The Grower February 2014

CELEBRATING 134 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION

FEBRUARY 2014

VOLUME 64 NUMBER 02

METAL PUSH IN SOCHI

Root for reigning Olympic champion and PEI potatoes KAREN DAVIDSON Not yet a household name, Heather Moyse is poised to race into your consciousness during the Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. She’s the defending champion and brakeman in women’s bobsleigh. What makes Moyse special to the Canadian produce industry is that she’s brand ambassador for Prince Edward Island potatoes.

“Heather Moyse is already gold,” says Kendra Mills, director of communications, PEI Potato Board. “We’ve had one million dollars in media value to date.

During the Olympics, we’re at the pinnacle of why we did this in the first place.”

Sponsorship promotion is verboten during the Olympics with athletes under strict rules on what they can wear and say.

However, the rules are less restrictive for the World Cup circuit. It’s hard to put a price on the value of Moyse’s smiling face and headband: I Love PEI Potatoes. That’s what appeared on the front cover of the Globe and Mail’s sports section December 17 after Moyse and pilot Kaillie Humphries won gold at the Lake Placid, New York venue. As they finished the World Cup’s European leg of Winterberg, St. Moritz, Igles and Konigssee in January, they are hot contenders for the gold medal

INSIDE OFVGA Award of Merit

Page 4

Focus: Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention Section B

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

Weighing in at 72 kilograms, Heather Moyse (second from left) is worth her weight in gold. She’s the 35-year-old defending Olympic champion for women’s bobsleigh and brand ambassador for PEI potatoes. Don’t underestimate the pride of the Island’s 330 growers who have sponsored Moyse for three years in return for some plugs for potatoes. They estimate one million dollars of publicity earned to date.

Here Moyse and her bobsleigh pilot Kaillie Humphries are pictured in Lake Placid, New York in a first-place, World Cup finish on December 14. Photo by Ken Childs.

in Sochi.

That’s where we’ll see more homegrown coverage. CBC TV Sports visited Prince Edward Island last summer to film Moyse in potato fields and to capture a perspective from the local mayor, friends and family. The series is appropriately titled “It takes a village.”

Three years ago, the Fresh Marketing Committee of the PEI Potato Board considered the merits of hiring Moyse. In Canadian agriculture, growers have few templates to demonstrate the benefits of partnerships with Olympic-calibre athletes.

The best known is the Beef Information Centre’s sponsorship of Olympic pairs skaters Isabelle Brasseur and Lloyd Eisler in 1993. Gary Linkletter, chair of the PEI Potato Board, recalls that the only debate was about whether they could carve out enough budget to make a difference to Moyse.

“An opportunity to be affiliated with a world-class

athlete doesn’t come along every day,” says Linkletter.

The linkages seemed obvious since Moyse is a Summerside, PEI native. Beyond that, her fresh-faced enthusiasm and media-savvy talents made her ideal to talk about the nutritional benefits of potatoes. As an elite athlete who also competes in track cycling and rugby, Moyse is a year-round role model for making potatoes part of a healthy diet. She’s ready to punch holes in the myth that carbohydrates don’t deserve a place on the plate.

That’s the message she’s taken on media tours, making the rounds of national shows such as CTV’s Canada AM and CBC’s George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight. She’s also signed autographs at the PEI Potato Growers’ booth at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

“There’s nothing more down-to-earth than Heather Moyse draping a gold medal around a five-year-old’s neck,” says Linkletter. “She’s authentic

and so personable.”

It’s difficult to measure whether Moyse improves booth traffic but her presence adds a fresh reason to email news releases and send tweets. She delivers a message that elevates potatoes to an elite status. In social media alone, she has more than 4,100 Twitter followers and often tweets about potatoes at mealtime.

“My hat is off to the PEI Potato Board,” says Martin Gooch, CEO of Value Chain Management International Inc. “As a whole, the vegetable category is not as advanced in positioning and branding as fruit.

Few examples exist where vegetables have created added value by exciting and engaging consumers.”

Gooch cites the example of how bananas have become intertwined with South African marathons and become synonymous with what to eat before and after a race. Creating value by connecting produce with

athletics was used to successfully position bananas as a “must have” item. Yet potatoes actually contain more potassium than bananas, so he thinks there’s an opportunity to position potatoes in North America as the go-to fuel. Instead of a pasta supper the night before racing, why not a potato supper?

Coincidentally, Gooch’s firm is currently working with the Ontario Potato Board on ways to improve fresh marketing. Their consumer research has shown how rapidly the marketplace has changed and that a swath of consumers perceive potatoes as not healthy or convenient. Most troubling is that consumers under 50 years of age – with higher levels of education and aboveaverage incomes – hold this sentiment.

“That’s alarming news for the potato industry because these consumers will likely hold these views for their entire lives,” says Gooch.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

PAGE 2 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

AT PRESS TIME… Call for innovation Pilot project on applicants in Ontario importing onions from the U.S.

One of the 2013 innovation winners was Gord and Garry Geissberger, seen here with Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. See their mobile cider press story on page B16.

Innovators in the province's agriculture and food industry are being encouraged to apply for awards under the Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence program, now accepting applications until February 28, 2014.

Farmers, primary producers, processors and agri-food related organizations are all eligible for recognition under this initiative.

Up to 50 agri-food innovations are recognized annually under the awards program. For applications, go to www.omafra.gov.on.ca.

As part of the Beyond the Border Action Plan between the United States and Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has been asked to explore lowering inspection fees for grade verification for U.S. grown apples, onions and potatoes imported from the United States.

It has been decided to conduct a pilot project on onions only.

Effective January 20, 2014 Canada removed the compulsory certification / inspection requirement for U.S. onions. The pilot will remain in effect until April 30th with the possibility of being extended until October 31, 2014.

Onions imported into Canada from the U.S. will still be required to meet the minimum grade, labelling and packaging requirements as per the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Regulations.

However during this period, inspection / certification by USDA will not be required.

The procedures for Ministerial Exemptions (MEs) for onions will also be revised to reflect this

change. Importers of bulk loads will still be required to obtain a Ministerial Exemption but they will not be sent to the USDA for follow-up, i.e. to perform a compulsory inspection. MEs will be printed on CFIA letterhead and signed for each individual load and forwarded to the applicant.

The applicant must ensure that an original ME is at the Canadian point of entry for each load entering Canada. Monitoring (control visits) may be performed by CFIA to ensure compliance with the terms of the ME. Please note that the same Ministerial Exemption procedures will continue to apply for apples and potatoes.

Importers should ensure that their U.S. shippers are aware of this pilot and that it is no longer mandatory to apply for a USDA inspection on onion loads going to Canada as of January 20th.

Shipper invoices should not include the USDA inspection fee unless the shipper and receiver have made a special arrangement to continue with inspections on these loads.

Contact Ian MacKenzie, Ontario Produce Marketing Association, at 416-259-7827, ext. 231 or ian@theopma.ca.

Brantford welcomes vegetable processor Misionera Vegetables, a leading fresh vegetable grower and processor from California, is opening its first Canadian plant in Brantford, Ontario. It’s expected to employ 70 in its start-up phase and increase to 130 employees in year two.

“We chose Brantford because

of its close proximity and access to our northeastern markets and to the quality of produce grown in southern Ontario,” said Hugh Bowman, president, Canadian operations, Misionero Vegetables.

The new venture will be buying in-season organic and conventional produce from southern Ontario and from U.S. suppliers in the off-season, using a just-in-time inventory model.

NEWSMAKERS Art Smith announced his retirement from the position of CEO of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) at the banquet of the annual general meeting. CEO since 2003, he will step down at the end of June.

Grape and tender fruit grower Ray Duc has been re-elected for a second one-year term as chair of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association. The board of directors remains unchanged with the following directors: Jason Verkaik, fresh vegetables – muck; Mary Shabatura, fresh vegetables; Norm Charbonneau, small fruit/berries; Charles Stevens, apples; Jason Ryder, asparagus; Ken Van Torre, ginseng; Jan VanderHout, greenhouse vegetables; Don Taylor, greenhouse vegetables; Mac James, potatoes; John Thwaites, tender fruit.

Congratulations to this year’s Chemtura Golden Apple Award winner, Margaret Appleby, who has made outstanding contributions to Ontario’s apple industry. She is the province’s integrated pest management systems specialist. She was one of the first to bring British Columbia’s popular Ambrosia apple to Ontario, starting cultivar trials in 1999. Her many contributions include leadership of the Photo by Herb Sherwood Northumberland and Durham apple IPM group, developing apple scab management programs, tracking migration of European Apple Sawfly and organizing an international IPM conference in 2002.

The University of Guelph has named Nigel Raine, the inaugural holder of Canada’s first research chair in pollinator conservation following a year-long international search. He was selected for his work in pollinator behaviour and his vision for pollinator conservation in Canada. Currently a faculty member at the School of Biological Sciences at Royal Holloway University of London, he will join the University of Guelph in May. Ontario’s garlic industry has lost its crusader of the clove, Ted Maczka. At 83, the Prince Edward County farmer died of a stroke in early January. His hat paraphernalia became widely known as he attended garlic festivals as early as the 1970s. His counsel on growing various varieties of garlic will be missed.

The Dean Tiessen Memorial Fund has been established to honour the southwestern Ontario agricultural entrepreneur who died tragically in Brazil in December 2013. Dean Tiessen of New Energy Farms was a catalyst in establishing the fledgling biomass sector and was a member of Class 10 of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) from 2003 to 2005. Donations will be accepted at the AALP Dream Auction on February 8 but can also be made online through the Rural Ontario Institute at www.canadahelps.org.

Paul Sobey has retired as President and Chief Executive Officer of Empire, Sobeys’ parent company. Succeeding him is Marc Poulin.

With roots in the Quebec division, Poulin will likely implement more Quebec specs and standards across other regions.

Karen Matthews, general manager of the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show, has left after 12 years to join Burning Kiln Winery.

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE 3 THE GROWER

METAL PUSH IN SOCHI

Root for reigning Olympic champion and PEI potatoes CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “What is also alarming is that we continue to promote potatoes on price yet most consumers view price as being less important than attributes such as taste and convenience. We need to connect with consumers with appropriate processes and programs.”

At 35, Moyse is the perfect spokesperson to shift attitudes of this consumer demographic. If Moyse and her teammate win a medal in the Olympics, Gooch suggests that her podium success could pivot to You Tube videos and recipe outreach. The PEI Potato Board has already gleaned profile in their run-up to the Olympics, but there’s more upside afterwards. In fact, Moyse’s celebrity will lift the entire potato category, not just in Prince Edward Island.

Gooch recalls a product launch of grape tomatoes in Australia back in 2001 which won the coveted 2003 SIAL D’Or prize for the World’s Best New Fruit & Vegetable Product. The entire focus, from field to plate, was on delivering attributes such as taste, convenience and experience. The marketers feared a cannibalization in the tomato category, however the opposite happened. The entire tomato category grew. It’s an encouraging case study for potatoes.

Moyse and bobsled pilot Kaillie Humphries compete on February 18 and 19 in Sochi, Russia.

Get ready. Get set. Push.

St. Moritz, Switzerland popularized the winter sport of bobsleigh in which teams of two or four make timed runs down narrow, twisting, banked, iced tracks in a gravitypowered sled. The timed runs are combined to calculate the final score. Moyse and Humphries are pictured here in a run at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Heather Moyse won the women’s World Push Championships in Calgary last fall in the lead-up to the World Cup circuit and the Olympics. As the brakeman, she’s responsible for pushing the bobsleigh for up to 50 metres at the start of the race before jumping in. The maximum weight allowed for the two-woman bobsleigh is 340 kilograms. To see how she trained, look to the You Tube video: PEI Potatoes 2013 AGM.

INTERNATIONAL CHILE

CALIFORNIA

MEXICO

OREGON

EGYPT

New Gala apple varieties

Drought clips lettuce production

Asparagus acreage to rise

More hazelnut groves planted

Exporting organic herbs to Canada

In 2014, Chilean producers plan to plant two variations of the Gala apple: Galaval and Jugala.

Galaval is a variety of the Gala apple originating from a mutation of a full Galaxy tree.

Its fruit has a smooth, deep purple red colour, a sweet balanced flavour and a medium size.

Galaval is known for its high level of colour stability and consistency over time. A high percentage of the fruit is for premium categories.

Meanwhile, the Jugala variety corresponds to a mutation of a Mitchgala tree (Mondial Gala) and its size ranges between medium and large. The fruit is bright red with smooth grooves and it has a balanced sweetness.

Fresno County lettuce growers are reducing lettuce production by almost 50 per cent due to drought and disease. Planted acreage has fallen from 8,200 acres last year to just 4,400.

What was once a $40 million crop now earns $28 million.

Further reductions might be necessary if there are zero water allocations. As growers face a third consecutive dry winter, they have petitioned Governor Jerry Brown to make a drought declaration for the valley.

Asparagus acreage is slated to increase in the valley of Yaqui, an important centre of irrigated agricultural production in the southern part of Sonora state. While 2,120 hectares of asparagus were cultivated last season, a total of 2,470.70 hectares have already been authorized for 2014.

According to the president of the Association of Vegetable Producers of Yaqui and Mayo (APHYM), Carlos Alberto Esquer López, growers are encouraged by current demand for asparagus in markets such as the United States, Canada and China.

Optimistic Oregon farmers are expanding hazelnut groves on the strength of exports. Half of the crop is exported, with China the biggest buyer.

About 650 growers have planted 30,000 acres, with estimates of another 3,000 acres added each year. Growers are no longer threatened by eastern filbert blight now that Oregon State University is successfully breeding fungus-resistant varieties.

Statistics from Oregon's 2013 harvest aren't yet available.

However in 2012, growers harvested 34,700 tons of nuts valued at $63.4 million.

Oregon represents about three per cent of the global crop.

Turkey produces 70 per cent of the world supply, and Italy is second, with 18 per cent.

Cairo-based fresh produce exporter PICO has been so successful in exporting herbs to both eastern and western Canada, that it’s ramping up strawberry shipments. Varieties such as Winter Dawn, Fortuna, Redeva, Capri and Festival are PICO standards.

PICO has grown herbs for the local Egyptian market for several years, but has recently increased exports due to their organic certification and Global GAP bona fides. Almost 20 kinds of herbs are on their order list with a focus on larger volumes of exotic basil types.

The company will be highlighting their product line at Fruit Logistica 2014 trade exhibition in Berlin, Germany from February 5 to 7.

Source: FreshPlaza.com

Source: FreshPlaza.com

Source: PICO news release Source: FreshPlaza.com

Source: FreshPlaza.com

cpma.ca The Canadian Produce The Prod duce Marketing Marketing Association Associiation in invites vites y you ou tto o Liv Live ve Healthy, Healthy, Ea Eatt Fr Fresh resh at a the 2014 Convention Trade Show Vancouver.

20 14 C onvention and a T rade Sho w in V ancouver.

APRIL 2-4, 2014

PAGE 4 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

OFVGA AWARD OF MERIT

Former horticultural crop protection specialist is honoured A former government and industry crop protection specialist has been honoured for his lifelong contributions to the Ontario horticulture sector. Wayne Roberts was posthumously named the recipient of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) Award of Merit, which was presented at the organization’s annual banquet. Roberts passed away suddenly in 2013.

“Wayne was very well respected in the horticulture industry and spent his entire career working on behalf of growers on any and all matters related to crop protection,” says Ray Duc, chair of the OFVGA. “He was an excellent advocate for growers and managed to interact effectively on their behalf with both regulators

and the crop protection companies to help reach common goals.”

Roberts began his career with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, followed by a long tenure with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food as Director of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programs. In 1996, he accepted a position with the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers’ Marketing Board and the Grape Growers of Ontario where he directed their IPM system development and efforts related to crop protection. He also provided leadership to the Ontario Apple Growers and Landscape Ontario on research and IPM programming.

Roberts retired in 2010 but

continued to serve as an industry consultant until his passing last year. Among his career achievement highlights are: • Emergency registration of Asian Lady Bird Beetles which threatened to devastate the processing grape industry • Leadership to tender fruit growers, the tree fruit nursery industry and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on the control and eradication of the Plum Pox Virus • Establishment of the Prunus Certification Program for virus-free budwood in the nursery industry to ensure clean replacement trees that now serves as a model for other such programs, including the grape clean stock nursery stock program.

OFVGA chair Ray Duc (left), Mary-Dawn Roberts, Shawn Roberts and Todd Roberts. The 2014 OFVGA Award of Merit was presented posthumously to Wayne Roberts, who passed away in 2013. Photo by Herb Sherwood.

The OFVGA Award of Merit is presented annually to an individual or an organization that

has made outstanding contributions to the fruit and vegetable industry.

about half way between where it is and where some are demanding that it needs to go. Quite frankly if it is any of those rates, the results would be disastrous for our sector.

The OFVGA as well as many of our member associations have made numerous presentations to government and governmentsponsored panels on this issue.

We know that any increase in minimum wage rates at this time will be very difficult. I have heard too many long-time farmers, third- and fourth-generation farmers, say if there is another increase we won’t plan . . . we will start selling farms . . . we will be out of business! I know it’s tough for so many.

Having said that however, we also recognize that for as long as governments want to establish or alter the minimum wage rate, it will never go backwards.

Our position is to create a rate that simply follows inflation or the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

This would mean smaller but more regular increases in line with inflation and hopefully easier for our members to cope with.

While this method seems simple enough and it is, there are also people calling for a make-up increase to compensate for the fact that there has not been an increase since 2010. Therefore they argue that before moving to a CPI formula, we must first adjust upward. If this is done then the increase in the minimum wage rate would be about 6.1 per cent which amounts to 62 cents on top of the $10.25 or just shy of $10.90 and the government would likely round that up to $11.00 which is identical to the last increase of $.75 an hour.

If you only hire one person, that amounts to $6.00 a day.

Doesn’t sound like much but if you hire a hundred it’s $600 a day or $3,000 a week (40 hours only) plus an increase in EHT payments, EI payments and CPP. This type of increase, we have

argued, is unacceptable and will force many of our farmers out of business because the nature of our sector is so labour intensive.

We have asked that should the government decide to initiate a large jump in the wage rate before adopting a system that follows CPI, they create a minimum wage rate for agriculture that simply follows CPI. When we look at the past number of years there was no minimum wage increase from 1995 through to 2003 then a 50 per cent increase between 2004 and 2010. Now those numbers in and of themselves do not mean much but from 2002 through 2011 consumers paid two per cent more for fresh fruit and one to two per cent less for fresh vegetables. It is clearly the inability to recover more from the marketplace that is the real issue.

For those who argue that we need a catch-up or make-up rate to cover the last three years, I would argue that it is not necessary for if we had simply followed inflation since 1995 our minimum wage rate today would be $9.70 an hour not $10.25 and certainly not $11.00.

The whole issue around the minimum wage rate is very complicated in a province as diverse as Ontario. There is a huge difference between sectors and businesses that can and will pass on these additional expenses to their consumers and those sectors, such as ours that cannot.

There is a huge difference in cost of living between Toronto and rural Ontario. Trying to solve the problem by the creation of a single minimum wage rate for the entire province doesn’t make sense to me.

At risk is our sector, the livelihoods of our farmers and the food we produce. We need our own separate rate, one that we can live with. The wrong move here may very well mean the end of a lot of Ontario fruit and vegetable farms.

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

The straw

ART SMITH CEO, OFVGA We all recall the fable about the straw that broke the camel’s back and I can’t help but wonder if we are at that same critical point in our sector. Horticulture is

like the camel that was able to keep plodding along carrying more and more weight, with no one noticing the strain until the beast of burden finally collapsed.

Generally, our farmers (and I know there are exceptions) are enduring higher input costs while not receiving higher prices. Like the camel, there is a breaking point and also like different camels, our farmers too will have different breaking points.

The whole question around minimum wage and what the government is going to do really has me unnerved. I don’t believe for a second that the government will move the wage to $14 or even $13 an hour. A move to $12 an hour on the other hand is more conceivable but only because it’s

“

I have heard too many long-time farmers, third- and four th-generation farmers, say if there is another wage rate increase we won’t plant . . . we will star t selling farms.

Jack Sprat Grand Vantage Huntington Huntington has an exceptional root system, a thin neck and will provide great yields.

Jack Sprat is an exciting new pie pumpkin variety offering great uniformity in size and shape and good powdery mildew tolerance.

Grand V Vantage a antagee will pr provide ro ovide excellent excellen nt steady yields to fresh market growers, even under variable weather conditions.

seminova.ca

20 rue de L’Industrie, C.P. 3640, St-Rémi, QC J0L 2L0 Alloy Thompson, CCA, Ontario Representative EMAIL: alloy.thompson@seminova.ca

TEL.:

705- 434-7292

TOLL-FREE: 1-877-337-8423

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE 5 THE GROWER

PAGE 6 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

ONTARIO FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Chairman’s Report, 2013

RAY DUC CHAIR, OFVGA The weather continues to be both our friend and foe as rain and cool temperatures were the story this past summer. Heavy rains tested growers’ patience in spring, water logged soils caused delays in planting and forced replanting and in the Marsh, growers dealt with flooding caused by breached dykes. Rains continued through the summer reducing the need for irrigation and in the end gave us a bountiful crop, with some sectors reporting record harvests.

Premier as agriculture minister In early spring, it was announced that Premier Kathleen Wynne would also take on the role of Minister of Agriculture for one year. This presented a unique opportunity for us as a meeting with the Minister would also be a meeting with the Premier. There were skeptics that argued the Premier would not have time to give the agriculture file the attention it needed; the Premier, however, is fulfilling her obligations to the Ministry and has had many face-to-face meetings with us and many other agricultural organizations and commodity boards. She has also called meetings to consult ag leaders on issues before acting on them. It is this type of two-way communication we need to effectively get the issues faced by our growers to the decisionmakers at Queen’s Park.

Minimum wage With labour making up over 30 per cent of a horticultural operation’s expenses, we do not take this issue lightly. Over the past 11 years minimum wage has risen 50 per cent while the price of fruit has risen two per cent and prices for vegetables have in fact dropped three to four per cent.

The provincial government formed a committee to provide it with recommendations for a mechanism to adjust the minimum wage moving forward.

Historically, increases have been done purely on a political basis and it is hoped that the panel’s recommendation will take the politics out of future adjustments.

