The Grower May 2013 by The Grower

CELEBRATING 133 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION

MAY 2013

VOLUME 63 NUMBER 05

TECHNOLOGY

Acreage mapping collects data in record time KAREN DAVIDSON Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario – More than three-quarters of Ontario’s 10,000 tender fruit acres will be mapped this spring with a Fruit Tracker management program. From spray tracking to inventory control to CanadaGAP report filing, this timesaving management software is widely accepted yet is still a work in progress. “This is the most robust program in Canada,” states Phil Tregunno, chair, Ontario Tender Fruit Producers’ Marketing Board (OTFPMB). With 700 acres of his own peaches and nectarines on the Fruit Tracker program, he shows the speed of accessing each block of trees from his home office computer. This month, he’ll have his crop scouts identifying pests in specific blocks and then emailing the data in real time using a smartphone. The seeds of the current project were sown in the Apple Tracker and Grape Tracker programs, both of which started as a recording tool for spraying. About eight years ago, apple growers in DurhamNorthumberland counties spotted the electronic records of competing growers in New York State. A number of apple and grape growers volunteered to test drive an Ontario-made program in computer labs, sensing a practical

INSIDE CPMA highlights

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Washwater results distilled

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At this time of year, Phil Tregunno takes pride in walking his peach orchard which he expects to be in bloom in early May near Niagara-onthe-Lake, Ontario. As chair of the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers’ Marketing Board, he’s an adopter and proponent of the Fruit Tracker program which provides comprehensive orchard management tools. More than 75 per cent of Ontario’s 10,000 acres are signed up. Photos by Denis Cahill. solution based on evolving computer technology. “The turning point for Fruit Tracker was when it became web-based,” recalls Margaret Appleby, OMAF and MRA IPM specialist, who has consulted closely with the growers since 2005. “A web-based program also solved compatibility issues for different computers.” The program has evolved far beyond spray regimes. By adding fertilizer, harvest and other event data into the system, growers can track crop protection usage, pre-harvest intervals, re-entry intervals and generate reports on their orchards on a block basis. With this sophisticated insight, growers can better manage food and worker safety, pest management and production. “As we began applying Fruit Tracker to recording tender fruit and apple orchards, we enlisted the help of a few keen, enthusiastic growers,” says Larissa Osborne, OTFPMB marketing and production analyst. That

focus group added much value to the evolution of the program. “Generating CanadaGAP reports in the required format is great,” the group said, “but wouldn’t it be even better if at the same time we could track how much spray we used and how much it cost us to spray by orchard or by block.” That’s how the chemical inventory module was born. Growers input their current inventory, record purchases and the program tracks what is in their spray shed by deducting quantities from inventories each time a spray event is recorded. Appleby agrees that the pesticide application features are a key benefit. Each chemical is linked to the label. The program’s dropdown box shows existing treatments from OMAF’s publication 360, showing the name, formulation, rates and target pest. Growers are then prompted to answer the when, why, where and what for each spray event. With this information recorded, the Fruit Tracker

program will then email alerts when re-entry intervals have passed or when it is safe to harvest.

“

Fruit Tracker is the most robust program in Canada.” ~ Phil Tregunno

More functionality will be programmed in the future including the ability to produce cost of production reports by block, to integrate weather data and to input packing and shipping events. “We are excited to see the iPad scouting app being

developed too,” says Appleby. To sign up for Fruit Tracker, growers must agree to Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping of their orchards, best described as a merger between cartography, statistical analysis and database technology. Agricorp, the government agency that delivers risk management programs in Ontario, has partnered on the project, sending field agents to enter orchard coordinates whether growers participate in programs or not. “Agricorp’s Fruition program uploads details such as the special shape mapping files, tree counts, tree ages and variety type and links them with the collection of yield data,” explains David Hughes, of Agricorp’s program management and industry relations department. Agricorp employees are busy inputting the data during and following visits to each grower’s farm before the production season is in swing. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

PAGE 2 –– MAY 2013 THE GROWER

AT PRESS TIME… Greenhouse veggies promoted at home Although 70 per cent of production is exported, the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) isn’t taking the domestic market for granted. An Ontario “spring launch” promotion is running from April through mid-May to highlight product availability, freshness and quality. The program was made possible with the partnership of retail members on the Greenhouse Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee. “We have received unprecedented support of this promotional program from the Ontario retailers,” said OGVG General Manager, George Gilvesy. “Consumers can find fresh, greenhouse produce from their local farmers now in stores across the province.”

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crop, forage, fruit, vegetable or herb variety that has made a significant contribution to the agrifood industry. Any publicly developed Canadian seed variety can be nominated for Seed of the Year. Applications can be found at: www.seedoftheyear. ca/east/nominate/

DRC launches new website

During the month of February, B.C. Tree Fruits “Good to Go” contest raised awareness about healthy eating with apples, but also rewarded its photo contest winner with $2,000 cash and a matching contribution to their charity of choice. Vu Nguyen’s photo received the most votes. He donated $2,000 to the BC Cancer Foundation.

Seed of the Year nominations sought OGVG’s campaign includes: in-store sampling, point-of-sale educational material, flyer promotions, radio spots, social media advertising and a partnership with Foodland Ontario on the Retail Display Contest. The Naturally Fresh Inside emblem is featured on in-store materials provided by OGVG.

NEWSMAKERS

Agricultural professionals, commodity boards, researchers and members of the agricultural community are invited to participate in the ninth annual Eastern Canada Seed of the Year competition, a joint initiative developed by SeCan and the University of Guelph. Deadline for applications is May 3rd, 2013. This competition recognizes a publicly developed Canadian field

The Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) has launched a new website: www.fvdrc.com. The new site is designed to better align with recent rebranding and marketing efforts. Easier to navigate, the site is based on the core pillars, Education, Mediation, Arbitration and Networking. The new site will now allow industry to quickly call up reference tools such as DRC guidelines and templates.

Correction In the March issue of The Grower, an incorrect statement ran on page 28 in the article titled: The science behind the next generation of fungicides. It should have read: The two modes of action in Luna Tranquility are Group 7 (fluopyram) and a Group 9 (pyrimethanil). Both groups have excellent activity on leaf scab in apples, including strains that are resistant to Group 3 and Group 11 products. Only the Group 7 (fluopyram) mode of action has activity on powdery mildew in apples.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) honoured several people in the industry at the convention and trade show in Toronto, Ontario. Congratulations to Adrian Huisman, long-time general manager of the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers’ Marketing Board, who won the Lifetime Achievement Award. Jane Proctor, vice-president of policy and issues management for CPMA won the Canadian Produce Person of the Year Award. Stephanie Lariviere won the Mary Fitzgerald Award. Isobel Dopta has left the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC) for the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors where she will be director of communications and industry relations. For the last four years, she worked tirelessly to put VRIC on the map during its startup and expansion phase. In her new role, she’ll be working with executive director Steve Peters. The Ontario Tender Fruit Producers’ Marketing Board for 2013 is chaired by Phil Tregunno, Niagara-on-the-Lake. Vice-chair is John Thwaites. Directors include: Jim Juras, Jamie Warner, David Hipple, Leo DeVries, Rusty Smith, Ken Porteous and Dave Enns. Farm & Food Care have launched the “Dinner Starts Here” initiative in Ontario, identifying commodity-specific young farmers to blog and tweet about agriculture. Erin McLean, Lakefield will be representing fruits and vegetables while Stephanie Kowalski, Glencairn, will be representing potatoes. Brian Gilroy, an apple grower from Meaford, Ontario represents the fruit and vegetable sector on Farm & Food Care’s 2013 board of directors. Okanagan Specialty Fruits has been named the winner of this year’s BIOTECanada Gold Leaf Award in the category of early stage agriculture. This category is for companies who have products in the pre-commercialized stage and are recognized for their potential market impact. This award reflects significant progress in bringing nonbrowning Arctic apples to market in the U.S. and Canada. Neal Carter, president, accepted the award at the BIO international convention in Chicago on April 23. Thomas A. Barlow is the new president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, effective June 2013. With a background in the consumer packaged goods industry, he was most recently a senior vice-president for Coca-Cola Refreshments, responsible for the vending and wholesale business for North America. Brian Hugli, Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch is the new president of the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association. He operates in Pembroke, Ontario. Congrats to Carl Huffman who has been inducted into the Essex County Agricultural Hall of Fame. He managed Huffman Farms in Harrow, with his father Charles and son, Andrew, growing more than 500 acres of vegetables and field crops, including processing and fresh potatoes.

THINKING OF SEED, THINKING OF SEMINOVA

The Ontario Institute of Agrologists recently recognized members for outstanding service. Tom Prout, P.Ag. and Barry Fraser, P.Ag. were presented with Distinguished Agrologist awards. Joseph Rider and Ernie Hardemann, MPP Oxford, were both recognized with Honourary Professional Agrologist titles for their leadership. Rob Saik, P.Ag., representing the Agri-Trend Group of Companies, accepted the OIA Corporate Award of Excellence. Also presented were service pins to long-serving members including 50-year pins to Peter Hannam and Bruce Jones.

OUR TEAM IS PASSIONATE ABOUT AGRICULTURE AND DEDICATED TO WORK WITH VEGETABLE GROWERS

Congratulations to Kim Cooper of Chatham-Kent, Ontario, who has been named the 2013 recipient of the Farm & Food Care Champion Award. He’s the agriculture specialist officer with Economic Development Services for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. For the last 12 years, he has written a weekly “Food for Thought” column in local newspapers, shining a light on agricultural commodities, practices and innovations. He is a speaker and tweeter, familiar to many audiences in the area. The award honours individuals, organizations or businesses that are agricultural advocates.

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Condolences to the family of Philip Somerville, 54, who passed suddenly on April 3. Based in Ancaster, Ontario, he was wellknown in the agribusiness community as MANA Canada’s eastern business manager and new product development manager. The industry has lost a talented advocate whose sincerity and warmth will be deeply missed.

MAY 2013 –– PAGE 3 THE GROWER

TECHNOLOGY

Acreage mapping collects data in record time to the industry. “We have seen this system grow steadily into a one-stop window of opportunity across the value chain,” says Marshall. “With abilities to upload data from scout to grower to marketer to marketing board, our industry will be able to predict, project and promote with more accuracy than we have ever seen before.” Tech-savvy growers are embracing Fruit Tracker for multiple reasons, not the least of which is guaranteeing food safety to their customers. Grant funding was provided through the Traceability Foundations Initiative. Down the road, look for more crops to be added to the program. Berries are the next likely commodity.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The GIS mapping will improve efficiency in delivering production insurance for fruit plans and will assist in future plan enhancements. Agricorp’s data is kept up-to-date on new production practices and the planting of new varieties with the benefit that growers producing apples and tender fruit can use the same program for both types of produce. Long-term, the Fruit Tracker program is expected to be a boon for all growers, helping the OTFPMB with marketing and promotional strategies. With reliable, variety-specific data only a keystroke away, general manager Sarah Marshall can provide more accurate and timely information

Grape growers’ production insurance adds brix to the mix yield. Thanks to GIS mapping by Agricorp, insured growers may claim losses that are more reflective of the grape variety they produce and its harvest value. “We’re now able to tie yield and quality back to specific blocks and vineyard,” explains David Hughes, of Agricorp’s program management and industry relations department, “and to underwrite the producer’s production insurance based on their own results for production management of quality wine grapes on their own farm.” Technology is helping finetune insurance payouts that are equitable to all.

“

We’re now able to tie yield and quality back to specific blocks and vineyard.” ~ David Hughes

This year, Ontario’s wine grape growers will have more precise production insurance coverage that is based on the grower’s average brix production capability in addition to their

INTERNATIONAL RETAILING

CONSUMER DEMAND

BREEDING

Suppliers to stop neonicotinoids

Idaho processors cut potato acres

Syngenta beefs up vegetables

British retailer Waitrose has asked its fruit and vegetable suppliers to avoid the use of three formulations of neonicotinoidbased pesticides on crops destined for the supermarket. The move is a precautionary measure until scientists can prove that these pesticides aren’t adversely affecting bees, butterflies and other important pollinators. Growers are to cease using imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam by the end of 2014. “The role of pollinating insects such as bees is crucial in sustaining agriculture in the long term, as part of a thriving ecosystem that will support food security, healthy diets and the wider agricultural economy,” said David Croft, Waitrose director of food technology.

Flat sales in potatoes are forcing Idaho processors to cut potato acres under contract by about three per cent for the 2013 season. McCain Foods and ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston cut 4,000 acres combined. J.R. Simplot maintained its full acreage. Many growers had already committed to leasing land, fumigating soil, preparing beds and purchasing seed, prompting the Southeast Idaho Potato Cooperative to warn against freed-up acres being planted for the open market. Fearing more depressed potato prices, the cooperative urged growers to plant other crops. The cuts affected growers in eastern and southcentral Idaho.

Crop protection and seed company, Syngenta, is acquiring MayAgro’s greenhouse vegetable breeding programs including cucumber, pepper and tomatoes. These comprise all native traits developed to improve virus and disease

Source: FreshPlaza.com

Source: PotatoPro Weekly

resistance as well as traits that boost yields under cold conditions. “This acquisition will allow us to accelerate growth in strategic high margin vegetable segments,” said Alexander Tokarz, head of vegetables at Syngenta. “The programs are targeting the fast developing markets of Turkey, the Middle East and CIS and will broaden our pipeline of new varieties with further benefits for growers.” The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) includes the former Soviet republics. Syngenta has also announced that it will broaden availability to some of its patented traits and technologies for vegetables. The e-licensing platform, named TraitAbility, provides “quick and easy” access to patented native traits of Syngenta commercial vegetable varieties. It also provides access to patented enabling technologies, such as plant transformation and protein targeting. Source: AgriMarketing

RESEARCH

Increasing lutein in broccoli Enhancing levels of lutein in broccoli is the focus of new research at North Carolina State University. An antioxidant, lutein is found in leafy greens such as kale and spinach and is known for lowering risks for cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. The plan is to develop plant material through hybridization with wild broccoli, then evaluate the new broccoli material to determine its stability and genetic potential for enhanced levels of lutein and beta-carotene. Ultimately, the question is whether increased levels of these antioxidants will transfer to commercial production. Researchers will also evaluate important quality traits such as head size, compactness, colour, uniformity and harvest maturity. Source: FreshPlaza.com

PAGE 4 –– MAY 2013 THE GROWER

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?

