THE GROWER SEPTEMBER 2015

CELEBRATING 136 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION

SEPTEMBER 2015

VOLUME 65 NUMBER 09

VALUE CHAIN

Grocers hungry for winter-season pear

After 20 years in Canadian breeding trials, the Cold Snap pear is ready for its consumer debut in 2015. Anticipating significant volumes, Oleen Smethurst, (L) Costco’s general merchandise manager for produce, visited the Niagara peninsula last summer to learn more about the fruit. John Thwaites (behind her) gave a tour of his Niagaraon-the-Lake, high-density orchard along with Mike Ecker, president, Vineland Growers’ Cooperative Ltd. Photos by Glenn Lowson.

INSIDE SDRM update

Page 5

OFVGA summer tour

Page 6

Focus: New equipment and technology Page 14

KAREN DAVIDSON The Cold Snap pear is now on stage, and it deserves to blush with all the fanfare. After 20 years of painstaking study, these bred-in-Canada, grown-in-Canada pears are set for their consumer debut at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, November 6 -15.

John Thwaites, a peach and nectarine grower, first fell for the pear more than a decade ago when it was still a numbered variety at the Agriculture Canada Harrow Research Station. As the pear was planted in test orchards in the Niagara peninsula under the name AC Harovin Sundown, he followed their progress.

“I was amazed how resilient

this pear variety was to fire blight,” he recalls, referring to the contagious, orchard-destroying disease. “This was a variety that appealed to me because I was trying to add diversity to my crop mix as well as lengthen the marketing season. This winterstoring pear fits with the growth of our business.”

While the first rootstock was planted on his Niagara-on-theLake farm in 2007, it was not without considerable research and debate. A fellow fruit grower in Australia convinced Thwaites to plant the new pear variety in a high-density orchard at spacings of 3 l/2 feet times 12. To plant 1,000 trees to the acre was an eyebrow-raising move, but one backed by tours to Washington

State’s pome tree orchards and New York State’s Cornell University. That’s where Terence Robinson had staked his fame with trellis systems and taught a new generation how to use them.

Today, Thwaites is satisfied with his high-density decision. In the fourth year of production, Cold Snap was yielding 10 tons per acre and more is expected as the trees mature.

“This is a very tasty pear that stores well,” says Thwaites, who adds that ethylene-reducing technology extends storage life.

“We’ve kept this pear until Christmas. Bring it to room temperature for several days and it will mellow nicely and not go mushy like other varieties. It’s sweet but not crunchy.”

The high-density trellis system allows for more sunshine-kissed pears with a red blush, a very marketable trait. That visual characteristic was noted in consumer focus groups conducted

by Amy Bowen, research program leader, consumer insights, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland).

Bowen says that visual appearance is important to consumers for whom pears are not a top-of-mind purchase. The Cold Snap pear differs from its Bosc and Bartlett competitors in that it’s slightly larger in size.

The texture is pleasing to the palate as is the balance of sweetness and acidity.

Continued on page 3 y! . da e d to it e r lim s t is gi g Re atin Se

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PAGE 2 –– SEPTEMBER 2015 THE GROWER

NEWSMAKERS

AT PRESS TIME… Competition deadline is Oct 13 for RAWF

Growers may still be in the fields now but staff at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair are already focused on November 6, when the 93rd annual Fair opens for 10 days at Exhibition Place.

A horticulture display put together by industry volunteers is always a hit with the public and competition is still intense to produce winning fruits and vegetables.

The apple competition is growing in popularity with more exhibitors than in past years. In the vegetable competition, the 2015 feature contest is yellow cooking onions

with prize money of $100 for the first place product.

Giant vegetables always draw a crowd at The Royal. This year, the feature giant vegetable is Red Beet Root with a $200 prize for the top entry. Growers can earn even more for the biggest pumpkin or squash with a top prize of $1,000 for the biggest entry. The closing date for entries in all horticulture categories is October 13.

And if your household makes jams, jellies, pickles or relish, The Royal’s competition is now more accessible than ever. To level the playing field, jams and jellies will now have both amateur and professional classes so first-timers and hobbyists have a chance to win. The Royal will also introduce a new display case for jams and jellies, sponsored by Bernardin.

And even if you’re not competing, why not spend a day at The Royal? Support your industry and see the best in crop, livestock, equine and culinary competitions.

To find out more about the Fair and for complete competition rules, go to royalfair.org or contact agriculture@royalfair.org.

Primer for federal election Oct 19 The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) and the Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) will be hosting a webinar September 15 to discuss key issues including: • The election to date and what you can expect until October 19 • Why produce is important to political parties and what they’re saying so far • CPMA and CHC election advocacy campaign and other activities • Getting the produce voice heard locally Webinar: Produce Industry Federal Election Primer Thursday, September 15th 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. EDT Participation is limited, so please register early for this free webinar at hortcouncil.ca/events/ webinars.aspx This webinar will be offered in English, however the PowerPoint presentation will be made available in both languages prior to the webinar. If there is sufficient interest, a separate French webinar can also be organized. If interested email Trevor Eggleton at teggleton@hortcouncil.ca.

The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) has announced that Rick Seguin, former regional director, Ontario, for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) will become the new general manager effective September 8.

He replaces George Gilvesy, who has been in the role for the last eight years. In turn, Don Taylor, outgoing OGVG chair.

George Gilvesy has been appointed as chair of the OGVG board by the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission effective November 1, replacing outgoing Don Taylor, who is retiring.

Mr. Seguin brings extensive policy, economics and managerial experience to the general manager’s role after a 32-year career with AAFC and other federal government departments. Since January 2015, he has been seconded to the Federal Economic Development Agency for southern Ontario as director general. He also has nine years of accumulated experience working in agri-food trade development, specifically in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Seasonal agricultural worker Dagoberto Cruz was the focus on the cover page of the August 6 edition of the Canadian Champion.

His story chronicles the benefits of coming to work for Bert and Lauraine Andrews at Andrews’ Scenic Acres, Milton, Ontario for the last 16 years. A native of Tenancingo, Mexico, Cruz supports the university education of his daughter who wants to become a lawyer.

John Van de Vegte has joined the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs as the engineering specialist in the Elora office. For the last three years, he has been the project manager in robotics and automation at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. His endeavors have contributed to automated packaging systems, automated planting systems and robotic harvesting.

INTERNATIONAL UNITED STATES

Bejo Seeds bets on kohlrabi In a value-added venture, Bejo Seeds has partnered with Farm Stand Fresh Foods to produce fresh-cut, kohlrabi veggie sticks.

Together they are distributing to both the U.S. and Canada.

The kohlrabi program is in its early days, however Jeff Trickett, Bejo Seeds sees potential with seed varieties such as Kossak Giant Kohlrabi. It’s a time-consuming vegetable to prepare, but in a fresh-cut format, it shows promise.

Jose Marrero, Farm Stand Fresh Foods, is currently looking for growers in the U.S. and Canada.

SEPTEMBER 2015 –– PAGE 3 THE GROWER

COVER STORY

Grocers hungry for winter-season pear Continued from page 1 When introduced to the Cold Snap pear, consumers’ interest perks up. They enjoy the breadth of apple varieties, so why not in pears?

“We now have a wealth of understanding of consumer perceptions of the entire pear category,” says Bowen.

