The Grower May 2015

MAY 2015

CELEBRATING 136 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION

VOLUME 65 NUMBER 05

LAND USE PLANS

Sustainable farmers are key to rural infrastructure

In southern Ontario, 160,000 acres of farmland were lost between 2007 and 2011. That stark fact adds urgency to the simultaneous reviews of land use planning including the Greenbelt Plan, Oak Ridges Moraine Plan, Niagara Escarpment Plan and Golden Horseshoe Plan. The Holland Marsh, shown above, and the Niagara Peninsula’s tender fruit area fall under that review. What’s at stake is the future sustainability of this prime farmland at the outskirts of cities that house nine million consumers.

Photos by Glenn Lowson.

INSIDE New product showcase at CPMA Page 7

Pollination strategy in PEI Page 10 Focus: Grapes, berries, vineyards and wineries Page 18

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

KAREN DAVIDSON Bradford, Ontario -- A man-made river runs through it.

And a six-lane highway too. This is the Holland Marsh, one of the two sensitive agricultural areas protected by Ontario’s Greenbelt Plan.

It’s now a decade since the contentious plan was enshrined by the provincial government, and by law, the growth plan is up for review along with three other land use plans: Niagara Escarpment, Oak Ridges Moraine and the Golden Horseshoe. While these plans had different origins, this is an ideal time for a unified approach. The intent of the Greenbelt plan was to protect prime farmland but nonetheless,160,000 acres have disappeared under the bulldozers of townhome developers and highway engineers. According to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, that’s 350 acres lost every day.

Can this plan be deemed a

success? That’s been under debate this spring as provinciallyorganized town hall meetings have sprung up like maple sap spigots. It’s too early to say if their harvest will be sweet.

“While farmers within the Greenbelt are generally supportive of the plan, many want changes and assurances that farmers can be sustainable,” says Avia Eek, Holland Marsh onion and carrot farmer. “It’s not enough to protect the land if farmers aren’t permitted to be profitable through value-added, on-farm activities or they can’t get their perishable product to market through increasing gridlock.”

In the Greenbelt alone, there are 5,500 family farms. Not only are they producing food, they are stewarding large areas of natural heritage features, water, woodlands and wildlife. One of the key points to emerge from the town hall meetings is that multi-generational farmers shouldn’t be responsible for the

buffer zones. Developers should shoulder the costs.

From her experience as a municipal councillor, Eek sees that connectivity of agricultural systems should be maintained.

Encroaching urban areas and higher traffic volumes put stress on the safe movement of farm equipment, especially if land or rental acres are not contiguous.

“Language and intent of the policies should be consistent across all these plans,” says Eek. “The four plans were written at different times and for different purposes, but they should now be aligned with the provincial policy statement. We now have the opportunity to amend the policy to actually support agricultural operations.”

Phil Tregunno, chair of the Ontario Tender Fruit Growers, agrees with this assessment.

“The key issue is that farmers need to own the land,” says Tregunno who farms with his family at Niagara-on-the-Lake.

“We do not want to become

tenant farmers beholden to land speculators. My ancestors left Europe for a better life precisely because they were tenant farmers.

We shouldn’t let this happen again.”

“

Language and intent of the policies should be consistent across all these plans.” ~ Avia Eek

The Niagara peninsula, with its 7,800 acres of tender fruit, is also attractive to citizens purchasing land for non-farming purposes. In fact, land ownership in agricultural belts is a hot topic right now.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

PAGE 2 –– MAY 2015 THE GROWER

NEWSMAKERS

AT PRESS TIME… Chef Michael Smith becomes brand ambassador

Photo courtesy of CPMA

Chef Michael Smith is the new brand ambassador for The Half Your Plate Campaign. The Prince Edward Islander is host of Chef Michaels Kitchen, Chef Abroad and Chef at Home on Food Network Canada. Smith has devoted his career to helping Canadians create a healthy food lifestyle that includes lots of daily fruits and vegetables. Smith made his first appearance on April 16th at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s (CPMA) 90th annual convention and trade show in Montreal.

“We need to get families back in the kitchen preparing fresh and healthy meals, and chef Michael is the perfect ambassador to inspire change,” says Ron Lemaire, president, CPMA. “I’m a big fan of Half Your Plate and proud to be joining the team,” says Smith. “We all know

how important it is to eat lots of fruits and vegetables every single day but not all of us know how.

That’s where I come in. It’s my mission to remind everyone how simple healthy cooking is, that it’s not expensive, difficult or time consuming. We’re all in this together and together we can help every family improve their health, every day.”

The Half Your Plate Campaign was launched in January 2015 by the Canadian Produce Marketing Association and health partners the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Public Health Association (CPMA) and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. This new healthy-living initiative empowers Canadians of all ages to eat more fruits and veggies to improve their health while providing simple and practical ways to add a variety of produce to every meal and snack.

The campaign emphasizes how fun, practical and easy it is to prepare a wide variety of fruits and vegetables for meals and snacks at home, at school, at work, eating out or on the go. More information is available at www.halfyourplate.ca.

ONFruit blog is launched OMAFRA is now publishing a blog called ONfruit written by fruit crop specialists. One of the first instalments was about a new fungicide to control mummy berry in highbush blueberries. In addition to this blog, growers can sign up to receive email updates whenever new content is added to the site. Go to www.onfruit.wordpress.com

Walmart Canada pushes Half your Plate messaging

Walmart Canada is the winner of CPMA’s 2015 Fresh Health Award. Since its introduction in 1998, the Fresh Health Award has been presented to a company or organization which has shown outstanding leadership in their efforts to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Award recipients must effectively use the messaging and marketing materials developed by either the Half Your Plate or Freggie Children’s programs.

“This year, the award recognizes one of the early adopters of the Half Your Plate message,” said CPMA president Ron Lemaire.

Since October 2014, Walmart Canada has included the Half Your Plate logo, message and information in their flyer which reaches more than 10 million consumers across Canada.

Congratulations to the University of Guelph’s Mary Ruth McDonald and her team who were honoured last month in Salt Lake City, Utah at the 8th International IPM Symposium. The Award of Excellence was for the Muck Crops IPM program in Ontario.

Team members were: Dennis Van Dyk, IPM coordinator, Kevin Vander Kooi, technical support, Matt Sheppard, industry partner at Bradford Co-op, Jody Mott, Holland Marsh Growers’ Association, Marion Paibomesai, OMAFRA vegetable crops specialist.

Several awards were presented at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s (CPMA) Convention and Trade Show in Montreal.

The Mary Fitzgerald Award was presented to Ben Alviano, the Canadian national account manager for Mann Packing. CPMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Christian Bourbonniere, senior vice-president, Quebec division head, Metro Inc. The Most Creative Booth Award was presented to JB Laverdure.

The Ontario Tender Fruit Producers’ Marketing Board honoured Hugh Fraser with its 2015 Award of Merit at its recent annual general meeting. The OMAFRA agricultural engineer for horticultural crop protection and post harvest is retiring after 35 years of support and solutions for horticulture. His “Not a Roast” party is May 28.

Len Troup, past chair of the Ontario Tender Fruit Growers, has been presented with the Ontario Institute of Agrologist’s Honourary Agrologist Award for contributions to the sector.

Summerland Varieties Corporation (formerly PICO) welcomed new general manager Michael Bechtel earlier this year. The organization, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association, administers technical, legal and contractual items for the owners of new varieties and ensures the commercial success of promising new varieties of tree fruits and berries. Nick Ibuki is operations manager.

The International Fruit Tree Association (IFTA) braved winter storms to hold its 58th annual conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia in late February. Congratulations to John Eisses, Centreville, Nova Scotia who won Grower of the Year Award. He’s one of the largest Honeycrisp growers in Canada, achieving high apple yields in the Annapolis Valley. Spurr Brothers Farm, Kingston, also received a Grower of the Year Award, recognizing its large acreage of apple orchards and six acres of pears in a high-density, biaxis, V-trellis system.

IFTA’s Outstanding Extension Worker award was won by horticulturalist William Craig, recently retired from Perennia Food and Agriculture. He worked for AgraPoint before Perennia was created in 2012 as a new agency of the provincial government.

Charles Embree was named IFTA’s Outstanding Researcher of the Year. Embree, recently retired, began working as a tree fruit specialist with the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture in 1963. In 1982, he moved to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to become a research scientist in tree fruit physiology. He was the reference coordinator for the United States North Central Regional Research-140 committee, which evaluates rootstocks; a member of the United States Germplasm Committee; and a member of the Northeast Plant Growth Regulator working group.

Terence Robinson, a Cornell University horticulturist, received recognition as an inductee into the IFTA Hall of Fame. Robinson has announced a three-year sabbatical starting in July 2015. Projects such as perfecting the tall spindle orchard design and apply thinning using the carbohydrate model will be continued by postdoctoral researchers, Poliana Francescatto and Jaume Lordan Sanahuja.

IFTA’s Outstanding Industry Service Award went to Larry Lutz of Scotian Gold and owner of Lutz Family Farm. Since 1988, Lutz has been the grower technical adviser for Scotian Gold Cooperative, which packs most of the Nova Scotia apple crop for its grower/members. Lutz is also a grower with 70 acres of high-density apples and peaches. He has provided volunteer leadership to IFTA and the entire industry for many years, including serving on the board of directors, organizing educational tours and educating many growers on the advantages of high-density orchards. He is a past president of IFTA.

MAY 2015 –– PAGE 3 THE GROWER

COVER STORY

Sustainable farmers are key to rural infrastructure Legend: The distribution centres of major retailers and the Ontario Food Terminal are identified on this southern Ontario map to show their locations relative to Greenbelt farmlands and high-density urban areas.

Loblaws Inc. 1. Cambridge, ON 2. Ajax, ON Sobeys 3. Whitby, ON 4. Milton, ON Metro Ontario Inc. 5. Toronto, ON Costco 6. Brampton, ON Wal-Mart Canada Corp.

7. Mississauga, ON Longo’s 8. Vaughan, ON Ontario Food Terminal 9. Toronto, ON

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 It may seem incongruous to look to the endless horizons of Saskatchewan for a model. But this spring, the breadbasket province is reviewing its Farm Security Act. Farmers, there, have mixed opinions about how to keep large swaths of land under their control while considering the potential benefits of cash infusions from institutional investors such as pension plans. Saskatchewan’s debate will be worth considering across all of Canada.

In most discussions about sustainable farming, the issues can be summed up under three headings: people, planet and profit. Planning for succession should reasonably be a fourth. That topic doesn’t rise readily to the top of politicians’ agendas whose planning cycle is four years at best. It’s critical, though, to look to the longer horizon of how to keep farmlands intact and by extension, farmers profitable for future generations.

In Ontario, as the provincial government weighs massive expenditures on transit infrastructure, equal consideration should be given to rural infrastructure: natural gas, phase-three electricity, high-speed internet.

These are hard assets which will help keep the next

generation of farmers in business.

Layered on top of these land use planning exercises is federal redistribution of political ridings for the October 2015 election. Seventeen of the new 19 seats will fall within the Greater Toronto Area. These ridings are to be adopted provincially, encompassing about nine million citizens. With so few farmers as voters, they worry that urbanites view farmland as parkland to be enjoyed at leisure.

“To date, the Greenbelt is working,” says Tregunno “in that it’s not death by a thousand cuts from land developers, but it could be death by environmentalists. We’re already governed by rules on setbacks from streams, for example, but we don’t need new rules that would prevent us from erecting new buildings. Placing 30-metre buffers on man-made systems such as municipal drains doesn’t make much sense.”

The proximity of agriculture to urban areas has translated into an arcane list of regulations. “We have a lot more oversight for small projects than are needed,” says Tregunno. “There are very long delays on land use decisions with no sensitivity to the growing season. Time is of the essence to us.”

Tregunno also points out that average farm sizes have changed considerably since the Greenbelt Plan was enacted. “To encourage new farmer entry into the tender fruit industry, a more reasonable minimum parcel size of 20 acres for farm splits is needed,” he says.

It would seem farmers agree that one cohesive land use plan is needed. The pressures are regional, not planspecific. To address farmers’ concerns, current environmental management policies should encompass not only farmers but developers too. These plans should be crafted not to control farmers as though they are an environmental threat, but to support food production which is essential to Ontario’s future health.

Protecting irreplaceable farmland

Moving farm machinery safely

Enabling food routes to millions of consumers

“

To date, the Greenbelt is working in that

it’s not death by a thousand cuts from land developers, but it could be death by environmentalists.” ~ Phil Tregunno

PAGE 4 –– MAY 2015 THE GROWER

CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND TO BRITISH COLUMBIA

Bloom check A brutal winter on the east coast has delayed Prince Edward Island’s (PEI) apple pruning workshop from April 11 until May 2.

That’s to allow growers into orchards. In early April, snow was measuring anywhere between 33 and 42 inches deep.

“I worry more about an early spring,” says John Brady, Tyne Valley, who expects full bloom to be a little later than the usual June 2

to 5 time frame. “There’s an expression that a week in spring is worth a day in the fall. By Labour Day, we’re usually all caught up.”

It was a tale of two winters on PEI with little snow until late January. Frequent snow storms were experienced after that. Now the watch-out is for ice around the island. Cold water temperatures affect air temperatures, potentially delaying the start of the growing

season.

On the west coast, it’s been a different story. “We’re two weeks early across the board,” says Chris Pollock, director of marketing for BC Tree Fruits. “Apricots, nectarines were in full bloom in mid-April and I expect cherries and apples in the northern Okanagan to be in full bloom by first of May.”

Photo courtesy of BC Tree Fruits

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Royalties on Ambrosia apples required until 2017 Protection through Plant Breeders’ Rights for the Ambrosia apple variety will be expiring on August 20, 2015 says Michael Bechtel, general manager, Summerland Varieties Corporation.

However, Canadian Plant Breeders’ Rights legislation and subsequent agreements with nurseries allow for the collection of a royalty on any trees that are propagated within the window of registration on that variety. As an industry standard, Plant Breeders’ Rights allow for that royalty to be collected for up to two years following

expiration of that variety registration, providing it was propagated within the registration window and timeline.

If growers intend on planting the Ambrosia apple variety after the expiration date in Canada, this means: • Any Ambrosia tree propagated prior to the end of August 20 will have a $2 CAD royalty attached to it. Trees propagated after that time will have no royalty.

• If growers plant any Ambrosia trees within two years of August 20, providing those trees were propagated prior to

the end of the registration window, a royalty of $2 CAD per tree is required, up to and including the 2017 season.

As Bechtel explains, Plant Breeders’ Rights and Industry Standards recognize that plantable material can easily take up to two years to prepare for planting. If a grower wants to plant, that material still needs to undergo the expense of being prepared including licensing from the licensor. In this case, it’s Summerland Varieties Corporation.

QUEBEC

Serres Sagami acquires the Savoura brand Greenhouse tomato grower Serres Sagami has announced its successful bid for the assets of Serres du Saint-Laurent. The company which was well known for its Savoura brand declared insolvency in February. Serres Sagami, headquartered in SainteSophie, Quebec, said it planned to add English cucumbers to the mix.

