and consultants to guess what species is the most important pollinator of Cucurbita pepo (squash, pumpkin and zucchini) in North America. Almost everyone replied “honey bees.” A few mentioned “bumble bees” -- a good guess as these are second on the list. Fewer still answered “squash bees.”

Cucurbita pepo produce both male and female flowers on the same plant. Male flowers produce both pollen and nectar, while the female flowers produce nectar.

Each female flower has an ovary under the flower that resembles the fruit it will become following pollination. Poor pollination results in small, unmarketable fruit. And since these flowers bloom less than a day, there is only a small window in which pollination can occur.

The pollen of these crops is large, sticky and spiny – characteristics which make it relatively unattractive to honey bees.

Surveys of farms where C. pepo are grown indicate the (hoary) squash bee, Peponapis pruinosa, outnumber honey bees, bumble bees and other pollinators by several orders of magnitude. Indeed, where squash bees are present and abundant, honey bees are essentially redundant, in terms of

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

pollination requirements for these crops.

The squash bee is a highly-specialized native pollinator. It has co-evolved with squash and gourds to the point where its local success and survival depends on the presence of these crops: the female squash bee provisions her brood exclusively with the pollen collected from these plants.

Squash bees are ground nesters. The females excavate vertical tunnels up to 45 cm deep, with three to five lateral tunnels that end in a single brood cell (where the larva develop into new bees). Most cells are 12 cm or deeper. Each cell is provisioned with a pollen ball and a single egg is laid, before being capped off. A single female may construct more than one nest over the season, depending on resources, from July through August.

The females have hairy hind legs and bodies that are very effective at picking up the pollen from male flowers, and for transfer to female flowers (Figure 1). They are active early in the day, in synch with

the opening of Cucurbita spp. flowers; by the time other bees arrive, later in the morning, much of the pollination has already been accomplished!

A few other key facts about squash bees: • they are solitary bees (no worker bees); • nest entrances are about the width of a pencil (Figure 2), are typically in the crop or in uncultivated field margins and are often found in aggregations; • one generation per year, overwinter in the soil as a pre-pupa One of the easiest ways to monitor for squash bees is to tear open the wilted flowers in the afternoon or early evening: males and unmated females will sleep in the flowers (Figure 3). Alternatively, one can hold the base of the wilted flowers between two fingers and see if the squash bees are buzzing inside. Don’t worry about being stung, as these bees are stingless.

Honey bees and bumble bees are cavity nesting, social insects that forage on a wide

variety of pollinating plants. Because of their solitary nature, a dependence on a very limited number of crops for brood development and its ground nesting behaviour, the squash bee is particularly vulnerable to farm practices. Choice of pest control products and their time of application, soil cultivation and crop rotation can all influence squash bee populations on farms.

Using no-till, cultivating to depths of 10 cm or less, and / or leaving some nesting aggregations undisturbed will encourage local populations. While squash bees are extremely good at locating their host plants, keep the distance between field locations during crop rotation as small as possible.

For more information on this native pollinator in Ontario and for tips on encouraging on-farm populations, see the publication “The Pollination System of Pumpkin, Squash, Summer Squash, and Zucchini” by Susan Chan available for purchase at www.farmsatwork.ca/library

PAGE 22 –– AUGUST 2014 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

ORCHARD SUPPLIES

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

AUCTION

Large Clearing Auction (Farm sold) For Birtch Farms and Estate Winery (Bob and Dyann Birtch, 519-536-6640) Saturday, Aug 23rd at 10:00 a.m. Preview Fri. 11:00 - 4:00 pm Located at 655514 - 15th Line RR7 Woodstock ON. From Hwy 59 take Oxford Rd. 17 East approx. 3 miles to 15th Line then North. (Watch for signs).

Consisting of Trators, Farm and Orchard equipment, Bakery – Kitchen • Winery equipment – Retail Fixtures – Playground items – U-Pick Accessories • Decorative Antique items and some household items etc.

