The Grower November 2012 by The Grower

NOVEMBER 2012

CELEBRATING 132 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION

VOLUME 62 NUMBER 11

TRENDS

Flexitarians move vegetables to center plate KAREN DAVIDSON Trust McCain’s to make a rock star out of a root vegetable. A year ago, its tongue-in-cheek advertisement about a sweet potato farmer won kudos from the marketing experts. Peter Van Berlo could easily have stepped into that TV role with the line, “Whoa, this ain’t no romance novel, it’s just a sweet potato.” After all, he and his son Pete Jr. grow 800 acres of the orange-fleshed tuber near Simcoe, Ontario. They’ve found the ‘sweet spot,’ producing a vegetable that’s in demand for local markets as well as processing. For McCains, the advertising has also paid off handsomely with sweet potato fries doubling in sales. Was it just savvy marketing or did McCain’s take advantage of a deeper trend? The NPD group which tracks consumer behavior and purchasing data, says the food processor tapped into a rich vein of consumer needs: taste, convenience and a health halo. On average, Canadians consume vegetables 517 times per year says Joel Gregoire, NPD Group. Adults, aged 65 plus, are the heaviest consumers of vegetables eating them on average 650 times in the 12 months ending March 2012. “As boomers age,” says Gregoire,“vegetable consumption may benefit from this demographic shift.” Boomers -- those born between

INSIDE Technology for greenhouses and beyond Page 4 State of the (apple) nation

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Focus: Seed and rootstock

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www.thegrower.org P.M. 40012319

Vegetables are getting a makeover with new varieties and new uses. Sweet potatoes are a tasty trend, with their beta-carotene giving frozen fries a health halo. Other vegetables such as kale are kicking up the leafy greens category a notch. Just two weeks ago, workers were harvesting sweet potatoes – 800 acres in all – at Peter Van Berlo’s farm, Simcoe, Ontario. Photos by Glenn Lowson.

1946 and 1964 -- are likely cooking for both meat eaters and vegetarians in their families or quite simply, they are eating less meat. Not hard-core vegetarians, these are what co-author Nettie Cronish describes as mindful meat eaters in her 2011 cookbook: Everyday Flexitarian. They are looking for vegetable variety to combine with grains and sometimes, a side dish of meat. Extension of the vegetable category is good news for major grocers and buyers at the Ontario Food Terminal. For example, the potato category is broader with sweet potatoes, red-skinned potatoes and mini-potatoes while beets are more interesting with golden and striped varieties. Lewis Collins, a buyer for Stronach & Sons for almost 40 years, says volume in vegetables has increased in the last decade. Population growth is clearly driving volume, but there’s also a demand for local and first-of-theseason.

“I can’t believe how kale has taken off in the last five years,” says Collins. “For us, it’s 100 cases per day.” One of his major suppliers is Riga Farms which grows 200 acres of leafy greens and root vegetables in the Holland Marsh, north of Toronto. “I feel kale has taken over from collards,” says Gionvanni Riga. “There’s been gradual growth in kale, Swiss chard, dandelion. Even bok choy has almost become a commodity.” Part of the flexitarian trend is driven by a more diverse South American and Asian population seeking new herbs as well as vegetables. “Cilantro has become massive in popularity,” says Riga. That said, Collins warns that growers shouldn’t make any major shift in planting intentions without direct signals from buyers. “Twelve bunches of red beets may sell for $16 and the same number of golden beets may sell for $20, but it’s easy to

depress the market,” says Collins. “I don’t want an overabundance of golden beets, for example.” Packaging of traditional vegetables is also changing to meet demands of shifting demographics. As the 2011 Canadian census revealed, there are 5.6 million single households which aren’t in the market for a 10-pound bag of potatoes. The opportunity for growers is to pack one-pound bags of root vegetables to that segment of the population, says Jamie Reaume, executive director, Holland Marsh Growers’ Association. He’s pushing for consumer campaigns that teach how to be a “seasonal eater” with local food. More needs to be done in educating consumers how to prepare, cook and store produce such as nappa cabbage and tomatillos. The vegetable category, today, is much more exciting yet more consumer research needs to be done on what motivates purchase decisions.

“About 15 per cent of the population loves to cook and enjoys vegetables such as broccoli and asparagus,” says Paula Brauer, a University of Guelph nutrition expert and research coordinator. “Another 30 per cent are driven by convenience, so frozen potatoes and mixed vegetables are common fare. The remainder has an ambivalent attitude towards vegetables, eating a mixture.” The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Grower’s Association (OFVGA) is helping to fund consumer research at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Are recipes the ideal driver for the cooking enthusiasts? Are ‘apps’ a better way to encourage the time-challenged? Would zucchini be more appealing packaged with stir-fry ingredients like red peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes?

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PAGE 2 –– NOVEMBER 2012 THE GROWER

AT PRESS TIME… Vanden Bussche Irrigation makes its mark with new headquarters After a long, droughty summer, Vanden Bussche Irrigation is showcasing its new building in Delhi, Ontario with an open house on November 23. Headquartered in Norfolk County, the irrigation business that started in 1954 serving tobacco farmers has now multiplied its services to a wide variety of vegetable crops, greenhouses and nurseries. “With global warming, the need for irrigation is not going away,” says Marc Vanden Bussche, vice-president and general manager. “Growers are paying as much attention to water as fertilizer.”

Today, the business specializes in overhead irrigation, drip-micro irrigation, greenhouse irrigation and nutrient management. A full spectrum of products and services can be viewed on their refreshed website: www.vandenbussche.com.

Royal highlights At 90 years, the Royal still lives young. The national apple competition has 95 entries compared to 122 entries last year. Look for the winner of the most misshapen apple, a new category added this year. The Harvest Market is on again, this year in Hall C of the Direct Energy Centre. The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association sponsors a booth at the Journey to

NEWSMAKERS November 9, 10 - Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers

Ocean Spray opens new cranberry facility Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. opened a new $26 million stateof-the-art cranberry receiving station facility in Richmond, British Columbia, in time for the fall harvest. Located about four miles away from the former receiving station, the site offers more convenient accessibility for local growers and more space and capacity for operations. Providing a 50 per cent increase to current receiving capacity, the total daily capacity of the new facility will be in excess of three million pounds, with annual capacity approaching 100 million pounds. Additionally, growers should see decreased wait times when delivering their crops to the receiving station.

Ontario legislature has gone dark

Vanden Bussche Irrigation will hold an open house on November 23 to celebrate its new headquarters in Delhi, Ontario. The event will be held from 1 to 4 pm. One client is looking to irrigate 1500 acres of potatoes using mobile apps so that managing water flow can be done from the office. It’s all part of precision farming. Irrigation technology has come a long way since Marc’s father started the business in the 1950s. Originally from Belgium, the family were well aware of the needs for irrigation with many years’ experience in vegetable farming in Norfolk County as well as the Grand Bend area.

your Good Health pavilion, Hall B. The schedule is as follows: November 2 - Ontario Apple Marketers Association November 3, 4 - Ontario Apple Growers November 5, 6 - Erie Innovation and Commercialization including the Ontario Lavender Association and South Coast Winery and Growers’ Association. November 7 - Ontario Potato Board November 8 - Ontario Farm Fresh

The resignation of Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty is not so surprising as is his prorogation of the legislature. The announcement means that all pieces of legislation, including the Local Foods Act, are stranded. The much-anticipated act is a call to action to consumers to spend another $10 per week on locally produced food. There are no mandates for public institutions such as schools and hospitals to procure a minimum percentage of Ontario-grown food. The Liberal party has announced their leadership vote for January 25.

Awards The Canadia Farm Writers Federation bestowed awards at their September annual meeting, recognizing the best in agricultural journalism. Lilian Schaer won silver for her news release “Apple and tender fruit growers appreciate support in wake of widespread crop damage.” The Grower won gold in the feature photography category for Glenn Lowson’s cover photograph in the December 2011 issue. It’s a gritty picture depicting Ron Gleason, Hillside Gardens Ltd. looking at his washwater for parsnips.

The 2013 Faces of Farming calendar has just been released to raise awareness of the skills and talents of hardworking farmers. Next year’s July photo features Anita Buehner. She and her husband Steve have transformed their Waterford, Ontario tobacco farm to lavender and other agri-tourism attractions. Anita Buehner Farm & Food Ontario distributes the calendar annually to media and associations across the province. The page is sponsored by the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association. Horticulture dominated this year’s Ontario agrifood innovation awards, with four of the top five winners. The premier’s award for agrifood innovation goes to Phil Short, Vineland Station. He’s the fruit grower, shipper and entrepreneur whose Vortex Packaging company has engineered a recyclable and stackable fruit basket. The agriculture minister’s award was won by Mike McArthur and partners, Burning Kiln Winery at St Williams for repurposing and adapting tobacco kilns to dry grapes. The winery is now on the tourist map for its award-winning wines, not the least of which is its 2010 Strip Room Red, the official red wine of the Ontario Legislative Assembly for 2012. Leaders in innovation awards went to the Van Casteren family of Nicholyn Farms, Phelpston. The family expanded its vegetable acreage to support serving 600 nutritious lunches weekly at five area schools. Victory Organic Inc., St. Catharines, also received a nod for its “Bob Wash,” a small-scale system for washing and handling salad greens and root vegetables. John Scott, president of the Canadian Association of Independent Grocers, announced his retirement at the recent 50th anniversary meeting. The quote-worthy Scott has led the organization for 21 years. He will remain in the position until a replacement is sought in 2013. François Gendron, the dean of Quebec's national assembly with 35 years' service, was named deputy premier and minister for agriculture and fisheries in the new Parti Quebecois government. Joining the roster of provincial ag ministers is Norm Letnick in British Columbia. The bilingual MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country since 2009 has a business background and is also studying for his Ph.D. in health economics at UBC Okanagan. Condolences to the family of Wally Vanderstelt, a Princeton, Ontario potato farmer who founded the Fresh Market Ontario Potato Board in 1979. Van Farms was known for its potatoes as well as horseradish. He passed away on October 5.

NOTICE of MEETING is hereby given that the 154th Annual Members and Directors’ Meeting of the

Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association will be held in

Niagara Falls, Ontario at The Crowne Plaza Hotel January 14, 15 and 16, 2013 Election of Directors of the Association will take place as well as dealing with resolutions and any other business that may arise.

NOVEMBER 2012 –– PAGE 3 THE GROWER

Vegetables move to center plate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 These various options will be put forward to consumers at the Journey to your Good Health Pavilion through tasting booths, on-line surveys and food demonstrations.

“We hope to get a better understanding of the consumption habits of participating families,” says Alison Robertson, project manager, OFVGA. “It will be valuable to hear what vegetables are consumed on a regular basis, what produce items they have never tried – and why – and

which vegetables they would consume if they were grown in Ontario.” With all these trends in play, vegetables have moved from the wings to center plate.

Lewis Collins has been a buyer and salesman for Stronach & Sons for almost 40 years at the Ontario Food Terminal. While beets will always be standards, he says, golden beets have expanded the root vegetable category while the greens category has exploded with the rising popularity of kale.

Manitoba growers organize veggie packs for school fundraisers As purveyors of active learning and healthy living, schools have been at odds with their mandates when it comes to fundraisers that focus on chocolate bars or cookies. The guilt trip for parents has been suspended with a fresh take on how to raise money. Manitoba growers, specifically Peak of the Market members, are trailblazers in organizing veggie packs for sale by school kids. Called the Farm to School Healthy Choice Fundraiser, the project is coordinated by the Manitoba Association of Home Economists. (www.farmtoschoolmanitoba.ca) Now in its third year, here’s how it works. Participating schools and daycares sell bags of Peak of the Market vegetables in two sizes: $10 for a bag of red potatoes, carrots and cooking onions or $20 for the basic three plus green cabbage and parsnips. Half of the proceeds remain with the school or daycare and the remainder goes back to the growers to cover costs. “The Farm to School veggie fundraiser has exceeded all of our expectations, growing from 66 schools during the first year of the program to our current record number of 298 schools and 96 daycares,” says Larry McIntosh, president and CEO of Peak of the Market. “The program has been an outstanding success, promoting good nutrition and the fight against childhood obesity, providing schools and daycares with a popular and healthy fundraising option, and supporting our Manitoba farmers.” In September this year, 220,000 pounds of vegetables were sold, raising more than $100,000 for participating schools and daycares. Lots of logistics are required, especially to fly-in northern communities, however this template has been so successful that it’s likely to be repeated elsewhere in Canada.

INTERNATIONAL BREEDING

PRICING

PROCESSING

MARKETING

FOOD SAFETY

Red-fleshed apples sold in U.K.

U.S. cider prices spike

Frozen up, canned down

Non-GMO labeling for potato chips

Kroger stops sales of bean sprouts

A rare variety of red-fleshed apple is now on sale to Tesco’s customers in the U.K. Aptly named Raspberry Ripple, the apples have been bred by a Worcestershire fruit tree specialist. The naturally-occurring variety was discovered by chance growing in an orchard near Hereford nine years ago and has been developed by Tenbury Wells-based fruit tree nursery Frank Matthews Ltd. Raspberry Ripple adds to Tesco's existing line-up of 21 British apple varieties. Supermarket buyer Gill Getty, said: “Not only do they look amazing but, as the name implies, they have a hint of a raspberry flavour to add to their generally tangy, sweet flavour.”

The Great Lakes states are scrambling for apples to press into cider. “Apples used for fresh apple cider are scarce and prices have risen,” says Jim Allen, president, New York Apple Association. “Since only picked apples from the tree are used for apple cider – and drops from the ground are not – the availability for cider apples is limited.” Prices have spiked to as much as $7 for a gallon of the fall nectar. Some on-farm marketers have shifted to half gallons for $3.99 this year, compared to $2.99 a year ago. Processing apples were costing as much as 25 cents per pound at the start of the season.

Processors in the Netherlands are eyeing new competitors from Poland, Spain, and even Morocco. For example, Poland produced more frozen foods in June, 2012 – about 34,000 tons or 85 per cent. That’s more than in the corresponding month a year ago. Hortica’s Ben Messouad agrees that costs are lower in those countries, but that tighter quality control and food safety regimes in the Netherlands will matter to consumers. He also cites the importance of logistics. Rijko’s Marcel van Rijsingen notes that while consumption of canned food is down, frozen foods have filled the gap. The industry is shifting to France, not because cultivation is cheaper but because there’s a critical mass of processors.

Kettle Brand is the first potato chip brand to earn a Non-GMO Project verification for 16 of its potato chip flavours. According to the company, this furthers the brand promise of using only natural ingredients, non-GMO oil and potatoes, and no trans fats, MSG or preservatives. “For over 30 years, Kettle Brand has been focused upon providing great taste, naturally, and for our consumers this means investing in Non-GMO verification and labeling,” said Marc McCullagh, brand manager for Kettle Brand. The company has been working with the Non-GMO Project since 2009. The new packaging is expected on store shelves by January 2013.

U.S. grocery giant Kroger is voluntarily stopping sales of fresh sprouts, concerned about its liability in cases of Salmonella, E. coli or Listeria contamination. Each of these organisms has been implicated in 46 U.S. outbreaks between 1990 and 2010, with Salmonella the most frequent culprit in 37 situations. “After a thorough, sciencebased review, we have decided to voluntarily discontinue selling fresh sprouts,” Payton Pruett, Kroger’s vice president of food safety, following Walmart’s move in 2010. The Kroguer ban includes Mung bean sprouts, which are often used for Chinese-style stir fry dishes and alfalfa sprouts, most commonly used to garnish sandwiches.