“This is obviously a very strategic acquisition for us since it will allow us to strengthen our foothold in Quebec’s greenhouse industry,” said Stéphane Roy, president of Serres Sagami, in a news release.

“This iconic brand – Savoura -- is part of Quebec’s agricultural heritage, and it deserves to keep its place on Quebecers’ tables.”

With this latest acquisition, Serres Sagami is now one of the largest greenhouse growers in Quebec.

Total conventional and organic greenhouse tomato production totals 62 acres in several Quebec locations.

Right: Stéphane Roy, president of Serres Sagami

INTERNATIONAL ISRAEL

ITALY

UNITED STATES

BELGIUM

NETHERLANDS

Digital cameras identify pests

World pear exhibition to launch

Conference pear to debut this fall

Asparagus tips: avoid drones

Researcher David Nestel of the Israeli Volcani Institute is reporting early success with digital cameras placed in fields. The pilot project targets a fly which harms melon, zucchini, pumpkin and watermelon crops.

Traps were distributed throughout the fields with digital cameras which shoot pictures of the trapped pests. The photos are forwarded to the researchers who can identify the pests and whether their frequency is economically harmful enough to warrant spraying. With this particular pest, a preventative spray may not be needed.

This project is funded by the European Union.

Italy has found such a loyal following for its biennial apple exhibition, Interpoma, that it’s launching a sister one for pears.

Called Futurpera, this event will be held in the heart of the pear-growing region in Ferrara.

Expect to see different varieties of pear grown in the Po Valley between Emilia-Romagna and Veneto.

New process for handling registrations of neonicotinoids

Source: FreshPlaza.com

The show is dedicated to promoting the pear supply chain, from sustainable growing techniques to storage, and from marketing to retail. For more information on the show to be held November 19-21, visit www.futurpera.com Source: Good Fruit Grower

The Environmental Protection Agency has informed registrants of neonicotinoid pesticides that any new uses for these products will not be approved until new bee safety studies have been submitted and pollinator risk assessments are complete.

Affected neonicotinoid actions include: • new uses (including crop group expansion requests) • addition of new use patterns, such as aerial application • experimental use permits • new special local needs registrations This is an interim position announced early last month.

Source: AgriMarketing Weekly Update April 6, 2015

This new pear, unique to Belgium and the Netherlands, was introduced at the CPMA trade show in Montreal last month. Conference pears can be eaten at the beginning and end of the ripening process, making them adaptable to many eating situations. As it ripens, the firm-green-bronzed skin and sweet white flesh will turn light yellow.

Julienned into a salad of greens, sliced with blue cheese, or eaten out of hand, this pear will expand the category.

A PR stunt went up in flames, literally, when the first asparagus delivery of the season crashed and burned in a drone. De Zwaan, the Michelin-starred restaurant in Etten-Leur, is known for its novel ways of kicking off asparagus season. In the past, a hot air balloon, a helicopter and a Formula 1 racing car have successfully delivered the tender stalks.

The 2015 season wasn’t so lucky with new technology. The drone crashed on a country road en route to the famous restaurant.

Grilling asparagus is a tasty way to enjoy spring’s first vegetable, but in this case, going to extra lengths didn’t pay off.

Source: FreshPlaza.com

MAY 2015 –– PAGE 5 THE GROWER

CANADIAN PRODUCE MARKETING ASSOCIATION 90TH CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW

Retailers’ message to the supply chain: ‘Don’t just deliver produce. Help me sell one more unit to the consumer ’ KAREN DAVIDSON Montréal, QC -- Growing the market through execution and delivery takes more than a buyer, distributor, merchandiser, chef and consumer. This year’s retailer panel offered insights on how supply chain collaboration is key to growing the market.

The panelists were: • Terri Miller – category manager of produce, Food Lion • Pierre Dandoy, VP operations, QC Market, Loblaw • Pat Pessotto, VP merchandising, Longo’s • Oleen Smethurst, general merchandise manager produce, Costco Wholesale Canada • André Gagné, VP merchandising, Metro Banner Ontario, Metro Richielieu • Rich Dachman, VP produce, Sysco Panel moderator Reggie Griffin, former senior VP at Kroeger in the U.S., touched on key trends in fresh produce: organic, local, fair trade, but interestingly did not mention electronic commerce. The format was open to the audience to ask questions.

Q1. What trends do you see in 2015? What’s hot in produce?

What categories are sliding?

Pat Pessotto: Kale is a big driver.

André Gagné: Rutabaga is in decline. The whole wet greens wall is a big trend with rapini, dandelion.

Pierre Dandoy: Juicing is an important trend. Organic is a big trend, but the new reality is that we now have 10 to 15 different varieties of potatoes, up to 27 different tomatoes with new flavours.

Teri Miller: Watch the new chefs on Food Network TV and stay connected with restaurants.

Rich Dachman: Different lettuce blends are a big hit. New greenhouse tomatoes that have flavour are popular. I see more vegetables with main entrees – Brussels sprouts and butternut squash. They’re not a side dish but incorporated more into the plate.

Oleen Smethurst: Flavour is everything. Chefs such as Michael Smith are driving the trend towards flavour and quality.

Q2. A big trend is mining data.

Please expand on how you get it and apply it.

Pierre Dandoy: You have to be really close to the customer. We are different between cities. For example right here in Quebec, it’s totally different between the Gaspe and Montreal. You don’t

build a store by yourself. You have to be a great leader, great merchandiser, good operator from front to back door.

Customers vote every day in our store so tomorrow you know what your data is. I look at my numbers every day. It’s my gasoline.

André Gagné: If suppliers are relying on U.S. data, be sensitive to the fact that Canadians are different.

“Customers vote every day in our store so tomorrow you know what your data is. I look at my numbers every day. It’s my gasoline.” ~ Pierre Dandoy

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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PAGE 6 –– MAY 2015 THE GROWER

CANADIAN PRODUCE MARKETING ASSOCIATION 90TH CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW

Retailers’ message to supply chain CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Pat Pessotto: Our challenge is that if PLUs are not visible, then the item won’t be scanned properly by the cashier. It’s important on the organic side of the business to make sure the value is captured. If I can save one second on scanning per cashier, it’s worth $7 million per year for my company.

Teri Miller: We are data-rich at Food Lion. Let’s talk about potatoes. If one item is not profitable in the category, how do I decide to drop it. My customer is more loyal to one variety than another. Understanding the data is important along with your gut.

Q3. We have an aging population, changing cultural demographic and smaller households. How will this affect fresh produce?

Rich Dachman: Millennials require integrity in their food.

Going forward, I see millennials will be positive about fresh produce but they want transparency in what they eat. This speaks

highly for our category. But aspects of our category will be questioned. Be careful in marketing. You can’t fool this group.

André Gagné: Millennials are on Facebook talking about our product. The aging population is eating healthier than in the past.

With Metro’s Healthy Plate program, produce is at the center of this. The trend is shifting to cultural demographics but most of our produce appeals to our customers. If it needs tweaking, it’s for okra, greens, case fruit. As our offering improves, we will have opportunity to cross sell.

Pierre Dandoy: In Montreal, many of our customers speak three languages or more. For the first time in Quebec this year, more people will take retirement than will work. One of our challenges is to reach this group.

71 per cent of Quebeckers want to be healthier according to surveys. 31 per cent are ready to pay more.

Oleen Smethurst: Transportable produce is a bigger trend.

Teri Miller: Our customers from Pennsylvania to Florida are hugely different. It’s more about how the economy is doing. If the

economy changes overnight like it did five years ago, then you can’t continue to group people in demographics or age groups. It depends more on following shopping habits of the customer.

Q4. While we’ve seen advancements in technology, are you doing anything to connect your stores with supply partners?

Pierre Dandoy: People want to eat the apple from the person they know. Our Close to Home Program promotes the farm family. We ask growers to come into our stores. That’s the type of connection we’re seeking. Values are more important than the price.

Oleen Smethurst: At Costco, we’ve had great success using QR codes to tell the grower’s story.

Rich Dachman: For us, the local trend has been the romantic trend of our industry. The biggest area of interest is universities. We tell the story through local growers and their bios.

Q5. What are the drivers behind the trends? How do we stay ahead for new concepts on the plate?

Teri Miller: We have great partnerships with suppliers. Kalettes are an up and coming item.

(Kalettes are a new vegetable combining the best flavours of kale and Brussels sprouts.) We work with suppliers to share their concept of best presentation. We don’t have enough supply but we’re figuring out the best geographic areas. There’s lots of relationship building. Some things don’t work out, but many do.

Oleen Smethurst: We meet with seed companies to find out what’s going on. If you find anything new, please share it. Canadian consumers are diverse and they have no hesitation to try new things.

Rich Dachman: In the Wall Street Journal recently, there was an article on the evolution of trends. Where do they start? In the food industry, we’d like to think high-end chefs have influence. Brussels sprouts weren’t popular but now it’s different. The true evolution of a trend is when high-end restaurants are waking up consumer palates. Then the trend moves to family dining restaurants. Consumers then want to eat it at home. Yes, we do have growers introducing products but it really starts in a small place.

Oleen Smethurst: Keep pushing to have quarantine processes changed on new tree fruits. The flavour profile is excellent in this category.

Q6. Notwithstanding quality, service and price, what differentiates a good supplier from great supplier?

Teri Miller: Those suppliers who can truly partner, help me sell one more unit to the customer.

Pierre Dandoy: Our customers ask for consistency. It’s hard to do with weather but the consumer wants quality every time.

Pat Pessotto: Align your package with the retailer.

Oleen Smethurst: We want to partner with suppliers who reinvest in the business. I attended the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention in Niagara. One of the large peach growers has looked to Europe which is light years ahead on packaging.

André Gagné: Freshness makes a great supplier. The customer experiences that at home.

Rich Dachman: Trust is a huge component. It’s all about the relationship. How do we run our businesses together? Trying to manage expenses while bringing biggest value to the customer is tough. Sometimes it’s okay to challenge the retailer on how it’s done.

Q7. Do you see larger produce departments in the future?

André Gagné: I don’t see larger produce departments. We need to turn “fresh” products frequently.

The equipment we use will change. We need more refrigerated space and more dedicated space for organics.

Oleen Smethurst: The fresh line is expanding but it can only take so much space.

Pat Pessotto: As real estate gets more expensive, so does the linear feet.

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MAY 2015 –– PAGE 7 THE GROWER

CANADIAN PRODUCE MARKETING ASSOCIATION 90TH CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW

Pressed for a premium tasting experience KAREN DAVIDSON Montréal, QC -- Stairway to retail heaven? Actually, it’s one step at a time for the BC Tree Fruit Cooperative launching its Broken Ladder craft cider this spring.

“For me personally, you can smell the apples when you open the can,” says Chris Pollock, marketing manager, BC Tree Fruit Cooperative. “It’s a flavourful experience.”

The venture to open BC Tree Fruits Cider Company in Kelowna, British Columbia is well-timed in the growth of the cooperative which represents more than 500 grower families.

It’s an effort to add value to scarred or bruised apples that don’t make the fresh grade. With an anticipated contribution of $1 million per year, it’s a small drop to the bottom line of a cooperative that grosses $150 million per

year. What’s more strategic is to boost profile to the cooperative in downtown Kelowna and to reinforce the overall brand with consumers.

The cidery was purposefully built close to a large winery with knowledge that a brewery is soon to come. There’s a tasting room to attract agri-tourists who can tipple and chat about the local food movement. The sparkling cider will lead to conversations about the Okanagan apple industry and how apples are grown. Repeat customers are highly likely after such a sensory experience. The cidery also offers exponential exposure for social media.

“We wanted to look at making a cider the same way you would a wine,” says project manager Mike Daley. With an alcohol level of 5.5 per cent, he’s happy with the result which is drier than most ciders on the market.

“We envisioned a cider true to

its natural form. The taste is as real as it gets.”

The decision to package the golden straw-coloured beverage in a can versus bottle was made on the advice of an industry consultant. A package of four cans (473 mL) will retail for $11.99 through select British Columbia Liquor Stores, independent wine and beer stores and will be available through licensed restaurants. The cidery is planning to produce 15,000 cases this year.

Six apple varieties contribute to the craft blend. It’s a ‘family’ secret only to the point that Pollock allows: “It’s a blend of five varieties, sweetened with the juice of a sixth.”

For apple growers and cider makers, the question will be: Is that Pink Lady or Ambrosia that I taste? It would be hard to believe that B.C.’s most well-known varieties wouldn’t be part of the recipe.

More breathability in flexible packaging Volm Companies, Inc. has introduced the Half-N-Half Pouch. It offers the convenience of a stand-up pouch along with added breathability by incorporating an eco-friendly Ultratech mesh panel into the bag.

The Half-N-Half Pouch can be created with many features from zippers for convenient opening and closing to different film finishes such as high clarity, opaque or matte. This package is also available with different gusset and formats.

"We expanded our packaging portfolio last year to focus on pouches for fresh produce,” said

Micah Johnson, flexible packaging product manager. “At that time, we also began developing the Half-N-Half Pouch as a way to not only differentiate from other produce on the shelves with this one-of-a-kind look, but to add breathability for keeping the produce fresh longer. This pouch looks great on the shelf, extends shelf life of produce, and provides an optimized customer experience when purchasing and using the product.

Volm also recently introduced the Volmpack Kangaroo Bagger.

The Kangaroo is an easy-to-use, small footprint bagger that allows

New sleeve clamshell

packers to move away from costly and labour-intensive manual packing to an affordable and automated process for filling pouch-style bags.

“We have a long history of developing packaging solutions to improve the profitability and productivity of our customers. To be able to offer the Kangaroo bagger as a way to complement the Half-N-Half Pouch and our common pouch style bags is important as part of our total solutions approach,” added Johnson.

Visit volmcompanies.com/ product/half-n-half-pouch for more information.

Creamer potatoes to be grown in QC

Patates Dolbec Ltd. is well-known within Quebec circles for its integrated farming operations near St. Ubalde. With 10,000 acres of soybeans, corn, wheat and potatoes, the field rotations work well and cull potatoes can be fed to their beef cattle operation.

Vortex packaging is offering a new sleeve clamshell in all sizes: 4 lb., 3L basket, 3L square, 2L, 1.5L and 1L for blueberries.

According to Josee Petitclerc, the company has fashioned new packaging to indicate the best end uses of their potatoes. For the first time this year, the company is growing creamer potatoes. The Mozart variety features red skins with yellow flesh.