We presented to the panel in November. Our recommendation is to use the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for future annual increases starting at the current minimum wage of $10.25/hour.

We also recommended to the panel that if an upward adjustment in the wage must be made initially that a separate rate be established for agriculture that maintains the current level. We have conveyed to the Minister that we are price-takers and not price setters and so simply cannot absorb any more significant increases in our labour expenses.

The government understands our position and has heard it over and over; however, at this time, it is unknown what the recommendations of the panel will be. We expect an announcement early February 2014.

Fairer funding mechanism for OFVGA A resolution was passed at the 2013 annual general meeting to find a fairer system to fund the OFVGA. The current system does not distribute the cost of our organization amongst all horticulture producers in Ontario, as the benefits are. Following the passing of the resolution, OFVGA formed a committee to develop and make recommendations to the Board on this issue. The final recommendation for a fairer funding mechanism would assess a membership fee for growers based on their operation’s Allowable Net Sales (ANS) which would be collected through Agricorp. Agricorp has given us initial support and we are currently talking to OMAF and with commodity sectors.

There will not be unanimous support for this initiative and it will take time to implement.

Student nutrition programming/Hort for Health Student nutrition programming continues to grow and is gaining attention right across the province. OFVGA’s involvement in the northern school snack pro-

Grape Growers of Ontario chair Bill George and Premier Kathleen Wynne. Photo by Denis Cahill.

gram and the Fresh from the Farm fundraising program has helped raise our organization’s profile with the provincial government not just with OMAF, but also with Health and Education, two key ministries.

Nationally, Alison Robertson has been chairing Hort for Health and has done much to raise the profile of fruit and vegetable production federally.

Ontario South Coast Wineries and Growers Association, as well as many other innovation and commercialization projects during its four and a half-year mandate.

Although the initiative has come to an end, its work will continue to benefit the growers in the Erie North Shore region.

Financial position The OFVGA remains in a strong financial position. We continue to monitor the effects of Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs) on our container tolls.

The use of RPCs continues to rise in most sectors. However, it appears that overall growth in the horticulture sector is offsetting the impact of the RPCs as tolls generated from conventional containers remains constant.

Erie Innovation and Commercialization Erie Innovation and Commercialization came to a close on October 31, 2013. The initiative was launched as a special project by the OFVGA to help bring new opportunities to farmers in the South Central Ontario Region affected by the decline of the tobacco industry.

The project was supported by the provincial and federal governments, the Agricultural Adaptation Council, municipalities, University of Guelph, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, the OFVGA and many other commodity and agricultural groups.

Unfortunately, once the project came to an end, long term support for the core business operations for Erie Innovation could not be secured. Led by John Kelly and supported by Shelley Imbeault, the organization was instrumental in the creation of the Ontario Hazelnut Association, the Ontario Lavender Association and the

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, hsherwood@cogeco.ca

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

The Grower reserves the right to refuse any advertising.

Any errors that are the direct result of The Grower will be compensated at our discretion with a correction notice in the next issue. No compensation will be given after the first running of the ad.

Client signature is required before insertion.

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

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

P.M. 40012319

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

Others may subscribe as follows by writing to the office:

$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.

Acknowledgements I have to acknowledge your section chairs. Chairmen and directors come and go. I have seen many in my 20 years here, each hard working and committed, but it is the work of the section chairs, some of whom have been in place for more than twenty years, that gives the OFVGA consistency in our lobby efforts.

Many thanks to Ken Forth (Labour), Charles Stevens (Crop protection), Brian Gilroy (Property), Harold Schooley (Research) and Mark Wales (Safety nets), as well as to Adrian Huisman, who is our representa-

ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013 MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 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 Brian Gilroy, Meaford

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

Brian Gilroy, Meaford Mary Shabatura, Windham Centre 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

tive to the Canadian Horticultural Council.

I would also like to thank my Vice Chair, Jan VanderHout, and directors Ken Van Torre, Mac James, Norm Charbonneau, Don Taylor, Brian Gilroy, Mary Shabatura, John Thwaites, Jason Verkaik and Jason Ryder for their time and dedication to moving the horticultural industry forward in Ontario. It’s not always easy to attend meetings when there is work to do at home, but month after month your Board steps up.

We as a Board could not do what we do without one of the best support staffs in the industry.

I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Art Smith for many years. This is the second time I have worked with Art as Chair and CEO and both times he has been invaluable to me.

Thanks Art. I learned many years ago that a good manager will surround himself with good people.

Art has done that; the staff at OFVGA are completely dedicated to the viability of the fruit and vegetable industry. Thank you Alison Robertson, Craig Hunter, Lilian Schaer, Deanna Hutton, George Shearer, Brenda Nightingale, Carlie Robertson, Herb Sherwood and Karen Davidson, we could not achieve the wins without you.

Finally, thank you to my family and staff for their support and understanding when I am not there.

It has truly been an honour to serve as your chairman in 2013.

OFVGA SECTION CHAIRS

Crop Protection Research Property Labour Safety Nets CHC

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

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE 7 THE GROWER

PERSPECTIVE Lots of work ahead to get consumers, farmers on same page

OWEN ROBERTS UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH Looking at the list of 2014 priorities from Ontario’s two main general interest farm groups, as well as the country’s biggest agricultural lender, I’m not sure consumers and farmers are on the same page.

Consumers say they crave local food, and an increasing number seem willing to put their money where their mouth is.

But most want food that’s as cheap as possible. True, they want safe food, too, and all those other features such as wholesome, nutritious and environmentally sound food.

But mainly, they want food cheap. The continuing growth in grocery items at big box stores and discount outlets bears that out.

Cheap food is not always in step with farmers’ need to stay in business. I know farmers spend a lot of time figuring out how to produce food as economically as possible, to make a living in this predominantly cheap-food society.

A key is to keep costs down.

And among the most expensive costs in farming is energy.

That’s one reason why the Ontario Federation of Agriculture has made greater access to natural gas in rural areas one of its top political priorities for 2014.

The federation says at half the cost of electricity and one-third the cost of propane, natural gas

would save rural Ontario farms, families and businesses more than $800 million per year in energy costs.

Would cheaper energy help hold food costs down? It’s certainly possible. Wherever farmers can save money without creating a negative ripple effect, consumers ultimately benefit.

For its part, the other general farm organization in the province, the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, says water management is its top priority for 2014.

In part, the reason is the environment. “Better management will help farmers take on the environmental challenges related to water where agriculture can play a role in being part of the solution,� says the federation.

But it also notes also better water management aids the bottom line. “Farmers can manage their productivity through (water) irrigation, drainage and storage,�

it says.

Do consumers care whether rural Ontario gets more natural gas, or if farmers use irrigation, drainage and storage more efficiently?

I doubt it.

And that lack of interest in rural affairs underlines why the farm community must be relentless in promoting a greater understanding among urban Canada of its most important needs. In particular, it needs to show consumers how items such as input costs and legislation can affect food prices. If farmers want support from consumers, they need to further develop the relationship.

Final word goes to Farm Credit Canada, the country’s largest agricultural lender. It says two of the biggest developments likely to have an impact on agriculture this year are the tentative agreement between the European Union and Canada on the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement and the elusive

Trans-Pacific Partnership.

 “Between those two agreements, every sector of Canadian agriculture will have opportunities, and face some challenges,� says the corporation’s chief economist J.P. Gervais. “We need to start preparing to manage our business in a new environment.�

Again, does the average food shopper trying to figure out whether to buy organic apples or conventionally grown apples understand the implications for farmers of this new environment?

Do consumers know governments and many parts of the food industry herald exports – not local food -- as the key to a prosperous agricultural economy, a fact which is driving the dogged pursuit and implementation of these agreements?

The brave new world may not be so friendly to Canadian agriculture. There cannot be enough conversations take place with consumers to make 2014 a positive year for Canadian farmers.

Haywire Winery introduces B.C. wine to Asian community While many wineries in Canada hope for exports to China, few have made concentrated efforts to reach the local Asian community.

Summerland based winery, Okanagan Crush Pad, owned

by Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie, has broken new ground by crafting a wine to celebrate 2014 as

the Year of the Horse.

A limited release of only 688 bottles of the 2012 Haywire Pinot Noir ($24.90) has been labeled depicting the symbol of the horse and good fortune in celebration of the Lunar New Year. They are also introducing a guide to pairing BC wines with Asian cuisine.

The goal is to debunk misconceptions that sweeter wines or big bold reds are the only choices that

âžş = Horse | ĺš´ = Year | ĺ?‰çĽĽ = Good Fortune Translation from the characters on the label (right): “Good Fortune in the Year of the Horseâ€?

Your Source for Binding Tube & Tree Protectors )RU W\LQJ WUHHV WR VWDNHV ,QH[SHQVLYH VRIW IOH[LEOH HDV\ WR WLH &XW WR WKH OHQJWK \RX QHHG $YDLODEOH LQ VL]HV DQG PP LQ QHWV ZKLFK FDQ EH KXQJ RII RI \RXU EHOW IRU HDVLHU XVH DQG PP LQ SODVWLF SDLOV ZLWK FHQWHU KROH WKDW NHHSV WKH WXEH WDQJOH IUHH

6SLUDO SODVWLF WUHH SURWHFWRUV ZLWK KROHV WR DOORZ WKH EDUN WR EUHDWKH 2II-ZKLWH FRORXU WR UHIOHFW VXQOLJKW $YDLODEOH LQ ´ ´ ´ DQG ´ OHQJWKV (FRQRPLFDO UHXVDEOH TXLFN DQG HDV\ WR DSSO\

One grower again bought over 459,200 feet (87 miles=140 km) of binding tube last year!

That is the distance from St. Catharines to Woodstock!!

TIMM ENTERPRISES LTD.

are made for Asian cuisines and entertaining situations.

Working with well-known food author and broadcaster Stephanie Yuen and journalist and food stylist Nathan Fong, the winery suggests hot and sour soup paired with Haywire GewĂźrztraminer, or seafood and tofu soup with Chinese chives paired with Haywire Pinot Gris.

0DLO 3 2 %R[ 2DNYLOOH 21 / . $ 2IILFH :DUHKRXVH 7UDIDOJDU 5G 0LOWRQ 21 / 3 ( 6DOHV - - -7,00

3KRQH - )D[ - ZZZ WLPPHQWHUSULVHV FRP -- VDOHV#WLPPHQWHUSULVHV FRP

Record grape harvest toasted The Grape Growers of Ontario (GGO) recently toasted the 2013 harvest with Premier Kathleen Wynne and Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Consumer Services. An Olympic-themed event in mid-January was in keeping with a record-breaking 79,756 tonnes of grapes valued at $99.7 million.

In addition, more than 6,000 tonnes of grapes were netted for the ice wine harvest. Authentic icewine grapes must be frozen on the vine at a sustained temperature of minus 8° Celsius or lower, and pressed immediately while still frozen. The Niagara Icewine Festival was celebrated from January 10 – 26. “Grape growers are optimistic about the success of our industry and attribute that success to our partnership with the Ontario government, the LCBO, our industry partners, and most of all, wine lovers from right across Ontario and the world,� said Debbie Zimmerman, CEO, GGO. About 17,000 acres of vineyards are now in place across Ontario.

PAGE 8 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

Water Resource Symposium March 6 efficiency technologies are welcomed. Graduate students, researchers and industry and extension specialists are encouraged to participate.

WRAMI is an 18-month (2013-2014) program which has allocated approximately $900,000 to various demonstration and pilot

scale projects. The objective of the WRAMI initiative is to help Ontario farmers be better prepared for low water response, drought preparedness and adapt their water use practices to deal with the growing impacts of climate change.

Registration is only $15.00 for the entire conference. Register at https://2014wrami.eventbrite.ca Details on all WRAMI projects, the symposium and call for posters are available by clicking on the Environment Button at www.farmfoodcare.org

COMING EVENTS 2013

Farm & Food Care, in partnership with the University of Guelph, is pleased to be supporting a symposium featuring results from the WRAMI (Water Resource Adaptation and Management Initiative) initiative of 2013.

The results of several WRAMI projects will be released at the event on March 6, 2014 at the Holiday Inn in Guelph. The symposium will feature talks from nine WRAMI participants and partners and a poster display session. The keynote address will be given by Chris Kinsley, manager of the Ontario Rural Wastewater Centre.

Reasons to Attend: Projects highlighted will include irrigation of potatoes, corn, grapes, peaches, sod and water benchmarking of container nurseries. Hear from project researchers about their experiences and lessons learned during their 2013 WRAMI projects.

Project participants will also provide results of water use surveys and grower experiences with extension and water management advisory services. Two of the projects profiled will feature leading edge waste water treatment solutions related to the greenhouse.

Who Should Attend?

If you have an interest in

water-saving and conservation programs, practices and technologies, you should plan to attend this forum. The program will be of special interest to students, researchers, extension professionals and agronomists.

Call for Posters A poster session will be a component of the symposium, providing an opportunity to present new information about water use in Ontario agriculture.

Posters featuring results from research trials including water saving, water use efficiency, soil moisture monitoring, water use economics, agricultural water recycling/reuse and water use

experts Top -notch seeds

A team of

REPRESENTATIVES

Feb 5

Crop Diversification for the Vegetable Industry Workshop, Holiday Inn, Burlington Hotel and Conference Centre, Burlington, ON

Feb 5 – 8

Fruit Logistica, Berlin, Germany

Feb 14-15

B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association 125th Annual General Meeting, Delta Grand Hotel, Kelowna, BC

Feb 18

Ontario Berry Growers’ Association Annual General Meeting, Niagara Falls, ON

Feb 19, 20

Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Scotiabank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, ON

Feb 20

Great Ontario-Hopped Craft Brewing Competition, Scotiabank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, ON

Feb 21, 22

International Potato Technology Expo, Charlottetown, PE

Feb 22 – 26 57th International Fruit Tree Association Annual Conference & Intensive Workshop, Kelowna, BC Feb 25, 26

Agricultural Management Institute Conference: “Take a new approach: creating agribusiness linkages,�

Delta Hotel, Guelph, ON

March 4-6

Canadian Horticultural Council Annual General Meeting, The Grand Hotel, Kelowna, BC

March 6

Ontario Potato Conference, Delta Hotel, Guelph, ON

Mar 18, 19 3rd Canadian Food Summit, “From Strategy to Action,� Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, ON March 24

Districts 3 & 4, Ontario Tender Fruit Producers’ Marketing Board Annual General Meeting, Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, Kingsville,ON

Mar 24-26

Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmer Competition, Guelph, ON

March 25

District 5, Ontario Tender Fruit Producers’ Marketing Board Annual General Meeting, Best Western Little River Inn, Simcoe, ON

March 25

5th Annual Hazelnut Symposium and Annual General Meeting, Ontario Hazelnut Association, Brantford, ON

---------------------North & south shores of Montreal Michel Gratton Tel.: 450.781.6045 Fax : 450.682.4959 Gilliane Bisson Tel. : 450.781.6044 Fax : 450.682.4959 ---------------------Central, Eastern Quebec & Atlantic Provinces Yves Thibault, agr.

Tel. : 418.660.1498 Fax : 418.666.8947 ---------------------Ontario Warren Peacock Tel. : 519.426.1131 Fax : 519.426.6156

Mar 25 – 27 Canadian Biopesticides and Minor Use Pesticides Priority Setting Workshop, Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel, Gatineau, QC March 26

www.norseco.com order@norseco.com 5FM Ďš 5PMM GSFF 'BY Ďš 5PMM GSFF

District 1 & 2, Ontario Tender Fruit Producers’ Marketing Board Annual General Meeting, Hernder Estate Winery, St. Catharines, ON

April 2 – 4 Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show, Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, BC

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE 9 THE GROWER

RETAIL NAVIGATOR

Metro retains a strong base in the large markets

PETER CHAPMAN Metro has carved out a sizeable business with more than 550 stores in Quebec and Ontario.

The company is the only large retailer to have their head office in Quebec, which is both a strength and a challenge. It is a strength because they understand the French-speaking consumer and, according to Stats Canada, Quebec has a population of more than 8.1 million, the second highest in Canada.

The challenge is that it’s very difficult to operate a business in Ontario from Quebec. To date Metro has focused on Quebec and Ontario. The Ontario business was purchased in 2005 from A&P. Since the Sobeys acquisition of Safeway and the Loblaw’s acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart, there has been considerable speculation about what Metro will do. The options are becoming more limited all the time but the two most obvious targets would be Quebec pharmacy Jean Coutu or B.C. food store Overwaitea.

The Jean Coutu option would only increase share in Quebec with some presence in New Brunswick and the Overwaitea stores would be ca onsiderable learning experience in a challenging geography. One of the biggest challenges facing Metro is getting a fair cost relative to the competition. Their Canadian sales are third but when you add the U.S. sales to Walmart, Costco and Target, Metro begins to look quite small for volume.

Metro implemented a local purchasing policy in May 2013, focused on the Quebec market. It is a significant step with one large gap -- what about Ontario? The Quebec decision makes sense but why not do the same for Ontario?

Perhaps they felt they could not execute yet. The following summary of the policy is from the Metro.ca website: Metro has adopted a local purchasing policy for its agri-food products to optimize the accessibility and promotion of local products. This initiative is part of METRO’s overall process of corporate responsibility. The policy rests on the following three guiding principles and intends to make METRO: • A unique showcase for regional products: increase the presence and visibility of regional products in our stores;

• A partner of choice of Aliments du Québec: play a leading role in promoting Quebec food products with the support of both certifications assuring that they come from Quebec: Aliments du Québec and Aliments préparés au Québec • The main ally of innovative Quebec suppliers: optimize METRO’s relationships with innovative Quebec suppliers.

Metro operates a loyalty program in Quebec and they continue to employ Air Miles in Ontario as a loyalty program. The metro&moi program in Quebec has been quite successful and allows Metro to gain an even deeper understanding of their Quebec shoppers. Private label in Metro consists of two main programs: Irrestibles and Selection. Irrestibles products are higher end and more unique.

They can be found throughout the stores. Selection are mainstream products found in larger categories. Selection is usually priced lower than national brands.

Here are my top 10 considerations when developing relationships with Metro: • Metro are only focused on two markets. If you want to work with them in both you have to visit both the Montreal and the Toronto offices. Most decisions are made in the market.

• There is a strong commitment to local in Quebec. If you are producing products there, this can be an advantage. If you do not produce in Quebec and your competition does, you will be at a disadvantage.

• Metro owns 55% of the Adonis chain. These stores are built for the ethnic consumer with a focus on shoppers from the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean markets. Only six stores in Quebec and one in Ontario but it does give Metro good insights into these shoppers.

• In this competitive market, Metro has delivered sales increases. They benefitted from the renovations of stores and the weak execution of Loblaw. It will be more challenging now to deliver these increases with comparable stores and a better Loblaw. Metro will be hungry for these sales opportunities that the market uses to judge the company’s performance.

• When you walk the Metro stores, they list a lot of SKUs. The photo of the rice category in a Metro store (right) shows the high number of listings with limited exposure for each. You will need a strong program to stand out on the shelf.

• Be prepared to work with the loyalty program in Ontario and/or Quebec. They provide presence on the shelf and they are important to Metro.

• Merchants at Metro work with the different banners within their

Ontario Large store

Quebec Metro Plus

Conventional store

Metro

Metro

Discount

Food Basics

Super C

Specialty

Adonis

Adonis

Drug province. Remember to explore different offerings for the conventional and discount banners.

• If you are going to work with both Quebec and Ontario, you need to think of it as two different customers. Same company but a different approach and two very different markets.

• Watch the next steps of Metro carefully. If they do decide to invest in more stores or a new market, the suppliers who can support them will benefit. If they decide to make a play in Western Canada, this will be a very new market for them and they will need some local knowledge.

Brunet • Metro Plus are the new stores.

Visit them and understand where they are going. This appears to be the future direction of Metro, so make sure your products fit this offering.

Peter Chapman, a retail food consultant and professional speaker, is principal of GPS Business Solutions, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Peter works with producers and processors to help them navigate through the retail environment with the ultimate goal of getting more items into the shopping cart. pchapman@gpsbusiness.ca.

PAGE 10 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

ONTARIO FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

CEO’s annual report

ART SMITH CEO, OFVGA Introduction It was another busy year for the OFVGA. We finalized the changes to Self-Directed Risk Management (SDRM) caused by the $100 million cap to the SDRM/RMP. Our work on water permits was way up and in fact, we were involved in completing a number of well water permits for the greenhouse vegetable sector.

Work continued on the vegetable waste and wash water issue.

We saw the wrapping up of Erie Innovation and Commercialization but not before the Ontario Hazelnut Association was formed and an agreement struck with Ferrero Rocher which is looking to have more than 20,000 acres of hazelnuts planted here in Ontario.

We established the basis of what could be a new and improved funding mechanism for the OFVGA and while most believe that what is being proposed is reasonable and addresses our concerns, it will most likely take several years to bring to fruition.

The biggest single threat to our growers was proposed minimum wage increases in the future. On this issue we were able to bring the entire non-supply managed agriculture sector together to form a unified position.

We continued to pay the

Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) fees on behalf of all of our sector members, who pay us through container fees. In fact, we paid an all-time high amount of $175,000 to CHC this past year.

We continued our involvement in the school snack program and helped to initiate the “Fresh from the Farm Healthy Fundraiser” program.

The Grower continues to receive accolades and was once again in a positive cash flow position. Overall, the OFVGA was in a much better financial position at year end than it was a year earlier.

Let’s look at some of the details.

Permits to take water For the fifth year, the OFVGA has helped farmers obtain watertaking permits. For the first time, however, the OFVGA received no funding through the Growing Capacities Initiative and this year, the program was fully funded through cost recovery charges.

The income from cost recovery was much higher than in the past due to the fact that our water specialist, George Shearer, did 17 ground water permits for the greenhouse sector. These permits require the work and sign-off of a hydro geologist or water engineer; as a result this also comes with higher expenses as noted in the financial statements. In addition, George was also able to complete an additional 17 surface water permits.

Next year, we see the continuation in ground or well water permits required; we currently have 12 on the books as well as another 12 surface water permits being required. We will most likely see the price of these services go up in the future, but it remains our goal to perform these services at cost and not use it as a profit center.

It was a very busy year for

George and I would like to publicly thank him for his hard work and many nights measuring volume flows in wells around southern Ontario.