Source: FreshPlaza.com

Source: PotatoPro.com

Source: FreshPlaza.com

Source: NutraIngredients.com Source: FreshPlaza.com

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PAGE 4 –– NOVEMBER 2012 THE GROWER

CANADIAN GREENHOUSE CONFERENCE

Trade show spotlights new technology and products KAREN DAVIDSON The trade show floor was humming with Dutch, French and English accents as the Canadian Greenhouse Conference

welcomed 2390 exhibitors and attendees in early October. Whether you’re a greenhouse grower or not, there’s a wealth of learning that can be applied in many sectors. Here’s a roundup of new technology and products.

A prototype robot was demonstrated at the Canadian Greenhouse Conference by John Van de Vegte, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. Photo by Kathryn Goodish.

Robotics - What was once a revolution in the auto industry, may soon take centre stage in agriculture. Robotics can replace manual labour as well as repetitive tasks with more precision and without compromising quality. That’s the hope of John Van de Vegte, project manager for robotics and automation with Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. He demonstrated a prototype at the Canadian Greenhouse Conference with tulip bulbs as the example. A robotic arm can precisely plant or harvest, programmed with highly sensitive vision and gripping systems. The technology can interpret various types of light, distinguish depth of field and recognize different shapes and sizes. Once the prototype is complete in 2013, it’s to be tested in floral greenhouses and a mushroom farm. If successful, the project will then be scaled up for different uses across the horticultural sector. High-tunnels - The effects of climate change are forcing more growers to seek ways to control everyday weather variables. More

market gardeners are adopting tunnels, says Harry Edwards, sales and service rep for Haygrove Tunnels. “Low-cost systems are available at the entry level,” he says. “As your business grows, you can scale up.” Asparagus is the latest vegetable crop to be tested. Early results show more shoots per crown, and if moisture is controlled, a second harvest can be encouraged. Cornell University along with Michigan State University and Kansas State University are now

well-known centres of tunnel growing expertise. Soft fruits such as cherries and raspberries can be profitably grown under these structures with dwarf rootstock and high-density plantings. With more extensive systems, rain gutters can keep rain from saturating the ground and causing cherries to split. A couple of grape growers near Lancashire, Pennsylvania are experimenting with grapes under covers. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

ADVERTORIAL

P.E.I bale processor expanding across Canada and U.S. When Paul Fox of Double R Manufacturing first started developing a more flexible and portable bale processor for the livestock market, he had no idea it would find the following in Canada’s strawberry and vegetable fields or land recovery operations. “I wasn’t aiming for these markets,” explained the company president, recalling the day a P.E.I. strawberry grower entered his shop, raving about how well the BeddingPro worked at spreading straw mulch in his berry fields. “I was scratching my head, trying to figure out what this guy was talking about.” Now, the Crapaud, P.E.I. - based company for the bale processor, which conveniently fits onto a rear or front-mounted three point-hitch. The bale processor has developed quite a following in Canada and the U.S. Claude McCardle of P.E.I. purchased his bale processor ten years ago after contracting out his straw spreading to the operator of a large-scale bale processor. “Contracting out didn’t work very well,” recalled McCardle, who grows about eight acres of strawberries plus raspberries and low-bush blueberries at his farm called the Berry Patch. He went on a hunt for a straw spreader that could be powered by his 50 horsepower tractor, and he discovered the Double R model. “That’s the big advantage. I didn’t have a very big tractor and with those big bale busters you require at least a 90 horsepower tractor.” McCardle, whose farm is located just outside of Charlottetown near Mount Stewart, described his bale processor’s coverage as perfect. “It basically unrolls the bale as it was originally baled up and

shreds it. And you can control both the speed of the bale as it rolls out and your forward speed.” He also is very pleased with the ease of operation of the bale processor. “I can do it myself, no other labour is required.” This is in stark contrast to the amount of labour McCardle used to require when he operated a small square bale processor. “You had to follow the machine and there

sor in the near future. For now, the farm spreads all of its mulch manually, hand rolling round bales down the rows and spreading with hay forks. Fox has spread the word about his product farther afield. Eight years ago he traveled to Ontario with his proto-type, providing a field test in a Guelph-area berry field. About 10 - 12 growers from as far away as Ottawa viewed the test, which lasted about

were two guys sitting there looking at you all the time.” Ralph Stirling, production manager of Stirling Fruit Farms, had an opportunity to use the Double R machine on his family’s Wolfville, N.S. area operation last year, mulching straw onto the farm’s eight acres of strawberries. “Of all the bale processors I’ve tried, this one worked the best,” he said. “Most chop too fine or don’t have even coverage. Sure, it takes a little practice but this one worked great.” Stirling hopes to purchase a bale proces-

two to three hours. By the end, “everyone was happy,” said Fox. “Every grower does something different; a different thickness, a different speed.” Over the course of the test, Fox made adjustments to his bale processor, easily accommodating the demands of the assembled growers. Fox explained that many growers are impressed with the coverage his bale processor provides. With one round bale equaling approximately the amount of straw found in 18 small square bales, many of the assembled growers explained they can get eight inches of coverage over 500

feet from 18 square bales. Using this bale processor, Fox achieved an eighth-inch coverage over 1,500 feet using one round bale. “It sheds and fluffs,” he said. “That’s what impresses them the most; the bale goes so much further.” Recently Paul took the BeddingPro to shows in Ontario in Niagara Falls, Tillsonburg, Woodstock and the Canadian Plowing Match. It’s been ten years since building the first BeddingPro and sales are very good and the popularity is growing. We are proud to offer a wellbuilt and reliable Canadian product at a fraction of the cost of other bail processors. The BeddingPro is designed to fit on tractors with a minimum 40 horsepower engine, making it ideal for both large and smaller growers. It is relatively compact with a size of five-and-a-half square feet and has a base weight of 1.000 pounds. Fox explained the small size allows it to work in small spaces with little head room, such as under netting or ginseng shade. The machine is also being designed to keep the dust, often associated with bale processing to a minimum. Fox said the company has developed attachments such as V in and V out options, self-loading options and a bottom fan delivery attachment which will allow a 50’ spread out both sides. A side delivery attachment is in development. These attachments will allow the shredder to be more versitile and meet all of the needs and requirements of livestock growers, poultry producers and for crops like strawberries, blueberries, ginseng and vegetables and land reclamation. For information, call Paul Fox at 1-888658-2088, email beddingpro@gmail.com, or visit www.doublermanufacturing.com.

NOVEMBER 2012 –– PAGE 5 THE GROWER

CANADIAN GREENHOUSE CONFERENCE

Trade show spotlights new technology and products CONTINUED FROM LAST PAGE White varieties such a Riesling have been safe bets, but red grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon might have a better chance with an extended season. Since 2006, Mike Bilton of Red Jacket Orchards has been using high tunnels at his Geneva, New York location. He started with two acres of covered cherries, apricots and plums. “I can see some advantages with cherries because the tunnels protect against rain cracks and control birds,” says Bilton. “But I don’t see any benefits in terms of coaxing an earlier season.” One of the downsides is that the plastic filters out ultra-violet rays which are responsible for colouring the fruit. That said, he continues to research dwarfing rootstocks in cherries under a tunnel system. “Tunnel systems are not for every grower,” he says. “They take resources to manage vents, drip irrigation and fertilizer.” Crop protection – What’s new in crop protection? Natural Insect Control, based in Stevensille, Ontario has introduced a beneficial insect called Gaeolaelaps gillespiei to control fungus gnats and thrip pupa in greenhouse cucumbers. Engage Agro is introducing Phostrol, a fungicide for prevention of downy mildew in grapes, potatoes and berries. The product has a new mode of action, ideal for integrated pest management, says Bob

advanced chlorine dioxide treatment. According to Brian Sutton, this treatment system results in pathogen-free water, improves algae and pathogen control of root rot fungus, mold and powdery mildew. Clean emitters and clean pipes provide consistent water flow, and clean cooling pads reduce microbes and improve energy efficiency. In hydroponic environments with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and lettuce, the system is effective at a low dose rate. Treatment of recirculating water can eliminate the risk of cross-contamination that can spread root and plant diseases. For main water systems, a continuous low-dose treatment prevents the growth of biofilm, improving availability of plant nutrients. And for treating surface water sources, the system can be mounted on a fixed or portable trailer to treat up to 5,000 gallons per minute of water flow. Chlorine dioxide can be used with other disinfectants such as chlorine without affecting its performance. Chemically speaking, it should not be confused with chlorine. There is no chlorine in chorine dioxide. Sutton explains that chlorine dioxide can be used in spray bars, packing house dump tanks, ice injectors or hydro-coolers, as well as whole irrigation systems, recirculation water and waste water treatment.

New products are available to prevent downy mildew and powdery mildew in grapes. Photo by Denis Cahill Hamilton, product manager. It’s a foliar spray that’s absorbed into the plant, so that it has a residual effect to prevent disease getting established. A spray program costs about $12 to $14 per acre. Downy mildew was a problem in eastern Canada during the 2012 season. Another introduction is Regalia Maxx, a biological extracted from giant knotweed. It protects grapes against powdery mildew. Its new mode of action, induced systemic resistance, kickstarts the plant’s immune system so that the walls of the leaf tissue thicken. “Think of it as a vitamin to keep

the plant protected,” says Hamilton. Any new foliage that emerges will need protection, so it’s conceivable that six to eight sprays might be needed over the season at a cost of $18 per application per acre. This product is designed to be used with other products, as a tank mix or alternate spray. Water sanitizer – Water sourcing, water treatment, water recirculation. All of these issues are top-of-mind to keep produce pristine and free from microbial contamination. N. M. Bartlett, Inc., based in Beamsville, Ontario is now marketing an

New Ne w drought drought o tolerant tolerant a vvariety ariety pr p proves oves

the value valu ue of genomics geno omics research res search breediing programs programs to develop varieties with breeding favourrable traits for commercial commercial production. producction. favourable Beecause of its similarity to naturallynaturallyyBecause occurrring mechanisms, this approach approach iss not occurring consid dered genetic modification and new neew considered varietiies can move through through the regulatory regulatoory varieties processs more more rapidly. rapidlyy. process Th his past summer, summer, Vineland Vineland researchers researchers This successsfully demonstrated proof-of-concept proof-of-con ncept successfully reverse genetics platform with their th heir first for thee reverse target trait – drought drought tolerance in petunias. petun nias. The target petuniia is one of the world’’s top two ornamental ornamental petunia horticu ulture crops crops and a major cr op for Canada’s horticulture crop greenh house floriculture floriculture producers. producers. oducers greenhouse Th his was merely merely the first in a huge range r This of possib bilities that the reverse reverse genetics platform plaatform possibilities horticulttural could bring to a wide range of horticultural crops. Others have now seen this potential poten ntial and crops. are choosing choosing to invest in the technology. technologyy. So far, far, are more than t research funds have h more $600,000 in research in nvested by a combination of industry indu ustry been invested groupss and government government granting agencies agencies that groups includ des, Ball Horticultural Company, Companyy, Ontario O includes, a Vegetable Veegetable Growers’ Growers owers’ Association, Associatioon, on Fruit and Ontariio Greenhouse Greenhouse Vegetable Vegetable e Growerss and the Ontario Growers Ontariio Ministry Ministry of Agriculture, Agriculture, Food and a Rural Ontario Affffairss. Investment in this project project has also allso been Affairs. provid ded by Agriculture Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada provided througgh the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Adap ptation through Prograam. In Ontario, this program program is delivered deelivered Program. Council. by thee Agricultural Adaptation Council. Noow w, V ineland’s researchers researchers are are developing developing Now, Vineland’

new populations of petunias, p impatiens, tomatoes and pepper rs with target target traits that peppers include reduced reduced inpu ut requirements, requirements, gr eater input greater str ess tolerance and improved i impr oved consumer appeal. stress The application of sp pecific genetic technologies specific to cr eate a unique reverse reverse e create genetics platform will lead to plant var rieties, such as the drought drought varieties, tolerant petunia, tha are tailored tailored to regional regional thatt are gr owth conditions ass well as those with broader broader growth inter national appeal. international V ineland is an in ndependent, not-for-profit not-for-profit Vineland independent, or ganization, funded d in part by Growing Growing organization, For ward, a federal-p provincial-territorial Forward, federal-provincial-territorial initiati e initiative.

Vineland’ss Applied Genomics Vineland’ Genom mics Lab

A new plant variety h has been developed at the Vineland Research h and an nd Innovation Centre Centre that can survive without for a longer out water w period of time. The plant lantt was produced produced using an exciting new reverse technology se genetics g that Vineland researchers herss are are now applying to horticultural crops such succh as tomatoes and peppers with the potential ntiaal for many more. more. The science of genetics neticcs is rooted rooted in the observations of Gregorr Mendel, a 19th century M century Austrian monk who recorded ecorrded how certain traits were inherited in pea plants. plan nts. This classical or “forward” approach h to genetics starts with observing traits or characteristics araccteristics in order order to identify the genes or DNA sequences that D are responsible. Reverse works in se genetics g the opposite direction, n, using ussing DNA sequence information to understand stan nd or influence characteristics of the whole whoole plant. Reverse genetics has only o become possible in recent years with the of highhe development d tech, inexpensive DNA A sequencing seequencing technologies and the resulting explosion osioon of information linking DNA sequencee too gene function. function Vineland researchers havee used this approach approach to develop a unique platform latfform technology that mimics the natural variation riation that happens when single mutations occurr in n the plant’’s DNA. Researchers can then identify iden ntify a single plant amongst thousands byy targeting targeting specific gene sequences known to influence nflu uence certain traits. This new, unique plant nt can caan then be used in

Dr. Dr r. Daryl Somers Somers

T H E

I N N OVAT I O N

R E P O R T

T H E I N N O VAT I O N R E P O R T

PAGE 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NOVEMBER 2012 THE GROWER

APPLE COUNTRY

Bleak apple harvest in Great Lakes basin causes price spike KAREN DAVIDSON

Photos by Glenn Lowson

This seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bleak Ontario apple harvest is mellowed by humour. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a little better than we thought,â&#x20AC;? says Tom Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill, general manager, Norfolk Fruit Growersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maybe six per cent rather than five per cent of a normal harvest.â&#x20AC;? The Simcoe-Ontario packinghouse would normally be humming in midOctober but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost idle with just a trickle of apples in the wash tank. McIntosh, Empire and Red Delicious were hurt the most by the late April frosts.

Gala, Golden Delicious and Spy varieties fared better. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill says they will be lucky to keep lines packing until Christmas. For members of the cooperative system, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a double whammy. The 10 grower members have lost almost all their 1,200 acres of farm production and as well, any returns from the cooperative. Together, they represent about 10 per cent of Ontarioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apple harvest. Michigan state was also hit hard, with estimates of 10 per cent of a normal crop. New York State is under 40 per cent of normal. That leaves a huge hole in eastern

0 - Means that figures are not currently available. Date of report: July 27, 2012 SOURCE: Provincial Producer Organizations. * variety added in 2012 by BC, previously included in Other Late

Canada, even with average crops in Quebec and Nova Scotia. In the Annapolis Valley, the apple harvest is expected to mirror last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s with about 2.2 million bushels. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have quite a few microclimates and different soil conditions, but the quality is reported as being good and colour is high,â&#x20AC;? says Dela Erith, executive director, Nova Scotia Fruit Growersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association. The nitty-gritty of how the apple harvest is playing out is captured in estimates gathered by the Canadian Horticultural Council earlier this summer. (See chart below.) CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

British Columbia debuts Salish apple

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Salish apple. Just like the entertainment business, the new Salish apple is an overnight success. The tangy, juicy and very crisp apple is a hit with consumers at the University of British Columbia Apple Festival. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also been one of the most tested since it was crossed between â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Splendourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Galaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cultivars in 1981 at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre in Summerland, British Columbia. Not only does Salish have high quality appearance, texture and flavour, it also meets the stringent criteria of growers with its late harvest date, good storage and shelf life, high yields and ideal growth habits for high-density orchards. It was developed using traditional cross-pollination methods by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) researchers in partnership with the Okanagan Plant Improvement Corporation (PICO). "With already 15 orchardists committed to growing the Salish, we look forward to having increased production year after year," stated John Kingsmill, general manager and CEO of PICO. "This delightful apple holds the promise of being one of the best.â&#x20AC;? The Salish will be available in limited quantities in the Greater Vancouver Area and Kelowna this fall.