PAGE 8 –– MAY 2015 THE GROWER

CANADIAN HORTICULTURAL COUNCIL

Status of resolutions at the CHC AGM, Quebec City Number

Name

Allocation

Status Defeated Amended Carried

✔ ✔

2015-01

Adequate Funding and Deadline for the AgriInvest Program

Finance and Business Management

2015-02

Financial Protection for Canada’s Fruit and Vegetable Sector

Trade and Marketing

2015-03

National Nutrition Policy

Industry Standards and Food Safety

2015-04

National Clean Plant Program

Crop, Plant Protection and the Environment

2015-05

Pre-Harvest Intervals

Crop, Plant Protection and the Environment

2015-06

Certification of Fruit and Vegetable Packing and Re-packing Establishments

Industry Standards and Food Safety

2015-07

Application to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program – Agriculture Stream

Human Resources

2015-08

Improving the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program Recruitment Process

Human Resources

2015-09

Identification and Mitigation of Food Safety and Biosecurity Risks Associated with the Industry Standards and Food Safety Use of Reusable Plastic Containers

✔

2015-10

Food Tampering Mitigation Measures

Finance and Business Management

✔

2015-11

Availability of Thimet (Phorate) for Wireworm Control

Crop, Plant Protection and the Environment

2015-12

Plant Breeders’ Rights and Seed Potato Certification

Potato

2015-13

Establishment of a Working Group on Sustainability (Sustainability Working Group)

Industry Standards and Food Safety

2015-14

Policy Statement regarding Production Practices

Committee of the Whole

LR2015-15

PMRA’s Cost Recovery Framework – Support for the Exemption from Treasury Board Policies on Special Revenue Spending Authorities

Crop, Plant Protection and the Environment

✔

LR2015-16

Canadian Horticultural Council Advocate to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency Crop, Plant Protection and the Environment for the Emergency Registration of Bifenthrin (Capture)

✔

LR2015-17

Establishment of a Greenhouse Working Group

✔

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Committee of the Whole

Canadian Potato Council releases new fact sheet on Thimet 15-G Thimet 15-G, containing the active ingredient phorate, is an important management tool to reduce wireworm feeding damage on potato tubers and to reduce wireworm populations present in a

field. Potato growers are encouraged to adopt Best Management Practices when applying Thimet 15-G during planting in 2015 to reduce environmental risk.

This fact sheet is designed to help

potato growers understand the risks and actions they can take in best using Thimet 15-G. By incorporating these practices during the 2015 planting season, identified risks to the environment can be greatly

reduced and mitigated.

The fact sheet can be found on the CHC website: www.hortcouncil.ca/canadianpotato-council.aspx

CanadaGAP executive director receives leadership award Heather Gale, executive director for CanadaGAP, was the recipient of the Food Safety Leadership Award during the February 2015 Safe Food Canada Symposium.

Hosted by NSF-GFTC, the Safe Food Canada Symposium

Mesh Bagging and Weighing systems

provided insights on the food industry's regulatory landscape, global supply chains and business ethics. NSF-GFTC's Food Safety Recognition Awards are designed to highlight success stories in the Canadian food safety landscape such as scientific contribution,

Bag Closing Systems, Sales, Service, Parts

public education advancement, and technology or process innovations as they apply to food safety. The Food Safety Leadership Award is presented to an individual who drives food safety excellence and inspires others through their passion and actions.

The Food Safety Leadership Award was presented to Heather Gale for her active role in introducing successful food safety initiatives within the fresh produce industry.

The development of the CanadaGAP program began through the CHC and Heather led the program through CFIA Technical Review, GFSI

L to R: Stephanie Lariviere (CanadaGAP Board Member), Amber Bailey (CanadaGAP Technical Manager), Heather Gale, and Avia Eek (CanadaGAP Board Member) benchmarking and the program’s successful transition to CanAgPlus and integration of the

CPMA’s wholesale and repack program into the CanadaGAP program.

Exemptions under the test marketing provision of the fresh fruit and vegetable regulations Effective April 20, 2015, an exemption from the requirements of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Regulations to allow the test marketing of onions and potatoes in reusable plastic shipping containers (RPCs) that are clean and in sanitary condition was

implemented on a national basis. This test market, which applies to onions and potatoes marketed in import or interprovincial trade, has been added to the list. The list has been updated and is available on the CFIA website at www.inspection.gc.ca

MAY 2015 –– PAGE 9 THE GROWER

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?

Wanted: virus-free grape rootstock KAREN DAVIDSON Bill George’s farming roots go back to 1796 when his Quaker forebears left Pennsylvania for the relative political calm of the Niagara peninsula. As United Empire Loyalists, they settled near Beamsville, Ontario with a land grant from Upper Canada.

Today, the original land grant document may be faded, but looking at a map, the geography becomes clear. The Niagara peninsula is a hyphen that links Lake Erie and Lake Ontario together, sheltered from the American border.

In many ways, that’s Bill George’s farm political career. He seeks to join forces for the greater good. He’s been chair of the Grape Growers of Ontario (GGO) for nine years now. Some of those have been tumultuous years as growers have struggled with prices and contracts with wineries. But with renewed provincial funding of $75 million for the next five years, times are looking more stable.

That funding will support vineyard improvements such as the purchase of hedging machinery and leaf-removing equipment.

Research is expected to intensify on new pest threats. And the industry will continue to adapt to climate change. Altogether, researchers and world-class technology are employed to manage in local micro-climates. In this progressive environment, some tender fruit growers are so encouraged by the economics, that they are entering the wine grape business.

Future expansion “The direction is positive,” says George. “A lot of grapes are coming on stream. The GGO has a vineyard mapping system that has an accurate data base on what is currently planted. Based on that system, we can predict three years out what the tonnage will be. I can see that five to six per cent annual growth on VQA wine sales is realistic.”

In the latest annual report from the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), statistics show that Ontario wines comprise 38 per cent share of the overall wine market in Ontario. Of course, it is always the case that growers would like more market share and more margin. The South Coast Wineries and Growers’ Association, for example, continues its success with four members now producing VQA wines.

With growers planting vineyards with standard eight or ninefoot spacings, it’s now easier for mechanization to take hold.

Hedge trimmers and mechanical harvesters are more common.

However, some needs stay the same. That’s clean plant material.

As grapevines become more

susceptible to viruses, it’s important to start with hardy, resistant stock. For the next year, the screenhouse at Saanich, British Columbia will be funded and operated by the B.C. and Ontario wine grape industries but after that, the future is uncertain. A third-party is needed to certify that rootstock is virus-free.

George would like to see more funding to experts at Cornell University as well as the University of Guelph and Brock University.

“I think this is an issue that’s ideal for the Canadian

Bill George

Horticultural Council (CHC) grape committee to tackle,” says George, who is also CHC grape

committee chair. “We want to reach out to representatives of British Columbia, Quebec and

Nova Scotia to bring this need to the attention of the Canadian Food and Inspection Agency.”

PAGE 10 –– MAY 2015 THE GROWER

POLLINATION

PEI innovates with native pollinators and commercial bees

University of Maine researcher Kourtney Collum learns from a Maine wild blueberry producer, Amos Orcutt.

KAREN DAVIDSON Combined, Maine and Prince Edward Island (PEI) produce approximately half of the world’s lowbush blueberries. However, pollination practices differ in these neighbouring geographies.

For many years, PEI regulations have forbidden imports of honeybee hives with the exception of nearby Nova Scotia. In order to pollinate 13,000 acres of wild blueberries, growers have learned to innovate.

Thanks to managed bumblebees, conserving habitat for native pollinators and taking up beekeeping themselves, the wild blueberry industry has cobbled together a security plan. Some of the pressure was relieved when borders opened in 2013 to beehives from other provinces. As a result, about 5,000 commercial hives came from Ontario last year.

“Researchers and farmers are now exploring ways to secure crop pollination through integrated use of both commercial honeybees and wild bees,” says environmental anthropologist Kourtney Collum, PhD candidate at the University of Maine.

Lowbush blueberry is a logical focus for pollination research, she says. Not only is it a completely insect-pollinated native plant, many of its natural pollinators are still present. She recently reported on her research at the annual general meeting of the PEI Wild Blueberry Growers’ Association.

With more than 4,000 wild bee species in North America, Collum says growers should be tipping their hats to their pollination performance and putting more effort into protecting their habitat.

Collum’s research is to identify what factors influence farmers’ decisions to adopt conservation practices. She’s been comparing the industries of lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) farmers in Maine and PEI. Despite similar environments and economies, Maine and PEI have dissimilar policies regarding commercial bee importation, says Collum. The Maine industry relies on importing commercial honeybees from out-of-state whereas PEI manages diverse pollinators ranging from wild bees to honeybees, bumblebees and leafcutter bees.

In 2014, for example, the state of Maine imported 80,000 pollinator hives from migratory beekeepers to service 44,000 acres of wild blueberries. Prince Edward Island pollinated its 13,000 acres with 6,225 colonies from its own beekeepers plus 1,500 colonies from Ontario and about 1,700 colonies from Nova Scotia.

“PEI growers appear to possess strong adaptive capacity, enabling them to effectively adapt to changes in the price and availability of commercial honeybees,” says Collum.

Their management practices include: • renting honeybees from local beekeepers and migratory beekeepers • purchasing commercial bumble bees • becoming beekeepers themselves and managing honeybees or leafcutter bees for pollination • reducing the use of pesticides • practising IPM to reduce the pressures on bee health • planting bee-friendly flower mixes around edges of fields or letting unproductive areas of the

Source: Statistics Canada

“

PEI growers

appear to possess strong adaptive capacity, enabling them to effectively adapt to changes in the price and availability of commercial honeybees.” ~ Kourtney Collum

farm return to wildflower to provide a food source and nesting sites for wild bees.

To maintain this resilience, she encourages PEI growers to continue experimenting with diverse pollination practices and to increase conservation of wild

Can supply of pollinators keep up with demand?

Wild blueberry producer and processor, Kevin Byers, is concerned about the growing need for pollinators versus little growth in numbers of bee colonies. At the recent Canadian Horticultural Council meeting, he referenced a Statistics Canada chart that showed number of Canadian bee colonies had grown in the last five years from 592,000 to 672,000.

“If you look at the growth of the Canadian blueberry industry plus apples, the increase of 80,000 colonies doesn’t total a hill of beans,” says Byers. “As an actively expanding blueberry grower, our concern is getting enough pollinators.”

As farm manager for Jasper Wyman & Son Limited, Morell, PEI, he questions whether there’s enough commercial beekeepers to fill demand for pollination services. He also wonders where sufficient bee pasture will be found and if there’s enough off-season nutrition for bees.

“I hope that the industry as a whole will endorse a sustainable effort for wild and commercial pollinators.”

bee habitat around their fields.

For starters, never spray when managed bees are in the field.

Erect nesting boxes and leave dead trees around edges of fields for nesting sites for bees.

“As PEI begins to import more commercial bees, I am

documenting any changes in the farmers’ conservation efforts,” says Collum. “At the same time, I’m monitoring and documenting any changes regarding bee health in Maine.”

MAY 2015 –– PAGE 11 THE GROWER

ALTERNATIVE CROPS

Ontario hazelnut plantings in a nutshell: 100 acres Hazelnuts are a long-term proposition. It will be 2020 or later before the first commercial volumes will be harvested for sale to the Ferrero Canada confectionary plant in Brantford, Ontario. The Ontario Hazelnut Association (OHA) has 160 members to date, but moving interested growers to committing trees to the ground is the next step. It’s estimated about 100 acres are planted now.

Mori Essex Nurseries along with Ontario Centres of Excellence have sponsored a web-based tool which evaluates the costs of production of a hazelnut orchard. It was unveiled at the recent OHA annual general meeting.

“This tool will lead to farmers making very informed decisions on what it takes to grow hazelnuts in Ontario,” said Robert Haynes, general manager of Mori Essex Nurseries and vice chair of the OHA. “We at Mori Essex are very pleased to be a part of these developments and this tool will give anyone who is interested in an opportunity to evaluate their own situation using their own numbers.”

The tool is currently hosted at www.moriessex.ca/hazelnuts. A suitability map is also in the works with an anticipated launch by end of year. Currently, the best climate and soils are located on the north shores of Lake Erie, from Windsor through to Niagara

Falls. Several Oregon-bred varieties such as Jefferson and Yamhill are “Ferrero-approved” varieties suitable for zones six and seven. They are blight tolerant, but not necessarily cold tolerant.

Grower Martin Hodgson has developed Norfolk C16 and Chelsea C28, two varieties which are currently being tissue cultured

by Mori Essex Nurseries. The hope is to commercialize these varieties for hardiness in zone five, says Andrew Nixon, new product marketing and sales, Mori Essex Nurseries.

“The Quebec market is also interested in hazels,” says Linda Grimo, Grimo Nut Nurseries, Niagara-on-the-Lake. “Growers look for hardier selections.”

Hazelnuts are not self-pollinating plants so it’s important to have compatible species, says Grimo. In Prince Edward Island, growers there have hand pollinated with promising results.

Right: Hazelnut rootstock is propagated at Mori Essex Nurseries near Leamington, Ontario.

To be selected,

Hops winners

they need to be protected.

On April 21, winners of the Great Ontario-Hopped Craft Beer Competition were formally recognized at The Blue Elephant Craft Brew House in Simcoe.

1st place: The Olde Stone Brewing Company & Slow Acres Organics 2nd place: Garden Brewers & Buttrum’s Family Farm 3rd place: Nick Bobas (Student, NC Teaching brewery) & Clear Valley Hops

Use DuPont™Exirel™ insecticide, powered by Cyazypyr™, early in the season to give your onions the head-start they need during the most critical stage of development. Exirel™ has fast acting, translaminar and xylem systemic movement so you’ll be protecting new growth, from difficult chewing and sucking pests including thrips.

Exirel™, powered by Cyazypyr™, an important part of an integrated pest management program.

Questions? Ask your retailer, call 1-800-667-3925 or visit exirel.dupont.ca

As with all crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

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E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 E. I. du Pont Canada Company. All rights reserved.

PAGE 12 –– MAY 2015 THE GROWER

Mobilize the message

JASON VERKAIK CHAIR, OFVGA Our society has voted in a majority for both federal and Ontario governments in the last elections. It might be said the Ontario Liberals and the federal Conservatives don’t have much in common; maybe that is the understatement of the year.

However, if you talk to any member of parliament they will assure you any decisions are for the betterment of the people they serve, their seemingly polarizing mandates will try to create jobs, trade, infrastructure, etc. The one

thing they do share is their desire to be re-elected and their ability to tow the party line and sing from the same hymnbook. Their leaders are strong and their message is united.

We are all familiar with the statement “united we stand, divided we fall.” If we look back at great sport franchises, militaries, governments, businesses, a common thread is woven through all. That’s strong leadership, cohesive team chemistry, an ability to mobilize the message they believe in. Under this umbrella, individual talent still needs to flourish, creativity needs to be welcomed. There are also different needs represented within these organizations. It is important to understand all the needs of the different representations of the team and work to move them forward under the same banner.