Marking 15 years at the Canadian Horticultural Council Anne Fowlie joined the Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) in March 1999 and hit the ground running, as the saying goes. “I drove to Ottawa from New Brunswick in a snow storm on a Sunday and on Monday flew to Winnipeg for my first CHC Annual General Meeting as a member of the CHC team.” Many know Anne as a part of the CHC for the past number of years, but who is she and what path brought her to Ottawa? Growing up in Quebec’s eastern townships, she doesn’t remember whether she first spoke English or French. The two languages and cultures were always closely linked. “My father was an only child of Irish descendants and my mother was one of a dozen francophone siblings. It certainly made for interesting family gatherings and a richness of cultural and culinary delights.” Once done high school she left “la belle province” and headed to Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick thanks to a high school principal from the Annapolis Valley who had attended Mount A. “It was good advice, likely some of the

Anne Fowlie, executive vice-president of the Canadian Horticultural Council is pictured here with former agriculture minister Eugene Whelan. With his passing on February 19, 2013, Whelan is remembered for his colourful years as agriculture minister in Pierre Trudeau's cabinet from 1972-1984. best I ever received, and I am particularly delighted to see my grandson, Alex, finishing up his second year there.” It was pure serendipity that led her to agriculture. “People often ask me if I grew up on a farm and although I did not, I often feel that I could have. In 1978 I built a

house and that was the beginning of a lifetime career in agriculture.” What does building a house have to do with horticulture? In this case, everything. “I was working for Day and Ross at the time and was also building a house. Two potato farmer broth-

ers, whose diversification was a construction company specializing in concrete work, installed the foundation. They were involved with five other farmers who had formed a co-op to build a packing warehouse and just happened to be looking for someone bilingual to set up and manage the office. I took the job and that was the beginning.” From 1978 up until the time she joined CHC she worked in the potato industry in a number of capacities, including sales and marketing for the grower cooperative which hired her, a large family-owned potato and grain farming operation and then for the provincial potato association as director of communications and marketing and eventually as assistant executive director. With opportunities to gain experience in buying and selling, plant health emergencies, border closures, countervail and anti-dumping and much more, the training for leading a multi-commodity, national organization was thorough indeed. “I was fortunate to have had outstanding mentors and opportunities over the years. The experience I gained serving on various boards, including two terms as a ministerial appointment to the Agricultural Development Board whose loan portfolio was subsequently taken over by Farm Credit Canada and ACOA’s Community Futures was priceless and has served me very well.” In 1998 the CHC was undergoing significant change. The long standing relationship with the CPMA was evolving. The two groups had co-shared staff for many years, including executive vice president – a position previously occupied by Danny Dempster. “Stephen Whitney was also with CHC and at that time the

groundwork for establishing the Dispute Resolution Corporation was developing. As his interest in that new venture grew and the need for dedicated leadership for each of the groups increased, an opportunity presented itself.” The rest is history. Danny Dempster took on the leadership role at CPMA and Anne joined CHC. Today there are numerous challenges and opportunities facing horticulture and developing strategies to ensure a sustainable future for farmers and their organizations is paramount. The Regulatory Cooperation Council is providing an opportunity to resolve an issue which has long been a point of contention for her. “During my years on a sales desk my market of choice was the U.S. and not Canada because I had recourse if there were problems getting paid – the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. I know all too well the consequences of not getting paid. If we are unsuccessful at achieving a made-in-Canada outcome that provides a similar protection for Canadian farmers as that which is available through the PACA it will be the biggest disappointment of my career. I will be working for several more years yet and remain optimistic.” With a demanding job, there is often little time for outside interests. “Growing up in the eastern townships, I love to ski and have enjoyed an opportunity to volunteer with a local ski team for a number of years. It is exciting to watch the young men and women compete in downhill events and being on the course with them as a gate judge or in other course crew positions. I am a music junkie and always look forward to volunteering at Bluesfest, but what I enjoy most of all is time on my daughter’s sail boat with my children and grandchildren.”

Regulatory Cooperation Council reports progress On April 4, a progress statement on the RCC Financial Protection for Produce Sellers action item was released. “The Canada/U.S. Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) is helping our respective agricultural industries by aligning regulatory systems, reducing trade barriers and preventing misalignments in the future. The RCC process has allowed us to make solid progress in finding common ground to protect fresh fruit and vegetable growers and other sellers on both sides of the border from financial risk associated with issues involving payment. At this point, Canada agrees to consider the development of a onelicensing approach. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is intending to initiate a process to publicly consult on new food regulations for Canada. This consultation will cover licensing requirements for produce dealers for the purposes of fair and ethical trade. These consultations are expected to be launched later this spring and will provide an opportunity for comments to be submitted. The Government of Canada also recognizes the possibility for greater risk mitigation in the fresh produce sector. For this reason, we are undertaking further analysis on risk mitigation measures beyond licensing changes. We fully expect the outcome of this process will lead to improvements to the financial risk mitigation tools available to fresh produce sellers.”

MAY 2013 –– PAGE 5 THE GROWER

MARKETING

Bottleneck in LCBO distribution constricts Ontario wine sales KAREN DAVIDSON Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario – With the best harvest ever in the fermenting barrels, the Grape Growers of Ontario (GGO) are counting their blessings: 66,014 tonnes harvested for farmgate value of $88.6 million. That’s short-term progress but not enough to reach long-term targets of owning the Ontario industry. “Gaining market share continues to elude us,” said Bill George, chair, GGO, at a recent media day. Vinters Quality Alliance (VQA) wine sales which include 100 per cent Ontario grapes, account for 9.5 per cent of all wine sold in Ontario. When these sales are combined with the International Canadian Blends (ICB), which include at least 25 per cent Ontario grapes, Ontario wines make up just 38.3 per cent market share. “We are local growers, so it’s only natural that local growth be our priority,” George added. That’s why the association is setting 2020 as a target date to capture 50 per cent of the Ontario wine market. Part of the problem

Grape Growers of Ontario have targeted 2020 to capture 50 per cent of the Ontario wine market. This picture shows how much more wine that represents than their current 38.3 per cent market share. Photo courtesy Grape Growers of Ontario. is a bottleneck at the LCBO which carries only 585 wines of the more than 3,000 produced in Ontario. In response to a question about the value presented by French, Californian and Chilean

EXPANSION

Ontario Food Terminal to improve infrastructure Toronto, Ontario – Always a hub of activity, the Ontario Food Terminal will be more frantic as a $5 million refurbishment project gets underway in May. • All the second-floor office windows at the terminal will be replaced for energy efficiency • The buyers’ court docks will be enclosed • A canopy cover will be built over the existing buyer court’s centre strip loading area “The enclosure of the buyers’ court docks will be a major improvement on the conditions in which trucks are loaded at the

Photo by Glenn Lowson.

terminal,” says Bruce Nicholas, general manager. “This enclosure will improve the ‘cool chain’ by ensuring that produce loaded onto trucks are completed within a controlled building not subject to the elements of weather.” The canopy over the current open ground level loading area in the centre of the buyers’ court will be a major improvement for buyers. Currently they are subject to weather conditions of rain and snow. This canopy cover will provide protection from those elements.

wines in the $12 to $15 range, George said he’s not worried about that competition. “That’s our wheelhouse,” where George said Ontario wines can best compete. He’s more

worried about the $7 to $8 Chilean wines. Consumer access to wines is also a problem. Statistics comparing Ontario and British Columbia outlets show that

Ontarians are under-served by LCBO outlets. Whereas there are a total of 1,319 outlets in Ontario (630 LCBO stores, 219 agency stores, 470 winery retail stores) , there are 1,396 stores in British Columbia (BC Liquor Distribution Branch Annual Report 2011/12). That's a huge difference given Ontario's population of 12.85 million and B.C.'s 4.4 million. “The only way our industry will maintain its momentum and continue to be a strong economic driver is for Ontario wines to replace French, California, Australian, Chilean and Italian wines in the shopping carts of Ontario consumers,” noted Debbie Zimmerman, CEO, GGO. “Ontario grape growers are committed to working with our partners to make that a reality.” With a global wine shortage and the imminent roll-out of LCBO Express stores and destination boutiques, the GGO is cautiously optimistic about improving distribution at favourable prices. The LCBO is the biggest bigbox wine retailer in the world. Ontario grape growers think they can do better in those stores.

PAGE 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MAY 2013 THE GROWER

CANADIAN PRODUCE MARKETING ASSOCIATION CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW

522 exhibit spaces sold out for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;graze and schmoozeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; event KAREN DAVIDSON Timed for spring, the annual Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show is something like the French amuse-bouche â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a single, bite-sized hors-dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvre â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that prepares us for the smorgasbord of fresh produce to come. Translated literally as mouthpleaser, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the taste of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 88th event. What makes this convention stand apart? Decision-makers attend â&#x20AC;&#x201C; witness the retailers from Loblaw, Sobeys, Metro, Walmart and others. Canadian innovators showcase their new products and packaging alongside international competitors. Delegates attend business sessions to be challenged and inspired. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intimate enough that delegates can actually see the trade show and feel that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had meaningful conversations with business owners.

The Canadian fruit and vegetable industry views the show as its kick-off venue for products yet to hit grocery shelves. From Nova Scotiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bloo juice to Ontarioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s squeezable fruits, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no shortage of samples. Boothmanship is a critical aspect of the show with annual awards. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner, EarthFresh Foods, tipped the scales with a martini bar that

served spiced, mashed potatoes in martini glasses against a dropback of the Toronto skyline. A diningroom table served as a focal point for real-time meetings. For a case history on how to strategize and execute such an interactive booth, search out Stephanie Cutaia, marketing manager. Beyond the sizzle, exhibitors were prepared with sell sheets, itemizing features, benefits and skus. This professionalism was also reflected in packaging that contained nutritional facts as well as QR codes. In fact, packaging is becoming a major feature of the show as vendors wrap traditional produce in innovative ways. Clifford Produce, for instance, debuted a grill kit that contained all the vegetable ingredients for a barbecue in an aluminum pan. American vendors are also in hot pursuit of the Canadian market. Take Duane Norton, for example, who was looking for contacts and distribution channels for Vidalia Brands Sweet Onion Petals. Made from real Vidalia onion puree harvested by Bland Farms, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a melt-in-your-mouth snack. Puree and corn meal are mixed to form a base, then the base is pushed through an extrusion head. Next, the product travels over a conveyer belt where sweet onion seasoning is sprinkled over top before it arrives at the oven where it is then baked, fusing the flavours on the inside and the sweet onion seasoning of the outer portion. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just one more example of innovation from a root vegetable. International vendors also consider the CPMA trade show event an important showcase for their produce. Mexico, Chile and Columbia mount impressive exhibits, reminding Canadian producers of the southern hemisphereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prodigious output. While Canadian producers head into their busiest season, take a moment to mark next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calendar for CPMA: April 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4, 2014 in Vancouver.

Earth Fresh Foods, Toronto, Ontario, won honours for the best exhibit of the show.

Exhibitors at the Columbian booth were aggressively meeting visitors in the aisle.

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CANADIAN PRODUCE MARKETING ASSOCIATION CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW

Innovation knows no borders The Best New Product Award went to Paramount Farms' three new pomegranatebased juices branded under POM. Each mixes pomegranate juice with additional flavours: Hula (pineapple and apple juices); Mango (mango and pear juices); and Coconut (coconut water and pear juice). The juice category continues to expand with new entrants

taking advantage of superfruit health claims and the trend of busy twenty-year-olds as liquid fuellers. Canadians are showing their mettle with successful launches of new products in both fruit and vegetable categories. Here are six.

FRUITS

Developed in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, Country Magic Bloo juice will be sold in the refrigerated juice section in the produce department at large retailers and specialty stores. The taste is the result of blending several blueberry varieties. It’s blueberry pie in a bottle. Each 250mL serving contains 125mg of anthocyanins and 245mg of polyphenols. The product is 100 per cent juice, and is not from concentrate. There are approximately 600 blueberries in every bottle of the 100 per cent blueberry sku. Two other skus are also available: blueberry strawberry and blueberry citrus.

Martin’s apple chips are all-natural, dehydrated slices of apple with no additives or preservatives. With all the health benefits of an apple, these super crispy chips are a hit with health-conscious consumers. They are now available in a number of Ontario locations.

Arthur’s Fruit Crush is described as the perfect onthe-go fruit. Each squeezable pouch has one full serving of fruit, is all-natural, with no concentrates, flavours, colours or preservatives. It’s a brand extension of Arthur’s Smoothies.

Mastronardi Produce Eco-Peppers were launched at the CPMA trade show. Grown at its EnviroFresh Farms greenhouse near Sarnia, Ontario, these peppers are the product of the first carbon friendly greenhouse of its kind in North America, using waste heat and CO2 from a neighboring fertilizer facility. The Eco-Pepper is available in various formats including bulk and packaged in a unique and completely reusable crisper bag. The EcoPepper was one component of the exhibit which won second place for best show exhibit.

NatureFresh Fried Green Tomatoes The first in North America, Leamington-based NatureFresh has launched Fried Green Tomatoes in an easy-to-carry kit that includes batter. Just add water to start, so you can adjust batter thickness to taste. Leftover batter can be used for dill pickles, shrimp, okra, eggplant or zucchini. The package directions suggest that the green tomatoes be stored at room temperature and prepared preferably, while they are still crisp and green. Serving tips include using fried green tomatoes in bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches or lasagna. The two-tomato size package is just right for small households.

VEGETABLES

Clifford Crunchies are a cocktail cucumber that appeal to everyone from school-aged kids to baby boomers. Produced at Ruthven, Ontario greenhouses, it comes in a perforated, re-sealable bag which extends retailer shelf-life and provides customer convenience. It’s a cocktail cucumber variety that is crisp, crunchy and perfect for snacking at 8 to 10 cm long.

PAGE 8 –– MAY 2013 THE GROWER

CANADIAN PRODUCE MARKETING ASSOCIATION CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW

Lessons to be learned through a retailer ’s lens Peter Chapman spent 20 years as a Loblaw’s merchandiser and marketer in Atlantic Canada. He’s now a retail consultant as well as Retail Navigator columnist for The Grower. Editor Karen Davidson spent some time with him at the CPMA trade show, learning what he sees as instructive for the industry. First, he pointed out Sunkist’s stand-up, family-sized grape packages. They cradle the fruit from bruising while offering portions that won’t spoil easily. “We are starting to see more packaging in produce as consumers are more concerned about food safety and the technology improves for storage and protecting the product,” says Chapman. “If you are considering a package for your product, communicate with your retail customers to understand the optimal size. If the current average purchase by the consumer is one pound, you might try for 1.2 lb in your package. This provides you and the retailer with a 20 per cent increase in tonnage. There is also a lot of room on these packages to communicate with the consumer. People want information so take advantage of every opportunity to provide it.” Providing grocers with bins that serve as wings or freestanding merchandisers are both wins. Sunkist’s lemon bin offers in-depth information on nutrition facts, QR code, storage and cues for social media. All of these opportunities are there with these off-shelf units. You never get this kind of communication with the consumer when your product is in line on the table. These bins work to drive incremental sales. Any time you can extend the linear footage in the store it should be well received by your retail customers. Communicate with them early to plan the arrival of these displays to ensure it fits with their plans. Think of packaging as a surface to communicate messages not only to consumers but to store employees. Chapman points out the inside lid of a corrugated box and suggests an opportunity to remind produce managers about proper cooling and storage. Employees in the store can be your biggest advocates. Retailers are challenged with fewer training hours all the time. As a supplier you can help with improving product knowledge, which results in

Peter Chapman your product being treated properly. Do not ever assume the employees at store level know everything and that they will keep the product at the correct temperature. One of the most common complaints from growers is that their product does not look as good as it could in the store. Take a proactive approach and share some of your knowledge with the staff. If you have a great point of differentiation remember to communicate it to the staff and the consumer. It always helps to say “thank you” for their proper care. Growers can always learn from the leaders in the category. Retailers visit other stores to get ideas and watch the trends. Many of your retail customers will visit stores in Europe and the U.S. to see what they are doing. If you’re a berry grower, then he suggests checking out the leaders in the category. Driscoll’s, for example, had a large booth with strawberries and blueberries in low profile clamshells. If the leaders are moving in this direction then it is worth

exploring the option in your business. Any time you are making changes make sure you have the capability and remember to communicate to your customers in advance to ensure a smooth transition. If you’re a greenhouse vegetable grower, then there’s lots to see. Naturesweet, based in California, introduced a peel-off package that serves to preserve food safety as well as convenience. The consumer can peel off the bottom for a simple rinse of the product. Quebec’s cole crops are well-known and are displayed innovatively in a refrigerated stand on mirrored glass. Association des jardiniers maraichers du Quebec makes standard fare look fresh. It is important to remember consumers buy with their eyes in produce and simple merchandising that really showcases the product is most effective. Trade shows such as the CPMA are opportunities for producers to showcase their product to their customers: the retailers.

MAY 2013 –– PAGE 9 THE GROWER

Introducing a product that’s as exciting as dirt.

Yes, you read that right. Alion®, the new Group 29 pre-emergent herbicide is anything but exciting to watch. Why? Because you’ll never actually see it do anything – and that’s the point. Spray it in your orchard for season-long control of annual grassy and broadleaf weeds. Not to mention glyphosate, triazine and ALS-resistant weeds, too. It’s literally as exciting as dirt. Until you see the results. Learn more at BayerCropScience.ca/Alion

BayerCropScience.ca/Alion or 1 888-283-6847 or contact your Bayer CropScience representative. Always read and follow label directions. Alion® is a registered trademark of the Bayer Group. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada.

