The Grower Newspaper June 2012

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JUNE 2012

CELEBRATING 132 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION

VOLUME 62 NUMBER 06

Extreme frosts rob 80 per cent of Ontario’s apple crop Insurance assessment still underway for apples and tender fruits KAREN DAVIDSON CLARKSBURG, ON -- What used to be apple blossoms are crumbling in Brad Oakley’s hands like toast crumbs. Open up the bloom and the ovaries are brown. There are no working parts. The seed is dead. “There has absolutely never been anything remotely similar,” says the grower who’s been farming in the Beaver Valley since 1984. Oakley estimates much of his 200 acres won’t produce this year due to devastating frosts the last weekend of April. What’s unusual is that he’s not alone. Sustained low temperatures frosted every key growing region in the province, spanning 16,000 acres close to Lakes Huron, Erie, Ontario and Georgian Bay. “It will be June before the true extent of damage is known,” says Brian Gilroy, chair Ontario Apple Growers. Elsewhere in Canada, apple blossom season has proceeded normally in British Columbia, although it’s been one of the earliest on record on the east coast. It’s so early that no blossoms are expected for the 80th Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival, May 25 to June 3, according to Dela Erith, executive director, Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association. Quebec seems to have fared much better. Nearby states of Michigan and New York have also been

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Several members of Ontario's apple value chain contemplate the severe frosts that wiped out a huge chunk of the crop at the end of April -- a province-wide event never experienced in generations of apple farming. While it's too early to predict total losses, the industry anticipates 20 per cent of a normal crop might make it into the bin. The implications will affect (L-R), on-farm retailers such as Dave Lambe, packers such as Jim Dolmer, Bay Growers Inc., migrant workers such as Phillip Lawrence, and growers such as Brad Oakley, all in the Georgian Bay area. Photos by Glenn Lowson. hard hit, amplifying the apple shortage for the entire Great Lakes basin. Tender fruit growers are nursing their own pain with significant damage to Ontario’s early plums, sweet and sour cherry and nectarine crops. Growers are still hopeful that peaches and pears will fare better with predictions of a 60 to 70 per cent normal crop says Sarah Marshall, general manager, Ontario Tender Fruit Producers. It’s too early to tell. Due to the frost timing, apples bore the brunt, with extensive implications for the value chain. Ontario, which produces 40 per cent of Canada’s apples, has a farmgate value of $65 million. When ancillary industries of packing, trucking, cartons and crates, juice operations and pie processing are included, the number balloons to $260 million. That figure is based on multiplying the farmgate value by four. Most immediately, the effects are playing out for off-shore

workers, some of whom will be sent home to the Caribbean for lack of work or transferred to other vegetable operations. That could be devastating news for 450 to 500 workers. Experienced help such as Phillip Lawrence will stay on to prune and to provide ongoing care for orchards. That’s the double whammy facing growers. While a huge slice of annual income is gone, most of the usual costs remain. Spraying fungicides remains key to protect trees from apple scab, powdery mildew and other diseases. To that point, OMAFRA’s apple team has communicated a minimum ‘care list’ to get orchardists through a stressful year. Some concern remains as to the overall health of the trees and how they’ll fare in 2013. At Bay Growers Inc. in the Georgian Bay area, the packing line is still running with Empires, Spartans, Red Delicious and Ida Reds – just as crisp as they were last fall. The challenge is to

communicate accurately with Ontario’s major grocers who are asking about the impact to consumers for the coming fall. “We’ll have some local apples,” says Jim Dolmer, general manager, Bay Growers’ Inc. “And they will be more expensive. What we can say is that we’ll be out of apples as early as next January. We won’t be storing and packaging apples until next June like we usually do.” If big packers don’t have product, the problem will be as acute for local on-farm retailers. Take Dave Lambe for example, whose family grows and buys local apples for Grandma Lambe’s bakery and store near Meaford. He is already phoning Nova Scotia looking to source apples and cherries for pies, worried that customers will wander to other outlets. “Money can get you out of awkward positions, but can you justify passing the extra costs on to consumers,” questions Lambe.

“We’re already pulling out Grandma Lambe’s recipe books and researching other pie recipes. Maybe we’ll sell pear pie as a novelty.” For Golden Town Apple Products, a local company that makes juices for Lassonde, it’s just too early to make any predictions says Jay Johnson, director of business relations and global apple procurement. For consumers, there’s a glimmer of good news in that Washington State is predicting a bumper crop, up five per cent from average. However, the Bay Growers’ Dolmer points out that other global events are in play. Poland has been frozen out, a country that usually supplies apples to Russia. Where will the country turn? China may have enough apples to fill the vacuum. Overall, apple supplies will be tight until the southern hemisphere starts shipping next winter. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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AT PRESS TIME… Ontario’s tender fruit industry refreshes website Growers and marketers of tender fruit in Ontario now have access to new marketing and communications tools, including Quick Response (QR) codes and a new online discussion forum for farmers. These tools are part of the newly launched website of the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers Marketing Board, which represents growers of peaches, nectarines, pears, plums, seedless coronation grapes and chilled and pitted cherries. “We are excited to offer our growers and marketers new ways to promote and sell the great tender fruit we grow here in Ontario,” says Phil Tregunno, a farmer and the organization’s chair. “Consumers are increasingly looking for information about where their food comes from and our website offers resources to help do that.” A QR code is a type of bar code that can be read by a smart phone or tablet device and direct users to specific information. The site offers various QR codes that can be requested for download from Ontario Tender Fruit for inclusion on tender fruit packaging and marketing materials. Recipes, an image library and instore promotional materials are also available. For tender fruit farmers, the site offers a password protected grower-only section that provides pricing information and other market information, as well as key industry contacts and a new online discussion forum. The consumer section of the site features a wide array of

recipes for all the tender fruit crops as well as nutritional, storage and handling and production information. It is also mobile phone-friendly and automatically switches to a streamlined version of the site for users accessing the information on a smart phone device. “We want to make it as easy as possible for consumers to access information about tender fruit, whether that’s at the grocery store or on their smart phone device while they’re on the go,” says board manager Sarah Marshall. “With the many different recipes as well as information on where fruit is available, it’s never been this easy to buy and enjoy local.” Check out the website at www.ontariotenderfruit.ca

NEWSMAKERS RPC labeling is standardized Three large retailers—Kroger, Loblaw, and Safeway—have agreed to accept a new standard 4”x 2” label for Returnable Plastic Containers (RPCs) following an industry collaboration driven by Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI) volunteers. The change guides a level of standardization to RPC labeling and provides a cost effective solution for produce suppliers. The effective date of the change, transition plans and other details regarding the new RPC labels will be communicated individually by each retailer to its trading partners, according to a news release from the Canadian Produce Marketing Association.

FedDev invests in Vineland

Tunnel Tech sold

The Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC) is to receive $2.5 million in funding to commercialize two projects: a robotic automation system for use in greenhouses and nurseries and a frost protection system for use in vineyards, orchards and fields. “With investment from FedDev Ontario’s Prosperity Initiative, Vineland has brought together partners in technology and automation from non-agricultural sectors to address labour efficiency issues, one of horticulture’s largest challenges,” said Jim Brandle, CEO, VRIC. “This is innovation working at its best new partners and proven ideas to address some of the unique planting and harvesting challenges that are common to our industry.”

Tillsonburg Tube has purchased agricultural tunnel maker Tunnel Tech of Lasalette, Ontario, a manufacturer specializing in the design and supply of multi-bay high tunnels for the agricultural and greenhouse markets. “Tunnels are becoming increasingly popular in the agricultural market, because they are so effective in extending the growing season, and improving produce quality and yield,” says Keith Prince, Tillsonburg Tube. Tunnel Tech is a turn-key supplier that provides planning, site measurements, installation, venting and tunnel management services. The company customizes each installation, taking into account varying requirements based on winds, micro-climates, soil type and crops grown.

Steve Peters, former Ontario agriculture minister 2003-2005, becomes the new executive director of the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors. The group comprises 650 food and beverage processors in the province. Asparagus grower and former OFVGA chair Brenda Lammens has been elected as chair of the Ontario Agricultural Commodity Council (OACC) until April 2013. She replaces Mark Wales who stepped down from the position when he became president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture last November. The Ontario Wine Society has named Andrzej Lipinski Winemaker of the Year. He’s the winemaker for Colaneri Estate, Burning Kiln and Organized Crime. Alberta’s Conservative Premier Alison Redford named new ministers to her cabinet in early May, including lawyer Verlyn Olson who takes over from defeated Evan Berger in agriculture and Andrzej Lipinski rural development. Representing the riding of Wetaskiwin-Camrose, his first national foray will be to the federal-provincial-territorial ag ministers’ meeting in Whitehorse, Yukon on September 12-14. Lorie Jocius is the new chair of Ontario Agri-Food Education Inc. Perry Wilson is vice-chair with Tim Nelson remaining as treasurer. Mark Zachanowich has been hired as vice-president, operations by Peak of the Market based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As the former logistics and distribution centre manager for Cabelas Canada, he brings a deep knowledge of quality produce and distribution centres. The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association has hired Daryl Vermey for the position of economic analyst. He’ll be developing economic and farm financial policy options and providing research on economic, social and environmental trends as well as government programs and policies that impact edible horticulture. Previously, he was a program coordinator with the Agricultural Adaptation Program managing CAAP and FIP projects. Wilmot Orchards, Newcastle, Ontario has racked up an impressive fundraising total of $35,000 in the last five years in the fight against cancer. All donations go to Princess Margaret Hospital. This year, Charles Stevens, Robbie Montgomery and Jeremy Calhoun will be participating in the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer on June 9 and 10 in a 200-kilometre event. Each must raise $2500 to participate. To support their bid this year, go to www.to12@conquercancer.ca

INTERNATIONAL TRENDS

Packaging health and convenience Health and convenience seem like two contradictory trends, but according to a report from Dutch-based Rabobank, they will be the key drivers of increased demand for fresh vegetables in the next five years. Although North Americans are concerned about obesity, marketing of health benefits alone won’t be enough to entice higher consumption of fresh produce. The benefits must be packaged in easy-to-consume formats as well. That finding is inspirational news for seed companies who are encouraged to breed more varieties in terms of flavour and nutritional content. Also suggested is more access to global vegetables to cater to regional tastes and adventurous consumers. “As stores develop and

expand their own private label offerings, it creates a challenge for established brands,” says Karen Halliburton Barbet, the report’s author. "Though some leading branded processors are supplying private labels, there's a risk of diminishing their own heavily invested brands." Overall, grower-shipper processors are uniquely positioned to develop new products and grow the fresh-vegetable market by serving the evolving demand for healthy, convenient foods.

LOGISTICS

BREEDING

MARKETING

New RPC station in Oregon

New lettuce variety launched in U.S.

Brazilian ad agency engineers the box

IFCO Systems has opened a reusable plastic container (RPC) service centre in Portland, Oregon. According to the Houstonbased company, the 85,000square-foot facility is the fifth such station in the U.S. Other centres include: San Antonio; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; Atlanta; and Chicago. More than 40,000 RPCs are washed daily at the Portland facility. Up to 40 truckloads of RPCs are shipped and received daily.

Frescada, a cross between iceberg and Romaine lettuce, is now available in select Sam’s Club stores in six states. "We are pleased to offer consumers a new lettuce choice that has the sweetness, crunchiness and juiciness of iceberg with the added nutrition equal to 246 per cent of the folate and 174 per cent of the vitamin C in iceberg," said Dan Canales, Misionero Vegetables’ vice president of sales and marketing. "Co-branded under Misionero’s Garden Life brand, Frescada is cored, trimmed and ready to use without any waste.” Frescada was developed using traditional plant breeding by Monsanto’s Seminis Vegetable Seeds.

Marketing starts in the orchard, according to a Brazilian advertising agency representing Camp Nectar juices. The fruits are covered in a plastic mold while still on the tree, and as they mature, become embossed with the company logo. The result? A natural fruit juice box that can be sliced open with a knife.

Source: IFCO news release Mastronardi Produce, Kingsville, Ontario won the Best New Vegetable Product Award at the United Fresh show for their flavourful Sunset Delano tomatoes -- an example of this trend.

Source: FreshPlaza.com

Source: FreshPlaza.com

JUNE 2012 –– PAGE 3 THE GROWER

Extreme frosts rob 80 per cent of Ontario’s apple crop

In Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, apple blossoms were between the tight cluster and pink stage of development when cold temperatures threatened the crop. Andy Parker, Grafton, NS, used overhead irrigation to protect his apples April 30 and May 1. When the water freezes heat is released. The latent heat keeps the surface of the plant material above freezing, even though a layer of ice accumulates. Photo courtesy of Andy Parker.