I have the privilege to serve on a board that works very well together even though each director is representing a different sector within horticulture. In horticulture the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association

(OFVGA) represents more than 120 different fruits and vegetables. There are 11 different satellite associations from ginseng to greenhouse vegetables to tender fruit to name a few. Each of these crops and organizations has unique needs, yet we also have very common goals. Serving on this board, I continue to witness an understanding of the individual’s issues and concerted effort to hold true to working for all of horticulture. This is true from the staff, to the ex-officios, the board of directors as well as other farming organizations.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association has launched a “#halfyourplate” campaign to encourage consumers to have produce as 50 per cent of all their meals. We support this not only to promote our horticultural industry but to encourage healthy eating. We need to fill the other half of the plate too, with protein, grains, and dairy. Agriculture represents so much variety that is vital to our existence. There are many associations that represent this variety, from Ontario Grain

Delegates on the move at the CPMA convention and trade show, Montreal, QC. Photo courtesy of CPMA. Farmers, Christian Federation of Farmers Ontario, Ontario Federation of Agriculture to Canadian Beef within our province and country. It is important that we work together in the spirit of agriculture. We

need to understand our unique differences and work together in our lobby and marketing efforts.

Let us continue to reach out to each other. Agriculture now more than ever needs to mobilize our message.

discipline, which are then subdivided to specialty. It is no wonder that a researcher in Ridgetown may not be fully in tune with what is happening at the main University of Guelph campus. Through multiple forms of cross-communication, there are attempts to inform people across specialties about the things happening at the institution (At Guelph, Research Magazine, The Portico, Website, Social Media and others).

In government, the “silo-ation” of ministries is a difficult challenge. This is a big, complex, sometimes intertwined, often very focused, collection of individual departments with agendas that may or may not be consistent with each other. The obvious one for agriculture is the perceived different agendas of the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Like the OFVGA Board of Directors, the government does have mechanisms to address these challenges, such as the Cabinet and committee of Deputy Ministers, as well as an expansive communications portfolio. The government also tries to use various communication methods

to get their messaging out, including print, web and social media.

The OFVGA has an excellent publication in The Grower, as well as a significant presence on the web. We recognize though that there are challenges with communications and took a big step a couple of months ago to have a dedicated focus on communications excellence, and hired Katie Burt (communications@ofvga.org). She will enhance our communications to our members through web, publications and social media.

She is providing the OFVGA with input on what is happening within and across the horticultural sector, but also is engaged with keeping us up-to-date on the latest information from industry, academia and government. I encourage you to connect with Katie to make sure that she is on your “list,” and if you want to be on our list, she can help you out with that as well. You can follow her on twitter at @ontfruitveg as well. We are confident that our thirst for knowledge will be enhanced through her activities.

The need for excellent communication

JOHN KELLY EXECUTIVE VP, OFVGA “Drowning in data, thirsting for knowledge.” This is really the bane of our “two-finger” access to as much information that is available on the planet. The amount of information on the web is astronomical, and sifting through the plethora of positions on any given topic is downright challenging, even for the well-intentioned and the well-informed.

As horticultural producers, how do we use data to our own advantage, to keep ahead of the game, and keep challenges to production and profitability at a minimum, while at the same time ensuring that we are sustainable

in what we do? Whose information do we believe and how do we assess the information that is presented to us? We still rely on experts and influencers for our own situations, and most often it is someone whom we trust that wins the day.

How does government get its information, and how do politicians make their decisions?

They are our representatives, and we have an obligation to ask some of the tough questions of government so that when they bring a policy to the legislature, they do so with a strong case and complete evaluation of the potential impacts that surely will come from its implementation.

Our current provincial government is trying to be at the forefront of policy, and with the election to a majority government a year ago, the Liberals are moving fast and furiously with new policies and legislation.

Whose information are they believing, and how are they assessing the information that is being presented to them? We would hope that they rely on Ontario-based experts for input on the majority of their policies and encourage them to use their experts in the horticultural area to

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

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.

have significant input on those polices that impact horticulture.

In horticulture, we face the dilemma that there are many sub-sectors within the sector – these could almost be equated to silos in the sector. This is a natural phenomenon and producers are going to be much more engaged with commodities that they grow and influence, as opposed to other sub-sectors within horticulture. It is prudent that growers be aware of issues facing other sub-sectors and understand that there could be spill-over impacts into their business. Members of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) have recognized this and work together through the Board of Directors and others to try to minimize the effect of sub-sector bias. This is done through efforts to have excellent communication across the board.

I have seen this same situation in academic institutions, private sector corporations, agricultural commodity organizations and in government. At my alma mater, the university is subdivided into colleges, which are then subdivided into departments and location, which are then subdivided into

OFFICE 355 Elmira Road North, Unit 105 Guelph, Ontario N1K 1S5 CANADA Tel. 519-763-8728 • Fax 519-763-6604 The Grower is printed 12 times a year and sent to all members of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association who have paid $30.00 (plus G.S.T.) per year for the paper through their commodity group or container fees.

Others may subscribe as follows by writing to the office:

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

P.M. 40012319

ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015

OFVGA SECTION CHAIRS

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Crop Protection Research Property Labour Safety Nets CHC

Chair Vice-Chair Fruit Director Veg Director Director

Jason Verkaik, Bradford Jan Vander Hout, Waterdown Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin Mac James, Leamington John Thwaites, Niagara-on-the-Lake

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

Charles Stevens, Newcastle Kenny Forth, Lynden John Thwaites, Niagara-on-the-Lake Neil Reimer, Vienna Bill George Jr., Beamsville Jason Verkaik, Bradford Mac James, Leamington Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin Ken Van Torre, Burford Jan Vander Hout, Waterdown Don Taylor, Durham

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

MAY 2015 –– PAGE 13 THE GROWER

PERSPECTIVE Research results are in every field and every home

OWEN ROBERTS U OF GUELPH Each day of the year, governments see before them the results of the research they’ve funded, in the homes of every Canadian. Much of that funding goes to work behind the scenes, in labs, studios and fields for example, which most people don’t see.

But still, they get it. They know at some level the things that surround them, bring them joy and bring them nourishment are connected to research, and that research is basically a human endeavor that leans heavily on government support.

Despite all kinds of competing interests for government money, for the most part in this country, there’s a broad culture of research support. That culture was clear last month during what the Council of Ontario Universities deemed Research Week, when the contributions of those who’ve dedicated themselves to making our lives better, brighter and fuller was recognized.

One of the most vivid examples of our province’s support for research took place in Guelph on a spring-like evening.

There, sciences of all kinds converged during a presentation at the sparkling Civic Museum, as part of a University of Guelph-led

event called Why Research Matters. Over the course of more than two hours, five University of Guelph researchers explained how their activities were “game changing,” a term the provincial council had challenged them to focus on.

And they certainly did.

Veteran atmospheric control researcher Mike Dixon explained how his lab was developing environments for food plants such as tomatoes that could be grown in space ships headed for Mars.

He’s a world leader in this field, part of a global effort to develop a better understanding of our solar system by reaching other planets.

The lessons learned in his lab come from years of developing better terrestrial greenhouse environments, which are likewise controlled by humans. And the knowledge he gains about how to coax the most out of a plant with the least amount of essential inputs such as water is giving Canadian greenhouse producers a leg up.

Dixon needs some pretty sophisticated equipment to succeed – in some cases, equipment that hasn’t even been manufactured yet, and exists only as an idea in his head.

That’s where artist Christian Giroux and engineer John Phillips come in. Accomplished in their own fields, they work together in what’s called a digital haptic (touch) lab at the university, interpreting ideas from researchers such as Dixon and, using their artistic and engineering skills and a revolutionary 3-D printer, turning ideas into tangible items. They’ve worked with Dixon to create one-off technology that was unavailable elsewhere.

And finally, bringing it all back home at the recognition

event were researchers David Ma and Jess Haines, who are leading what is destined to be a ground-breaking study in family health. They’ve received initial support to keep track of, and promote, the wellness of what could be as many as 3,000 Guelph-area families in a cross-section of social and economic conditions, for the next 20 years. Their goal is to introduce best health practices to these families (including increased fruit and vegetable consumption), to see how they fare in the long run and offer it as a model for others to follow.

They’re looking for new participants now.

Those who fund their research know we need people to be healthy mentally and physically if they’re going to create and contribute, make life fuller, start new businesses and be leaders.

The provincial council is also sponsoring a contest for Ontarians to vote for what they consider the top innovation from universities

This overview shot of the Victoria Avenue farm at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre speaks to the long horizons needed for research. Photo by Denis Cahill. in the past 100 years. Fifty innovations have been put forward; five are from the University of Guelph, which is an impressive percentage given that Ontario has more than 20 universities. You

can vote for your favourites at http://yourontarioresearch.ca.

Research happens 24-7. It never stops. It’s great to see it supported, and its many contributions recognized.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

CPMA clarifies responsibilities I just read the article, Safety of reusable plastic containers questioned, which stated: Linda Delli Santi, chair of the CHC’s greenhouse committee echoed his concerns, saying that a RPC technical working group under the auspices of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association is moving at “glacial speed.”

As clarification, the RPC Technical Working Group is under the auspices of the Canadian Horticultural Council not the Canadian Produce Marketing Association.

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PAGE 14 –– MAY 2015 THE GROWER

California drought could provide opportunities for Ontario growers

BRUCE KELLY AND MICAH SHEARER-KUDEL “Water, water everywhere, but nary a drop to drink.”

A line from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner just might become the reality in California as the drought continues to stretch water resources thin. Politicians are finally taking action as Governor Jerry Brown has announced a 25 per cent reduction in water use by residences, businesses and farms, as the Sierra Nevada snowpack disappears, and reservoirs throughout California dwindle to record lows.

But what does this mean for Ontarians where there really is water, water everywhere with plenty to drink and irrigate crops with? It means we will need to change production practices. We seem to have a business opportunity to grow more imported commodities such as

strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes and broccoli. Canada currently imports $2.1 billion worth of food from the Sunshine State. That statistic could change greatly if California cannot meet demand due to the drought.

Ontario farmers will have to grow more for domestic demand, and possibly more to satisfy demand south of the border. With abundant water to grow our crops, this may seem like an obvious decision, however our winter weather means we would require significant investment in infrastructure to replace winter produce currently supplied from California.

We can learn from California.

Growing more fruits and vegetables to meet greater demand in Ontario and the United States can only be sustainable if farmers monitor their irrigation practices and use water as efficiently as possible.

The Natural Resources Defense Council, a U.S.

A photo from CNN shows a housing development on the edge of the desert near Cathedral City, California.

COMING EVENTS 2015 May 9

Drumlin Farm Spring Open House, Puslinch, ON

June 1-7

Ontario Local Food Week

June 8-10

United Fresh Trade Show, Chicago, IL

June 14

Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Country Heritage Park, Milton, ON

June 17

Cornell University Extension Fruit Field Day, Wayne County

June 27

Ontario Garlic Growers’ Workshop, Ridgetown Agricultural College, Ridgetown, ON

July 4-5

Lavender Festival, Prince Edward County Lavender Farm, Hillier, ON

July 4-5

Norfolk Lavender Festival, Apple Hill Lavender and Bonnieheath Estate Lavender and Winery, Windham Centre and Waterford, ON

July 12-17

International Farm Management Association & Congress, Quebec City, QC

July 27 – 30 World Potato Congress, Yanqing, Beijing, China August 4

Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association Orchard Tour, Kentville, NS

August 13

Peak of the Market 17th Annual Family Fun Day, Winnipeg, MB

August 20

Ontario Potato Field Day, HJV Equipment, Alliston, ON

August 20

Processing Vegetable Field Day, New York State Agricultural Experimental Station, Geneva, NY

Sept 15 – 17 Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, Woodstock, ON Sept 15 – 17 37th International Carrot Conference, Nottawasaga Inn, Alliston, ON

The United States' ability to produce fresh fruits and vegetables lies in several key areas, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Ontario growers may be able to meet some demand not met

by California growers. Chart from the USDA.

environmental group, has suggested some agricultural water efficiency tools to better cope with the drought. They include: • Use smart irrigation to ensure crops are watered when they most need to be.

• Use deficit irrigation to limit water use at drought-tolerant growth stages.

• Expand efficient drip and sprinkler irrigation technology.

• Use recycled water to irrigate crops.

These same points apply to Ontario as well. Smart irrigation and storm water capture are fundamental to a whole-farm water management plan, a key component of sustainability for any farm that uses irrigation.

Even though the Great Lakes provide abundant water resources, the threat of drought looms in Ontario as well. Growers will recall the 2012 season in which many crops suffered or were lost due to the heat and lack of natural precipitation. There is a theoretical opportunity to grow more lettuce, broccoli, strawberries and tomatoes if the drought in California continues. Learning from California’s mismanaged

water resources, Ontario farmers can implement innovative technologies and practices to improve yields while conserving water.

Innovative farmers such as Judge Farms (corn) in La Salette, and John Jacques (asparagus) in Thamesville have adopted subsurface drip irrigation to apply water directly to the root zone of their crops enhancing the crop and reducing overall water used.

Using techniques such as irrigating in the early morning and evening, variable rate application technology and offline sources such as ponds will contribute to growing more efficiently and sustainably.

All of North America has come to rely on the Central Valley region. It’s estimated that 99 per cent of all almonds, walnuts, and pistachios and more than 90 per cent of all broccoli, strawberries, grapes and tomatoes consumed in the U.S. comes from California – as well as 74 per cent of all lettuce.

The impacts of water restrictions on California agriculture will cause a fundamental shift in the pricing structure of produce across North America.

As prices are supported by California’s low cost base, the competitive structure will change offering improved opportunities to other regions that have the potential to fill the void.

Washington, Michigan, New York, and Oregon are a distant second, third and fourth in fruit production respectively. But climates limit opportunities to move production to many regions.

In vegetable production, Washington, Oregon, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, New York, and Ontario will all have improved cost structures as prices in California increase. Michigan, Ontario and New York benefit from their proximity to the north-eastern concentration of consumers as well.

The drought in California has moved beyond shocking headlines to an economic force with the potential to shift the production dynamics of North American produce production.

Bruce Kelly is environmental program manager for Farm & Food Care. Micah ShearerKudel is environmental coordinator.

MAY 2015 –– PAGE 15 THE GROWER

RETAIL NAVIGATOR

Innovation at the CPMA Trade Show

PETER CHAPMAN The CPMA annual convention and trade show is always a source for new innovation in the produce department. At this year’s Montreal convention, there were some interesting ideas in packaging and display. Often we think innovation has to be the product itself. The definition is broader and really can be any improvement to the offering that helps get more produce in the shopping cart.

There were many examples of re-sealable packaging. This has a great story in that the plastic from traditional clamshells is reduced and the graphics options for the top improve from the traditional label on a clamshell. These blueberries from Consolidated Fruit Packers present well. (1) Smaller packages give the consumer an option to make it even easier to take fruit with them on

1 the go. Whether it is for a kid’s lunch box or your gym bag these are great options. Mucci has introduced their “Smucci” strawberries in a number of sizes including this two- pack – great branding to draw attention to the item. (2) The second example of single serve packaging came from a European company with the more traditional clamshell in smaller formats. (3) Organic produce is a challenge to differentiate on the shelf and then put through the front end of the store properly. Novo Bio from Montreal had some great sleeves for organic cooking greens. The brown wax paper gives the impression of a premium item and it reinforces the organic positioning. With the UPC there is a much better chance the product will go through the cash register properly. (4)

3

2 Display at retail is a key to increasing sales. Off-shelf displays give retailers extended linear feet of selling from their traditional fixtures and they are more flexible for placement. The corrugated bins from RockTenn are great for product that can be shipped and displayed in the bins.