For a research institution to have this depth of consumer insight is now part and parcel of bringing new fruit varieties to market. When the genetics of the pear were transferred from Agriculture and AgriFood Canada to Vineland in 2009, a new business model was born. The agreement was that Vineland would have the global rights to the variety. Vineland then sub-licensed the growing and marketing rights for Canada to the Vineland Growers’ Cooperative Ltd. headquartered in Jordan Station, Ontario. In return, the growers’ cooperative pays a tree royalty and a per-acre, production fee to Vineland which then is reinvested for more varietal, sensory and consumer research.

To date, Vineland has sub-licensed the Cold Snap pear to Star Fruits in France and to the Association of International Group of Nurseries based in Washington state. In the fine print, these sub-licensees cannot market Cold Snap fruit into Canada during the production season.

“We are employing an exclusive model that is relatively new to Canadian growers,” says Lana Culley, Vineland’s director of business development. “The idea is to enable licensees like the Co-op to develop a brand and carve out a place in the retail market, generating added value.

While not all varieties are right for this model, we feel that these pears present great value and present an opportunity to expand pear options for consumers. Cold Snap represents the first of several varieties in the pipeline. We are currently finalizing

The Cold Snap pear was bred by David Hunter, an Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researcher, now retired.

Because of the long juvenile phase in pears, seedling orchards need to be grown and evaluated for at least 10 years. Further testing is required to introduce new cultivars which explains the 20-year time frame from crossbreeding to consumer launch. Unlike Bosc or Bartlett pears, this fire blightresistant variety is characterized by a rosy blush and a welcome balance between sweetness and acidity. the terms of the next variety with the Co-op.”

For its part, Vineland Growers’ Cooperative has contracted farmers in both Ontario and Nova Scotia to produce Cold Snap pears in quantities that will fill retailer orders. About 7,000 to 8,000 bushels are expected this year and almost

INTERNATIONAL PERU

NEW YORK

World Potato Congress goes to Latin America

New York Apple Growers rebrand

Peru will host the 10th World Potato Congress in 2018, the first time for the congress to be held in Latin America. The triennial event supports the global growth and development of the potato.

While Peru’s potato heritage played an important role in its proposal, the country snagged the honour due to its fortunes today. Peru, Latin America’s top potato producer, actively promotes its native potatoes and potato products internationally.

More than 800 potato scientists and industry representatives are expected to visit the Peruvian city of Cusco, high in the Andes. It’s the former capital of the Incan empire, known for growing potatoes for thousands of years.

Source: FreshPlaza.com

The 145 members of the New York Apple Growers have rebranded under Crunch Time Apple Growers. The change was spurred by confusion with other groups such as New York Apple Sales and New York Apple Association.

The association has recently launched SnapDragon and RubyFrost apple varieties which were developed out of the Cornell breeding program.

Growers pay royalties on trees purchased, acreage planted and fruit produced, and the income helps support Cornell’s apple breeding program.

The SnapDragon apple variety will launch in October in the northeast, mid-Atlantic and southeast regions. RubyFrost will be in stores in January 2016.

For more information, visit CrunchTimeAppleGrowers.com.

Source: FreshPlaza.com

The Cold Snap pear will be available December through March according to the Vineland Growers’ Cooperative. The long-storing characteristics of this pear extend the availability of local pear varieties from late summer right through to spring thaw.

double that volume in 2016. That’s also reassuring news for wholesalers such as Costco.

“Canadians are looking for new, flavourful produce items,” says Oleen Smethurst, Costco’s produce general merchandise manager for the last decade.

“The fact there’s a Canadian story makes the pear completely perfect.”

For Vineland Growers’ Cooperative, 2015 will represent its fifth year of delivering tree fruit to Costco. The relationship started with a test season of peaches, then has bloomed to include seven different items.

“Niagara peninsula growers do a spectacular job of delivering quality under

strict specifications,” says Smethurst.

“These specs are not easy to hit. Product can be refused at depots if the product doesn’t meet the specification. I can say that their product is comparable to California.”

With global markets in constant flux, not to mention currency rates, Smethurst underlines the importance of local fruit to Costco. “There’s not enough Ontario fruit to buy,” she says. “There weren’t enough Early Golden plums and blue plums to buy in 2014. I couldn’t get enough product.”

This is encouraging news for Niagaraarea growers who are betting that the Cold Snap pear will not only add another item to their sales list but refresh the pear category.

PAGE 4 –– SEPTEMBER 2015 THE GROWER

CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST ALBERTA

Little Chef Approved recipes feature creamer potatoes Just in time for back to school, The Little Potato Company has launched a new program to provide tools and tips to make it easier for parents to cook with their kids. The program will include a growing collection of “Little Chef Approved” recipes featuring creamer potatoes, and tips for cooking with kids of various ages at www.LittlePotatoes.com/ LittleChef. Social media such as Pinterest and Twitter will be used to invite parents and kids to share favourite recipes.

Research has shown that food preparation and cooking skills impact both kids’ and teens’ food choices. When kids are exposed to fresh, unprocessed foods and

learn to prepare them well, they are more likely to feel comfortable buying and cooking these foods as adults.

“Over almost 20 years in business, we’ve noticed that as people learn about our little creamers and their nutritious goodness as a vegetable, the more likely they are to enjoy cooking with and sharing them,” says Angela Santiago, CEO and Chief Potato Champion, The Little Potato Company and mother of four. “We think it’s important to help kids learn about cooking and delicious, healthy food ingredients early so they grow-up with great eating habits, including our creamers.”

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Hot summer challenges

Christine Coletta, owner, Okanagan Crush Pad, Summerland, B.C. Photo by Lionel Trudel.

Thanks to Town Hall Communications, Leeann Froese has canvassed several British Columbia grape growers on the status of their crop. What Christine Coletta, owner of Okanagan Crush Pad, has to say is typical of this year’s sun-drenched province. The winery is based in Summerland in the Okanagan Valley.

“At Okanagan Crush Pad we are more than half way into yet another great season in the Okanagan. But as we like to remember, it isn’t over until it’s over, and the next three months are the most crucial to shaping vintage. Will we get those cooler fall days with cold nights that allow for hang time that creates the phenolic ripeness and natural acidity that we all crave? Or will there be a quick, sharp finish to the growing year that leaves us with high sugars, resulting in wines with higher than normal alcohol levels? Time will tell.

An early spring and unseasonably warm summer has

challenged viticulturists throughout the valley. We did not get the typical rainfall we expect in June and the rest of the summer has been dry and hot. A careful watch on irrigation levels has been required.

Bountiful crop sets with large cluster formations and small berry size should result in some excellent wines next year. The early spring start will guarantee that most crops will finish on time and viticulturists will surely be pleased about that. With veraison starting we anticipate a late September /early October harvest. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope that the weather continues to co-operate as we eagerly anticipate yet another outstanding year.

As far as water use goes, vineyards used significantly less water than tree fruits, and vineyards with drip irrigation, even less than vineyards with overhead irrigation. Our home organic vineyard, Switchback Vineyard, used seven inches of irrigation water a year compared to the standard 19 inches. At this point the Okanagan is on water restrictions, but this is an annual occurrence and nothing out of the ordinary as is being experienced in the lower mainland.