Freezing temperatures before the emergence of blossoms caused severe damage to apple blooms, which are now drying up and falling off. This example was photographed at the farm of Brad Oakley, Clarksburg, Ontario on May 14. mission to pull out the trees and half of the losses, about $32 milto immediately replant. That CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 lion, are insured under the proflexibility has been much apprecigram. ated by the Ontario Apple During a crisis like this, first “That’s the topline but the sitGrowers. thoughts are about insurance uation is more complex than that In the meantime, insurance managed through Agricorp. The for individuals,” explains Stevens. agency reports the following “Growers have a choice of cover- adjusters will be in the field assessing damage once the trees numbers are enrolled in Ontario age levels of 70 per cent, 75 per have passed fruit set and ‘June production insurance: 140 apple cent or 80 per cent. But if you drop.’ And growers are continugrowers, 80 peach growers, 33 happened to have a claim in the ing to steward their orchards, a pear growers, 22 sour cherry last five years, the program operates on a rolling average. In that surreal exercise in the spring sungrowers, 18 sweet cherry growcase, you won’t receive the full shine. ers, and 22 plum growers. But “We really don’t know what more to the point, what number of amount of compensation.” For some growers who lost our industry will look like in a acres are covered. Newcastle their entire crop of McIntosh year,” concludes Brian Gilroy. apple grower Charles Stevens apples, Agricorp has given persays early estimates are that only

Promise of growth with Bamford Produce purchase Bamford Produce, one of the largest wholesalers at the Ontario Food Terminal, has purchased half of the outstanding shares of

Bay Growers Inc., based in Clarksburg, the Georgian Bay area of Ontario. “In a tough year, this is good

news for us at Bay Growers,” says Jim Dolmer, general manager. “Every packer needs to provide the right varieties. We’re

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already planting trees this spring of varieties in demand: Honeycrisp, Gala, Ambrosia.” Bamford Produce, with roots back to 1881, is a fourth generation family business, which distributes a wide range of conventional and organic fresh produce. Of strategic importance to apple growers, their holdings include Freshline Foods, a fresh cut fruit and vegetable processor. Apple slices have become an important item on the healthier menus of many fast-food chains. Bay Growers Inc, an apple packer/shipper with a storage facility built in 1994, is well poised for growth with access to more than 2,500 acres of apple orchards. More synergies will be created with this vertical integration.

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NUTRITION

The politics of food ALISON ROBERTSON Obesity is a public health issue of monumental importance in North America. It is a huge public health challenge because of the huge number of people it affects and because of the ripple effects it has and will have on the development of debilitating and costly chronic diseases. On May 7-9, 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, hosted “Weight of the Nation” in Washington D.C. and I was fortunate to attend. During the conference the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies released their long awaited report “Accelerating Progress in Obesity Prevention.” They laid out a very strategic approach to this complex health problem: make physical activity an integral and routine part of life; create food and beverage environments that ensure that healthy food and beverage options are the routine easy choice; transform messages about physical activity and nutrition; expand the roles of health care providers, insurers, and employ-

“

These children are our future consumers. If we don’t introduce our products to them when they are young, to whom are we going to sell in 20 years?

ers; and make schools a national focal point (“Strengthening schools as the heart of health”). This has fruits and vegetables written all over it! The obesity crisis Almost one-third of children and youth in the United States are

overweight or obese. We are not much better in Canada with more than one in four children and youth being overweight or obese. The Public Health Agency of Canada warns that childhood obesity increases the risk of obesity later in life. The direct healthcare costs of obesity have been estimated at $6 billion a year.

There are many admirable student nutrition programs across the country. Until now their messages have mainly focussed on addressing hunger. Perhaps they should take a step back and see what else they are, or could be, accomplishing. Perhaps we need to talk about all the additional benefits of child nutrition programs: documented improved educational outcomes, shifting children’s dietary intake to prevent obesity and risk factors associated with chronic disease risk by increasing the amounts of fruits, vegetables, and high-fibre grains they consume, agricultural economic development, reduction of escalating health care costs . . . I could go on and on. These children are our future consumers. If we don’t introduce our products to them when they are young, to whom are we going to sell in 20 years? We have seen it in the Northern Fruit and Vegetable Program . . . if you serve children fruits and vegetables enough times they acquire a taste for them. They start bringing them from home in their lunch boxes . . . we have created new and hopefully long-term consumers. This is horticultural economic development. The senior spectrum Now, let’s take a look at the other end of the spectrum . . . seniors. I attended a presentation by Agri-Food for Healthy Aging in Guelph. Presenters spoke on such topics as nutrition and aging well, and the correlation between nutrition and dementia. I was shocked to hear that 10 per cent of hospital acute care admissions were from long -term facilities. By exploring linkages between agriculture, food, nutrition and human health, “Agri-Food for Healthy Aging” aims to realize innovative opportunities for Ontario’s agri-food and health sectors to improve health and well-being of older adults. As the baby boomers age, this issue will

grow exponentially. It appears from the cradle to the grave, we need fruits and vegetables in our diets. Things are moving in the right direction. OFVGA continues to be involved with Hort4Health, a working group of the Horticulture Value Chain Round Table. We are a founding member of the Canadian Child and Youth Nutrition Program Network (CCYNPN). We are participating in a presentation at Parliament Hill in June regarding the opportunities to collaborate between horticulture and nutrition programs. We are meeting with the chair of the Standing Committee of Health regarding student nutrition and the role horticulture can play. Dr. Kirsty Duncan, MP works tirelessly on child hunger issues in Canada and we support her whenever we can. On May 11, Royal Galipeau, MP put forward a private member’s motion regarding a national obesity strategy. B is for breakfast A study was released this month by the Toronto District School Board showing that providing children with a nutritious breakfast each morning has a direct effect on their academic performance. And just to really stir things up, U.N. special right-to-food rapporteur Olivier De Schutter toured Canada from May 5th to the 16th and handed the federal government a list of recommendations to address some very serious concerns regarding food security in Canada. Oh the politics of food! Let me leave you with this quote: “Knowing is not enough: we must apply. Willing is not enough: we must do.” Alison Robertson is special projects coordinator, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association.

JUNE 2012 –– PAGE 5 THE GROWER

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WHAT’S YOUR STORY?

Behind the census is a go-ahead generation of farmers Every November, the Canada/U.S. Potato Committee meets to discuss trade issues, and the U.S. has regularly lobbied to remove ministerial exemptions. Canada’s position has been that if ministerial exemptions fell to the

KAREN DAVIDSON In one sense, potato farmer Keith Kuhl is typical of the 2011 Census of Agriculture statistic that there are more farmers than ever in the age group 55 and over. What the census fails to calibrate is the next generation of university-educated sons and daughters coming back to high-tech farms. If they’re employees of the farm, they’re not counted as a farm operator. The Kuhl story is of four generations who have done extremely well in the transfer of the Winkler, Manitoba business. In the 1960s, it was Keith’s father, his brother and brother-in-law who abandoned wheat – “you couldn’t give it away” – and placed their chips on potatoes. Prior to planting the first potato crop, the Kuhl’s were so confident of their business plan, they incorporated the Southern Manitoba Potato Company on May 1, 1960. “They were pioneers in how they structured the farm,” recalls Kuhl. “Farming was still a way of life back then, but they were leaders in that shift to business thinking.” After graduating with his agricultural diploma in 1975, Kuhl joined the family business. Just three years later, his father bought out the company shares from other family members and downsized from a considerable 8,000 acres to 3,500. Acting more like a company on the Toronto Stock

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The elimination of standard containers would give U.S. producers exactly what they want and disadvantage Canadian producers.” ~Keith Kuhl

Keith Kuhl, Southern Manitoba Potato Company (center), has steered through many business challenges to keep the Winkler farm intact for sons Marlon (L) and Jeremy. Exchange, the financial shares were split between all of the Kuhl siblings, including his brother and four sisters. For the times, this was a progressive move. Planning for situations, not crises The best laid plans of the family business encountered a shock when Kuhl’s brother suddenly passed away in 1999. The will left shares to nieces and nephews but again, business planning kept the farm on an even

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keel due to an unanimous shareholder’s agreement that kept the farm intact. During the ensuing years, additional acres were purchased and the potato operation diversified to 2100 acres of fresh, chipping and seed potatoes. With other rotational crops, the farm now totals 6,500 acres today. Kuhl’s sons Marlon and Jeremy, having earned university educations, have returned to the farm. Marlon runs the commercial potato operation while Jeremy manages the seed business and rotational crops of wheat, canola, soybeans and corn. In 2010, Kuhl purchased all of the shares owned by his siblings so that the company is now wholly owned by him and his children. In another wise move, Kuhl left the operational reins to his sons in the last decade while he became more involved in farm organizations. He is currently chair of the Peak of the Market, a farmer-owned, not-for-profit cooperative that sells a range of vegetables in Canada and the states such as California, Florida, Texas and Washington. State-ofthe-art storage facilities permit year-round shipments of potatoes, carrots, onions, parsnips, beets, cabbage and shallots. With responsibilities to 40 family farms and multiple commodities, Kuhl gained a breadth of knowledge of the complexities – and dangers – of the marketplace. “I’m very thankful for the Dispute Resolution Corporation and the protection we have in doing business in the U.S. under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, ” he says. “I would love to see the same protection in Canada.” Through Peak of the Market, its employment of more than a thousand Manitobans and injection of more than $70 million per

year into the local economy, Kuhl has honed his conservative approach to business. He seeks the financial statements of future partners when millions of dollars are at stake. Even-tempered and cautious, he’s earned a place in other leadership positions. He’s been chair of the Canadian Potato Council for many years, and just recently, was voted first vicepresident of the Canadian Horticultural Council. The effects of eliminating Standard Container legislation In this role, Kuhl observes how federal issues affect everyday life at the farm. For example, the 2012 federal budget proposed to eliminate standard container legislation as regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. That fine print is causing consternation in an industry that’s export-dependent. As Kuhl explains, standard containers include many different package sizes. Hundred-pound bags are the largest size under current Standard Container legislation. If an importer wants to bring in product that does not meet standard container sizes, a ministerial exemption must be sought. Once granted, the ministerial exemption allows bulk product.

wayside, then Canadian growers would expect the U.S. to give up marketing orders. “The elimination of standard containers would give U.S. producers exactly what they want and disadvantage Canadian producers,” says Kuhl. On a day-to-day basis, the container legislation shelters many Canadian fruits and vegetables which must compete in a jurisdiction with higher taxes, fuel prices and input costs. Without the legislation, the result could be more reliance on imports. Leaders of the Canadian Horticultural Council are currently explaining the implications of the proposed change to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Late May meetings have been fruitful. “Government has clarified that ministerial exemptions will impact standard containers only as they relate to package size, not grade or labeling,” reports Kuhl. “This proposal impacts fresh, but not processing industries as there is no grade for processing potatoes. While this is good news for the processing industry, the fresh market segment will continue to seek a solution with government.” Ottawa is a long way from Keith Kuhl’s childhood days when he often found himself at the end of a sugar beet hoe. It’s this lifetime of sage experience that’s now shaping his counsel on what horticulture needs to survive and thrive.

Making sense of the census In 2011, Canada had 205,730 census farms, a decrease of 10.3% (or 23,643 farms) since the last census. The total land on farms stands at 160,155,748 acres, down 4.1% since 2006. Compared to 2006, the average size of a Canadian farm increased from 728 acres to 778 acres, a growth of 6.9%. For the first time, operators in the age group 55 and over represented the largest share of total operators. They accounted for 48.3% compared to 40.7% in 2006, up from 32.1% in 1991.

JUNE 2012 –– PAGE 7 THE GROWER

CANADIAN HORTICULTURAL COUNCIL

International Federation for Produce Standards studies chain information management The spring meeting of the board of directors of the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) was hosted by Asociación de Exportadores de Frutas de Chile in Santiago, Chile (April 19-22). The board includes representatives from Canada (Canadian Horticultural Council, Canadian Produce Marketng Association), Chile, South Africa, United States, Australia, Norway and several other countries. The IFPS provides an international forum to address issues that require global harmonization or standardization for the produce sectors and creates the first incorporated body constituted of national organizations providing direct representation of their respective countries’ constituents. The core focus of IFPS is on:

Product Identification. It considers applications for and assigns PLUs. For additional information on PLUs visit www.ifpsglobal/PLU.com Chain Information Management. The Food Safety Subcommittee provides counsel on food safety and harmonization to the International Federation for Produce Standards. Objectives: • To improve the efficiency of the fresh produce supply chain through investigating, examining, developing, implementing and managing harmonized international food safety standards. • To act as a forum for comment and discussion on issues relating to international food safety standards that affect the produce

Bird netting, one of many food safety measures, is shown at a Unifruitti (Chile) facility.

industry. • To make recommendations and advocate appropriate courses of action in relation to international food safety standards that affect the produce industry. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has registered IFPS as a liaison with the committee for ISO/T 34/SC 17 Management systems for food safety. IFPS also has been designated official observer status with CODEX. Complementing the board agenda, members visited a number of fruit packing and distribution facilities as well as an industry/USFDA jointly operated phytosanitary export preclearance inspection facility.A working meeting of the IFPS board is to be held late summer.