(2 Auctioneers selling part of the day) Tractors – Farm & Orchard equipment & related items: Case IH 685 Orchard Model Tractor with 2250 QT Loader (good shape) John Deere 5303 (2008) Tractor 1800 hr. (like new), Ford 3000 with 1 arm Loader-Diesel and P.S. Clark 3000 lb 3 stage propane forklift, Cub Cadet 23 h.p. zero turn front mount 50” Lawn Mower (580 hrs), 10’ Votex Orchard Mower, Turbo Mist 1500 litre airblast sprayer, Turpine 1500 Litre airblast sprayer, Shaver 3 P.T.H. Post Hole Auger 2 Augers 24”-9”, 8’ triple K-cultivator, 12’ of finger harrows , 3 P.T.H. M.F. Plow 3 x 16”, Ford 4 row corn planter with J.D. bottoms, 6½” M.F. Snowblower, 3 P.T.H. fert spreader, 3 P.T.H. weed sprayer with hand gun, 6’ x 12’ farm trailer, 16’ flat deck wagon, 35 seat people tour wagon, 10’ Int wheel disc, 3 P.T.H. pallet lift • Felco air prunner – reel and Accessories, 11 H.P. truck mount gas air compressor, 2500 watt generator, pallet racking, Bartlett bin dumper, Tew Veg. Washer 24” – 12 roll, pallet hand carts, Orchard Ladders alum & wooden, picking buckets, Approx. 100 apple bins, 2 - 1000 Litre plastic tanks, Approx 100 -1 bu heavy duty plastic totes • 2 - 20’ Sea Storage Containers (Like new) Bakery – Kitchen – Winery: – Blodget propane convection oven (Like New), Hobart commercial convection ½ oven, SS prep tables – 6’ - 10’, commercial hot-dog roller, carmel apple warmer, apple dryer for sliced apples, 2 table top commercial electric deep fryers, panini press, Hobart 20 qt mixer, universe double pass sheeter (2010), rubbermaid storage units, misc small wares • 8’ x 6’ Walk in Freezer unit • Keeprite 3 Ton Refrigeration unit only (New 2011) • 18 - Stainless Tanks from200 - 1000 Litres • 12 various food grade Plastic tanks 200 - 1000 Litres • 4 bottle syphon filler, Pneumatic corker, Plate filter, bladder press, hand operated crusher, Small Wine Lab equipment Playground – Retial – Fixtures – Misc.: – Pedal carts, Pedal tractors, qty P.Y.O Plastic wagons, Ticket booth, 20’ x 30’ tent, 3 - 10’ x 20’ canopies, Portable wireless P.A. system, benches, wooden structures, Large wooden frame plastic slide and playhouse, 2 door reach in cooler, 2 door reach in Freezer (2010), Electronic cash registers, Metal and wooden retail display racks, qty of hand painted signs for P.Y.O and playground, outdoor tables and chairs, old hand wine press, table top cream separator, old McClary wood stove, Antique bushel boxes, milk cans, oil furnace and tank, 36” x 44” steel racking • qty of apple fire wood, approx 300 steel fence posts, qty of 6’ 8’ x 2” stakes, Cedar rails, approx 1500’ of 5’ wire fencing, chain saws, misc prunners, misc antique tools, some misc houshold items and appliances, office furniture and accessories, some retail inventory, wooden racking and displays Wagon Load of Misc and tools (etc.)

This is a very clean offering. Many more related items to the P.Y.O and retail business.

Terms: Cash – Cheque – VISA – Interac day of sale

FUMIGATION

• Greenhouse and Field Soil Fumigation • Custom made equipment for bedding, fumigation, mulch laying, planting, solid tarp applicators and equipment rentals • Black mulch plastic - Embossed and U.V. treated • Perforated Tunnels - Clear & white • Wire hoops, row cover, mesh cloth field cover& drip irrigation.

Jim McCartney Auction Service Ltd. 905-689-8778 Waterdown For photos check www.auctionsfind.com/mccartney

1738 Seacliff Drive Kingsville, ON N9Y 2M6 (cell) 519-919-1738

AUGUST 2014 –– PAGE 23 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

CONTAINERS

General Manager Summerland Varieties Corporation The Board of Directors of Summerland Varieties Corporation (SVC, formerly PICO) is looking for a strategic, highly motivated General Manager with strong tree fruit horticulture knowledge.

SVC is agent for some of the most successful varieties in the world, including the Ambrosia apple and Staccato cherries. SVC is also agent for promising new varieties such as the Salish apple and the Sentennial cherry varieties.