The different shapes and design help draw attention in a busy store. (5) The half- pallet with the backer card is ideal for shipping and draws attention to the display. (6) Remember with any of these great offerings you need to plan well ahead with your customers to ensure great execution. Great ideas without great execution through the warehouse and the store will not deliver the results.

Every year at CPMA, we see more ideas that will help get your products in the shopping cart.

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5

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Make your meetings more effective There is nothing better than walking away from a meeting with your customer feeling that you really accomplished a lot and that your relationship is stronger than it was prior to the meeting.

There are some simple things to focus on that will make the meeting more effective and result in more of your items in the shopping cart.

What you say and how you say it are both very important Category managers are focused on driving sales and profit in their categories. Your conversation should be built around how your item will support these initiatives for the retailer. You need to make the conversation specific to this retailer and include examples of where you support their programs. It is the retailer’s store; you need to prove you deserve to be there. Every linear foot of shelf space is valuable to them.

Do not repeat yourself. We all get nervous but if possible try not to repeat yourself. In short meetings it is frustrating to hear the same point several times. The category managers will assume you believe your item tastes great.

Keep the discussion on facts.

Let them decide if your product is

the best in the category. You are proud of it and you want that to come across.

You should try the other items in the category, especially the private label. If you like the private label you should tell them. This does two things; it illustrates that you are interested in the category and that you understand the role of private label.

Talk in terms the category manager will understand. They are not production experts so do not expect that they know acronyms or specific terms. The category manager will talk in cases sold and shrink. Shrink for them is defined as the cases sold divided by the cases that are shipped to the store.

What you don’t say can be as important as what you do say Category managers are people too. They do not appreciate people who tell them how to do their job. You can reinforce your positive attributes but don’t suggest Safeway will be lacking if they do not have your item. Let them figure that out.

Do not speak poorly about the private label products. The category manager sees the private label as his own. If you do not have something good to say, do not say anything at all.

Do not speak poorly about your competition. Remember they made the decision to put these products in the store so there must be a reason they did that. Let them figure out that your item is better or that they are missing the opportunity.

When you are in the store you might have noticed some things in the category that did not make sense to you. This is not the time to critique it. You can ask why something is done but do not pass judgment, especially before you understand the rationale.

If you do not have a number or the answer to a question, do not lie. The opportunity to follow up with an answer via email or phone is just fine. It can be a good opportunity to stay in touch.

Peter Chapman is a retail consultant, professional speaker and the author of A la cart-A suppliers’ guide to retailers’ priorities. Peter is based in Halifax NS, where he is the principal at GPS Business Solutions. Peter works with producers and processors to help them navigate through the retail environment with the ultimate goal to get more of their items in the shopping cart. pchapman@gpsbusiness.ca.

Your Hard Work is a Work of Art. The wait is over! We’re proud to reveal this year’s group trip is to two world-class cities: Rome and Florence. Let Italy sweep you off your feet with its architecture, museums, and of course, delicious cuisine. Just remember your camera... and all those rewarding Hot Potatoes points that you can redeem for the group trip or cash.

Visit Hot-Potatoes.ca or call 1 877-661-6665 for more information.

PAGE 16 –– MAY 2015 THE GROWER

MUCK VEGETABLE GROWERS’ CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW

Preventing soil erosion, protecting waterways

These photos demonstrate the difference in shading water courses before and after riparian plantings. Photos courtesy of Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority.

KAREN DAVIDSON Bradford, ON -- Any day now, expect 7,700 trees and shrubs to be planted along four kilometres of the Holland Marsh canal. Bare root stock is planted in the spring to allow enough time for establishment.

These riparian plantings act as living filters to trap and treat materials from

entering water courses. They stabilize water temperatures and prevent soil erosion. The typical species are dogwood, shrub willow and elderberry.

“Patience is required,” say Katleya Young-Chin and Pamela Martin, employees of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. As the accompanying pictures demonstrate, two or three years are needed for the plants to get

established. Since the Landowners’ Environmental Assistance Program (LEAP) funding started in 2008, more than 10 kilometres of buffers have been planted.

About 20,000 native trees and shrubs are already in the ground.

Land owners are encouraged to apply for grants while funding is available. Of the grant categories, the most applicable are soil erosion prevention, cover cropping

and irrigation water management. They also point out that grants are available for upgrading chemical and fuel storage and upgrading septic systems. Funding rates are from 50 to 100 per cent.

If farmers wish trees to be planted, employees of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority will hand plant.

Machines are used for larger blocks of land.

Chlorine dioxide tablets offer simple sanitizing solution For growers looking to sanitize fruit and vegetable washwater or flume systems, consider a new chlorine dioxide tablet available in Canada.

This new tablet formulation will make sanitizer accessible to the smallest operator at an affordable price.

Chlorine dioxide is an interesting molecule consisting of one chlorine atom and two oxygen atoms. It is 2.5 times more efficient than chlorine and 10 times more soluble in water.

“In a nutshell, the chlorine dioxide tablets are an economical alternative to on-site generation of chlorine dioxide in a small operation,” explains Brian Sutton, Provide Agro. “This sanitizer can be used for irrigation water in the field or in greenhouse applications or for produce washwater.”

The tablet is effective in a wide range of pH up to 10.

Sutton recommends the tablets for greenhouse irrigation water.

The chemistry will penetrate and break up biofilm in the irrigation system. Reduction of biofilm results in a reduction of clogged emitters and better sanitation overall. The level of chlorine

dioxide can be controlled and monitored using PPM or ORP sensors. If you are currently monitoring chlorine and acid with ORP and pH, you can continue using the system.

Simply substitute chorine dioxide for the chlorine.

In very small systems, chlorine dioxide tablets can be introduced directly into the dump tank to maintain proper sanitation levels. These levels can be monitored with test strips, a handheld meter or a complete monitoring system with data logging to satisfy food safety programs. For more information visit www.provideag.ca

MAY 2015 –– PAGE 17 THE GROWER

PAGE 18 –– MAY 2015 THE GROWER

FOCUS: GRAPES, BERRIES, VINEYARDS AND WINERIES

On the grapevine

Textbook for reference Written by a recognized expert Markus Keller, The Science of Grapevines: Anatomy and Physiology comprehensively explores the physiology of the grapevine as it occurs around the world. He takes into account the globalization of the wine industry and the resulting increase of lands being used for grapevine cultivation. This book addresses not only the specific issues and concerns of grapevines from regions around the world, but includes important emerging topics such as global climate change, water relations, temperature effect and more.

Award of Merit to PR pioneer

Ontario invests in grape and wine strategy

After 40 years in the grape and wine industry, Debi Pratt has earned her retirement. The Grape Growers of Ontario Award of Merit was presented to her at its recent annual general meeting.

1975 was the year that Inniskillin was granted the first Ontario winery license since 1929. It was also the year that Debi Pratt traded in a teaching career to join founders Donald Ziraldo and Karl Keiser at Inniskillin, where she became the winery public relations manager. She’s been at the helm of media and public relations until her retirement last year.

As an acknowledgement of her important contributions to Inniskillin and the related wineries, Constellation Canada has renamed a 90-acre vineyard in her honour.

Ontario’s ag ministry has announced the details of the province’s $75 million, five-year Grape and Wine Strategy.

The new Marketing and Vineyard Improvement Program will help to increase the sale of Ontario wines in and out-of-province and enhance the marketing of Ontario's wine regions as tourist destinations. The program will also support vineyard production improvements including the purchase of new machinery and equipment or new technology. Additional research focus will be on grape diseases and pests. Growers will benefit from a number of supports previously provided through the Vineyard Improvement Program.

The renewed VQA Wine Support Program will help increase LCBO sales of Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wines, encourage innovation and improve exports and tourism.

Optical sorters reduce herbaceous wines Mechanical harvesting of grapes has come a long way, with optical sorters as the latest option.

It’s an effective tool for

improving the quality of the grape harvest while decreasing labour requirements.

Once the grapes are harvested,

the machine can sort 2,000 berries per second, up to 12 tonnes per hour. Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of the Pellenc

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machine is easy transport between wineries.

The end result is a more complex and aromatic wine.

That’s because any herbaceous or bitter character has been removed

with stems. Astringency and dryness are reduced so that suppleness of the tannins can shine.

For more information, go to www.pellenc.com.

MAY 2015 –– PAGE 19 THE GROWER

PAGE 20 –– MAY 2015 THE GROWER

FOCUS: GRAPES, BERRIES, VINEYARDS AND WINERIES

Viruses, vectors and vines: Oh my!

Symptoms of GLRaV infection on Chardonnay: downward rolling and interveinal yellowing.

WENDY McFADDEN-SMITH As the grape crop matured in 2013, striking symptoms of grape leafroll and grape red blotch diseases were noted in many vineyards of both red and white varieties across Ontario. While we knew that grape leafroll disease was present, the extent of the symptoms far exceeded anything previously seen. Grape red blotch was confirmed in one vineyard block in Niagara in 2012.

Grape leafroll disease is caused by several related viruses that are identified by number.

Grape Leafroll-associated Virus (GLRaV)-1 and -3 are the most prevalent throughout the world.

In red varieties, GLRaV causes leaves to turn red between the veins while in whites, interveinal areas may be yellow. In both cases, the leaves curl downward with symptoms first becoming apparent in late August to mid-September, starting from the base of shoots and progressing upward.

Grape red blotch disease is caused by another virus, Grape Red Blotch-associated Virus (GRBaV). In 2008, a group from Washington State developed a molecular (PCR) test that identified the causal agent. Before this test was developed, grape red blotch had been misdiagnosed as grape leafroll disease, nutrient deficiency or other vine stresses.

In fact, it has been around for a long time. It was recently identified in archival samples collected in Sonoma in the 1940s. Since the development of a test for GRBaV, it has been identified in California, New York, Maryland, Oregon, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington, Texas and Ontario. Like GLRaV, vines infected with GRBaV show symptoms on basal leaves in late summer; however, leaves have pink to crimson splotches in red varieties and yellowish splotches in white varieties, smaller veins will turn red rather than staying green and leaves do not roll

downward.

Fruit yield and quality can be significantly reduced by infection by either virus. Fruit from infected vines lags behind uninfected vines with respect to maturity. This is especially important for late maturing varieties that can be challenging to ripen in cooler climates.

All Vitis (vinifera, hybrids, rootstocks, labrusca) are susceptible to these viruses, no resistant varieties exist and once a vine is infected, there is no way to cure it. Both viruses can be transmitted through propagation.

According to Dr. Marc Fuchs of Cornell University, they cannot be transmitted through vineyard activities such as pruning, hedging, trimming, harvesting or suckering. Many species of mealybug and soft scale insects have been identified as vectors of GLRaV-1 and -3, some of which have been documented in Canada.

If a single vector insect feeds on an infected vine then moves to an adjacent healthy vine and feeds, it can transmit GLRaV. To make things more challenging, symptoms may be extremely variable. Different strains cause different severities of symptom expression and it is possible for vines to host more than one virus so symptoms may not be “typical.” Some grape varieties may be infected but not exhibit typical foliar symptoms.

Environmental conditions may be favourable to symptom expression in some years but not in others. Production practices, especially crop load, can affect symptom expression. Vines that showed strong symptoms one season may be asymptomatic in the next.

The only way to be absolutely certain that a vine is infected is to have samples tested by a qualified lab. Leaf samples from the basal part of shoots should be collected after veraison. The viruses can also be detected in dormant wood; however, this is generally more labour intensive

in the lab and therefore more costly than foliar testing. Consult a local pest diagnostic lab for more information on sample submission procedures.

Only female mealybugs can transmit virus and they do not have wings so their movement is relatively limited unless they become windborne. Mealybugs spend the majority of their lives buried deep beneath the bark of the trunks, feeding on phloem tissue. To date, no vector has been confirmed for GRBaV. During the growing season of 2014, commercial vineyards were surveyed for mealybug and soft scale insects. Mealybugs were found in 32 of the 58 vineyards surveyed and scales were found in eight. Representative samples of adult females were submitted to the Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes for identification.

Based on morphology, all mealybugs were identified as grape mealybug (Pseudococcus maritimus) and scales as European fruit Lecanium scale (Parthenolecanium corni). The fact that it was grape mealybug and not vine mealybug is significant because grape mealybug does not infest the roots while vine mealybug does. This means that replacement vines will not be infected by soil-inhabiting, viruscarrying mealybugs.

Also as part of this project, vines at four vineyards were monitored twice a week for mealybug development, vine growth stage and temperature.

Mealybugs overwintered as young instars. These developed into adults with a peak in midJune (pre bloom) and the next generation of mealybugs hatched starting in early July (fruit set).

A single generation of mealybugs was found.

The youngest mealybug instars (crawlers) are the most motile and efficient at transmitting the virus so control should be targeted at this growth stage.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

MAY 2015 –– PAGE 21 THE GROWER

FOCUS: GRAPES, BERRIES, VINEYARDS AND WINERIES

Viruses, vectors and vines: Oh my!

Symptoms of grape red blotch : pink to crimson blotches, no downward rolling, smaller veins turn red. Photos by Wendy McFadden-Smith Only malathion and Movento are registered for mealybug control in grapes in Ontario. Because the vast majority of mealybugs remain under the bark, it is next to impossible to control them with insecticides that rely on contact to work. Therefore, if GLRaV-3 and grape mealybugs

are confirmed in a vineyard, the most effective spray for reducing spread of GLRaV is a pre-bloom spray of Movento followed by another application 30 days later.

In collaboration with Drs. Chrystel Olivier and Lorne Stobbs of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, we are

investigating potential insect vectors of GRBaV. Insects were collected on yellow sticky cards in the canopy and by sweep nets in the cover crops and headlands of six vineyards with more than 50 per cent infection by GRBaV. The predominant insects collected include: watercress

sharpshooter (Draeculacephala mollipes), aster leafhopper (Macrosteles quadrilineatus), grape leafhopper (Erythroneura comes), blackfaced leafhopper (Graminella nigrifons), and potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae).

These are currently being tested for the presence of GRBaV using molecular techniques (PCR).

Growers are now faced with the question of whether they should remove just infected vines or entire blocks. A study by researchers at Cornell investigated the economic impact of grape leafroll disease on Cabernet franc in order to answer the question of whether it was more economical to retain infected vines, remove just infected vines or remove entire blocks. They concluded that disease control should be based on the values of infection level, yield reduction, price penalty incurred, and vineyard age. We will be using information accumulated in the 2014 Grape Cost of Production document to determine threshold infection levels to assist growers in making the decision regarding roguing individual vines or block removal.

The long-term solution to the

problem with grape virus diseases is to replace all infected vines with certified, virus-free nursery material. The Canadian grape industry is working toward establishing mother blocks of virus-free vines. However, these vines will not be commercially available for several years. Even when virus-free vines are planted, there is still a risk that vectors can move virus from nearby infected vineyards so vector management will still be key to keep clean blocks clean.

Do these diseases spell the end of the Ontario grape industry?