NOVEMBER 2012 –– PAGE 7 THE GROWER

APPLE COUNTRY

Bleak apple harvest in Great Lakes basin causes price spike CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 From a North American perspective, most of the apple crop is grown on the west coast and shipped to the densely populated areas of the east. Until recently, Washington state was expected to deliver a bumper crop at 127 million packed boxes. But hailstorms have resulted in a downgrade to 109 million boxes. O’Neill says that means more fruit will be diverted to processing, but it remains to be seen if the crop can be put in the bin given labour shortages. The entire apple chain is still looking for fruit to retain customers. For operations such as Chudleighs, Milton, Ontario, it’s been a tough summer searching for product. Known for their apple blossom product, an individual serving of baked spiced apples wrapped in pastry, the business employs two shifts working six days a week. Three-quarters of supply have been sourced in Ontario, with the remainder in New York state confirms Tom Chudleigh. “We’ve been securing our supply by paying cash to growers,” says Chudleigh, who says this season has been the most

Organic apples will cost a bunch for a crunch With light apple crops in several regions across North America, Washington state is reaping the rewards with its crop. That’s clearly the case with organic apples as reported by Addie Pobst. She’s the lead on sustainability, organic integrity and food safety for CF Fresh, a sales agent for organic growers of apples, pears and stone fruit on about 11,000 acres. “Prices are very strong,” says Pobst. “The high-demand varieties such as Honeycrisp are commanding $70 to $75 per bushel. That’s up from the high 50s, low 60s of a year ago. Prices do vary according to variety, but certainly the Honeycrisp example highlights the upwards trend. Some of these organic apples make their way to major Canadian cities, where consumers will be paying a premium for their crunch. Despite these stratospheric prices, Pobst says she’s not seeing a trend towards more organic certification. “It’s quite an investment to transition from conventional orchards to organic over three years,” she says. “The last few years have not been banner years for the economy, so growers will want to see at least another year of returns before feeling comfortable in increasing acreage.”

“Our wholesale prices are up 47 per cent from last season at this time on bagged apples. At the retail shelf prices are holding about where they were this summer when apples were in short supply. We did not see the normal price adjustment for new crop as our supply did not warrant it. There have also been fewer apple ads this fall due to the limited supply.” ~ Tom O’Neill, Norfolk Fruit Growers’ Association The total impact of apple shortages won’t fall until next year says Tom O’Neill, general manager, Norfolk Fruit Growers’ Association. stressful in 52 years of apple growing. Spy apples that sold for 19 cents a pound last year are now going for 30 cents per pound.

“Growing next year’s crop will be expensive,” he predicts. “Next August, September and October will be the real crunch when growers need to pay airfares to get their offshore workers to pick.” O’Neill agrees that the apple story is yet to play out. “The really tough time will be next summer,” he says. “That’s when there

will be no cash flow and all the inputs will be required to protect the crop.” On an optimistic note, his cooperative members are reporting a good set of fruit buds for next year. It all depends on a more normal winter and spring. But these days, no one knows what normal weather is anymore.

It’s Time To Get Moving! Deadlines for the Business Development for Farm Businesses’ Growing Your Farm Proﬁts program are approaching fast. Claims for all cost-sharing projects must be submitted by January 15, 2013. If you have attended a Growing Your Farm Proﬁts workshop, you need to complete your Action Plan and have it reviewed to be eligible for these cost-shared advisory opportunities.

Advanced Business Planning (ABP)

Start by September to meet January 15 claims deadline.

Business Plan Implementation (BPI)

Start by September to meet January 15 claims deadline.

Farm Financial Assessment (FFA)

Start by November to meet January 15 claims deadline.

Agricultural Skills Development (ASD)

Start anytime to meet January 15 claims deadline.

Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your farm business and enhance the long-term viability of your farm. Go to www.ontariosoilcrop.org/costshare or contact your local OSCIA rep for more information.

PAGE 8 –– NOVEMBER 2012 THE GROWER

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?

Two countries, two strategies for blueberry business KAREN DAVIDSON No story emanating from Abbotsford, B.C, is complete without understanding how IndoCanadians have helped shape its success. Immigrants from India in the early 1900s helped to clear brush and make the land amendable to vegetables and berries. Today, Bar Hayre can point to the courage of his great-grandfather, a Punjabi farmer who was part of that pioneering wave. His history also explains the openmindedness in seeking growth in another country. Hayre and his wife Aman manage 40 acres of blueberries on Zero Avenue in Abbotsford, B.C., literally looking out their window to the U.S. It’s no surprise, then, that their proximity to the border would result in the purchase of a 146-acre farm in Everson, Washington just minutes from the Sumas crossing. “It’s all about the economics,” says Hayre, referring to the U.S. “Land costs are cheaper, input costs are lower and there’s more skilled labour.” Access to labour If the theme of labour is familiar to horticulture, then it’s repeated many times by Hayre. “I would challenge anyone to spend a day on my farm and not appreciate that our work requires skilled labour. Pruning is a prime example of one of the most important tasks during the year.

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Skilled pruners are in high demand, starting in January and February each year. Pruning is an acquired skill, demanding an understanding of how each plant is growing. “Every plant has its own puzzle,” explains Hayre. “If it’s pruned wrong, it won’t produce well. If it’s pruned correctly, it will be a healthier plant and produce well.” Like many farmers in the Fraser Valley, he started out in the raspberry industry but has transitioned his farm to blueberries. As a past chair of the Raspberry Industry Development Council, he is very aware of the global competition in the berry sector. Access to the newest chemistry Harmonization of crop protection products stands tall on Hayre’s list of competitiveness issues, a point he often makes as a member of the Canadian Horticultural Council executive. “It makes no sense that we’re not allowed to use crop protection products that are used in the U.S. Their fruit ends up in our marketplace in Canada and our fruit ends up in their marketplace. We

With his parents Gurmit and Manjit still involved, Bar Hayre and his wife Aman work full-time on Canadian and U.S. blueberry operations. don’t have access to the newest, most efficient chemistries.” Brigade, for example, is a very effective insecticide against wee-

vils, but it’s not yet available in Canada.

Access to markets Currently, both his Washington state and British Columbian farms sell blueberries into the U.S. market. In an effort to diversify his customer base, Hayre is pursuing a direct-to-consumer strategy in British Columbia. Just in the last year, he’s branded his operation as Mirage Blueberries – a combination of his daughters’ names of Mira and Genna. To ensure that he can provide his customers with a consistent

“

It makes no sense that we’re not allowed to use crop protection products that are used in the U.S.” ~ Bar Hayre and top-quality product, he’s invested in polygrow tunnels, covering eight acres of blueberries to extend his season and protect the fruit from adverse weather conditions. Growing early-to late-maturing varieties of Duke, Bluecrop and Elliott under drip irrigation, he’s betting on better prices at the farmgate. Farmers in California have succeeded with this system, but Hayre admits that the technology is not easily transferable to the different climate. He still sees a learning curve ahead for blueberries. The blueberry industry is a very competitive sector all around the world. Hayre is hoping that transitioning part of his sales to the farmgate will prove to be a win-win for his family farm and customers.

NOVEMBER 2012 –– PAGE 9 THE GROWER

MEDIA WATCH

Tainted beef, tainted industry? KAREN DAVIDSON A month after XL Foods’ beef recall, this story still bleeds ink. Already, it’s a case history of how not to manage a crisis. It’s also a cautionary tale for the horticultural industry. If the Canadian Food Inspection Agency shuts down your operation for bacterial contamination, who are you going to call? Will you have confidence in your plant manager? Your testing lab? Or will you place a panicked call to your lawyer? How long will it take to make a statement to the media in your front lobby? A food safety crisis is like a heart attack. You have minutes, maybe a few hours to get the right assistance. Any fault lines in your operation will be laid bare by the scalpel of public scrutiny. And it will be very painful – for your operation, for your sector, for your industry. Despite no deaths, the XL E. coli story has played out much more negatively than the Maple Leaf Listeria crisis. Here’s why. American inspectors flagged the problem first. The union president made himself available to the media. The company at Brooks, Alberta didn’t take responsibility for weeks. Eventually, the federal

A Canadian Food Inspection Agency employee, left, looks on as branded beef product from the XL Foods cattle processing plant is dumped at a landfill site near Brooks, Alberta. Photo reprinted by permission Jeff McIntosh, The Canadian Press. agriculture minister took limited questions at a news conference. The Alberta premier allowed photo ops on a cattle ranch, defending the integrity of the beef

industry. But at ground zero, where was XL Foods? The Globe and Mail’s health reporter Andre Picard has been particularly harsh. On October

23, his story’s headline read: Bad meat is your problem. He wrote a blistering critique of a Health Canada news release that suggested all that consumers needed to

do was cook their meat properly. Picard: “The government’s clear message on tainted beef is that the interests of business matter more than the health of the consumer.” This is not the kind of media any industry wants. By abdicating initial responsibility, the company allowed both provincial and federal governments to fill the vacuum. And the messaging got muddied indeed. So take an hour – or a day -with your staff to review crisis plans. To make it real, estimate the costs of being out of business for a day, a week or a month like XL Foods. Your investment in crisis management training will pale beside those costs. Don’t let the news photographers record how a million pounds of fresh produce have been sent to the landfill. On October 23, XL Foods let that happen with their beef. And the headline was? Meat dumped to restore consumer trust. For links to stories, google Globe and Mail, Oct 23: When it comes to food safety, why is Ottawa letting us fend for ourselves? National Post, cover story Oct 23: This beef could be saved, but its image is cooked

PAGE 10 –– NOVEMBER 2012 THE GROWER

Let the people eat local food

MAC JAMES CHAIR, OFVGA

So far it has been a very interesting year in the fruit and vegetable industry to say the least. Prices for local fruit, etc. have been very good with reduced supply due to spring frost. Many vegetable prices have trended lower due to sufficient or over supply either locally or worldwide. Without any major adverse weather or production problems anywhere in the world, it shows how vulnerable we as producers are to the law of supply and demand.

Premier McGuinty’s comments regarding spending an extra $10 dollars per week on locally produced food and the benefit it would be to Ontario producers. With the proroguing of the current session of the Ontario legislature, the Local Food Act and the Great Lakes Protection Act both died on the order paper. Whether they will reappear and in what form in the future remains to be seen. At least members of the horticultural community are more aware of the issues the

As reported previously, water samples have been taken for testing to support the movement of waste water issues from the Ministry of the Environment to the Nutrient Management Act under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. This will simplify the requirements and reduce costs. The first round of tests have come back inconclusive so more work is required to get a definitive answer. It was gratifying to hear

people of Ontario are contemplating. We must never stop promoting the benefits of local food production to our fellow Ontarians.

Does the whole answer lie in innovation?

ART SMITH CEO, OFVGA Much has been said and written about the recent signing of Growing Forward 2(GF2) and specifically the cuts to Agri-Invest and Agri-Stability. There is more to the story however, and the specifics of which still need to be worked out. I am referring of course to the bilateral discussions regarding the non-Business Risk Management (BRM) components of Growing Forward 2. The cuts to the BRM components of GF2 were done to

save the federal government approximately $250 million annually which will result in total provincial savings of a further $166 million. The federal government however, has committed to putting $80 million of those savings into the non-BRM component of GF2. This will mean that the provinces will then add approximately $53 million into the non-BRM programs as well. This represents a 50 per cent increase to this part of the program. The governments are clearly targeting innovation and competitiveness as the way forward to a prosperous agriculture and agri-food sector. So at the end of the day what does this mean to the farmer? The first and most obvious is the reduction in support that the governments, at least through this program, are prepared to give to farmers in times of need. The counter side however is the hope that through innovation, cost-cutting, differentiation and better pricing that the farm community

is that new innovation brings financial reward to those who first adapt but after widespread adoption, prices fall as the economic benefits of the new innovation becomes the norm and get priced into the sales equation. The market will no longer reward the innovator -- it simply punishes those who fail to innovate. The problem with GF2 is not in the dedication of more dollars to the non-BRM component but rather the reduction of support dollars in the BRM component. Whether we like it or not, agriculture is highly subsidized around the globe and as long as this continues, sound support systems are going to be required here in Canada as well. The U.S. is looking at a trillion dollar farm bill over the next ten years and I can guarantee you that Canadian farmers will not be immune from the impact of that. Innovation, as essential as it is, cannot be hoarded or hung on to by a few to reap its financial benefits. It gets shared or adopted and often in a global manner and

will not require the same level of safety net programming. It has been no secret that the government(s) have been questioning the success of the older programs when the cost of these programs hasn’t declined. I have heard it argued that cash to the farmer doesn’t work as they(the farmers) keep lobbying for more! In a sense I can understand their argument but is this the solution? With regards to innovation it is of course extremely important and I am proud to say that farmers are among the most innovative of any group of people in the world. If we are to remain in business then new and innovative systems must be discovered and adopted, just as we have for hundreds of years. What has changed is the speed at which new innovation will occur and we must adopt these new and better ways at an ever increasing pace. Will this ensure prosperity for the sector? The answer to that is no but failure to keep up will certainly mean an unsustainable future. What is often forgotten I believe,

with that the benefit shifts to the consumer. In a world of global trade, one without protective barriers, price will remain king. Commodities by definition are non- differentiable and that will drive the price you get for your product to the lowest price. Innovation, as important as it is, cannot protect you from that reality. Long term the market will not reward you for being innovative - it simply destroys you if you are not. I believe that Growing Forward 2 was targeted as a way of saving the government money; it is not the entire answer to the long term sustainability of the agriculture sector. So, hooray for the investment in research and innovation but thumbs down to the reduction in farm support in times of need. Hold on it may well be a very bumpy ride when some commodity prices turn south. For what it’s worth, it’s the way I see it.

Carrots or cars: choose your economic driver

ADRIAN HUISMAN ONTARIO TENDER FRUIT PRODUCERS

In the October issue of The Grower, Karen Davidson wrote an article on the front page worth reading. It includes comments on a recently released report by the Alliance of Food Processors (AOFP) that highlighted the food and beverage industry (of which horticulture is an integral component) as a key economic driver. The report shows almost 127,000 processing jobs in agriculture compared to motor vehicle manufacturing at 31,500 jobs. I believe this report is worthy of note and provided great information which we in agricul-

ture need to hammer into the heads of our elected officials and the Canadian population in general.

In the report, Steve Peters, executive director of the AOFP and former ag minister ,also states that the sector generates $38 billion in revenues with $1.3 billion in tax revenue for the federal government, $858 million for the provincial treasuries and $78 million for municipal coffers. The report goes into further depth but just using the above numbers should hit a nerve and should offer a glaring example of the importance of Agriculture and Food Processing to the economy of Ontario.