From the forest fire situation, there has been absolutely zero impact from fires and smoke in our area. A few people have said on social media that they are concerned that the smoke can impact the harvest. This kind of talk is a little on the sensational side as smoke would have to be within close proximity -- not 50 km away -- and for an extended period of time, not a day or two, to have any impact on grape quality.”

SEPTEMBER 2015 –– PAGE 5 THE GROWER

RISK MANAGEMENT

Time to participate in SDRM: Edible Horticulture Agricorp is mailing participant packages in September for the self-directed risk management (SDRM) plan for edible horticulture to eligible producers across Ontario. SDRM: Edible Horticulture is part of Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP) to help producers mitigate risk associated with farm business. A maximum of $100 million in funding is available through RMP for cattle, edible horticulture, grain and oilseed, hog, sheep and veal sectors.

The participant package for SDRM: Edible Horticulture contains all the forms required to participate, along with important informational materials. The SDRM: Edible Horticulture Participant Handbook and the Program Details and Changes Information Sheet provide all the information needed to understand the plan and complete the deposit and withdrawal forms. Agricorp will mail a participant package to producers who: • produced and sold an eligible commodity in Ontario in 2014.

Eligible commodities include fruit, vegetables, herbs, spices and more. A complete list is available at agricorp.com.

• filed a T1163 with the Canada Revenue Agency or

submitted a Statement A to Agricorp for 2014 • farmed an eligible commodity for a minimum of six consecutive months in the taxation year • have a minimum of $5,000 in allowable net sales (ANS).

Details about ANS are available on the information sheet and at agricorp.com.

How the plan works Make a deposit The producer deposits funds into a self-directed risk management (SDRM) account, by submitting a completed Deposit Request and a cheque to Agricorp. A Deposit Request is included in each participant package.

Government contribution The government will contribute to the producer’s SDRM account.

Government contributions may be made in instalments; one at the time of the deposit and a possible second after all participating producers have made their deposits. This ensures producers who make deposits later in the program year will have equal access to the available funding.

Make a withdrawal Producers can submit a Withdrawal Request whenever they need the funds from their SDRM account to cover any loss or expense. A Withdrawal Request is included in each participant package and is also available on agricorp.com.

Producers can enrol for direct deposit to have withdrawals deposited directly into their bank account instead of waiting for a cheque. Details are available on agricorp.com.

Related programs SDRM: Edible Horticulture is part of a comprehensive suite of business risk management programs designed to help mitigate risks. Different programs cover different risks. Participation in all programs ensures you have maximized coverage for your farm.

AgriStability AgriStability protects against large declines in farming income caused by production loss, increased costs or market conditions. For producers enrolled in both RMP and AgriStability, RMP payments are

Photo by Glenn Lowson offset against the provincial portion of AgriStability payments for the corresponding program year.

Production Insurance Production Insurance covers production losses due to things such as adverse weather, disease, wildlife and insect and disease

infestations. Production Insurance claims also count towards a producer’s ANS which is the basis for the maximum government contribution. Government contributions are not offset against Production Insurance claims.

Visit agricorp.com for more information.

Source: Agricorp

Growing Forward in place until March 31, 2018 Ontario growers are reminded of some administrative changes to the Growing Forward II program

by Margaret May, regional program lead, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association.

• Producers can apply to the program either though the online

portal (ontarioprograms.net) or by printing off the applications and submitting them via fax, email or by post.

• The forms are all available through the portal if you choose to go that route, or can be printed

from this link: http://ow.ly/QLwck • In order to apply to Environment and Climate Change, producers need to complete the Enrolment, Application, Focus Area Information page and

The ‘AQUA Wetland System’ “A new breed of constructed wetland” AQUA Treatment Technologies Inc. designs and installs the ‘AQUA Wetland System’ (AWS) for tertiary treatment of many types of waste water including sanitary sewage, landfill leachate, dairy farm & abattoir wastewater, greenhouse irrigation leachate water & mushroom farm leachate water (i.e. manure pile leachate) and high strength winery washwater.

The ‘AQUA Wetland System’ is operated out of doors and can achieve year-round tertiary treatment of wastewater. This sub-surface, vertical flow constructed wetland consists of sand & gravel beds planted with moisture tolerant plant species. Water is pumped vertically from cell to cell. There is no open or standing water.

Treatment occurs through physical filtration & biological degradation. Plants shade & insulate the cells, cycling nutrients while preventing algae growth. There is no production of sludge.

The AWS has been approved for use by the Ontario Ministry of Environment through over 40 Environmental Compliance Approvals. Recently the Region of Niagara began approving the AWS for treatment of ‘small flow’ winery washwater I.e. < 10,000 liters per day. Other agencies who have issued approvals include Health Canada, USEPA and OMAFRA. Recent projects include: 1) treatment & re-use of greenhouse irrigation leach water at greenhouses in Niagara & Haldimand 2) treatment of winery wastewater at Greenlane Estates Winery & numerous other in Niagara 3) treatment of landfill leachate at sites in Pembroke, Niagara and Alabama

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

include a copy of the certificate recognizing completion of an EFP and an Action Plan from EFP. For most categories workshop attendance is a prerequisite.

Attach a certificate verifying completion and an action plan.

collaborations are different.

Applications are now being accepted under this stream until October 15. Refer to the website for future application intake dates for organizations and collaborations.

• There is funding for the hydrogeological assessments in category A.0.2 at 50 per cent cost share. The next application intake date for producers and processors is scheduled for November 16 to December 3.

• A list of MANDATORY workshops that are available to attend can be found through the following link: http://ow.ly/QLwSS

• Note that the GF2 intake dates or organizations and

• The program guide is available from the following link: www.ontariosoilcrop.org/docs/ gf2_costshare_producer_guide_20 15-2016.pdf

•

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PAGE 6 –– SEPTEMBER 2015 THE GROWER

ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION SUMMER TOUR

‘The Holland Marsh is a $1 billion salad bowl’: Jason Verkaik KAREN DAVIDSON Carrots, onions and celery have dominated the Holland Marsh for decades as Jason Verkaik recalls his Dutch grandfather’s marketing trek with horse and wagon back in the 1930s.

With influxes of immigrants, first the Italians in the 1960s and then the Asians in the 1980s, the menu has diversified. Greens such as kale, dandelion and raddichio were introduced by the Italians while Chinese bok choy was grown to suit Asian fare.

Today, the vegetable industry that sprouts from muck soils is worth $1 billion, says Verkaik, chair of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) and one of the hosts of the OFVGA summer tour. To

protect that economic engine will take some ingenuity.

“The biggest issue today is globalization of price,” says Verkaik. “Last year we were selling onions for $3 per bushel when it cost $4 per bushel to produce. All onion-producing regions in the world had exceptional yields. That situation was worsened when Russian sanctions against European produce disrupted normal trading patterns. It’s a free market and no one wants to sit with produce in storage.”

So while the trinity of carrots, onions and celery is a mainstay, there’s an eye on growing new crops to satisfy the palates of new Canadians. Purple-topped beets and okra, for example, are center plate fare in these Asian cultures.

There’s a potential for

global vegetables, but the biggest challenge is guaranteeing supply to the major grocers. It’s still iffy to meet their numbers.

“Let’s be realisitic,” says Verkaik “Can we grow these vegetables efficiently enough to be profitable? That’s the question.

We have fluctuations in our seasons and we can’t make a farm on that. We need more research for the future.”