Alternate funding mechanism for OFVGA As a result of resolution 201303, we set out to find a better funding mechanism for the OFVGA. We established several parameters. The first was that it needs to be fair and equitable, the membership fees have to be easy to collect, there must be a reason for farmers to want to belong and finally, it needs to be fraud proof.

It has unfortunately become apparent that there is no solution through the Farm Products Containers Act but for now it is all we have. Among the issues with the Container Act is that 40 per cent of the edible horticulture sector lies outside the regulations even though OFVGA’s work benefits all farmers in the sector. This makes us unique as a farm association in the province as the work is for all in the sector but only 60 per cent are required to pay fees.

Further to that issue is the great disparity within and between those farmers covered under the Act. On average, the fee amounts to about one tenth of one per cent of farm cash receipts but it is the range that is of greatest concern, from a low of five or six one hundredths of a per cent to more than 50 one hundredths of a per cent. It is all a factor of the type and number of containers used and the overall cost of containers relative to the selling price of the product. It is clear there needs to be a new method of fee determination established for the sector.

We do believe there is a better mechanism, one that encompasses the entire sector, includes all who benefit from our lobby, would be easy to collect and administer and not be subject to fraudulent

behavior as is our current system.

Above all, it would be fair and equitable and based on income not input costs. We have had preliminary discussions with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) and no one is arguing that what we are seeking is unreasonable. The challenge before us, however, will be to convince the political powers that this change is both good and needed. There will be some resistance.

teristics for vegetable crops preferred by the South Asian community. This was the final year of funding through AAC and OFVGA but it is hoped that funding will be available through other avenues so that the program can continue. More information on both of these projects can be found in the OFVGA research projects section of this book.

Safety nets

Erie Innovation and Commercialization was launched as a special four-year project by the OFVGA to help bring new opportunities to farmers in the South Central Ontario Region affected by the decline of the tobacco industry. Financial support for the project was provided through the Agricultural Adaptation Council and by local municipalities, the OFVGA, University of Guelph, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and many other farm and agricultural organizations.

The four-year term came to an end on March 31st this past year but we kept the doors open until the end of October. During the early part of 2013, it appeared that there might be long-term core funding for the project from OMAF but this did not happen and the only source of funding available to us was through Growing Forward 2. This funding would have been for projects only since there is no core or administrative funding allowed through this program. As a result we had no option but to close Erie Innovation. OMAF was very generous and gave us the funding to pay for administrative expenses to the end of October. This was greatly appreciated as it allowed us time to finish off several projects.

Much has been written about the opportunity for growing hazelnuts in Ontario and there has been a great deal of interest shown by farmers in growing this crop. There is a demonstrated need for 20,000 acres but it will take years for the real success of this project to be determined.

John Kelly and Shelley Imbeault worked very hard on this project over the last number of years as they did on so many others and are to be commended for all of their efforts at Erie Innovation and Commercialization. A separate report specific to Erie Innovation is found in another section of this book.

As reported last year, the $100 million cap on SDRM /RMP has caused some changes in the delivery of the program. A full program was estimated to have a cost of $150 million if everyone in every sector had a full claim. As a result of negotiations with the other sectors, the edible horticulture share was reduced from an estimated $25 million to $23 million. Should there be any unused funds in any of the RMP programs, however, the first $2 million of those unused funds will come back to horticulture. After that, any additional unspent funds will go to other sectors in need.

As well, administration fees for SDRM come out of our allocation as it does with every other sector.

Because of this change and the fact that there may be additional funds over the $23 million, the government portion of SDRM payments will have to be made in two payments: the first at the time of the requested payment (fall or winter) and the final in late spring. Mark Wales will elaborate on safety nets in his section report.

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC) We were financially involved in two research projects at VRIC this past year. The first was the continuation of the new world crops program and the second a genomics project to create a library of characteristics of various fruits and vegetables. In this particular project, thousands of individual plant seeds were forced to mutate and then were grown out with the individual characteristics being identified and placed into a library. The plan is that if someone is looking for a plant with specific characteristics it can be found in the library. This project is not genetic modification but rather identifies naturally occurring mutations that may suit the needs of a sector in the future.

The funding for the edible horticulture portion of this project was shared with Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) who put in $20,000 while the OFVGA put in $5,000.

The second project was the new world crops program that we have helped sponsor for the past three years focused on growing and identifying consumer charac-

Erie Innovation and Commercialization

Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) Once again the OFVGA paid the CHC fees on behalf of all our members who pay us a container fee. This past year saw a major increase in the CHC membership fee which was up by approximately 20 per cent. CHC had been chronically underfunded for

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE 11 THE GROWER

ONTARIO FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

CEO’s annual report

Photo by Glenn Lowson many years but found it difficult to increase membership fees beyond a couple of percentage points annually. It had become time to “sink or swim” and as a result, the membership agreed to increase the membership fees by 17 per cent over the three per cent which had been agreed to earlier.

In addition to the fee increase, an oversight committee chaired

by Adrian Huisman was struck.

The purpose of this committee was to review both financial and governance issues and make recommendations back to the executive committee. The executive put in place those recommendations and today CHC is in a surplus financial position. Further changes will be made to help sustain this position. The OFVGA agreed to such a move because we all recognized the need for CHC to be in a healthy financial position if it was to carry out its mandate. Adrian Huisman and Brian Gilroy were the two representatives from Ontario on the CHC executive; Adrian and George Gilvesy were the two members from Ontario on the oversight committee.

Congratulations on a job well done.

Research and promotion fund At last year’s AGM, a resolution was passed to consider maintaining the OFVGA research and promotion fund. The financial position a year ago did not allow us the opportunity to extend the fund for the 2012-13 year as we had a much smaller surplus than in the previous three years. The Board of Directors passed a motion “to consider it annually based on the financial position of the organization.” I am pleased to announce that the Board voted to reinstate the research and promotion fund this year in the amount of $250,000. The funds will be distributed to the various sectors and will be prorated as in the past, based on the amount of container and membership fees paid by each sector. We will use the 2012 fees to determine the fund allocation as these are the most current full set of numbers available.

School snack program For the seventh straight year the OFVGA has been involved with the school snack program.

The program got off to a slow start due to some changes at the Ministry of Health but was in operation by mid-spring. As you are aware we had not seen growth in the program since the second year but work on a possible expansion has been ongoing between OFVGA and the Ministry. The OFVGA has become known for delivering this program at a very cost effective level and other groups are now looking to us for assistance in procuring fresh fruit and vegetables for other food programs. This past year, 107 schools participated in the Porcupine and Algoma regions and snacks were served to 18,000 children. More information on this program is available in another section of this book.

Fresh from the Farm healthy fundraising initiative

Fresh from the Farm healthy fundraising initiative. In the first year of this program, 70 schools participated in the London and in northern Ontario areas. Bundles of produce were sold as a fundraiser for schools with 50 per cent covering the cost of the produce and delivery to schools, 10 per cent covering program administration and 40 per cent going to the schools. We were not the first to run such a program in Ontario or Canada. In Manitoba for example, Peak of the Market has been running a similar program for three years and if their results are any indication, our program will expand very quickly in the years to come. It was extremely well received and very efficiently run with farmers being paid full price for their produce. Already there are more schools looking to participate next year. Thanks to Alison for her expertise in helping to co-ordinate this program.

More information on this program is available in another section of this book.

Minimum wage

The OFVGA worked with OMAF, Dietitians of Canada and the Ministry of Education to develop a pilot project known as

Without doubt the biggest issue facing our sector right now is that of a minimum wage

increase. This past summer the Premier announced that she was creating an “Advisory Panel on Minimum Wage” to make recommendations on how minimum wage increases should be determined in the future. The last round of increases drove the rate up by $2.25 an hour within a three-year period. Most of our farmers have still not recovered.

We certainly appreciate the fact that the Premier put in place an advisory panel on this issue as it gave us an opportunity to make known our realities about needing to be price competitive with imports and the impact that a significant increase in the wage level would have on our farmers. We have asked that should the Government of Ontario decide that they are going to increase the minimum wage rate above the level of inflation that they create a separate minimum wage rate for agriculture that is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The results of our lobby will be known by early spring.

Finances Once again the OFVGA is in a positive fiscal position. The size of the revenue over expenses at about $280,000 was a pleasant surprise, considering that we are seeing an increase in the use of Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs) and we were still feeling the impact of last year’s freeze on the apple crop. The increase in production of greenhouse vegetables is largely responsible for the increase in container tolls. In addition to container fees, the OFVGA receives money for the administration of school snack program, a percentage of the inkind contributions on various projects as well as any profit from The Grower.

Conclusion In conclusion I would like to

thank a number of people: To our Minister and the Premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne, for her interest in supporting our efforts to get healthy snacks in Ontario schools and for all of her efforts in the passing of the Local Food Act. I would also like to thank her for giving us an opportunity to express our concerns as they pertain to the development of a mechanism to establish future minimum wage rates.

To the folks at OMAF, especially Deputy Stark and Phil Malcomson for your support, to those that helped me and encouraged me with the alternate funding proposal and to those who worked diligently on SDRM drafting up the necessary changes to the program.

To all those at Agricorp who deliver SDRM to our members and especially to Randy Jackiw and Mike Vlcek for your support and assistance on the alternate funding mechanism.

To the folks at Foodland Ontario for all of their work supporting our Ontario-grown fruits and vegetables.

To the OFVGA Board of Directors, committee chairs and ex-officios, I would like to say thank you for all of your efforts on behalf of this great sector.

Your diligence makes my job that much easier.

To Ray a special thank you; our close working relationship has been greatly appreciated.

To John and Shelley, thank you for all of your efforts at Erie Innovation and congratulations on all of your accomplishments.

To my staff, you are the reason we have been successful. Your commitment to this organization and the growers it serves is amazing and I could not dream of having a better staff. Thank you all so much.

Respectfully submitted, Art Smith

PAGE 12 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

ONTARIO FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Crop protection report CHARLES STEVENS This is now my sixth year dealing with the vast issues in horticultural crop protection.

How time flies when you’re having fun, but many of our issues remain the same. The more regulated crop protection materials are, the greater the need for action on the part of the growers. This report will address the major issues in horticultural crop protection such as: harmonization of labels; re-evaluation of horticultural crop protection materials, invasive species, the Grower Requested Own Use (GROU) program and neonicotinoid pesticides and bees.

The Regulatory Cooperation Council addresses the harmonization of crop protection materials between the United States and Canada. It became clear that the main goal is to increase trade between the two countries and the efforts are focused on Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). Through joint submissions, the use of label expansions and fully aligned labels, harmonized MRLs will happen. Agreements between Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are continuing to happen. Because

Photo by Glenn Lowson the agreements between these two bodies are ongoing, joint review projects are increasing thereby reducing the cost of crop protection materials in both countries.

This is good for government, registering companies and the growers. As in any industry, the growers and representing organizations in the name of fair trade, will encourage and help this process but we need fully harmonized labels in order to give our growers a level playing field. To this effect, both the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) and Canadian

Horticultural Council (CHC) boards have put into policy the grower definition of crop protection harmonization. To define: Harmonization refers to “a common Canada-United States label on all new actives thereby giving growers of Canada and the U.S. equal access to all new registrations at the same time on the same crops with the same restrictions with the same MRLs and with Canada-United States access.” This essentially will give the growers of Ontario and Canada a level playing field for one of its major technologies used

in growing crops. A meeting is currently being arranged to begin the lobbying with the Federal Health Ministry’s Director of Strategic Policy. To this PMRA has asked for our input on major obstacles to harmonization.

Occupational health is of major concern. If we can harmonize MRLs we can harmonize our labels. Harmonization would solve a lot of major issues involving crop protection in Canada.

Before I leave this section, I wish to thank PMRA and Pest Management Centre (PMC) for their positive relationship working together with EPA and IR4 in the United States.

The re-evaluation of crop protection materials has a major impact on our farms through either loss of that material or a change in labels so that the materials are no longer effective.

With the re-evaluation prepared

by PMRA, the Crop Protection Advisory Committee (CPAC) then complies, writes and presents comments on behalf of the commodities of concern.

Provincial governments, registrants and provincial commodity organizations also provide detailed comments and input. A lack of grower input from some commodity groups for potential lost products is of concern, as the

grower is the one with the most to lose. Only the grower has a clear picture of use patterns in their commodities, and this information can make the difference between the loss of the use of a crop protection material to a commodity or not. We often criticize PMRA for its decision, but if we do not present facts on how a product is used, and how important it is to us, we can only blame ourselves for the loss.

The recent evaluation of mancozeb has taken place, hopefully with positive results. Many of the issues can be averted with minor changes to labels instead of losing a needed crop protection material completely. Joint reviews with the United States will increase down the road, and the PMRA is going to update us on proposed product re-evaluation in the future to give us more time for our input. A common goal is to have more dialogue between the growers, registrants and PMRA before a re-evaluation is complete to make the outcome more accurate and the process less costly. There is no word on the outcome of the linuron and Sevin re-evaluation, and the next major re-evaluation on Captan should be released this year.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE 13 THE GROWER

ONTARIO FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Crop protection report I would like to emphasize the importance of the staff of our grower organizations in making reports to prove value and use patterns on re-evaluation, but they can’t achieve this without grower input.

As you know a large amount of the crop protection portfolio is national in nature. Craig Hunter and I sit on the CPAC of CHC. Our committee has identified four key areas that require priority.

These issues include the re-evaluation of pesticides, invasive species, harmonization under RCC, including MRLs and the GROU program. We are also addressing specific crop protection issues on an as-needed basis.

A recent addition to the CHC staff as research and policy representative, Andre Bourbonniere, will be a much needed asset to the CPAC agenda and we look forward to working with him.

If harmonization of crop protection labels between Canada and the United States does not happen, the GROU program will become increasingly important.

Craig Hunter compiled information on price differentials in crop protection materials between the United States and Ontario, based on a Ridgetown campus survey, with results indicating an estimat-

ed $22 million additional cost to Ontario growers over those in the United States. Currently the GROU program is going through its last stage of becoming regulated with hopes of attaining status this year.

If this happens it will give the program more power to do its job of creating a more level playing field for Ontario growers.

Remember, this program only works on chemistries off data protection so United States and Canada’s label harmonization is a far better way to address the imbalance of prices. A reciprocal agreement between Ontario and New York is underway to recognize pesticide licenses on both sides of the border in order to make the GROU program more accessible to Ontario growers on restricted products.

Both neonicotinoid pesticides and bees are needed for growing most horticultural crops. There is a correlation between seeds treated with neonicotinoid pesticides and air seeders releasing the pesticide into the air and causing bee mortality. To this, PMRA has issued a science-based notice of intent to mitigate the problem.

PMRA and EPA are conducting a joint re-evaluation of all neonicotinoid pesticide uses, plus

PMRA is proposing to implement label improvement similar to those of the U.S. EPA. Active grower lobbying is needed to preserve this group of pesticides.

This issue has hit the media and fuelled a full-blown attack on the new groups of insecticides by the Sierra Club and other well-funded activist organizations without just cause. The debate is now political. CHC has been asked to assist in the debate and will assist CropLife Canada and PMRA in a science-based campaign. I am very pleased with the professional approach taken by PMRA and CropLife. This is a serious situation, as it could develop into a total attack on crop protection technologies.

Another serious situation of concern is over two new invasive species, the Spotted Wing Drosophila fruit fly (SWD) and the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB). Both species are currently being monitored in Ontario.

The SWD has been found in all parts of Ontario, and the BMSB is in more locations than last year, for example: Hamilton, London, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Essex and Newboro near Kingston. These have been mainly as homeowner finds. The pre-harvest intervals (PHI) on crop protection materi-

als controlling SWD are problematic because of the short harvest time for small fruit. We are addressing this issue to try to get the PHI times reduced. We still have time but there is no magic bullet for the BMSB yet. There is a continued dialogue between the PMC invasive species coordinating group, growers, and research representatives across Canada.

Continued monitoring and registration of new crop protection products will continue until the issue is addressed.

On October 23, 2013 the OFVGA had its annual crop protection section meeting to address commodity issues. Most major horticultural commodities were represented and Jim Chaput gave a comprehensive update of minor use. One person missing was the late Wayne Roberts. His vast knowledge and energetic personality was sorely missed. A void will be left for some time. This meeting allowed Craig Hunter and I to get current information on issues evolving from specific commodities: Some issues discussed beyond disease and insects are: 1. Invasive species 2. PHIs & REIs 3. GROU program 4. Minor use registration and

meeting 5. Rotation for resistance control 6. MRLs Again, everyone is welcome, and the meeting is held the same time every year. This National Minor Use Priority meeting is held in March in Gatineau, Quebec each year. A large change to this year’s meeting is replacing the biopesticide day with the prioritizing of one new bio pesticide action per section, e.g. entomology, weeds and pathology. Craig Hunter and Jim Chaput are two key individuals that do an excellent job of representing your industry at these meetings. A large grower contingency would also help. Only twelve actual growers attended the last meeting. I am including Jim’s report on minor use for 2013 plus, our annual meeting for those of you who would like more detail.

In closing I would like to thank OFVGA, OMAFRA, CHC, PMRA, PMC and the Ontario Provincial Commodity Board for their continued positive relationships and hard work on this ever changing and complicated portfolio of crop protection.

Charles Stevens is chair of the crop protection committee

PAGE 14 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

ONTARIO FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Research report tal organizations to diversify agriculture and food opportunities in southern Ontario. This mandate was fulfilled but secure funding could not be attained to continue.

Starting from scratch just 4 ½ years ago it is surprising what this organization accomplished. The full value chain approach it employed was distinct.

But even though innovation and commercialization opportunities abound in agriculture and food in Ontario, success at this does not happen quickly, easily, or without investment. There were a number of projects left undone. There were letters of support and disbelief that something of this nature could happen. Erie had good support at the grass roots level from those that experienced the benefits it brought.

Unfortunately not all were prepared to see the good that was created and/or initiated and the organization closed - and this at a time when agriculture is being exhorted by the minister to “step up to the challenge.”

HAROLD SCHOOLEY In 2013 some organizations disappeared from the research and development scene: Guelph Food Technology Centre On January 31, 2013 GFTC was sold to NSF International (Canada). GFTC was a not-forprofit organization founded in 1994 by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) to service the needs of the food and beverage industry in Ontario. It was involved in food safety programs, auditing and training, and as well had contract research capacity for food product and packaging development. The National Sanitation Foundation is a not-for-profit Michigan-based public health and environmental organization that provides standards development, product certification, auditing, and education and risk management services.

NSF just recently branched to Ontario and with this acquisition will continue to service the Ontario food and beverage industry in the manner that GFTC provided. Assets from the sale of GFTC were put into a GFTC Legacy Fund. The fund will provide $3 million in food program research funding and scholarships at the University of Guelph as well as aid in funding several local community charities.

Delhi Research Station On March 31, 2013 the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) research station

Photo by Denis Cahill at Delhi was closed. Erie Innovation and Commercialization took on the task of studying the re-purposing of the facilities and property. A consulting firm was commissioned to work with an Advisory committee to develop sustainable recommendations for the future of the station. After much work and despite local interest in a multiuser agricultural centre, the formation of a Delhi Agricultural Centre was not recommended.

Horticulture Science Clusters Privatization appears to be the most feasible and responsible plan – by either a commercial company or an agricultural producer. And so the station is gone.

Erie Innovation and Commercialization On October 31, 2013 Erie Innovation closed its doors. It was formed in 2009 through the partnership of industry, academia, government and non-governmen-

Gourmet SweetTM Brand XTH20173 73 day bicolor

A total of 17 research proposals were submitted to the Growing Forward II Science Cluster program on February 1. It was expected that both the industry and AAFC would be a little wiser this time around and the whole approval and funding process would run a little smoother. It didn’t.

There are monies to be paid out to research collaborators for both Cluster I and Cluster II projects. At the time of this writing it was reported that although the Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) had submitted reports and claims for Cluster I projects by March 31st, over $900,000 in claims are yet to be paid! And Cluster II agreements that were approved in June are yet to be signed leaving over nine months of claims up in the air! This is an unacceptable way to conduct the federal research business.

OMAFRA-U of G Partnership Emergency Management Theme

W NE

Gourmet SweetTM Brand Awesome XR 76 day bicolor

Gourmet SweetTM Brand Fantastic XR 77 day bicolor

Gourmet SweetTM Brand XTH2074 74 day bicolor

— Quality Seed Since 1881 — T: 1-800-263-7233 Ň F: 1-800-272-5560 Ňwww.StokeSeeds.com Ň Box 10 Thorold ON L2V 5E9

Emergency Management or EM is an interesting arena in which to operate. The EM Theme crosses more boundaries than any other in the OMAF-Uof G Partnership because it includes both animals and plants, and involves human health considerations as well. EM can involve everyone in the food chain as well as municipalities, provinces, the federal government and international agencies. It manages with Prevention/ Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery strategies. The animal side of emergency management can be scary.

Visualize avian flu or swine flu getting into human populations on a mass scale. Visualize large scale “cullings” of birds and animals.

And what do you do with them all?

We tend to think that things on the plant side move slower and are less catastrophic. But insect or disease infestation of our food crops can be devastating also. In California, the losses to Spotted Wing Drosophila (a fruit fly) went from negligible to over 80 per cent in very short order.

Response to this potential threat here is a good example of Emergency Management in action. OMAF is already working on the biology of this pest and how it might best be contained or controlled.

The economic losses from these emergency incidences can come from direct crop loss, sanitation or disposal costs, polluted land and water, from loss of markets, loss of consumer confidence, closing of borders and several other factors. And there may also be costs to human health and welfare.

It all gets a bit depressing but shows one thing loud and clear: prevention now is a lot cheaper than all the other possibilities later.

Setting Horticulture Research Priorities Priority setting for plant research is a lengthy process occurring through several levels of scrutiny.

In 2013, edible horticulture research priorities from the industry sector were examined for a second time. OFVGA and VRIC co-hosted a meeting in Woodstock in mid-February where industry, government and research came together to discuss issues and opportunities within the sector and outline some priority areas for research and innovation. The workshop was designed to encourage long-term big picture thinking and also to introduce, this time around, a value chain perspective to the research and innovation discussion.

Out of this process came a document that highlighted the top three, long-term and three shortterm research priorities for each commodity. This document was later further refined by a Phase 2 expert panel to come up with a manageable list of industry priority areas. Ten priority areas were defined by the expert panel – seven that fit the Production Systems Plants Theme and three that fit other research themes.