CanadaGAP and CPMA food safety programs to merge The Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) and Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) will integrate the

CanadaGAP (On-Farm Food Safety) Program and the CPMA Repacking and Wholesale Food Safety Program (RWFSP).

Both the CHC and CPMA boards of directors approved the integration initiative during their respective annual meetings earlier

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

1-800-561-5444 1-800-265-5444 1-800-361-9369 1-604-534-8815

this year, after reviewing results of a feasibility study. Integrating the two programs will result in some key benefits for the Canadian fruit and vegetable industry, including: • adopting an industry-wide food safety system that meets customer requirements • ensuring consistent and complementary food safety standards from producers and packers to wholesalers and repackers • lessening the confusion around overlapping programs or requirements • meeting the needs of companies that pack and re-pack product • maintaining strong linkages between the various levels of the value chain • competing more effectively

with other internationally-recognized programs whose scope reaches further along the value chain • integrating audits, audit checklists, auditor training, government technical reviews and international benchmarking processes (saving time and money) The two programs will be integrated under an autonomous corporate entity that will function independently of both CHC and CPMA. Work on this initiative will continue through 2012-13, with funding assistance from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The integrated program could be available by 2013-14.

PAGE 8 –– JUNE 2012 THE GROWER

The good, the bad and the ugly The good The unusually mild winter and spring have allowed producers to get the work of the season done in a timely manner. The bad

MAC JAMES CHAIR, OFVGA

The Government of Canada announced in the 2012 budget the repeal of regulations pertaining to standard containers. Their reasoning is to enable industry to take advantage of new packaging formats and technologies, and also

to remove any unnecessary barrier for the importation of new products from international markets. This action is going to have a very significant impact for potato and apple producers not only here in Ontario but across the country. This legislation contains the rules pertaining to Ministerial Exemptions which allow for the current system of control of bulk loads of product. OFVGA and the Canadian Horticultural Council are working hard to bring these facts to the attention of both

federal and provincial governments. There have not been many weather disruptions around the world recently and consumption seems to be down which is applying pressure to fruit and vegetable prices. I hope conditions change before we start to harvest here in Ontario.

crop has been affected, as well as 30-40 per cent loss in peach production and virtually complete devastation of the cherry and plum crops. We need to remain optimistic and hope things get better as we go forward!

The ugly The most recent assessment of frost damage indicates up to 80 per cent of the province’s apple

BRM cuts heading our way

ART SMITH CEO, OFVGA A few months back the Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) agriculture meetings took place and as is typical, not a whole lot of information on what was agreed upon was made public. What we have come to learn however, is that there is expected to be agreement by the provinces and federal government on Growing Forward 2 (GF2) in June with official sign-off taking place in September. It will be after that time that we find out what the new program will look like for both the Business Risk

Management (BRM) and nonBRM components of the program. As early as last June, there was speculation coming from our own provincial ministry that there may be big changes to the BRM component of GF2 as it pertains to Agri-Stability; in fact it was suggested that the top tier (70% to 85%) coverage level and possibly more of Agri-Stability might even disappear and further that some of those dollars might get shifted to some type of innovation program outside the BRM section of GF2. We still do not know if this is the case or not but the speculation still remains. Some of the things we do know are: 1) Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is trying to reduce their budget by $250 million annually; 2) many at the federal level think that the current program needs to be radically changed and 3) some in Ottawa think that innovation will solve the ills of all Canadian agriculture. First, if AAFC is trying to save $250 million then what is the chance of much of the savings

being reinvested in innovation or anywhere else in GF2? Having said that, let’s assume some of it will be reinvested in some type of federally sponsored innovation program. Let me state very clearly that I am a very firm believer in innovation, but innovation in and of itself will never be the answer to the financial problems of agriculture. History will show that anytime there has been a major innovation the financial gains are short-lived. It does not matter whether it is increased yields, disease resistance or new equipment. The financial gain is short-lived as the new innovations and technologies move out globally at lightning speed. It is the early adopters that reap any reward and then, only until the “new” becomes mainstream. The other problem is that when government designs these programs, they typically make it too cumbersome and complicated, often so much so that the average farmer/business cannot access the program. This happened three years ago when the federal government announced the Agri-Flexibility program; a year

after the announcement of the program not a nickel had flowed. Is it possible to keep things simple? Another statement all too often heard is that the old style of farm support is not working -- “each year we pay out and each year we are asked for more, it’s just not working!” Maybe it’s not the support system that is the problem; maybe it’s global subsidization of agriculture that is the problem, maybe it’s the fact that globalization is causing the commoditization of all crops even those that are not true commodities. Perhaps one of the biggest kickers is that while we are expected to meet the global competition head on, penny for penny our governments download additional expenses onto the backs of our farmers and now government(s) are looking at cutting support to the farming community. Perhaps there is a lack of connectivity between government’s actions and their expectations. Yes the current program is flawed and for the fruit and vegetable

sector it is very flawed; but what is being proposed now is akin to “throwing the baby out with the bath water” and not just cleaning up the baby. I believe that it is possible to design programs that work but not the one size fits all types. Further if you want “buy in” from Canadian farmers then the program design must be done in consultation with the stakeholders. Sadly AAFC refused to consult with farmers on the BRM programming in GF2. So as we approach the signing of the agreement of GF2 we still really do not know what we are dealing with. It’s a bit like fighting in the dark, you don’t know what is coming your way or where it’s coming from; you just know it’s going to hurt. For what it’s worth, it’s the way I see it.

THE WEATHER VANE Left: Ontario asparagus took a frost hit but recovered to expected volumes by the second week of May, says Jason Ryder, chair, Ontario Asparagus Growers’ Marketing Board. Photo courtesy of OMAFRA Right: Early-season varieties of strawberries were touched by frost, depending on geography and stage of growth, says Kevin Schooley, Ontario Berry Growers’ Association. The first flush of flowers on day-neutrals were lost unless they were protected by tunnels or irrigation. Cheryl Peck, Vittoria, Ontario who irrigated 16 nights to save her strawberries, had a good supply to sell at The Cider Keg on-farm retail store by last week of May. Photo by Cheryl Peck

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

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

The Grower reserves the right to refuse any advertising. 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.

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

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

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

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

OFVGA SECTION CHAIRS Crop Protection Research Property Labour Safety Nets CHC

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

JUNE 2012 –– PAGE 9 THE GROWER

PERSPECTIVE Time for health care to wake up to local food

OWEN ROBERTS UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH Spring is such an exciting time for farmers’ markets. Market owners joining twitter are extolling the virtues of fresh, local food -- I’ve seen one market walking readers through the planting process, trying to gain followers it hopes will become customers. It’s a good tactic and reflects the value of building relationships, instead of just selling product. Farmers’ markets are (or

should be) grounded in local food, which has achieved momentum through the hard work of farmers, entrepreneurs, community groups and the markets themselves. I saw concentrated evidence of this momentum first hand in the fall, when my agricultural communications students at the University of Guelph wrote a bevy of local food stories, with guidance from Kate Vsetula, manager of the Guelph Wellington Local Food initiative. The diversity of topics she lead the students to was amazing. So was the commitment by producers, retailers, restaurants as well as some institutions to work together to provide customers and clients with locally grown and raised food. But some think there’s much more potential yet for local food. They say that in people’s minds it should go way beyond its longheld association with harvest, end-of-the-lane sales, and even farmers’ markets. For example, if it’s as healthy

as its proponents claim, why don’t more hospitals serve it? And if we’re so concerned about food security, why aren’t we dedicating more resources to developing reliable, sustainable local food systems? Those are among the questions a Guelph and Waterloo research group have been trying to figure out. With support from the Ontario Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, researchers have been looking at the challenges and opportunities facing local food producers. And they’ve found there are plenty of both, particularly in Ontario’s healthcare system. For example, they say healthier and fresher meals in hospitals and long-term care facilities have the potential to improve patient care. Ideally, they’d like to see the local food quotient in those institutions rise to 20 per cent by 2015. That presents challenges, they say, which includes actually

defining local food, for sourcing and purchasing purposes. The definition -- like local food itself - is all over the map. That makes it tough for something as massive as Ontario’s health care system to rally around it, when it can’t easily define, let alone find it in quantities it requires. Budgets are another matter. Hospital food budgets are $30$35 per patient per day – but that includes everything, such as wages and food preparation. Only $7-$8 remains for actual food purchase. And that’s for three meals. No wonder hospital food managers are tempted to seek out big food suppliers that make available large, cheap and consistent quantities. “ Senior administrators and food supply managers have low expectations that the use of local food in Ontario’s hospitals will increase in either the short or long term because of low budgets, government regulations and concerns about supply,� says market-

ing professor Paulette Padanyi, one of the study’s authors. However, they say, don’t throw in the towel. New researchdriven advances in storage and production technologies are improving so that produce, meat and dairy are available more often and in larger quantities. Padanyi thinks that Foodland Ontario – one of the most identifiable brands in the province – could succeed in joining existing initiatives to publicize and educate people about new developments that make local food more available. Overall, the researchers want the province's health ministry to recognize local food might play a role in health care, and provide higher budgets so that health care administrators aren't so focused on minimizing food costs. How wonderful that people might be able to eat their way to better health. What a great concept as the traditional local food season arrives.

LETTER TO EDITOR Geography matters Re: Nematicide lessons from California I am a semi-retired economics professor at York University, with a small family farm in Prince Edward County. I grew up in Fresno, California (raisin country). I was just reading your Grower article in the May issue on the carrot industry in California. You have one typo in the article. The area west of Bakersfield where carrots are grown is identified as "Southern

SJV" on the map. You expanded that to "southern San Jose." Southern San Jose is way up north of the Salinas valley, just above the artichoke and garlic areas, just below "Silicon Valley" (which used to be plum orchards). The SJV stands for San Joaquin Valley, and runs from the Sacramento/Stockton area in the north to south of Bakersfield in the south. Sam Lanfranco Picton, ON

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PAGE 10 –– JUNE 2012 THE GROWER

OFVGA

Board briefs Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) Following are highlights from the OFVGA board meeting held April 19, 2012. The purpose of this brief is to keep you up-todate on the issues that the OFVGA is working on, as well as projects and initiatives the organization is involved in.

develop an action plan to deal with two new invasive species, Brown Marmorated Stink Bug and Spotted Wing Drosophila. The working group will include representatives from both groups, as well as Agriculture and AgriFood Canada, provincial specialists and researchers, Pest Management Regulatory Agency, IR-4, Crop Life Canada, and U.S. researchers.

Crop protection Property Section chair Charles Stevens attended the Minor Use priority setting workshops in Quebec in late March. The Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) and the Pest Management Centre (PMC) will take the lead in forming a national working group to

Section chair Brian Gilroy reported that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is currently in development between the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural

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Ginseng

Affairs (OMAFRA) to address regulation of agricultural nutrients and waste in the fruit and vegetable sector under the Nutrient Management Act. OFVGA has requested that a moratorium on further enforcement actions by MOE be implemented immediately until the MOU is completed and appropriate best practices are in place. OFVGA has been advised that last year’s funding available through the wildlife loss working group has expired as of March 31, 2012. OFVGA had made an application to the working group for a study to identify the amount and type of damage to the fruit and vegetable sector by wildlife and to develop a best practices document. OFVGA is now looking to get the funding through the current year’s allotment. Canadian Horticultural Council The CHC’s Legacy Fund project is gaining some traction. OFVGA’s CHC representative Brian Gilroy reported that Syngenta, Peak of the Market and Agro-Fresh have contributed to the fund to date. The Legacy Project will serve as a road map for the CHC to focus its lobbying activities on key areas. The OFVGA supports the project’s intent and will make a decision on financial support for the initiative once final project plans have been made available by CHC.