As the SVC General Manager, you will be responsible for the operations of SVC, whose primary mandate is to assure access to new tree fruit and berry varieties for Canadian growers and to market new varieties internationally on behalf of plant breeding organizations. You will negotiate and maintain agreements with domestic and international clients for production and marketing of varieties managed by SVC. Intellectual Property management, variety testing, registrations and commercialization, as well as maintaining a stock of virus free plant material are important parts of SVC’s ongoing business.

Still using wood bins?

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A degree/diploma in business and horticulture, or equivalent experience, plus a minimum of three years combined horticulture/management experience, is desirable.

Macro Plastics’ Hybrid 44 -FV.

If you are motivated by the challenges and opportunities of leading a company internationally recognized for its management and marketing of plant varieties, please submit your resume and covering letter by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2014 to:

A plastic bin fixed within a lean wo o d f ra m e f o r s t r u c t u r al su p p o r t . T h i s alternative t o w o o d b in s is designed to o er all the ot e c t i o n of plastic bins, but at a p r i c e yo u c a n a f f o r d .

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A strategic thinker, you will analyze and present policy, financial and marketing options to the Board of Directors. You have highly developed communication skills, and a second language is an asset. Developing new products is part of your experience. You will be responsible for budgeting and financial statements - an important aspect of our growing business. You will have organizational skills that effectively utilize a staff of 9 in carrying out SVC’s day to day operations. You understand and have worked with boards and shareholders. You are considered professional and ethical in all your business activities.

Please respond to HR@summerlandvarieties.com. For more information on SVC and this career opportunity: www.summerlandvarieties.com

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LABELLING EQUIPMENT

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REAL ESTATE

FOOD PROCESSING AND PACKAGING PLANT FO

R

S A E L

E

11691 Warden Ave, Stouffville ON * Adjacent to City of Markham * Great access to Highways 404 & 407 * Industrial/Commercial 13,910 sf Building * 50 Acres of Farmland - Agricultural zoning * Industrial Space - 7,920 sf * Three Offices & Lunch Area - 2,280 sf * Heated Work Shop - 1,190 sf * Storage Space, the Original Barn - 2,520 sf * Huge outdoor parking lot which can accommodate 50' trailers * Residential house is available for extra rent * Asking - $7,500/month net,net,net

For more information contact rita@reliablerealestate.com

Rita Chemilian Broker 905-940-4180

SEPTEMBER 2014 Special feature: New equipment and technology Book by August 15 Herb Sherwood 519-380-0118

PAGE 24 –– AUGUST 2014 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

Providing quality apple trees for 40 years.

• • • • • • •

Bench graft Sleeping budded eye 9 month bench 1 year old whip 1 year old feathered KNIP tree 2 year old tall feathered (instant orchard) Brian Van Brenk 31760 Erin Line Fingal ON, Canada N0L 1K0 519-902-6353 www.vanbrenk.ca brian@vanbrenk.ca

ASPARAGUS

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REFRIGERATION

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FOR SALE SMALL BALE STRAW SPREADERS. One PTO driven and One 26 HP Kohler gas driven. Both in excellent condition. $3500 each.

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AUGUST 2014 –– PAGE 25 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

To advertise phone: 519-380-0118 • 866-898-8488 x 218 • Fax: 519-380-0011 EQUIPMENT BIN CARRIER FOR FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

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USED EQUIPMENT AND SPECIALS IRRIGATION PIPE 5” x 30’ Wade used, nice shape, approx. 200 $90 ea 4” x 30’ Wade, new, rented once, 35 available $89 ea 3” x 30’ Wade, 70 available $42 ea 3” x 40’ Tico, 80 available $33 ea IRRIGATION REELS Ocmis 125 R4/1 310, 4.1” I.D. x 985’long, 2 available $8,595 ea Bauer 90-300, turbine drive $5,900 IRRIGATION PUMPS Caprari PTO pump, DMR80 3/2 $1,795 Caprari PTO pump, DMR80 3/2 $2,100 Perkins 354 comes with Rovatti F33K/100 $11,000 Rovatti PTO T150E $1,900 TRACTORS Ford Jubilee $2,600 Belarus 420, comes with loader $6,250 PLANTING EQUIPMENT Stanhay model Star, 8 row, reconditioned $21,000 Stanhay model 785, 6 row, reconditioned $10,995 Sfoggia model Gamma, large seed only, vacuum, NEW, 3 row $8,900 Sfoggia model California transplanter, NEW, 2 row $6,500 Sfoggia model F-12, 4 row planter, NEW $12,000 Foam Trays, 242 cell, aprox. 1700 available $1.20 ea Rainflo model 345, c/w drip tape applicator, like new $2,350 MISCELLANEOUS Masschio Model “barbi” 180cm flail chopper – demo $3,350 Muratori 92” 3 pt hitch finishing mower, 5 blade, NEW $1,900 Farm King Tri-plex Mower 19.5ft $7,500 New Holland haybine $600 Greenhouse T-Rails, 8ft, Aluminum, approx. 100 $6 ea