VRIC presented these seven to the Plants Theme Advisory Group in late June.

The Plants Theme Advisory Group has its own challenges to condense research priorities into four main groupings of plant production including: -edible horticulture -non-edible horticulture - nursery/landscape, floriculture -field crops – grains, edible beans, forage crops CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE 15 THE GROWER

ONTARIO FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Research report This approach reflects the effort and research input of each plant sector, provides more targeted direction to the research community about high priority research needs, and, helps reviewers to align their decisions with defined priorities.

The Theme Advisory Group annually produces an Updated Priorities and Emerging Issues Document outlining their priority areas for research within the Theme.

At present these are: High priority 1. Plant Protection 2. Production Efficiency 3. Environmental/Ecosystem Impact Medium priority 4. Product Quality Improvement 5. Product Diversification 6. Genetic Technologies A Call for Proposals is then issued and the whole plant industry competes for limited dollars.

Researchers submit Letters of Intent which are reviewed for fit to the above Theme priorities, rated, and pared down in number.

Projects that directly align with the specific research needs identified in the Call for Proposals document should rank higher than projects that do not.

Successful applicants then submit full Research Proposals which are again reviewed for scientific merit, rated, and research dollars are allocated to the upper ratings down the list until they are depleted. I have said and written before but I cannot stress the following enough: Collaboration between U of G researchers and industry stakeholders is important.

Researchers and industry stakeholders need to work together so that well-written scientifically sound proposals with stakeholder support and strong KTT plans are submitted.

We received input from the value chain speakers back in Woodstock in February from the Ontario Produce Marketers Association & Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers. Where is that applied?

The Ontario Produce Marketers Association reported: Consumer demographics are shifting with increased ethnic diversity. Consumers are purchasing a wider variety of produce available year round. They are demanding more convenience when buying fresh produce. We are now approaching two generations of consumers who do not know how to cook. More produce recalls are occurring. We require technological changes in production, marketing and distribution, improved customer service from suppliers, more collaborative business planning between buyers and sellers. Realize that consoli-

dating with other growers to supply a critical mass is advantageous. Better communication and information sharing along the value chain develops true partnerships. Buyers are recognizing sustainability of supply and local food chains. There are needs in postharvest handling and consumer packaging to extend shelf life, reduce food waste and address portion sizing. Food safety, traceability, consumer education and getting paid are top priorities.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers reported: Regardless of their size both large and small retailers deal with about 40-50 produce suppliers. In season, the supply is 70 per cent local, but overall it is about 35 per cent. When local is at its peak, quality is comparable or better to imports, but new varieties of imports are raising the bar for taste and appearance.

Refrigeration, pre-cooling, innovative packaging and transportation (containers) lead the way for imports. Packing in ice is on the

increase –parsley, broccoli, green onions. Sales of berries, grapes, value-added packaged vegetables and packaged salads are growing fastest. Potato sales are declining.

Kale is on fire (due to Dr. Oz).

Large retailers report that supply chain is the number one issue along with keeping the cold chain intact. Ethnic vegetables will grow the produce category down the road.

Small retailers report getting consistent quality is a challenge and how to price with variable quality. Ready-to-eat products

and packaging will grow the produce category down the road along with ‘buy local.’

The needs of our consumers and value chain customers, our buyers, should dictate our thinking about how and what we research. Each commodity needs to be aware of and apply inputs from the value chain.

It has been a pleasure to serve as your Research Chair for the past year.

Harold Schooley is chair of the research committee.

PAGE 16 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

ONTARIO FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Safety nets report MARK WALES Once again the weather continues to remind all of us that we are at its mercy. 2013 for most of Ontario was the exact opposite of 2012. 2012 of course was one of record heat and drought. In 2013, record rainfall events were commonplace with overall cooler temperatures as well.

This of course created challenges with drowning, abnormal disease pressure, difficult field conditions for spraying, cultivating and harvesting, as well as timing and maturity issues for most crops. Despite all of this, many fruit and vegetable growers had excellent yields although with variable prices. Frost thankfully was not a major issue this past year.

These conditions highlight the need for a variety of safety net programs and the need to constantly work on maintaining and improving them.

Production Insurance There will be some substantial claims for some processing vegetable growers due to the heavy rainfall events. The Fresh Vegetable acreage loss program had 91 producers insuring more than 9,000 acres, with producer premiums collected of just over $600,000 and claims paid out as of Nov 21 of just over $2.8 million. The program continues to work for growers. After last year’s devastating frost, it is obvious that work still needs to be done on the Apple and Tender Fruit programs. There was a sub-

stantial rise in premiums to keep the program viable which is frustrating for growers after suffering a severe loss.

Overall, the Production Insurance program for all crops, including horticulture, will have a much lower than average claims year. With corn and soybeans being the two greatest acreages covered they have a huge bearing on the overall financial health of the program. Despite a challenging season (and some corn still not harvested), yields will be average to slightly above average for many crops. Total program payouts are expected to be less than $80 million across the province, whereas total payouts in 2012 were $131,860,568.00 and in 2011 were $82,239,273.00.

This will allow for some general decrease of premium rates in 2014 as the fund balance is healthy.

AgriStability With 94 per cent of 2012 files processed, Ontario farmers have received just over $50 million in payments with horticulture producers receiving over $22 million of that. In 2011, Ontario farmers received almost $45 million, in 2010, $73 million and in 2009, $174 million from the AgriStability program.

Growers as they begin to file for the 2013 growing season will begin to realize the extent of the cuts to the AgriStability program which start taking effect for the 2013 growing season. Tier 2 coverage has been eliminated (shortfall from 70-85 per cent of refer-

tinue to use the Agri-Invest program. However this program for 2013 has been cut by one third so now growers can only deposit one per cent of their ANS for a matchable deposit instead of the previous 1.5 per cent. Once again, the federal government led the charge to slash a program that was working very well for producers.

SDRM

ence margin) and payments only cover 70 per cent of your loss and not the 85 per cent that they previously covered. On the positive side, if you have a negative production margin your loss coverage will increase from 60-70 per cent.

Review of this and other programs is due in 2015 (half way through Growing Forward 2) but the federal government has led the way in cutting programs and has no intention of correcting the harm it has done.

Agri-Invest With over 83 per cent of ANS in Ontario covered for 2012, $69,372,609.00 was available for matching deposits by government. Horticulture producers con-

In 2012 2,051 edible horticulture producers were able to access $23,701,230.91 from the program. So far for 2013, as of November 18, 719 producers had accessed $9,326,989.43. 2013 is the first year that the RMP/SDRM programs have had to operate within the $100 million cap that was imposed upon the programs by the 2012 Ontario provincial budget. The six participating sectors had agreed on a sharing model for the $100 million which would see the SDRM program receive $23 million and the first $2 million of any underutilized funds from the other sectors. With the dramatic drop in corn prices and other grains, there is no likelihood of any underutilized funds, however we will not know for certain until April 30, 2014. The $23 million includes the administration cost of the program which is about $1.8 million.

The SDRM Reference Committee meets regularly and is always looking for ways to reduce the admin cost. Initial payouts for SDRM will be at 75 per cent of your eligible matchable and may be topped up after April 30, 2014.

The five RMP programs are looking at paying out only about 33 per cent of eligible so our program is doing much better.

There will be a review in the fall of 2014 of the first two years of the program looking at whether or not to maintain the requirement to participate in AgriStability in order to be eligible to participate in SDRM. Lobbying will continue to maintain the SDRM program and so far there is all-party support for that.

Growing Forward 2 Non-BRM Approximately 250 projects have been put forward with threequarters approved in the first intake. Growers are able to access up to $350,000.00 over the five years of Growing Forward 2 at either 35 or 50 per cent matchable levels depending on how "Innovative" your project is. The process is fairly intensive to apply, but the opportunities are the greatest they have ever been.

There are "Capacity Building" funds available at up to 75 per cent matching. There are regular intake periods for project applications and workshops by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association who are managing the producer part of the program. What is unique this time is that a collaboration of growers could have access for up to $3 million of funding over the five years. The quality of your project and how well written your application is will determine whether it is successful or not.

This move to "Merit Rating" projects is new for GF 2 and will take time for producers to adjust to.

Alternative Risk Management (ARM) Private risk management programs are a big focus of the federal government so many organizations are looking at what currently exists in other countries and commodities and what might work here. There will be more info available during 2014.

To conclude, there has been essentially a downloading of the responsibility for risk management from government to producers. Our programs such as AgriStability and Agri-Invest have been essentially gutted and we as growers are now bearing more of the risk. This has been driven by the current federal government, which prefers to listen to organizations like the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, rather than the farmers who actually use the programs. The need for well-designed and well-funded programs has never been greater.

Mark Wales is chairof the safety nets committee

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE 17 THE GROWER

ONTARIO FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Labour report

KEN FORTH The labour section has been, as usual, very active again this past season. Some issues are situation normal aggravations, and one in particular is absolutely terrorizing, that of course being minimum wage.

Wages The Ontario government this year embarked on a process to determine how minimum wage should be dealt with in the future, as far as a methodology to determine future rates of increase. A panel was appointed by the province to hear submissions from anyone on their views. A nine-point consultative paper was released and presenters were to comment on all nine points as it affected their business, commodity etc. Through some major lobbying and suggestions, agriculture appeared all together on November 1 in Guelph.

Submissions were made from many farm organizations including OFVGA, LICC, OAG, GGO, OGVG etc. All used the nine-point document as instructed for the various presentations. All were excellent telling the story of their commodity and the whole industry in particular.

Following the presentations some wild accusations were made by two of the panel members!

We tried to address this to no avail, they were not going to listen. The panel was chosen by the Ontario government. I have been appointed by governments in the past and when you are appointed your personal feelings are to be left at the door, not to attack presenters or make political statements!

Minimum wage is so serious for this industry. Our members all know we have no way to pass on these costs and although we have told the story hundreds of times to the government, THEY

DON’T GET IT or they don’t want to!! This is very frustrating.

With labour in some commodities approaching 60 per cent of expenses, this is terrifying to growers, this one included. With Border States well below our rates, they must be just sitting there waiting for Ontario to move so the U.S. can increase exports to Canada. We will continue to tell this story and you need to too, to anyone who will listen. In my mind there has never been a more serious issue that affects the viability of the whole fruit and vegetable industry than this one.

To date I have met with the Premier four times and the Minister of Labour (MOL) three times, not to mention many meetings with MOL staff, and conversations with the Minister of Agriculture’s office on this issue.

We need resolution and peace on this issue, however, for now the struggle continues.

Foreign workers The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and the agriculture stream of the low skill program have avoided all the “reforms” of the temporary worker programs (TWP). Why? Because the SAWP has the rules right, it has been developed over 47 years and the industry has demonstrated over the years the need for this program.

SAWP visas will be processed somewhat differently in Mexico this year. The governments of Mexico and Canada are working to make the process work. In Jamaica, a new security clearance, bio metrics, is in place.

Every person from Jamaica coming to Canada has to go through bio metrics. The cost is $85 Canadian per entry for everyone, visitors and workers. Since the ministry in Jamaica has the paper work ready, the bio metric process only takes five minutes per worker. I have seen the process and it works very slick.

This year there were a few glitches in the Jamaican program, such as workers not coming or not on time. Foreign Agricultural Resource Management Services (FARMS) has and is addressing this issue. We have made the flow of information from FARMS to liaison to MOL in Jamaica, faster and more efficient and it should vastly improve things and eliminate the problem. Also, if your workers in Jamaica are called for a medical, they should go when requested; failure to do so could affect the timing of their arrival.

This year we need your order a minimum of 12 weeks before your required date for all countries. Failing this, the workers may not arrive on time. This year, you must advertise the positions and keep records of it for possible audit by Service Canada. FARMS has sent all employers the notice.

The Annual Review Meetings were held in December. The Caribbean meeting was held in Montego Bay Jamaica and the Mexican meeting in Mexico City.

The review meeting in Jamaica was very good. We have some really good people at the Canadian High Commission there and all involved work hard for the program. The meeting in Mexico City proved to be somewhat of a challenge with a lot of new folks from the new government. Good people but they don’t understand how our program works so at this meeting we were more in an education mode. All in all no surprises; as far as this program is concerned, boring is good!

transfers, that’s 19,200 job placements. Without this system we would not be able to have a program that serves so many.

FARMS also serves 1,000 workers that are employed in Atlantic Canada.

In case you don’t know, FARMS checks all Labour Market Opinions (LMOs) before they go to Service Canada, and works on all administration issues to do with this program, including relations with foreign governments. CanAg Travel negotiates rates directly with airlines and does the logistics to get your workers here when you need them. We have airport staff that helps some through immigration and onto buses or to connecting flights throughout Canada. A very efficiently run enterprise, thanks to our General Manager, Sue Williams and staff, and Board of Directors, for you, the grower.

Labour Issues Coordinating Committee (LICC) The latest court action appears to be over, a very time (and money) consuming case.

However it is now over, and as in the past, a good result for our position. LICC is involved in other things besides hiring lawyers and chasing court cases.

Ken Linington who does a great job as our senior policy advisor is involved in developing some training programs. He and Mark Wales attend MOL Tac committee meetings, and Ken and I

attend many meetings throughout the year related to labour with the Premier or Minister of Labour.

We are sometimes given a heads-up or consulted on any new issues from MOL. All in all, LICC works very effectively.

LICC has been at the forefront of labour issues for over 20 years and we will remain vigilant on this issue. Thanks here go to Ken Linington, our senior policy adviser, and our ex team, Hector Delanghe, Anthony Cervini, Mark Wales and John Kristilyn.

Thanks guys.

In this environment of sue, sue, sue, it may be time for you to consider insurance to pay legal fees for employment-related issues.

Closing As you can see there are many issues. Thanks to all the above committees that work on our behalf. Also, thanks to OFVGA CEO Art Smith, Chair Ray Duc and the Board of Directors for all their help and support this past year.

Ken Forth is chair of the labour section committee; chair, Labour Issues Coordinating Committee; president, FARMS.

FARMS and CanAg Travel The need of these enterprises was never more evident than this year, from glitches in the Jamaica program to the mass amount of travel this program now requires.

This year approximately 16,800 persons came northbound for Ontario and when put with 2,400

NEW DUPONT™ EXIREL™ INSECTICIDE GETS DuPont™ YOU ONE STEP CLOSER TO A STRONGER Exirel™ FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CROP AT HARVEST. insecticide As with all crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™ and all products denoted with ® or ™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates.

Copyright © 2014 DuPont. All rights reserved.

PAGE 18 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

ONTARIO FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Canadian Horticultural Council report ADRIAN HUISMAN 2013 was again a busy year for the CHC and in some respects a year of rebuilding and rethinking its path to the future. After six consecutive years of losses, diminishing reserves and substantial debt the organization was at a crossroad; either the membership decides to strengthen the organization or risk seeing it disappear.

As a first step, CHC established an Oversight Committee made up of representatives from across the five regions. The committee was mandated to review the operations of CHC from finances to governance.

Secondly, the membership agreed to increase the fees by 17 per cent for 2013. The Oversight Committee will file its report at the 2014 AGM. Highlights will include: 1. Finances back on track with positive results on the year’s operations and modest surpluses budgeted for 2014 and 2015.

2. Actions taken to relocate office which will allow CHC to substantially pay down debt and reduce future interest and operating costs.

3. Shorten the AGM from five days to three, thereby reducing costs for both the CHC and their membership and should result in a modest profit following a $24K loss on the 2013 AGM.

Protection registrations and MRLs, b. Harmonization of Border Crossing rules and regulations including Food Safety, and c. Financial Risk Management – Financial Protection for Produce Sellers (PACA-Like Trust).

4. Staffing enhanced with two vacancies filled: a. Manager - Policy and Research (Andre Bourbonniere) b. Manager - Communications/ Committee Coordinator (Pending as of Dec. 3rd)

2. Crop Protection Committee – the committee was active on issues such as the linuron and mancozeb registrations.

5. Lobbying Activities – Budgeted $33K for lobbying support for 2014 and 2015.

6. Reduce the number of Standing Committees from six to five and redefine their terms of reference to better align them with member priorities. The new committee structure is as follows: a. Human Resources b. Crop Protection & Environment c. Trade & Marketing d. Finance, Business Management and Research & Technology e. Industry Standards 7. Developed a “Value Proposition” to better define the benefits derived from CHC mem-

Keith Kuhl

Photo by Herb Sherwood bership and to encourage greater investments by the membership and from non-members (Work In Progress).

2013 activities included but were not limited to: 1. Regulatory Cooperation Council – continuous participation with the Canadian and U.S. Governments and Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) on issues related to: a. Harmonization of Crop

3. Trade & Marketing – Several meeting and conference calls throughout the year.

4. CFIA Inspection Modernization - Food Safety and Licensing Issues.

5. National Promotion & Research Agencies – Continued to provide support for those commodity groups who wish to establish such agencies (potatoes, raspberries, and strawberries).

On the Membership Services side, CHC staff has been very active throughout the year on finalizing the Science Cluster 1 reports and claims. It is almost unbelievable that more than $900K in claims have yet to be

paid by Agriculture and AgriFood Canada (AAFC). It is also unbelievable and unacceptable that the Cluster 2 Agreements which were approved in June have yet to be signed leaving over nine month’s worth of claims in limbo.

I am pleased to report as well that CHC President Keith Kuhl will be addressing the OFVGA AGM in January, 2014. This should provide greater insight as to the activities and direction of CHC. In summary, CHC is doing what it is designed to do and continues to provide benefits to its membership. The Board of Directors has addressed the recommendations of the Oversight Committee and although it is still on thin ice financially, it is back on track financially with positive results on the 2013 operations as well as those projected for 2014 and 2015.

For details of the Canadian Horticultural Council Annual General Meeting, March 4 - 6, The Grand Hotel, Kelowna, BC, go to www.hortcouncil.ca Adrian Huisman is one of two Ontario directors on the Canadian Horticultural Council board.

Siegers...more than seed Our extensive selection and consultant’s knowledge of varieties benefits you, our valued customer.

Resist./Tol.: Et(IR), PsRpG+Rp1D(HR), Pst(IR).

Great taste, better husk appearance and cover than EX 08767143 with the addition of below ground protection for Corn Rootworm.

Proven to have dual modes of action for insect protection against European Corn Borer, Corn Earworm, Fall Armyworm and weed control benefits of Roundup® agricultural herbicides.

SV9014SB

Resist./Tol.: Et(IR), PsRpG(HR), Pst(IR). Synergistic mainseason variety with a classy ear, high eating quality, and below ground protection for Corn Rootworm. Proven to have dual modes of action for insect protection against European Corn Borer, Corn Earworm, Fall Armyworm and weed control benefits of Roundup® agricultural herbicides.

SV9010SA

O BS

OBSESSION II

Resist./Tol.:Et(IR), PsRp1-D(HR), Pst(IR). All the traits that have made Obsession a market leader with the addition of below ground protection for Corn Rootworm. Proven to have dual modes of action for insect protection against European Corn Borer, Corn Earworm, Fall Armyworm and weed control benefits of Roundup® agricultural herbicides.

Jammie Underhill (519) 773-3250

jammie_underhill@siegers.com

1-800-962-4999 • www.siegers.com

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE 19 THE GROWER

PAGE 20–– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

ONTARIO FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Property report BRIAN GILROY Environment Issues Water continues to be a very active file for a number of commodities, agriculture and all of Ontario in general. The need to be solution-focused and work co-operatively towards improving water management has been more evident this year. The Great Lakes Protection Act has been referred to Standing Committee and there are a number of amendments to be dealt with.

Regulations are being finalized that will add the greenhouse sector into the farming activities regulated by the Nutrient Management Act. This is seen as a positive step but challenges continue for storm water management, permit cost, etc. The Holland Marsh has been working closely with OMAF&RA and MOE to come up with a cost effective method of dealing with wash water issues. A solution involving new technology that will mechanically treat the water and the creation of a closed loop is being considered.

The Water Resource Adaptation and Management Initiative (WRAMI), an 18-month program that will help Ontario’s farmers be better prepared for drought preparedness and adapt their water use practices to deal with climate change, has been administered by Farm & Food Care.

Almost everyone is working on a project to improve water quality and its efficient use.

Significant funds are being spent on developing best management practices. It is a much more efficient use of resources than the enforcement of evolving regulations. Farmers are, generally speaking, excellent stewards of the land and water and are willing to make improvements, where needed.

The Surface Water Specialist position, filled by George Shearer at the OFVGA, continues to provide an invaluable service to farmers and has completed a very busy year on a cost-recovery basis.

Early in 2013 I became OFVGA’s representative on the board of Farm & Food Care whose mandate is to provide credible information about food and farming in Ontario. One of the areas of focus is advancing sustainable and responsible environmental farming practices.

The Farm and Food Care Environmental Team is active in phosphorous reduction of the Great Lakes, the Uncontrolled Electricity Agriculture Working Group, and an initiative called Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS).

CoCoRaHS is live in Manitoba and Saskatchewan and is just being introduced in Ontario and is a volunteer weather service where individuals submit their precipitation information daily to a central website and the data is posted at www.cocorahs.org/canada, providing an accurate precipitation map.

This year Farm & Food Care is partnering with OMAF on a new

Wildlife Crop Predation

project to conduct the Pesticide Survey online. Please go to www.ontariopesticidesurvey.ca and complete the survey. The survey is anonymous and will be continue until February 15, 2014.

The bee health issue has been talked about at great length. In our discussions with policy makers we have asked that science-based information be used in plotting a plan of action to ensure sustainable bee/pollinator health. Farm & Food Care is working with all interested in an information facilitator role. We anxiously await the recommendations from the Minister of Agriculture’s Advisory Panel report. I have been getting mixed messages about the direction the Ontario government is taking on this issue. PMRA is also conducting a review of neonicotinoids and we will hear more in the very near future.

The Waste Reduction Act is still in second reading. Tire fees are currently $47/tire for most tractors and no change is anticipated until at least 2015.

Gladiator [20-30 lbs.]

Powdery Mildew Tolerant

W NE

Cronus [25-60 lbs.]

Well-Defined Ribs

W NE

Warty Goblin [8-15 lbs.]

Heavily Warted Fruit

Magic Wand [15-25 lbs.]