Absolutely not! Ontario grape growers are still able to produce high-quality grapes that produce excellent quality wines. Grape leafroll disease has been recognized in many grape-growing areas of the world for decades.

The Ontario grape industry is resilient and will weather this challenge as it has many others over its history.

Wendy McFadden-Smith is tender fruit and grape IPM specialist for OMAFRA.

Ontario to expand wine exports to China Ontario exports of the province’s wines into China are significantly expanding with two important agreements that will bring more investment to local wineries.

As part of the April 2015 Agri-Food Trade Mission to China, ministers Jeff Leal and Michael Chan participated in cer-

emonies involving two major Ontario wineries and their international partners.

Ontario’s Pillitterri Estates Winery and China-based Hare Wine Company have signed a $6 million agreement that will bring more Ontario icewine to China and help meet growing demand for the signature product. The

investment from Hare Wine Company will establish a new vineyard and build a new winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The second announcement involves Ontario’s Vineland Estates Winery which will now sell its wines at a retail outlet in Tai’an, a city in China’s Shandong province. The retail

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 & re-use of greenhouse irrigation leach water at greenhouses in Niagara & Haldimand 2) treatment of winery wastewater at Greenlane Estates Winery & numerous other in Niagara 3) treatment of landfill leachate at sites in Pembroke, Niagara and Alabama

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

Ministers Leal and Chan check out Vineland Estates Winery VQA wines now available in Ta'ian, China. outlet is operated by Vineland’s long-term Chinese partner, L’Huillier Wine Company.

Source: OMAFRA news release

PAGE 22 –– MAY 2015 THE GROWER

FOCUS: GRAPES, BERRIES, VINEYARDS AND WINERIES

Long live Sovereign Coronation grapes: extending postharvest storability KIMBERLEY CATHLINE Slowing down the aging process, preventing excessive dehydration, maintaining firmness and fighting infection – these tasks sound like the benefits of a miracle cream, but in reality each one is part of the job of a postharvest scientist. At Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland), postharvest scientists focus on developing and applying techniques to extend shelf and storage life for fresh horticultural products, as well as, creating innovative technologies.

Enter Sovereign Coronation table grapes. These blue-skinned berries are the most widely grown table grape in the Niagara region and a perfect candidate for evaluating methods to extend storage life. Coronation grapes are available during a short window of time, from late summer to early fall. In the past, demand for lengthy storage postharvest has not been high.

However in recent years, growers have had to compete with the local market, which is saturated with other produce, resulting in picked and packed grapes that cannot be sold in this short timeframe. Combined with this situation and the limited ability to store grapes postharvest, there has been a need for developing strategies to extend the storage life of these berries.

The two main goals when storing grapes are inhibiting mould caused by growth of the fungus Botrytis cinerea and preventing stem browning due to water loss. In order to obtain the best fruit quality and longest duration of storage, preparation must begin in the field. Proper care, including gentle handling, removal of diseased and damaged berries, quick transport, rapid cooling and storage at optimal

conditions will extend postharvest storage life. The use of sulphur dioxide is also a key factor in inhibiting the growth of Botrytis and preventing stem browning.

In 2014, Vineland’s postharvest team performed a study to investigate the use of sulphur dioxide-generating pads during storage of Coronation grapes.

Sulphur dioxide is released from the pads when exposed to humidity in the air and works to inhibit mould and reduce stem browning until the active ingredient is depleted. In the study, grapes were stored with two different types of pads or with no pad at all. The grapes were removed from storage at various time intervals, followed by three days at room temperature in order to simulate shelf life conditions. They were then evaluated for marketability.

Scientists at Vineland were able to demonstrate that Coronation grapes could be successfully stored under optimal conditions (-1°C to 0°C and 9095% RH) for at least five weeks, using dual release sulphur dioxide-generating pads with six grams of active ingredient (Infruta S.A., Santiago, Chile).

The grapes stored with no sulphur treatment were completely unmarketable by three weeks storage time.

The next step would be to evaluate the potential of using sulphur dioxide fumigation during storage of Coronation grapes, through a gas treatment system. Such an approach would produce a richer concentration of active ingredients around the grapes than sulphur dioxidegenerating pads. In addition, the sulphur could be continually renewed during storage, which has the potential to further extend the storability of Coronation grapes, beyond what can be accomplished with sulphur pads.

It might not be creating the next miracle cream, but the goal of a postharvest scientist is to extend the life of horticultural products and to allow for the progression of a “graceful aging” process. Innovative ideas and the adoption of new techniques in order to improve the quality and extend the marketability and storage of horticultural products, such as Sovereign Coronation grapes, is what postharvest science is all about.

We wish to acknowledge the Ontario Fresh Grape Growers’ Marketing Board and the Ontario Farm Innovation Program for their support and funding provided to this project. The Ontario Farm Innovation Program is funded through Growing Forward 2 (GF2), a federal-provincialterritorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of GF2 in Ontario. Thank you also to Eduardo Maldonado of Infruta S.A. for kindly providing the sulphur pads, as well as to Carlos and Gayle Crisosto.

Sovereign Coronation grapes. Photo by Glenn Lowson Kimberley Cathline is senior research technician, postharvest science, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.

MAY 2015 –– PAGE 23 THE GROWER

FOCUS: GRAPES, BERRIES, VINEYARDS AND WINERIES

Reducing spray drift for wild blueberry pest management

Boom sprayer for wild blueberries. Photo by Gary Brown.

KEN LINGLEY Public and regulatory concerns over how growers spray blueberry crops continue to increase. The days of picking nozzles for your sprayer by looking at your neighbour’s sprayer are past.

Growers must balance the needs of the crop, site conditions, label and other regulatory requirements to pick the correct nozzle. I want to make sure all growers are aware that an ASABE droplet classification recommendation is now specifically mentioned on many product labels so that they can comply with the label.

The labels for many blueberry control products now stipulate a droplet size class for the sprayer nozzle. If a label is silent on nozzling, growers still must consider the specifics of the application site/surrounding area and prevailing weather conditions when choosing a nozzle. If growers can see a visible spray cloud leaving their field onto an adjacent property, corrective actions should be taken.

Currently, defending a spray drift charge is proving to be difficult for growers. A due diligence defense would argue that you have done everything you can (aside from not spraying) to minimize spray material from leaving the field. This would include:

• using the class of nozzle recommended on the label • following the most restrictive buffer and wind speed recommendations • documenting your application details such as nozzle type, pressure and forward speed • supporting with a visual record of the drift from your boom near any sensitive area Ken Lingley is owner of On-Target Sprayer Services, Charlottetown, PEI and a speaker at the recent PEI Wild Blueberry Growers’ Association annual general meeting.

PAGE 24 –– MAY 2015 THE GROWER

Day-neutral strawberry season extension using low-tunnel organic production systems STEVE POPPE ET AL Availability of locally grown strawberries is extremely limited in the Upper Midwest, primarily due to the short growing season.

Fruit is an important part of a healthy diet, and while there is an expressed interest in having greater access to locally grown strawberries, lack of suitable varieties and production systems has prohibited growers from being able to fulfill this need in our region.

For the last two years, our main objective was to conduct day-neutral strawberry trials using a low tunnel organic production system. To make fresh, locally grown strawberries available for an extended season, we established six day-neutral strawberry cultivars in raised beds using plasticulture with and without low tunnels. We harvested day-neutral strawberry fruit from midJuly through mid-October 2013/2014 at the West Central Research and Outreach Center

(WCROC) Morris site, the University of Minnesota St Paul campus site, and two farmercooperator sites.

A second objective was to work with current and potential growers to educate them on these new strawberry production methods. The third objective was to evaluate our success at increasing strawberry production in the Upper Midwest through collaboration with partner organizations.

If successful, this new method of growing long-season strawberries may help increase the number of strawberry growers in the Upper Midwest, increase yields and therefore availability of locally grown strawberries from June through October.

Traditional June-bearing strawberry varieties in Minnesota have a baseline yield of 6,160 kg/ha (5,500 lb/acre).

Preliminary data from USDA low tunnel trials calculated yield for day-neutral varieties varying between 9,632-21,280 kg/ha (8,600-19,000 lb/ac) (Lewers, 2012). Average 2013-2014 yield

under low tunnels was 19,174 kg/ha (17,120 lb/ac) at the St. Paul site and 24,398 kg/ha (21,784 lb/ac) at the WCROC site; both within the USDA benchmark and exceeding Junebearing strawberry varieties in Minnesota.

In order to determine individual size of fruit (g) of each cultivar, we randomly chose 20 berries per treatment at each harvest in 2013 and 2014. At WCROC, the average berry weight (g) across six cultivars for both years under the low tunnel was 16.5g, while the non-low tunnel averaged 15.2g. At St. Paul, the average berry weight (g) across six cultivars for both years under the low tunnel was 12.9g, while the non-low tunnel averaged 12.4g. By comparison, 2010-2011 data from the WCROC June-bearing variety trial shows the average berry weight was 11.4g per individual fruit. After two years of research, the six day-neutral cultivars are proving to have larger individual fruit size when compared to June-

Figure 1: Low tunnel organic strawberry production systems used by the University of Minnesota research team. bearing strawberry trials in Minnesota.

During the 2013 late summer/fall picking season at the WCROC site, we tasted a noticeably sweet strawberry. We randomly took brix/sugar levels during the picking season of all six cultivars in the low tunnel and non-low tunnel treatments. The results showed an average brix level of 7.6 between late July and early October in both low and non-low tunnel treatments. To compare these brix levels, we also randomly took readings in our 2013 WCROC June bearing variety trial between late June and early July; the results showed an average brix level of 7.7. This comparison shows that day-neutral cultivars are just as sweet as June-bearing cultivars commonly

grown in Minnesota.

For step-by-step instructions on constructing a low tunnel system for strawberry use, or for more information on the project, please visit our low tunnel strawberry blog at the UMN Commercial Fruit website, http://fruit.cfans.umn.edu/ category/strawberries/lowtunnel-strawberry/. We will continue with this research project 2015-2016. Steve Poppe can be contacted at poppesr@morris.umn.edu.

Guest Authors: Steve Poppe and Esther Jordan, University of Minnesota, Emily Hoover, Emily Tepe, Andy Petran and Jack Tillman, U of M, Dept. of Horticultural Science

A report of substrate trials on day-neutral strawberries TOKTAM TAGHAVI, ADAM DALE AND JEAN-PIERRE FORTIN A set of substrate trials was established at the Simcoe Research Station to compare different substrate and irrigation/fertigation methods under the industry-led Research and Development Stream of the Agri-Innovation Program Federal Growing Forward 2 initiative. In the first three trials, different substrates were examined. One of the substrates, referred to Simcoe substrate, has been historically used at the research station to grow strawberries. Other substrates in the trial were provided by the Fafard Company.

Field sand was also used in the first trial. The Simcoe substrate was made with equal volumes of peat, turface, sand and perlite. All of the Fafard substrates were better than Simcoe substrate or field sand and were used in subsequent trials. Among Fafard mixes, plants growing in G10 had fibrous root growth and higher vegetative growth. However, if this substrate dries out, it takes a

lot of time to absorb water again and may create inconvenience when used in pot culture. Fafard mixes G6, G5 and N7 are performing equally well. N7 has been designed for nurseries and has big chunks of bark. It absorbs water easily and does not dry out as much as G10. When the physical properties of these substrates are compared, G10 has the highest aeration score. The higher drainage in G10 can contribute to the higher growth rate of strawberries in this substrate. All Fafard mixes have a medium to high capacity to retain water in their structure, which is critical for strawberry plants.

A few genotypes have been tested during these substrate trials. Both Seascape and Albion were used during early trials, however, only Albion is presently being used. An inbred line of strawberries with a low growth rate will also be used to highlight the potential of different mixes for a slow growth genotype and to develop a protocol for substrate trial of our inbred lines for our breeding program.

Early attempts to use fertilizer injectors to fertigate the strawber-

ries in the research trials were unsuccessful, due to the low flow rate of the drip irrigation system which did not initiate the injectors. In the last trial, fertilizer pump was used to pump the nutrient solutions into the irrigation system. Two nutrient solutions with EC (Electrical Conductivity) of 1.5 and 2 dSm were used. The system is working very well now. During the winter, halogen lamps were used to provide extra light for the plants inside the greenhouse, however plants were still elongated due to low light conditions. With increasing day length and light intensity, the growth will increase, elongation will cease and flower clusters will produce fruits.

Right: Healthy fibrous roots in a commercial substrate. Photo

by Toktam Taghavi.

Toktam Taghavi and Adam Dale are with the Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph and Jean-Pierre Fortin is with Fafard et Frères Ltd., Quebec.

MAY 2015 –– PAGE 25 THE GROWER

BERRY FOCUS

Is it possible to control field horsetail?

Herbicides registered for field horsetail top growth control KRISTEN OBEID The quick answer is NO. Sorry. There is no silver bullet.

Unlike other weed problems where we have solutions, field horsetail is a plant where there is no easy answer. That’s probably the reason why field horsetail has been around since the Carboniferous age more than 300 million years ago. It is part of the ancient genus Equisetum, a prehistoric survivor and one of the toughest weeds to manage.

What is field horsetail?

Field horsetail is a perennial that grows from a tuber-bearing rhizome. This root system comprises actively growing rhizomes that can penetrate to greater than one meter in depth, from which green fern-like fronds grow each year (looks like a small pine tree).

Attached to the deeper rhizomes are small tubers which remain dormant while the rhizome stays alive. When the rhizome dies or becomes detached due to cultivation or other means, the tubers initiate growth to produce new plants.

Controlling field horsetail It is best to get field horsetail under control before you plant.

Several herbicides provide some level of top growth control ONLY because it is difficult to get the active ingredient to depths deep enough to control the rhizomes and tubers. Few herbicides are registered and their use is dependent on the situation in which horsetail grows.

The most effective strategies are based on many years of repetitive attacks on the above-ground plant in an attempt to deplete the reserves to the point that the plant

Herbicide Trade Name

Active Ingredient

Herbicide Group

Crops Registered

Notes

Casoron

dichlobenil

10 Woody ornamentals, such as Top growth control Evergreens and Fruit trees, Grapes, Raspberries, High Bush Blueberries and Saskatoons.

glyphosate

glyphosate

Ultim + Distinct

rimsulfuron and nicosulfuron + diflufenzopyr and dicamba

Various trade names

2,4-D

4 Many crops, roadsides, turf and non-crop areas.

Top growth control

Various trade names

MCPA 4

4 For use in cereals, seedling clovers, pastures, corn and peas.

Top growth control

9 As a pre plant burn down application or in glyphosate tolerant crops.

2, 4, 19 Corn

Field horsetail is fairly tolerant to glyphosate. In glyphosate tolerant corn, the co-packs of GALAXY 2 (glyphosate + ultim) or BROADSTRIKE RC will provide the best top growth control of field horsetail.

Do NOT tank mix glyphosate with MCPA and apply to emerged corn, as unacceptable injury will result.

Glyphosate + BROADSTRIKE RC provides the best top growth control in soybeans.