FALC products

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Vineyard equipment

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Section chair Harold Schooley reported on the creation of new grower organizations for lavender, hazel nuts and wineries on the south coast. Much of this activity has been spearheaded by Dr. John Kelly through Erie Innovation and Commercialization, an initiative of the OFVGA to advance new agricultural opportunities in the South Central Ontario Region. Schooley also participated in the Productions Systems Plants Review Committee meeting in April to select projects that will be funded in 2012 under the OMAFRA/University of Guelph research partnership. This is the final year of a five-year funding package. Eleven proposals were

reviewed with approximately two-thirds receiving funding. Future funding levels are not yet known. Closure of Delhi Research Farm Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) announced the closure of various research stations, including the Delhi Research Farm. Research on various edible horticulture crops is conducted at Delhi, but it is critical for Ontario’s ginseng growers as the farm is the only centre in Canada conducting research on this valuable crop. Ginseng can only be grown successfully in specific soil and climate combinations, which means that the ginseng research being carried out at Delhi cannot easily be moved to another research facility. There are no other Canadian researchers, universities or research sites working directly with ginseng on production and pest issues. OFVGA and several other organizations have requested a meeting with AAFC to discuss possible options for the station. Ending of federal adaptation program delivery through regional councils AAFC announced that the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC), along with the other regional councils, would no longer be responsible for federal program delivery starting in March 2014. As well, the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP) will end, with funding streamlined into national programs. This is a staggering loss of $7 million dollars per year for Ontario in innovative research and development projects. The regional council model in Ontario represents a highly efficient, responsive and cost effective method of program delivery. AAC achieved 98 per cent customer satisfaction in a stakeholder survey completed in 2010, and provides this high level of service at a low cost of less than 10 cents of every dollar allocated to administration, resulting in more money invested directly back into the industry since program costs

are covered out of overall program allocations. OFVGA, along with other AAC members, have sent letters to both the federal and provincial ministers of agriculture on this issue, asking for reconsideration of this decision. Commodity Council and program delivery update CEO Art Smith reported that former OFVGA chair Brenda Lammens has been elected as chair of the Ontario Agricultural Commodity Council (OACC) until April 2013. She replaces Mark Wales who stepped down from the position when he became president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture last November. At the same meeting on April 2, Agricorp provided OACC with a program delivery update. Changes to Allowable Net Sales (ANS) matchable contribution levels for the Self Directed Risk Management (SDRM) program will go ahead this year. ANS levels are set at two per cent to $2.5 million, 1.5 per cent from $2.5 to $5 million and 1 per cent on everything exceeding $5 million. Premise identification and participation in the AgriStability program will be mandatory this year for growers wishing to participate in SDRM. Mega Quarry in Melancthon Township Ted Mets and Rick Wallace of the North Dufferin Ag and Community Trust (NDACT) addressed the Board about the proposed Mega Quarry in Melancthon Township. Highlands Group of Companies has made an application to build a large quarry in the Shelburne area on land that is primarily in potato production under the premise of wanting to be the province’s largest potato grower. The project’s application is currently under review and is faced with vehement opposition from people in the area who are campaigning to have the quarry stopped. The next OFVGA board meeting will be held June 14, starting at 10 am, at the OFVGA office in Guelph.

JUNE 2012 –– PAGE 11 THE GROWER

Sustainable food – the shift from ‘trust us’ to ‘show us’ Open dialogue, collaborative approach key to moving forward LILIAN SCHAER The need to prove sustainable food production practices is growing and industry leaders are predicting they’re here to stay. Many large companies now employ staff solely to address sustainability issues, including Sobeys Inc., one of Canada’s largest grocery store chains, and iconic coffee company Tim Hortons. “For us, sustainability is about determining how we can improve what is controllable by us. Our customers want to know about the packaging, about the production facility where it was produced and how workers are treated at that facility,� David Smith, vice president of sustainability with Sobeys told a sold-out crowd at the recent Farm & Food Care annual meeting. “This wasn’t part of our discussion before, nobody used to consider all these other points.� Smith leads Sobeys’ sustainability direction, which covers both direct operations (retail stores, fleets and warehouses), as well as product sourcing, including sustainable seafood, agriculture, packaging, social compliance and animal welfare. Approximately 80 -90 per cent of the chain’s global footprint is through the products it sells, says Smith, so the chain is aware that if it wants to address the issue, it has to deal with the products it sources. He cited the example of Sobeys’ recently launched sustainable seafood initiative, where they’re now able to trace their product right down to the specific fishing area where most of their seafood comes from. The days of buyers trusting suppliers without asking for verification of their practices are over, he says.

All suppliers need to be making incremental improvements, and awareness of water quality and quantity, climate change, animal welfare and waste management needs to become part of normal business practice.

At Tim Hortons, investors and consumers are also asking tough questions about what’s happening in the supply chain and pushing for transparency. “We’ve been doing a lot on sustainability and building our strategy across the organization. When we started it, very few of our competitors in the quick service restaurant (QSR) space were acting on their own sustainability strategies,� says Tim Faveri, Tim Hortons director of sustainability and responsibility. “Now every major QSR brand is working towards this now. It’s not going to go away, but it will be different for everyone. We’re all still early in this journey and these things take time.� Pressure by activists forced Tim Hortons staff to start educating themselves on issues of animal welfare, which have become part of their overall sustainability program, called ‘Making a true

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difference.’ To date, they’ve been working with their suppliers and with farmers to ensure everyone in the supply chain meets or exceeds established government regulations, standards and recognized industry guidelines for animal welfare, which includes animal welfare audits. “Continuous improvement is key,� says Faveri. “We believe our animal welfare programs should be developed based on current scientific opinion and advice from recognized experts and industry. This is a collaborative effort for us.� Sobeys, too, believes in collaboration and continuous improvement, with Smith telling the audience they are seeking more evidence of compliance, improvements and effectiveness in their supply chain. Collaboration, and not competition, amongst stakeholders is the key to effecting true change, otherwise sustainability just adds complexity and cost to the system without really improving conditions. “We need to make sure we don’t cause audit fatigue amongst our suppliers and to make sure

sustainable supply chain systems are about more than just creating expertise in how to pass audits,� says Smith. To that end, both Tim Hortons and Sobeys are trying to be proactive on animal welfare and agriculture and to ensure that the industry can drive change instead of being pressured into it by activist demands. All suppliers need to be making incremental improvements, and awareness of water quality and quantity, climate change, animal welfare and waste management needs to become part of normal business practice. This means a credible, multi-stakeholder, science-based approach that involves not just producers, but also academics, veterinarians, and yes, the humane societies too. “The best way to escalate an issue is not to talk to people and

we all need to do our homework on what it might take in the supply chain to meet and make commitments. And an awful lot of good progress has already been made by farmers and all of our supply chain and we need to tell that story,� says Smith. “We’re happy to partner to tell those stories; if we say nothing, we let activist groups control the agenda which ignores the progress we’ve already made.� “The mainstream won’t adopt this is we require them to make massive behavioural changes so we have to make it easy for mainstream consumers to change,� he added. “They won’t pay more, and won’t sacrifice performance or convenience. Sustainability is a value-add, but think of it as driving loyalty and not as driving a premium.�

COMING EVENTS 2012 June 10

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

June 12, 13 Farm Management Canada Annual General Meeting, Chateau Cartier, Aylmer, QC July 12-14

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

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

Food Day Canada

Aug 24 – 26 Winona Peach Festival, Winona, ON Sept 8, 9

Stratford Garlic Festival, Stratford, ON

Sept 11 – 13 Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, Woodstock, ON Sept 12 – 14 Federal, provincial, territorial agriculture ministers’ meeting, Whitehorse, Yukon Nov 2 – 11 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, ON

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SUPERIOR SEEDS, SUPERIOR SUPPORT Michel Gratton Montreal Area, Quebec Tel: 514-332-2275 Fax: 450-682-4959

Gilliane Bisson, t.h. Montreal Area, Quebec Tel: 514-332-2275 Fax: 450-682-4959

Yves Thibault, agr. Central and Eastern Quebec and Atlantic Provinces Tel: 418-660-1498 Fax: 418-666-8947

2914, Cure-Labelle Blvd, Laval (Quebec) Canada H7P 5R9 Tel: 514-332-2275 Toll free: 800-561-9693 Fax: 450-682-4959 Toll free: 800-567-4594

Warren Peacock Ontario Tel: 519-426-1131 Fax: 519-426-6156

PAGE 12 –– JUNE 2012 THE GROWER

RETAIL NAVIGATOR

Know your retail customer inside and out

PETER CHAPMAN The retail environment is very competitive and every week they watch each other, there are short term and longer-term reactions to the competition. Short-term reactions are price changes and selection or pricing in the weekly flyer. Longer term reactions are changes to shelf space, changes to the section within a department, or even the departments themselves. To be a good supplier you need to understand what your customer is doing and what their competition is doing. If you see an item in your category advertised or priced higher or lower, you need to be aware of it regardless of where it is. Your customer will see it and have to make a decision to react or not.

You need to anticipate these decisions and be ready for the question. In some cases you should even let your customer know about a change in the market within the category. These people are busy and the more information you can share that is relevant the better. A .10 price change on the #4 item in the category is not relevant; a .50 change in the regular advertised price is relevant. It is imperative to get into your customer’s stores to see what is happening. It is also important to get in to their competitor’s stores. If they sell items in your category, you need to see what they are doing. Recently I have been spending more time in Giant Tiger and some of the other nontraditional players who are selling produce. It is not what I am used to and I am not blown away by the fixtures or the execution, but the reality is that people are shopping there and buying the products. If you compete in this category you need to see what they are doing because it will have an impact on your customer soon. You should read all the ads every week, not just your customer’s ad. Spread them out and compare them front page to front page and also in your specific category. You need to know what is happening and where the items

Chris Cervini, president, Lakeside Produce, Leamington, ON checks out greenhouse cucumber prices at Walmart. Photo by Denis Cahill. and prices are going. Don’t forget to look at the non-traditional competitors - you never know what you will find! Watch your category in all of the stores. The addition of linear footage at your customer’s competitor could be an indication that things are about to change for you. New listings or de-listings at the other store are also impor-

tant to understand, as are consumer taste changes. We are in an environment where change is constant and you can learn things from all retailers. These are all important items to share with your category manager when you have a chance to meet. You need to talk about their stores but it is certainly acceptable to talk about the com-

petition. This illustrates your interest in the category and, if you can share some insights that they might not have noticed or had time to check out in person, you are helping them do their job. They are the experts at retailing but you should be the expert in your item and your category!

Stock prices are another piece of the puzzle When you are trying to understand your customers, it is interesting to look at the stock prices. The big national retailers are all publicly traded companies and they must publish results. They are judged every day on their ability to deliver what investors are looking for. Many of the companies have

share ownership plans so employees are usually very informed as to how the stock is performing. The share price does have an impact on the organization, especially the higher up the ladder you go. Loblaws and Metro are the only Canadian food retailers whose price on the TSX in Toronto is an indication of the

investor’s perception of the value in the Canadian retail landscape. Sobeys results are a component of the larger Empire Company, which is diversified beyond retail and Walmart and Costco are traded on the NYSE in New York. I have included the 52-week history of the share price for each of these companies. I will let you

Accessing Accessin ng the Marketplace Mar rketplace Identifying th the e path to market for gro growers owers and buyers

A detailed Market Report designed designed to ease and increase access to the e market for both producers and buyers: Understand the current c barriers distribution Evaluate food dis stribution models Compare case studies sttudies of businesses successful busin nesses

draw your own conclusions as to whether the market has it right, but it is one piece of information you should be aware of when understanding your customers. If you have a smart phone you can track the performance of the retailers on one of many apps that follow stock market prices. Empire Company (TSX) 52 week high 64.24 52 week low 52.56 Metro Inc. (TSX) 52 week high 55.17 52 week low 43.70 Loblaw Companies (TSX) 52 week high 41.98 52 week low 32.21

Access the full report at www www.erieinnovation.com/documents

Walmart (NYSE U.S.$) 52 week high 62.63 52 week low 48.31

Costco (NYSE U.S.$) 52 week high 92.10 52 week low 70.22 Empire, Metro and Loblaw charts are from www.TMX.quotemedia.com and Walmart and Costco are from www.NYSE.com. You can find other retailers on these sites if you are interested. 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.