With land costs of $25,000 to $35,000 per acre in the Holland Marsh, it’s not clear that farmers will risk growing a new crop for what is still a niche market during the summer months. That question is the focus of study by the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, whose ongoing trials are looking at Asian eggplant and okra.

This food box is out of the box Just five years ago, Carron Farms launched a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program with 45 boxes in the first week. It was early days for the trend that was taking its cue from locavores who wanted to know the source of their vegetables.

Farmers such as Jason Verkaik and his sister Lesley Martin saw a niche for hand-delivered vegetables.

Their twist? On top of their

own carrots, onions and beets, they partner with 50 other farmers to supply the cream of the crop of each type of produce. It’s not unusual to find kale, purple cabbage and even cranberry beans in their weekly offering, suitably named Harvest Share Food Box. Many customers call it Christmas in a box.

In 2015, the program lasts for 20 weeks, packing about 7,500 to 10,000 pounds of produce per

week. Do the math on 500 boxes per week, and that’s a total of 150,000 pounds of produce in one season – direct to the consumer.

“The bumper sticker Farmers Feed Cities is not just about protein,” explains Lesley Martin.

“I sometimes feel like a preacher with this program as I am constantly educating our consumers that if they give their weekly boxes 30 to 40 minutes storing and prepping the produce, then

On a weekly basis, The Harvest Share Food Box goes to 500 customers containing surprises such as cranberry beans. The program is operated by Carron Farms Ltd. their food will give them a lifetime.”

The box includes tips on storage as well as a weekly recipe.

One family sets aside a time each Sunday that’s devoted to making the weekly recipe together.

“I am a produce broker, a produce educator, a produce

preacher, a recipe provider, an Ontario farmers’ advocate but most of all my favourite title with this program was dubbed by one of our consumer’s three-year-old son,” says Martin. “ He calls me the Vegetable Lady and that is just fine with me.”

SEPTEMBER 2015 –– PAGE 7 THE GROWER

ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION SUMMER TOUR

Double, double soil and trouble

“

If you go back to the destruction of Hurricane Hazel in 1954, you realize that we’re overdue for another 50-year event. In recent rainstorms, we can get two inches in 40 minutes, so we need to do something with that water. The new canals help.” ~ Frank Jonkman

The Muck Crops Research Station is an important hub operated by the University of Guelph. It focuses on trials for new crop protection products, seed cultivars and new crops.

These data loggers provide a myriad of weather information, including rainfall, temperature and humidity.

Yellow sticky traps monitor onion maggot fly activity which determine generation peaks and damage potential.

A staffer inspects for second-generation onion maggot fly damage in onion plots at the Muck Crops Research Station. Photos by Glenn Lowson.

The Holland Marsh’s high organic matter is a boon and a curse. Organic matter measures as high as 80 per cent, a bonus for growing root crops. The onus, however, is on growers to clean suspended solids from the washwater of the harvested crops. And that’s the subject of research and trials by the Holland Marsh Growers’ Association Water Project.

“We’re looking at not just phosphorus but at the turbidity of the water,” says HMGA water project manager Charles Lalonde. During the three-year project, one of the goals is to reduce risks to the environment from vegetable washwater discharge. A favourable outcome will be to comply with regulations from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change. One unique challenge is associated with suspended particles from muck soils. A different washwater system is required than for mineral soils.

To date, several technologies have been evaluated with mixed success. The endgame is to build capacity in the industry to supply proper treatment options. The newest factsheet has been posted on Regulatory Permitting and Compliance. For that factsheet and more information, go to www.HMGAWater.ca.

This round of research comes after a significant $26 million upgrade of the 28 kilometre canal system that supplies water to the Holland Marsh. Started in 2010, this is the largest drainage project ever undertaken in Ontario, says Frank Jonkman, storm water management for the Town of Bradford.

The process included the assessment of any landowners who stood to benefit. Farmers in King Township, a majority of the marsh, were assessed $450 per acre before any grants were applied. The end tally was $106 per acre paid over five years. Landowners outside the marsh had a

final bill of five dollars per acre.

Interestingly, the project was sensitive to the 18 different fish species identified. Jonkman reports that more than 45,000 fish were relocated in the process while 32,000 square meters of littoral shelves were built in the new canals to provide spawning habitat.

“Every rainfall, loose organic soil ends up in the river,” says Jonkman. “We just finished dredging and up to three feet is taken out every time we drain.”

Rehabilitation of the canal system hasn’t come too soon. “If you go back to the destruction of Hurricane Hazel in 1954, you realize that we’re overdue for another 50-year event,” says Jonkman. “In recent rainstorms, we can get two inches in 40 minutes, so we need to do something with that water. The new canals help.”

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PAGE 8 –– SEPTEMBER 2015 THE GROWER

ONTARIO APPLE TOUR

Practical experience is shared on managing high-density orchards

The Ontario Apple Tour visited Essex county, the most southwestern reaches of Ontario on July 21. At one of the stops, Doug Balsillie, The Fruit Wagon, discusses the farm's evolution in training systems from central leader to vertical axe to solaxe to tall spindle. Photos by Glenn Lowson.

Mori Essex Nurseries Ltd. Founded in 1950 by Lino Mori, this nursery stock company has 650 acres in Essex County with head office in Jordan at the Vineland Growers’ Cooperative.

Staff planted 1.5 million rootstock in the spring of 2015 and will harvest 900,000 this fall.

A majority of the production – 75 per cent – is devoted to apples, with the remainder in peaches, plums, cherries, apricots and hazelnuts. Rob Haynes explained that apples are grown on M9, B9 plus four Geneva rootstocks (G935, G202, G41 and G210) as well as B10. They are gradually converting from stool bed production to tissue cultured rootstocks. The advantage is virus-free rootstock with more juvenility (accepts buds at smaller size) and more uniformity. At this juncture, 80 per cent of the apples are Honeycrisp, Ambrosia and Gala. Other cultivars can be propagated on order. Custom budding is available.

Photo left: Rob Haynes (L) and production manager Marcus Weber inspect fireblight-resistant, Geneva apple rootstock at Mori Essex Nurseries, Harrow, Ontario.

The Fruit Wagon Doug Balsillie and Leslie Huffman bought their first farm on the shores of Lake Erie in 1983 and now farm 35 acres.

They sell fresh fruit, berries, some vegetables and flowers at their roadside Fruit Wagon as well as farmers’ markets. Most of their apples are sold wholesale.

Orchard renovations are ongoing with the trend to higherdensity and intensive management. Back in 1988, they were planting 400 trees per acre. In

Since hail wiped out his crop in the early 2000s, Paul Frankis has not been without hail netting.

2015, they planted 1980 trees per acre – Ambrosia at 11 x 2.

Hand thinning is done using the Equilifruit disk and /or Cornell Young Tree Guide. The farm utilizes sleeping eye trees started in grow-tubes with bamboo supports, as well as nursery trees. Trickle irrigation and fertigation are used from planting time to encourage growth to reach the top wire as quickly as possible.

As of 2012, the farm has participated in OAG cultivar trials, including SPA 766, SPA 813, SPA 365, SPA 493, Salish and Nicola. The site is also used for a nursery branching trial with Mori Essex Nurseries and Cornell University to test Maxcel, Promalin and Tiberon for tree branching.