Top growth control

Note: there are also several Group 2 herbicides, including halosulfuron that list suppression of field horsetail. Tank mixes with MCPA are recommended, if MCPA is registered on the specified crop. dies. Repetitive attacks should include herbicides, shading, mowing and hand weeding. But, as noted earlier, killing the plant will release the tubers to grow and start the cycle again.

My best advice is to remove new stands of field horsetail immediately before they spread.

Established stands will take a lot of persistence to manage.

Cultivation should be kept to a minimum because in most cases it will spread the rhizomes and tubers around the field allowing plants to regenerate in new parts of the field or in new fields if you forget to clean your equipment between fields. Black plastic sheeting has been found to kill or suppress rhizomes in the upper layers of the soil, however; emerging stems can penetrate some woven polypropylene mulches.

Field horsetail rhizomes I guess we shouldn’t expect an easy way to manage a weed that has survived 300 million years!

Field horsetail in strawberries. Photos by Peter Smith and Pam Fisher.

Kristen Obeid is OMAFRA weed management program lead for

horticulture.

supplement but details can be found on line in the ONFruit Blog, at https://onfruit.wordpress.com/category/new-products-2/.

Pam Fisher is berry crop specialist, OMAFRA @fisherpam

New products for berry growers PAM FISHER There are always lots of new registrations at this time of year!

Many new uses are listed in the 2015 Supplement to Publication #360, Guide to Fruit Production.

This is now on line at: www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/ crops/pub360/sup/pub360sup.pdf New products in the Supplement to Pub. #360 include: • Nealta (cyflumetofen) registered by BASF Canada Inc, for two-spotted spider mite on strawberry • Quilt (azoxystrobin & propiconazole) registered by Syngenta Canada Inc. for mummyberry and anthracnose on blueberry.

Label expansions and new uses

in the Supplement to Pub. #360 include: • Actara 25 WG for suppression of black vine weevil and strawberry root weevil on strawberry • Altacor for raspberry cane borer on raspberry • Exirel for obliquebanded leafroller and adult weevils on elderberry, saskatoon berry, sea buckthorn • Intrepid 240 for obliquebanded leafroller on raspberry • Nova Fungicide for white pine blister rust on currant and gooseberry • Switch 62.5 WG for botrytis on currant, gooseberry, elderberry and sea buckthorn More recent registrations include: • Indar Fungicide (fenbuconazole) registered by Dow

AgroSciences Canada Inc. to control mummy berry on highbush blueberries • Purespray Green Spray Oil 13E (mineral oil) on berry crops for suppression of spider mites , and to deter feeding by aphids, and also for powdery mildew suppression on blackberry, buffaloberry, cloudberry, currant, elderberry, gooseberry, jostaberry, juneberry, raspberry, strawberry.

• Prism SG Herbicide (rimsulfuron) registered by Dupont Canada Inc. for control of weeds on caneberries (blackberries and raspberries) • Apogee Plant Growth Regulator (prohexadione calcium) registered by BASF Canada Inc. for runner suppression in strawberries.

These products are not in the

PAGE 26 –– APRIL 2015 THE GROWER

MINOR USE

Delegate insecticide label expanded for control of additional insects on several crops in Canada JIM CHAPUT The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of URMULE registrations for Delegate insecticide for control of several additional insect pests on several crops in Canada. Delegate insecticide was already labeled for use on a number of crops in Canada for control of insects.

These various minor use projects were submitted by Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Pest Management Centre (AAFCPMC) between 2010 and 2013 as a result of minor use priorities established by growers and extension personnel.

The following is provided as an abbreviated, general outline only. Users should consult the complete label before using Delegate insecticide.

Delegate insecticide is toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment, drift or residues on flowering crops or weeds. Do not apply this product to flowering crops

Crop

Target

Rate (g/ha)

Basil and dill

Cabbage looper, thrips

Sweet corn, seed corn, popcorn

Corn borer, western bean cutworm

Ginseng

Leafrollers

Leafy vegetables, crop group 4

Applications

PHI (days)

140 - 200 (looper) 200 - 280 (thrips)

3

1 (basil) 14 (dill)

120 - 210

3

1 (sweet corn, seed corn) 28 (pop corn)

200

3

3

Thrips

200 - 336

3

1

Brassica vegetables, crop group 5

Thrips

200 - 336

3

1

Cherries

Cherry fruit fly

420

3

7

Stone fruit, crop group 12

Spotted winged drosophila

420

3

1 (peach, nectarine) 7 (cherries, plums, prunes) 14 (apricot)

or weeds when bees are present. Delegate insecticide is toxic to small mammals, certain beneficial insects and non-target terrestrial plants. Do not apply this product or allow drift to other crops or non-target areas. Do not contaminate off-target areas

or aquatic habitats when spraying or when cleaning and rinsing spray equipment or containers.

Follow all other precautions and directions for use on the Delegate label carefully.

For a copy of the new minor use label contact your local crop specialist, regional supply outlet or visit the PMRA label site www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pest/registranttitulaire/tools-outils/label-etiq-eng.php

Quash fungicide receives Japanese maximum residue limits approval for blueberries Canadian blueberry growers can now control key diseases with Quash fungicide and access the Japanese export market, with the recent approval of Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) for Quash. Japan is the second largest export market for Canadian-grown blueberries, after the United States.

Quash (metconazole) is a Group 3 fungicide that delivers preventative and curative control of mummy berry and anthracnose, and suppression of phomopsis in blueberries.

“Quash controls the most devastating diseases affecting Canadian blueberries,” says Sabrina Bladon, eastern marketing manager for Nufarm Agriculture Inc. “Before this Japanese MRL approval, growers using Quash to protect blueberry

yields from mummy berry, anthracnose and phomopsis were limited to North American markets. They now have the opportunity to work with their processor to access the significant Japanese export market.”

An important part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, Quash delivers broad-spectrum disease control of economically important diseases in one low use rate. Quash provides good residual activity, protecting blueberries during the entire infection period. Quash is also registered for use on a range of crops including potatoes and canola. For more information, consult the complete product label at www.nufarm.ca/product/quash/ Source: Nufarm news release

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APRIL 2015 –– PAGE 27 THE GROWER

FOOD SAFETY

10 tips to make CanadaGAP simpler The CanadaGAP food safety program issued new manuals for 2015 which took effect April 1.

Version 6.3 is available as a free download on www.canadagap.ca.

There are some time-saving tips on how to manage these changes.

“We get more than 20 requests per year to make changes to the program,” says Heather Gale, executive director, CanadaGAP. “It’s a process to review and to change wording, organize sections, update appendices. The good news is that the updates are slowing down in terms of volume. There are maybe just three or four record-keeping forms which have changed.”

Tip 1. Use the Summary of Main Changes handout on the CanadaGAP website to gain a quick overview of the changes.

Determine which changes affect your operation. Reprint the glossary or at least print/review any changes to definitions.

Tip 2. If you are using a paper copy of the manual, you do NOT need to reprint the entire book.

Reprint only the pages that contain changes that affect your operation. Print out only the pages that show the section/word changes. Cross out 2014, write in 2015, Version 6.3.

Tip 3. Use the new forms each year. Print them out or download the electronic versions in Microsoft Excel.

Tip 4. Note that the following types of operations can now be CanadaGAP-certified: brokers, production, packing and storage of greenhouse strawberries, repacking and wholesaling of mushrooms Tip 5. Regarding water testing, before the water is used on product, hands, equipment, packaging materials, etc for the first time in the season, results of water testing need to show potability before water is used. THE TEST MUST BE TAKEN AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO THE FIRST USE OF THE WATER, UP TO MAXIMUM OF 60 DAYS PRIOR TO USE. Tip 6. Note new columns on Form F for water for fluming and cleaning assessment. You must now record the commodity the water is being used for.

Tip 7. Regarding the Equipment Calibration Section, the person responsible ensures that calibration instructions are received with equipment or ARE WRITTEN BASED ON EXPERT RECOMMENDATIONS and made available. Sometimes equipment does not come with calibration instructions, is homemade or the instructions are lost. In such cases, the operator must consult with an

expert to receive appropriate advice.

The new requirement states: THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE RECORDS DETAILED RESULTS OF THE CALIBRATION FOR AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL APPLICATORS (file under Tab: Calibration instructions). Keep these papers for two years only.

Tip 8. Section 19.1 – Product Sourcing. Where the product is sourced from applies to packers, repackers, wholesalers, storage

facilities and brokers. In the past, it was acceptable that those certified packers would get a letter of assurance from growers. This year, the letter of assurance is not acceptable. The packer will ask for a certificate from a food safety program such as CanadaGAP or another GFSI-recognized program, or a report from a thirdparty audit such as Primus Labs.

Companies can lose up to 10 marks if they source product from uncertified/unaudited suppliers.

Partial points are possible (max score is 5/10 if any suppliers have

not been third-party audited).

This is not an autofail item.

Tip 9. Section 24 – Maintaining your program.

Program participants will be audited on the following requirement: THE OPERATION’S PROGRAM NEEDS TO BE MAINTAINED CONTINUOUSLY TO ENSURE SUCCESS The consequences of not maintaining the program is a loss of up to six marks. If you score 0/6, it will trigger another audit later in the season. Look to the website

for more information.

Tip 10. If you fail your audit, there will be tightened timelines for correction as of April 1. When an operation fails the audit, the program participant has 60 DAYS from the issue of the audit report - or prior to end of the season whichever is sooner - to respond to the Corrective Action Request. Customers may have even stricter timeframes for corrective actions.

PAGE 28 –– MAY 2015 THE GROWER

POTATOES

2015 late blight strategy EUGENIA BANKS Introduction Late blight, caused by the fungus-like pathogen Phytophthora infestans, is one of the most devastating diseases of potatoes. If weather conditions are favourable and no effective fungicides are applied, late blight can destroy a potato field in four or five days.

To prevent this, a management strategy is necessary based on preventing or delaying initial infection and slowing the rate of disease spread once late blight is established in the field.

Fungicides must be used effectively to control late blight.

Spray applications should be

based on weather conditions, crop growth and disease pressure.

Short intervals of three to five days are necessary when late blight has been found and the weather is cool and damp.

Intervals can be extended when weather is warm and dry.

Fungicides with different modes of action need to be rotated to avoid the development of resistance. Good coverage is essential for fungicides to be effective.

Late blight is a community disease. Once the disease starts, it may be spread long distances by wind affecting many farms and many fields. A coordinated approach to disease control is best.

The spread of late blight

volunteers, so these sources of disease need to be eliminated.

Tomatoes and potatoes growing in home gardens may be sources of late blight. Some common weeds related to potatoes-hairy nightshade and bittersweet - are also susceptible to late blight. These weeds growing in hedgerows may serve as a source of spores to spread late blight.

Spores are carried long distances by wind. Rain splash and farm equipment can spread spores within fields.

Weather conditions and disease development Late blight is carried over from one season to the next in living tissue. Healthy seed is important

because it reduces early sources of infection. Late blight may also be carried over in cull piles and

Late blight is favoured by cloudy, wet weather and cool temperatures. Spores need a film of water on potato foliage to germinate. At temperatures of 13°C to 21°C each spore germinates directly, penetrates the plant and causes one lesion. At cooler temperatures between 7°C to 12°C and in the presence of free water, each spore produces eight zoospores that swim in the water film. Each zoospore can initiate infections, Disease symptoms develop four to five days after the initial infection. Once lesions form, a single foliar lesion can produce as many as 700,000 spores that spread late blight.

Late blight management practices I. Before planting be familiar with late blight symptoms • Symptoms on leaves.

The first symptoms on leaves are small, light to dark green watersoaked spots. During cool, wet weather, lesions expand rapidly into large dark brown or black spots usually surrounded by a light green halo. A white fungal growth develops on the underside of affected leaves.

• Symptoms on stems.

Dark brown irregular lesions form on stems. These lesions usually initiate at the point of leaf attachment. The white fungal growth may develop on stems under favorable weather conditions.

• Symptoms on tubers.

Tuber infection is characterized by irregularly shaped, brown to purplish areas on the skin. These infected areas appear slightly depressed. A dry, granular reddish- brown rot develops under the skin.

Destroy cull piles prior to crop emergence Tubers near the top of a cull pile will normally break down and rot, but those in the middle of the pile may sprout and grow in the spring.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

MAY 2015 –– PAGE 29 THE GROWER

POTATOES

2015 late blight strategy Eliminate cull piles by burial, freezing or feeding to livestock.

• Burial.

When burying culls, make sure the pile is not buried near a water source. Check that the water table is low, and cover the tubers with at least 1.8 meters (six feet) of soil to prevent re-growth.

Moving potatoes to a burial site can be expensive. Keep the distance traveled as short as possible. Check the cull site during the summer for volunteers. Pull or spray any plants that appear with herbicide. Add extra soil if the cull pile settles during decomposition.

Do not plant potatoes in the same field for two consecutive growing seasons. Back-to back growing makes control of volunteers impossible.

inspected carefully. The risk of late blight infection is less than that of using year-out seed.

Seed selection and seed handling

• Do not mix seed lots.

Keep seed lots separated to avoid mixing healthy lots with potentially infected seed lots.

Seed transmission is an important means of starting late blight infections in fields and/or production areas.

• Grade seed carefully.

Eliminate any tubers with a firm, rust-brown decay. They are probably infected with late blight.

• Use certified seed.

Although certified seed might not be completely late-blight free, the seed fields have been

• Disinfect cutting knives between seed lots.

Always clean and disinfect cutting equipment before cutting

a new seed lot.

• Use a seed treatment labeled for late blight.

Some seed treatments contain mancozeb, a fungicide that provides protection against seedborne blight. Mancozeb will not cure existing infections, but should protect healthy tubers from being infected. Seed treated with mancozeb should be dry, not sweating.

II. At hilling Form hills that cover the developing tubers with sufficient soil to

minimize tuber infection.

During irrigation or rainfall, spores are washed down from foliage and can easily infect tubers that are near soil cracks Achieve good weed control.

Weeds interfere with fungicide coverage leaving potato plants without fungicide protection. To obtain weed control in dry springs, you have to irrigate after spraying in order to activate the herbicide.

Eugenia Banks is potato specialist, OMAFRA To be continued next month.

• Freezing.

Spread a layer of cull potatoes one tuber thick on fields in late fall or winter to ensure that the potatoes freeze. Use land that will not grow potatoes in the future to avoid the spread or build-up of soil-borne diseases like common scab.

• Covering cull piles.

This method can be used on cull piles late in the spring when hard frosts are unlikely or when immediate action needs to be taken. Spread the culls out evenly, and cover them with plastic, preferably black polyethylene.

The tubers will heat up and break down. Make sure the entire pile is covered so there is no chance of plant growth or spore escape.

One of the problems with this method is the watery mess that will form in and near the pile.

Sawdust or other absorbent material can be used to soak up the potato runoff and then removed from the site. Covered piles should not be placed near waterways.

• Use as livestock feed.

Raw potatoes can be fed to cattle.

It is estimated that four pounds of potatoes equals one pound of barley in nutritional content.

Field selection • Select well drained fields.