Powdery Mildew Tolerant

— Quality Seed Since 1881 — T: 1-800-263-7233 Ň F: 1-800-272-5560 Ňwww.StokeSeeds.com Ň Box 10 Thorold ON L2V 5E9

Wildlife damage to horticultural crops in Ontario has been estimated to be close to $25 million annually and over the past year steps have been taken to do something about it. Susan Fitzgerald presented her final report in March with a series of recommendations which included fact sheets and best management practices for minimizing wildlife damage.

An application has been submitted to the Agriculture Wildlife Strategic Fund to conduct field trials on a variety of mitigation techniques focused on bird damage, over the next two years.

Horticulture Value Chain Roundtable The Energy Environment Working Group (EEWG), with cooperation from AAFC, has developed a survey on the Environmental Performance of Canada's Horticulture Value Chain. Through this survey, information will be gathered to establish a baseline of the environmental performance of Canada's horticulture value chain.

By understanding the activities and priorities of our horticulture sector, we will be better equipped to develop information and tools for the sector, to meet the environmental demands of the market. The survey was conducted earlier but due to problems with data corruption the survey must be redone. As soon as the information is available, watch for a notice in The Grower.

As part of the Labour Working Group and the Innovation SubCommittee a survey was done to address labour and automation challenges facing Canadian horticultural farmers. The OFVGA was the lead applicant for the report which was compiled by the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. One of the report’s key findings was that the return on investment for most labour-saving technologies is much shorter than most farmers anticipated.

As part of a cross value chain initiative, a Labour Task Force was established with AAFC in late 2012 to address labour shortages and the skills requirements of the agriculture, agri-food and seafood sectors. An action plan was forwarded to the Deputy Minister of AAFC in November, 2013 . It has been recommended that the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) take the lead on this initiative.

Presidents Council In 2011 then Minister McMeekin challenged the Presidents’ Council members to develop a five-year strategic plan

for agriculture and food. Three key pillars were identified: economic growth, health and the environment. Economic growth was selected as the first pillar. In April 2013, a report amplified how to support and enhance the economic viability of agriculture and food in Ontario. Work on the health pillar has begun and funding has been secured to better understand how agriculture and food can contribute to improved health for Ontario residents.

Reducing the health care budget is a provincial priority and certainly one that fruit and vegetable farmers can help with.

The Ontario Apple Growers’ are pleased to be the lead applicant on this project.

On December 16th 2013, the Presidents’ Council hosted numerous OMAF & RA senior staff to work on the Premier’s Challenge to the Agriculture and Agri-Food sector to double its growth rate by 2020. A working group has been developed with Don Taylor as the horticulture representative. We have secured commitments from David Sparling, (Ivey Business School), Derek Nighbor (FCPC) and Eric Biddiscombe (Loblaw) to be involved in this process.

Together, we must draft top priorities where the province might focus resources to assist economic growth in the agriculture and food sector. As of December a few commodities have submitted plans on how they can grow their sectors. All commodities are encouraged to develop their own growth plans.. While my on this Council has come to an end, I would encourage the OFVGA to become more involved.

Government is working with the Presidents’ Council on a number of important activities including the development of an Ontario Food Policy.

National Food Policy The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers are marketing partners in the upcoming 3rd Canadian Food Summit 2014: From Strategy to Action, March 18-19 in Toronto. This event is where a Canadian Food Strategy will be launched. The goal is to safeguard and sustain the health and profitability of our farmers, manufacturers, shippers, distributors and retailers in the Canadian food system. The five key themes of the Summit are industry prosperity, healthy food, food safety, household food security and environmental sustainability.

OFVGA’s partnership means that all members will receive a reduced registration fee to participate in the summit. Details will be in your Grower!

Brian Gilroy is chair of the property section committee.

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE 21 THE GROWER

INTRODUCING NEW SELLING WAREHOUSE UNITS IN THE FARMERS’ MARKET SECTION OF THE ONTARIO FOOD TERMINAL

The Ontario Food Terminal Board is pleased to announce this project to provide warehouse selling units within the Farmers’ Market section of the Ontario Food Terminal. These units will facilitate the sales of produce within warehouses and an enclosed buyers’ dock to ensure that the cold chain is maintained.

Interested parties can contact the Board offices at 416-259-5479 for further details or via email at info@oftb.com

Ontario Food Terminal Board 165 the Queensway Toronto, Ontario, M8Y 1H8 www.oftb.com

PAGE 22 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

BITS AND BITES

Apply for 2015 calendar photo shoot Are you an Ontario farmer or farm family with a story that’s waiting to be told? Have you ever looked at the Faces of Farming calendar and pictured yourself on one of the pages? If so, the annual Faces of Farming calendar contest might be what you’re looking for.

The third annual contest is now underway – with a deadline to enter of Friday, February 21, 2014. The winning family, pairing or individual will

participate in a spring photo shoot, will receive complimentary copies of the calendar and two tickets and accommodation for the 2014 Ontario Harvest Gala and calendar launch later this fall.

They will also be featured on a page in the 2015 Faces of Farming calendar – the tenth edition of the project which is annually produced by Farm & Food Care Ontario. Last year, the Heeman family of London

MEETINGS, TRADE & EQUIPMENT SHOW At the Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre 125 Simcoe Road, Bradford Ontario, L3Z 2A8

Heeman family

MUCK Vegetab le Growe CONFER rs ENCE

9-10

BRADAPRIL 2014 FORD Contact: Matthew Sheppard, Bradford Co-operative Storage Limited PVKHSSDUG#EHOOQHW FD Ř

submitted the winning entry which was chosen by a panel of urban judges from 25 great entries submitted by farm families across Ontario.

Since it was first published in 2005, the project has featured the faces and stories of 120 Ontario farmers and farm families. Each year, the calendar is distributed to thousands of Ontario media, grocery retail outlets and politicians and is sold through the Farm & Food Care office. The goal of the project is to break down stereotypes of who Ontario’s farmers are and what they look like. It also helps to introduce consumers to the farmers who work 365 days each year to provide quality, local Ontario products.

Farmers or farm families are encouraged to enter the contest by submitting both a family photo and short essay (400 words or less) describing their family.

Candidates must make their pri-

mary income from agriculture.

Their essays must include the following to be considered: · Names and ages of all family members · Address including county or region of residency · A description of the farming operation including types of crops grown and/or livestock raised History of the farm – number of generations farming, etc. · Any other details that make their story unique including community involvement, environmental initiatives, unusual hobbies, etc. · Why they’d like to appear in the Faces of Farming calendar.

All entries must be received at the Farm & Food Care office no later than Friday, February 21 when they will be reviewed by a third party panel of judges.

Entries can be emailed to info@farmfoodcare.org or mailed to 100 Stone Road West, Suite 106, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 5L3.

USDA enters produce marketplace The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be buying up to $126.4 million worth of produce under The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).

It will then distribute produce such as cherries, processed apples, cranberries, fresh tomatoes and wild blueberrie to states whose local food banks, shelters and charities are inundated by food requests.

For some, the USDA’s purchases provide a lightning rod

while the Farm Bill is still in passage. Democrats who are in control of the Senate are advocating continuation of the nutrition programs without budget cuts.

Republicans, on the other hand, control the House of Representatives, and are lobbying for large budget cuts.

These nutrition programs are just one of the barriers that have kept legislators from signing a new five-year Farm Bill. Under normal circumstances, it would have expired in December 2012.

Trade deals to watch While the tentative agreement between the European Union and Canada on the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) may be top of mind, Canada is also negotiating other major trade deals, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

Both trade deals are aimed at reducing dependence on the United States, which accounts for 30 per cent of Canada’s agriculture exports and two-thirds of agri-food exports says J.P. Gervais, Farm Credit Corporation. In an annual report of key trends to watch in 2014, Gervais says that once CETA is ratified, a market of 500 million consumers will be opened to Canadian agricultural products. TPP negotiations comprise 12 countries, including New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan and the United States.

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE 23 THE GROWER

MAKE TIME FOR WHAT REALLY MATTERS. CORAGEN® CAN HELP. You’re proud of your potato crop, but let’s face it. No one ever looks back and wishes they’d spent more time with crop damaging, yield robbing insects. We get that. DuPont™ Coragen® insecticide belongs to a unique class of chemistry with a novel mode-of-action that delivers extended residual control of European corn borer, decreasing the number of applications needed in a season. And, if your Colorado potato beetle seed-treatment control breaks late in the season, Coragen® can provide the added control you need, so you have time for more important things. It’s also easy on bees, beneficials and the environment.

For farmers who want more time and peace of mind, Coragen® is the answer.

Questions? Ask your retailer, call 1-800-667-3925 or visit coragen.dupont.ca As with all crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™ and Coragen® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. All other products mentioned are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies. Member of CropLife Canada. ©Copyright 2014 E. I. du Pont Canada Company. All rights reserved.

DuPont™ Coragen

®

Insecticide

PAGE 24 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

The next level of herbicide resistance - cross resistance KRISTEN OBEID, WEED MANAGEMENT PROGRAM LEAD (HORTICULTURE), OMAF/MRA Herbicide resistant weed populations are now found throughout Ontario. The number of resistant species and areas affected by resistance continues to increase.

Herbicides are the most heavily relied upon weed control method for many growers because they are both cost effective and simple, which has resulted in high selection pressure for herbicide resistance in populations of weed species.

It is often thought that weeds change or mutate to become resistant. However, weed scientists, believe that weeds do not change at all. Instead, populations change. The resistant weeds have

always been present in low populations. When a particular herbicide is used, it controls the normal-susceptible types. This makes room for the population of the resistant weeds to increase.

Consequently, when growers say that their "weeds have become resistant," they really mean that the population of their resistant weeds has increased greatly and the population of their susceptible weeds has decreased.

As we learn about herbicide resistance, an unfortunate side effect is that some herbicide failures from bad weather, weeds that are too large or improper applications are considered herbicideresistance problems. Do not suspect herbicide resistance unless a herbicide failure fits the following traits: • The same herbicide was used year after year.

• One weed, which normally should be controlled, is not controlled although other weeds are controlled.

• A patch of an uncontrolled weed is spreading.

• Healthy weeds are mixed with controlled weeds (of the same species).

Even if a control failure exhibits these traits, it is not an absolute diagnosis of herbicide resistance. Get your weeds tested for resistance to confirm.

As we get familiar with herbicide resistant weeds we are finding that many species are developing cross resistance to herbicides. Cross resistance is defined as the ability of a weed population to be resistant to more than one herbicide. This may arise without the weed population ever being exposed to one of the herbicides. Why does this happen?

Today, there are more than 100 different herbicides on the market, but many of these work in exactly the same way or, in other words, have the same mode of action. Fewer than 20 plantgrowth mechanisms are affected by current herbicides.

If a field is infested with herbicide-cross-resistant weeds, the grower may lose yield because a competitive weed isn't controlled.

Growers also may have higher costs if they lose the use of several economical herbicides.

• If you suspect a resistance problem: • Use herbicides with a different mechanism of action to control the escaped weed.

• Do not let weeds go to seed.

• Use cultural practices such as cultivation.

• Contact OMAF, your dealer and your sales representative.

• Get your weeds tested for resistance.

Herbicide resistance is a complicated subject. Many weed scientists warn of hidden dangers in rotating modern herbicides.

Because so many modern herbicides have the same mode of action, a grower could rotate crops and herbicides but still wind up with a resistance problem. The mode of action may not change even when crops and chemicals are rotated.

Look for the mode of action (also known as the Herbicide Group Number) on the top right corner of your herbicide label.

OMAF Publication 75: Guide to Weed Control also lists all the herbicide group numbers in Table 4-1.

Reference: http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G 4907

Pest of the month – bacterial spot of pumpkins and squash ELAINE RODDY, VEGETABLE CROPS SPECIALIST, OMAF/MRA Identification: Currently, bacterial leaf spot (Xanthomonas cucurbitacae) is not commonly found in Ontario. However, it is known to cause serious pumpkin crop losses in the Mid-western United States. Leaf lesions are dark and very small with yellow margins (figure 1).

As the disease progresses they coalesce to form large necrotic areas. They are easily confused with several other foliar diseases including angular leaf spot.

Fruit lesions are circular in shape, small and slightly sunken. They often have a dark brown border (figure 2).

As the lesions enlarge in size (up to 12 mm in diameter) they crack and become scab-like. Infected fruit often develop soft, watery rots in the field or in storage and collapse quite quickly.

Biology: Bacterial spot survives in crop residue. It is also seed-borne. It can tolerate high mid-summer temperatures.

It spreads quickly within the field.

Management Notes: Use disease-free, certified seed.

Follow a 2-3 year rotation away from all cucurbit crops.

The bacteria are easily spread by splashing rain or irrigation and by machinery. Avoid working in the field when the foliage is wet.

Quality Seed

Figure 1. Bacterial Spot on Leaves

Figure 2. Bacterial Spot Lesions on Fruit

Mohammad Babadoost, a vegetable crop pathologist from the University of Illinios has considerable experience working with this disease. He will be speaking at the

Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention on February 19th, 2014.

Quality Service

Quality Information ~ Quality Seed Since 1881 ~

Henry Zomer (ON/MB/SK) 905-308-4396

Jim Robinson (ON/MB) 905-715-8595

Rob Hovius (ON/PEI/NB) 519-580-3231

Paul Banks (ON/NS) 905-688-4300

Leah Erickson (BC/AB) 604-957-2359

Marc André Laberge (QC) 514-984-4589

Laura Caralampides (QC) 514-984-0662

www.StokeSeeds.com s &AX 3TOKES 3EEDS ,TD 0/ "OX 4HOROLD /. , 6 %

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE 25 THE GROWER

VEG FOCUS

Vegetable program for OFVC

Pollinated Squash Fruit

Soil Testing

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

ELAINE RODDY, VEGETABLE CROPS SPECIALIST, OMAF/MRA Have you ever wondered what real impact the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug will have on the Ontario vegetable industry? Are you concerned about all of the news reports on pollinator health and insecticides? Would you enjoy the opportunity to learn from one of North America’s foremost experts on pumpkin and squash diseases?

Come to Niagara on February 19th and 20th, 2014 for the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention.

New for this year’s convention is the Vegetable Pathology Diagnostic Workshop.

Successful disease management often hinges on an accurate diagnosis. But the sample, how it is handled and the description of the field observations all have a huge impact on the accuracy of the diagnosis. How do you ensure you are sending a “good” sample? What does the laboratory do with your sample? Are there accurate diagnostic tests that you can conduct on-farm?

Find out on February 20th.

There are 2 days of vegetable programming planned for this year’s OFVC: February 19th, am – General Vegetables February 19th, pm – Cucurbits February 20th, am – Vegetable Pathology February 20th, pm – Asparagus Farmers of Ontario Visit http://www.ofvc.ca/sessions.html for a full program outline.

HIGHER PERFORMANCE

TO REACH YOUR TRUE PROFIT POTENTIAL.

The high-stakes horticulture business involves a combination of new technology, products and services, growth and profit – from Dow AgroSciences. We provide support to help fruit and vegetable growers like you reach your profit potential through higher performance. Call our Solutions Center at 1.800.667.3852 or visit www.dowagro.ca today.

CloserTM EntrustTM

DelegateTM QuintecTM DithaneTM RainshieldTM NovaTM IntrepidTM SuccessTM GF-120TM IndarTM LorsbanTM NT LorsbanTM 15G LorsbanTM 50W KerbTM SC GoalTM 2XL Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. 02/14-20408R TGWR

® TM

PAGE 26 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

To advertise phone: 519-380-0118 • 866-898-8488 x 218 • Fax: 519-380-0011 SEED AND ROOTSTOCK ASPARAGUS ROOTS Jersey Giant Jersey Supreme Millennium

Wrightland Farm

Choose from Persian and black walnut, heartnut, butternut, chestnut, hazel, pecan, hickory, gingko, pine nut, mulberry, persimmon, pawpaw, fig & more.

RR 1 • 1000 Ridge Rd. Harrow, ON N0R 1G0

Proprietor Ernie Grimo

Keith: 519-738-6120 Fax: 519-738-3358

Alpine Nurseries (Niagara) Limited SPECIALIZING IN FRUIT TREES & GRAPE VINES & ELDERBERRIES. VARIETY AND PRICE LIST AVAILABLE ON REQUEST Howard A. Colcuc Nursery Manager

ORCHARD SUPPLIES

Exclusive grower of select grafted nut trees and minor fruits.

Cultivars are tested in our own experimental orchards.

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

979 Lakeshore Rd, RR 3, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON Canada L0S 1J0 Tel.: (905) YEH-NUTS (934-6887) E-mail: nuttrees@grimonut.com Fax: (905) YEL-NUTS (935-6887) Catalogue Site: www.grimonut.com C.O.

KEDDY

• Certified Strawberry Plants & Raspberry Canes • All popular varieties available • Grown under the Nova Scotia Certification program.

Plants shipped across North America.

Contact us for a FREE brochure!

982 North Bishop Road, Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada B4N 3V7 Ph: (902) 678-4497 Fax: (902) 678-0067 Email: keddynursery@xcountry.tv

STRAWBERRY PLANTS ***CERTIFIED*** RASPBERRY CANES Producers of Quality stock for 46 years. Grown under the Nova Scotia Certification Program. Shipping across North America.

Contact us for more information and a free brochure

G.W. ALLEN NURSERY LTD.

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

7295 Hwy 221 Centreville, N.S. B0P 1J0 ph. 902-678-7519 fax: 902-678-5924

Email: sales@gwallennursery.com

www.gwallennursery.com

Blueberry plants from rooted cuttings. Virus and disease tested. In 1 gal, 5 gal and 7 gal pots. Over ten different varieties. Price discount on large order.

Bleuetiere & Pepiniere de Parisville.

Parisville Blueberry Farm & Nursery 819-287-5707 www.bleuetsparisville.ca

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

• Berry Boxes • Waxed Cartons • Crop Protection Material

FLOWER BULBS

GLADIOLUS BULBS Wide variety selection for retail sales and commercial cut flower production Catalogue available upon request or visit our website at www.lmbolle.com

L.M.Bolle & Sons 813083 Baseline Norwich, ON (519) 468-2090 Fax 468-2099 email: lmbolle@execulink.com

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE 27 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

MANURE MANURE WANTED Preferably Cattle and delivered Located in Markham, Ontario.

Please Call: 416-984-6552 or email farm2931@gmail.com

ASPARAGUS

ASPARAGUS CROWNS Available for Spring 2014 Millennium Mary Washington

Strawber Str Stra r awber wber r y & R aspber r y Raspber Plants Pl l ants

Sandy Shore Farms Ltd. (519) 875-3382

Established 1939

www.sandyshorefarms.ca

ken@sandyshore.ca SEED POTATO

Squirrell Farms SEED POTATOES Heritage Varieties • Banana Fingerlings • Irish Cobbler • Russian Blue

Since 1932

Old Favourites

80 YEARS

Best Berry Plants

QUALITY FRUIT TREES • APPLE on M9, B9 and M26

MARCH 2014

The

• Peach on Bailey • PEAR on Quince ORDER NOW FOR BEST SELECTION

• Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries,

blackberries, asparagus and more!

• Where the pros go for plans and plants.

• Call for a free catalog and plasticulture guide!

41 River Road South Deerfield Massachusetts 01373

www.noursefarms.com 413.665.2658

WARWICK ORCHARDS & NURSERY LTD 7056 Egremont Rd. R.R. #8 Watford, Ontario N0M 2S0 warwickorchards@brktel.on.ca Tel: (519) 849-6730 Toll free: 877-550-7412 Fax: (519) 849-6731

AD BOOKING DEADLINE FEBRUARY 14 HERB SHERWOOD 519-380-0118

• Yukon Gold • Chieftain • Kennebec • Superior • Dark Red Norland • Eramosa

Newer Varieties • Dakota Pearl • Gold Rush • Cal White • Dark Red Chieftain • Adirondike Red • Adirondike Blue • Yukon Gem • AC Chaleur All seed is C.F.I.A. inspected and is tagged as to variety and level of certification.

Contact Penny and Glen Squirrell RR 2, Shelburne, ON L0N 1S6 Ph: 519-925-5247 Fax: 519-925-5603 email: pmsquirrell@yahoo.com Call for pricing.

Small orders Welcome!

Delivery can be arranged!

PAGE 28 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

ABOUT 20 NEW AND USED SPRAYERS IN STOCK

ALL STAINLESS STEEL Made in Canada

** LOW DRIFT SPRAY TOWERS TO FIT ANY TURBO-MIST --- IN STOCK NOW ** Swanson 50 gal, stainless steel, very clean, A-1 condition OCLL 300 gal, mint condition - you will not believe it Turbo-Mist 400 gal, 30” fan, hydraulic controls, nice clean Turbo-Mist 400 gal, stainless steel Tall Spray Tower (new) Turbo-Mist 500, electric controls, centrifugal pump Turbo-Mist 500, hydraulic controls, tower Turbo-Mist 500, centrifugal pump, hydraulic, almost new Turbo-Mist 500, centrifugal, low-drift Tall Spray Tower (new) Turbo-Mist 600, centrifugal pump, hydraulic, good condition Turbo-Mist 600, Myers, hydraulic, used only 3 seasons, A-1 Seppi SMO 200 flail mower, 6 1/2 ft, nice cond, new hammers Perfect KG-220 Flail mower, (2011) A-1 condition Perfect KG-220 Flail, good solid condition, new hammers

$1,800 $5,500 $11,950 $14,500 $8,900 $12,500 $16,900 $19,700 $10,500 $16,500 $5,250 $6,900 $5,500

** All Turbo-Mist Parts in stock ** Seppi Flail Mulchers for Grass and Prunings ** Perfect Rotary Mowers & Heavy Duty Flail Mowers

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

CONTAINERS

FOR SALE 2003 MAF POMONE II SIZER OPTISCAN II SOFTWARE, COLOR SORTING, 8 LANE 33 DROP SIZER WITH COMPLETE FRONT END

For further information contact Joe Bairos E: jbairos@bctree.com P: 250.470.4289 C: 250.498-9119 F: 250.470.4541 BC Tree Fruits Cooperative 1473 Water Street Kelowna, BC V1Y 1J6

TRANSPLANTER WANTED RJ or Cheechi & Magli planting units. 6 rows by 36” frame with 4 or more planting units. (we will be planting 6 rows@ 36”) Call 519-877-2372

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

propagation trays with results

• New Holland TM125 Tractor 4 wheel drive, 35,900 • Diesel self propelled Onion Harvester, 5,900 • Pickling Onion Equipment (combine, digger, grading line) 7,500 • Howard 10 foot Rototiller, 4,200; 2705 MF Tractor, 8,500; 2775 MF Tractor, 13,000 • Irrigation Pipe 80 pieces 4 inch at 45 each; 85 pieces 3 inch at 30 each; a few Pipe Fittings (call for pricing) • Irrigation pkg consisting of 80 pieces of 5 inch pipe and couplers • 19 - 5" hop- a- long Wade Rain stations with 2 inch valve on riser and 5 Nelson irrigation guns, 11,500 for pkg • 250 Used Hardwood Carrot/ Onion Totes, $35.00 each • Stanhay Belt Planter 4-row, $ 3,700 • 7 foot Western Snow Plow steel $1,700 CALL LEAMINGTON 519-326-0093

PHILLIPS FARM SUPPLIES

EQUIPMENT

1-800-811-6238 pfs@reach.net SPRAYING EQUIPMENT OUR SPECIALITY have been

YOU to the rest, call the NOW BEST!!