JUNE 2012 –– PAGE 13 THE GROWER

MINOR USE

Consensus reached at National Minor Use Priority Setting Workshop JIM CHAPUT, OMAFRA, PROVINCIAL MINOR USE COORDINATOR, GUELPH Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Pest Management Centre (AAFC-PMC) hosted the 10th national minor use priority setting workshop in Ottawa in late March. This meeting brought together a wide range of participants from across Canada including university and federal researchers, crop extension specialists, provincial specialists, minor use coordinators, registrants, PMRA representatives, growers and grower organization representatives, processing companies and other stakeholders. In addition several individuals from the U.S. IR-4 program also attended the meeting. The purpose was to review the top minor use priorities identified by each of the provinces for all crops including ornamentals and to establish the top priority projects for the new Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Pest Management Centre (AAFCPMC) to do work in 2013. The four-day agenda covered biopesticide priorities for all crops, entomology priorities, pathology priorities and weed science priorities. Eight biopesticide projects are chosen during the first day of meetings. On the remaining minor use days and for each of the three main pest management disciplines, only 10 top priorities (ranked as As) are chosen from a long list of identified pest control product solutions. Additional secondary priorities (ranked as Bs) were also chosen for each discipline each day. The provincial minor use coordinators could also add five regional upgrade projects at the end of the process and the organic industry could also add two priority projects to the list of chosen projects. Additional top crop/pest issues that did not have any identifiable solutions were also chosen to be part of minor use screening trials

designed to find some useful solutions for growers. At this year’s meeting the top priorities chosen for this group (called APWS) included horsetail on outdoor ornamentals, boxwood blight on outdoor ornamentals, Fusarium on greenhouse ornamentals and Cylindrocarpon on ginseng. The discussions, collaborations and decisions made at this meeting demonstrated not only potential challenges for the minor use system in Canada, but also highlighted the many needs our growers have. Growers, researchers, registrants, provincial specialists and other stakeholders worked very hard to reach consensus and negotiate needs. Overall the process was a success and now the next step is for AAFC-PMC to complete the minor use submissions that were agreed upon. Additionally the provinces also have to follow up on a number of potential submissions and rationales for minor use needs. The following table summarizes the tentative projects agreed upon as the top 10 for each discipline. These projects will be submitted to the PMRA by AAFCPMC, and the data requirements completed in 2014-2015. Registration decisions for these will likely occur in late 2015 and 2016. A final version of the top projects will be available this summer on the AAFC-PMC website: www.agr.gc.ca/env/pest/ index_e.php There were also meetings held with several registrants, PMC and PMRA representatives to discuss specific projects for new active ingredients and charting a regulatory path forward. The PMC technical working group members also met with several key stakeholders and the members of the PMC advisory committee to review key concerns and issues.

Crop/Crop Group

Pest(s)

Wheat, spring Alfalfa Blueberry, lowbush Raspberry Carrots GH pepper GH ornamentals Outdoor ornamentals

Cleavers Botrytis Weeds Nematodes Nematodes Thrips Whiteflies Scale

Carrots Shallots Chickpea Grapes Raspberry Bromegrass

Weeds Weeds Dessicant Weeds Weeds Pre-seed burnoff

Switchgrass Alfalfa, clover Mustard Hops GH ornamentals

Weeds Dessicant Kochia Sucker control Growth regulation

GH lettuce GH pepper GH cucumber Peach Plum Plum Grapes Grapes Raspberry Strawberry Xmas trees GH ornamentals

Product Solution

Active Ingredient Solution

BIOPESTICIDE PROJECTS MBI-005 Streptomyces acidiscabies Serenade Bacillus subtilis AEF-1201 Pine oil Dazitol mustard oil, oleoresin of capsicum Dazitol mustard oil, oleoresin of capsicum Grandevo Chromobacterium subtsugae Grandevo Chromobacterium subtsugae Grandevo Chromobacterium subtsugae WEED SCIENCE PROJECTS Blazer aciflurofen Prowl H2O pendimethalin Heat saflufenacil Gallery isoxaben Alion indaziflam Express + tribenuron-methyl + glyphosate glyphosate Buctril M Heat Authority Aim TopFlor

bromoxynil + mcpa saflufenacil sulfentrazone carfentrazone flurprimidol

ENTOMOLOGY PROJECTS Aphids Sivanto flupyradifurone Thrips Beleaf flonicamid Cucumber beetle Scorpion dinotefuran SWD Ripcord cypermethrin SWD Ripcord cypermethrin BMSB Scorpion dinotefuran SWD Success/Entrust spinosad Rose chafer (east); LH Voliam Flexi thiamethoxam + chlorantraniliprole (west) SWD Ripcord cypermethrin SWD Ripcord cypermethrin Balsam gall midge Movento spirotetramat Aphids Closer, sulfoxaflor Transform

Outdoor ornamentals

Registrant

Marrone Agraquest AEF Global Champon Champon Marrone Marrone Marrone UPI BASF BASF Dow Agro Bayer DuPont Bayer BASF FMC FMC SePro

Bayer ISK Gowan BASF BASF Gowan Dow Agro Syngenta BASF BASF Bayer Dow Agro

Red-headed flea beetle NAI-2302 tolfenpyrad PLANT PATHOLOGY PROJECTS Ginseng (use radish as Nematodes MCW-2 fluensulfone rep crop for residue) Beet leaves Leaf spot Cabrio pyraclostrobin Mustard greens Downy mildew QGU42 n/a Pepper, GH Powdery mildew Quintec quinoxyfen Tomato, GH Powdery mildew Quintec quinoxyfen Cucumber, GH Powdery mildew Quintec quinoxyfen Peach/Nectarine Bacterial spot Kasumin kasugamycin Cranberry Fruit rots Propulse fluopyram + prothioconazole Grapes Anthracnose Ziram zineb Strawberry Powdery mildew GWN-10087 n/a REGIONAL UPGRADE PROJECTS GH ornamentals Fusarium APWS (MARITIMES)

Nichino

Garlic (QC) Hops (ON) Perennial ryegrass (PRAIRIES) GH ornamentals (BC)

Weeds Downy mildew Growth regulator Leafminers

BASF ISK Syngenta

Cherry Cranberry

SWD Lepidoptera

Prowl Ranman Primo Maxx

pendimethalin cyazofamid trinexapac-ethyl

Makhteshim BASF DuPont Dow Agro Dow Agro Dow Agro Arysta Bayer UAP Gowan

Voliam Flexi thiamethoxam + chlorantraniliprole Syngenta ORGANIC PRIORITIES Pyganic pyrethrins MGK Pyganic pyrethrins MGK

PAGE 14 –– JUNE 2012 THE GROWER

SPRAYING

First impressions: Gear up, throttle down for airblast operators

DR. JASON S.T. DEVEAU, APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST In 2009, Robert Grisso, an extension engineer with Virginia Cooperative Extension, authored a compelling publication describing a new fuel-saving practice. Grisso noted that many PTOdriven farm implements don’t require full tractor power, so why waste the fuel? He proposed shifting to a faster tractor gear and slowing engine speed to maintain the desired travel speed. Seven hundred diesel tractors were tested, and as long as the equipment could operate at a lower PTO speed and the tractor itself didn’t lug (i.e. overload), as much as 40 per cent of the diesel was saved. Enter British Columbia’s Slimline Manufacturing Ltd. This company has embraced Gear Up, Throttle Down (GUTD) as a way to not only save fuel during airblast spraying, but to improve early-season spray coverage. Representatives flew out to Ontario two months ago to demonstrate the method at two sprayer workshops held in association with the Ontario Apple Growers and funded by the Agricultural Adaptation Council. Here’s why this method could save money and improve spray coverage. Early in the season, crops have relatively empty canopies. When an airblast sprayer passes by, the spray is blasted into the target. The vast majority of the spray blows through and over the canopy without actually imping-

ing on the target. This is because the air carrying the spray is moving so fast, that it causes droplets to slipstream around targets. Imagine it is winter and a drift of snow has formed at the side of a barn. Have you ever noticed there’s a hollow area on the windward side where the snow didn’t pile up against the wall? Rather, it seems scrubbed out and often you can still see the ground. This is because the high-speed air hit the

Figure 1 wall, compressed, and was deflected to either side, carrying the snow with it (see Figure 1). It is the same with airblast spray. Anyone who has ever sprayed oil has noticed that the wood on the sprayer-side is wet, but not all the way around. This is because the high-speed air is deflected. However, with slower air, the air stream does not compress as much on the surface of the wood, and becomes turbulent, sending spray in many directions and wrapping around the wood to wet more surface area (see Figure 2). The slower fan speed has another advantage. As difficult as it is to believe, the intention when spraying every row is to have the spray move no further than the far side of the canopy. Any spray you

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see floating in the next alley represents a “miss.” Much of it lands in the alley, under the next row, or simply drifts away. Therefore, the goal is to get the spray to the top of the target canopy, compete with any ambient wind, and get the leaves fluttering to expose all surfaces, but still only just “lob” the spray into the target (see Figure 3). Even if the airblast sprayer already has a low gear for the fan, there is typically too much air for early season applications. Slimline demonstrated the technique. A length of flagging tape was hung in the canopy and the sprayer would drive by with the fan going. If the tape was moved by the air (say 45 degrees), then it was assumed spray could penetrate that far into the canopy. If the tape stood straight out in the air (say 90 degrees), there was too much air. If the tape did not move, there was not enough air. Very simple. By gearing up and throttling down, the PTO speed drops from the age-old 540 rpm to somewhere between 350-375 and the fan speed decreases. Travel speed remains the same and so does operating pressure, so there is no need to recalibrate if you use a positive displacement pump. Those with centrifugal pumps would see a drop in operating pressure and would have to renozzle, or if spray quality was not compromised, slow down. Those with Kinkelder-style air shear systems may compromise spray quality if the air is not fast enough to create fine droplets. One Ontario tree fruit grower related this story. While spraying oil, they were not satisfied with their coverage – the wood wasn’t as wet as they wanted. They geared up and throttled down from 1,700 rpms to about 1,300 and suddenly, the wood was dripping wet. The grower was so impressed that he phoned from the cab of his tractor to tell me. When we tried it at the workshops, the first thing we noticed was that we could hear again – the decibel level dropped considerably. One grower told me that when they tried it on their home orchard, they could suddenly hear a squeak they hadn’t noticed before. It was a loose belt that they couldn’t hear when they were running full-out. This same grower also reported a significant improvement in coverage. We noticed a limitation at the workshops, however. The grower was already using a low sprayer output, venturi (air induction) nozzles, and the low gear on the fan. When they further reduced fan speed through GUTD, coverage at the top of the tree was compromised. There wasn’t time, but adjusting the air direction using the deflectors and possibly increasing pressure to lob the large droplets created by the ven-

Figure 2 - Slower air deposits more spray around a branch in crosssection. Faster air is compressed and deflected, depositing less.

Figure 3 turi nozzles in the top positions would likely have improved coverage at the top of the tree. A few growers have volunteered to monitor diesel savings and coverage over the growing season and report on any successes or failures. At the moment, I believe there is a lot of merit to this method if growers observe these rules: 1) Airblast sprayers with centrifugal pumps make GUTD very complicated, and the method may not work – fan speed is tied to operating pressure. 2) Growers who are already using very coarse spray droplets, reduced volumes in the spring and the low gear on their fan may

compromise coverage with GUTD. 3) Growers performing alternate row applications should not use GUTD. 4) If the tractor begins to lug (e.g. black smoke, sluggish response, strange sounds), GUTD won’t work. 5) Many spray operators will find this method useful, particularly during oil and spring fungicide applications. Try a before-andafter comparison using water-sensitive paper to be sure you are achieving the required coverage. More on this new method will be reported later in the season as growers report any diesel savings and coverage improvements.

JUNE 2012 –– PAGE 15 THE GROWER

SPRAYING

Venturi’s go on top The benefits of mixed sprayer nozzling DR. JASON S.T. DEVEAU, APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST What is the hardest part of a tree to spray? Generally speaking, there are two hard-to-reach spots: the centre of the tree, some two-thirds up the trunk and the very top of the canopy. On May 3, we nozzled a Turbomist 30P to spray a block of Golden Delicious. Our target tree was 4.9 m (17 ft) high, 5.2 m (24 ft) wide and rows were on 7.6 m (30 ft) centres. They were in need of a good pruning, so the canopy was relatively dense. There was a cross wind of 6.8 kph, it was 24 degrees Celsius and relative humidity was more than 50 per cent. Water-sensitive paper was placed in the potential trouble areas throughout the canopy and one more face-up on the ground (see figure 1). The sprayer sprayed into the canopy from both sides of the tree and the papers were analyzed. Here’s how we interpret the papers: Paper 1 110 drops per cm2 and 20% coverage. Sufficient coverage for any insecticide or fungicide – special circumstances are described later in the article. Paper 2 100% coverage. Basically drenched because it was adjacent to the sprayer. Paper 3 142 drops per cm2 and 24% coverage. Sufficient coverage for any insecticide or fungicide. Paper 4 125 drops per cm2 and 11% coverage. Sufficient coverage for any insecticide or fungicide. Paper 5 41% coverage droplets overlap so much that an accurate droplet count is impossible; this borders on excessive cov-

erage for fungicides and insecticides. The high coverage is because the wind helped carry more spray into the canopy. The smaller droplets follow the air from the sprayer deep into the canopy but are being stalled and blown back by the wind. Paper 6 100% coverage. Basically drenched because it was adjacent to the sprayer and with the wind. Paper 7 100% coverage. Basically drenched because it was adjacent to the

Spraycast may help horticulture too Bayer CropScience, PRIDE Seeds, and Weather INnovations Incorporated have launched weathercentral.ca which features a sitespecific, three-day hourly forecast of spraying conditions. Although the Spraycast program was designed for grain and oilseed producers, it has benefits to horticulture too. “I would suggest printing off the forecast for your records for each day you are spraying,” says OMAFRA’s Janice LeBoeuf. “And perhaps email a copy to your neighbour or neighbour’s custom operator to remind them not to drift herbicide onto your hort crops.”

sprayer. Paper 8 118 drops per cm2 and 27% coverage. Sufficient for any insecticide or fungicide. Sadly, not useful on the ground. This indicates the bottom nozzle of the sprayer may need to be turned off, but only if the sprayer can still cover the lowest branches on the canopy. Often, this care shows the overspray from the next row, combined with whatever falls through the tree. What is interesting here is that Paper 1

was missed entirely the first time we sprayed. It required the sprayer to blow spray 4.9 m (17 ft) high and against the prevailing wind. We realigned the air output on the sprayer and tried again, but still missed. We changed to nozzles with a higher output in the top two positions, but still missed. Finally, we shifted the fan gear box from low to high, but still no droplets impinged on the target. None of this was particularly surprising because of how small droplets behave. Pressure does not propel fine droplets very far. Increasing the volume may make the droplets slightly larger, but essentially it’s just more small droplets that are stolen by ambient wind. Raising the fan speed got the spray somewhat closer, but much will evaporate before it gets to the target, particularly on dry days. The coverage on Paper 1 is the result of switching to venturi-style air-inducing tips in the top two positions. In this case, TeeJet AITX tips. They emitted the same rate of spray as the disc-cores they replaced, but created very coarse droplets that were propelled by pressure and essentially lobbed into the top of the tree against the wind. The result lends itself to an emerging sprayer strategy. The nozzles that most often create drift problems are those in the top positions. One of the hardest parts of a tree canopy to spray is the top of the tree. By switching to venturi-style tips in the top two positions, two problems are solved: coverage is improved and the large droplets are not prone to drift.