Direct Employment by the Processing Sector: 126,946 - Food & Beverage Manufacturing 89,993 - Agriculture 31,500 - Motor vehicle manufacturing (2009) 21,162 - Electrical equipment, appliances and components Economic Drivers:

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

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

The Grower reserves the right to refuse any advertising. Any errors that are the direct result of The Grower will be compensated at our discretion with a correction notice in the next issue. No compensation will be given after the first running of the ad. Client signature is required before insertion. The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association is the sole owner of The Grower. All editorials and opinions expressed in The Grower are those of the newspaper’s editorial staff and/or contributor, and do not necessarily reflect the view of the association. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced either whole or in part without the prior written consent of the publisher. P.M. 40012319

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

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

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

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

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

OFVGA SECTION CHAIRS Crop Protection Research Property Labour Safety Nets CHC

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

NOVEMBER 2012 –– PAGE 11 THE GROWER

PERSPECTIVE Inventiveness: part of the DNA at University of Guelph

OWEN ROBERTS UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH A great deal of creativity -expressed in new inventions, technology and knowledge – needs to come out of an institution for it to be awarded the lofty title of Canada’s most inventive university. But think it through, and you’ll arrive at the conclusion that for a lot to come out, a lot must go in, too, in the form of funding and partnerships, to fuel inventiveness. And it must keep on coming,

to keep that inventiveness buoyant. Funding is an important input for inventiveness. Universities need funds to hire the people and purchase the equipment and supplies that help drive and support research activity and accomplishments. Vibrant research universities attract great faculty and top students. Both groups are drawn to the excitement new knowledge brings to a campus. New knowledge has a ripple effect when shared with society. In Ontario, pretty well everyone benefits from the knowledge created by research. For better food, health, water, communities, you name it, research touches everything. One invention can serve millions. Recently, a report on university innovation surfaced from a Toronto-based science and technology-related consulting company called the Impact Group. For Guelph, the report contained groundbreaking news – the university, it said, is Canada’s most inventive university. Guelph ranked first in the

LETTER TO EDITOR Ka-ching! Dear Editor: It’s important that we provide correct information relative to Peter Chapman’s Retail Navigator column in the last issue of The Grower. He refers to farm markets. The correct terminology is “farmers’ marWhen Ontario agriculture minister Ted kets”…where a group McMeekin toured the Byward Market in of farmers set up a Ottawa, he visited with Dianne Rochon in marketplace in town early October. Photo courtesy OMAFRA. for shoppers to visit. A farm market is just that than at supermarkets because we . . . a market at the farm…not a sell freshness, local, a chance to collection of farmers selling meet the farmer, a place to together in town. socialize and to support that He mentions that no one community institution. knows how much product is sold Sales at Canada’s 550 plus in farm (sic) markets. It’s a well- farmers’ markets exceed $1 bilknown fact that sales at Ontario’s lion with a national economic 175 farmers’ markets exceed impact of $3.5 billion! $700 million annually and that our economic impact on Sincerely, Ontario’s economy is almost $2.3 Robert Chorney billion. Executive Director Finally, he mentions that Farmers’ Markets Ontario prices are lower at farm (sic) markets. This is not the case at all! Our prices are usually higher

number of inventions per faculty and in the number of inventions in proportion to research funding, which sits at about $150 million. It was an eye opener, not to mention poetic justice, considering Guelph has gone noticeably uninvited to the table of a clubby group of Canadian research-intensive universities, known as the U15, bent on lobbying governments for more support. Basically, they say if you don’t have a medical school, you can’t compete in the big leagues of research. However, that’s simply not true. Guelph disproved that decades ago, and it’s done it again now. The Impact Group study shows Guelph is way out in front of the rest of the country. Queen’s and the University of Victoria were a distant second and third. Efficiency was a key measurable on this study. At Guelph, it takes about $1 million to produce one disclosure. That’s less than any other university, by far. At

the University of Toronto, for example, that figures climbs to $6.5 million. The key to Guelph’s efficiency is agriculture. Support from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is pivotal to Guelph’s effectiveness as a research institution, and for its standing in the Impact Group study. Farming and food processing have now become the leading sector of the Ontario economy, and the smooth transition of ministry-sponsored research from lab to field to fork is key to its success. It's been that way for ages, giving Guelph a solid infrastructure to ensure major societal, environmental, economic and production challenges are being addressed. Applied research and knowledge transfer to users is what Erin Skimson, director of the university’s Catalyst Centre, calls “part of the DNA at Guelph.” Researchers connect with government and industry partners; the Catalyst Centre’s

role is to work closely with researchers and industry to help move inventions to market efficiently. Seed germplasm constitutes a large proportion of the invention disclosures received by the Catalyst Centre. For the most part, inventions are readily transferred to industry for application, and the impact is massive for the institution and – particularly -- for the agri-food sector. For example, ministry-sponsored research has returned more than $10 million in germplasm royalty revenues since the late 1970s. Transferred to industry, that germplasm has spawned more than $170 million in seed sales and $2 billion-plus in crop sales. These figures show how research underpins the economy. And as the economy continues to recover in these fragile times – perhaps made even more fragile with the premier’s recent departure -- investing in research is even more essential for inventiveness to grow.

PAGE 12 –– NOVEMBER 2012 THE GROWER

OFVGA

COMING EVENTS 2012

Board briefs October 2012 Following are highlights from the OFVGA board meeting held October 18, 2012. The purpose of this brief is to keep you up-todate on the issues that the OFVGA is working on, as well as projects and initiatives the organization is involved in. Labour Section chair Ken Forth reported rates for the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program will remain consistent with the current year in 2013. SAWP officials are working with Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) to streamline the Labour Market Opinion documents required from growers to hire workers through this program. Moving forward, HRDC will administer the program out of Simcoe, ON for all Canadian provinces except Quebec. Forth also advised that contrary to media reports, SAWP guarantees foreign workers on the program the same wages that Canadians doing the same jobs would receive. Crop protection Section chair Charles Stevens reported the Regulatory Co-operation Council is meeting in Ottawa to discuss crop protection harmonization with PMRA on October 24. Harmonization is expected to be a very significant game changer in the crop protection industry and it is important that growers are represented during this process. OFVGA is working to make changes to the GROU program so that more products can be approved for inclusion in the program. This includes increasing the length of time a product stays on the approved product list from two years to five. The review of Linuron, a herbicide used in production of carrots, potato and onion, is underway as an initiative of the PMRA. Response to a request for input has been excellent from all segments of the sector. Research and controls into invasive species, including Spotted Wing Drosophila and Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, are ongoing. Both pests are expected to cause significant damage to fruit and vegetable crops as they become more

prevalent. Safety nets Section chair Mark Wales reported the OFVGA safety nets committee met by conference call on September 24 regarding the redesign of the provincial Risk Management Program and SelfDirected Risk Management (SDRM). The agreed-upon sectoral allocations for the program funds - $100 million per year will remain in effect for three years; horticulture’s share is 23 per cent plus the first two million of unspent funds annually. All sectors will cover their own administration costs from their allocations. Agriculture ministers signed the multi-lateral agreement for Growing Forward 2 in Whitehorse on September 14. The new framework includes changes to AgriStability and AgriInvest, as well as new investments into new non-Business Risk Management programs that support innovation. Industry consultations will be ongoing over the next few months as to what Ontario programs should be funded and to what levels. Property Section chair Brian Gilroy reported that water continues to be a front-burner issue as the sector’s request to be regulated through the Nutrient Management Act is being debated within government. The wildlife damage to horticulture crops survey being conducted by Susan Fitzgerald will be wrapping up in the very near future. All sectors are encouraged to provide input. Ontario’s Local Food Act was introduced this fall and is one of the acts that have been affected by the proroguing of the legislature announced recently by Premier Dalton McGuinty. Research The next round of research priority setting meetings held in conjunction with Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC) is planned for February 2013. Participants will be asked to consider longer term views on how to grow the fruit and vegetable sector and commodity organizations will be asked to

submit their top five priorities for discussion at the meeting. Funding for Erie innovation and Commercialization will expire in March 2013. Efforts are underway to determine how the initiative could be funded moving forward. Since its inception in 2009, Erie has been involved in a lot of ongoing projects, including creation of new grower associations for lavender and south coast wineries, moving forward with development of a hazelnut industry in Ontario, and work on accessing the marketplace and possible opportunities for growers in supplying the broader public sector. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced earlier this year that it will be closing its research station in Delhi. It is the principal centre for ginseng research in Canada; considerable minor use work for edible horticulture also takes place here. A steering committee is working on seeking alternative uses for the station.

November 1 Ontario Harvest Gala, Ballroom, Delta Hotel, Guelph, ON Nov 2 – 11 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, ON November 4 – 8 Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association Annual Bus Tour, Chicago area. For details: www.ontariofarmfresh.com November 8 10th Annual Ontario Pest Management Conference, Victoria East Golf Club, Guelph, ON November 9 Ontario Produce Marketing Association Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony, Liberty Grand, Toronto, ON Nov 20, 21 Essex County Associated Growers 62nd Annual Bounty of the County Trade Show, Kinsmen Recreation Complex, Leamington, ON Nov 21

Fresh Vegetable Growers of Ontario Annual General Meeting, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, Rittenhouse Hall, Vineland, ON

Nov 22

Eastern Ontario Local Food Conference, “Collaborating for Success,” University of Guelph Kemptville Campus, Kemptville, ON

Nov 23

Vanden Bussche Irrigation, New Headquarters Open House, Delhi, ON 1 – 4 pm

Nov 30

Outstanding Young Farmers Competition, Delta Prince Edward Hotel, Charlottetown, PEI

Dec 4-6

Great Lakes Expo, Devos Place Convention Center, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Canadian Horticultural Council CHC and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association will be in Ottawa at the “Fall Harvest Event 2012” this fall. This is industry’s opportunity to impart public policy and raise awareness amongst politicians on horticulture’s issues, including health, food safety sustainability, financial risk management and the Regulatory Cooperation Council. Award of Merit

December 5 Ontario Potato Board Annual General Meeting, Holiday Inn, Hall C, 10 am, Cambridge, ON 2013 Jan 14 – 16 Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association Annual General Meeting, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Niagara Falls, ON Jan 11 – 27 Niagara Icewine Festival Jan 21 - 24 Empire State Producers’ Expo, Oncenter, Doubletree Hotel, Syracuse, NY

OFVGA is accepting nominations for its Industry Award of Merit, presented yearly at the annual general meeting in January. The award is OFVGA’s way of recognizing the outstanding contribution made by an individual or organization to Ontario’s fruit and vegetable industry. This recognition may include the strategic leadership, technical input, and/or the dedication. Information is available at www.ofvga.org. Nominations are due November 30.

Jan 24 – 26 Pacific Agricultural Show and Horticultural Growers’ Short Course, Abbotford, BC

The next OFVGA board meeting will take place Thursday, November 15th, 2012 at the OFVGA office starting at 9:00 a.m.

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the FRESH VEGETABLE GROWERS OF ONTARIO will be held in the Town of Vineland Station at the

Jan 28 – 30 North American Strawberry Growers’ Association and North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association Annual Conference, Doubletree by Hilton Inn, Portland, Oregon

NOTICE OF MEETING

Vineland Research & Innovation Centre Rittenhouse Hall Wednesday November 21, 2012 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m Election of directors of the Association will take place plus discussion of financial reports and any other business that may arise. Pre-registration is required, registration forms and additional meeting details can be located on FVGO website www.freshvegetablesontario.com/

NOVEMBER 2012 –– PAGE 13 THE GROWER

CANADIAN HORTICULTURAL COUNCIL

Financial protection for produce sellers advances The Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) action item: Financial Protection for Produce Sellers continues to move forward. At the Bilateral Working Group meeting held in Montreal on September 26 the Legal Sub-Working Group presented the Fresh Produce Alliance report: Securing Payments and Regulating Business Practices for the Canadian Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Industry. The key recommendations to bring resolution to the longstanding

issue of establishing a made in Canada “PACA-like” regime are • Create tools that provide financial protection for produce sellers in the Canadian marketplace where buyers default on payments in both solvent and insolvency situations (deemed trust) • Create a single licensing and arbitration system for dealers of fresh produce in Canada, thus creating the basis

for an orderly system that will align Canada’s trading practices with those of the U.S. An updated report and presentation will be delivered to the North American Trade Committee meeting in Anaheim on September 25, with the final report to be presented to the Regulatory Cooperation Council Working Group on November 1.

CHC responds to proposed re-evaluation of linuron The PMRA has proposed to discontinue all uses of linuron in Canada (PRVD2012-02). Its own pesticide sales data from 2008 indicates that linuron represents 0.1 to 0.2 per cent of the total quantity of agricultural pesticides sold in Canada. CHC has vigorously responded with the following data. Pesticide use surveys conducted by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs over the 20-year period 1988-2008, reported that linuron use overall has declined nearly 12-fold during this period. This decline is almost entirely attributed to decreased use in soybeans, likely resulting from the introduction of imazethapyr (1991) and glyphosate-tolerant soybeans (1996). In 2008, 82 per cent of linuron used in Ontario was applied to vegetable crops (including potatoes), highlighting the importance of this active ingredient to this sector. The Canadian Potato Council (CPC) surveyed provincial organizations on the importance and use of linuron in potatoes in Canada. It reported that: • Between 37 and 41 per cent of the total potato produc-

tion in Canada is treated with linuron; • Use of linuron is higher in eastern Canada and BC (40 to 100 per cent treated); • Use of linuron in western Canada is overall lower, but is of critical importance for specific uses; • Linuron provides control of a broad spectrum of annual grass and broadleaf weeds that are frequent and abundant across Canada; • Linuron controls specific, frequent weeds for which there are no alternative herbicide options in potatoes; • Variety sensitivity/intolerance of important varieties to metribuzin was consistently identified across Canada as a significant concern, as linuron is the only herbicide of practical use in these varieties; • Management of Group 5 (traizine/triazinone) resistant weeds which are widespread in eastern Canada was identified as an important role of linuron in potato production. For further details or to receive a copy of the CHC submission, please contact David Jones (djones@hortcouncil.ca) or Craig Anderson (canderson@hortcouncil.ca)

Invasive alien species: Technical Working Group chairs named The Spotted Wing Drosophila TWG will be co-chaired by Tracy Hueppelsheuser (Entomologist, Plant and Animal Health Branch, BC Ministry of Agriculture) and Leslie Cass (AAFC Pest Management Centre). The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

TWG will be co-chaired by Hannah Fraser (Entomology Program Lead – Horticulture, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs) and Ian Gardiner (AAFC Pest Management Centre). The CHC’s Craig Anderson will provide secretariat support.

The Technical Working Groups will have an opportunity to refine their respective mandates as outlined in the current Terms of Reference for the Coordination Group. A one-half day symposium dedicated to invasive alien species, specifically the spotted wing drosophila (SWD) and

brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), will be co-host by the CHC and the Pest Management Centre in conjunction with the CHC’s AGM on the morning of Tuesday, March 13, 2013 at the Westin Ottawa.