NEW . . USED . . SERVICE YOUR SOURCE FOR JOHN BEAN AND DURAND-WAYLAND

AUCTION LARGE COMPLETE DISPERSAL AUCTION JUST CONTRACTED!!

Full Listing and Pictures on WebPage: www.pirrunginc.com Mullica Hill, New Jersey, U.S.A. For Visalli Brothers Saturday March 1, 2014 @ 10:00 a.m.

Process Tomato Planting/Harvest Equipment-Pik Rite Harvester--R.J. 6 row carousel Planter-JD Tractors--JD Sprayer--Tillage Tools-Grain Equipment--Trucks--Semi Trailers Pirrung Auctioneers, Inc. 585-728-2520 www.pirrunginc.com Jack Morris

Auctions Inc Advance Notice Farm Machinery Auction Sale Saturday, March 22 at 10:00 am

For Bob-a-Lou Farms Ltd., Tilbury, Ont., selling exceptionally well cared for farm machinery.

Sale held at 17700 Essex County Road 2 between Gracey Sideroad & Lighthouse Cove Road.

Sale includes Case IH tractors, Eagle Pro Sleeper truck, two Bauer Rain Star E31 irrigation reels, high capacity irrigation pump, some irrigation pipe, two Black Welder tomato harvesters, numerous trains, tomato wagons, etc.

More details in next issue.

Auctioneer: Jack Morris, 519-687-2530 www.jackmorrisauctions.com

CLASSIFIED WANTED: Dilts Wetzel potato seed cutter and 3 PT hitch sprayer. Call 519-846-9915

Classified Ads 1-866-898-8488

x 221 www.thegrower.org

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE 29 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

ALTERNATIVE CROPS

Oriental Vegetable Seeds

Pipe & Fittings for Water Systems

Korea Green - F1

Spring White

• PVC, ABS, Poly, Copper • Stainless, Brass, Steel Product Lines • Drip & Micro Irrigation • Septic & Sewer • Drainage & Culverts • Berkeley Water Pumps

Winona Concrete & Pipe Products Ltd. 489 Main St. W., Grimsby, ON. L3M 1T4

Imperial Jade

Super Mama

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

info@WinonaConcrete.com

Phone (905) 945-8515 Fax: (905) 945-1149 or call toll-free

1-800-361-8515 CALL ABE FIRST FOR BETTER PRICES, MORE CHOICES, FAST, AND FRIENDLY SERVICE. BUY A DIESEL ENGINE PUMP UNIT FROM THE DIESEL MECHANIC.

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.

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

Bedding Pro Straw Chopper Like new – used on only 3 acres of Strawberries for 3 Seasons $9000 Obo Phone Neil 613-847-6873

REAL ESTATE NEW IRRIGATION PUMP UNITS ON TRAILER • Cummin 4 cyl & 6 cyl • John Deere, 4 cyl & 6 cyl • Iveco/Cummins, 4 cyl & 6 cyl • Kubota & Deutz etc, etc.

Rovatti Pumps Berkeley Pumps, etc.

And many more new or used up to 550 HP. We build them all big or small.

Also couplers, hoses, clamps, for suction, camlock, ringlock, bauer etc.

A. KOOLMEES R.R. 1, Otterville, ON N0J 1R0 (519) 879-6878 Fax: (519) 879-6319

ONTARIO FARM FOR SALE 99 acres of Very productive land North of wind turbine free Leamington.

1700 sq. ft. home with many structural and cosmetic renovations.

Municipal water and good well and natural gas. 5 year old 48 x 80 pole barn with 20 x 48 livestock lean to, grain storage.

Bring your tractor and your animals and your desire to live on a quiet country road. The possibilities are endless.

Call 519-322-8065 or farmerdave@3dgathome.com

LABELS REFRIGERATION

KOOL JET

®

Reliable Refrigeration Systems

1-866-748-7786 www.kooljet.com Visit our website to view our complete line

One-Piece and Portable Skid-Mount Systems, HydroCoolers, Medical and Process Chillers, Blast Freezers, Vacuum Coolers, Refrigerated Dehumidifiers.

Custom Built Designs • Domestic and International Markets

PAGE 30 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

MINOR USE CRAIG’S COMMENTS

The CHC Crop Protection Committee and what it does for you

CRAIG HUNTER OFVGA Behind the scenes of any good organization are functioning committees made up of volunteers working on behalf of all the members. Often these committees achieve great ‘success’ but remain invisible to most of the membership. So it is with the Crop Protection Committee at the Canadian Horticultural Council.

When pesticide issues began to raise their ugly heads back in the 1980s, a loose group led by veteran members under the leadership of Ron Cameron set about getting changes made to how pesticides were regulated. After the debacles of the Industrial Bio-Test Laboratories (IBT) scandal, the Captan Inquiry, and then the ‘Pesticide Regulatory Review,’ the entire pesticides regulatory situation was, to be polite, an abysmal mess! Years passed until the government had reviewed the committee’s recommendations for change, but then they issued a contradictory set of recommendations of their own construction. In the meantime, things had got even worse and grower access to pesticides continued to diminish.

A brief ray of light arose when a tiny amount of funding was found in 1995 to start a growerled “Minor Use” program. One part of that was to be a national Crop Protection Committee made up of members of the Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA). The tenmember group was soon creating lists of needed crop protection solutions on a national basis.

Ultimately this developed into the

highly successful Minor Use Program of today.

Regulatory change was slower, and was further complicated by the U.S. EPA announcements in 1996 of The Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). Canada followed suit two years later with their ‘Re-Evaluation Program.’

Now we had the ultimate doublewhammy of an ineffectual registration system to meet our needs for new registrations coupled with the pending loss of many (about 100 actives or 25 per cent of ALL registered pesticides) which were all that we had available to us to deal with the assaults of pests, weeds and diseases. (It is important to note that from 1975 to 2000 we had less than 25 new active ingredients registered in Canada, and most of these were devoid of any minor uses that were needed.)

The CHC Crop Protection Committee, which was now operating back on its own, decided that we must not only document how desperate the situation had become for our members, we also needed to create the list of solutions and action items for each point raised. By then it had become glaringly obvious (at least to us) that the internal “information” system inside government was spewing a different (and seriously flawed) story to the elected officials. Unless we leap-frogged that dis-information system, our words would never be heard! Interventions were made directly with the Health Minister (with whom we had tried to meet several times but had been thwarted by staff every time). A half hour meeting and a wellorchestrated set of briefing notes was the start of serious attention getting paid to the situation.

Further intervention within Agriculture Canada on the same issues hit the jackpot when they not only listened to us, they agreed and created the funding to not only set up a functional Minor Use Program, but provided (and continue to this day) to provide funding directly to PMRA to ensure that our needs have a priority and that they can afford to participate at the international

Photo by Glenn Lowson level where so much is needed to be done to further avail our growers of new and effective crop protection solutions.

The Crop Protection Committee has not rested on its oars in the meantime. The members represent the five regions across the country (British Columbia, Prairies, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic). They also individually represent the array of crop groups our members produce. They continue to meet with PMRA and with the AAFC Minor Use team and CropLife Canada on an annual basis, plus as often by conference call as needed.

They make representations to PMRA on key re-evaluations of active ingredients such as linuron and mancozeb, on behalf of all our members. They provide input into the Grower Own-Use Pesticide Import program, the Data Protection Legislation, and other key issues such as the current one about bee mortalities.

Any crop protection issue that affects the majority of our membership gets looked at, with the benefit of all the members at the forefront of the discussions.

The committee members act as the committee’s information conduit for their regions and for their commodities to and from the committee. Likewise, the government will contact the committee for input on key issues. What started out as a group with the intent of confrontation and exposure of all that was wrong with pesticide regulation (something necessary at the time) has now evolved into one of strong work-

ing relationships, sharing, advice and understanding. That is not to suggest that the committee does not nor can not strongly disagree with some decisions. However, the doors for dialogue, which were once firmly shut and sealed, are now open and we get heard.

Our membership is much better off now with regard to pesticide solutions than ever before. That does not mean we can become complacent! Changes are inevitable, and we must be prepared to deal with them. We will no doubt lose more pesticides by regulations or from company decisions to not spend funds to develop data to meet modern standards. At the international level we must insist on faster setting of compatible residue levels to facilitate trade. We also need to get more traction on fair pricing of these products- similar to the costs that the U.S. growers enjoy.

In another area -- that of reevaluations -- we need to become engaged in the process at the beginning rather than after a document has already been worked on for four years, and the staff get so set in their conclusions that they cannot or will not consider our points of contention.

I believe that will happen in the near future. In a similar vein, we must become involved in such matters as bee mortalities at an earlier stage, since it is our membership who stands to lose the most if the full implication of our positions as users of both the bees for pollination and the insecticides for pest control in dozens of crops is not considered.

That is when the committee is best placed to meet the needs of the entire Horticulture Industry and its members. By speaking with one strong voice, we can be heard.

The Committee has come a long way in 30 or so years. There is more to do. We could easily get even more ‘clout’ if the CFA were to add its commodities and membership to our national Horticulture Voice. We already work closely on some pesticide issues with other national commodity groups such as the Grain Growers of Canada, Pulse Canada, Canola Council of Canada and others. Together we can swing support on the issues that are common for all -- like international trade and MRL issues.

In the end, the Committee is only as strong as the representatives, and they are the best! They need the support of their commodities and regions to hear of grass roots issues, and to deliver on the information from the Committee. Growers should thank these members for the work they do for all, behind the scenes.

Make sure you use them to get your views and issues addressed at the committee!

CHC Crop Protection Committee Atlantic -Gary Brown Quebec -Anne Desrochers Ontario -Charles Stevens (Chair) Prairies -Tracy Shinners-Carnelly British Columbia -Iris Bitterlich Technical Advisor -Craig Hunter Ex-0fficio CNL/FC liaison -Peter Isaacson

Sponsored by engageagro.com

1-866-613-3336

© 2013 Engage Agro Corporation.

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE 31 THE GROWER

MINOR USE

Outlook herbicide brings new tool for potato growers BASF Canada Inc. (BASF) has received the regulatory approval for Outlook, a new herbicide that will help potato growers address two significant challenges to their production.

As the amount and timing of rainfall becomes more variable, Outlook will provide consistent control of nightshade, pigweed and annual grasses, even under drier conditions. As a Group 15 herbicide, Outlook also controls both triazine and Group 2 resistant biotypes whose populations continue to increase across the country.

“Based on our extensive field-scale Canadian research program and several years of commercial use in the U.S., we see Outlook as an excellent new tool that will help growers address both inconsistent rainfall and the growing problem of herbicide resistance,” says Bruce Irons,

technical specialist for Horticultural Products with BASF Canada.

Outlook contains the active ingredient Dimethenamid-P which inhibits weed root and shoot growth, controlling susceptible weeds before they emerge from the soil.

Outlook is applied after potatoes are planted but before they emerge from the soil.

For more information about Outlook herbicide, visit www.AgSolutions.ca or contact Bruce Irons (Bruce.Irons@basf.com). Technical sales support of Outlook and all other BASF horticultural products is provided by Engage Agro Corporation sales representatives.

Source: BASF news release

Photo by Glenn Lowson

What's new on the PMC website?

Several new items have been added to the website of the Pest Management Centre.

Good is

consistent results you can trust.

Minor Use Pesticides Program (MUPP) Priorities The National Priority Lists and Selected National Priorities, established by the Minor Use Pesticide Priority Setting Workshop, have been published on the Minor Use Crop/Pest Problems page. These priorities will become projects within MUPP for the 2014 growing season.

Pesticide Risk Reduction Program (PRRP) Priorities

Majus

The priorities established by the Biopesticides Priority Setting Workshop in March 2013 have been published on the Biopesticide Workshop page.

These priorities will receive regulatory support from PRRP. Pesticide Risk Reduction Strategies The Sustainable Crop Protection Factsheet Series for reducing reliance on organophosphate insecticides for management of insect pests of tree fruit has been published.

Factsheets The Sustainable Crop Protection Factsheet Series continues to have new titles added under the Publications and Document archive.

To stay informed of updates on the PMC website, subscribe to the email notification service.

Xtra Tender 274A

Solid Gold

BHN-964

SV9462CS

Consistent results begin with selecting the right product for your needs. Growers have had great success with these “Grower Preferred” varieties. Whether you are looking for a cold soil tolerant sweet corn variety with excellent flavor, a uniform 20-25# pumpkin with great handles, a flavorful, high yielding tomato, a downy mildew tolerant cucumber or a firm, dark orange melon with tremendous plant health – you’ll find it.

Call us today and a member of our team can help you select the perfect products or request a copy of our 2014 Vegetable Catalog and check out the 79 “Grower Preferred” varieties available.

Like us on facebook. www.facebook.com/ruppseedsinc

800-700-1199 · ruppseeds.com

PAGE 32 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

THIS YEAR, ONE MOVE WILL MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE. Your fruit and vegetables need strong protection and tender care all season long, to reward you with a high-quality, profitable crop. That’s why growers like the powerful, flexible protection of DuPont™ Fontelis® fungicide.

Choosing Fontelis®, the next-generation Group 7 fungicide, is the crucial move in your 2014 disease management program. Fontelis® stops disease in its tracks with preventative and residual action on apple scab, powdery mildew, botrytis and many other important diseases.

It’s time for a fresh start on disease management. It’s time for Fontelis®.

Questions? Ask your retailer, call 1-800-667-3925 or visit Fontelis.DuPont.ca As with all crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™ and Fontelis® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2014 E. I. du Pont Canada Company. All rights reserved.

DuPont™ Fontelis ®

THE GROWER

FEBRUARY 2014

CELEBRATING 134 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION

SECTION B

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION

Show and tell, show and sell

“

The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” ~ Alan Kay

The American computer scientist was a visionary. It’s not easy to create what’s never been before, but that’s certainly been the path of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention. Now celebrating its 12th edition, the show will be held at the spacious Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls on February 19 and 20.

Photo by Denis Cahill

Hats off to the volunteer committees of the Niagara Peninsula Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association along with Horticultural Crops Ontario who organize this annual showcase of exhibitors and a stellar roster of speakers.

For a preview of new products and services as well as highlights of speaker presentations, peak inside. And plan to drop by The Grower’s booth at #715.

For specific details of exhibitors and session agendas, go to www.ofvc.ca.

Niagara on the Lake, ON

Phone: (905) 468-5016

Fax: (905) 468-5676 e-mail: info@vine eyardmachines.com

www. vineyardmachines.com

PAGE B2 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION

WWW.OFVC.CA

2014 show preview TRADE SHOW

The OFVC is hosting a trade show competition for Most Innovative Product and Most Innovative Service. At press time, there were seven entries for products and one for service. They are as follows.

Products: 1. Vincent Nicoletis – JANNY MT, France - Individual module (bin)controlled atmosphere for smaller growers who do not have CA storage capability

COMPETITIONS

2. LaHave Natural Farms – Haskap berry – haskapa juice – A new berry from Russia and Asia 3. SHuR Farms – Frost Protection – Small frost fans suitable for small growers and small chronic frost pockets.

4. Agrozone NA Inc. - Agrozone Multisplit System – Ozone generators to help prevent mold spore development during storage.

5. Agrozone Now Technologies

SPEAKERS

Inc. (Anti) – Agrozone B.V. NOW System – NOW generator produces electrolytic water with the help of salts for disinfecting water, equipment or irrigation lines.

Machines – Portable wind machines as an alternative to fixed foundation units - quiet, portable, no installation costs, easy service.

6. Nourse Farms – “Malwina” a new variety of strawberry that produces fruit seven to 10 days later than other June-bearing varieties.

AT PRESS TIME

7. Vailmont Vineyards Ltd. – Tow & Blow Portable Wind

Services: 1. Niagara Orchard & Vineyard Corp – Niagara Vineyard Custom Work – Vineyard management service i.e. custom work and integrated pest management services.

Glenna Cairnie, OFVC executive coordinator, reports that 192 exhibitors have registered, including 38 first-timers. For the latest updates, go to www.ofvc.ca. For those who tweet, use #OFVC14 and follow @ofvc1.

NETWORKING Don’t miss the Farmers & Friends Reception Wednesday, February 19, 2014, Exhibit area, 5 pm – 7 pm Featuring Ontario wines and craft beers

WORKSHOPS

OFFMA Pre-Convention Workshop Led by Leslie Groves, Creative Retail Solutions Tuesday, February 18, 2014 9 am – 5 pm Marriott-Gateway on the Falls, Niagara Falls AM - Communicating in Colour PM – Creating Displays that Sell More Products Register by Feb. 10! info@ontariofarmfresh.com Apple Cider Workshop Wednesday, February 19, 2014 9:30 am Room 206 OMAF’s apple specialist Leslie Huffman chairs a morning program exploring the sweet and hard cider apple industry.

Vegetable Pathology Diagnostic Workshop Thursday, February 20, 2014 9:30 am Room 201 and 202 This two-hour workshop will be conducted by OMAF and MRA

staff: Elaine Roddy, Marion Paibomesai, Janice LeBoeuf and University of Guelph’s Shannon Shan.Their agenda covers the signs and symptoms of vegetable crop pathogens, key diagnostic features, field-based vs laboratory-based diagnosis, how to discern between look-a-likes, scouting tips and tricks, how to take good samples, diagnostic tools and digital diagnostics.

Drip Irrigation Workshop Thursday, February 20, 2014 Time 9:30 am Room 204 OMAF’s water quantity engineer Rebecca Shortt will lead a thorough process for optimizing farm irrigation water use. Leave this workshop knowing your farm water requirements, crop peak flow and annual water needs.

Understand your plant water requirements, system operating time and learn how to schedule for various crop growth stages.

Learn about proven irrigation scheduling tools and techniques.

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE B3 THE GROWER

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION

WWW.OFVC.CA

Stronger links to be forged between hopyards and brewers

Cathy Bakker, technician, strides amongst the rows of hop trials at the Simcoe Research Station. About 30 growers in Ontario will be looking to the cultivar results for best yields and longevity. Photo by Glenn Lowson.

KAREN DAVIDSON Let’s grow hops!

Not so fast, say the 30 or so members of the Ontario Hop Growers’ Association.

Aficionados of craft beer will find it easier to quaff a pint than to grow this crop. Patience is a virtue because three to four years of trellis-training 15 – 20 foot bines are required before a full harvest of hop cones. Along the way, specialty equipment is needed to spray. And then growers must figure out how to harvest, pelletize and market to home brewers and commercial

breweries. Despite the hurdles of hops, more than 50 acres are now under cultivation in Ontario.

2013 was a pivotal year explains Evan Elford, OMAF new crop development specialist, based in Simcoe, Ontario. The highest yielding variety produced 723 kilograms per hectare.

Despite being very popular in the U.S., the Zeus variety isn’t as favoured as Cascade, Hallertauer, Centennial and Chinook in Ontario.

“One of our jobs is to help identify cultivars that the brewmasters want and that growers can profitably cultivate here in

Ontario,” says Elford.

Already, it’s evident that some hop varieties are slow to establish, perhaps due to insect pressure such as leafhoppers or spider mites. Diseases such as alternaria or botrytis can infect hops. Poor soil fertility can stunt root growth. Cold hardiness is also a limiting factor, although hops do require a cold period and certain daylengths.

Geographically, the southern limit for hops is about North Carolina says Elford.

Only female plants are desired; male plants are culled because if they pollinate female plants, unwanted seeds will result. The saleable treasure is the female plant’s lupulin, a bitter, resinous, yellow powder comprising oils, alpha and beta acids. Aromatic hops are analyzed for their beta acids which give beer that pleasant, hoppy nose. Bittering hops are prized for their alpha acids which give beer a longer shelf life and offset the sweetness from barley.

To utilize the lupulins found within the cones, brewers can use hops in several forms. The first is to use a whole, fresh cone. Fresh cones must be delivered to the brewmaster within 24 to 48 hours from harvest to make what is called a harvest or wet-hopped ale. The second option is to use whole cones that have been dried to eight to 10 per cent moisture and then vacuum-packed. Kept cool and out of direct light, these cones are shelf-stable for about six months. Commercial brewers, however, are reluctant to accept this format because the hops can plug equipment. The third, and most preferred method, is using a pelletized product which has a longer shelf life and is more easily used in the brewing process. A Prince Edward Island supplier is the source of a couple low-temperature pelletizers now used by Ontario growers.

“Hops are very light and fluffy, and shipping them any distance is very expensive due to bulk,” explains Paul Lawson, owner of Lawson Mills Biomass Solutions in Charlottetown. “We redesigned the roller and die to pelletize the hops without generating the heat that would have affected flavour.”

While growers are navigating the value chain from hopyard to brewer, four major studies are underway for Ontario hops. They include cultivar evaluation,

James Grant, head brewer at The Blue Elephant in Simcoe, smells the aromas of the entries at the 2013 Great Ontario-Hopped Craft Beer Competition (www.onhops.ca). Twelve entries are expected this year.

Photo by Denis Cahill.

efficacy of a prototype hop sprayer, hop cucurbit downy mildew and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) guidelines for hops. A new agronomic trial will start in 2014 to simulate spring frost damage and to gauge yield effects.