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PAGE 16 –– JUNE 2012 THE GROWER

BITS AND BITES

OAFE to connect students with emerging agriculture careers Ontario Agri-Food Education Inc. (OAFE) has received $210,000 in funding from Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) to expose students to emerging agriculture careers and innovations. The two-year project will identify the skill set shortages of the agri-business sector and expose high school students to the variety of agricultural careers available. A recent Conference Board of Canada study reported that the food sector is now Canada’s

largest manufacturing industry (by sales) and provides approximately 13 per cent of employment in this country. To support the full economic impact of this growing sector, the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) also predicts that Canada will need to fill a job skill set shortage of about 50,000 in the next few years. While the agriculture sector has a career skill set shortage, education in Ontario has a skilled worker overage, with an estimat-

ed 80 per cent of those currently graduating from Faculties of Education unable to obtain full time employment for five years. A key focus of this project will be connecting the agri-business sector to the educational sector to develop a cutting-edge program that brings career information to students. Working together they will deliver programs and resources to students that showcase agricultural innovation and technologies as they relate to emerging agri-business career

opportunities. New and creative educational resources and tools, including videos and other web-based materials, will be created to expose students to the vast array of new and innovative career opportunities in the agriculture and food sector. A pilot program this fall will use existing agriculture events and facilities as “classrooms” to showcase the variety of emerging career opportunities to students, having them learn first-hand

through face to face interactions with local agri-business representatives. “The funding for this new initiative supports the very definition of research and innovation as OAFE dialogues with emerging agri-businesses to showcase their predicted skill set shortages, and then produces innovative career resources to entice tomorrow’s graduates to fill these job gaps,” commented Colleen Smith, OAFE executive director.

Unorthodox approach wins potato virus funding Researchers often work on age-old problems that, with a little funding, could provide a breakthrough for millions of people. That’s the promise that Jan Kreuze plans to deliver from his base at the International Potato Center (CIP) based in Lima Peru. The principal virologist at CIP has just won funding from Grand Challenges Explorations, an initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He’s trying to eliminate plant viruses by inducing RNA silencing invitro. In plants, virus infections cause enormous crop losses in food staples such as

sweet potato, cassava, yams, bananas and potatoes. The are prone to disease over successive generations because they are grown vegetatively and not from seeds. The only way to eliminate virus infection in the plants is through a laborious, timeconsuming process that involves a combination of heat or cryotherapy treatment, and meristem tip culture. It is a process that has advanced little since its inception over 60 years ago. The CIP-based project will use new knowledge of RNA and plant defense mechanisms to fight off virus infection. Kreuze and his team will stimulate RNA

silencing and Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) in infected plants in vitro. The goal is to tip the delicate balance between the plant RNA silencing mechanism to combat the virus, and the virus’ ability to avoid and suppress this mechanism, in favour of the plant. If successful, they will produce “kits” containing appropriate cocktails for different crop viruses. The project will be tested on potato initially, and if successful, will be applied to a wider range of viruses and crops. Source: International Potato Centre news release

JUNE 2012 –– PAGE 17 THE GROWER

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PAGE 18 –– JUNE 2012 THE GROWER Soluble powders

Micronutrient fertilizer sources -- a small amount goes along way CHRISTOPH KESSEL, NUTRITION (HORTICULTURE) – PROGRAM LEAD, OMAFRA Crops require boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum or zinc in relatively small amounts. If your soil test report recommends the application of one of these micronutrients, there are several organic and inorganic sources from which to choose. Soil organic matter and organic sources such as composts and manures are an often overlooked micronutrient storehouse. For example a one ton manure application can provide (in lbs) 0.020.1 boron, 0.04-06 copper, 0.4-2 iron, 0.2-1.0 manganese, 0.00020.01 molybdenum, and 0.2-1 zinc. Micronutrient content depends on the source but an added benefit is that they are generally already in the plant available forms. With planning and careful management, organic sources can provide a long term sustainable micronutrient source to plants. Inorganic micronutrient fertil-

izer sources are oxy-sulphates, sulphates, chelates and soluble powders. The most appropriate form for application depends on the specific nutrient as well as the crop species and soil conditions. Granular micronutrient products are blended with other fertilizer ingredients for broadcast application or used in a starter fertilizer. Oxy-sulphates • combination of oxide and sulphate form • oxide - much more stable in a blended product, slowly available to the crop • sulphates - much more soluble and available than oxides • inconsistency in plant availability and crop response Sulphates • quite soluble • tend to be hygroscopic (adsorbs moisture from air) and can cause problems with caking or clumping when mixed with other fertilizer ingredients • consistent plant availability

• generally as effective as chelates in foliar sprays but lower cost Chelates • complex organic molecule • keeps nutrients in soluble forms prevent them from reacting with other minerals to form insoluble compounds • allows many of these nutrients to be mixed with liquid fertilizers without forming insoluble precipitates • may increase the availability in soil • most commonly used chelating agents are EDTA and DTPA • other organic materials (humic acids, lignosulphates, glucoheptonates) will form complexes with metallic ions but do not hold them as tightly as a true chelate • considerably more expensive than other soluble forms of micronutrients • Use with care since they can interact with minerals already in the soil and possibly make the deficiency worse.

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course price. To meet the crop’s micronutrient needs only a small amount of the micronutrient is required. This means that applying inorganic micronutrient sources uniformly to a field is very important. For more information about micronutrients for crop production, pick up a copy of OMAFRA Publication 611 Soil Fertility Handbook, Publication 363 Vegetable Production Recommendations and Managing Crop Nutrients Best Management Practices Guide by visiting ontario.ca/omafra.

JUNE 2012 –– PAGE 19 THE GROWER

VEGETABLE FOCUS

Tomato late blight strains during 2011 in Ontario MICHAEL CELETTI OMAFRA, PLANT PATHOLOGIST – HORTICULTURE CROPS PROGRAM LEAD, GUELPH Late blight caused significant problems for tomato and potato growers in 2009 and to a lesser extent in 2010 and 2011. Regardless, a few organic tomato fields and market gardens experienced significant late blight towards the end of last season. In both 2009 and 2010 the source of the disease was traced to infected tomato transplants sold and distributed throughout home garden retail centres across the south and eastern United States. In 2011, the disease was suspected to originate from infected volunteer potato plants that grew from infected tubers left in the field or homeowner backyard gardens during the harvest in 2010. The very wet weather experienced last May 2011 in many parts of Ontario was very conducive for the development of late blight on these leftover volunteer potato tubers and developing shoots. However, the hot dry conditions during last July 2011 were not conducive for the development or spread of this disease last summer

and the disease halted. Unfortunately cool temperatures with frequent rains returned in September to some regions of the province which were ideal for the pathogen to build up again and spread but too late for the widespread occurrence that was observed in Ontario during 2009. Nevertheless, some tomato fields were hit very hard by this disease last fall particularly in fresh market tomatoes in fields east of Toronto and in eastern Ontario. Over the past two years, a late blight survey was conducted across Canada including Ontario. Two new strains, US-22 and US25 were found infecting tomatoes in Ontario during 2010 and again in 2011(Table 1). Strain US-22 was the most widespread on tomato transplants back in 2009 which spread around eastern North America. The US-22 strain can infect both potato and tomato but is more aggressive on tomatoes resulting in severe disease compared to potato. Interestingly, scientists have determined that strain US-22 is sensitive to metalaxyl, the active ingredient in Ridomil. The US-22 strain belongs to the A2 mating type and if it happens to colonize the same tissue as one of the A1 mat-

ing types, new strains can develop. In addition, mating of opposite mating types can result in the production of very persistent oospores. Not much is known about the US-25 strain which is currently being tested for mating type and metalaxyl sensitivity at the University of Manitoba. It is not known what new strains will emerge in the future and what additional management practices and tools will be required to limit the spread of late blight. The late blight survey in Canada will continue until 2013. Tomato and potato growers who encounter late blight in their fields during 2012 are encouraged to send in samples either to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada or contact Janice LeBoeuf, OMAFRA Vegetable Strain

Specialist, Ridgetown Ontario or Michael Celetti, OMARFA Plant

Pathologist, Horticulture Crop Program Lead, Guelph Ontario

Figure 1. Advanced late blight symptoms on a tomato leaf appear as brown lesions often surrounded by a light green or yellow margin or halo.

Predominant Host

Metalaxyl Sensitive

Mating Type

2010

Year 2011

US-8

Potato (frequently associated with tuber infections)

A2

No

1

0

US-11

Tomato

A1

No

1

1

US-22

Tomato

A2

Yes

1

11

US-24

Potato

A1

Yes

1

0

US-25

Tomato

?

?

1

5

Table 1. Strains of the late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans found in Ontario during 2010 and 2011.

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PAGE 20 –– JUNE 2012 THE GROWER

VEGETABLE FOCUS

Spraying transplant vegetable row middles – what are your options? KRISTEN CALLOW, OMAFRA WEED MANAGEMENT PROGRAM LEAD – HORTICULTURE There has been a lot of interest in spraying the row middles of vegetable transplant fields with herbicides using hooded sprayers. Is this a good idea? Well . . . it depends on the herbicide. Some growers have questioned whether or not glyphosate can be sprayed. This is not a labelled use and is definitely not a good idea. Why? Just take a look at Figures 1 through 3 which show the impact of glyphosate drift on tomatoes and cucurbits and Figure 4 which shows glyphosate drift on strawberry using a hooded sprayer. Other reasons include: 1. Drift could occur. No matter how careful you are, wind can get under the hooded sprayer, you could drive over a rock, you could forget to turn off the sprayer when turning around on headlands, all resulting in drift. 2. Drift of glyphosate typically results in dead plants. Glyphosate is absorbed into

green leaves or green stems. Once there, glyphosate moves or "translocates" throughout the plant, eventually causing wilting, yellowing - followed by complete browning, deterioration of plant tissue and ultimate decomposition of the underground roots and rhizomes (dead plants). 3. Knowledge of how long glyphosate takes to break down on plastic mulch is not known. Some formulations of glyphosate have been manufactured with surfactants included and the potential for residues in plastic mulch are also not known. So, can the glyphosate stay active on the plastic mulch resulting in exposure when growing plant foliage reaches it? This is not known. We do know that glyphosate is broken down quickly by microbes in the soil. The only herbicide currently labelled for weed control in row middles with a hooded sprayer is carfentrazone – ethyl (Aim EC). Carfentrazone-ethyl is taken up through the foliage, not readily translocated and has no residual in soil. If drift occurs with carfentrazone-ethyl the leaf tissue will simply brown and burn on contact.