E & B Medel Orchards Ltd. Ernie and Katie Medel bought their first farm in 1961. Bill and Doris joined in 1980, with son-inlaw Jared Blair coming on board

with their daughter Melissa in 2005. Together, they manage 120 acres of apples, seven acres of pears, five acres of plums and 15 acres of peaches. Frost fans were installed in 2013. New plantings are with a 12 x 4 trellis system.

Their packing line was recently upgraded in 2015 with a programmable logistics computer.

Sugar Apple Orchard Ltd. Paul Frankis joined this orchard in 1990 to manage 95 acres of apples and a small sweet cherry block. He started planting high density in the 1990s at 12 x 6 and 12 x 5. In 2007, he planted Gala at 12 X 4. In 2015, he planted Ambrosia (G41) at 12. 2.5.

Hail stung the orchard in both 2000 and 2001, so hail netting has now been installed. He became a believer in frost fans after spring frost loss in 2012.

Frankis uses four-wire trellis for tall spindle tree training, using the wire trainers to tie branches on young trees.

SEPTEMBER 2015 –– PAGE 9 THE GROWER

ONTARIO POTATO RESEARCH FIELD DAY

Reviewing the best cultivars for the future KAREN DAVIDSON Elora, Ontario – If you’re a potato grower, it’s always about what new variety improves the growing, processing or eating experience. About 30 people attended the annual potato research field day organized by Vanessa Currie, University of Guelph. There were 104 potato lines and cultivars showcased at the Elora Research Station.

Of note were purple-skinned potato varieties as well as those with coloured flesh. Rong Cao, Guelph Food Research Centre, explained that the anthocyanins have an important role in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

“Scientists are rethinking systemic inflammation and oxidative stresses – free radicals – at the cellular level,” said Cao. “Plant foods – fruits and vegetables, grains and nuts -- are a major source of phenolics and carotenoids.

Yellow-fleshed potatoes, for example, have a pigment from the carotenoid family containing lutein, important for eye health.

But it’s the phenolics, purple compounds, that have become the focus of more recent research. “Think of red grapes, blackberries, purple varieties of potatoes and carrots,” he said. “The darker the colour, the higher level of antioxidant activity.”

One grower asked if a dehydrated purple potato would be a potential product. Cao thought that it would depend on how the potatoes were dried. Processing heat affects stability. Freeze drying purple potatoes might be a better route in preserving the health benefits while saving processing costs on energy.

In another presentation, Agnes Murphy, research scientist based at the AAFC Potato Research Centre in Fredericton, New Brunswick, explained how the potato trials at the Elora Research Station relate to the Accelerated

104 cultivars were on display at the recent Ontario Potato Research Field Day.

Dr. Rong Cao, Guelph Food Research Centre, inspects a purple potato cultivar.

Release program across the country. Similar adaptation trials are conducted in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Manitoba and Alberta with demonstration trials also set up in Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

All the trial data from across the country, including agronomic and culinary evaluations, and disease and pest evaluations are distilled by the end of November. From the 48 cultivars currently on trial, about 10 to 15 will be identified that show the most promise for adaptation, yield and culinary qualities. About half of the lines are for the chipping industry, so measuring chip processing quality is an important trait.

In February 2016, an open house will be held for the Accelerated Release program, with a real-time link to the Lethbridge Research Centre. “If you see a selection that you like, you can order a 10 kilogram sample to try,” says Murphy. “Seed is available for two consecutive years, then the selections are offered exclusively on a competitive bid basis. At that point, the grower can evaluate the cultivar under field conditions for three years. A license can be negotiated as well as naming rights from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.”

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PAGE 10 –– SEPTEMBER 2015 THE GROWER

Innovation and new technologies are essential

JOHN KELLY EXECUTIVE VP, OFVGA There are many words that come into the vernacular of horticulture to describe the ability to stay in business. The government is driving hard on the words “Competitiveness” and “Innovation.” Indeed innovation is the heart of many of the Growing Forward 2 (GF2) programs and these are designed with the intent to improve the competitiveness of the farmer.

This in itself is laudable because it will keep our growers at the forefront of new technologies and ways of doing business.

One of the key challenges, however, for growers to qualify

for GF2 funding is that whatever they are applying for must be innovative. This is defined as featuring new methods, and must be advanced and original. So in essence GF2 funding is designed for the early adopters of technologies, because once an innovation becomes applied on a farm or a few farms the relative innovativeness becomes less, and by default more difficult for the government to provide support.

This leads to a larger discussion on moving innovation forward on a sector basis. It certainly does not come without a price to the industry, and for the industry to remain globally competitive, this is going to be part of the cost of doing business.

Other jurisdictions are investing heavily in new developments, technologies and business practices that are going to push them to be more efficient.

Ontario horticultural farms are also doing this. A great example of how the sector is embracing new technology while at the same time addressing key issues concerning water and environmental management is in the greenhouse sector. Low or zero water discharges are not only efficient

production, they vastly reduce the need for outside water sources.

This is made possible by significant investment in sensor technology, information technology (IT) and engineering.

Adoption of new technologies will also assist in addressing our sky-high energy costs. Every farmer knows that the price paid for energy in Ontario is and will continue to be a significant challenge to profitability. Using high efficiency lighting, higher capacity planters and tools which reduce the number of times required to go over a vegetable field can assist in improving the expense line of the balance sheet.

New technology does not have to be in the form of equipment and does not have to be driven by improving the cost of production.

New tools which enhance crop protection are continually being developed and brought to market.

Methods of production that can reduce the need for these tools are also being embraced, including that being done in the greenhouse (such as insects that eat other insects) and in the field (for example, use of predatory birds to remove fruit damaging birds).

New varieties that are disease-

and insect-resistant will no doubt enhance returns to producers.

The development of the Millennium Asparagus a few years ago brought tremendous returns to the sector.

Improvements in cold and frost tolerance could reduce the impacts of spring chill events, and potentially reduce the reliance on agricultural insurance.

And those technologies which are designed to address consumer needs such as the Innate potato or the Arctic apple – both genetically designed to prevent browning and enhance consumer appeal -will potentially change the landscape for growers.

Technologies for labour savings are also a great opportunity for growers since this is often the highest cost of production. Even using analyses such as process engineering -- as proposed by the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre – can lead to savings and improvements in efficiency, as well as enhance the way that people work in many areas of production. Increasing capacity of growers by moving from older technologies to even “near-new” technologies can improve the bottom line for

growers. It may not have to be the sparkling, brand new development that is needed to enhance grower competitiveness.

All of these advances need investment. With ever-increasing global competition it is essential that growers have the ability to invest in their businesses so that they do not stagnate.

How do we pay for these investments? It is well known that it is very difficult to pass these costs to the marketplace and farmers need to have financial tools available to help them invest. Perhaps investing in technologies that reduce the need for crop insurance could be an investible option for the government. Perhaps speeding up the time for depreciation of capital assets would be a viable option, thereby providing growers with more liquid capital to re-invest in their businesses.

Improvements to the ability of farmers to invest in these technologies are necessary to keep the terms “Innovation” and “Competitiveness” relevant to the modern grower. We are working hard to make this a reality.

WEATHER VANE

Carrot harvest was well underway at the farm of Doug van Luyk, Newmarket, Ontario on August 19. The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association summer tour observed the harvest in action. The harvesting equipment is custom manufactured in the Holland Marsh with many innovative features. The final touch is the paint job in 'John Deere' green.