Just as importantly, a market survey is calculating what local brewers need and why. Unique aromas can be achieved with high beta acids, but the question remains whether growers are fulfilling those wish lists. Already, it’s clear that brewers prefer nitrogen-purged bags of hop cones that are vacuum-packed to prevent oxidation of oils.

Brewers are asking for basic laboratory analysis and labeling of alpha and beta acids as well as date of harvest. A & L Laboratories based in London, Ontario is equipped for these tests. The Niagara College brewmaster program is coming on board to offer tests in 2014, adding capacity in the province.

Cheering on the local hops industry is amateur hop grower and home brewer Jason Deveau, OMAF’s application technology specialist. Not only is he responsible for the prototype hops sprayer, but he’s teamed up with Evan Elford to create the Great Ontario-Hopped Craft Beer Competition. This year, the hop entries must be geared for the style of an American Brown Ale. “Lots of lessons were learned in the inaugural competition,” says Deveau. “Beginning hop growers must learn to maintain the integrity of their hop entries post-harvest. Last year, the judges noticed off flavours that could have resulted from rots and mildews.”

This year’s competition, attracting 10 entries to date, will be held at 2 pm on February 19, in the Port Colborne Lounge at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention.

PAGE B4 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION

WWW.OFVC.CA

Ontario Berry Growers to meet February 18 PAM FISHER, BERRY CROP SPECIALIST, OMAF AND MRA 2013 - was it profitable or pestful? Spotted wing drosophila, anthracnose, virus diseases, thrips. These are all relatively new pests that have caused damage to an extent that I have never seen before.

Fortunately scientists from across North America are coming

to the Ontario Berry Growers Association Annual Meeting and the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Conference Feb. 18-20, to provide updates on these problems that affect profitability in your business.

by workers in the field before you know it is there. Fungicides are important but very few are registered. Frank Louws, from North Carolina State University will join us to discuss management of this pest.

Anthracnose fruit rot, caused by Colletotrichum acutatum can be very difficult to control in strawberries, especially day neutral strawberries. This disease can be symptomless and spread

Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) has once again caused serious losses, especially in blueberries and fall-bearing raspberries. This pest is present across the province on almost every berry farm, from

Photo by Glenn Lowson Ottawa to Windsor and as far north as New Liskeard. Pam Fisher will report on the Ontario SWD projects in 2013, and how

growers are dealing with this challenging pest. Stop by the OMAF and MRA booth at the trade show to ask questions and learn how to identify and monitor for SWD. Fungicide resistance: The fungus which causes Botrytis grey mould has a great capacity to develop resistance to fungicides used to control it. Using fungicides from different groups is a very important resistance management strategy. Although there are more than seven groups of fungicides registered for Botrytis, resistance to several has been reported in eastern U.S., and sometimes to more than one group at the same time. Frank Louws from North Carolina will discuss this issue and how to keep fungicides working for you.

Strawberry virus diseases are causing low vigour and poor yields in June-bearing strawberry fields in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

To manage this problem it is important to remove infected plantings and control the strawberry aphid. John Lewis, from Perennia, Nova Scotia, will discuss the virus situation and what we have learned in 2013 about the strawberry aphid and its control.

Nematodes: Root lesion and root knot nematode can attack roots of berry crops, causing even production and reduced vigour.

Traditionally controlled by long crop rotations, or by soil fumigants, these pests are becoming more abundant as registrations become more restrictive.

Alternatives to soil fumigation for nematode control include the use of soil amendments such as mustard seed meal, or nematode suppressing cover crops. Tom Forge, from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in B.C. will report on the impacts of soil fumigation and alternatives on nematodes and soil ecology.

Plan to attend all three days of program. For more information www.ofvc.ca Tues. Feb 18: OBGA annual meeting (preconference) at the Embassy Suites Wed. Feb 19: Berry sessions continue at OFVC. Other sessions include Biopesticides, Organics, Trade show.

Thurs. Feb. 20: Many sessions including Nematodes, Specialty Fruit Crops, Trade show.

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE B5 THE GROWER

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION

WWW.OFVC.CA

Exhibitor gallery

Photos by Denis Cahill

PAGE B6 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION

WWW.OFVC.CA

How to move your marketing ‘up-country’ On-farm retail marketers are often challenged in how to balance down-home, rustic charm with up-country, design savvy. That elusive mix is the difference between customers stopping for sweet corn in September and then luring them back for gift shopping in December.

Leslie Groves, Creative Retail Solutions, understands that design dilemma. Backed with a horticultural degree from Niagara College, she’s enjoyed a varied career in visual merchandising. The visual components of marketing are often neglected in on-farm retailing with limited to negligible budgets.

“It’s amazing what you can do with props and fixtures, often sourced from Restore,” says Groves. “I teach clients how to transform what they already have. I talk about traffic patterns and teach employees to be more sensitive about the messages they are conveying in displays.”

Elements and principles of display are the same for each and every business. Groves encourages clients to walk through their stores with the eyes of a customer.

First impressions, inside and out, count. Ask yourself whether a consistent message is communicated at all your touch points, including social media, staff and marketing.

Identify opportunities to build on. Understand perceived value and how to increase sales through cross merchandising displays to build product awareness.

Incorporate levels into a display, to keep product off the ground.

Store layouts can lead to a better bottom line. Focus on the transition zones and accent walls. Strategically place fixtures so that the light accent is on key products. Know what your most popular items are, positioning them closer to the rear of the store so that customers don’t miss all of your other offerings.

Update fixtures and props on a budget. Use nesting tables, for example. Or paint existing props to add new excitement. Build creative backdrops that can be used in multiple displays. In transitional display areas, learn to

This is a display that shows how a little ingenuity can go a long way. Log sections are used as risers to create levels and industrial spools are used for table displays.

This is another example of inexpensive props and fixtures using pallets to build tables or as upright dividers to brace larger gift items.

adapt or reinvent displays for multi-seasonal use.

This is a taste of what Groves will be sharing at the preconvention workshop hosted by the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association on Tuesday, February 18. Register

by February 10!

The next day, she will be kicking off the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association Summit in Ballroom B, Wednesday, February 19 at 9:30 am. Her topic: Props for Pennies. Everyone is welcome.

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)

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE B7 THE GROWER

PAGE B8 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION

WWW.OFVC.CA

Virus complex newest disease in Nova Scotia strawberries JOHN LEWIS In 2012, a complex of two viruses was discovered on several Nova Scotia farms. Susceptible varieties showed symptoms of leaf yellowing, stunting, and leaf distortion, with yield and berry size reduction in fruiting fields.

Even more concerning, early fall testing (in 2012) confirmed that newly planted fields were also infected, leading us to expect losses to this new disease in 2013 as well. Nova Scotia has not had problems with strawberry viruses in recent history and the suddenness of their appearance and level of damage in such a short time is a real concern. Where did they come from? How much of a threat are they? How do they spread? How can they be managed?

First of all, strawberry viruses documented in the literature are broadly grouped according to the vectors that spread them from plant to plant. The two viruses found last summer are the strawberry mild yellow edge virus (SMYEV) and the strawberry mottle virus (SMoV). Both are vectored (spread) by aphids, pri-

marily the strawberry aphid (Chaetosiphon fragaefolii), and thus management is a little less complicated as we only have to focus on one vector class.

Interestingly, these viruses don’t appear to cause problems when they exist by themselves in strawberries but together they can produce the devastating disease symptoms described above.

Where did these viruses come from? This has been the source of much discussion. The first symptomatic plants to test positive were from the variety ‘Mira’ and, understandably, we looked to nursery stock as a source, but extensive testing of Mira in the two northern plant nurseries in the Annapolis Valley yielded no positive results so nursery does not appear to be the source.

So once again, how did these viruses get here? Only recently have we learned that these viruses have been here a very long time but they and the strawberry aphid vector have been at low enough levels not to be problematic and have gone largely unnoticed.

Nova Scotia’s certified plant propagation program started in 1956 and early research at the

Strawberry aphid, a vector of several important strawberry viruses.

Kentville Research Station focused on levels of virus and aphid vectors. Using indicator plants, it was demonstrated in one study that virus symptoms occurred in 12 per cent of indicator plants in 1961 and 14 per cent in 1962 (Craig and Stultz, 1963).

Among the viruses identified was SMoV and, although not specifically cited, this author believes that SMYEV was also likely present as it has been shown in more recent decades that what were previously thought

to be single virus infections were in fact combinations of two or more viruses existing as a disease-causing complex. We have to remember that in the 1960s the molecular testing techniques did not exist to analyze directly for multiple virus infections and virus determination was only possible by symptoms observed in indicator plants. As such, researchers would not know if the virus symptoms observed were being caused by one virus or several although the assumption was most certainly the former. It is also noteworthy that viruses have also been reported in wild strawberries as early as 1957 (Nova Scotia Research Foundation, 1958) so this is further evidence that viruses have been around for quite a long time indeed.

If viruses have been around for a long time, why haven’t they been a problem before this? Well, I think there are two reasons for this. First, our propagation program begins with virus-free nuclear stock that is managed intensively by our nursery people to minimize the risk of virus infection. Additionally, nursery stock has been carefully inspected at each level of the propagation chain for off-types, and variants are meticulously rogued. I believe these measures have ensured that commercial fruit growers have a very low risk of purchasing virusinfected plants and I think history has shown this to be true.

Second, I don’t believe the main vector for virus transmission, the strawberry aphid, has existed as a major species in Nova Scotia until recently. A survey of aphid species and populations on several unsprayed plantations in the Annapolis Valley from 1961 to 1966 identified 56 species of aphids but only 0.1 per cent of the total captures were the strawberry aphid (Stultz, 1968). It is my feeling that this insignificant level of the strawberry aphid has generally remained so until recently when, like many of the other new pests in our region in recent years, its population levels have increased as a result of Nova Scotia’s moderating climate. We verified strawberry aphid on

infected plants in fall 2012 and hoped to get a better picture of aphid species and population variation during the 2013 growing season. It was our expectation that we would find much higher numbers of the strawberry aphid than was reported in the 1960s research.

How much of a threat is this virus complex? There were several farms in Nova Scotia that were in crisis in late 2012 and 2013 so every strawberry grower has reason to be concerned.

However, if you are isolated from other growers you are at less risk as virus-infected aphids lose SMoV within hours of picking it up. There is still risk that the virus could hip-hop on wild strawberries, so it is still important for everyone to assess their fields. If there are symptoms consistent with virus disease then you should contact your local extension agent for further examination. It is noteworthy that several other factors can cause symptoms similar to virus (eg. herbicide, nutritional deficiencies, cyclamen mite, etc) so don’t panic if you see some stunted plants this spring. Ask an expert and if they think it is virus a leaf sample can be sent for molecular verification.

If you have virus, how can you manage it? Unfortunately, there are no sprays that can kill the virus directly. Management of virus depends on two things: planting new fields with clean stock and minimizing the spread of virus from old fields into new fields by careful aphid management. The research from the’ 60s demonstrated that aphid populations rise dramatically in late May through June and July and then drop off dramatically in August.

Also, early season infections of new plantings are a greater concern because infected mother plants move the virus into their daughters and a higher percentage of infected plants will result.

Finally, winged aphids are the greatest risk to spread virus and although they can exist at any time during the season, it is generally felt their numbers increase when the general population increases. Thus an early season aphid management program that keeps aphid numbers low is advisable. There are a number of registered products available for aphid control and these can be found in Perennia’s “Strawberry Insect and Disease Management Schedule” at http://perennia.ca.

John Lewis is a horticulturalist with Perennia, a provinciallyowned agriculture and agri-food consulting company, based in Kentville, Nova Scotia. He will be speaking at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention in the Berry Session, Wednesday, February 19 in Ballroom A. Look for an update on the virus complex in the March issue of The Grower.

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE B9 THE GROWER

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION

WWW.OFVC.CA

Software improves labour efficiency on strawberry farm KAREN DAVIDSON While Plant City, Florida is well-known as the winter strawberry capital of the United States, it’s also a beacon for berry technology. Rudy Heeman, Thorndale, Ontario has sourced a software company there that has revolutionized his strawberry farm’s labour efficiency.

VirtualOne Software, situated midst 10,000 acres of strawberries, is marketing a program that integrates data collection,

traceback and payroll. It’s called FreshQC. “Traceability is the easy part,” says Heeman. Put a date stamp on the flat as well as the picker number, and for $10, you have traceability.

From a management perspective, the FreshQC program goes much further. It can track picking efficiency by crew and by picker.

With numbered pickers, flats and quart boxes, Heeman can identify who is the fastest picker and how to set standards for an average rate of picking by the hour.

Depending on the harvest load and time of season, those numbers will vary. The tracking will also pinpoint pick time as well as field or block. From that data, it’s evident how old the product is.

“Labour is huge in berries,” says Heeman. “But being more efficient with labour will put us ahead.”

Every unit comes with a small yellow sticker on the bottom.

Each quart of strawberries can be traced to the date, time and person who picked the berries. In the event of a consumer complaint – mold or squished berries for example -- the issue can be pinpointed. Consumers have the option of visiting the www.freshqc.com website and entering the 16-digit number on the bottom of their quart or end of flat. The on-line form allows instant feedback.

“

Labour is huge in berries. But being more efficient with labour will put us ahead.” ~ Rudy Heeman In the first year of implementing the software, Heeman’s received 40 responses. A printout is shared with the pickers – whether it’s a brick or a bouquet -- to reward and improve performance.

To hear about Rudy Heeman’s first-hand experience with the FreshQC program, attend the Berry Seminar, Ballroom A on Wednesday, February 19 at 3 pm.

The original biodegradable mulching film When you find something that works, you stick with it. Arysta LifeScience is proud to offer some of the most trusted names in crop protection for the horticulture market, along with some relatively new names. METTLE®, a Group 3 Fungicide with enhanced systemic activity for powdery mildew control in grapes and strawberries.

And KASUMIN™, a highly effective bactericide to protect apples and pears from orchard-threatening fire blight, as well as offering bacterial disease suppression in fruiting vegetables. Two great products to add to your crop protection toolbox. For the whole story, visit www.gowithwhatworks.ca.

Always read and follow label directions. MAESTRO, ELEVATE, KANEMITE, SHUTTLE, and DECREE are trademarks of Arysta LifeScience North America, LLC. The MAESTRO, ELEVATE, KANEMITE, SHUTTLE, DECREE, and KASUMIN logos are trademarks of Arysta LifeScience North America, LLC. ORTHENE is a registered trademark of OMS Investments, Inc., exclusively licensed to Arysta LifeScience Corporation in numerous countries. KASUMIN is a registered trademark of Hokko Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. METTLE and the METTLE logo are trademarks of ISAGRO S.p.A. Arysta LifeScience and the Arysta LifeScience logo are registered trademarks of Arysta LifeScience Corporation. ©2014 Arysta LifeScience North America Corporation, LLC. CDNH-1301

Now Available From Heartnut Grove hear tnutgrove.com Email : info@heartnutgrove.com Office : 519-264-2708 Mount Brydges, On Canada, N0L 1W0

PAGE B10 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION

WWW.OFVC.CA

Flight change: bumblebees on board KAREN DAVIDSON The bumblebee is a very efficient pollinator requiring just one visit to a blossom whereas honeybees might require 10 trysts.

That fact has not escaped New Brunswick blueberry grower Murray Tweedie who has increased his harvest from 1,730 kg to 5,900 kg per hectare, thanks in part to bumblebees sourced from Koppert Canada Limited.

Since 2005, his production figures have advanced significantly since he started using quads, so named for their four colonies of bumblebees. In some respects, they fly like a wide-bodied airplane – in cold or rain.

“Bumblebees are an important factor in the increased production levels of my crops,'” says Tweedie, owner of M & S Wild Blueberry Farms Ltd in Kouchibouguac. He and his wife Diane cultivate wild blueberries in an area spanning more than 500 acres, about seven miles from the Northumberland Strait. In that

maritime climate, it’s common to have rainy or overcast weather.

The strengths of bumblebees complement the strengths of honeybees. Tweedie says that honeybees are still the best bang for the buck under ideal pollination conditions. However, when weather doesn’t cooperate, bumblebees are the perfect back-up. About 1000 bumblebees can be counted per quad versus 40,000 to 60,000 honeybees per hive.

The original impetus for sourcing bumblebees was the unreliability of local sources of honeybees due to overwintering losses.

“Over the last two years, we have rented two tractor-trailer loads of honeybees out of Ontario,” says Tweedie. “As our fields mature and densities of plants increase, we will be increasing the numbers of pollinators, both honeybees and bumblebees.”

“From my experience, bumblebees are active down to at least 7°C.,” he continues. “I’ve witnessed them working effectively at this temperature and during drizzle, whereas honeybees won’t stick their noses out of the hive

WARWICK ORCHARDS & NURSERY LTD. R.R. #8 Watford, Ontario N0M 2S0 Tel: (519) 849-6730 Toll free: 877-550-7412 Fax: (519) 849-6731 Email: warwickorchards@brktel.on.ca

Munckhof Orchard Sprayers Votex Shredders and Mowers Orchard Equipment and Supplies Pruning Tools

Bumblebees will be part of the Koppert Canada booth.

Photo by Denis Cahill. until at least 12° or preferably 15° Celsius. Honeybees don’t like to forage when there’s thunder in the air either.”

After years of experimenting with ratios, Tweedie used one quad of bumblebees and 2.5 honeybee hives per acre in 2013.

Bumblebees are good insurance if

there’s a cold spell during pollination. “If that happens, the blueberry pollen will be viable only for a few days – a week at the outside,” says Tweedie. “If we have prolonged wet weather, the honeybees will miss pollinating the blossoms during that period.”

Quads are not without their

challenges. In his woodsy New Brunswick geography, black bears have sniffed out the quads, attracted by the intense-smelling nectar of bumblebees. This hazard necessitates electrified wire around quads. In Tweedie’s case, he uses solar panels to charge the batteries that electrify the fence.

This February, Tweedie and fellow growers in northern New Brunswick will be ordering 500 quads. It takes a minimum of 12 weeks to rear a strong enough colony for field work anticipated in mid-May. A facility near Detroit Michigan rears these specialty bees. Koppert’s staff communicate regularly to finalize logistics closest to pollination time. For bees travelling this distance, Koppert arranges a refrigerated tractor trailer with monitors to track temperature, humidity and vibration so that the bees arrive in good shape.

With this successful production record, Tweedie has started another 100 blueberry acres and anticipates harvesting by 2016.

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE B11 THE GROWER

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION

WWW.OFVC.CA

Vineland signs licensing agreement for novel varieties of peaches and nectarines NATHALIE DREIFELDS Canadian nurseries now have the rights to propagate and sell new peach and nectarine varieties to growers, thanks to a sublicensing agreement between Pennsylvania-based Adams County Nursery and Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland).

The nursery has partnered with Rutgers University in New Jersey to develop tree fruit varieties with varying ripening dates, enhanced firmness and flavour. Until recently, these commercial varieties have been available only in the U.S. Eleven novel varieties such as Peento or flat-shaped peaches such as the BuenOs, are now available according to Michael Kauzlaric, Vineland’s technology scout. “The selection also includes some early varieties – a highly sought-after quality by Ontario growers – as well as some that exhibit excellent firmness,� he says.

In addition to the Rutgers

selection, Vineland also manages the tender fruit varieties released from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as well as the on-going program at the University of Guelph led by Jayasankar Subramanian. VeeBlush (an early season ripening peach), White Knight (a white-fleshed peach) and Virtue (a late season ripening peach) were all released from the University program by Vineland in 2013. Trees of all varieties are available to growers in 2014 from licensed propagators.

White or yellow-fleshed, clingstone or free, peaches and nectarines are extremely popular when they come into season in Canada. Nationally, they are worth more than $35 million in annual farm gate value.

As a world-class research centre, Vineland has established a unique role in horticulture technology scouting by investigating and identifying leading-edge technologies and innovations world-wide that are of value to Canadian horticulture. Following direction from industry stakeholders, Vineland is exploring

" # $$ %

' (

technology options that offer new ways to reduce labour, increase yields and improve the profit picture for the horticulture industry. Rapid access to new technologies and discoveries, such as new cultivars, through

# % !

agreements with technology providers, is an effective way to provide growers with new tools and enhance competitiveness.

For additional information on each of these new varieties or to discuss a licensing agreement,

!

" # % &

'

contact Michael Kauzlaric at 905562-0320 x755 or michael.kauzlaric@vinelandresearch.com Come and see the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre booth at 315 and 317.

ADVERTORIAL

Have you tried Haskap berries?

For centuries, the Haskap berry has been loved and treasured in Russia and Japan. A freshly picked Haskap berry produces a full sensory explosion in the mouth—tart yet sweet, robust and complex—and leaves a wonderful wine-like finish.

This extraordinary berry consistently wins nine-out-often LaHave consumer blind tastings against both the blueberry and the pomegranate.

It has three very distinct advantages over other fruit: the first being its unique and sensuous taste; the second is its natural deep-blue colour; and third, and perhaps most importantly, it provides remarkable health benefits.

It’s Packed With Health Benefits Haskap berries were known by the ancient Ainu people of Japan as the ‘berry of long life and good eyesight.’ The berry contains extremely high levels of Vitamin C, Potassium, phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and other antioxidants. Recent research shows that Haskap berries have nearly three times the number of antioxidants as wild blueberries.

Haskap’s Rich Heritage While the Haskap berry has a rich and long heritage in Japanese and Russian folklore, its tasty and healthy secrets were not officially documented until 1756 by a Russian scientist.

The first commercial Haskap industry was born in the 1940s on Hokkaido, Japan’s second largest and most northern island. In the early 1950s Russian scientists found Haskap berries to be rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. In light of this finding, they processed Haskap into a special drink for astronauts in their space program and named it ‘The King of Drinks.’ Our Haskap Varieties for Sale It is not often that the opportunity of a new fruit emerges with the innovative potential that the Haskap berry offers.

The berry’s health heritage and wonderful taste suggest that its longterm commercial future is very promising.

At LaHave Forests we have scoured the world looking for the best varieties, and we can offer varieties from the University of Saskatchewan, our own LaHave ‘haskapa’ varieties from Eastern Europe, and Russian varieties from Berries Unlimited in the United States.

We currently offer 18 carefully selected varieties of Haskap and Honeyberries and only sell those that we plant in our own orchards.

A Haskap Orchard?