PAGE 10 –– MAY 2013 THE GROWER

The camel and the straw

RAY DUC CHAIR, OFVGA Over the last several years many government initiatives have been downloaded on the horticultural industry for the betterment of society.

Environmental regulations, Greenbelt, increased minimum wage and traceability are a few of the additional burdens put on us as growers. Monies have been available to help growers with a portion of the costs to achieve compliance with new environmental regulations but the ongoing costs are borne by farmers. The amount of paper work to stay compliant can be overwhelming. Add to this inspection costs, additional labour and the farmer is being squeezed. The Greenbelt was implemented with no compensation for the loss of retirement lots nor the loss of any speculative value lands may have had. It is hard to argue that these initiatives are not beneficial for

the province as a whole, but it doesn’t change the fact that there is now a cost to do what we were doing already. It was always in our own interests to protect our lands for future generations, we have been good stewards of the land for many generations and have delivered a safe food supply to Canadians for well over a century. I recently got a call from a grower regarding a small annual food safety audit fee. My first thought as I listened was that the fee is minimal and this fee would have no effect on the grower’s bottom line. As I listened I could hear the frustration of a grower whose profit margin had been squeezed to zero with losses on the horizon. My thoughts changed

as I realized that the small fee is the straw that could break the camel’s back. We are price takers not price setters. In today’s competitive global market place we cannot just raise our prices to cover these increased costs. Even with the ‘buy local’ movement getting traction, price remains the biggest factor when a consumer is deciding which product to buy. There are now faint signals coming out of Queen’s Park that the Ontario provincial government is considering raising the minimum wage to help fight poverty -- a noble fight but not one that can be placed on the backs of fruit and vegetable growers. The last increase in minimum wage cost the horticultural industry in Ontario

$70 million annually. Further increases would simply force farmers to reduce the amount of workers they employ or get out of business all together. The Greenbelt, environmental regulations, traceability, and an increased minimum wage are all good initiatives for society, however my concern is that we cannot take any more government imposed costs. There are many good government programs in place to help growers stay competitive through research, innovation, promotion and capital expenditures. If the minimum wage does increase it will negate all the gains made by beneficial programs and will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

than ten years ago and only one per cent more for fruit. What greater proof than our fruit and vegetable farmers cannot recover additional expenses could there be? The way to fight poverty is not by placing further burdens on this sector. It is by encouraging employers to hire more people. The marketplace will dictate what the appropriate wage should be. In 2003, the poverty rate in Ontario was 6.9 per cent. In 2007 it was 11.2 per cent and during the time of the largest minimum rate increase in Ontario history, the poverty rate jumped to 13.1 per cent by the end of 2009. Using minimum wage increases as a tool to fight poverty does not work. If the policy makers assume there will be no job loss then they are wrong. If they assume that all employers can easily absorb or

pass on the additional expense then again they are wrong. How many food processing plants have we lost in the past few years? How many manufacturing plants? These facilities didn’t close because the owner wanted to retire. They were forced out of business because they were no longer competitive. If we believe that the best way to fight poverty is through the creation of jobs and opportunity then implementing policy to help that happen is a must. Just as companies have adapted to new methods of doing business in a global environment, so must government. Policies need to be forward thinking and in this case, they need to be about creating opportunity, creating jobs and not stifling them. For what it is worth, it’s the way I see it.

The folly of raising the minimum wage

ART SMITH CEO, OFVGA Recently I was at an event where the Ontario premier spoke about the importance of the Local Food Act, agricultural sustainability and the need to ensure a viable competitive agricultural sector. She also spoke about the need to fight poverty. The question is how will the government propose

to fight poverty without negatively impacting our farmers in what is the most labour-intensive sector in all of agriculture. Should the wrong method be chosen then the impact will be devastating for many of our growers. It is my fear the government will resort to the old standby of raising the minimum wage rate. It’s quick, relatively painless to government and will get credit from those whose wages go up. But is it the right tool to use? While it may be a convenient tool it is nonetheless, the wrong tool. If eliminating poverty was as simple as increasing the minimum wage, then we would have accomplished that years ago. There are a number of ways to fight poverty, but the best ways are to create employment opportunities not to restrict them. Ontario is a very diverse province made up of major cities

and rural communities where living expenses are different. It cannot be assumed that the needs and opportunities are the same everywhere. It also consists of a myriad of employment opportunities and job types. Some industries and sectors need to be extremely competitive with goods from outside of Canada such as food, both fresh and processed and as well manufactured goods. Much of Ontario employment, however, is in sectors that do not compete internationally or even interprovincially and these sectors have the ability to recover any additional wage cost from the marketplace. Unfortunately the fruit and vegetable sector is in the first category and our farmers need to meet that foreign competition. According to Statistics Canada, Canadian consumers are paying less for vegetables today

WEATHER VANE

Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date. ~ From Shakespeare’s Sonnet XVIII. 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 2013 MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Chair Vice-Chair Fruit Director Veg Director Director

Ray Duc, Niagara-on-the-Lake Jason Verkaik, Bradford Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin Jan Vander Hout, Waterdown Brian Gilroy, Meaford

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

Brian Gilroy, Meaford Mary Shabatura, Windham Centre 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

Photo by Glenn Lowson OFVGA SECTION CHAIRS

Crop Protection Research Property Labour Safety Nets CHC

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

MAY 2013 –– PAGE 11 THE GROWER

PERSPECTIVE GM protest was not really about alfalfa

OWEN ROBERTS UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH You don't normally see stories about alfalfa in Canada's premier fruit and vegetable sector newspaper. But last month's protest over genetically modified (GM) alfalfa merits discussion here, if for only one reason: the protest was more about limiting farmers' access to new technology than it was about growing hay. And to me, that’s something that concerns every farmer, whether you grow alfalfa, apples or asparagus. The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network, which despite its name is actually against genetically modified crops, lead the charge against the GM alfalfa. It was trying to convince the public that farmers neither want nor need Roundup Ready alfalfa, because it’s an environmental hazard, and in their words, it will “contaminate” the countryside. It cannot possibly coexist with conventional alfalfa, they said. Reporters dutifully reported what the protesters said about contamination by GM alfalfa. Front-page photos of people dressed in cow costumes (I sup-

pose, to show a connection to livestock) appeared in some of the 30 communities across Canada, where peaceful shows of resistance occurred against GM alfalfa. On the flip side was, and is, agri-business -- particularly Monsanto -- which created the technology, and a company called Forage Genetics International, which is commercializing it in Canada. They want the public to believe farmers do indeed need and want Roundup Ready alfalfa. They claim it’s one more tool in farmers’ toolboxes, just like the other GM crops that are widely used in Canada. Farmers were mostly quiet on the issue. Quentin Martin of Cribit Seeds was an exception. On the contamination issue, he noted only a handful of alfalfa acres in Ontario are harvested as seed, nearly all of it harvested as whole plant hay or haylage and fed to livestock. “Even if a bee were to buzz around a genetically modified alfalfa plant, take some pollen and fly to a field of conventional or even an organic field of alfalfa and pollinate a plant there, it does not change the genetics of that plant which is harvested for hay several times in a summer and for several years,” he said. If an alfalfa plant were left to set seed, he added, it is most probable that it would be pollinated by the nearest plant of the same genetics. And finally, this from Martin: “The key to coexistence is farmers must buy the varieties of seed they desire. In Canada that is easy, we have a pedigreed seed system that has provided variety

verification for over a century.” It seems to me that when it comes to pollination, the public should hear from fruit and vegetable farmers too. And now’s the time to speak up -- about this issue, and in general, about who should be dictating what tools farmers are allowed to use. I don't believe a lot of Canadians would march a metre, let alone a city block or two, because they're up in arms about alfalfa. I doubt if many people who were carrying protest signs at last month’s demonstration even know what alfalfa is. And while it’s certainly their right to demonstrate, are these the people you want making policy for farmers? Even urban politicians are cozying up to the precautionary principle, the waitand-see approach, which is really another way of saying let’s wait and see which way the proverbial wind blows, then make policy. It casts research results and sciencedriven policy to the wolves.

Farmers traditionally support research. Huge gains in production have been realized because of research. Further advances depend more and more on public

Photo by Amanda Brodhagen

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

Ontario garlic field day set for June Get set for local Ontario garlic! The Garlic Growers of Ontario are hosting a field day June 8 at the farm of Brant County Garlic Company, Scotland, Ontario. On-site, there will be a crop tour of the University of Guelph test plots. “We’ve got a great agenda with all the experts in the field,” says Bob Romaniuk, host. These include: Michael Celetti talking about bulb and stem nematodes; Marion Paibomesai talking about leek moth; John Zandstra talking about bulbil research; Becky Hughes talking about clean seed; Sandra Jones talking about Foodland Ontario promotions, Al Spicer talking about Cangrow Foliar Nutrient Products, Ted Shelegy talking about 20 years of organic farming. Equipment manufacturers will showcase their wares including: Agri Distribution J. M. Inc demonstrating Erme garlic equipment from France; Dubois Agrinovation demonstrating plastic culture containers; Packing Corporation of America demonstrating corrugated containers; NNZ Packaging Network demonstrating packaging; Sylvite Agri Services demonstrating fertilizer and chemicals; Wiltsie Equipment Sales demonstrating vegetable equipment; VandenBussche Irrigation demonstrating irrigation equipment, drip units, mulch machinery, Checchi and Magli Italia planting equipment. Lunch is provided if attendance is confirmed by June 4. Contact Bob Romaniuk at 519-751-9200.

support. Trusting that support will just naturally happen, or won’t be driven in an unhelpful direction, is a major risk.

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

PAGE 12 –– MAY 2013 THE GROWER

Spreading some #FarmerLove - why farmers should bother with social media LILIAN SCHAER Thanks to social media, everybody not only has an opinion, but they can also easily spread that opinion far and wide. Unfortunately for agriculture, many of those are promoting misconceptions about food and farming. But farmers can leverage those same tools to help tell the real story of Canadian food and farming, in real time from their own farms, said farmer and social media advocate Andrew Campbell at a recent workshop for Farm & Food Care members

about the whys and hows of social media. “Groups that are against agriculture are extremely good at using these tools. Our challenge is that when they’re presenting their messages on social media, they are impacting a lot of people,” said Campbell, known as @freshairfarmer on Twitter. “Social media determines where we find the news, and if we don’t speak up and use social media tools, others will do it for us.” People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), for example, has more than 1.5 million “likes” on their Facebook page; by comparison, the most

popular Canadian agricultural group on Facebook is Dairy Farmers of Canada, with approximately 20,000 “likes.” Social media brings out emotions in people and creates connections and many people – like celebrities – who are incredibly passionate about agriculture and are speaking out about it, yet have no understanding of it. Popular tools include Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest and others, which allow users to share information instantly from anywhere. Social media users can either create their own content to share or share materials posted by others. For Campbell, the easiest and best way to communicate is Twitter, a social network built on 140-character updates called “tweets.” He advised using the tool on a smart phone for real-time updates – many farmers on Twitter post updates and photos about life on the farm, for example. Users “follow” each other, “retweet” each others’ posts and use “hashtags” to group tweets or put them into a single feed. Popular agriculture hashtags are #westcdnag (tweets relating to western Canadian ag) and #ontag (Ontario).

“Information sharing is one of the reasons activists are so successful. People are passionate to share their information and they make it easy to do so,” he said. “As farmers, we have to become better at talking about what we do.” To be effective in social media, Campbell advised users to think of who they’re trying to reach, whether Social media is like toothpaste. it’s other farmers or consumers, and Once it comes out of the tube, it why. Look at what doesn’t go back in, so think before others are doing, you post.” keep a consistent presence and think ~ Andrew Campbell about how what you’re posting may be interpreted if you ignore public opinion.” Check out Farm & Food by people outside of agriculture. Care’s social media guide or a “Social media is like toothgood resource produced by the paste. Once it comes out of the Ohio Farm Bureau for more tube, it doesn’t go back in, so information: think before you post,” he said. • www.farmfoodcare.org/images/ “Everybody’s not going to go pdfs/SocialMediaFactSheets.pdf. meatless on Monday because of • http://ofbf.org/uploads/Socialone tweet, but the more times Media-Guide-V2_single-pagespeople see a message, the more PRESS.pdf likely it is to stick. Ask a seal hunter today about what it means

“

COMING EVENTS 2013 May 14 – 16 United Fresh, San Diego Convention Centre, San Diego, CA May 25

Taste of the Food Terminal, Ontario Food Terminal, Toronto, ON

May 30

4-H Canada 100th Anniversary Gala Celebration, Fairmont Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB

June 8

Garlic Growers of Ontario Field Day, hosted by Bob Romaniuk, Scotland, ON

July 28 – 31 Potato Association of America Annual Meeting, Quebec City, QC July 2013

Federal-Provincial-Territorial Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, Halifax, NS

Aug 13, 14 North American Strawberry Growers Association Summer Tour, Vermont, U.S., info@nasga.org October 5

Soupfest, Ansnorveldt Park, Bradford, ON

October 24 Ontario Harvest Gala, Guelph, ON Nov 1 – 10 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, ON November 7 American Agri-Women Conference Canadian Tour, Holiday Inn & Suites, Parkway Conference Centre, St. Catharines, ON Nov 12 – 17 Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer Awards, Regina, SK Nov 19 – 21 Potato Growers of Alberta Conference and Trade Show, Calgary, AB Dec 10 – 12 Great Lakes Expo, Michigan

MAY 2013 –– PAGE 13 THE GROWER

RETAIL NAVIGATOR

Food solutions • Innovation

PETER CHAPMAN   Prepared foods are not new. We are all familiar with the Hungry Man dinner. The real opportunity lies in delivering the next evolution of prepared foods. There are really three areas of focus that drive sales in prepared foods. • Health and wellness • Culturally diverse items

As we have discussed in previous issues, health and wellness is becoming more important to today’s consumers. They read the labels and they will not purchase a prepared meal that has 47 per cent of the recommended daily amount of sodium. If you have the ability to produce prepared items that offer the convenience of reduced prep time and health and wellness you might have a winner. Remember, if you do have such an item, make sure you are very clear about the benefits. Explore the category and shout about your points of differentiation. A food solution does not always have to be a full meal. There are many dips available today that save time and provide an instant solution that tastes great. Many are made with fresh ingredients to appeal to the health conscious consumer.

The second area where food solutions are growing very quickly is food that appeals to cultural diversity. Consumers have so much more exposure to different tastes and types of cuisine. Sushi is now something you will see in every province and, in some of the bigger cities, it will rival Tim Horton’s for outlets on a busy street. If you have the ability to deliver culturally diverse items prepared or partially prepared you might have a big opportunity. I would suggest testing the item with different consumers to ensure it has the right attributes and is easy to prepare. As consumers become more educated and exposed to new meals, they also become more demanding in the products.   Prepared items are one of the areas in the grocery store where we continue to see innovation. Whether it is packaging, production process or cooking methods, there are many examples of inno-

vation. Your retail customers like to be on the leading edge of this, so if you do have some new exciting opportunities, get them to market as quickly as you can, providing you do all your due diligence on continuity of supply and food safety. Usually the first person to market with these new ideas is the most successful. To understand where your retail customers are investing shelf space and resources, explore the store and their websites. The store is constantly changing to make room for new items and even new categories. Frozen skillet dinners were not even available 10 years ago. Now they are a 16-foot section in many freezers. The websites have significant space committed to food solutions. Perhaps you have items or ideas the retailers can use. More than likely it is the marketing department, so you will have to get a referral from the merchandising employees you work with.