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change of address? call the circulation department at 866-898-8488 ext 221

PAGE 26 –– AUGUST 2014 THE GROWER

MINOR USE CRAIG’S COMMENTS

Giving back

CRAIG HUNTER OFVGA As I came back from the 40th reunion of my OAC class, I began to realize that we had just celebrated more than a joint adventure, a common background, and some memories of people, places and events that moulded us into who we are today. In fact, we should take more credit for the accomplishments of the whole group over what has now been a 40-year career (and counting) for a group of about 300 ‘Aggies.’ When I did the math on the long drive home, that means 12,000 YEARS of support and dedication to (mostly) Ontario Agriculture.

This is not a small thing. In fact, one could do this math for all the past current and future classes and find what an incredible impact the collective “we” have been able to make.

The impacts are quite diverse, driven by the various twists and turns that our fellow classmates have taken. There are several primary producers. Some went on to become veterinarians. Others went into research, teaching, and other professions. There were a few that went into municipal, provincial or federal government service. Others even left Canada and helped agriculture in countries such as Malaysia, Bolivia, Rwanda, and several to the U.S. for their careers. Some were self-employed entrepreneurs, while others worked for the input suppliers or the consulting trade. I believe that one classmate eventually went into law, and one

is an ordained minister.

Not one of us could have predicted how it would all turn out while we were still in school (as opposed to in classes because not everyone went all the time!).

What we DID accomplish was to amass a significant amount of experience, perspective, and understanding about the rights and wrongs of various controversies within the agriculture dynamic. We even discussed one of them at a get-together one evening. The collective wisdom (and there was a LOT of that) decided that one letter from the whole group would have much less impact than if we all used the collective set of contacts we have to address the problem/dilemma. We also agreed that we needed more knowledge and background on the issue until a reasonable picture could be painted, and then commented upon.

There was also a discussion on how to harness this mass of intellect (my word) when future issues affecting agriculture arise and need solid input. We can communicate much better now in the ‘connected’ world and it will not be difficult to get back suggestions. This is especially true as many are at or soon to accept retirement, or at least taking orders from children running the farm rather than giving them the orders!

This experience tends to be largely or totally ignored when certain decisions are being made.

It would be easy to set aside those with a vested interest in a decision, but the huge remaining group could (and willingly would) contribute their expertise so some bone-headed plans could be cut off before fruition. In an era where people in decisionmaking places to do with agriculture almost uniformly have no farm background, nor an agricultural education, this should be like having a great gift bestowed upon them. The best part is that the decision-makers would be able to show the

support of a (non-partisan) advisory group. In addition, the diversity of knowledge would ensure that all ramifications of a possible decision could be discussed, and impacts projected BEFORE the irrevocable final action is taken.

It kind of boggles the mind that we are just talking about the agricultural industry. This concept could go beyond to other groups/professions/industries with a build-up of collective wisdom.

The experience and knowledge will diminish fairly quickly as folks get out of front-line positions. Likewise, it takes years of experience to get beyond the immediate and simple reactive mode to one of considered opinion and recommendation.

Perhaps there are 10-15 years of graduates at any time that could contribute in a meaningful way.

That would make it 120,000 to 180,000 years’ worth of experienced ‘volunteers’ who could be helping out behind the scenes. As some fall out, new recruits will join the ranks.

All of this, of course, presupposes that decision-makers even want the input, would listen to it, and tweak some of them as a result. (A big supposition perhaps).