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PAGE 14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NOVEMBER 2012 THE GROWER

RETAIL NAVIGATOR

XL Foodsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; beef recall causes waves throughout food industry

PETER CHAPMAN One thing that keeps the leadership in the food industry awake at night is food safety. There are many other challenges they face,

however food safety is often beyond their control and one issue can be devastating. The massive recall of beef items from XL Foods has had an impact on every major food retailer from coast to coast. There are many things about this that should have the entire food industry concerned. â&#x20AC;˘ Initially, American inspectors at the border detected the problem. This should have been detected at the plant. â&#x20AC;˘ Media reports indicate that test results were several days late or never delivered to CFIA inspectors. â&#x20AC;˘ CFIA inspectors appear powerless when the company does not meet its commitments.

that food safety practices were not being executed properly. â&#x20AC;˘ It is days or weeks before XL Foods accepts responsibility. We should have learned more from the Maple Leaf experience. These unfortunate incidents should always be a wake-up call for everyone else in the food industry, not just the beef industry. Check and re-check your processes, your reporting, and all parts of your food safety program. We have a responsibility in the food industry to deliver safe food and your relationship with your retail customers will be so much better if you meet and exceed the food safety expectations. Apparently the legislation will be changed but too late for the peo-

ple who have gotten sick. â&#x20AC;˘ Media reports also indicate

Seasonal programs can drive your sales The number one objective for the retailer with seasonal programs is to drive incremental sales. Early execution is one important factor. Consumers get excited about the items and sometimes buy two or three times. If your house is like ours, you already have Halloween candy, which could or probably will get eaten before Halloween! The early execution increases consumption and delivers dollars into the cash register. Costco brought this early set up to the market and other retailers have learned from this philosophy. Another tactic to deliver the

sales is the extra items to support the season. Most people will plan to buy Halloween candy but not many have Halloween dĂŠcor on the shopping list. Some well-merchandised dĂŠcor items will add sales and profit to any retailer. The customer is happy because they do not need to make a second stop. The retailer is happy because they kept the consumer from going elsewhere and losing the opportunity to pick up some other item on sale. Event merchandising, such as Halloween makes shopping more interesting for the consumer. If you are going to work with your retail customers on events, you

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need to plan well in advance. Make sure you understand their time lines. For some events you will need to plan as far ahead as 12 months. If there are supporting items to be part of the program, they probably come from off-shore suppliers, which require a long lead-time. Also remember that the retailers must determine the quantities of product for each store, plan it in the supply chain systems and create merchandising direction for the stores. There is a lot of work to plan these programs properly. Too much or too little stock is a big problem. It is important for retailers to

deliver some incremental profit with the seasonal programs too. When you are determining items that could be part of a program, you should strive to provide a cost that will give them a retail price slightly higher than the category margin. One of the nice things about seasonal programs is the chance to create different sizes, add value, or move the consumer to a more premium item. All of these should be opportunities for the supplier and the retailer to make some extra profit. Keep in mind that retailers will use some key items to drive traffic. This means they will reduce

the price to get people in the door. If you have items that will accomplish this, make sure you build your program with this in mind.

Are you ready for SAP? Any time a retailer goes through a system change or implementation you need to know what is happening as it will impact your business. The retailers depend on systems to do many things in their businesses. It is the only way they can manage tens of thousands of SKUs in thousands of stores and service hundreds of thousands of customers. For the last few years Loblaws have been working through the implementation of SAP. The first warehouse and stores will go live in Newfoundland shortly. Once the test stores and warehouse are functioning properly, the roll out will continue. If you are a supplier to Loblaws or any other retailer going through this, you need to understand what you can do to be ready as well. Loblaws will require suppliers to provide information for listings in a different format, so you need to be prepared. Peter Chapman, a retail food consultant and professional speaker, is principal of GPS Business Solutions, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Peter works with producers and processors to help them navigate through the retail environment with the ultimate goal of getting more items into the shopping cart. pchapman@gpsbusiness.ca.

NOVEMBER 2012 –– PAGE 15 THE GROWER

FOCUS: SEED AND ROOTSTOCK

Promising new potato varieties for the Ontario market EUGENIA BANKS Selecting suitable varieties is an essential first step in any successful potato operation. Varieties must not only suit the intended market but must also be well adapted to local growing conditions. Hundreds of varieties are available to potato growers, but as few as 10 probably account for 90 per cent of the Ontario acreage. The goal of potato breeders is to develop new varieties that are attractive, high yielding and pest resistant in the traditional classes: table-stock, processing and/or specialty markets. This is no small task and involves the following strategies: • Use improved potato germplasm to reduce the impact of economically important potato pests. • Evaluate advance breeding lines for yield, quality, and pest resistance at multiple locations. • Conduct commercial trials of advanced potato breeding lines to facilitate the adoption of new varieties. • Provide relevant information on the performance of new potato varieties to potato growers, crop consultants and extension personnel. It usually takes plant breeders 12 to 15 years to develop, evaluate and release a new potato variety. Variety trials in growers’ fields are extremely important for breeders and growers. It is the final test for a variety. New varieties may perform very well in a

Beljade

Red potato ND 8555-8

certain production area but they might not do well in a neighbouring area due to different growing conditions such as microclimate and soil type. This is the case of the variety Shepody that grew very well in the Shelburne area but did poorly in the Alliston area. The distance between these two areas is only 30 km! In 2012, new varieties released by several breeding programs were evaluated in trials conducted in growers’ fields in Shelburne, Delhi and Grand Bend. Many of these new varieties did not perform well, but a few got good reviews by growers based on

yield and appearance. This past season was tough due to the hot and dry weather. Varieties that performed well are good candidates to become commercial releases in Ontario. In Shelburne area, Clearwater Russet was the best performer. The yield was close to 300 cwt. It is a medium-late variety with oblong to long tubers that have medium russet skin and shallow eyes. It sets eight to nine tubers per hill and is resistant to scab. According to the Potato Variety Management Institute which is the agent for this variety, the tubers exhibit excellent fry colour

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out of storage and their attractiveness make this variety suitable for both processing and fresh market usage. Clearwater Russet is also notable for having higher protein content than standard potato varieties, 38 per cent higher than Russet Burbank. Once a variety performs well in the field, it needs to be evaluated in storage to complete the variety profile. At this point, I can say Clearwater looks promising for the Ontario market. In the Delhi area, the potato selection ND 8555-8R -- a round, red-skinned selection with white flesh -- did very well. Maturity is medium to full season. The Simcoe-Delhi area was hit hard by the hot, dry weather this past summer. A potato selection that performs well--does not develop off-shaped tubers, growth cracks or second growths--is very promising for that area. Unfortunately, it is susceptible to

scab. I have grown ND 8555-R for three years and it stores very well. Skinning is not a problem as long as it is not dug for at least 14 days after topkilling. ND 8555-8R was developed in North Dakota. It appeared in the 2012 list of seed potatoes certified in Maine. Therefore seed should be available for the 2013 season. In the Grand Bend area, Beljade, a high yielding, oblong, white variety was outstanding. It did not develop off-shaped tubers, second growth or growth cracks. It has some tolerance to scab. Storability and after-cooking darkening are factors to be determined. This variety has been available from La Patate Lac St. Jean since this past spring. Eugenia Banks is OMAFRA’s potato specialist.

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PAGE 16 –– NOVEMBER 2012 THE GROWER

FOCUS: SEED AND ROOTSTOCK

Maturing industry narrows focus on grape varietals that perform consistently KAREN DAVIDSON A maturing grape industry is geared for growth, buoyed by increasing sales of Ontario VQA wines and a successful Cool Climate Chardonnay conference this past season. The proof is in the planting of new vinestock says Wes Wiens, VineTech Canada. “We’re seeing lots of new plantings,” says Wiens, from his Niagara-on-the-Lake nursery. “Pinot Gris and Chardonnay are hot right now.” Hybrid plantings are also increasing to fill the demand for affordable $10 to $12 wines. A

Wes Wiens in his Niagara-on-the-Lake nursery. Photo by Denis Cahill

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lot of new brands have been launched to appeal to the youthful category, encouraging a new generation to forsake beer in favour of fun wine brands. “For this segment, it’s not so much about the variety as the taste,” says Wiens. “We’ve seen large growth in this category in Ontario.” With an excellent Ontario harvest just finished, growers are assessing plantings for 2013. “Everyone is in planting mode,” says Wiens. “I’m encouraged that growers and wineries are choosing varieties that produce consistent quality in our climate.” Just back from a trip to France, he notes there’s a shortage of nursery stock globally – a fact that’s encouraging VineTech Canada to grow another 15 per cent in the coming year. Part of that growth has been fuelled by the acquisition of International Viticulture Services in Grimsby. With this acquisition VineTech Canada has welcomed a sales representative in both British Columbia and Nova Scotia to the team. While B.C. and Ontario are currently the largest markets, both Quebec and Nova Scotia are expanding. One of the most exciting ventures is overgrafting, a technique that intrigues growers in B.C. and Ontario. This entails taking a mature vineyard, for example a 15-year-old block of variety x, and grafting it to variety y. “You can save one year before being back into production,” says Wiens. Still new to Canada, this technique is in the trial stage to make sure that vines will overwinter. If successful, the technique would preserve old root systems and not incur the costs of replanting or retrellising. With the grape industry enjoying its moment in the sun, Wiens senses new enthusiasm. He’s now researching the opportunity to develop new varieties for high-quality table grapes.

NOVEMBER 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PAGE 17 THE GROWER

FOCUS: SEED AND ROOTSTOCK

Siegers Seed Company strengthens its presence in Canada

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Above are a few examples of cucumber and sweet corn varieties offered under new seed lines carried by Siegers Seed Company. Siegers Seed Company has acquired two new dealerships to represent in Canada. First is Abbott and Cobb which offers new choices in sweet corn, pumpkins and peppers. The most recent addition is a Seminis dealership, offering a wide variety of products, including their newest releases of Performance Series sweet corn and downy mildewresistant cucumbers.

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PAGE 18 –– NOVEMBER 2012 THE GROWER

FOCUS: SEED AND ROOTSTOCK

Row-crop technologies are changing how vegetable seeds are bred

Bambelo

KAREN DAVIDSON Syngenta is not a company synonymous with seeds. And yet it’s now number three globally – after Monsanto and DuPont -- by virtue of acquisitions. The Swissbased company is merging its platforms in crop protection with seeds and biological pest control. Routinely, the tools of biotechnology – marker assisted selection – are used to narrow the search for germplasm that meets both grower and consumer needs. Look no farther than the Canadian Greenhouse Conference where Syngenta showcased its newest offerings: Harmonia peppers as well as Bambelo and Sweetelle grape tomatoes. All are conventionally bred. Growers in Leamington, Ontario and Delta, British Columbia are likely familiar with the new entrants because trials are run by its distributor, MGS Horticultural Inc. In fact, trials are operated around the world in all the leading greenhouse areas. “The Bambelo and Sweetelle grape tomatoes have unmatched flavour and eating experience,” says Sean Knapp, head of Syngenta’s vegetable portfolio, North America. “From size and taste to long shelf life, these

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tomatoes meet all the needs.” The new pepper variety, Harmonia, is noteworthy for its disease resistance as well as texture, fruit wall thickness, colour and overall appearance. Growers want boxy, strongshouldered peppers. Syngenta, historically known for its redcoloured varieties, is now introducing orange and yellow varieties so that growers can offer an assortment in tri-colour packages. Trial testing includes leading edge consumer research on the attributes of flavour which Knapp says go beyond measurement of brix. Characteristics of aroma, acidity and sweetness all affect perception of flavour. Syngenta is also offering two new cucumber varieties – Bomber and Monroe – that will flourish specifically under high-light and low-light growing conditions. What’s the next frontier in the greenhouse industry? “It’s not light, it’s water,” says Karel Boickmans, an expert for a Netherlands-based biological control system. Earlier this fall, he told The Grower that Dutch researchers are working towards better use of the precious resource in greenhouse systems. The notion of optimizing water is just being commercialized for

row crops such as corn and soybeans. It’s a concept coming to the greenhouse industry anxious to claim sustainability in the face of a number of water issues. It’s not surprising then that Syngenta is developing germplasm that can maintain plant and leaf size under stress, while helping plants to produce proteins. The company launched its Artesian hybrid technology in corn just last year, a technology that was severely tested in this season’s drought. But what if greenhouse plants could be bred to be more optimum users of both water and fertilizer? That’s the next focus of research. Beyond the greenhouse industry, the company is also active in field vegetables. As recently as August, its cucurbit seeds (squash, melon and open field cucumber) were offered with a standard on-seed application of FarMore F300 technology which

contains three components for fungal disease control. Growers have an option to add an insecticide component. If growers prefer seed with no pesticide components, an untreated seed version is available. Cucumber seed varieties such as Diomede and Constable are treated with three different but complementary fungicides protecting against Pythium, Fusarium and Rhizoctonia. The

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NOVEMBER 2012 –– PAGE 19 THE GROWER

FOCUS: SEED AND ROOTSTOCK

Clean seed program for garlic reduces production costs LILIAN SCHAER Research funded through the Farm Innovation Program (FIP) has shown that using bulbils rather than cloves after tissue culture to remove pathogens can make the production of pathogenfree seed stock for the Ontario garlic industry much more economical. As part of the three-year project, researchers John Zandstra and Becky Hughes of the University of Guelph looked at adapting techniques used in California’s clean seed program to Ontario’s climate and garlic varieties. They evaluated how

many bulbils a typical garlic plant can produce, as well as their size and how quickly they grow. They also investigated differences in row spacing to determine the best planting density for the bulbil seeds to produce a consistent crop of seed stock. Field research was conducted in Ridgetown as well as in a lab setting in New Liskeard. Data from two years of research showed a typical Music variety garlic plant could produce 200 to 300 bulbils, making it very efficient at reproduction. Medium-sized garlic bulbs tended to produce a higher proportion of larger bulbils, which means growers do not have to save their

Oriental Vegetable Seeds

largest bulbs for topset production. Zandstra and Hughes found a two-inch spacing of the bulbils – which are about the size of a grain of wheat - ideal for producing uniform seed stock. It has been difficult to get the

tissue-cultured plants to produce bulbs in the greenhouse. Using bulbils increases seed production, resulting in reduced production costs, says Zandstra. When using bulbils, an additional year in the field is required to produce a mar-

ketable garlic bulb, so a typical garlic bulb containing six to eight cloves could yield up to 64 plants in two years, whereas using the vegetative bulbils increases this to approximately 200 plants. “The cost of seed material is reduced by using bulbils,” explains Zandstra, adding that work is still underway to develop better propagation techniques for tissue-cultured garlic in greenhouse environments. More information on this research is available from the Garlic Growers of Ontario. To listen to an audio interview with John Zandstra on this project, visit www.adaptcouncil.org. The Farm Innovation Program (FIP) was funded in part through Growing Forward, a federalprovincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of several Growing Forward programs in Ontario.

Disease resistance differentiates tender fruit rootstock Korea Green - F1

KAREN DAVIDSON Black Pearl

Szechuan Red

Dan Fong

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

It’s a long haul to develop rootstock, so whenever new cultivars arrive, growers are receptive. For 2013, Mori Nurseries is introducing Geneva apple rootstock that’s immune to woolly apple aphid, resistant or immune to fireblight and resistant to crown rot. It’s also very cold hardy and tolerant to replant disease says Rob Haynes. The Geneva rootstocks were

THINKING OF SEED, THINKING OF SEMINOVA

developed by Cornell University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. Trials throughout North America have demonstrated per acre productivity and tree yield efficiency, benchmarks that are similar or better than current commercial standards of M.9 or M.26. Krymsk rootstocks which originate in Russia, near the eastern shores of the Black Sea, will be of interest to growers growing stone fruit, especially those increasing acres of nectarine. Krymsk, from the prunus germplasm collection, is available for almonds, apricots, peaches, European and Japanese plums and nectarines. Haynes says it adapts to a broad range of soils, especially

those too wet for Bailey’s. As a faster maturing tree with a longer tree life, Krymsk also offers a spreading root system. This provides superior anchorage and drought tolerance. Fruit size and yield are improved. Haynes notes that the Krymsk 1 is 50 to 60 per cent of standard size, making it ideal for high-density plantings.