Dirty dozen list again issued and refuted

ADRIAN HUISMAN ONTARIO TENDER FRUIT PRODUCERS The April 23rd issue of The Packer newspaper reports that despite the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) report earlier this year that said fresh produce from the U.S. does not pose a safety concern based on pesticide residues, the Environmental Working Group(EWG) again released its Dirty Dozen produce shopping guide. I have copied excerpts from the article as follows: “In its ninth year, the guild ranks pesticide residues on 48 fruit and vegetables based on thousands of samples tested by the USDA and the Food and Drug Administration, according to a news release from the group. The Washington, D.C. based EWG reported that apples again topped its annual list of the most pesticide-contaminated produce, followed by strawberries, grapes and celery. The remaining fresh produce items on the Dirty Dozen list, released April 22, were peaches, spinach, sweet bell peppers, imported nectarines, cucumbers, potatoes, cherry tomatoes and hot peppers. The EWG also issued what it calls the “Clean 15” list which includes

corn, onions, pineapples, avocadoes, cabbage, frozen sweet peas, papayas, mangoes, asparagus, eggplant, kiwi, grapefruit, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes and mushrooms. The industry-backed Alliance for Food and Farming, Watsonville Calif., countered the Dirty Dozen with a dozen reasons why consumers should eat more conventional and organic produce commodities. One of the reasons is the USDA’s statement on food and pesticide residues. Health professionals and nutritionists agree that eating more of both conventional and organic fruits and vegetables will improve health, according to the Alliance. Scientists who have reviewed so-called ‘shoppers guides’ and ‘good producer/bad produce’ lists targeted toward consumers have found the methodology used to re-interpret government data did not follow any established scientific procedures, that risk was not examined and therefore these lists/guides should not be used when making purchasing decision. “The amount of pesticide residues that an average person ingests throughout an entire year is even less that the amount of these harmful substances in one cup of coffee,” Bruce Ames, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of California-Berkley, said in the Alliance release. The comparison with one cup of coffee was startling to me as an eight-cup-a-day consumer but that it was an excellent observation to put things into perspective. I also found it strange that the so called “Environmental Working Group” keeps issuing these releases especially when it has

been refuted by both the government and industry (for good reason). They are obviously

an environment activist organization which continue to use scare tactics for their own purposes.

Remember you are always slightly more valuable if you bring these ideas to the table. Food solution opportunities are available throughout the store. You can provide innovation in every department and it does not always have to be complicated. One of the best examples I remember of a food solution is Cedar Bay planked salmon. This was not a complicated idea, but a great one because it made cedarplanked salmon available to everyone. The plank is presoaked, the product is prepared and ready to cook, plus salmon is healthy. In 12-15 minutes the consumer has a great tasting item they might have been intimidated to try or unwilling to soak a piece of wood for six hours. If you haven't seen this in the store, you can see the different items at www.cedarbaygrilling.com. When is your next cedar planked salmon?

PAGE 14 –– MAY 2013 THE GROWER

CROP PROTECTION

Tank mixing and pesticide compatibility: “The jar test”

DR. JASON S.T. DEVEAU, APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST, OMAF AND MRA JAMES D. REISS, VP AG CHEM, PRECISION LABORATORIES, LLC HELMUT SPIESER, AGRICULTURAL ENGINEER, OMAF AND MRA Are you considering a new tank mix this year? Perhaps two new fungicides, or an adjuvant you want to try? Be sure you know what you’re doing before you risk an untested tank mix. Users of commercial class pest control products for crop protection or vegetation management are permitted to apply unlabelled tank mixes of registered pest control products as long as: • each partner is registered for use in Canada on the crop, • the tank mix only includes an adjuvant when specifically required by one of the mix partners, • the application timing of each partner is compatible with crop and pest staging, • each partner is used according to the product label, • no partner is specifically exclud-

ed on any other partner label. The order in which you add each product to the tank or inductor is critical. Making sure you have the right mix, in the right order, is made easier with the free app from Precision Laboratories (www.mixtankapp.com) which works on Android and iPhone/iPad systems. At the start-up screen, select “Mix Guide” (see Figure 1). Then, select the category of the product you wish to tank mix (see Figure 2) and then select the product(s) from the alphabetized list. The app analyzes your selections and suggests the best order to add them to the tank. Note that these are U.S. products, which means they may have different names in Canada, if they are registered at all. The app has other appealing features you can explore, such as saving your mixes for future reference, and accessing instructional videos. Always check the product labels for information on compatibility of spray materials. “Compatibility” refers to the physical and/or chemical compatibility of two or more products in a solution. If you are concerned, you should perform a jar test. Always wear personal protective equipment and do it in a safe and ventilated area, away from sources of ignition. 1. Measure 500 ml of water into a one litre glass jar. This should be the same water you would fill a spray tank with. 2. Add ingredients according to

Table 1, stirring after each addition. 3. Let the solution stand in a

ventilated area for 15 minutes and observe the results. If the mixture is giving off heat, these

Figure 1 – Precision Laboratories’ Tank Mixing App Start-Up Screen

ingredients are not compatible. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Figure 2 – Select from five categories and choose up to 19 tank mix partners

A FUM

Try ne Figure 3 – Physical incompatibility in the tank

03/13-20810_MPT1

Figure 4 – Gelatinous mess made by using an inductor as a mixing vat for incompatible products

MAY 2013 –– PAGE 15 THE GROWER

CROP PROTECTION

Tank mixing and pesticide compatibility: “The jar test” Order

Ingredient

Compatibility agents

Water-soluble packets, wettable powders and dry flowables Liquid drift retardants

3. 4.

Quantity for 500 ml or g of product labeled for 1,000 L of final spray volume 5 ml (1 teaspoon) 15 grams (1 tablespoon) 5 ml (1 teaspoon) 5 ml (1 teaspoon)

Liquid concentrates, micro-emulsions and suspension concentrates Emulsifiable concentrates

Water-soluble concentrates or solutions

5 ml (1 teaspoon)

Remaining adjuvants and surfactants

5 ml (1 teaspoon)

Figure 5 – Contents of a commercially-available compatibility test kit

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 If gel or scum forms or solids settle to the bottom (except for the wettable powders) then the mixture is likely not compatible (see Figures 3 and 4 for examples of physical incompatibility). 4. If no signs of physical incompatibility appear, test the mixture using a spray bottle on a

small area where it is to be applied. Look for phytotoxic indications, such as plant damage, and monitor efficacy (which is hard to do unless you actually fill the sprayer and try it on a few plants). Commercial compatibility kits are available, such as the kit from Precision Laboratories. This kit contains three plastic “jars” and five disposable micropipettes (see

Figure 5). By following the instructions included with the kit, you can easily reduce large labelled volumes (such as 1.0 kilogram of product in 500.0 litres) of multiple products to small volumes at the same ratio. These kits can be purchased for ~$20.00 (including delivery) by calling 1.800.323.6280. Remember: a compatibility test will only reveal physical

incompatibility between products in a tank mix – they will not reveal any other form of antagonism, such as products inactivating one another, or the potential for phytotoxicity. The only way to know for sure is to apply the mix to a few test plants and keep an eye on them over the season.

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Now approved for use on strawberries for oblique-banded leafroller, three-lined leafroller, climbing cutworm and Japanese beetle (suppression), the addition will allow more growers to benefit from the unique toxicological profile Altacor offers. "Altacor is effective at very low use rates, and it is easy on bees and beneficials," says Ray Janssen, market segment manager, horticulture, DuPont Crop "It's a very popular choice in an integrated pest management program." Its active ingredient, rynaxypyr, is from a whole new group of chemistry (Group 28), with no cross-resistance to other chemistries. As with all crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully. Source: DuPont Crop Protection news release

PAGE 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MAY 2013 THE GROWER

MUCK VEGETABLE GROWERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 62ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Disease survey and fungicide treatments for the management of stemphylium leaf blight of onion in Ontario MICHAEL T. TESFAENDRIAS, M. PAIBOMESAI, M. CELETTI AND MARY RUTH MCDONALD Summary Stemphylium leaf blight is a foliar disease of onions caused by the fungus Stemphylium vesicarium. Initial symptoms on leaves consisted of tip necrosis followed by small, light yellow to brown disolourations with water-soaked lesions. Leaves may completely blighted as the lesions

Treatment Quadris Top

Rate (per ha) 1.0 L

% foliage with Symptoms 12.0 a3

coalesce. Stemphylium leaf blight has been observed in the Holland/Bradford Marsh and other onion growing regions of Ontario since 2008. More infected fields were identified in 2009, and in 2010 yield losses were associated with this disease. A survey of foliar diseases of onion was conducted in 20 fields in main onion producing areas in Ontario from July 23 - August 10, 2012. All of the surveyed fields had stemphylium leaf blight with severity ranged from 2 to 60%. Of the surveyed fields 14 had purple blotch with severity ranging 2 to 20%. In

Plot Rating1 July 27 1.0 a 1.5 ab

Aug 7 1.8 a 2.3 abc

2012, a field trial was conducted in the Holland/Bradford Marsh region of Ontario to determine the efficacy of several fungicides on stemphylium leaf blight incidence and severity. Treatments were: Pristine (pyraclostrobin 25.2%, boscalid 12.8%), Bravo 500 (chlorothalonil 50%), Manzate 750F (mancozeb 75%), Switch 62.5WG (cyprodinil 37.5%, fluodioxinil 25.0%), Fontelis 20SC (penthiopyrad 20%), Inspire (difenoconzole 23.2%), Luna Tranquility (fluopyram 11.3%, pyrimethanil 33.8%) and Quadris Top

AUDPC2

Marketable Yield % Jumbo (t/ha) (> 76 mm) 56.5 ns1

0.04 ns1

Luna 1.2 L Tranquility

50.9

0.10

13.9

70.0

15.4

Pristine

1.3 kg

50.0

0.00

13.7

73.8

12.6

Bravo

4.8 kg

49.1

0.03

9.2

78.3

12.2

Manzate

3.25 kg

48.7

0.00

10.6

75.2

15.7

Switch

975 g

48.7

0.00

8.6

75.2

16.2

43.5 a

2.8 ab

Quadris Top

57.1 bc

Size Distribution % Large (64 - 76 mm) 12.4 ns

Treatment

Aug 17 2.3 a

Rate (per ha)

(azoxystrobin 18.2%, difenoconazole 11.4%). All of the fungicides reduced disease compared to the untreated check. Disease severity was lower in Quadris Top, Fontelis and Luna Tranquility treated plots than the other treatments. The most effective fungicides in reducing stemphylium leaf blight symptoms were Quadris Top, Luna Tranquility and Inspire which reduced disease symptoms by 62, 60 and 47% respectively.

1.0 L

% Medium % Cull (45 - 64 (< 45 mm) mm) 75.7 ns 11.7 ns

Luna 1.2 L Tranquility

12.8 ab

Inspire

512 mL

16.8 abc

1.8 ab

2.8 bcd

3.8 cd

70.8 cd

Fontelis

1.4 L

18.9 bcd

1.5 ab

2.0 ab

3.3 bc

56.9 bc

Pristine

1.3 kg

19.8 cd

1.5 ab

2.5 abc

4.0 cde

67.0 cd

Manzate

3.25 kg

20.1 cd

2.0 b

2.8 bcd

4.8 e

78.3 de

Switch

975 g

23.1 d

2.0 b

3.0 cd

4.3 de

78.5 de

Fontelis

1.4 L

47.9

0.00

13.6

69.6

16.8

Bravo

4.8 kg

23.4 d

1.5 ab

2.5 bcd

3.8 cd

65.8 cd

Inspire

512 mL

46.8

0.03

10.6

71.9

17.2

Check

33.0 e

2.0 b

3.5 d

6.3 f

94.0 e

Check

40.7

0.00

4.0

76.4

19.6

Table 1. Disease ratings for stemphyllium leaf blight symptoms of onions, cv. Patterson, treated with various fungicides, grown near the Muck Crops Research Station, Holland Marsh, Ontario, 2012.

Table 2. Comparison of marketable yield and size distribution of onions, cv. Patterson, treated with various fungicides grown near the Muck Crops Research Station, Holland Marsh, Ontario, 2012.

1 - Disease rating using a 0-9 scale, where: 0 = 0%, 1 < 2%, 2 = 2-4%, 3 = 5-9%, 4 = 10-24%, 5 = 25-40 %, 6 = 41-55%, 7 = 56-70%, 8 = 71-85% and 9 > 85% foliar area diseased per plot. 2 - AUDPC = area under the disease progress curve. 3 - Numbers in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different at P = 0.05, Fisher's Protected LSD test.

1 - not significantly different at P = 0.05, Fisher's Protected LSD test

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MAY 2013 –– PAGE 17 THE GROWER

MUCK VEGETABLE GROWERS’ 62ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Wading through washwater options for root vegetables KAREN DAVIDSON Bradford, Ontario -- Ontario vegetable growers with post-harvest washwaters are looking for answers to water quality needed before discharging, and what will it all cost? Water authorities may not provide adequate advice for solutions for washwater discharge compliance from Ontario root crop producers. If settling ponds are suggested, many of the current carrot facilities are constrained for space to build them. That’s why Deanna Nemeth, OMAF and MRA’s nutrient management lead for horticulture, is evaluating how land application of washwaters could be an alternative option. Nemeth released results of studies from three carrot operations in the Holland Marsh at the 62nd Muck Vegetable Growers’ Conference in Bradford, Ontario. The toplines offer some insight. During harvest 2012, OMAF and MRA completed a wastewater characterization study. For each of the carrot operations, washwater was sampled twice during harvest season and standard washwater characteristics were analyzed for water quality (total suspended solids, biological oxygen demand), pathogens (E. coli, coliform, salmonella), nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium), and heavy metals. “This is high-volume, lownutrient water,” says Nemeth, but it’s not irrigation water per se.” Results from the washwater sampling from carrot operations showed the washwater may be a good source of potassium with levels ranging from 1.4 lbs K2O per 1000 imperial gallons in carrot root washing water, to levels of potassium at 9.5 lbs K2O per 1000 imperial gallons washwater from carrot processing operations. A second washwater study is in progress in the Holland Marsh conducted by the Univeristy of Guelph Muck Crops Research Station. Due to the physical characteristics of carrots, washwater has high soil sediments. This project is to determine if land application of wash water and washed off soil poses a risk of transferring plant diseases: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Sclerotinia cepivorum and pathogenic fusarium. They are testing survival of sclerotia in the ponds over time. The environmental issue becomes what are the best management practices for disposing of the water. Measurements are now being taken to see if discharging that washwater may impact the water quality of the receiving river or stream. In the future, it may need to be treated before release, or land applied to other crops as a nutrient source. Several observations are clouding the issue. Production and there-

“

Washwater quality can change dramatically depending on the crop.” ~ Deanna Nemeth. Photo by Glenn Lowson

fore washwater quality is not consistent. For example, a limited amount of soil is on cauliflower and broccoli whereas root pieces readily come off root vegetables such as carrots and parsnips. That means washwater quality can change dramatically depending on the crop. Also, the volume of water can change depending on the crop being washed. “The challenge for growers is to know what washwater treatment or land application options fit their operations best,” says Nemeth. The best option is to reduce the amount of soil on the carrots when they come out of the field by dry brushing or mud removal before the carrots are washed. After the carrots are washed,

washwater treatment options to separate solids from the washwater are settling basins, aerobic ponds, or mechanical screens to separate sediment from the water. Land application options are spreading or irrigating onto crops, keeping in mind food safety and water quality requirements if overhead irrigating onto fresh market horticulture crops (examples such as lettuce, spinach, celery or herbs). Nemeth said more work is required to understand operational characteristics. She emphasized that solutions need to have minimal operator input. “Water treatment is not your main business,” she said, “Solutions need to be as simple as possible.”