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

No compensation will be given after the first running of the ad.

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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.

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

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P.M. 40012319

ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015

OFVGA SECTION CHAIRS

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Crop Protection Research Property Labour Safety Nets CHC

Chair Vice-Chair Fruit Director Veg Director Director

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

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

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

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

SEPTEMBER 2015 –– PAGE 11 THE GROWER

PERSPECTIVE Should food promotion be global or domestic?

OWEN ROBERTS U OF GUELPH I love living in Canada and being a Canadian. That said, to me, travel beyond our borders makes life a little richer, especially where food and agriculture are involved -- which is almost everywhere you look.

Some cities have exceptionally strong agriculture and food connections. Chicago, for example, is one of America’s great agricultural cities, owing largely to its central Great Lakes location.

In the mid 1800s, Chicago helped open the midwest to grain exports via the railways and ships served by its port. The railway system also helped move livestock from the prairies where they were grown, to the highly populated east coast. The Chicago Board of Trade was developed to help facilitate contracted grain sales and prices for U.S. farmers,

and still sets the pace today for prices everywhere.

For consumers, the city’s livestock heritage has led to the development of some of the country’s top steak houses and chains. And the immigrants that came here for work provided a broad palate of ethnic flavours, including the fantastic Italian food my family and I enjoyed during a summer holiday there a few weeks ago.

But although most of the ingredients for our pizza came from American farms, I doubt if more than a few fellow diners thought about the farmers who grew them, or the agriculture system that processed them and transported them here.

Historians note even native Chicagoans are three or four generations removed from agriculture. And when tourists like us visit, it’s the food, not the farmer, that typically comes to mind.

This discrepancy isn’t lost on American farmers. A debate is going on in the U.S. right now about how much of the multibillion dollars the federal government spends to support farming should be dedicated to promoting food exports, versus trying to stimulate more domestic consumption – particularly, of fruit and vegetables.

Academics are weighing in. A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and

Garlic ice cream? It’s all at a festival near you

MARK WALES Garlic festivals are a great opportunity for consumers to sample and purchase the many different varieties that producers have to offer along with many garlic products. They can try tasty treats such as garlic ice cream and fresh roasted garlic bulbs. There is always entertainment and practical presentations at every festival.

In September, Stratford

(September 12-13) and Toronto (September 20) are two opportunities to purchase one of Ontario's healthiest crops. For information and links go to www.garlicgrowers.on.ca to find out more about the abundance of festivals in Ontario. Harvest is all completed for garlic growers so this is everyone's chance to get fresh Ontario garlic before it is gone.

Mark Wales is president of the Garlic Growers’ Association of Ontario.

Applied Economics said modest decreases in trade promotion expenditures, coupled with more money for domestic promotion efforts, could influence domestic market conditions, caloric intake and nutrient consumption.

There's more to this than health. Sure, exports are good for the economy. But any effort to promote American food domestically can be spun as being good for health and for keeping America strong. In that way, eating more U.S. fruit and vegetables also feeds Americans’ strong sense of patriotism, and appeals to their desire for greater self-sufficiency and security.

My brother-in-law Todd, a proud American, produces videos for corporate real estate companies in Michigan trying to sell industrial properties. He’s no slouch. We stopped to see him and my sister Beth on our way to Chicago, and had a chat about GMOs. He wondered why food companies “put” GMOs in food, like they’re some kind of additive, and why these companies can’t just pick them out, like most people do (or try to do, and fail) with anchovies on a pizza.

He felt a little better when I explained the GMO traits that help fight insects, boost production and resist certain herbicides

are not expressed in the parts of plants that we eat. But the conversation was further affirmation that agriculture has a lot of catching up to do with consumers everywhere.

And farmers, who still have credibility with the public, need to be the ones who take the lead.

It takes a herculean effort to meaningfully connect with journalists, restaurateurs and grocers and of course consumers themselves, to introduce agriculture and talk about food.

However, work is something agriculture is familiar with. And that’s good, because there’s lot to do.

PAGE 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SEPTEMBER 2015 THE GROWER

SMART water project focuses on Holland Marsh

BRUCE KELLY Farm & Food Care Ontario on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is undertaking a water efficiency pilot project that will go by the name SMART Water.

The SMART project is designed to help growers in the Holland Marsh optimize their

water use which ultimately affects input costs and discharges to the water system through wastewater and tile drains. Workshops will be conducted for growers in the winter of 2016.

Interested growers are invited to participate in the development of workshop materials that will address water supply and use; recycling and treatment; water system energy and water use and management.

There are several areas that growers could participate in, all of which are valuable in helping to identify water and wastewater use. There is no cost to participate.

1.Case Study Water Use Assessments: Three water use assessments will be conducted during the 2015 growing season to develop case studies for: â&#x20AC;˘ Vegetable processor; â&#x20AC;˘ Potato irrigation system; â&#x20AC;˘ Irrigation system of another type of vegetable grower.

Each assessment will include onsite collection of information pertaining to current water uses, losses and estimated costs; preparation of a water balance; identification of opportunities to reduce, reuse and optimize current water use and losses; and development of business cases (costs, equipment life, simple payback, etc.) for implementation of the identified opportunities, and recommendations. A final report will be prepared documenting the current situation, identified opportunities,

economic assessment and recommendations.

Grower Time Requirement: One day with the assessment team on-site plus one additional day.

Grower Benefits: â&#x20AC;˘ Water use and wastewater use characterization; â&#x20AC;˘ Identification of opportunities, cost savings and simple paybacks; â&#x20AC;˘ Identification of potential incentive programs to implement opportunities; â&#x20AC;˘ An experienced third party looking at your system and seeing it through fresh eyes (spot things you had not considered).

2. Focus Groups: The goal is to gather information from growers about their current practices and knowledge, future plans and barriers to investment. Three focus groups are proposed, one for each target audience: â&#x20AC;˘ Vegetable processors; â&#x20AC;˘ Potato irrigators; â&#x20AC;˘ Other vegetable irrigators.

Grower Time Requirement: The duration of each focus group will be approximately two hours followed by a complimentary lunch.

3. Water Use Assessments: Eleven assessments will be conducted at agricultural operations in the Lake Simcoe and Nottawasaga watersheds. These assessments are for the benefit of growers and will not become part of the workshop materials. They will include: â&#x20AC;˘ One meat processing facility; â&#x20AC;˘ 10 at agricultural operations

including vegetable processing, irrigator, nursery, sod, and greenhouse facilities.

Each assessment will include the on-site collection of information pertaining to current water uses and losses and estimated costs; the identification of opportunities to reduce, reuse and optimize current water use and losses; the business case (costs, equipment life, payback) associated with the identified opportunities; and recommendations. A final report will be prepared documenting the current situation, identified opportunities, economic assessment and recommendations.

Grower Time Requirement: One day on-site with the assessment team plus one additional day.

Grower Benefits: â&#x20AC;˘ Water use and wastewater use characterization; â&#x20AC;˘ Identification of opportunities, cost savings and simple paybacks; â&#x20AC;˘ Identification of potential incentive programs to implement opportunities; â&#x20AC;˘ An experienced third party looking at your system and seeing it through fresh eyes.