We recommend planting 1,000 plants per acre, which, when mature in year four or five, will yield 8,000 to 10,000 pounds of tasty and nutritious berries in June to early July.

The plants are very well suited for mechanical harvesting.

The berries are perfect for a wide range of quality premium consumer products. Given the high level of natural tannins found in the skin, the berry is particularly well suited to alcohol-based products.

The Future is Haskap!

All of us at LaHave strongly believe that people need Haskap berries in their lives. Our haskapa-branded products

will allow families to enjoy the natural taste and goodness of our Haskap berries. Quality, health and design are very important to us, and we are delighted to be winning awards for our tasty products.

Get in Touch with us There's lots of ways to say hi or ask a question. Please visit our web site www.lahavenaturalfarms.com or contact us by telephone (902-527-2139). And smile, life is Haskap good.

PAGE B12 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION

WWW.OFVC.CA

Two practices to improve on-farm water use efficiency REBECCA SHORTT Are you considering improving your on-farm water use efficiency? Do you know what practices are eligible for costshare funding under the Growing Forward 2 (GF2) Implementation Funding Assistance program for producers?

The following paragraphs outline my top two recommended practices for improving water efficiency – and they are both eligible for GF2 funding.

Importance of monitoring water use with a meter Knowing how much water you use is the first step to increasing farm water use efficiency.

Installing a water meter is a beneficial step for any farm practice which uses water.

A water meter provides an instantaneous reading of the flow of water for the application (e.g. irrigation system) and helps to diagnose if the system is operating as designed.

• Higher than usual flow? Check the system for leaks, worn nozzles and malfunctioning valves.

• Lower than usual flow? Check the system for plugging, malfunctioning valves and pump station performance.

Monitoring the water flow from an application over a period of time, and tracking the total flow reading will help to assess the on-going water use from each application and will help you to evaluate new practices or equipment.

• Assesses the impact of new management practices on the basis of their water usage.

• Allows for an optimization of water use by comparing the water use and associated costs of different practices.

Under scenarios of climate change and where water supplies are stressed, a water monitoring program is the first tool needed to identify water-efficient opportunities.

References: • Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan (EFP), Worksheet #13, question 1: “Knowledge of water use and supply system.” Using a meter and logging the data from the meter is rated as a “Best” practice.

• Technical Bulletin, Ministry of Environment, Permit To Take Water Program, Monitoring and Reporting of Water Takings: Continuous metering at the point of water taking is the normally accepted, most accurate, and easy-to-use method of monitoring the volume of water taken daily.

In addition to the meter itself, wireless transmission of the meter readings, loggers and software to graph the output are all useful tools to assist you in making good use of the data collected in a timely manner.

Importance of monitoring soil moisture with an instrument Monitoring soil moisture is the key to getting the right amount of water to crops at the right time.

The use of soil moisture monitoring equipment will benefit decision-making on all irrigated farms.

Monitoring soil moisture and taking action to use the information provided in irrigation decisions will help growers manage soil moisture. Choosing the right times and the right amounts to irrigate can lead to: • Higher yields • Better product quality • Improved plant vigour • Reduction in disease

•

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

taught me the best timing and quantities to apply; you can see the trends in the graphs to see if you’ve applied enough or too much.”

• “From the soil moisture instruments I learned that I was not applying enough water.”

Water flow meter • More effective use of water (water efficiency) • Reduced irrigation costs Soil moisture instrument demonstrations have occurred in southern Ontario and cooperating farms reported the following outcomes: • “My understanding of soil moisture monitoring has improved. I

now know the field capacity, wilting point and my optimum irrigation trigger points.”

• “Soil moisture monitoring helps me determine when irrigation is beneficial.”

• “Now I know what is going on in the soil profile; before I was guessing.”

• “The soil moisture instruments

References: • Environmental Farm Plan (EFP), Worksheet #13, question 7 “Irrigation Scheduling.” Using a soil moisture gauge is rated as a “Best” practice.

• Monitoring Soil Moisture to Improve Irrigation Decisions.

OMAF Fact Sheet www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/en gineer/irrigation.htm • Best Management Practices: Irrigation Management. 2004.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. p. 29-37 In addition to the soil moisture instruments, wireless transmission of the moisture readings, loggers and software to graph the output are all useful tools to assist you in making good decisions based on the data collected.

Rebecca Shortt is OMAF/MRA water quantity engineer.

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE B13 THE GROWER

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION

WWW.OFVC.CA

Early leaf removal found to increase quality of Pinot noir wine KAITLYN LITTLE Early leaf removal in the vineyard has been found to increase final wine quality due to an increase in fruity aromas and colour in Pinot noir wine says Brock University researcher Belinda Kemp.

Kemp, an oenologist at Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute will present this research at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention February 19, in Niagara Falls.

“Through management in the vineyard, winemakers can achieve soft, fruity flavoured wines with the desirable skin tannin and less of the harsh tannin and green aroma characteristics,” Kemp said.

The study, completed at Pegasus Bay Vineyard in New Zealand under the supervision of Lincoln University, examined the impact of mechanical leaf removal (80 per cent of leaves in the fruiting zone) had at various stages of the growing season.

Kemp compared leaf removal at seven days after flowering, 30 days post flowering, veraison and

“

Through management in the vineyard, winemakers can achieve soft, fruity flavoured wines with the desirable skin tannin and less of the harsh tannin and green aroma characteristics.” ~ Belinda Kemp

a control group of no leaf removal. The study focused on Pinot noir aroma compounds, wine flavour and tannin concentrations.

Researchers found no significant difference in sugar

levels, titratable acidity or pH at grape maturity during the twoyear project. Tannin concentration in grape berry skins showed no difference at harvest between the treatments.

In the bottled wine however, tannin concentrations differed significantly. This result was due to an increase in extractable skin tannins during fermentation in grape skins from vines that had early leaf removal. Early leaf removal showed the highest concentration of desirable tannins in both years of the study while the control consistently exhibited the lowest levels of these desirable tannins. Kemp attributed the increased tannin concentration to higher levels of UV light exposure for vines that had early leaf removal.

A panel of New Zealand winemakers assessed the final wines and described the wines with no leaf removal as vegetal with “green” characteristics.

Wines made from grapes with early leaf removal had a higher intensity of dark fruit aroma and flavour. Where early leaf removal took place, the higher skin tannin concentration produced a higher

Belinda Kemp, CCOVI, Brock University. Photo by Denis Cahill

quality, softer, smooth and more balanced wine that has a deeper colour and better aging ability.

Late leaf removal and no leaf removal produced a lower quality wine with low colour and harsh, rough tannins that were attributed to less of the desirable skin tannins.

The study also found that controlling grapevine yield by partial cane removal increased the intensity of dark fruit aroma.

“Understanding how the grapes were managed in the vineyard will help create increased desirable skin tannin concentra-

tion and produce higher quality smooth, fruity and well-rounded wines with attractive aromas and flavours,” Kemp said.

Although this project examined the effects of leaf removal on Pinot noir grapes, Kemp says the findings can be applied to other cool climate red wine varieties such as Cabernet sauvignon and Cabernet franc.

Kaitlyn Little is marketing and communications officer, Cool Climate Oenology & Viticulture Institute, Brock University.

R.R. #1 COOKSTOWN LOL 1L0

1 Operator - 2 Rows 6000 Plants/Hr/Unit WALTER WEENING SALES PHONE (705) 458-4003 rwequipment@bellnet.ca

Planters & Diggers Potatoes/Garlic/Bulbs

• •

WES WEENING SALES & SERVICE FAX (705) 458-1480 www.rwequipment.ca

PAGE B14 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION

WWW.OFVC.CA

Consumer science targets the sweet spot for apples

KAREN DAVIDSON Apple grower Cathy McKay has a good question: Sugar consumption is trending upwards.

Is that why consumers like sweeter apples?

Amy Bowen, research program leader, consumer insights, with the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland), had the answer at the recent annual general meeting of the Ontario Apple Growers held in Niagara Falls. After three years of sensory and consumer work, Bowen says that 89 per cent of surveyed consumers liked a sweet, juicy crisp apple while 11 per cent preferred a fresh, green apple. It doesn’t matter what ethnic background, age or gender, the preferences are the same.

That’s helpful knowledge when planting new varieties, even more so when investing in new apple varieties that will hit the ‘sweet spot’ as Canada’s demographics change rapidly in the next decade. Combining the sensory and consumer science with applied genomics is critical to screening the current inventory of heritage and commercial

apples. Vineland now has the capability to relate this consumer insight with regions of the apple genome that play a role in sensory perception.

Apple program slated for Thursday, Februar y 20 The OFVC hosts a full day of apple exper ts, including speakers from Ontario, B.C ., and Washington State.

Long-term, Vineland wants to develop an Ontario-branded apple that will expand the local market and beyond. Currently, Vineland is testing apple selections from New Zealand, the U.S., British Columbia and Europe for breeding purposes Bowen explained. These selections can be used in the breeding program to tailor new varieties to Ontario that can respond to markets 15 years into the future.

As recently as 2013, the Vineland Trained Sensory Panel tested 63 varieties of heritage and commercial apples, distinguishing

17 significant sensory attributes.

A consumer panel representing European, Chinese and South Asian descent evaluated a subset of these varieties.

Perceived flavour can be mapped onto the apple genome reports Bowen. This can be used to guide and accelerate breeding.

Linking sensory perception with volatile profiles and genome-wide association mapping will result in new apple varieties that shine under Ontario growing conditions while also tickling consumer preferences.

Investment in this project has been provided by Ontario Apple Growers and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In Ontario this program is delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council.

Operators plan now to attend:

Airblastt Sprayerss 101 Airblas 101 An interactive works workshop hop with Dr Dr.. Jason Deveau, Application T Technology echnolo e ogy Specialist from OMAFRA, that includes classro oom demonstrations and classroom dialogue with an exp experienced erienced airblast technician.

Workshop W orkshop D Date ate a and nd L Location ocation March 4, Kemptville: 9:00 am-12:30 am-12:30 pm Purvis Hall, Kemptville College (Heritage Dr./Beatty Dr./Beatty Lane)

Learn how to calibrat calibrate, te, maintain and adjust your sprayer to the crops you y spray spray..

March 7, Brighton: 8:30 am-1:00 am-1:0 00 pm King Edward Park Arena (75 Elizabeth Steet)

To T o register call (Jason): (Jason n): 519.426.8934 or email: Jason.Deveau@ontario.ca Jason.Deve eau@ontario.ca

March 10, Vineland: 8:30 am-1:00 am-1:00 pm Station Vineland OMAF/MRA Resource S Avenue N.) (4890 Victoria A venue v

Brought to you by:

$25 Workshop Fee. Space $ 25 W orkshop F ee. S pace iiss llimited. imited.

Lunch L unch provided. proviided.

Visit www www.sprayers101.com .ssprayers101.com for more morre program information.

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE B15 THE GROWER

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION

WWW.OFVC.CA

‘Cider is Ontario’s ideal industry’: George Morris Centre A new study indicates that this is “a good time” to be in the cider industry. Cider consumption is growing globally and domestically and the consumption of hard apple cider in Ontario is on the rise as well. This growth creates a significant opportunity for Ontario craft cider makers and entrepreneurs to expand their presence in the marketplace.

The Ontario Apple Growers and the Ontario Craft Cider Association (OCCA) recently engaged the George Morris Centre to conduct an economic impact study and develop a strategic road map for the hard apple cider industry in Ontario.

The study found the cider industry has a solid and stable

Mark Delanghe (left) along with his father Hector will be speaking about how they make award-winning ciders at Delhaven Orchards, Blenheim, Ontario. Photo by Denis Cahill.

supply of good quality Ontario apples for their cider production.

“The Ontario craft cider industry is now at a very important point in its development. It needs to take measured, strategic steps in partnership with apple growers and the provincial government.

These strategic decisions will help it to achieve its full growth potential and to generate its full contribution to the provincial economy,” says Kevin Grier, senior market analyst, George Morris Centre.

“Cider is Ontario’s ideal industry: agriculture, manufacturing and tourism and it is green to boot. This study confirms the potential and we look forward to making Ontario the centre of cider excellence,” said Nick Sutcliffe, chair, OCCA. If the Ontario cider industry achieves projected sales of $35 million by 2018, the industry would have the following economic impacts: • Overall economic activity of $60 million. In addition to $35 million in projected sales, the supplier industries would generate a further $25 million in added

sales as a result of the activities of the craft cider industry.

• Total added gross domestic product of $30 million.

• 220 jobs would be created in the industry and its suppliers.

• Total payroll including benefits would total $12 million for the cider industry and its suppliers.

• Taxes of more than $2 million would be paid to local, provincial and federal governments, not including income taxes.

Investment in this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In Ontario this program is delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council.

The OCCA was established in 2012 to represent craft cider producers in Ontario. The OCCA’s mission is to ensure that Ontario is recognized as a centre for cider excellence and innovation.Visit: www.ontariocraftcider.com.

Nick Sutcliffe is one of the speakers for the Apple Cider Workshop (sweet and hard) to be held Wednesday, February 19 in Room 206.

Variable V ariable a Mow Mower wer Mow variable widths in one pass

Cuts fr from ro om 2.2 2 2 to 3.8 3 8 metres metrre es automatica automatically. ally y.

Other sizes s available.

WITHOUTT Kasco your Job J could d be Leth Lethal! hal!

Kasco helmet met rrespirators, espirrators, a givee you protection while hile spr spraying raaying and ha handling andling cides and pesticides. herbicides

K80S T8N Helmet Respir Respirator r ator ved NIOSH Appro Approved

Contact uss toda today: ay: y

1 (800) 461-4 461-4299 4299

www.thestgeorgeco.com www .thesttgeorgeco.com m

Trusted, proven control.

engageagro.com

1-866-613-3336

Assail is a registered trade-mark of Nippon Soda Co., Ltd. © 2013 Engage Agro Corporation.

PAGE B16 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION

WWW.OFVC.CA

Mobile cider press offers cost-effective, on-farm service

The Farmhouse Cider mill processes up to 500 litres of apple cider per hour and produces a pasteurized product in a Bag-in-Box format.

KAREN DAVIDSON Childhood memories of making apple cider with their grandfather has come full circle for brothers Garry and Gord Geissberger. Their mobile cider mill now makes the rounds of many local farms, creating memories for adults and children alike.

More than that, this one-of-akind cider mill offers a cost-effective service to Ontario orchards

which need to press downgraded apples into a value-added product.

Only three other mobile cider mills exist in Canada. The 8’ x 20’ trailer contains an apple washer, shredder, press, pasteurizer and packaging system. The mill can produce between 450 to 500 litres of apple cider per hour, employing a unique Bag-in-Box packaging system that assures long shelf-life without preservatives or refrigeration.

With delivery late in the fall of

VEGETABLE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE -

1 used 18’ potato truck, $6,500.

Thomas WR944 4-row windrower, field ready, $24,500.

Thomas C91 2-row harvester, field ready, TTT warranty. SOLD. Thomas B2000 Air Vac harvester. Mint condition, $30,000.

2-row Spudnick potato harvester, $30,000.

4-row Spudnick potato windrower. New primary and secondary webs, used one season, $24,000.

- 4-row mechanical transplanter with water tank, SOLD. - Lockwood 5000 4-row, windrower, field ready, $20,000.

- Lockwood 2-row potato harvester, $12,000.

- Grimme GB1700 potato harvester, $16,000.

- Grimme DL1500 2-row windrower, $7,500.

- Grimme GL1700 potato harvester, $30,000.

- Grimme RL3600 4-row windrower. Full width primary, mint cond., $26,000 - NEW 16 ton fertilizer tender box, $19,500.

- NEW 1000 gallon, 66’ Farm King sprayer, $30,000.

- 12 row Stanhay seeder with microgranular boxes. Nearly new, $39,000 - 1000 gallon FarmKing sprayer, 66ft booms. 2012 model, $ 26,000

2012, the mobile cider press had few customers due to the very short apple season. However, in 2013, the Geissbergers pressed 50,000 litres. Put another way, that figure represents 10,000 fivelitre boxes. Their customers ranged from their home base of Durham region to as far east as Kingston and as far north as

Owen Sound.

For hard cider, Garry Geissberger says many people like to use heritage apple varieties due to their high sugar content.

For sweet cider, more popular varieties are used such as McIntosh, Empire and Gala.

The mobile mill saves orchards the cost of shipping apples off-

farm to be made into cider and with the Bag-in-Box packaging, orchards can brand their own line of apple cider without expensive refrigeration equipment.

To make the on-farm visit economically feasible, Garry recommends a minimum of six bins of apples. It costs about $6.50 per box for the service. Some growers promote the arrival of the cider press, inviting school children for the specific day.

“When we are operating at an orchard it is like a mini-apple festival,” says Gord. “Families at the orchard love to see the farm apples being squeezed into cider, enjoy the fresh taste and we are always open to questions about the apple cider making process.”

The Farmhouse Cider Mill was honoured with the Premier’s Leadership in Innovation award at last fall’s premier’s summit. As the 2014 apple crop shapes up, bookings are encouraged in July and August. For an in-depth preview, hear the Geissbergers speak at the OFVC on Wednesday, February 19 at 9:30 am in room 206. For more information, go to www.farmhousecider.ca

Get your fresh ideas rolling.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association invites you to Live Healthy, Eat Fresh at the 2014 Convention and Trade Show in Vancouver.

APRIL 2-4, 2014

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR OUR FULL LISTING OF USED EQUIPMENT!

3211 - 8th Line Bradford, ON L3Z 2A5 Ph: 905-960-0033 sales@agriveg.ca www.agriveg.ca

cpma.ca

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE B17 THE GROWER

With over 400 crop protection products available, spray decisions can be tough. For help on building the right spray program for your farm speak with one of our experienced representatives.

THE CANADIAN FRUIT AND VEGETABLE SPECIALISTS 1-905-563-8261

www.bartlett.ca

Info@bartlett.ca

PAGE B18 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION

WWW.OFVC.CA

New nematicide expected

Root knot damage. Photo by Dennis VanDyk The marketplace for nematicides has changed dramatically in the last couple years with familiar products no longer available due to environmental concerns. That’s been a worry to growers who know first-hand the damage that can be caused by dozens of species of nematodes. Root knot nematode, stem and bulb nematode and lesion nematode are just a few.

The nematodes that attack plants are microscopic eel worms that have a pointed dagger-like mouth part, the stylet, that lets them attack roots and other plant parts. The nematodes feed on the cell contents, which weaken the plant. Often, nematode damage provides a route for other pathogens to enter the plant. For instance, potato early dying is caused by the combined effects of the lesion nematode and a soilborne fungus, Verticillium.

Both root knot and lesion nematodes have a wide host range and cause damage to the roots of fruits, vegetables and field crops.

Some crops can tolerate a certain amount of damage and only suffer when there are high populations in the soil; think ‘death by a thousand cuts,’ but other crops are more susceptible.

Carrots are extremely sensitive to damage from root knot nematode so they are a good test crop for nematicidal activity. If a product can reduce nematode damage on carrots, there is a very good possibility that it will effectively protect other crops, says MaryRuth McDonald, University of Guelph researcher.

A new product called Nimitz is currently undergoing global registration in the United States, Canada and Australia. With the active ingredient fluensulfone, this product kills a wide range of nematode species within 24 hours. Just as important, the product will represent a giant step forward in safety. Unlike traditional nematicides, Nimitz is not a gas, avoiding the environmental regulations associated with fumigants.

This nematicide has a new mode of action and chemical class offering a high level of efficacy from a single application.

As Don Surgeoner, Mana Canada, explains, “Nimitz is a paradigm shift in the industry due to its simplicity. No fumigation, no buffers, 12-hour re-entry instead of five-day, simple pre-plant and incorporation application.”

The product can be sprayed

Heterodera

and then rototilled. It can also be applied through drip irrigation.

Initial registration will be for fruiting vegetables and cucurbits.

Registration for carrots, strawberries and other crops is expected to follow.

Surgeoner will be responsible for introducing the product to clients in eastern Canada. One significant benefit is the reduction in labour costs that fumigants incur through custom applicators, posting, buffer zones, manage-

ment plans, 24-hour monitoring and worker training.

Don Surgeoner will be speaking at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention as part of a morning session on nematode management in horticultural crops, Thursday, February 20.

Dennis VanDyk, a graduate student in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph, will also be speaking on nematode management. He is investigating

fumigants (metam sodium and chloropicrin) and alternatives such as Nimitz. (Some may remember this product as MCW2). Dazitol (essential oil of mustard and oleoresin of capsicum) and MustGrow (oriental mustard seed meal) for control of root knot and lesion nematodes on carrots and tomatoes.

9:00 am

Plant Parasitic Nematodes: Biology, Symptoms and Damage in Horticulture Crops Dr. Tom Forge, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

9:30am

An Integrated Approach to Managing Plant Parasitic Nematodes Dr. Inga Zasada, USDA-ARS

10:00 am

Evaluating Nematicides for the Control of Nematodes on Vegetable Crops in Ontario Dennis VanDyk & Dr. M.R. MacDonald, University of Guelph

10:30 am

The Next Generation Non Fumigant Nematicide – NIMITZ Don Surgeoner, Makhteshim Agan of North America Ltd. (MAAN)

11:00 am

New Requirements for Applying Soil Fumigants in Canada Adam Colley, Pest Management Regulatory Agency, Health Canada

FEBRUARY 2014 –– PAGE B19 THE GROWER

Manage M anag a e your your farm farm from from o an anywhere ywhere IIntroducing ntroducing the the FM FM PRO PRO Mobile Mobile app app Combined C ombined w with ith yyour our e existing xisting FField ield M Manager anager P PRO RO o orr 3 360 60 d desktop esktop ssoftware, oftware, FFM MP PRO RO M Mobile obile rrevolutionizes evolutionizes h how, ow, where a nd w hen yyou ou m anage yyour our ffarm arm d ata. D ownload FFM MP RO M obile a nd ccreate reate a nd sshare hare a ll yyour our ffield ield where and when manage data.

Download PRO Mobile and and all records ffrom rom yyour our iiPhone, Phone, iiPad Pad a nd A ndroid d evice. records and Android device.

1-877-926-0064 1 - 877- 926-0064 | ffccsoftware.ca ccsoftw ware.ca

PAGE B20 –– FEBRUARY 2014 THE GROWER