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PAGE 18 –– MAY 2013 THE GROWER

POLLINATION

Cultivars that can self-pollinate are no guarantee of full yield PETER G. KEVAN, SARAH BATES, AND THOMAS S. WOODCOCK Plant breeders have contributed marvellously to yield increases in agriculture. Cultivars bred for greater productivity in seed and fruit crops are a mainstay of modern farming. One trait that breeders have incorporated into many modern crop varieties is self-compatibility. The flowers on self-compatible plants can fertilize themselves, getting around the age-old problem of needing insects and/or wind to transfer pollen from plant to plant. The benefits of self-pollinating plants have been clear since the earliest days of agriculture. The ancient ancestor of the grape plant (Vitis vinifera) was probably dioecious – that is, it had male flowers and female flowers on separate vines. Early farmers would have kept the vines that produced fruit and culled those that did not. Fast forward through a couple thousand years of selection, and today’s grape cultivars now produce flowers that are bisexual and self-fertile. Similarly, ancient farmers would have selected various fruit trees, such as peaches and pomegranates, that set fruit when isolated from other trees. These trees did not require a nearby mate for cross-pollination and could pollinate themselves: they were selfcompatible.

Not all crop plants have the ability to change their sexual systems and lose the need for crosspollination. Apples, pumpkins, blueberries and alfalfa are examples of crops for which cross-pollination remains essential. But for those crops that do have the ability to change, one can appreciate the advantage of growing a self-compatible cultivar. They reduce the need for insect pollinators, whether they be wild or managed. When self-compatible sunflowers became widely available for production in the 1960s, seed companies advertised that adding honeybee hives to fields was no longer needed and that production costs would be reduced. But is it well and truly the case that pollinators are altogether unnecessary in self-compatible crops? Over the years, this unproven idea seems to have taken firm hold. The fact that pollen grains cannot jump by themselves from an anther to a stigma, even within same flower, is frequently overlooked. Growing evidence also suggests that even if spontaneous self-pollination takes place, the resulting seeds or fruits are of lower quality than if cross-pollination had occurred. It is the same basic principle that favours outbreeding over inbreeding – the genetic diversity introduced by cross-pollination produces bigger and higher quality fruits and seeds, as has been demonstrated in canola,

Crop Plant

Pollination System

Yield Boost Potential

Tomato

Pollination in the field by agitation by For field production, some research indicates wind and insects. Pollination in green- yield boosts with bees deployed on fields. houses by managed bumblebees. Managed pollination is required in greenhouses.

Peppers

Pollination in the field by agitation by wind and insects.

Soy Bean

Flowers can self-pollinate without fully Possible for some cultivars. opening.

Plums

Some cultivars are self-compatible, others not

Some research suggests that higher quality fruit results from cross-pollination.

Canola

Role of pollen transfer by wind not understood.

Several studies show improved yields, quantity and quality, with managed pollinators present. Yield increases of up to 20% and more in some circumstances.

Strawberry

The degrees of self-compatibility and Even cultivars that are highly self-compatible self-incompatibility differ between cul- benefit from insect pollination for well-formed tivars. and large fruit.

Cherry, sour

Self-compatible

Adding honeybees to a sour cherry orchard can increase yields 2 – 4 fold. Sweet cherry is selfincompatible

Sunflower

Improved yields, quantity and quality, with managed pollinators deployed

Yes, up to 20 – 40% increase in tonnes/Ha

Pollination in greenhouses improved by managed bumblebees.

Table: Crops where self-compatible cultivars may benefit from the addition of managed pollinators. Information taken from the “Best Management Practices for Pollination in Ontario Crops” website (www.pollinator.ca/canpolin). sunflower, strawberry, peppers, sour cherry, and others. Plants may invest more in growing superior outbred seeds and fruit. The table above lists a few well-known crop plants that are commonly believed to not require cross-pollination by insects, but for which studies have shown an

Strawberries bloom under plastic tunnels at Jennen Family Farm Market, Thamesville, Ontario. increase in yield quantity and/or quality when pollinators are added. The simple addition of pollinators to some self-compatible crops could increase yield by as much as, for example in canola, 20 per cent - but strangely, the results of these studies, even those made in Canada, have been largely ignored. Of course, the economics of managed pollination still needs to

be taken into account. If a farmer can obtain a boost in yield from a self-compatible crop cultivar by adding managed pollinators to production practices, is the yield increase enough to make deploying pollinators economically worthwhile? With significant yield increases entirely possible, it is a question well-worth answering!

MAY 2013 –– PAGE 19 THE GROWER

POLLINATOR HEALTH

Associations search for answers on bee kills During the spring 2012 corn planting season, 230 separate incidents of bee kills were reported in Ontario, predominantly in the southwest, involving thousands of bee hives at different beeyard locations. These reports have triggered a re-evaluation of neonicotinoid insecticides by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). With the re-evaluation ongoing, and the start of this year’s corn planting season, the Ontario Beekeepers Association, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, and Grain Farmers of Ontario are working together to address the concerns of all farmer-members in relation to this issue. In a position statement on the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association (OBA) website, a backgrounder indicates that planting of corn seeds treated with the nitroguanidine insecticides clothianidin and/or thiamethoxam contributed to the majority of bee mortalities. Clothianidin was detected in about 70 per cent of the samples analyzed in Ontario and clothiandin and thiamethoxam were detected in the samples analyzed from Quebec. On a beeyard basis, these residues were detected in about 80 per cent of the bee yards where dead bee samples were collected and analyzed. The OBA says that in almost all cases, there was evidence of corn planting near affected beeyards as well as the use of negative pressure (vacuum) planters and talc seed flow lubricants. OMAF and MRA as well as Agricorp have confirmed a correlation between the bee mortalities and location of Ontario corn growers. While the Pest Management Regulatory Agency is reevaluating the registration of these chemicals, there is no timetable for a decision or criteria for regulatory action. Concerns are exacerbated with the release of Statistics Canada numbers on April 24 that in Ontario, farmers expect to seed 2.3 million acres of corn for grain, up two per cent from 2012. This is above the previous record of 2.2 million acres set in 2012. In Quebec, farmers anticipate the area seeded to corn to rise 15.8 per cent to reach 1.1 million acres. As OBA notes, acreage devoted to corn continues to increase, representing about 25 per cent of Ontario’s field crops. Living in harmony with commercial fruit production is important due to farmgate value of more than $225 million. The four organizations agree there is much more work to be done to clarify the relationship between neonicotinoid insecticides and the spring 2012

bee kills. The goal is to ensure farmers have access to all crop protection products as they deem necessary for a successful growing season. At the same time, honey bees play an important role in pollinating crops and all farm associations are dedicated to ensuring a healthy bee population in Ontario. The four associations are encouraging the continued investigation into the cause of the bee kills, and support existing and ongoing objective research into new products and technology that have the potential to reduce pesticide exposure. Photo by Glenn Lowson

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PAGE 20 –– MAY 2013 THE GROWER

CROP PROTECTION

Airblast sprayer start-up tips DR. JASON S.T. DEVEAU, APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST, OMAF AND MRA BRIAN HENDERSON, SALES REPRESENTATIVE, HYPRO/SHURFLO MURRAY THIESSEN CONSULTING AGRICULTURAL MECHANIC

You should plan for half-a-day per sprayer for your start-up routine. It may not take that long, but pressure gauges snap off, fittings crack, and bearings seize – have a plan for getting replacement parts! (see Figure 1) Here are a few bulleted tips for you to consider as you get your sprayers rolling for the 2013 season. • Visual inspection, general cleaning and lubrication. Do an operational check of the sight gauge (it should not be opaque), regulator and valves. Inspect the frame for corrosion or broken welds – it might even need a paint job. Test the hitch integrity, safety chains and the tank mount, too. Clean and inspect the fan blades, housing, screen and trash guard. Be sure to clean and lubricate the power take-off telescoping shafts and the shields. Wheels bearings and tire pressure should be inspected. An article on wheel maintenance can be found here: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/news/hortmatt/2012/30hrt12a2.htm • Pump Maintenance. One of the most common causes for faulty pump performance is "gumming" or corrosion inside the pump. You should get into the habit of flushing the pump and the entire system with a solution that will chemically neutralize whatever you sprayed that day. This will dissolve most residues remaining in the pump and will also leave the inside of the pump clean for the next use.

Diaphragm Pumps Hypro recommends changing oil after 40 hours of break-in operation and every 500 hours after that. Diaphragms should be replaced every 500 hours and check valves should be replaced every 1,000 hours. Generally Speaking, EPDM (Black Diaphragms) are a better choice for airblast sprayers while the Desmopan (Amber Diaphragms) are a better choice for lawn care sprayers. Centrifugal Pumps Corrosion is the biggest concern. When you winterized your sprayer, you should have cleaned it and flushed it with a 50% solution of permanent-type automobile antifreeze (Prestone® , Zerex® , etc.) containing a rust inhibitor. Alternately, you could have filled the pump with Fluid Film® and then drained and saved the excess for the next application. The ports should have been plugged to keep out air during storage. • Flush the lines. If they aren’t already off, remove the nozzles, strainers and filters. Run a few tanks of clean water through the system with the agitation running. This is when rust, scale, antifreeze and who-knows-what-else breaks free of the sprayer tank and lines. Run them until the discharge is clear, then clean and replace the nozzles, strainers and filters. • Search for leaks. With the tank full, check it for leaks. If the agitator shaft is leaking a little, tighten the packing. If it has bottomed-out you will have to repack it. Get the sprayer up to pressure and look for wet areas on all hoses and connections. If your booms drain through the nozzles when the boom is off, consider new nozzle bodies with check-valves. They cost about $40.00 each (does not apply to

Figure 1 – It takes time and elbow-grease to get seized parts, such as this fan gear box, moving again. Plan for half-a-day per sprayer when performing your seasonal start-up, and be sure you have a source for replacement parts.

Turbomist). • Check your strainers and filters. If you don’t already have three levels of filtration (including the tank-opening basket) then consider slotted (not mesh) strainers behind the nozzles in the nozzle body. If you don’t use them because they plug up, then look to your agitation system: If there sludge at the bottom of your tank when it’s empty, then your pesticide is not mixed or staying suspended properly. That leads to clogged strainers and nozzles. It may also be your sprayer hygiene: You should be washing

nozzles and strainers after each spray day. • Are you sure your pressure gauges are accurate? The relief valve should always be in the bypass position during sprayer start up. If you get a pressure spike during start-up and the needle buries, then the gauge will always read high and must be replaced. An opaque, leaking, or otherwise old gauge should be replaced. Consider purchasing a really good gauge (e.g. www.winters.com) rather than a $20 dollar version for a farm supply store. New or old, test your gauge for accuracy.

A tool to do this can be found here: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/field/news/croppest/201 2/06cpo12a3.htm So, there are lots of other tips – more than we could include here. Always consult your sprayer manufacturer’s manual. There’s also a checklist at the end of Factsheet 10-047 “Calibrating Airblast Sprayers”. Consider printing and laminating a copy for use with a dry-erase marker again and again: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/10-047.htm Happy Spraying!

MAY 2013 –– PAGE 21 THE GROWER

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BayerCropScience.ca/LunaTranquility or 1 888-283-6847 or contact your Bayer CropScience representative. Always read and follow label directions. Luna Tranquility™ is a trademark of the Bayer Group. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada.

PAGE 22 –– MAY 2013 THE GROWER

Postharvest handling and storage of strawberries DR. JENNIFER DeELL, FRESH MARKET QUALITY, ONTARIO MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, AND MINISTRY OF RURAL AFFAIRS Strawberries are one of the most perishable fruit crops and are essentially fully ripe at harvest. They have a high rate of metabolism and will destroy themselves in a relatively short time, even without the presence of decay-causing pathogens. Maturity and Harvesting The harvest date is determined based on berry surface color. All berries should be harvested near full ripe (>¾ red color), as eating quality does not improve after harvest. Appearance (color, size, shape, and freedom from defects), firmness, flavor (soluble solids, titratable acidity, and flavor volatiles), and nutritional value (vitamin C) are all important quality characteristics. For acceptable flavor, a minimum 7% soluble solids and/or a maximum 0.8% titratable acidity are recommended. Strawberries have a relatively high rate of respiration (50-100 mL of C02 per kg per hour at 20oC) and thus are highly perishable. They produce very little ethylene (<0.1 ppm per kg per

hour at 20oC) and do not respond to exogenous ethylene by stimulation of the ripening processes. Removal of ethylene from storage air may reduce disease development in all berries. Strawberries are usually hand harvested and field packed. Berries are harvested with the calyxes attached and must be held loosely in the hand to avoid bruising injury and discoloration. The strawberries must be handled with care and placed gently into the container, not dropped into it. Harvest should be as frequent as needed to avoid over-mature berries. Harvesting, sorting, and packing should be done simultaneously in the field. Studies of fruit quality loss have shown that most damage occurs in the field during picking and packing. Therefore, minimizing berry handling is critical to good quality maintenance and postharvest life. Cooling and Low Temperature Good temperature management is the single most important factor in reducing strawberry deterioration and maximizing postharvest life. The best way to slow spoilage is to quickly remove field heat and to maintain the berries as close to 0oC as possible. Any failure to maintain produce at low temperatures during handling, storage, and transportation will result in loss of quality and

marketability. Berries held at 20oC have only ¼ to ½ the life expectancy of those held at 0oC and market life will be reduced to only a few hours if strawberries are held near 30oC, as may occur in the field. Berries should be protected from warming when they remain in the field after harvest. Due to their dark color, strawberries in direct sun exposure will absorb heat and quickly warm to above air temperature. Precooling (rapid removal of field heat) of strawberries is essential within 1 hour of harvest. Cooling delays of 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours reduces marketability by 20, 37, 50, or 70%, respectively, after holding the fruit at 25°C. The most common method to precool berries is forced-air cooling, which is the most widely adaptable and fastest cooling method for small-scale operations. Cold air is forced to circulate rapidly through the containers (versus around the containers as in room cooling), allowing the cold air to be in direct contact with the warm berries. Pallets of strawberries are positioned so that the cold air must pass through the package openings and around individual berries. The most common design consists of a tunnel, which is formed by leaving space between two rows of loaded pallets, and covering the top and one end of the tunnel with a tarp.

With the exhaust fan operating, air is removed from the tunnel and a slightly negative air pressure is created. Cold air from the room then flows through package openings and around warm berries to reach the tunnel. The cooling rate and efficiency of the system depend on a number of factors: 1) the temperature difference between the fruit and the cold air, 2) the air flow rate, 3) the accessibility of the fruit to the cold air, and 4) the dimensions of the air channel. An inefficient system will increase the cooling time, thus increasing the operating cost and reducing the marketable weight and quality of the fruit. Storage Conditions Optimum storage conditions for strawberries are 0oC and 90 95% relative humidity. In such conditions, strawberries can have 7 10 days of storage-life. However, storage-life is very dependent on the handling of berries during and after harvest. The highest freezing point is 0.8oC for strawberries, although berries with high soluble solids content are less likely to freeze. Generally, strawberries are not stored for extended periods of time. However, some temporary holding is often necessary to achieve orderly marketing.