In order to spark some comment, perhaps “we” could look at how the University of Guelph has changed from our days to what it is today. The focus on agriculture was then maintained by the Ministry of Agriculture as it provided financial support for the Diploma programs at Centralia, Ridgetown, Kemptville, Alfred and New Liskeard Colleges, as well as on the main campus. Our class was actually the first to NOT receive a subsidy towards our tuition in the degree program, but the diploma course costs were kept very low to encourage entrants. This was and should be considered as an investment, not a cost!

The Ministry also supported research at all the colleges and at

the main campus as well as at numerous research stations such as Elora, Arkell, Woodstock, Ponsonby, Cambridge, Vineland, Simcoe, and Bradford. Many students received part of their experience as undergrads and as graduate students at those locations. It continues to pay back like any good investment.

Unfortunately, there have been systemic losses over the years.

We have lost colleges, research stations, scientists, and the knowledge they had yet to pass along to another crop of students.

The annual cheque that the Ministry sends to the University now gets divided up into many more pieces than were ever envisioned. In spite of original agreements about what and/or who the money was to support, what work needed to be done, and how many scientists were needed to both teach and do research, the losses have mounted up.

One of the larger costs today than when we were students is the administration cost. In the day, with President Bill Winegard, and his two vice-presidents, a provost and a small office staff, all the ‘work’ of the University got done, and without a computer in sight!

At the OAC level, we had Dean Clay Switzer, his assistant Mike Jenkinson and two support staff.

If one were to go to the U of G website today, the plethora of staff to ostensibly do the same administration work at University and College levels would astound you! (And they all have computers and likely more than one each!)

In the field where the research should be getting done, the scientists now have to spend more time applying for funds than to do their research work! They also need to find funds just to employ a technician, once supplied as a part of the funding from the Ministry. There used to be 200 staff supported by the funding, and that now is below 70 and falling fast. This is at a time when there are so many more pressures on agriculture than ‘in the day’

SENATOR 70WP ®

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when we had the folks in place to deal with what arose! How did the admin go up so dramatically and the actual scientific endeavor drop so alarmingly? Who has been asleep at the switch?

How did the University run up a $26 million debt during this time, yet find the funds to build huge new buildings, ‘landscape’ the front campus, yet tear down the historic old buildings that in part defined the old University?

Perhaps those in charge cannot see the problems- they never lived them in prior times in their own careers. Maybe they haven’t considered seeking out opinions from experienced agriculture people. Maybe the comfy chairs in the towers with incredible pay and pension opportunities keeps them from wanting to deal with the issues. Maybe we will just go away!

It is time that the great collective ‘we’ begin to question many things, and much closer. Perhaps a forensic audit should be made of where each and every dollar from the ministry ‘cheque’ actually gets spent. Perhaps when colleges and research stations get closed or cut, or when staff positions are lost upon retirement and not refilled, those dollars that did support them should be slashed from the next cheque, not just re-allocated to another budget, or cover past debts.

Maybe the positions that the Agriculture community wants should come first, not just what the administration may feel to be expedient. Maybe the education of Agriculture students should once again include subsidy, and have it looked upon as an investment.

Ontario Agriculture needs a lot of help. Some parts will not survive. Is this how you and other citizens want the future? If not, you too need to add your voice and your opinion before it really is too late.

Collective wisdom can and should make a difference!

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AUGUST 2014 –– PAGE 27 THE GROWER

MINOR USE

Rootshield HC & WP biological fungicide label expands Rootshield WP (new uses) Crop(s)

Disease(s)

Rate

Application notes

DRENCH APPLICATION Ginseng

Pythium, Phytophthora, Fusarium suppression

Greenhouse vegetable transplants of bulb, brassica leafy, fruiting, cucurbit and herbs

3 – 4 kg / ha

Apply in 1,000 L water / ha to soil surface immediately around ginseng plants

55 – 110 g/m3 of potting mix, soil or planting beds

Apply in 30 – 45 g per 100 L water

Rootshield HC (new uses) J. CHAPUT, OMAFRA, MINOR USE COORDINATOR, GUELPH The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of an URMULE registration for Rootshield WP and Rootshield HC biological fungicide for management of diseases on greenhouse vegetable transplants, ginseng, greenhouse and field fruiting vegetables, cucurbit vegetables and greenhouse ornamentals in Canada.

Rootshield WP and Rootshield HC biological fungicide were already labeled for management of diseases on some greenhouse vegetables, ornamentals, strawberries and as a bean seed treatment in Canada.