For more information on the project or if you are interested in taking part in a water assessment please contact either Bruce Kelly at Farm & Food Care Ontario bruce@farmfoodcare.org or Jodie Mott at the Holland Marsh Growersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association: growers@hollandmarshgold.com Bruce Kelly is environmental program manager, Farm & Food Care.

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Sept 3

Muck Crops Research Station Grower Day, Bradford, ON

Sept 9

Ontario Berry Growersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Twilight Meeting, Heemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Strawberries, Thames Centre, ON

Sept 12-13

Stratford Kiwanis Garlic Festival, Stratford, ON

Sept 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17 Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outdoor Farm Show, Woodstock, ON

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COMING EVENTS 2015

Sept 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17 37th International Carrot Conference, Nottawasaga Inn, Alliston, ON Sept 16

OPMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual Produce Industry Golf Tournament, Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre, Brampton, ON

Sept 16

Grape Growers of Ontario Annual Celebrity Luncheon, Club Roma, St. Catharines, ON

Sept 20

Toronto Garlic Festival, Artscape Wychwood Barns, Toronto, ON

Sept 20-22

First Global Minor Use Priority Setting Conference Workshop, Chicago, IL

Sept 22 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 26 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo, Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, ON

SEPTEMBER 2015 –– PAGE 13 THE GROWER

RETAIL NAVIGATOR

Annual sales plans are a win-win

PETER CHAPMAN We all get busy and it is easy to put off building a sales plan.

Unfortunately, this is one of the most important initiatives in a business. The annual sales plan allows you to predict what you will accomplish in your business and how it will get done. It is also important to share components of the plan with your customers -the retailers.

Develop credibility with your customers Building an annual sales plan accomplishes two things for you with the retailer.

1) Illustrates the professional approach you are bringing to the table.

2) Provides the opportunity to review the sales plan to ensure you are both on the same page.

Improve your results Very important to ensure you have what you need when you need it. This will ensure continuity of supply to the retailer.

1) Provides the information you need to order inputs 2) Provides information you need to order packaging 3) Understand your cash flow Building the plan The process of building the annual sales plan does not need to be complicated. If your item is in the stores 12 months you need to project a sales number by SKU for each month and if your item is seasonal you should project the weekly sales by SKU. My recommendation is to start with your baseline sales. These are the sales you would do each week at regular price. Check to see if your base line is accurate by using the total number of stores you are in with each customer and project the cases per store per week or per month.

Each retailer will have a different sales trend that you need to start with. Influences such as added real estate or competitive pressure will impact their overall sales up or down. Unless there is a good reason, your item will follow these trends. Be realistic!

Once you have the base line sales you can begin to add the promotional plan. Review the

In Korean stores, it's common to find fermented seaweed.

Greens are very important in the Korean diet.

Many different varieties of mushrooms are displayed, except for button mushrooms.

“Remember to ensure you are projecting the sales when you will sell the product, which, might be one to many weeks prior to the product going to the retailer. This can get confusing when coordinating with retailers’ ads.” results from the previous years to assess the opportunities. Some promotions work better than others so determine where the best weeks or months are for your item. With the history you can determine your x factor. This is the multiple of regular sales to add sales. Time of year and type of promotion will impact the x factor. For example you might get a sales lift of three times with a demo and five times with an ad.

Plan each of the different types of promotions for your SKUs. When these are added to your base line you will get your total weekly sales.

Remember to ensure you are projecting the sales when you will sell the product, which, might be one to many weeks prior to the product going to the retailer. This can get confusing when coordinating with retailers’ ads.

Once you have a plan built you should use the format to determine how you can generate more volume or more profit.

Experiment with different prices and promotion ideas to find the optimum solution. Remember to include your everyday selling price and the discounts you need to participate in ads or the cost of product for demos.

Share components of the plan with the retailer Building a detailed sales plan will help to understand your business better. You can also take some of the sections such as baseline and promo sales to review with the retailer. You do not need to give them the whole plan -keep it simple to focus on the important numbers. Remember to only show them the sales you have with that specific customer.

Prior to the year or the season you should review this with the category manager. Make sure you are far enough in advance to allow any changes. Often if you suggest ad weeks they will take your advice and slot the items in.

Do your homework to understand

what happened last year prior to the meeting.

planning your sales or if you have any questions you can contact me at pchapman@gpsbusiness.ca.

Shopping in Korea is a family outing

the stores for some items and they are more aggressive with selling to the customer. Produce is a very important department. Consumers will judge the entire store based on the quality of the produce.

Recently I had the opportunity to speak to a group of retailers in Korea. While there, I was able to visit a Home Plus store, which is owned by Tesco. It is always fascinating to see stores in different markets. We are all trying to sell food but there are so many different items and methods of selling food.

Fresh departments are designed to be a bridge between the traditional wet markets and what we think of as supermarkets.

There are third-party vendors in

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

The plan needs to stay alive Set up your plan with space to add actuals and year to date.

There are a lot of variables but in the end the sales number is what it is. Year-to-date is very important to determine how you are doing relative to the plan.

At the appropriate time, share with the category manager, good or bad! This will allow you to have the conversation about why you are close to the plan or not.

Do not wait for them to call you.

They have many items to manage and you have to keep your sales going.

If you have a process for

PAGE 14 –– SEPTEMBER 2015 THE GROWER

FOCUS: NEW EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

Labour-saving equipment now top priority as costs increase

Henk Droogendyk and his son Leo and daughter Janine demonstrate the automatic hoe in lettuce. Photos by Glenn Lowson.

are now making their way to Canada, thanks to a new company called Specialty Vegetable Equipment. The 50/50 partnership is between Albert Van Oosten, an equipment specialist and Streef Produce, Princeton, Ontario.

Formed in January 2015, the company has succeeded in testing a European prototype, single-man electric asparagus harvester in Ontario and has made a number of improvements to meet North American conditions.

Two self-propelled sprayers have just been imported from Europe and will be on display at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show this month. These machines have options that have never been available in Canada before.

“We don’t have a lot of history but between us, we have a lot of experience,” says Albert Van Oosten. He’s also convinced that environmental issues are changing how farmers view soil health and water conservation.

“Farmers are entirely invested in the environment,” he says.

“Nothing disappears, it just converts. What goes up will come down.”

That means farmers are interested in not only laboursaving technology, but energysaving technology with less environmental footprint. Here are two examples of equipment that’s been field-tested in 2015.

Automatic hoe in action

Shepherd’s purse is a particularly pesky weed whose flowers contaminate lettuce. It’s an important weed to control to ensure uninterrupted harvests throughout the growing season.

KAREN DAVIDSON Princeton, Ontario - As labour costs continue to escalate, so does the need for technology. The drums are beating in North America for a $15 minimum wage and in some Canadian jurisdictions such as Ontario, employer contributions to improved retirement plans are set to start in 2017.

While the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan will have a two-year

phase-in, beginning with the largest employers, farm employers will eventually be required to contribute 1.9 per cent of an employee’s wages up to a maximum of $90,000. At the top rate, that would mean an extra employer contribution of $4.50 per day per employee.

(For more information, see http://ow.ly/Qu9gk) These trends have been underway in Europe for quite a few years, forcing growers to find new solutions. Those innovations

Equipped with an infrared optical bar, the Remoweed has the capability to remove weeds

both between the rows and between the plants in the same row. The machine scans and removes weeds found along the width of its frame while moving forward. One single pass is required to weed, aerate and sidedress.