Holding berries under optimum storage conditions even during short marketing periods is beneficial to quality retention. Detrimental processes to berry quality are reduced at low temperatures, such as respiration, softening, moisture loss, and decay development. Strawberries are subject to rapid water loss, causing them to shrivel and deteriorate, as well as causing the calyx to wilt and/or dry out. These symptoms will affect berry appearance before they affect eating quality. Water loss is governed by the vapor pressure deficit between the atmosphere and the product. The skin of a strawberry offers little protection to water vapor movement, and thus readily loses moisture to the surrounding air. Relative humidity of a storage room should be maintained at 9095%, as strawberries will start to shrivel when stored below 90% relative humidity. However, excessive condensation of free water on the berries should be avoided. This article has been abbreviated. It can be found in full at www.Ontario.ca/crops. Follow the links to berries, then strawberries. Source: “Our Strawberries”, by Shahrokh Khanizedeh (editor) and Jennifer DeEll (contributor), 2005

Raspberry bushy dwarf virus in raspberries? PAM FISHER, BERRY CROP SPECIALIST, ONTARIO MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, AND MINISTRY OF RURAL AFFAIRS Do your raspberry plants turn yellow in spring? Do you see apparent symptoms of herbicide injury on emerging primocanes? Is fruit crumbly? These may be symptoms of raspberry bushy dwarf virus, a pollenborn virus that affects red and black raspberries and occurs naturally in wild raspberries. Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV) can cause a variety of symptoms, and may cause no symptoms in some cultivars. One common symptom is yellow, interveinal chlorosis on emerging primocanes in the spring (Figure 1 and Figure 2). These symptoms are commonly mistaken for simazine injury. This virus can also cause crumbly fruit, and a reduction in vigour. Leaves may exhibit yellow blotches, rings and lines. The best way to diagnose raspberry

bushy dwarf virus is early in the season, when temperatures are fairly cool and symptoms are most evident. Collect a few young but fully expanded leaves with symptoms and send to a diagnostic laboratory. ELISA test kits have been developed to diagnose this virus and most diagnostic labs will provide this service. Raspberry bushy dwarf virus is a big problem because it is spread to new plants in pollen from infected raspberry plants. Some varieties are more tolerant than others, and some plant breeders have developed varieties with resistance to this disease. Primocane fruiting varieties are prone to RBDV because of their long bloom period. Management of RBDV includes the following steps: • Purchase virus-tested plants from an accredited nursery. • Control wild raspberries around the field and farm. • Rogue out infested plants. • Remove bloom in the establishment year of a raspberry planting.

Authors notes: Tomato ringspot virus is another common virus in Ontario raspberries, and the one I see most often. Tomato ringspot virus is spread by the dagger

nematode. Symptoms include crumbly fruit, and a reduction plant vigour. This virus can also be diagnosed using the ELISA test.

Symptoms of raspberry ringspot virus in primocane fruiting raspberries. Note the difference in varieties.

Symptoms of raspberry ringspot virus on plant foliage, sometimes described as a “calico” pattern.

MAY 2013 –– PAGE 23 THE GROWER

BERRY FOCUS

Biology: Spotted Wing Drosophila in Ontario LISA EMILJANOWICZ AND GERALDINE RYAN, SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH, AND PAM FISHER, ONTARIO MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTRY OF RURAL AFFAIRS Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is an invasive vinegar fly native to southeast Asia. It is a pest of soft-skinned fruit. SWD females are able to lay eggs in undamaged fruit before harvest due to a large, serrated ovipositor that is not normally present on other common vinegar fly species. Therefore, larvae may be present in fruit at harvest, reducing fruit quality and yields. Additionally, the oviposition wound acts as a pathway to secondary infection by other insects and pathogens causing rapid deterioration of the fruit. SWD are of concern as they have recently invaded the U.S., Canada, and Europe, causing fruit damage and revenue loss. Life Cycle: Since SWD has only recently been found in Ontario, our knowledge of their biology is based on information from southeast Asia and western North America, where they have been established for a longer period of time. Research is underway to gather information more specific to SWD in Ontario. However, it is known that SWD have a life cycle containing an egg stage, 3 larval instars, a pupal, and an adult stage. Eggs, larvae, and pupae are present inside the fruit. Full development from egg to adult can take between 8 and 25 days depending on temperature. See figure 1: Life cycle of SWD The adult lifespan can vary between 3 and 9 weeks, although overwintering adults that emerge in late autumn can survive until the following spring by seeking

Figure 1: Life cycle of spotted wing drosophila refuge under leaves, between stones, or in man-made enclosures. Most SWD move to sheltered locations outside of crop fields to overwinter. Overwintering SWD enter a state of reproductive diapause and are then able to lay eggs the following spring. Females reach sexual maturity 1 to 2 days after emerging, with the ability to produce anywhere from 380 to 560 eggs in a lifetime. Populations peak in late summer and early fall. The preferred temperature for SWD is between 20 and 25°C, and their activity is reduced when temperatures exceed 30°C or fall below 10°C. Given this information, it is predicted that SWD will be able to complete 3 to 9 generations in the Canadian growing season. Crops affected and wild hosts: SWD has a wide host range but is primarily a pest of softskinned berries and stone fruits. They can infest cultivated crops and wild hosts that may border crops. If perimeter hosts are left unmaintained populations may increase as SWD adults move from host to host with different ripening times. Late season crops are at a higher risk of infestation

Keep in touch with these OMAF and MRA resources The Berry Bulletin will be starting shortly with updates on crop and pest development in Ontario berry crops. You can have the Berry Bulletin emailed to your inbox, or sent to you by fax. This service is provided by the Ontario Berry Growers Association to their members . . . don’t forget to ask for it by contacting the OBGA office. Although the bulletin is also posted in the OMAF and MRA website, it is not archived there. You can subscribe to receive an email notice when a new berry bulletin is posted on line: www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/updates/berry/index.html I am also on Twitter! You can follow me on twitter: @fisherpam. I try to follow many berry growers. Are you interested in speciality crops and specialty berries like haskaps, goji berries and sea buckthorn? The ON Specialty Crops Blog keeps growers up to date with specialty crop news. www.ONSpecialtycrops.wordpress.com

because populations peak after late July, however early crops can also be affected. Crops of concern include: strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, elderberries, mulberries, nectarines, peaches, pears, and plums, and possibly grapes. Wild hosts include: buckthorn, dogwood, brambles, nightshade, honey-suckle, black elder,

pokeweed, and pin cherry. SWD have been found to feed on oak tree sap, and oviposit on cracked or damaged tomatoes, and even flowers, in the absence of ideal hosts. This is an indication of their opportunistic behaviour. Observations in Ontario: The first detection in Ontario

was in November 2010. In 2011, SWD adults were not trapped until the middle of August, and numbers did not increase until late September. No commercial damage was reported. In 2012, the first SWD were trapped on June 25th. Larvae were detected in fruit as early as July 6 and widespread damage was evident in mid-late August. The winter of 2011-2012 was very mild and spring 2012 was very early. We expect that these mild conditions contributed to the earlier build up of SWD in Ontario. Studies on SWD in their native range of Japan suggest that this species can survive and overwinter in below-freezing conditions. It is important to monitor the activity of adult SWD each year to determine when the pest is active. The risk to early-developing fruit crops, particularly early varieties, could vary from year to year, depending on overwintering conditions. All growers should be prepared to control SWD in 2013. For more information on SWD see: www.Ontario.ca\spottedwing

PAGE 24 –– MAY 2013 THE GROWER

ALIEN INVASIVE SPECIES SYMPOSIUM

On guard against brown marmorated stink bug KAREN DAVIDSON While the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) smells, its economic bite is worse. Apple growers in the mid-Atlantic U.S. were stung for $37 million in 2010. To date, BMSB has been confirmed as established in the Hamilton-Burlington area of Ontario. It has not been identified in the field and there have been no reports of crop damage. BMSB has not been found in other provinces, although there have been some interceptions in cargo and vehicles. “I don’t want to get bitten by this pest,” warned Hannah Fraser, technical working group co-chair who presented at the Alien Invasive Species Symposium in March. So handy at hitchhiking that it’s crossed the ocean from its native Asia, this insect has a broad appetite for more than 150 plant species, including many agricultural crops. Its adaptation to diverse habitats means that once BMSB is established in an area, it’s likely there to stay. BMSB overwinters as adults in protected areas that can include homes and buildings. It’s not surprising that the first detections typically come from people who notice them making their way indoors in the fall. The adults emerge from overwintering sites in the spring and lay eggs over an extended period, so that multiple life stages may be present from June through September. Given Canada’s climate, there’s likely

only one generation per year. Fraser is urging growers to look for BMSB in their crops and is encouraging the general public to report suspects collected in their homes or gardens. BMSB is highly mobile and moves between crops throughout the growing season. Crops are at the greatest risk of injury when fruit, pods or seeds are present, but BMSB will also feed on vegetative plant parts. Populations can also build up on unmanaged woody hosts before moving into crops. “It’s a perimeter-driven pest,” says Fraser. “Damage is often worst near field borders.” BMSB has a very broad host range that includes tree fruit, berries, grapes, vegetables, agronomic crops, ornamental trees and ornamental shrubs. Both nymphs and adults can cause injury. Damage results when they insert their piercing-sucking mouthparts into fruit, seedpods, buds, leaves or stems of plants. Symptoms of stink bug feeding can include discoloured, corky or collapsed fruit, leaf stippling and shriveled, stained seeds or punctured kernels. Harvest of field crops may induce migration into late season crops such as pome fruit and grapes. With unpredictable host use patterns and no effective natural enemies, BMSB is proving hard to kill. Researchers don’t know how long it takes between colonizing new habitats and when economic damage can be expected. In the U.S., researchers are looking at pesticide efficacy tri-

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The brown marmorated stink bug is 14 – 19 mm long and 8 mm wide. Its distinguishing feature is the presence of two white bands on each antenna. Report suspect finds of this pest to local provincial authorities. Photo by D. Galbraith, Royal Botanical Gardens.

als, monitoring tools, seasonal dynamics, “attract and kill” biological control repellents and solutions for organic growers. “Insecticides will play a lead role for the short term,” says Fraser. “Of 37 insecticides evaluated, few provided very good control of BMSB. There are variable results even within classes of pesticides. One pyrethroid, for example, didn’t work as well as another pyrethroid. A lot of the newer reduced-risk chemistries are not efficacious. There seems to be limited residual activity of insecticides against adults.”

This discouraging news means that pesticides are not effective in preventing initial BMSB adults feeding on maturing fruit or vegetables. It does not take many BMSB to cause injury. Not every adult warrants an insecticidal treatment, but the presence of nymphs may indicate enough BMSB are present in the crop to trigger a spray. With this initial understanding of the pest, Fraser predicts that biological control and other management strategies will be important in controlling BMSB in the long term. Tiny parasitic wasps that

attack BMSB eggs in Asia are being screened in the U.S. Before these can be released, researchers need to ensure these biological control agents won’t cause damage to native stink bugs, many of which are important predators in agricultural crops. With the status of the invasion in Canada not entirely clear, this summer’s research plans include assessing the distribution and abundance of BMSB in southern Ontario and identifying agricultural areas at risk from BMSB. The intent is to develop an inventory of natural enemies of stink bugs. This list will provide baseline data on the potential for biological control of BMSB in Canada by native predators and parasitoids. Researchers will also be evaluating a new pheromone trapping system for efficacy and utility in early detection. Studying cold tolerance and overwintering physiology is another prong of research to determine the potential for establishment of BMSB in different parts of Canada. Several products are registered in Canada for control or suppression of BMSB including: Lannate Toss-N-Go, Clutch 50 WGD and Malathion 85E. Additional products and label expansions are required to provide adequate management tools for all affected crops. Wherever possible, registering new pest control products will be harmonized with the American IR-4 program. For ongoing research updates, look to www.stopbmsb.org.

MINOR USE

Label expansion granted for Command 360 ME herbicide JIM CHAPUT, OMAF & MRA, MINOR USE COORDINATOR, GUELPH The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of a minor use label expansion for Command 360 herbicide for control and suppression of labeled weeds on field peppers in Canada. Command herbicide was already labeled for management of weeds on cucumbers, melons, squash, pumpkins, sweet potatoes and soybeans in Canada. This minor use project sponsored by Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Pest Management Centre (AAFC-PMC) was submitted in 2004 in response to minor use priorities identified by producers and extension personnel in Canada. This new registration will provide field pepper growers with a much needed weed management tool. The following is provided as a general, abbreviated outline only. Users should consult the complete label before using Command 360 ME herbicide. Command 360 herbicide should be applied before transplanting peppers and before weed emergence at a rate of 1.55 – 2.35 L product per ha in at least 95 L water per ha. Consult the label for soil type restrictions and other precautions. A maximum of 1

application per season is permitted; do not use on banana peppers. The pre-harvest interval for peppers is 70 days. Command 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 Command herbicide label. For copies of the new supplemental label contact Kristen Callow, OMAFRA, Harrow (519) 7381232, Jim Chaput, OMAFRA, Guelph (519) 8263539 or visit the UAP website www.uap.ca Note: This article is not intended to be an endorsement or recommendation for this particular product, but rather a notice of registration activity

MAY 2013 –– PAGE 25 THE GROWER

MINOR USE

Label expansion granted for Prowl H20 herbicide JIM CHAPUT, OMAF & MRA, MINOR USE COORDINATOR, GUELPH The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of a minor use label expansion for Prowl H2O Herbicide (pendimethalin) for control of weeds on green onions (mineral soil), transplanted leeks (mineral soil) and outdoor ornamentals in Canada. Prowl H2O herbicide was already labeled for management of weeds on corn, soybeans, snap beans, adzuki beans and dry bulb onions in Canada. These minor use submissions were sponsored in 2010 and 2011 by the minor use office of OMAFRA in response to minor use priorities identified by producers and extension personnel in Canada. Additional data supporting these projects was provided by Dr. Darren Robinson, S. Vink, U. of G., Ridgetown; Dr. C. Swanton and K. Chandler, U. of G. main campus; Dr. J. O’Sullivan, R. Grohs, U. of G., Simcoe as well as Dr. B. Zandstra, MSU, Dr. D. Doohan, OSU and colleagues in Quebec. Weed control is an important component of green onion and leek production and has been identified as a priority by producers for several years. The registration of Prowl H2O

herbicide is an important step towards improving the weed management and resistance management toolkit. The following is provided as a general outline only. Users should consult the complete label before using Prowl H2O herbicide. Leeks, green onions: Prowl H2O herbicide can be used for control of selected annual weeds in green onions and transplanted leeks grown on mineral soils at a rate of 2.37 L per ha. Apply after transplanting of leeks and before weed emergence. Apply at the 2 – 3 true leaf stage of green onions after the crop has emerged. Prowl H2O can be applied in a minimum of

200 L water per ha. Do not apply Prowl H2O herbicide to green onions and leeks within 30 days of harvest. Outdoor ornamentals, including conifers: Prowl H2O herbicide can be used for control of selected annual weeds in outdoor ornamentals at a rate of 3.7 L per ha in a minimum of 100 L water per hectare. Consult the label for specific details about established field and container ornamentals and newly transplanted field and container ornamentals. Also consult the label for details about tolerant ornamental species and application restrictions and precautions.