These minor use projects were submitted in 2012 as a result of minor use priorities established by growers and extension personnel in Canada. Management of these diseases with effective, reduced risk products is a priority of producers and buyers alike.

The minor use label expansion for Rootshield WP and Rootshield HC biological fungicide is a helpful step

towards developing an improved pest management toolkit for greenhouse vegetable transplants, ginseng, greenhouse and field fruiting vegetables, cucurbit vegetables and greenhouse ornamentals in Canada. The following is provided as an abbreviated, general outline only. Users should consult the complete label before using Rootshield WP or Rootshield HC biological fungicide.

Rootshield WP or Rootshield HC biological fungicide should be used in an integrated pest management program and in rotation with other management strategies to adequately manage resistance. Do not contaminate aquatic habitats when cleaning or rinsing spray equipment or containers.

Follow all other precautions and directions for use on the Rootshield WP or Rootshield HC biological fungicide labels carefully.

For a copy of the new minor use label contact Jim Chaput, OMAFRA, Guelph (519) 8263539 or visit the PMRA label site www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cpsspc/pest/registrant-titulaire/toolsoutils/label-etiq-eng.php

Crop(s)

Disease(s)

Rate

Application notes

DRENCH APPLICATION Ginseng

Pythium, Phytophthora, Fusarium suppression

Greenhouse vegetable transplants of bulb, brassica leafy, fruiting, cucurbit and herbs

Crop(s)

3 – 4 kg / ha

Apply in 1,000 L water / ha to soil surface immediately around ginseng plants

55 – 110 g/m3 of potting mix, soil or planting beds

Apply in 30 – 45 g per 100 L water

Disease(s)

Rate

Application notes

FOLIAR APPLICATION Ginseng

Botrytis blight suppression

Greenhouse vegetable transplants of bulb, brassica leafy, fruiting, cucurbit and herbs

10 kg / ha

Apply in 1,000 L water per ha every 7 – 14 days

10 g / L

7 – 14 days between applications

Strawberry, lettuce, (field and GH) Fruiting, cucurbit vegetables (field and GH)

3.75 – 7.5 g / L

GH and outdoor ornamentals

7.5 g / L

Organic field cucurbit producers receive emergency registration The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of an emergency use registration for Pyganic crop protection EC 1.4 II (pyrethrins) for control of cucumber beetles on field cucumbers, squash, melons and processing pumpkins in Canada.

Pyganic was already registered for use against several insects of beans, tomatoes, blueberries, grapes, raspberries and roses in Canada.

This emergency use for Pyganic can be used only in Quebec, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario until October 31, 2014.

Cucumber beetles are the most common and serious pest of field cucurbits in North America and have been identified annually on the Canadian minor use priority list and more specifically by organic producers of field cucurbits. The emergency use registration of Pyganic is an important temporary step towards improving the pest management toolkit for organic producers

of cucumbers, squash, melons and processing pumpkins.

This emergency use submission was initiated by the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI in response to increasingly serious damage from cucumber beetles to organic field cucurbits as identified by producers.

The following is provided as an abbreviated, general outline only. Users should consult the complete emergency use label before using Pyganic crop protection EC. Pyganic crop protection EC can be applied at a rate of 4.65 L product per hectare as soon as cucumber beetles are observed. Apply in sufficient spray volume to ensure complete and thorough coverage of plant surfaces. Applications can be made on a five day interval if monitoring indicates a need. A maximum of eight applications per year is permitted.

Follow all other precautions and directions for use on the Pyganic label

carefully. This product is highly toxic to honey bees and native pollinators exposed to direct spray on blooming crops or other vegetation. Avoid use when pollinators are actively foraging. This product is toxic to aquatic organisms. Do not contaminate any body of water by direct application, cleaning of equipment or disposal of wastes.

Pyganic should be used in an IPM program and in rotation with other management strategies to adequately manage resistance. Although Pyganic is OMRI listed in the U.S., growers should consult their organic certification body in Canada to confirm that it can be used here also.

For copies of the emergency use label contact Elaine Roddy, OMAFRA, Vegetable Specialist, Ridgetown (519) 674-1616, Jim Chaput, OMAFRA, Guelph (519) 826-3539 or visit www.bartlett.ca Photo right: Cucumber beetle

PAGE 28 –– AUGUST 2014 THE GROWER