Krymsk 1 roots with European plum grafted on top.

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PAGE 20 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NOVEMBER 2012 THE GROWER

FOCUS: SEED AND ROOTSTOCK

Ontario tender fruit tree survey: densities continue to increase KEN SLINGERLAND, HORTICULTURE CONSULTANT AND PROJECT COORDINATOR The tree fruit survey for tender fruit crops was completed in spring of 2012. The last complete tender fruit survey was conducted in 2009. This information is critical for the Ontario fruit industry, as it provides an accurate acreage overview and identifies trends with variety distribution and age of trees. This information assists shipper-dealers and the marketing board in production peak and gap analysis. Without this knowledge, marketing programs become challenging and less effective. A total of 357 growers were contacted in the province with 321 replying for a 90 per cent response rate. Currently there are 258 commercial tender fruit growers in Ontario, down 99 growers and 72 per cent of the total for 2009.

Goldrich apricot Apricots â&#x20AC;˘ Number of trees are up from 8,615 to 11,698 â&#x20AC;˘ Goldrich, Harcot, Veecot and Harojoy are the main cultivars â&#x20AC;˘ 38.1 per cent of the trees are between 4 to 9 years of age â&#x20AC;˘ The main ripening peak is August 1 to 7

Highlights of the 2012 report There were several changes from the last report published in 2009. The tender fruit industry has seen many challenges that have changed the production of tender fruit. Growers removed large quantities of processing peaches and pears traditionally destined for the processing market after the Cangro plant closed in 2008, and have either replanted to fresh market varieties or other crops. Overall, the number of total trees is down by 7.5 per cent from 2,053,433 to 1,900,281 trees. The crops that showed a decline in the numbers of trees were: Processing Peach (-46.4%), Sweet Cherry (-17.4%), Pear (-17.4%), Total Peach (-9.1%), Japanese Plum (-4.6%), Fresh Peach (-3.0%) and Sour Cherry (-1.0%). Crops with increases in the number of trees were: Apricot (+35.8%), European Plum (+21.4%), Nectarine (+6.8) and Total Plum (+4.4%). Overall, the number of acres was reduced from 11,192 acres to 10,063 acres, a drop of 10.1 per cent. The tree density increased slightly from an average of 183 to 189 trees per acre as the trend to plant more trees per acre continues to increase. Overall, the number of total trees is down by 7.5 per cent from 2,053,433 in 2009 to 1,900,281 million trees in 2012, however, the number of trees is very close to the plantings in 1986 (Figure 1). Overall, the number of acres was reduced from 11,192

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Figure 3

Valor plum

acres in 2009 to 10,063 acres in 2012, a drop of 10.1 per cent (Figure 2). Tree densities however continue to increase as the trend to plant more trees per acre continues. Fresh Market Peaches still dominate the overall number of trees (%) produced by the Ontario tender fruit industry (Figure 3).

Plum European â&#x20AC;˘ Number of trees increased significantly 21.4 per cent from 47,373 to 57,504 â&#x20AC;˘ Valor, Italian, Vanette and Valarie are the main cultivars â&#x20AC;˘ 54.0 per cent of the trees are between 1 to 7 years â&#x20AC;˘ The main ripening peak is September 18 to 24 (Valor)

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NOVEMBER 2012 –– PAGE 21 THE GROWER

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PAGE 22 –– NOVEMBER 2012 THE GROWER

North American Berry Conference

Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) research in Ontario OMAFRA STAFF SWD is a new pest and we have a lot of questions about how this insect will behave in Ontario fruit crops. Fortunately there is a great deal of research underway across North America which will help us learn how to monitor SWD and how to manage it economically. OMAFRA specialists are working with colleagues in Canada and the U.S. on projects, sharing information across borders. It is important that stakeholders be connected to these projects as your input and comments will help keep these projects relevant to the needs of Ontario fruit growers.

PROJECT TITLE

PROJECT TEAM

All roads lead to Portland! In January 2013 the stars line up to give you an opportunity to attend several major berry, agricultural and marketing events in one trip. The North American Strawberry Growers Association (NASGA) and The North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association (NARBA) will combine their meetings for a joint conference Jan 28-30th 2013, in Portland Oregon, just prior to the North American Direct Farm Marketers Association. This special conference is in the heart of a major berry production region. The host hotel, in downtown Portland, is the Doubletree by Hilton, with a rate of only $79/night, an excellent rate for a top-notch full-service hotel. Here’s how the schedule works: Sunday, January 27 – Opening reception, board/committee meetings. Monday, January 28 – All-day tour, including farm, processing, nursery, and research sites. Tuesday January 29 and Wednesday, January 30 – Joint Conference of NARBA and NASGA, with joint plenary sessions and several tracks of educational breakouts. You can also plan to take in

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

Development of a reporting Hannah Fraser, Leslie Huffman, Pam • Coordination of monitoring of SWD across Ontario. and management program for Fisher, Denise Beaton, Margaret • Development of a real-time reporting system so growers can spotted wing drosophila Appleby, Janice Leboeuf, Wendytrack the distribution and activity of SWD in Ontario on-line. McFadden Smith, Melanie Filotas, Agriculture Development Branch, OMAFRA

three other great events: • The Pacific Agriculture Show and Horticulture Growers Short Course : Prior to the Portland Berry Conference, Jan 24-26, in Abbotsford, British Columbia http://agricultureshow.net/ Includes programs for berry growers. • The Northwest Ag Show, also in Portland, runs January 29-31, so NARBA and NASGA attendees can catch this leading regional show on Thursday, January 31 after the conference. www.nwagshow.com/ • Then, the North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association holds its conference, also at the Double Tree in Portland, on February 1-6, starting with overnight tours that will travel throughout the region. www.nafdma.com/PNW2013/ Hold the dates and start making plans to come together in Portland! To Register: North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association: www.raspberryblackberry.com/in dex.cfm. North American Strawberry Growers Association, info@nasga.org, 613-258-4587

SOURCE OF FUNDING Ontario Berry Growers’ Association and Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association, in part through Growing Forward (Farm Innovation Program (FIP)), a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of several Growing Forward programs in Ontario.

Enhanced monitoring and management of spotted wing drosophila, an invasive pest of soft skinned fruit in Ontario

Project lead: Dr. Rebecca Hallet, University of Guelph Project Team: Hannah Fraser, OMAFRA, Tara Gariepy, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Rose Buitenhuis, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

• Develop enhanced methods for monitoring SWD including an OMAFRA / U of G Research Program improved lure. 2011/2012 (Production Systems Plants: • Develop action thresholds that support IPM, learn more about Plant Protection) the early season population dynamics of SWD in Ontario. • Identify crops and wild hosts most likely to support SWD early in the year. • Develop molecular identification tools. • Assess the presence of endemic parasitoids that may utilise SWD as a host • Develop novel pest management methods that can be used in both conventional and organic production systems (push-pull or lure-infect systems).

Life history and seasonal movements of the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, in a multi-crop setting

Dr. Rose Buitenhuis, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre; Hannah Fraser, OMAFRA

• Study spotted wing drosophila (SWD) life history and seasonal Niagara Peninsula Fruit and Vegetable movement between overwintering sites, alternative hosts and Growers Association crops in Niagara. • Provide industry with knowledge on local SWD occurrence, biology and behaviour which is essential to predict outbreaks and to develop more effective control methods.

Threat assessment for the spotted wing drosophila (SWD) in Southern Ontario

Project lead: Dr. Jonathan Newman, University of Guelph Project team: Dr. Megan Rua, University of North Carolina, Denise Beaton, OMAFRA

• Conduct a threat assessment for SWD in southern Ontario. • Perform spatial and temporal analysis of monitoring data for southern Ontario and the surrounding U.S. states. • Modify and refine a threat assessment model developed for the western United States and apply it to Ontario climates now and expected for the next 30 years. • Develop a phenology model that can be used to assess and predict the number of generations per year that the SWD can complete in and when it establishes and how these predictions vary geographically.

OMAFRA / U of G Research Program 2011/ 2012 (Emergency Management); Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

NOVEMBER 2012 –– PAGE 23 THE GROWER

BERRY GROWER

Choosing a berry variety for Ontario Many factors go into decisions about what varieties to plant. All varieties have strengths and weaknesses, which make them more or less suitable for certain sites. Before choosing a variety consider location, soil type and intended market. Each year a team of researchers, growers, OBGA representatives and OMAFRA specialists, meet to discuss performance of berry varieties in Ontario and to suggest varieties which might be suitable for trial. We use the following definitions to group varieties as suited for general planting, limited or regional planting, or something to try on a small scale. General Planting - Well-known varieties of proven performance and market value. Grow well in most locations but not necessarily

the best variety for all locations. Limited/Regional Planting These varieties have value but should be limited in extent of planting. Some may have proven valuable in trial plantings and warrant further commercial experience. Others may be adapted to a specific region or be useful only for selected markets. Trial Planting - These are promising, newer varieties for Ontario which require further testing to establish their commercial value.

Species

General Planting

Limited/Regional Planting

Trial Planting

Blackberry

Blueberry

Chester Thornless Illini Hardy Triple Crown Bluecrop Duke

Bluejay Blueray Elliot Jersey Patriot

Currant, Black

Currant, Red

Aurora Bluegold Draper Huron Liberty Northblue

Ben Alder Ben Sarek Titania Red Lake

Rovada

Gooseberry For additional detail see: Variety descriptions: Strawberry: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/eng lish/crops/facts/strawvar.htm Variety descriptions: Raspberry: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/eng lish/crops/facts/raspvarc.htm

Invicta Hinomakki Red

Raspberry Black

Jewel

Raspberry, Fall bearing

Autumn Britten Polana

Heritage** Polka

Anne (yellow-fruited) Caroline** Joan J Josephine Himbo Top

Sap beetles in strawberries

Raspberry, Red Summer bearing

Boyne

DAVID MULLER, STUDENT ASSISTANT, (OMAFRA UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROGRAM)

Killarney Nova Prelude Reveille Royalty (red-purple) Titan*

Chemainus** Cowichan** Encore Glen Ample Tulameen)***

Strawberry, June bearing

For pickyour-own and retail markets

Brunswick Cabot Governor Simcoe Mira Mohawk Sable Sapphire Wendy

Donna L’Amour Laurel Record St. Pierre St. Laurent Summer Dawn Summer Rose Summer Ruby Valley Sunset

Albion

Portola San Andreas

Strawberry growers are sometimes perplexed by the presence of round, small, deep holes in the side of strawberry fruit. Occasionally, small dark beetles can be found inside the hole. This damage is typical of injury caused by sap beetles. Sap beetles are a common problem in New York, Ohio and Michigan, but not often in Ontario. In 2012 however, this pest caused some significant damage. Identification Several species of sap beetles can cause damage to strawberries. These include the common picnic beetle (beer bug), the strawberry sap beetle and the dusky sap beetle. When identifying these beetles, an important feature is the presence of knobbed antenna which is common among all sap beetles. The strawberry sap beetle adult is the smallest of the three at about three mm long, and is irregularly marked with shades of

brown. Slightly larger is the dusky sap beetle at just over three mm in length and dull black. The picnic beetle is around six mm in length with four orange spots on its back. Larvae of all three are off-white with three pairs of legs near a brown head.

Cavendish Kent

Annapolis Jewel

Habitat and life cycle Sap beetles overwinter in woodlands and also around raspberry canes and blueberry bushes. However, they do not appear to overwinter in strawberry fields. Beetles emerge from overwintering sites when strawberries become ripe in the spring and are most active when temperatures are more than 16°C. Feeding occurs mainly on over ripe and damaged berries but strawberry sap beetle damage is also commonly seen on ripe, otherwise marketable berries. Eggs are laid in the soil near damaged fruit, but occasionally in partially consumed fruit. This allows the larvae to feed for about one week, after which they return to the soil to pupate and mature into an adult sap beetle. Three weeks after eggs are deposited the beetles are mature.

Strawberry, day-neutral

Seascape

*Extremely susceptible to Phytophthora root rot and/or crown gall. Should only be grown from tissue-cultured plants on raised beds. ** Southwestern regions only *** greenhouse production only Damage Strawberry sap beetle adults damage fruit by feeding their way into ripe strawberries leaving a small round hole that may extend deep into the berry. This type of injury may be confused with slug injury if the slime trail left by slugs is not clearly visible. Picnic and dusky sap beetles commonly feed on damaged fruit, although the dusky sap beetle will lay eggs directly into undamaged sweet corn when populations are high. Although strawberry sap beetles

Table 1: Characteristics of sap beetles in strawberries Picnic Beetle (Glischrochilus quadrisignatus)

Strawberry Sap Beetle (Stelidota geminata)

Dusky Sap Beetle (Carpophilus luqubris)

6 mm long

Less than 3 mm long

3 mm long

Colour and other Black with 4 orange spots on features. back, knobbed antenna, full length wing covers, 1-2 generations per year

Mottled brown, knobbed antenna, full length wing covers, 1-2 generations per year

Dull black, knobbed antenna proportionally shorter wing covers, 3-4 generations per year

Damage

A primary invader feeding on ripe and over ripe strawberries especially those touching the ground

A primary invader in sweet corn, typically a secondary invader feeding on previously damaged and over ripe fruit and vegetables

Size

For pickyour-own

Typically a secondary invader feeding on previously damaged over ripe fruit and vegetables, can be a primary invader of ripe raspberries, and sweet corn

Figure 1: Comparison of sap beetle adults, from left to right, Strawberry Sap Beetle, Dusky Sap Beetle (unconfirmed) and Picnic Beetle (6 mm) are primarily of concern to strawberry growers, this beetle is known to feed and reproduce in cherries, blueberries and raspberries as well. Management Sap beetles are difficult to control using insecticides and treatment may be impractical as the beetles feed on berries that are ready for harvest. Some broadspectrum insecticides used for tarnished plant bug may provide temporary suppression of sap beetles. However, multiple applications of these insecticides could

Figure 2: Larvae of sap beetle, full size approx 3 mm. result in reduced populations of beneficials such as wasps that parasitize the strawberry sap beetle, and beneficial mites that feed on spider mites. Sap beetles are best controlled by picking all ripe and overripe fruit on a regular basis. Destroy or bury discarded berries and other waste fruit and vegetable materials to reduce feeding opportunities for sap beetles.

PAGE 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NOVEMBER 2012 THE GROWER

BERRY GROWER

Shade covering tested for use in blueberries access. Side benefits are to mitigate damage from heavy driving rains which can beat fruit to the ground. Fruit is left on the blueberry bushes longer to ripen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From our trial, we found 25 to 35 per cent increase in blueberry yields under netting,â&#x20AC;? says Lucas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This was compared to a comparable area without covering.â&#x20AC;? The high-density polyethylene netting system with trellising costs about $9,000 per acre. Yet to be determined is the potential to keep out the blueberry maggot moth with changes to the porosity of the netting. The shading covers have an anticipated life of 15 years, with built-in protection from UV rays.