In fields with good water infiltration, water does not accumulate between rows after a rain. By contrast in fields with areas of poor drainage water accumulates for long periods of time on those areas. This creates high humidity conditions that favour late blight development • Improve drainage.

Consider to eliminate standing water in low spots or areas near center pivot point.

• Match soil characteristics with variety growth.

Varieties that develop big canopies should be planted in light textured fields.

• Avoid planting potatoes back-to-back.

When you find something that works, you stick with it. Arysta LifeScience is proud to offer some off the most trusted names in crop protection for the hortticulture market, along with some relatively new names. METTLE®, a Group 3 Fungicide with enhanced systemic activity for powdery mildew control in grapes and stra awberries.

And KASUMIN™, a highly effective bactericid de to protect apples and pears from orchard-threatening fi fire blight, as well as offering bacterial disease supprression in fruiting vegetables. Tw wo great products to ad dd to your crop protection toolbox. Forr the whole story, visit www.gowithwhatworks.ca.

Always read and follow label directions. MAESTRO, MAESTRO logo, ELEVA ATE, ELEVA ATE logo, KANEMITE, KA ANEMITE logo, SHUTTLE logo, ORTHENE, DECREE and DEECREE logo are registered trademarks of Arysta LifeScience North America, LLC. SHUTTLE is a registered trademark of Agro-Kanesho Company C . KASUMIN is a trademark of Hokko Chemical Inddustry Co., Ltd. METTLE and the METTLE logo are trademarks of ISAGRO S.p.A. Arysta LifeScience and the Arysta LifeScience logo are registered trademarks of Arysta LifeScience Corporation. ©2014 Arysta LifeScience North America Corporation, LLC. CDNH-1301

PAGE 30 –– MAY 2015 THE GROWER

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• VEGETABLE SEEDERS Planet Jr.

201 Regional Road 42, Newcastle, ON L1B 1L9

Completion of University courses and 5+ years apple orchard experience

NEW . . USED . . SERVICE

have been

Algoma Orchards Ltd

Working outside in all weather conditions in Newcastle, ON

SPRAYING EQUIPMENT OUR SPECIALITY

YOU to the rest, call the NOW BEST!!

HELP WANTED

Cole

• CASH CROP PLANTERS Conventional – Pneumatic (Air)

• FERTILIZER ATTACHMENTS (SideDressers)

• ROW CROP WEEDERS, ETC. • DISC HILLERS

NEW YAMATO CHECKWEIGHER rated for food packaging, still in its box.

Series CSI06LW, rated for small weights (pound or less), with rejection arm.

See website: http://www.yamatocorp.com/product/scales/ISH.html Asking $25,000.

Call for details: (613) 277-3086, Carmen

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

GREENHOUSE

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

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Complete Greenhouse Systems Since 1986

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

Propagation Grower (Delta, BC) Position specializes in the care of vegetable seedlings with duties related to germination, grafting, irrigation, hygiene, climate, & pest control.

Experience in commercial greenhouse growing and/or nursery production is required.

Applicant will be familiar with computer functions and be able to carry out commands in a greenhouse climate system.

Applicant must work well in a team environment and be available to work weekends in a rotating schedule with colleagues. To apply for this position, email your resume and cover letter to resumes@houwelings.com

MAY 2015 –– PAGE 31 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

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

ORCHARD SUPPLIES

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

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

LABELLING EQUIPMENT

NEW IRRIGATION PUMP UNITS ON TRAILER

VEGETABLE SEED

Oriental Vegetable Seeds

Ginwa

Lucky Green

Nabai Slo

Spring Tower

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

• Cummin 4 cyl & 6 cyl • John Deere, 4 cyl & 6 cyl • Iveco/Cummins, 4 cyl & 6 cyl • Kubota & Deutz etc, etc.

• Perkins-Cat Rovatti Pumps Berkeley Pumps, etc.

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

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

REFRIGERATION

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

CLASSIFIED ADS For Sale: Model 44 John Deere manure spreader, ground driven.

Model 1900 two row transplanter with 180 gallon plastic tank.

Hardly used. Phone 905-8783275

For Sale: Allis Chalmers tractor (Model G). New rear tires, many extras. $3000.00. 519-797-5983 For Sale: FMC Packing line with 4 lane, 4 drop, dryer, washer, elevator, top dump bin dumper. 4” Irrigation pipe. Gormen Rup 4x4 Irrigation pump. 519-791-2371

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

Custom Built Designs • Domestic and International Markets

PAGE 32 –– MAY 2015 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

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

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

• Berry Boxes • Waxed Cartons • Crop Protection Material

SEED/ROOTSTOCK REAL ESTATE

ASPARAGUS ROOTS Jersey Giant Millennium

Wrightland Farm RR 1 • 1000 Ridge Rd. Harrow, ON N0R 1G0 Keith: 519-738-6120 Fax: 519-738-3358

Gerry Loeters for Royal LePage, RCR Realty.

PH. 519-765-4217 Cell. 519-773-6460

FOR SALE Orchard in Simcoe area with total of 148 acres. 85 acres planted in apple trees.

Many varieties. Home renovated recently. 3 mobiles for seasonal labour. 3 gaswells. One producing well supplying own use. Owner motivated to sell.

Asking $1,450.000.

G.Loeters Royal LePage RCR Realty.

Providing quality apple trees for 40 years.

• • • • • • •

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

ASPARAGUS FUMIGATION

ASPARAGUS CROWNS Millennium Mary Washington Sandy Shore Farms Ltd.

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

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

(519) 875­3382 www.sandyshorefarms.ca info@sandyshore.ca

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

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

MAY 2015 –– PAGE 33 THE GROWER

PAGE 34 –– MAY 2015 THE GROWER

MINOR USE CRAIG’S COMMENTS

Spring forward with change at CODEX

CRAIG HUNTER OFVGA Every year in the second week of April, the annual meeting of the “CODEX” committee (CCPRCodex Committee for Pesticide Residues) is held (always in China.) CODEX is a joint committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), both of which are part of the United Nations. Countries from around the world send delegations to this meeting to discuss the ‘rules’ and procedures used to set maximum residue limits for pesticides in food. Not only do countries send their pesticide regulatory representatives but also chemical companies, growers and trade representatives to try to influence the process and (hopefully) get some progress in the deliberations. It is sad to report that they have more than four years of work already scheduled.

In spite of gallant efforts by countries like Canada, Australia, the U.S. and others, the process still emulates a slow snail. Last year there were 57 countries present, but most of the ‘heavy lifting’ is done by just a few. Sadly, I have been continually told that no real progress will happen nor should be contemplated.

The CODEX meeting relies heavily on work already done the previous September at the Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) held annually in Rome.

This meeting relies on an ‘expert panel’ of toxicologists who are nominated for at least four years.

The current list of 35 are considered to be independent yet their home country is included in the listing. I find that a little counterintuitive! Nonetheless, Canada

now has four nominees- two currently with PMRA, one retired from PMRA and one from the University of Montreal. (Canada had none on the prior listing!)

The U.S. has nine reps, Italy has four, and the U.K. has three.

Germany, Switzerland, Australia, and the Netherlands have two each, and China, Japan, France, India, Malaysia, Belgium and Ghana have one each.

These toxicologists do the actual work from the data sets provided to sort out the supporting information leading to a recommendation for a Maximum Residue Limit on a crop or a crop group for each pesticide nominated. They have a tough task, not made any easier by variable data produced under different conditions and from around the globe.

Just trying to find a common Good Agricultural Practice(GAP) is tricky. At least they know that the pesticide commodity combination has been labelled alreadysomewhere. They can use the data and the decision-making process used to arrive at that, but it may be confounded by many other things. The key takeaway is that they have a monumental task when one considers the number of new crop/pesticide combinations newly registered somewhere in the globe on an annual basis.

Add to that an obligatory rereview of older pesticides on a 15-year cycle! Given that these folks are ‘volunteers’ and most have ‘day jobs’ elsewhere, it is little wonder that the whole process cannot speed up or catch up any time soon. Not only is it a full-time endeavour, it needs a huge increase in capacity beyond what they have at hand. Even if a ‘clean-up’ crew of another 100 toxicologists were available, they would need two to three years to catch up. The current roster could manage things after that, but only if some innovative approaches were used.

I suggest that the CCPR is the place where such innovative approaches need to be discussed and implemented. They might include such things as: allowing a global registration and MRL-setting process to be used as a de facto JMPR review and skip that

For farmers in the Holland Marsh, it always feels good to spring forward. Photo by Glenn Lowson. stage. Further, the global reviewbased MRLs should become de facto CODEX MRLs until any further JMPR review alters those numbers. After all, the whole process is predicated on a 70-year human exposure, and a few years of a global review-approved MRL is no threat to anyone. Perhaps if a member or members of the JMPR independent toxicologists were included as a member of such global registration teams it could facilitate the adoption of such practice.

The same should apply to minor use registrations and residue limits. In this instance, the concept of minor use moves beyond the acres or use pattern and goes to the percentage of diet represented by the crop. If all crops that represented less than one per cent of any global diet were exempted from the tedious process and moved right through to the final step, a huge amount of capacity would be freed up to concentrate on the most important ones. A ‘pre-clearing’ process could expedite a huge amount of the work, especially if it has already had a global approval in the registration process.

I attended a meeting of the American Chemistry Society a couple of years ago where I critiqued the CODEX process and lamented the lack of timeliness. I went so far as to suggest that the JMPR toxicologists needed to be augmented, and that they needed ‘younger’ people with an outlook more amenable to change. Wow!

I got chastised by one person in the audience who defended her ‘delegate’ to JMPR (remember that they are to be considered independent reviewers) by saying that he continued to go on their behalf even though he had been retired for years! I guess I made my point, or she made it for me!

Low and behold, Canada who had NO toxicologists on the earlier list, has now nominated four.

What a great start! If other countries noticeably absent could do the same, progress would be at hand!

Change will not happen until enough loss of trade potential and pesticide use potential occurs, and enough countries get disadvantaged to get delegates aroused.

The CCPR meetings always happen in China. Maybe the tone of the meeting there does not allow for disagreement, or change.

Likewise, the JMPR always meets in Rome in September. What a great time of year for relaxing in a great climate just before grape harvest. How can enough gumption for change be engendered in such an environment?

If all this has not been enough, in the past week (the week immediately before the CCPR meeting), as an interested partner in the process, I have been inundated with huge CODEX files to review almost every day. It is a virtually impossible task to do, especially at the eleventh hour. In my perusals, I do note in their favour that Canada did comment on virtually every proposal. Very

few other countries did so and the vast majority did not. The enormity of the reading tells me that most just sit back and let “someone” (else) do the real work.

Perhaps another change should be that only those countries that provided comment get to vote on the path forward. What a concept!

The BLOC voting and the coercion exercises could become things of the past. Several really good ideas that have come forward have been blocked or stifled because partisan voting comes into play.

Maybe the global crops that have the most to lose need to take the lead, or be forced to do so. If all the crops like tea, coffee, spices, cocoa, grapes were refused MRLs in those countries that set their own (like Canada, the USA, and now Japan and Korea) and refused shipments until CODEX set a global tolerance, there would be enough upset consumers to force their governments to ‘fix’ the problem.

This would not affect their domestic pesticide use or the application of a ‘default’ residue limit, but it would cause enough trade problems to their major markets to stimulate change. (I have been told this won’t work either, but I still like the idea!)

I await the outcome of the CCPR meetings that will have been completed before this hits the street. There will still be time to stimulate change for the JMPR in September, so I will continue to live on hope!

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MAY 2015 –– PAGE 35 THE GROWER

MINOR USE

Prism SG herbicide for control of weeds on caneberries JIM CHAPUT The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of an URMULE registration for Prism herbicide for control of weeds on caneberries (raspberries, blackberries) in Canada. Prism herbicide was already labeled for use on a number of crops in Canada for control of weeds.

This minor use project was submitted

by Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Pest Management Centre (AAFC-PMC) in 2013 as a result of minor use priorities estab-

Crop

Target

Rate (g/ha)

Applications

Caneberries, crop sub-group 13-07A

Labeled weeds

60 g + non-ionic surfactant

1 (One) or 2 (Two) if banded at 50% band or less

lished by growers and extension personnel.

The following is provided as an abbreviated, general outline only. Apply as a single early, post-emergence application to actively growing weeds to caneberries that have gone through at least one growing season. Users should consult the complete label before using Prism herbicide.

Prism® herbicide is toxic to non-target terrestrial plants and aquatic organisms. Do

not apply this product or allow drift to other crops or non-target areas. The use of this chemical may result in contamination of groundwater particularly in areas where soils are permeable and/or the depth to the water table is shallow. Do not contaminate off-target areas or aquatic habitats when spraying or when cleaning and rinsing spray equipment or containers.

Follow all other precautions and direc-

PHI (days)

tions for use on the Prism label carefully.

For a copy of the new minor use label contact your local crop specialist, regional supply outlet or visit the PMRA label site http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pest/ registrant-titulaire/tools-outils/labeletiq-eng.php Jim Chaput is minor use coordinator, OMAFRA, Guelph

New copper hydroxide available for organic vegetables Canadian organic horticultural growers have a new copper hydroxide available for use in vegetable production. Parasol WG is now compliant with Canadian Organic Standards. All product manufactured after 2013 contains only substances that appear on the Organic Production Systems Permitted Substances Lists and is suitable for use in organic agriculture.

Cercospora leaf blight on peppers Parasol WG is a wettable granular formulation of copper hydroxide used to control various fungal diseases in beans (dry and edible), potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and sugarbeets. An easy-to-use, dust-free formulation, Parasol WG controls bacterial spot, Cercospora leaf blight, common bacterial blight, early and late blight, and halo bacterial blight.

“Parasol WG offers an important management tool in organic operations when cultural practices alone aren’t enough to control fungal diseases,” says Sabrina Bladon, eastern marketing manager with Nufarm Agriculture Inc. Parasol WG is now certified

by Pro-Cert, providing professional organic certification to the Canadian Organic Standard (CAN/CGSB – 32.310 and 32.311) and Products Regulation (COR). All newly certified product can be clearly identified by date of manufacture (2014 and later) and lot number (beginning with “14”) located at the base of the 10 kg paper bag of Parasol WG. Source: NuFarm Agriculture Inc. news release

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21

PAGE 36 –– MAY 2015 THE GROWER

MAKE TIME FOR WHAT REALLY MATTERS. CORAGEN CAN HELP. ®

You’re proud of your vegetable crops. Let’s face it. No one ever looks back and wishes they’d spent more time controlling cutworms, armyworms, diamondback moths and swede midge. We get that. DuPont Coragen is powered by Rynaxypyr , a unique active ingredient and a novel TM

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

Questions? Ask your retailer, call 1-800-667-3925 or visit coragen.dupont.ca ®

1. Studies from the University of Guelph, conducted by Dr. Cynthia Scott-Dupree and Angela Gradish, indicate that Coragen® is an excellent alternative product when bees are present if used in accordance with the label instructions.

2. Recommend spraying when bees are not actively foraging.

As with all crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

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

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 E. I. du Pont Canada Company. All rights reserved.