Figure 1. Glyphosate drift on tomato Photo courtesy of Janice LeBoeuf

Figure 2. Glyphosate injury on tomato. Photo courtesy of Janice LeBoeuf

Figure 3. Glyphosate injury on cucurbit

Figure 4. Glyphosate drift on strawberry

Cost control – is that even possible? JOHN MOLENHUIS BUSINESS ANALYSIS AND COST OF PRODUCTION PROGRAM LEAD Costs have been increasing; this is not news to anyone. It is important with increasing costs to make sure every dollar spent is spent wisely. In financial terms this is referred to as financial efficiency. Financial efficiency looks at how well farms are using their inputs (or spending their money) to maximize revenue. Given that costs are increasing for everyone, are there some farms doing a better job of managing those costs and are more profitable as a result? To explore this a little further we will look at the financial results of the field fresh vegetables farm type in the

Towards Increased Profits (TIP) report. The TIP report uses AgriStability data to compare the financial performance of the individual farm operation to an industry benchmark based on their farm type and income range. Being low cost is one thing; being low cost while still maximizing revenue can be another thing. To account for this, the TIP report does not just look at the lowest cost producers; it relates it back to revenue and measures expenses as a per cent of gross farming revenue. This gives an indication of financial efficiency. Figure 1 shows cash operating cost results for five gross sales ranges in the field fresh vegetables farm type for the 2010 year. The results are divided into the

high 25 per cent cost producers, the median or middle value of all producers and the low 25 per cent cost producers. Any number under 100 per cent means costs were less than revenue and the farms made money on a cash basis. The first sales group, $0 $50,000, has the biggest range between low cost and high cost. It evens out more in the larger sales ranges but in each group there is still a fairly large gap between the high and low. The $100,001 to $500,000 had the largest number of farms (218) so let’s drill down a little deeper in this sales range. Figure 2 shows where the field fresh vegetable farms spent their money. For this group the average farm spent 22 per cent of their revenue on direct expenses such as seed, fertilizer and pesticides. But the

range between low cost and high cost was significant with the lowest cost producer spending 15 per cent of their revenue where the highest cost group spent 30 per cent. Put another way, the low cost producers were able to generate $100 in sales with only $15 of direct expenses while the high cost producers needed $30 to make that same $100 in sales. One of the largest expense items for many vegetable operations is labour. From Figure 2 you can see the farms spent, on average, 23 per cent of their revenue on labour costs. Again the range was big with the high cost group at 30 per cent spending double the low cost group at per cent. Clearly the low cost producers are managing their costs differently, and able to do it without sacrificing revenue.

Understanding where you spend your money is an important first step in cost control. Wondering where you fit into these numbers? If you do not already receive the TIP report every year, the first step is to request a TIP report on your AgriStability application form. As a second step, Ontario producers may be able to access the Farm Financial Assessment cost share component of the Growing Forward Business Development for Farm Businesses initiative to work with an advisor on a detailed cost of production analysis. More details on Growing Forward Business Development for Farm Businesses can be found at: www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/ab out/growingforward/busdev.htm.

JUNE 2012 –– PAGE 21 THE GROWER

BITS AND BITES

Large cherry crop expected in British Columbia Kelowna, BC – Favourable weather has blessed the cherry crop, according to BC Tree Fruits, a part of the Okanagan Tree Fruit Cooperative which is owned by more than 500 local growers. An eight-million pound crop is anticipated with first pick expected to land in grocery stores by end of June. That’s almost double the 4.6 million pounds harvested last year,

according to BC Tree Fruits’ senior field advisor, Hank Markgraf. “A mild winter and an early and hot spring led to our cherry trees blooming three to five days ahead of last year,” says Markgraf. “We were lucky that we didn’t experience any frost issues that other parts of Canada experienced.” “Cherry season is always one of the most anticipated among con-

sumers,” added marketing manager Chris Pollock. “We are excited to increase our production from last year and to see fresh BC cherries in grocery stores longer.” The cherry crop is expected to extend to the end of August. Other fruits will benefit. BC Tree Fruits also markets and distributes apples, pears, peaches, apricots, prune plums and blueberries.

Okanagan fruit sector receives $2 million for replant program The British Columbia government is making $2 million available to help replant low-value orchards with high-demand varieties. This is a “right variety, right size, right grade” strategy for growers to deliver produce

that excels in the B.C. climate. “Our association has been working with the province on ways to bring sustainability to our industry, through the formation of the Tree Fruit Industry Working Group and its recommendation

for a replant program,” said Kirpal Boparai, BCFGA president. The program, which also includes a grafting and budding component, will operate for three years. Growers can apply to par-

ticipate in the program at any time. The B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association will administrate the program along with the B.C. Investment Agriculture Foundation. B.C. produced 97,000 tonnes

of apples in 2011, with about 75 per cent sold in western Canada. B.C. also had apple exports of $11 million to the U.S. and $1 million split between Mexico and Vietnam.

GM apple raises concern Some growers in British Columbia’s Okanagan valley are worried by the introduction of genetically modified crops. That’s because the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has received an application for the genetically modified Arctic apple. Its non-browning trait results from silencing the browning gene. "I’m not concerned about the science behind it; I’m not a scientist,” says Summerland orchardist, Joe Sardinha. “

From my standpoint as a producer, I’m concerned that, with genetic modification, consumers could easily feel that their pristine apple suddenly has a component that they’re not confident in." "There are plenty of ways to keep those apples fresh with some very simple natural-occurring things like citric acid. In this particular case, the trait is only the nonbrowning feature. We already have a naturally selected apple that has that," he said.

Last year, the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association passed a resolution against the introduction of genetically modified fruit. In a May 24 news release, Okanagan Specialty Fruits reported that the public comment period is proceeding smoothly for its non-browning Arctic Golden and Arctic Granny apples. “We are very pleased to see the strong progress we are making toward reaching the market in Canada,” said Neal Carter,

himself an apple and cherry grower. “We’re confident this public comment opportunity will reassure consumers and producers alike that Arctic Apples address browning in an innocuous way, so that we can move on to the work of getting more people eating more apples.” The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) posted the notice of submission on May 3, kickstarting the public input process.

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For more information on CANTUS fungicide, call AGSOLUTIONS® by BASF at 1-877-371-BASF (2273) or visit www.agsolutions.ca Technical support provided by:

CANTUS is a trade-mark of BASF SE, used with permission by BASF Canada Inc. AGSOLUTIONS is a registered trade-marks of BASF Corporation, used with permission by BASF Canada Inc. Photo Credit: Gualtiero Boffi via BigStockPhoto © 2012 BASF. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS.

PAGE 22 –– JUNE 2012 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

Interested in advertising in The Grower? Herb Sherwood 519-380-0118

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

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Join the thousands of farmers across the country who are recycling their empty pesticide containers. Protecting our farms, families and the environment is our shared responsibility.

™ Visit www.anatisbioprotection.com to order,

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

Visit www.cleanfarms.ca to find the collection site nearest you.

JUNE 2012 –– PAGE 23 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

To advertise phone: 519-380-0118 • 866-898-8488 x 218 • Fax: 519-380-0011 EQUIPMENT IN STOCK NOW!!! 400, 500, 600 GAL.

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• VEGETABLE SEEDERS

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• FERTILIZER ATTACHMENTS

Turbo-Mist 500 gal, Myers Centrifugal Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,500 Turbo-Mist 400 gal, 30� Fan, Standard Outlet or Tall Tower John Bean/FMC 252 Stainless, 500Gal Hydr-Valves, A-1 . . . . . . . . $7,500 Durand Wayland 500 gal, Stainless Steel, Centrifugal Pump . . . $5,500 Perfect ZA380, 13ft Rotary Mower, 11ft + Swing Cutter . . . . $4,950 Votex 3-PH, 11FT Mower, New Blades - 6 Yrs Old . . . . . . . . . . . $4,700 New and Used Bin Trailers For Wood and Plastic Bins . . . . . . . In Stock Bin Rotator for Tractor Loader or Forklift , Incl Forks & Hose . . . . . . .$1,100

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

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

GREENHOUSE MANUFACTURING Complete Greenhouse Systems For Your Needs! Complete Greenhouse Systems Since 1986

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

(SideDressers)

• SPECIALIZED ROW CROP EQUIPMENT Cultivator Steels, Sweeps, Hoes, Furrowers, Hillers, Etc.

AVAILABLE NOW

JOHN C. GRAHAM CO. LTD.

NEW IRRIGATION PUMP UNITS ON TRAILER

DISTRIBUTORS 88 Erie Street North • P.O. Box 13 Leamington, Ontario • N8H 3W1

• Cummin 4 cyl, 80 HP, $11,900 • Cummin 4 cyl turbo, 105 HP $13,850 • John Deere, 4 cly, 80 HP, $13,175 • Cummin 6 cyl, 165 HP-5.9L, $15,750

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

FOR SALE

Pipe & Fittings

2 lane 8 drop Autoline

for Water Systems

• Iveco/Cummins 130 HP (134-H), $12,950 All with Rovatti Pumps, etc. And many more new or used up to 550 HP. We build them all big or small. Also couplers, hoses, clamps, for

WeightPro Sizer for peppers, tomatoes or

suction, camlock, ringlock, etc.

large fruit. 360 bushel

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

per hour, great line. Serviced by an Aweta tech last fall. Works great. $12,000 obo

Call 519.476.4623

EQUIPMENT

• 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

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

1-800-361-8515

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The Millcreek Row Mulcher is a simple way to maneuver, and adjusts to handle most row spreading jobs with ease.

tÄž Ä‚ĹŻĆ?Ĺ˝ Ä?Ä‚ĆŒĆŒÇ‡ D KKÍ• &/ Z'> ^^ ^d < ^Í• EXQGOH RU ORRVH /E /E' dh Í• dZ d/ t /E'Í• dKK>^Í• KZ , Z > Z^Í• h /E'ÍŹ'Z &d/E' ^hWW>/ ^ E dZ 'h Z ^͘

TIMM ENTERPRISES LTD. 0DLO 3 2 %R[ 2DNYLOOH 21 / . $ 2IILFH :DUHKRXVH 7UDIDOJDU 5G 0LOWRQ 21 / 3 ( 3KRQH - )D[ - 6DOHV - - -7,00 ZZZ WLPPHQWHUSULVHV FRP VDOHV#WLPPHQWHUSULVHV FRP

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www.easternfarmmachinery.com

PAGE 24 –– JUNE 2012 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

REAL ESTATE

Alpine Nurseries

(Niagara) Limited

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

VINEYARD WITH RESIDENCE IN THE NIAGARA WINERY REGION with 26 acres of modern, high producing grapes. Sold as a going concern. $1,900,000. 0165

Howard A. Colcuc Nursery Manager

GREAT RETAIL BUSINESS LOCATED CLOSE TO GTA! 130 ac fruit farm with 86 ac workable. Large cold storage facility with excellent rental income, CA storage and 3 phase electrical, large office, shop and implement sheds and 3 houses. Additional 4 acre parcel with 6 bedroom home for additional $795,000. By Appointment Only! $3,690,000 C148

CLASSIFIEDS

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Turn your used farm equipment into cash.

Massey Ferguson gas tractor with a Bush Hog, a Bush Hog disc, cultivator and a grader blade. Asking $6,000. Call Henry at 905-8926326

Classified ad 866-898-8488 ext. 221

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

CLASSIFIEDS New Holland TM 125 4wd tractor 4200 hours, $38,000; Diesel self propelled Onion Harvester, $6,500; Univerco Onion Puller, $12,500; Pickling Onion Equipment (combine, digger, grading line) $7,500; Howard 10 foot Rototiller, 4,200; 2705 MF Tractor, $8,200; 2775 MF Tractor, $12,700; Irrigation Package including 100 pieces - 5 inch pipe, 21 Wade Rain 5 inch hop-a-longs, 7 Nelson irrigation guns and Rovatti PTO driven Irrigation Pump $13,400; 250 Used Hardwood Carrot/Onion Totes, $35 each; Stanhay Belt Planter 4-row, $4,200; Drum style 2 row bedder, $1,500; Irrigation Pipe: 6 inch, $110 each; 4 inch, $45 each; 3 inch, $30 each; Pipe Fittings (call for pricing); Call Leamington 519-326-0093 or email brunojmb@gmail.com

WATER TREATMENT

The 'AQUA Wetland System' “A new breed of constructed wetland” AQUA Treatment Technologies Inc. designs and installs the 'AQUA Wetland System' (AWS) for tertiary treatment of many types of waste water including sanitary sewage, landfill leachate, dairy farm & abattoir wastewater, greenhouse irrigation leachate water & mushroom farm leachate water (i.e. manure pile leachate) and high strength winery washwater. The 'AQUA Wetland System' is operated out of doors and can achieve year-round tertiary treatment of wastewater. This sub-surface, vertical flow constructed wetland consists of sand & gravel beds planted with moisture tolerant plant species. Water is pumped vertically from cell to cell. There is no open or standing water. Treatment occurs through physical filtration & biological degradation. Plants shade & insulate the cells, cycling nutrients while preventing algae growth. There is no production of sludge. The AWS has been approved for use by the Ontario Ministry of Environment through over 40 Environmental Compliance Approvals. Recently the Region of Niagara began approving the AWS for treatment of 'small flow' winery washwater I.e. < 10,000 liters per day. Other agencies who have issued approvals include Health Canada, USEPA and OMAFRA. Recent projects include: 1) treatment of cider mill washwater at Bennett's Apple and Cider in Ancaster 2) treatment of winery washwater at DiProfio Wines and Lincoln Farm Winery in Niagara 3) treatment of pond water at Hihojo Farms for supply of hog drinking water

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

The best producing orchards start with exceptional trees. Apples Apricots Cherries Nectarines Peaches Plums

Quality Fruit Trees for 60 years. Mori Nurseries 1695 Niagara Stone Rd., RR#2 Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S1J0 T: 905-468-3217 F: 905-468-7271 Email: fruittrees@morinurseries.com

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JUNE 2012 –– PAGE 25 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

CROP TUNNELS

IRRIGATION SYSTEM 22 – 3” x 30’ & 15 – 4” x 20’ Wade Rain Irrigation Pipe Rovatti P.T.O. 4” Pump Bauer – Rainboy travelling gun - 400’ Package price: $5,000.00

Phone Rae’s Farms 905-878-7708

REFRIGERATION

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IRRIGATION PIPES FOR SALE!