KAREN DAVIDSON Blueberry growers have looked over the fence at ginseng neighbours, wondering if shade covers might be modified to keep out birds while letting in sunshine. Paul Lucas, Gintec Shade Technologies Inc. has indulged that wish in a two-year trial at the farm of Dale Vranckx, St Williams, Ontario. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The natural step is to want bird protection in the field while not compromising machine harvest,â&#x20AC;? says Lucas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We trellised the blueberries to prevent collapse.â&#x20AC;? Similar to what grape growers are doing, Lucas built a steel structure and set up netting on the sides on a 1.5 acre site. The covers are clipped at the bottom, so that waxwings and blackbirds have no

New strawberry cultivar resistant to red stele root rot â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Laurelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, formerly tested as K93-20, is a new short-day strawberry cultivar introduced from AAFC-Kentville in 2012. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Laurelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is from â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Allstarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; x â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cavendish,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; a cross meant to improve on the firmness, colour uniformity, and disease resistance of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cavendishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Ripening in the mid-season,

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Laurelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; produces large, aromatic, flavourful fruit especially suited to please pick-your-own and direct marketing customers. Trial marketable yields are best described as medium; the highest being 17.3 t/ha (~12,600 quarts/acre) in 2012 at Kentville. Growers in eastern Canada who have tested â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Laurelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on a com-

mercial scale have reported acceptable yields of large berries with excellent flavor that are appreciated by discerning customers. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Laurelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has demonstrated a high level of resistance to red stele root rot and also some tolerance to black root rot.

2013 20 13 Em EEmpire pire SState tate Pr Producers oduc cers Ex Expo xpo s *ANUARY The 2013 Becker Forum theme is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Managing Human Resources in Agriculture: Creative Steps when Public Policy Fails.â&#x20AC;? This day-long session focuses on navigating the new political landscape, addressing current H2A challenges and human resources challenges. The Becker Forum will be hosted at the Doubletree Hotel, East Syracuse, NY. Just off the thruway. (Pre-registration is required.) s *ANUARY The 2013 Expo is three full days of fruit, vegetable, ďŹ&#x201A;ower, marketing and labor sessions. Breakouts include labor, tree fruit, berries, ďŹ&#x201A;owers, marketing, vine crops, potatoes, and direct marketing. Jim Prevor, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Perishable Punditâ&#x20AC;? will be this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s keynote speaker. And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss Don Frantzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, The American Maze Company, inspirational talk on making little ideas pay off in a big way during the Direct Marketing session on Thursday, January 24, 2013. s *ANUARY The Expo Trade Show just keeps getting bigger and better! Check out the newest products, services, and specialized equipment for the fruit, vegetable, and direct marketing industries. The trade show will be open all three days in the exhibit. Stop by the trade show Tuesday afternoon for a little â&#x20AC;&#x153;Taste of Syracuse.â&#x20AC;? Area restaurants will offer tasting. On Wednesday, be sure not to miss the afternoon complimentary Ice Cream Social.

*OIN US FOR THE %XPO AT THE /NCENTER IN 3YRACUSE

.9 AND THE "ECKER &ORUM HOSTED AT THE $OUBLETREE (OTEL %AST 3YRACUSE 6ISIT OUR .EW WEBSITE TO REGISTER WWW NYSVGA ORG AND TO SEE THE COMPLETE PROGRAM LODGING INFORMATION AND DIRECTIONS &OR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW NYSVGA ORG OR EMAIL JMARVIN ROCHESTER RR COM

January Janu uary 21-24, 21-24, 2013 2 13 20

NOVEMBER 2012 –– PAGE 25 THE GROWER

RESEARCH

Fire blight threat to apples and pears meets its nemesis JANE THORPE Fire blight is a bacterial disease that is a serious threat to commercially grown pear and apple varieties. Dr. Antonet Svircev, an Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) research scientist at the Vineland Research Farm, is part of a team that has discovered a novel and environmentally friendly approach to control this disease, reducing damage by 50 per cent. Working with researchers at AAFC’s Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre (Julie Boulé, Dr. Peter Sholberg [retired] and biologist Dan O’Gorman) and Dr. Alan Castle at Brock University, Dr. Svircev discovered that two commonly found orchard microorganisms – a bacterium and a bacteriophage (“bacteria eater”) – offer promising results in combatting this disease. Here’s what the studies have shown: • Bacteriophages are bacterial viruses that kill bacteria and release large numbers of new phages (“eaters”) which repeat the cycle. • The bacterium not only acts as a control agent, but it also serves as a carrier of phages.

pear and apple farmers by severely reducing the damage caused by the fire blight bacteria,

industries. Jane Thorpe is with Agriculture & AgriFood Canada.

ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION 154TH ANNUAL MEETING AND CONVENTION January 14, 15, and 16, 2013 Crowne Plaza Hotel, Niagara Falls 5685 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6W7

REGISTRANT INFORMATION Name

Member Organization

Mailing Address

City/Town

Province

• Early field trials in pear and apple orchards have been very successful, showing that when fruit tree flowers are sprayed with a carrier and phage cocktail in the spring, they provide a naturally occurring biopesticide that prevents the growth of and/or kills the fire blight bacteria by 50 per cent. AAFC encourages growers to incorporate commercial biopesticides into their fire blight management programs. These ‘soft pesticides’ are not stand alone products but they are very effective at reducing the pathogen population in the open blossoms. While the phage-carrier biopesticide is still in development, AAFC’s goal is to achieve improved control with this double-acting biopesticide. Research continues to identify highly effective phages, study phage resistance in host bacterium and follow the environmental fate of the phages in the orchard ecosystem. The ultimate goal is to develop a biopesticide that will be both highly effective and consistent. Integration of environmentally friendly and low risk biopesticides into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices is one of the hallmarks of AAFC research. This research has been funded by AAFC and the Pest Management Centre’s Pesticide Risk Reduction Program. Overall, this work will benefit

thereby protecting farmers’ crops, saving them money, and helping to minimize losses for these fruit

Postal Code

Telephone

Fax Please return completed form to The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association 355 Elmira Road North, Unit 105 Guelph, Ontario N1K 1S5 Tel. (519) 763-6160 x 116 Fax (519) 763-6604

REGISTRATION FEES Full Registration - 2 days + Monday Banquet

$135.00

(includes: two breakfasts, two lunches & Monday evening banquet admission, convention package, attendance to meetings, and Chair’s reception)

On-site Registration

$150.00

(includes: two breakfasts, two lunches & Monday evening banquet admission, convention package, attendance to meetings, and Chair’s reception)

Daily Registration

$100.00

(includes: one breakfast and one lunch, convention package, and attendance to meetings. (Chair’s reception - Banquet admission not included) Tuesday, January 15, 2013 or Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Please indicate day of attendance OFVGA Banquet ONLY

$50.00

Monday, January 14, 2013

Grand Total

(On-site registration will be charged an additional processing fee.) 13% HST (Business #10779-7821 R.T.) included in all prices.

METHOD OF PAYMENT Payment to be made by cheque or credit card. Print or type clearly.

Cheque Visa

Please make cheque payable to the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association MasterCard

Cardholder’s Name Expiry Date

Card Number Signature Note: Credit card information provided here is for registration fee payments only.

INSTRUCTIONS • • • • • •

Complete this form and mail or fax to the OFVGA. Faxed forms MUST contain credit card information. Invoices will not be issued. If you are faxing your form, do NOT mail a duplicate. Only one person per form. This form may be photocopied. Your name and organization will appear on your badge exactly as you indicate above. Print or type all information. Please make a copy for your records. A room block is in place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. A special overnight accommodation rate of $79 traditional room or $109 fallsview room (plus taxes) single/double occupancy until December 18, 2012. This price includes self-parking. Request special convention rate for OFVGA. After this date, room rate not guaranteed. Please make your reservations directly with the hotel by calling 1-800-519-9911. Check in time is 3:00 p.m., check out time is 11:00 a.m. • No AGM registration refunds after 4:30 p.m. on December 15, 2012.

PAGE 26 –– NOVEMBER 2012 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

CROP TUNNELS

PRUNING

Good Reasons to Contract Your Pruning: • Experienced crew • Exact costing • Free estimates • Job completion on time • No additional costs associated with general labour • Improved quality • reduced harvesting and maintenance costs

Available anywhere in Ontario! Simply the best approach to this important factor of fruit production

CLASSIFIEDS Blueberry Field for sale or lease in southwestern Ontario. Mature blueberry plants. Varieties include Blue Crop, Blue Ray, Sierra, Duke. Very productive bushes. Some related equipment. Email: tgbb@execulink.com

Call Dave (519) 372-0604 jdtnmaxwell@gmail.com

REFRIGERATION

KOOL JET

Reliable Refrigeration Systems

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

One-Piece and Portable Skid-Mount Systems, HydroCoolers, Medical and Process Chillers, Blast Freezers, Vacuum Coolers, Refrigerated Dehumidiﬁers. Custom Built Designs • Domestic and International Markets

Greenhouses for Sale - 1 Double Poly Gutter Connect – approx. 30,000 sq. ft., 14 ft. gutter height with gutter venting and unit heaters - 1 Double Poly Gutter Connect - approx. 50,000 sq. ft., 14 ft. gutter height with gutter venting and boiler heating - Approx. 2.5 Acre Haygrove poly tunnels - All structures can be viewed still standing - For pictures, click on Marketplace at www.westlandgreenhousesupplies.com - If interested, call 1-877-384-1242

Classified ad? 866-898-8488 ext. 221

FOR SALE - Farm Equipment - Holland Marsh - Irrigation Pumps plus 3", 4", 5" Wade pipes and fittings - 2 x 165 Massey tractors - 8 x Horst 8 ton wagons w/ 16' platforms - 3 x Horst 10 ton wagons w/ 20' platforms - FMC sprayer w/60 gal per min pump, 500 gal. ss tank, Raven controlled, 62' boom - FMC sprayer w/60 gal per min pump, 500 gal. ss tank, electronic control, 72' boom - Allis Chalmer 500 forklift w/ 21' mast, excellent condition - various other equipment for vegetable farming Contact - JOHN - 905-955-5811

NOVEMBER 2012 –– PAGE 27 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

WANTED NOW: CLEAN USED SPRAYER TRADES

ALL STAINLESS STEEL Made in Canada

Pipe & Fittings

For sale around 100,000 used stackable sturdy plastic crates 60 x 40 x 23 cm, Ideal for shipping, storage etc. Only $1.50 each. By truck load 1500 only $1.00 each.

for Water Systems

** LOW DRIFT SPRAY TOWERS to fit any TURBO-MIST - IN STOCK NOW** Turbo-Mist 600 gal, Used 3 Yrs, Like New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,800 Turbo-Mist 500 gal, Myers Centrifugal Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,500 Turbo-Mist 500 gal, Diaphram Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,500 Turbo-Mist 400 gal, 30” Fan, Like New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$11,500 Turbo-Mist 400 gal, Tall Spray Tower - Almost New. . . . . . . . . .$14,500 Bean/FMC 500 gal, Stainless Steel, Piston Pump, A-1 . . . . . . . . . $7,500 OCLL 1000 Litre, Low Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COMING Good Boy 1000 Litre, Low Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COMING Hardi 3 P.H., 400 Litre, Exc Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,500 Votex 225 Flail, HYD. S. Shift, Almost New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4,900 ** Instant photos to you by e-mail - all advertised items ** TRADES, CONSIGNMENTS, LEASING, DELIVERY ANYWHERE

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

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

Contact: Fairfield Propagators Ltd 10718 Bell Road, Chilliwack, BC Tel: 1 604 795 6565 Email: fairfieldpropagators@gmail.com

Winona Concrete & Pipe Products Ltd.

All equipment is in perfect working order and can be seen at location in Aylmer, ON Tel. 519-773-5635 E-mail: cwsaarloos@gmail.com

489 Main St. W., Grimsby, ON. L3M 1T4

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

1-800-361-8515

FOR SALE 2 lane 8 drop Autoline weight Pro Sizer for tomatoes, peppers or fruit. 360 bushel per hour, great line.Serviced by an Aweta tech last fall. Works great, $10,000 obo.

Call 519.476.4623

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

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

Greefa model MSE 2000 Fruit Sizer, includes washer/waxer and two 20’ return flow beltsnew in 2004, 4 lane, 5 cups/ second/ lane, 4 drops and an all out, camera sizing. Light usage, only 7 weeks/year. $30,000.00 or best offer

NIAGARA ORCHARD & VINEYARD CORP 905-646-5777 or 905-984-0363 alepp@niagaraorchard.com

USED PALLET BOXES

RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW! 519-380-0118

FOR SALE: CASPER’S ORCHARD EQUIPMENT

• Hesston/Fiat 95HP 4x4 cab tractor c/w creeper transmission. $14,000. • 9-tooth chisel plow $900. • 10’ Howard 3pth rototiller $2,200. • Allis Chalmbers WD45 tractor $2,500. • BEFCO 2 wheel 3pth Hay Rake (used for strawberries) $400. • 1100 lb. 3pth weight box for loader tractor $650. • 5’ Benn crowfoot packer for rototiller $500. • 3pth pallet lift $650. • 42” Liftking hand pallet lift $350. • Friday strawchopper on wagon, electric start Wisconsin engine $1,500. • 3pth 12,500 watt generator $800. • H.D 3pth Bushog log splitter $650. • Tandem 6 bin apple trailer c/w straps $2,000. • H.D. 3pth nursery tree digger, 20” blade $1,450. • H.D. Gillison 3pth orchard tree planter $3,650. • Mechanical model 1980 nursery tree & raspberry planter $3,650. • Mechanical model 1000 strawberry/vegetable planter $1,750. • Big Blue Honda air compressor c/w 1000’ air hose & reel $1,850. • 5’ air Limb Lopper (as new) $1,000. • Felco air hand pruners $250. • Josef Kihlberg air stapler & staples for wood handle fruit baskets $750. • Husqvarna telescopic chain saw $450. • Vicon 3pth Fertilizer Spreader $1,100.

FOR SALE Blue Giant Electric Push Stacker - XPS22-63 • Safe & environmentally friendly • Ideal for enclosed storages, greenhouses & warehouses

• Excellent condition • 2200 lb. capacity • Lift height 63 inches • 42˝ forks • Foot pedal parking brake • 12 volt electrical system • Built in 115 volt charger • Up/down control mounted on dash • Adjustable straddle legs • Dual push handles mounted on mast • Used only one season HUD-SON 2.5" Electric Stake Sharpener

3000 used Vegetable pallet boxes, good condition, repaired and ready for the field.

• Excellent condition • 2.5 inch hub • 110/220 - 3 HP Electric motor • 1 set brand new blades • Used one season

Call: 905-478-4739

Call or email 519-599-7775 info@finchhavenorchards.com

PAGE 28 –– NOVEMBER 2012 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

CHANGE OF ADDRESS?

LOUTH & NIAGARA ORCHARDS

866-898-8488 x 221

Supplying Fruit and Vegetable Growers with:

TRADESHOW

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

• Baskets • Masters • Fertilizer • Vineyard Trellis Supplies

• Berry Boxes • Waxed Cartons • Crop Protection Material

THE ESSEX COUNTY ASSOCIATED GROWERS are pleased to announce the…..

62nd Annual Bounty of the County Convention and trade show Tuesday, November 20th, 2012 & Wednesday , November 21st, 2012 at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreational Complex located at 249 Sherk Street, Leamington, Ontario

Come out and enjoy the newest agricultural technology and equipment plus enjoy our informative speaker programs. For more information please contact Jillian McCallum at (519) 326-4481, ecag@bellnet.ca or visit our website at www.bountyofthecounty.ca.