Prowl H2O 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 Prowl H2O herbicide label. March 27, 2013 For copies of the new supplemental label for green onions and leeks contact Kristen Callow, OMAFRA, Harrow (519) 738-1232, for ornamentals contact Jennifer Llewellyn, OMAFRA Guelph (519) 8244120 ext. 52671 or visit the BASF Canada website at https://agro.basf.ca/basf/ agsolutions/SelectRegion.htm

Engage Agro to distribute Granuflo T fungicide Engage Agro has announced that it’s the exclusive marketer and distributor for select Taminco products in Canada, including Granuflo T multi-site fungicide for fruit and vegetable crops. “In addition to Granuflo T, there are several other exciting new chemistries from Taminco that we believe will help Canadian growers increase their production while remaining competitive in the global marketplace,” says Michael Brazeau, business development and marketing manager with Engage Agro Corp. Granuflo T, Desikote Max and Enfuse 510 are all currently available from Engage Agro Corp. with additional products to be launched over the next few years. Taminco is based in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Source: Engage Agro news release

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

Thanks for putting your trust in our products. For more information, visit www.gowithwhatworks.ca or call 1-866-761-9397 toll free. Always read and follow label directions. ELEVATE, the ELEVATE logo, MAESTRO, the MAESTRO logo, KANEMITE and the KANEMITE logo are registered trademarks of Arysta LifeScience North America, LLC. “Go with what works” is a trademark of Arysta LifeScience North America, LLC. Arysta LifeScience and the Arysta LifeScience logo are registered trademarks of Arysta LifeScience Corporation. ORTHENE is a registered trademark of OMS Investments, Inc., exclusively licensed to Arysta LifeScience Corporation in numerous countries. ©2012 Arysta LifeScience North America, LLC. ORT-048

PAGE 26 –– MAY 2013 THE GROWER

MINOR USE CRAIG’S COMMENTS

Land costs or pays

CRAIG HUNTER OFVGA Be careful what you ask foryou may get it! We have all heard such sage advice over the years. It follows on the footsteps of the final bidder at an auction is only one bid dumber than the previous bidder! When it comes to a big ticket purchase, how often does the glitter quickly wear off when upon further inspection, the item is not quite what you had thought it was? Experience is best gained by seeing and learning from the mistakes of others, but comes at a dear price sometimes when it is your own mistake that caused the learning! All of this is to make a point. A lot of farm land has been changing hands lately. (City homes too.) The big keep getting bigger, and more and more small(ish) land holdings are disappearing. At one time, a farm almost never got ‘listed,’ -- it was sold by private treaty to a neighbour or his son, to get him a start in farming. Occasionally, when a feud existed, a farm might get sold to anyone except to a certain family. Even when they might be willing to pay a premium, it was never going to happen! There are still a few original ‘Century’ farms about, (pre 1867 ownership and still in the same family). Often these are held onto for purely sentimental reasons, but the farming business on that land may (likely) be a non-starter from an economic point of view. While it may be impossible to part with them, they do have a value which means a lot to the family members who do not get them! Family fights have started over the deemed value of grand-

pa’s farm! More recently, there have been farms offered by tender to the highest bidder. There will likely be a reserve to ensure that at least a fair price is achieved, but usually this becomes moot when the bidders line up. Sometimes the value is actually diminished by the cost associated with removal of unwanted and unusable buildings. (In the past when an older house could be severed off as an unwanted farm dwelling, there may have been some recoverable value, but this kind of severance is rare today.) If a long-term land renter has been using the farm, he will be the one who best knows its potential, and its weaknesses. He will know what (if any) improvements have been made, and what the residual fertility may be. The history of pesticide use, the weed problems, and the potential for crop disease in specialty crops may be also be factors that he knows best. Other features may include the presence of a watercourse, irrigation pond, a forested area or woodlot, fencing or windbreaks. All of these can be looked upon as a good or bad thing by a buyer -- it depends upon what their plans are for the land. Another bidder may best watch the former renter and see what bid they are prepared to offer (in an open property auction). In my local area, there are a handful of legitimate farmer-bidders on any piece of farmland. They usually know exactly what it’s worth, to them for their business operations, and they rarely get into bidding wars. When a new (outside) bidder enters the fray, they are prepared to back off, and hope that the land will ultimately come back on the market, when the bold bidder realizes their ‘error.’ I can count those kinds of properties around here over the past 30 years, and they almost always ended up in the hands of previous bidders! In some areas, bidders come from far away, and will pay seemingly outrageous amounts to buy land. I understand that this is becoming more common across the country. It is hard to compete with ‘endless funds -- just try to

Photo by Glenn Lowson

“

The vegetable producers have been able to barter for better prices for their crops simply because they can switch all those acres to an easier crop (corn or beans) leaving the processor with nothing to sustain their business investments.”

buy a silent auction item at some charity events! At one time, the value of a house you could afford was 2.5 times your annual gross salary. A farm’s worth was based on the value of the number of cattle it could sustain. The extras such as a good water source, a good woodlot for fuel, and the quality of the buildings determined the final selling price. Today it is the value of corn and/or soybeans. Even the wheat in rotation is seen only as a necessary evil for land management purposes, but there is less of it and almost no spring grain compared to the past. This has affected everything in the ‘old economy.’ The vegetable producers have been able to barter for better prices for their crops simply because they can switch all those acres to an easier crop (corn or beans) leaving the processor with nothing to sustain their business investments. These growers

are still willing to grow these vegetable crops, knowing that in the fullness of time, they will see corn and bean prices moderate. There is no sense in giving away any future opportunities by being greedy today! I saw this in Scotland back in 1986 when a European ‘subsidy’ to grow malting barley had led growers to rip up long-term pastures to plant barley. They also ripped out older raspberry and strawberry fields. Former potato land grew barley after barley. Eventually, there was a glut of barley, and the subsidy ended. The short-term shortage of berries had allowed those still growing to get a better price, but the renewed crops eventually undermined that gain as well. In addition to all of this, sometimes land which is really not suited to a crop gets planted to it anyway, as the dream of ‘riches’ overrules common sense. We

have much sandy to very sandy land here which should not grow ‘row crops’ without irrigation and the addition of organic matter at least biannually. That land may sell for less than more suitable land, but there is always that last bidder! One sage piece of advice I had from my great uncle was that you should only buy the best land your money will allow. It may be a smaller piece, but good land always pays, and poor land always costs! Never let sentiment get in the way of good business sense. As you go about getting in this year’s crop, and have some thinking time on the tractor seat, it may pay to remember at least my first and the prior paragraphs! Bid with economics in mind; do not let your heart get engaged! It could save you (and your offspring) a lot of heartache later on!

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MAY 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PAGE 27 THE GROWER

MINOR USE

Kasumin bactericide granted Canadian registration JIM CHAPUT, OMAFRA, MINOR USE COORDINATOR, GUELPH Arysta LifeScience North America and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the registration of Kasumin (kasugamycin) bactericide for several crops in Canada. This is the first registration for this active ingredient in Canada and marks an important milestone in addressing some of the most important diseases affecting pome fruit, fruiting vegetables and tree nuts. This product and the diseases it controls have been identified for many years as an important disease management tool needed by Canadian producers. Kasumin bactericide is registered for control or suppression of fireblight of pome fruits (apples, pears, quince), bacterial spot and stem canker of field and

Potato herbicide co-pack Western Canadian potato farmers and Canadian processing tomato growers now have a new tool for powerful, flexible weed control and more convenient resistance management. Titus PRO is a new DuPont post-emergent herbicide solution that combines DuPont Prism SG (rimsulfuron) and a 75% DF metribuzin into one convenient co-pack. "Titus PRO provides exceptional post-emergent control of a broad spectrum of grassy and broadleaf weeds, and its multiple modes of action make it an excellent resistance management tool," says Ray Janssen, market segment manager, horticulture, DuPont Crop Protection. Packaged in a convenient, easy-to-use 40-acre case, DuPont Titus PRO delivers multiple modes of action - Group 2 and Group 5 - in one co-pack, providing the industry with a proactive resistance management tool. "Growers have always appreciated the superior control of annual grasses they've achieved using Prism SG. Now with the additional power of metribuzin, they'll see enhanced residual control of a far wider range of broadleaf weeds as well," says Janssen. Titus PRO controls grassy weeds such as barnyard grass, quackgrass and lamb's-quarters and broadleaf weeds such as cocklebur, common chickweed and post-emergent stinkweed. A full listing of registered uses is available on the product's label. For more information about Titu PRO or any other DuPont product, ask your retailer, call 1800-667-3925 or visit cropprotection.dupont.ca Source: DuPont Crop Protection news release

greenhouse fruiting vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant) and walnut blight of walnuts. The following table provides a summary of the crop registrations on the new Canadian Kasumin bactericide label. Consult the full product label for detailed instructions, precautions and restrictions. Follow all other precautions and directions for use on the Kasumin bactericide labelcarefully. Consult individual crop and disease control recommendations on the Kasumin bactericide label for additional use restrictions. Kasumin bactericide should be used in an Integrated Pest Management program and in rotation with other management strategies to adequately manage resistance. Consult provincial guidelines and local extension specialists for monitoring protocols and disease management recommendations. For copies of the new Kasumin

Fireblight on apple tree bactericide label contact Jim Chaput, OMAFRA, Guelph (519) 826-3539 or visit the Arysta Canada website at

www.arysta-na.com/ca-agriculture/products.html

PAGE 28 –– MAY 2013 THE GROWER

Now Registered!

Make them all count. Phostrol® helps maintain the quality of your potatoes while in storage so you can get the most out of your crop. Phostrol® is an extremely systemic and highly unique fungicide that provides effective, convenient & flexible preventative protection of late blight and pink rot when applied during the season and at harvest.

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THE GROWER

FOCUS: CONTAINERS MARKETPLACE

MAY 2013

CELEBRATING 133 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION

SECTION B

CONTAINERS

Labelling and food safety go hand-in-hand STORIES BY KAREN DAVIDSON From a grower’s perspective, ambling down the centre aisle of a farmers’ market is anything but routine. The mental checklist includes competitors’ pricing, quality and labeling. And although the scene may appear bucolic to consumers, growers are quick to notice infractions. Are the containers sitting on the ground where they might be contaminated by pets? Are the containers properly labeled with truthful advertising about source of produce? Are the containers of foodgrade quality, appropriate for the produce being sold? These are questions that also concern the food and inspection branch of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Ministry of Rural Affairs (OMAF and MRA). Horticultural assistants randomly collect samples of produce at farmers’ markets and direct sale outlets all over Ontario. “We go out on a complaint basis,” explains Suzete Moniz, regulatory and standards coordinator for foods of plant origin program, OMAF and MRA. Risk management specialists on permanent staff also look into concerns. Most complaints deal with signage or labeling regarding origin of produce or discrepancies between signage and individual container labeling. As Loree Saunders, compliance programs coordinator OMAF and MRA, explains, there are no set container sizes except for potatoes in Ontario. On the request of the Ontario Potato Board, O. Reg 119/11 sets out specific mandatory package sizes for potatoes until June 30, 2016. In addition to labeling issues, OMAF and MRA staff conduct a food safety monitoring program.

Sam Elias Junior, Leamington, Ontario, oversees his stall at the Ontario Food Terminal where clearly labeled, one-use, corrugated cardboard boxes are stacked on pallets above the ground. Photo by Glenn Lowson. In total, 867 samples were collected for either chemical or microbial analysis from roadside stands, farm gate and farmers’ markets. The results were released in March 2013. Under microbial analysis, of 657 samples representing 491 Ontario growers, three samples (0.5 per cent) tested positive for Salmonella spp. Two were samples of leaf lettuce and one was a sample of strawberries. Two samples (0.3 per cent) tested positive for generic E. coli above 3,000 colony forming units per gram. One was a sample of lettuce and the other a sample of spinach. Under chemical analysis, of 210 samples representing 183 Ontario growers, four samples (2 per cent) contained residue levels above Health Canada’s allowable

limits. Three of these were samples of lettuce and one was a sample of wax beans. When adverse results were detected, the grower was notified immediately and government staff assisted in determining the source of contamination. One public recall of shelled peas was issued as a result of sampling. “Results from this program are not statistically valid and cannot be used to make generalizations about the state of the industry,” states Nicole Robb, data and issues management coordinator, OMAF and MRA, in a March 2013 factsheet. Containers themselves are not likely sources of contaminants, but how they are handled is important in the analysis of critical control points.

Commodity Type

Total Number Tested

Broccoli

Green Onion Carrot Strawberry

Total Number Tested 41

Asian Vegetable

Wax Bean

Apple

Lettuce

121

Tomato

121

Cilantro

Lettuce

120

Parsley

Spinach

Tomato

139

Other

Commodity Type

Types of fresh fruits and vegetables tested for microbial analysis in 2012.

Peas

120

Spinach

Green Onion

Types of fresh fruits and vegetables tested for chemical analysis in 2012.

PAGE B2 –– MAY 2013 THE GROWER

FOCUS: CONTAINERS

Packaging is custom designed for RPCs The trend towards more Reusable Plastic Containers (RPC) has opened up opportunities for customized packaging. For example, a new 10-pack strawberry quart has been designed by Phil Short, owner of Vortex Packaging to precisely fit an IFCO 08N. For those shipping to Loblaws, IFCO is one of the approved suppliers of RPCs. “You have to start at retail to design something that will create sales,” says Short. “It may require extra effort for growers, but it will pay off.” As a grower, retailer and shipper at Vineland Station, Ontario, Short has carved out a niche in specialty packaging for produce. His lidded baskets for peaches were a breakthrough a couple years ago, and since then, he’s been designing new packaging that suits retailers large and small. This year, a new strawberry one-litre container has a flush mount lock enabling more efficient use of space while protecting perishable fruit. The container design reduces the amount of polypropylene which is a grade five for recycling. Less material is better. Short says the new strawberry quarts are ventilated for faster cooling, and will ship with less shrinkage. From the grower’s perspective, he says the lead time for packing

is shorter because there’s no need to assemble corrugated containers. “About one-eighth of the space is required to store this packaging,” says Short. Also new to the market this year is a one-litre blueberry basket that will hold three 170-gram clamshells. With blueberry production ramping up all over North America, Short thinks these new baskets with handles will be a useful marketing size. “They are excellent for on-farm retail,” he says, “lid on or off.” While growers have not been enthusiastic about the labour required for attaching the handles, these handles provide another surface for adhering farm logos or Foodland Ontario symbols. For a consumer, all that’s needed is one hand to pick up a balanced, reinforced basket. That’s a simple price to pay to make the sale. With convenience in mind, Short is introducing a 2.5 pound ziplock handle bag that will fit small- to medium-sized apples. “It’s a better price point than the fourpound or three-pound bags,” explains Short. “It’s a gusseted bag that will stand up on display shelves as well. ” These packaging innovations speak to the current trends in Canadian marketing of food safety and convenience.

Stephanie Dueck demonstrates the new 10-pack strawberry quarts at the recent Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention. Vortex Packaging was also an exhibitor at last month’s Canadian Produce Marketing Association trade show in Toronto, Ontario. Photos by Denis Cahill.

MAY 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PAGE B3 THE GROWER

FOCUS: CONTAINERS

Six tips for proper labeling of produce containers

Photos courtesy of Mopani Communications As the spring season kicks into gear, here are some grower tips: 1) all produce containers must have name of packer or producer, full municipal address and postal code. 2) the name of the commodity must be on the package if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not readily visible 3) in the case of potatoes, the grade name must be identified. 4) a retail sign is necessary at the farmgate or farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; market indicating what produce is for sale, country or province of origin, price per unit of

weight, if applicable. In the case of peppers, they must be labeled sweet or hot 5) any advertising â&#x20AC;&#x201C; print, email or broadcast â&#x20AC;&#x201C; must indicate the country or province of origin of the produce, the quantity in the package if applicable and in the case of potatoes, the grade. 6) In Ontario, price cards are available from Foodland Ontario. Go to www.ontario.ca/producesafety for a retail display sign toolkit. Any further questions can be directed to 1-888-466-2372 or Suzete Moniz, 519-826-4655 ext 64655.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

This container of basil appears to have no edible parts contacting the ground. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not exposed to a hazard, but because of the location, it is at risk of contamination (e.g. dog) and would be better if the bushel was on a table. Where producers get into trouble is when they take containers that have been sitting on the ground, stack them one on top of another and the bottom of the stacked container contacts food. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exposed to a hazard.â&#x20AC;? ~ Suzete Moniz, regulatory and standards coordinator for foods of plant origin program, OMAF and MRA.