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

Change of address? 866-898-8488 ext 221

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

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PAGE 26 –– JUNE 2012 THE GROWER

MINOR USE CRAIG’S COMMENTS

Giving back

CRAIG HUNTER OFVGA The cost of doing business is never just about the straight cost of goods or services provided or availed. Every grower knows about “giving back” in one form or another. So, too, is it for the companies we deal with, or at least most of them. Likewise, the price of goods and services includes (usually) something to cover these ‘extras.’ They are never truly free. In late March at the Canadian Minor Use Priority Setting meetings we all witnessed many companies who agreed to projects on minor uses that do not and cannot be justified solely from a future sales perspective. These companies will provide data, staff time and regulatory time to help the Pest Management Centre (PMC) get the use on a label. Not every company participates, however. This year there were some who got no request for their product, maybe in part due to their lack of willingness in the past. Some companies also pro-

vide even more than that--they are proactive in their own right in doing the work and labeling minor uses from day one with the new actives. There are increasing numbers of these happening. In spite of this, some companies are still reluctant to even participate in joint reviews, let alone label minor uses themselves. It would take about $150,000 a piece for the PMC to do the work to register these after the fact. The savings are enormous, but once again, not all companies are on board. That is part of the reason it is taking so long to close the ‘Technology Gap,’and why we still do work on old compounds. When it comes to giving out things, it is often the same companies who provide assistance where needed. I have read about a company who helped to put a new roof on a curling club in a small town in the west. Local projects like these build good will and better relationships, and the town may have otherwise seen their facility close without that kind of help. A win-win for everyone! Others have underwritten the costs of Masters and PhD students who may otherwise have not been able to get that training. I have seen donations made to numerous community events across Canada. I have heard of staff time given to help manage national events and organizations like 4-H. Many types of stewardship programs would never get off the ground without company help. Suffice to say that these types of ‘giving back’ do help,

but rarely get the notice or the thanks they deserve. At the same time, there are some who do nothing. The contribute nothing. They do not send staff to CropLife Provincial Councils to help in local programs. Their staff are not encouraged or supported to give back in any way. Some say it is to be more competitive. I do not agree! Some feel that it is ‘someone else’s job.’ I do not agree! The days when a ‘free’ hat was enough to get a sale are gone. So too are the days when one only shopped at the same outlet that grandpa did in his day. We tend to shop widely, travel widely, and have information at our fingertips on price, value, service, and ‘programs’ before we decide on who to buy from. Perhaps another intangible is that often-hidden extra value. It may not be the determining factor when prices vary widely. It may never be the only factor that comes into play. It could be the factor when all other considerations are on the table. I guess I would rather buy from a solid citizen who gives back in my community, when I get the chance. Most of these (The Good Ones) kinds of companies do NOT go around talking about what they do. In fact, just asking them seems to put them on the defensive side. I know the difference between a braggart and a proud donor. I have seen ‘welloff’ community members extolling their own virtues, and the needy giving all they can

spare when it is more than they can afford. The quiet and thoughtful giving strikes a chord much deeper than the very public and outspoken ‘generosity’ of some others. At the same time, I think there are few growers who know or appreciate the giving that does go on. The local dealers may also not know about it either. Likewise, I know of many growers who make their quiet donations to local groups, needy individuals, and their time to organizations. In fact, over 200 growers gathered in Ottawa just a few weeks ago to attend the Canadian Horticultural Council. This was unpaid time away from their farms and families to provide their wisdom and expertise on behalf of all Canadian Horticulture producers. This was giving to their friends and neighbours, even if not thought of in that way. If you know of such a person, take a moment to thank them! They may have once again saved you money in ways you never dreamed possible. When you meet reps from the various companies you buy from, ask them how their company gives back. Ask them how their company is worthy of your business. If you don’t ask they may never tell you. If they have no answer you may reconsider your buyer’s allegiance. I also encourage those reticent companies to be more open in what they do. I may have firsthand knowledge of just a fraction of what is given, but I certainly wish I knew more. I also wish

others could appreciate the behind-the-scenes work going on. There is another way that giving back can help. Just telling a stranger or a non-ag neighbour the story of agriculture as practised on your farm will build an important bridge of understanding. Many growers host tours on their properties each year, and use the opportunity to tell “our” story. Not everyone can afford to give at the same level. However, when you give what you can, everyone is better off, and believe me when I suggest YOU will feel better too. Price is never the ONLY thing. The following is just one example of what I call ‘Giving Back.’ Annual Sponsorship of the Ontario Grower and Vendor Pesticide Certification Programs Platinum: $10,000 BASF Gold: $4000 N.M. Bartlett Silver: $1,000 FMC Canada and Engage Agro Bronze: $500 Cheminova and Busy Bee Beekeeping Supplies I also acknowledge the $10,000 contribution of Syngenta Canada towards publication #75 Weed Control to put the tabs in the book. Thanks to each of them, and to the others who have ‘done their bit’ that I have not been privy to!!

National Plant Pest Response Plan underway The greenhouse and potato industries are impacted by an extensive range of pests, diseases and weeds which threaten the two industries’ access to foreign and domestic markets. Since 1990 the potato industry has dealt with PVY (potato virus Y), potato wart and golden nematode which have resulted in significant financial impacts for growers. The greenhouse industry has dealt with a number of pests, including most recently Macrolophus, false codling moth, Tuta Absoluta and pepper weevil. The industry’s ability to meet biosecurity challenges and maintain access to foreign and domestic

markets is dependent on a program structure which will provide incentives for the reporting of plant pest incursions. An agreement between the CHC and AAFC was signed late in 2011 for funding under the AAFC Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP) to initiate a plan for a plant pest response program that will provide a nationally consistent guideline for preparedness and prevention, response procedures and mechanisms for financial redress in the event of emergency plant pest incursions. International plant pest response plans are being reviewed to identify their respective best practices and

Pepper weevil

compensation mechanisms. Secondly, a survey of growers in identified countries will be conducted through their national organizations to identify the important components of the national programs. This information will be used to establish the framework of a national plant pest response plan. For further information please contact: Greenhouse related inquiries, Craig Anderson, Commodity Coordinator: canderson@hortcouncil.ca Potato related inquiries David Jones, Manager, Potato Industry Coordination: djones@hortcouncil.ca

JUNE 2012 –– PAGE 27 THE GROWER

MINOR USE

Callisto 480SC registered to control weeds in asparagus JIM CHAPUT, OMAFRA, MINOR USE COORDINATOR, GUELPH

The following is provided as a general outline only. Users should consult the complete label before using Callisto 480SC herbicide. Callisto herbicide can be used on established asparagus plantations only. Callisto can be applied at a rate of 0.3 L per ha in 100 – 200 L water per ha after fern mowing, disking or other tillage operations but prior to spear emergence. Only one application per year is permitted. Callisto herbicide should be used in an integrated weed management program and in rotation with other management strategies. Follow all other precautions and directions for use on the Callisto herbicide label. For copies of the new supplemental label contact Kristen Callow, OMAFRA, Ridgetown (519) 674-1335, Elaine Roddy, OMAFRA, Ridgetown (519) 674-1616 or visit the Syngenta Canada website at www.syngenta.com.

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of a minor use label expansion for Callisto 480SC herbicide (mesotrione) for control of weeds on established asparagus in Canada. Callisto herbicide was already labeled for management of weeds on corn, mesotrione-tolerant soybeans, cranberries and blueberries in Canada. This minor use submission was sponsored in 2010 by the minor use office of OMAFRA in response to minor use priorities identified by producers and extension personnel in Canada. Weed control is an important component of asparagus production and has been identified as a priority by producers for several years. The registration of Callisto herbicide is an important step towards obtaining an effective and useful weed management and resistance management toolkit.

The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association s second bi-annual, industry-wide, universal guide assists farmers in finding companies and organizations within the fruit and vegetable sector. The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association is bringing the industry together, again – and you can help. If you are interested in being listed, FREE of charge, merely fill out the information below and fax it back to 519-380-0011 . This resource guide will be sent out via The Grower throughout Canada, providing fruit and vegetable farmers with a valuable contact tool for future reference. While keeping it as simple as possible, the guide will be broken into 12 sections for ease of management and accessibility for the farmers using it. This is one booklet that will always be on-hand with fruit and vegetable farmers in Canada – count on it. The sections for the guide are as follows please circle each applicable section for your business : Equipment Pollination Seed Rootstock Irrigation Greenhouse Packaging Container Crop protection Fertilizer Miscellaneous Farm Organizations It’s literally a “Who’s Who” for the fruit and vegetable industry. Don’t be left behind. Get your information in today. For advertising in the guide, contact Herb Sherwood who will be happy to explain other options aside from the FREE listing. Ph: 519-380-0118 Fax: 1-519-380-0011 Email: advertising@thegrower.org Pricing Back Page. . . $1,250 Page 3 . . . $1,100 1/2 page . . . $625

Inside Front . . . $1,100 3/4 Page . . . $850

Inside back. . .$1,100 Full Page . . . $975 1/4 page . . . $375

Process Colour is available on all pages and is included in cost per page

Company Name: Address:

City:

Prov./State:

Postal Code/Zip: Tel: Fax: General Email: Mailing Address if different than above :

Website: Year Established: Products:

Registered: plant growth regulator Kin-Gro, a plant growth regulator (PGR) has been recently registered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency under registrant AgroChem Inc. The distributor’s news release says the product significantly increases yield of field and greenhouse grown peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce and eggplant. Kin-Gro is a 0.5 per cent concentration of the plant hormone cytokinin (present as Kinetin). Cytokinins are responsible for cell division and are found naturally in the apical buds, young leaves, flowers and developing seeds. When applied foliarly at specific stages of plant growth (leaf expansion, pollination and flowering) Kin-Gro will increase cell division and result in significant yield. As indicated on the label, Kin-Gro has been shown to increase the number and size of flowers/fruit, plant weight, root weight, crop quality and yield. Kin-Gro is available in a 1L, 4L and 10L jug from Kam’s Growers Supply, a Canadian company based in Guelph, Ontario that supplies commercial growers with a full range of plant growth regulators, fertilizer (water soluble and slow release) and crop protection products. For more information, please call 877-821-1684 or email: jfordyce@kams.ca. Source: Kam’s Growers Supply news release

PAGE 28 –– JUNE 2012 THE GROWER

Grapes worth celebrating PURE PROTECTION LEADS TO PURE PERFECTION

PureSpray™ GREEN Spray Oil 13E. Protection at its purest – CAS# 8042-47-5 Introducing PureSpray GREEN Spray Oil 13E, from the largest producer of white oils. It’s proof that not all spray oils are created equal. It is an innovative isoparaffin oil that offers the highest purity levels on the market with CAS# 8042-47-5. This means it’s formulated with 99.9% pure isoparaffin base oils and is guaranteed to be free of aromatics, which harm the food chain. And since it’s suitable for organic production, both organic and traditional growers can benefit from its many strengths.

PureSpray GREEN Spray Oil 13E effectively protects your high value grape crop by quickly controlling pests and disease, and providing

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extended protection within your IPM program. All without any resistance, phytotoxicity or burning issues, when used as directed. So use it early to avoid the need for traditional toxic chemicals later. As many pesticides are being delisted, your choices are limited and becoming more so every day. So when you have a choice to make, be sure to choose the purest – PureSpray GREEN Spray Oil 13E. It’s an effective choice with unlimited possibilities. For more product information visit www.purespraygreen.com/grapes.

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