ASSOCIATION

REAL ESTATE

GREENHOUSE MANUFACTURING

w w w. t h e g r o w e r. o r g w w w. o f v g a . o r g

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

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

NOVEMBER 2012 –– PAGE 29 THE GROWER

MINOR USE

Success and Entrust insect control products granted label JIM CHAPUT, OMAFRA, MINOR USE COORDINATOR, GUELPH Urmule registrations for Success 480 SC and Entrust 80 W Naturalyte Insect Control Products for suppression of leek moth and thrips on crop group 307, bulb vegetables in Canada. Success (spinosad) and Entrust (organic formulation of spinosad) were already labeled on a wide range of fruit, vegetable, ornamental and turf crops for a variety

of insect pests. These minor use registrations target key pests of bulb vegetables in Canada and will help to provide a more robust pest and resistance management strategy. Furthermore, organic producers of the approved crops now have wider access to the Entrust formulation which provides them with a very useful management tool. The following table is provided as an abbreviated, general outline only. Users should consult the complete Success and Entrust

labels for timing, water volumes and other guidance before using these products. Follow all other precautions and directions for use on the Success and Entrust labels careCrop(s)

fully. Success and Entrust should be used in an integrated pest management program and in rotation with other management strategies to adequately manage resistance.

Pest(s)

Crop group 3-07 (dry Leek moth, onion, garlic, green thrips onion, leeks, chives, (suppression) shallots, leeks, bunching onion, tree onion, welsh onion)

For copies of the new minor use label contact Marion Paibomesai, OMAFRA, Guelph (519) 826-4963 or visit the Dow Agro Canada website at www.dowagro.com/ca/index.htm

Success (rate product)

Entrust (rate product)

Comments

218 – 262 mL per ha

131 - 158 g per ha

Maximum 3 applications per year at 7 to 10 day intervals; PHI 3 days

Scholar registered for ginseng diseases use label contact Sean Westerveld, OMAFRA Ginseng

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of a minor use registration for Scholar 230SC Fungicide (fludioxonil) for control of diseases caused by Rhizoctonia, Botrytis and Alternaria and suppression of Cylindrocarpon on ginseng in Canada. Scholar 230SC was already registered on pome fruit, stone fruit and sweet potatoes for control of a number of important diseases. Rhizoctonia, Cylindrocarpon, Botrytis and Alternaria are some of the most common, damaging diseases of ginseng in North America and have been the subject of much research and registration activity. The registration of Scholar 230SC is an important step towards improving the pest management toolkit for ginseng. This minor use label expansion project was initiated in 2004 as a joint project between Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Pest Management Centre (AAFCPMC) and the U.S. IR-4 in response to minor use priorities identified by producers and extension personnel in both countries. The following is provided as an abbreviated, general outline only. Users should consult the complete label before using Scholar fungicide. For labeled diseases of ginseng Scholar 230SC can be applied at a rate of 0.6 – 1.2 L per hectare in sufficient water to ensure thorough coverage and/or penetration into the root zone. Up to 3 applications per season can be applied at a 14 – 21 day interval. Do not apply within 14 days of harvest of ginseng. Follow all other precautions and directions for use on the Scholar 230SC fungicide label carefully. Scholar 230SC should be used in an IPM program and in rotation with other management strategies to adequately manage resistance. For copies of the new minor

& Medicinal Herbs Specialist, Simcoe (519) 426-4323, Marvin

Karges, OGGA, Simcoe (519) 426-7046, Jim Chaput,

OMAFRA, Guelph (519) 8263539 or visit www.syngenta.com

Award of Merit 2013 Nomination Form The OFVGA Award of Merit is our way of recognizing the outstanding contribution made by an individual or organization to our fruit and vegetable industry. This recognition may include the strategic leadership, technical input, and/ or the dedication shown by this person or organization to our fruit and vegetable sector. The winner will be announced at the OFVGA’s 154th Annual General Meeting and Convention that will take place in Niagara Falls, Ontario on January 14, 15 and 16, 2013.

Nominee Information: For the 2013 Award of Merit, I nominate: (please print) Name: Address: Phone:

Email:

My reasons for making this nomination are:

Nominator Information Name: Address: Phone:

Email: Please return completed form to Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association 105-355 Elmira Road N., Guelph, ON N1K 1S5. Fax: 519-763-6604 or email dhutton@ofvga.org

Objective The objective of the OFVGA’s Award of Merit is: • to recognize and encourage innovators at the grassroots level in the fruit and vegetable industry, whether it be in production, technology, or improved farm gate value • to recognize a long-time advocate of the fruit and vegetable industry, who has continually reflected the values and integrity of the OFVGA • to recognize the exemplary performance of an individual in the fruit and vegetable industry, who went above and beyond the call of duty • to recognize an individual’s demonstrated unwavering commitment to the fruit and vegetable industry, who is not directly involved within the industry. Innovation Categories Examples of innovation include, but are not limited to the following: • improved farm practices (eg. technology, business practices, processes, etc.) • response to consumer demands (eg. value-added, marketing, strategic alliances, etc.) • environmental stewardship • health and safety on the farm • energy innovations • education and marketing of agriculture to society. Selection Process • Nominations will be received at the OFVGA • Nominations will be acknowledged • Nominations will be reviewed for eligibility and prepared for review by the board

of directors.

Eligibility Criteria • must be a member farmer/producer, group of farmers, combination of agri-food businesses, or an agri-food related organization within the fruit and vegetable industry • must be a resident of Ontario • must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. Special Consideration will be given to: •an individual involved in government or government department. Nomination Process • Nominations must be completed and submitted either electronically or in hard copy by 5 p.m. on November 30, 2012 • Nominations must be submitted by e-mail or hard copy to: Email: dhutton@ofvga.org Fax: 519-763-6604 OR Mail: Deanna Hutton OFVGA 105-355 Elmira Rd., N Guelph, ON N1K 1S5 Winner Announcement • The Award of Merit nominator will be notified by December 20, 2012 • The Award of Merit winner will be presented at the banquet on January 14, 2013 •The Award of Merit winner will also be announced in the February 2013 edition of The Grower and will be included in a feature article.

PAGE 30 –– NOVEMBER 2012 THE GROWER

MINOR USE CRAIG’S COMMENTS

Nobel achievements

CRAIG HUNTER OFVGA I had already written this month’s ‘Comments’ when a news item pushed that column aside. (Probably a good thing anyway, since it was a ‘little’ angry!) The Swedish Academy has been issuing their list of winners of Nobel prizes in various categories this week, and I thought it was a shame that so few of ‘us’ know who ‘they’ (the winners) are. Hence, the new ‘Craig’s Compilation’ (Can’t use ‘List’ as some-one else already has a lock on that!). I want to inaugurate a series of Prizes for Agriculture in different categories. First should be one for Minor Use achievement. It should go to the IR-4 Project in Princeton NJ for the 50 years of putting grower

needs first. Their record of accomplishment goes far beyond just US growers’ needs. They were the inspiration for the Canadian Minor Use Program and now collaborate with us on many joint projects. The IR-4 have organized 2 Global Minor Use Summits, and continue to help other nations to get programs up and running. They have gone over and beyond in helping the Canadian program get up and running, for example. Second prize is shared between BAYER Crop Science (Canada) and Syngenta Canada, for ‘Commitment to Minor Use above and beyond the industry standard’ (Which is very high) Both these companies make and continue to make leading edge contributions and provide leadership to others. Syngenta made the first Joint product submission that has led to joint as the way to go for most companies, and paved the way for global submissions. It took that first step to make it happen. Bayer undertook an initiative to have their Canadian labels reflect ALL the uses allowed on the US label if the crop is grown here, and the use is needed. That took a huge investment of time, and is still on-going. To my way of thinking, there is no better way to close the Technology Gap from the past, and to ensure our grow-

ers are not at a disadvantage. Third prize goes to our own Pest Management Centre at AAFC for their ‘Priority Setting Approach’. The program is only ten years old, and in spite of ‘teething pains’ at the on-set, it has become a model to the world in how to ‘get it right’. Their approach to set priorities by pest and crop needs first, ensures that grower needs are being identified and dealt with in a fair and open manner. Their willingness to deal with new issues like invasive pests, loss of facilities, cut-backs in hiring and others, while still maintaining a standard of excellence and performance sets a standard for which most of the rest of government should have open envy. At a time when government sometimes struggles with meaning, worth, value, and cost, this program does all of those things, and growers across the country will tell anyone! There have been over 400 Minor Uses registered as a result of their work, and when one adds in the ‘Crop Group’ registrations, there are thousands of uses enjoyed by our growers today that they would Not have without this program! A success story by any definition! Next prize goes to the Province of British Columbia, for showing ‘Leadership in the use of

common sense and application of good science’, by NOT enacting a ‘Cosmetic Ban’ on pesticides. Other provinces have struggled with this, and others are still in the throes. B.C. continues to effectively manage pesticide use through their existing legislation, after the PMRA have made their regulatory decisions for registration of products. It is a model for other provinces to emulate. Strangely enough (to some who know me) the next prize must go to the PMRA for’ dealing with adversity’. This year they have dealt with significant cut backs in staffing (more than 10% overall and in some sections much higher) while continuing to get the job done. This year, so far, there are almost 20 new active ingredients registered, (and they take a huge amount of staff time) while the numbers of applications to process in all other categories continues to rise. In addition, the PMRA is in the midst of changes to their processes, adding further burden while the work goes on. It is always easy to pick on them as a target, yet they usually keep silent when they get abuse (Unlike some others). It is for the ‘Just get it done attitude’ in spite of the slings and arrows that they deserve to be awarded. (When dealing with an award to a large organization, it is tough to narrow

it down by naming names. Let it suffice that I have seen strength at every level, in each section and department that I have had dealings with this year!) Lastly I would like to offer an award to some journalists who help growers by ‘Exposing the truth behind the stories’. In particular I think that those who are not afraid to keep the public awareness ‘up’ on issues when others would like to bury them deserve full marks. Included are Jim Romahn, Tom Van Dusen, Ian Cumming, Susan Mann, Alex Binkley, and award winning journalist Barry Wilson. Hearing about the inside of agricultural stories creates the awareness that leads to understanding and support for the growers’ position. All of these folks make sure they get their story straight by doing their research, contacting those in the know, and then cleverly wording it to get to the nub of the issue. We need more like them! Perhaps everyone out there could come up with their own ‘list’ of winners. The key is to let others know what you think about them and their contributions. To use (mis-use?) a hackney-ed phrase, if we hide our lights under a bushel, no one will know the accomplishments of the industry!

Potato wart confirmed in Prince Edward Island

Reward yourself on a job well done with the 2012/13 Hot Potatoes® Rewards Program. Every eligible purchase you make earns you Hot Potatoes reward points that can be redeemed for cash or a group trip to Hawaii! Redeem your interim point balance by November 30, 2012 to receive a cash rebate this year, or save them for an even better reward in 2013. Visit Hot-Potatoes.ca to sign up or call 1 877-661-6665.

Always read and follow label directions. Hot Potatoes® is a registered trademark of the Bayer Group.

H-12-09/12-TCS12017-E

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of potato wart in two fields on separate farms in PEI. Potato wart poses no threat to human health or food safety. However, it is a quarantine pest that is regulated in Canada because it reduces yield and can make potatoes unmarketable. The Agency has placed the fields under quarantine and is carrying out additional control measures as part of Canada’s potato wart long-term management plan. These measures include controlling the movement of equipment and soil as well as cleaning and disinfecting machinery to prevent spread of the pest. To mitigate the spread of this pest, the potatoes produced in the fields will be destroyed. The CFIA, with the PEI government and PEI industry associations are working together to control this pest and inform various stakeholders of the situation. The potato wart long-term management plan was established after the initial finding in 2000 and has been used to respond to previous detections of the pest. It includes regulatory requirements to effectively manage detections and prevent trade disruptions in the event of future detections. The last detection occurred in 2007.

NOVEMBER 2012 –– PAGE 31 THE GROWER

MINOR USE

Carrot growers receive registration for white mold JIM CHAPUT, OMAFRA, MINOR USE COORDINATOR, GUELPH The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently granted the approval of an emergency use registration for Scholar 230SC (fludioxonil) for control of white mold (Sclerotinia) on stored carrots in the provinces of Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. Scholar 230SC was already labeled in Canada for control of post-harvest diseases on pome fruit and stone fruit. Furthermore a complete minor use submission is underway with the Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Pest

Fungicide for peppers The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of a minor use label expansion for Acrobat 50 WP fungicide for suppression of Phytophthora blight on peppers in Canada. Acrobat fungicide was already labeled for management of diseases on potatoes, cucurbits and ornamentals in Canada. This minor use project sponsored by Agriculture & AgriFood Canada, Pest Management Centre (AAFC-PMC) was submitted in 2004 in response to minor use priorities identified by producers and extension personnel in Canada. This new registration will provide field pepper growers with a much needed disease and resistance management tool to help manage one of their most challenging disease problems. Acrobat 50 WP must be applied prior to the onset of Phytophthora blight infection at a rate of 450 g product per ha in at least 200 L water per ha. For Phytophthora blight, use a 5 – 7 day interval under high disease pressure and a 7 – 10 day interval under lower disease pressure. A maximum of 2 applications per season is permitted. Acrobat can be applied up the day of harvest of peppers. Acrobat 50 WP fungicide should be used in an integrated pest management program and in rotation with other management strategies. Follow all other precautions and directions for use on the Acrobat fungicide label. For copies of the new supplemental label contact Janice LeBoeuf, OMAFRA, Ridgetown (519) 674-1699, Jim Chaput, OMAFRA, Guelph (519) 8263539 or visit the BASF Canada website https://agro.basf.ca/basf/ agsolutions/SelectRegion.htm

Management Centre (AAFC–PMC) minor use program to seek eventual, full registration of Scholar for white mold control on stored carrots in Canada. White mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) is a serious disease of carrots and many other crops around the world. In Canada, white mold is considered to be one of the major limiting factors to the successful long-term storage of carrots. Losses of 50-100 per cent have been reported by growers in Canada in recent years. Since the loss of the fungicide Benlate several years ago, carrot growers have had no post-harvest fungicide treatments to reduce losses to this disease. Scholar fungicide was identified as a viable solution to

help manage white mold of stored carrots. There have been no new products registered in Canada for white mold management on stored carrots in many years and the risk of serious losses is high. The emergency use registration of Scholar 230SC Fungicide will

help in the interim to manage white mold on stored carrots, however management of white mold still requires a comprehensive IPM and resistance management program with access to all available tools and strategies. The following is provided as general information only. Users should consult the complete label before using Scholar 230SC. Scholar 230SC Fungicide can be used for control of white mold on stored carrots in Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island until December 31st, 2012 only. Scholar 230SC can be applied once as a post-harvest dip or drench immediately before storage. Mix 496 mL of product in 378 L water. This amount can

treat up to 90,000 kg of carrots. IMPORTANT: FOR DOMESTIC USE ONLY, NOT FOR USE ON CARROTS INTENDED FOR EXPORT. Follow all other precautions and directions for use on the Scholar 230SC Fungicide label carefully. Scholar 230SC Fungicide should be used in an IPM program and in rotation with other management strategies to adequately manage resistance. For copies of the emergency use label contact Marion Paibomesai, OMAFRA Vegetable Crops specialist at Guelph (519) 826-4963, Jim Chaput, OMAFRA, Guelph (519) 8263539 or visit Syngenta Crop Protection Canada at www.syngenta.ca

PAGE 32 –– NOVEMBER 2012 THE GROWER