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PAGE B4 –– MAY 2013 THE GROWER

FOCUS: CONTAINERS

AMCO Produce aims for older demographic with new packaging One of the hottest trends in the produce industry is packaging fruit and vegetables in convenient containers to make them more accessible. Most of these containers urge consumers to snack on fresh produce in the hopes that the product will appeal to children and their parents. On first look, AMCO’s new product looks similar, but it's the target market that sets it apart. “We're trying to go for older couples with this,” said AMCO’s Mitchell Amicone, referring to their mini cucumbers and grapes which are packaged together. ‘There is definitely a market for children, some of which we take

part in, but we feel it has already been utilized.” While he thinks that the convenient packaging and snacking appeal of their mini cucumbers and grapes will still appeal to children and their parents, he also thinks that the simplicity of the product and quality ingredients will appeal to older customers who want something to add to their meals. “You can easily snack on this at work, add to salads, or any other kind of meal, it is also easy to take on the go,” said Amicone. “It has enough in there for a couple of meals.” He noted that the appeal of getting two meals' worth out of one package can also

appeal to deal-savvy consumers. The product can be available year round and it will be grown in AMCO’s Ontario greenhouses. Amicone noted that they will make sure that the entire product is grown in Ontario, as it helps with ease of tracking, quality of product, and helps to reduce handling of the produce which ultimately results in fresher product. “The grapes are slightly bigger than your average grape but they are just as sweet,” he said. “We're using two main specialty items that we know people really like, it’s been proven, and so we're just trying to keep it simple.” In that vein, he added that the packaging

was designed to be visually appealing, sturdy and convenient for consumers. That's all part of their strategy of keeping things

simple with a quality product they know will sell well. Source: FreshPlaza.com

ADVERTORIAL

Corrugated is first choice for food safety THE CANADIAN CORRUGATED AND CONTAINERBOARD ASSOCIATION Periodic reports of E. coli, salmonella and listeria in food make news because they can cause serious illness and death. Recent reports, including the horsemeat scandal in Europe, have raised warning flags about what we are consuming. The bottom line is that Canadians want to know their food is safe. Their trust is wavering. One way to build trust is to have high standards and maintain them in the field, during transportation and in retail environments. Packaging and handling play a significant role in maintaining product integrity and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has specific rules for packaging meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables. For example, fish

must be packed in new, clean, sound containers. Containers for fresh fruits and vegetables must not be stained, soiled, warped, broken or otherwise damaged as to affect the shipping quality. In short, the regulations prohibit selling food from a package that could contain substances harmful to people.

Canadian growers have wholehearted respect for these regulations. They are committed to producing and distributing the safest food possible, from the farm to our tables. As such, packaging and shipping is always top-ofmind. Some retailers mandate the use of one kind of shipping container over the other, while some

allow the farmer to choose. The two most prevalent options are the corrugated box and reusable plastic containers (retrippers). The most widely used and trusted option is the corrugated box. Growers have voiced concerns over the sanitary standards of retrippers, as they have to come from the U.S. and periodically arrive at Canadian farms soiled. This raises questions about the quality of the cleaning process. Corrugate has a long history of safe use in the food industry, across a wide range of applications. The industry has been around for more than a century and is continuously updating its food safety standards and procedures. Corrugate is always new, manufactured using high temperatures that eliminate bacteria. Certifications acquired by corrugated industry members include American Institute of Baking (AIB) and Hazard Analysis and

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Critical Control Points (HACCP). HACCP is a systematic preventive approach recommended by the United Nations to find, correct, and prevent hazards throughout the production process. Corrugated manufacturers are also subject to strict third party and customer audits. Preventive measures undertaken by the corrugated industry ensure accountability at the source. The objective of the grower, the packaging industry, and the retailer is to provide the safest food possible and corrugated products are the best way to arrive at their destination. For more information about the corrugated industry, visit www.cccabox.org. To learn more about the CFIA and food packaging regulations, visit www.inspection.gc.ca.

We buy plastic!

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Food production containers, pails, barrels, unused plastic pellets and bins. Contact: James Burns 519-682 2900 info@meltechplastics.com

MAY 2013 –– PAGE B5 THE GROWER

FOCUS: CONTAINERS

Loblaw plans to double number of reusable plastic containers in 2013 KAREN DAVIDSON For Loblaw, the debate is over on the cost benefits, improved produce quality and environmental sustainability of using reusable plastic containers (RPC). Grading their pilot project using three million RPCs in 2011 a success, Canada’s largest grocer brought more commodities and suppliers into the program upping usage to 15 million boxes in 2012. That number is expected to double again to a target of 30 million in 2013, bringing in produce from the entire NAFTA trading region. “Now that we know what the process looks like, we will be expediting the program at a quicker pace,” says Stuart Rogers, project manager, retail enablement for Loblaw. He expects to add Canadian apples, cabbage, lettuce and cauliflower to the program this growing season. This summer will include local Ontario strawberries. The benefits of packing highly perishable berries and tender fruit in RPCs are clear to Loblaw. “Ontario peaches were a significant success last summer,” says Eric Biddiscombe, senior director planning for Loblaw Companies’ produce business unit. “One of the key wins is pallet stability. When you’re loading and storing pallets, there is less damage to the fruit as the RPCs go through the supply chain. The case is rigid.” In a brief to their top 40 produce suppliers in conjunction with the Canadian Produce Marketing Association meeting, Loblaw reported that 7,005 metric tons of waxed corrugated board did not go to landfills due to the RPC program and 6,807 metric

tons of corrugated board moved to RPCs for a total of 13,812 metric tons. For growers, the logistics of converting to RPCs have not been without anxiety. In many cases, it’s not a straight conversion from corrugated to RPCs. Growers must store and manage both systems at once to fulfill orders for several customers. To date, Loblaw and Safeway in western Canada are the only two grocers requiring that produce be delivered in RPCs. In the U.S., some American growers have been using RPCs for almost a decade now and are still challenged to keep both corrugated box and RPC inventory. Some say the RPCs don’t ride as well in trucks as corrugated, causing bounce issues. However, Loblaw reports no ride damage in their 2011 and 2012 RPC programs. Loblaw acknowledges that change is never easy. Biddiscombe says their approach has been to understand the impact on operations at grower meetings across Canada. For Loblaw, there are five criteria for success. • RPCs must maintain or improve quality of produce • Cost of RPCs must be competitive or lower than corrugate • Freight costs must be maintained or lowered with units per trailer load • Potential case-pack change needs to be understood and applied to the Loblaw supply chain processes as it relates to listing new items in the distribution centres and ordering product through terminal markets • Grower operations must be taken into consideration. Pilot testing allows perspective on

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quality/cost and impact to operational process. As reported in the April issue of The Grower, a motion was passed at the Canadian Horticultural Council annual general meeting to review the sanitation protocols of RPCs. Some growers who are using RPCs are worried that residues harbouring “silent” plant viruses or soil-borne pests might be introduced to the Canadian industry. “We are not opposed to the use of RPCs, but we are not aware of any controlled studies to give us comfort,” said Don Taylor, chair, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers. “Moving RPCs between farms without clear evidence that sanitation procedures will ensure against the introduction of any possible harmful organisms is counter to the protocols of infection protection.” The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) is now in the throes of reinstituting its RPC task force says Jane Proctor, vice-president of policy and issues management, CPMA. “As we understand, RPC manufacturers have protocols in place but the industry needs to have a more in-depth understanding of what they are,” Proctor says. The RPC task force is chaired by Alan Newton, Duda Farm Fresh Foods based in Florida. Other members include retailer representatives, RPC companies and a cross-section of grower-shippers as well as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. “During the next RPC Task Force meeting, there will need to be a clear articulation of outstanding issues by those who have noted ongoing concerns,” says Proctor. That meeting will be held in the next few weeks. Nevertheless, the conversion to RPCs will escalate with Loblaw estimating 43 million boxes by end of 2014. Those numbers beg

the question of when Canada will be ready for its own washing facility. Currently, the closest facilities to Canada are in Chicago, Illinois and Portland, Oregon. Both are operated by IFCO, one of three vendors approved by Loblaw. The other two are Polymer Logistics and Tosca (formerly Georgia Pacific). It’s estimated that 30 million RPCs are likely the critical mass needed to trigger a decision. The next question to be answered is where is the most logical location in eastern Canada. And will there be a station in western Canada. As implications of the RPC

system reverberate within the supply chain and as growers, packers and shippers come to better understand this North American phenomenon, the issue of branding comes to the fore. Corrugated boxes currently offer growers their best opportunity for produce aisle branding. So it stands to reason that as RPC use increases, the job of individual growers building consumer loyalty becomes harder. Within a global system, how can local produce continue to effectively compete? That’s just one of many questions to be answered in the future.

PAGE B6 –– MAY 2013 THE GROWER

FOCUS: CONTAINERS

Something tried and true Crown Storage supplies plywood bins made from western Douglas fir and eastern hemlock. Based in Ontario, the company ships a lot of product to British Columbia, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the U.S. The bin parts are all dipped individually in food-grade stain, making them eligible to

cross the border with no problems. While plastic might be a new trend, wood has never gone out of vogue. “Government regulations both present and future are weighing on everyone’s mind,” says Don Sheridan, owner Crown Storage. “At present, there are no studies

to support plastic over wood with regards to food safety. Personally, I like plywood boxes. They don’t slide on the forks and fit into storage better. Storages were designed for a standard 48-inch by 42-inch bin. The wood bins dry out much faster, eliminating mold problems.”

All food commodities – fruit and vegetables – work well with plywood. A halfbin is also available for soft or delicate commodities that cannot withstand a lot of weight.

. . . and some things new Dubois Agrinovation carries a new line of CenterFlow containers ideal for transporting and dispensing seed, granular/pelletized materials and small manufacturing components. The smooth, funnel-shaped interior has a 35˚ angle for efficient flow of contents and complete emptying in as quickly as 30 seconds. According to the company, users can expect the following: • Handles loads up to 2,500 lbs. • Side access door allows one person to control the flow and safely remove all or part of the contents • Tight-fitting lid provides extra protection against contaminants • Strong, reinforcing crossbars evenly distribute load

• Latches lock ring securely to the base • Compatible with forklifts and pallet jacks • Solid oak base rails provide added traction for forklift tines • Stack and nest for shipping and storage - 1.6:1 return ratio • Structural foam molded HDPE construction resists impact, moisture and most chemicals • Will not rust, peel or splinter • Use with temperatures of -20˚ to 120˚ F • Customization and identification options available • Backed by a one-year limited warranty • 100% recyclable For more information, go to: http://www.buckhorninc.com/products/specialty-boxes/centerflow.aspx

Norampac Conventional fruit baskets are usually provided with rigid handles (for example, plastic or wood), and are therefore relatively difficult to stack or to store in an efficient manner. These components are not always locally available and delivered separately to a customer, who must then assemble the components to make the baskets. This step requires time, equipment and labour. With this new basket with a popup handle, these issues are no longer of any concern for producers. This one piece basket is fully assembled, using less space for a larger quantity of trays. Without wood or plastic, this basket is now fully recyclable at the end of its life cycle. Norampac is proud to introduce this basket as the ideal solution for the need to be more efficient. We could design and adapt your actual packaging for sizes from 1 liter to larger sizes. Used for strawberries, blueberries, peaches, pears, apples or any other fruits or vegetables that is normally offered with this type of packaging.

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• Re-closable optimizes hygiene and conservation of products and promotes consumption outside the home; • Break resistant, ideal to pack products when wet • Great package to-go, take-out, and for today’s families

MAY 2013 –– PAGE B7 THE GROWER

FOCUS: CONTAINERS

In praise of containers The produce industry would not survive without containers. A tour through the Ontario Food Terminal is a reminder that millions are spent to get fruit and vegetables to consumers every day. Ian MacKenzie, president of the Ontario Produce Marketing Association, recalls the 1970s and 1980s when standard containers for both wholesale and consumersize packages were the norm. The idea was to stop the proliferation of container sizes to control inventories and therefore costs.

Those rules exist no more with only six commodities regulated for container size, i.e. carrots, onions, beets, parsnips, rutabagas and potatoes. “It’s really difficult – and expensive -- to maintain inventories when there are too many container sizes,” says MacKenzie. “But consumers are changing how we package and sell to them. They are looking for convenient size packaging and the industry is adapting quickly. Single households and aging demographics are playing a role.”

Photos by Glenn Lowson

“

It’s really difficult – and expensive -- to maintain inventories when there are too many container sizes. But consumers are changing how we package and sell to them.” ~ Ian MacKenzie

PAGE B8 –– MAY 2013 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

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MAY 2013 –– PAGE B9 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

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

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Gateway Niagara Welcome Centre Looking for fruit vendor for our existing seasonal 1,500 sq. ft. enclosed outdoor kiosk. Special consideration given to members of the Ontario Fruit Growers Association. Please call Paul Dominick at 905-931-9549 Other market type entrepreneurial ventures will be also be considered.

Kverneland UN 3200 4-row planter; Better Built 2963 seed cutter; Thomas B88 2-row harvester with JD air head; Thomas 4 and 2 row windrowers; Air Tech 90 air boom sprayer; Full line of Tillage Tools; Six potato body trucks including 1995 Mark R 10wheeler with Haines 22 belt unload body; 2009 Kauffman (48 ft. x 102) 25 ton drop deck trailer; Haines double tote bag filler with scale; Haines single bag filler; 48 in. and 36 in. portable graders; Haines 49 ft. bin piler; etc.! Complete Dispersal! NOTE: Special Open House at Cornell—Uihlein Research Farm at Lake Placid also on Auction Day for your convenience from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.! Sponsored by Empire State Potato Growers Inc.

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PAGE B10 –– MAY 2012 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

To advertise phone: 519-380-0118 • 866-898-8488 x 218 • Fax: 519-380-0011 NURSERY AND ROOTSTOCK ASPARAGUS ROOTS Mary Washington Jersey Giant Millenium

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SPECIALIZING IN FRUIT TREES & GRAPE VINES & ELDERBERRIES. VARIETY AND PRICE LIST AVAILABLE ON REQUEST Howard A. Colcuc Nursery Manager R.R. #4 Creek Road Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. L0S 1J0 Tel: (905) 262-4971 Fax: (905) 262-4404 howardcolcuc@rogers.com

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MAY 2013 –– PAGE B11 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

ORCHARD SUPPLIES

· TREE STAKES · TREE TIE MATERIAL · REMA BRANCH SPREADERS · TWIGFIX ELASTICS · TREE GUARDS · LOPPERS · PRUNING SHEARS · LADDERS · PICKING BUCKETS SEE US FOR ALL YOUR ORCHARD SUPPLIES

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

CLASSIFIEDS

LABELS

LABELS & LABEL MACHINERY SALES SERVICE SUPPORT

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

Follow our editor: @karenthegrower 17 Apr Good to meet Rob Gerlsbeck, editor, @CanadianGrocer today in advance of Canadian Produce Marketing Association trade show opening tomorrow

FOR SALE – Farm Equipment: - Ramsay Vegetable Harvest Aid, can be used for various crops, was used for broccoli, 11 bunching machines included. - Kneverland airseeder, with 9 twin row units, very good condition, plates and spare parts included. - Pik Rite 190 Vegetable Harvester, fully loaded, well maintained, high capacity machine - Front mounting platform harvest aid, used for broccoli/ cauliflower etc. - Trimble hydraulic platform kit for JD4X55 series or older or JD8X60 series, $1,500 Pictures available via email. Contact ryan@serkka.com or (519) 809-0615 For sale.15 yr old 1600 litre Ocll orchard sprayer, Last used 2 yrs ago, worked great. Parts still available. 3500.00, call (226) 268-1975 Estate sale - 75 hp MF 3340F Orchard Tractor 4WD, 1300hr - Industrial Rotovator 4' -18' farm wagon -GB 1500 litre sprayer -Steel roll up garage door 16' x 9' Phone (905) 682-3062

Pipe & Fittings for Water Systems • 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

info@WinonaConcrete.com

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

1-800-361-8515 For Sale: TurboMist sprayer, 400 gal, Turbo steer, excellent condition. IH140 tractor w/ cultivator and side dresser. Both always stored inside. (905) 765-2027 For sale: 917H Ford flail mower offset 92” cut, $1000. Asparagus root digger, $500. 5000 used Blackmore cell trays, $500. Phone (519) 586-2159

classified ads 866-898-8488 x 221

PAGE B12 –– MAY 2013 THE GROWER

IT’S WHAT’S

INSIDE THAT COUNTS

Unlike retrippers, corrugate is always new. It does not need to come from or return to washing stations in the USA. Corrugate is the food industry’s packaging of choice because you can focus on what matters – what’s in the box. BRANDED, NEW AND TRUSTED.

www.cccabox.org Proud supporter of the Paper & Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council (PPEC)