Lettuce grower Henk Droogendyk and his distant cousin Matthew purchased the first machine in Ontario and put it to good use in the 2015 growing season. On his 80 acres of sandy loam soil near Princeton, Ontario, Henk grows romaine, boston and leaf lettuce. Because herbicides are not allowed in these crops, manual weeding is necessary and expensive. In particular, shepherd’s purse is a weed whose

flowers can cause rotting in lettuce. If a week’s worth of lettuce is lost due to this pest, then there’s a gap in marketing to Bayshore Vegetable Shippers.

That’s not the ideal position for a company promising continuous supply to major grocers.

“This machine is working past our expectations,” says Droogendyk. “I would say 95 per cent of the weeds are removed and the remainder is not a problem.”

Shared between the two farms, the machine is used about 20 hours per week, every week of the season. The payback is expected within a few years.

Continued on next page

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SEPTEMBER 2015 –– PAGE 15 THE GROWER

FOCUS: NEW EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

Labour-saving equipment now top priority as costs increase

This one-person asparagus harvester is a prototype tested at Sandy Shores Farms, Port Burwell, Ontario during the 2015 harvesting season. With enough power in a battery-charged unit for a day's work, this worker can modify the speed according to the crop density in front of him. This unit has efficiency benefits over the more traditional three-person, gas-engine powered harvester shown to the right.

Electric asparagus harvester shows promise Port Burwell, Ontario - The one-person, one-row electric asparagus harvester has potential according to Ken Wall, Sandy Shores Farms, Port Burwell, Ontario. With 300-plus acres in production, Wall agreed to try a prototype from Holland this past growing season.

The concept is to improve harvest times with the ability of a one-person harvester to speed up and slow down between clumps of asparagus. Every second counts during the limited seven-week season.

Current gas-engine harvesters have three or five operators moving at a constant speed.

The problem is that asparagus doesn’t grow evenly, rather in clumps of spears.

The operator can’t jump ahead to the next clump without compromising the worker harvesting in the adjacent rows.

“I see opportunities for improvements in efficiency by as much as 100 per cent,” says Wall. He bases his opinion on time trials that he conducted on the prototype machine with different operators.

The electric two-battery system can be charged overnight so that there’s enough power for an entire day’s work. The

Holland prototype is being modified to fit the standard 48-inch row common in Canada. The next model will have a joystick under the seat for steering.

“Innovation is a process,” says Wall. “It could take three to five years to learn and discover the best way forward. This conceptual design is very good and a step in the right direction.”

More efficiency is needed in the asparagus industry if competitors from Central and South America are to be kept at bay. Those jurisdictions have dramatically lower costs of labour and much less regulatory burden.

While Ontario retailers have been supportive of the local asparagus industry, their support is not open-ended. The product must be cost-competitive to remain on shelves.

The irony, notes Wall, is that the Ontario government has challenged agriculture to create more jobs by 2020, yet increased minimum wage rates at the same time.

“On the one hand, we’re told to increase jobs, but we can’t do it with one hand tied behind our back,” says Wall. “We have no choice but to look for labour-saving technology.”

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PAGE 16 –– SEPTEMBER 2015 THE GROWER

FOCUS: NEW EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

Sidewall shearing in high-density apple orchards saves labour MARIO MIRANDA SAZO In recent years, many apple growers have adopted the tall spindle system, planting at three feet by 12 feet so that partial mechanization is possible.

Mechanical summer pruning has started at a few farms in the Lake Ontario Fruit Region where I conduct extension activities for Cornell University. An important requirement in this system is to plant densities of more than 1,200 trees per acre and to develop a narrow, fruiting wall type of canopy.

Over the last three years, we have conducted on-farm research with cooperator Scott VanDeWalle at Alton, New York.

One of our objectives was to evaluate and identify an optimal timing and method of sidewall shearing for apples. Summer hedging to replace summer hand pruning has shown promising results. However, the transitioning of a mature tall spindle orchard to a fruiting wall will require extra care to pre-form the tree the previous winter so that the apple flower bud load will not be reduced excessively.

Our summer sidewall shearing results were positive in 2012 and 2013 but will require three or more years to fully determine if this approach has long-term positive results or if negative tree growth or potential yield reduction in the long term may negate labour savings from mechanical sidewall shearing. We are encouraged so far in that there was little regrowth from sidewall shearing treatments, but we measured a yield reduction for Gala and Linda Mac in 2013.

Three apple growers in New York state have implemented

sidewall shearing at their farms.

At one of these sites with a very narrow fruiting wall and super spindle trees, hedging has been conducted 12 inches from the trunk of Gala, Honeycrisp and SweeTango the last two years, and this year to Fuji, Zestar, Acey Mac, Macoun and Pinova trees.

They have developed a system where hedging is conducted at the end of the dormant season or at pink to pre-form the trees into a shape or “box” so that later summer hedging does not cut off fruits. From the pre-formed “box” shoots grow during the season until they are hedged again in late July or early August at 14 inches from the trunk.

This spring, another 30-acre orchard site, of mature tall spindle trees was hedged at 24 inches from the trunk to form or establish the “box” concept. Hedging occurred in the late winter after the removal of big wood through limb renewal pruning. The pruning of the tops was conducted manually after hedging and it left a manicured fruiting wall with a very narrow top. The shoots coming from the “box” will be hedged again in the summer of 2015 at 26-28 inches from the trunk.

The cost and time for summer hedging amounted to a fraction of the time – about five per cent – compared to manual summer pruning with loppers and ladders.

If sidewall shearing in the summer can reduce summer pruning costs by 95 per cent and improve labour efficiency without negative effects on return bloom, vigorous growth response, or a significant yield reduction, it will also have a significant impact on orchard profitability.

Results from this two-year summer shearing study areen

“

The cost and time for summer hedging amounted to a fraction of the time – about five per cent – compared to manual summer pruning with loppers and ladders.”

couraging so far in that there was little regrowth from the sidewall shearing treatments with the tall spindle system. The trees to be summer hedged can be preshaped in the previous dormant season so that the hedger does not cut off any fruits.

We plan to continue other hedging experiments at grower farms and at the Geneva Research Station in the years to come. A long-term strategy that a grower in France has implemented is to use annual sidewall shearing of tall spindle trees for two successive years with no other dormant pruning but in the third year, to add a dormant winter corrective pruning to remove limbs that have become large and are causing internal canopy shading and poor quality.

Mario Miranda Sazo is with the Cornell Cooperative Extension, Lake Ontario Fruit Program, Newark, New York.

Shoots after hedging.

View of a fruiting wall after hedging in early August 2015.

Photos courtesy of Mario Miranda Sazo

SEPTEMBER 2015 –– PAGE 17 THE GROWER

FOCUS: NEW EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

Hedging contributes to higher quality apples KAREN DAVIDSON Harrow, Ontario - It was on a tour to Chile organized by the International Fruit Tree Association (IFTA) that Doug Balsillie first became aware of the benefits of hedging. In 2010, the practice hadn’t taken root in the South American country but there was plenty of discussion.

The vegetative growth is sheared at just the right time to decrease shading to the lower part of the tree and to harvest sunlight from top to bottom of the tree. The results are bigger quantities of a higher quality apple, while reducing the cost of manual pruning.

Balsillie is a strong advocate for IFTA. “If you’re going to spend $30,000 to plant an acre of apples, then you’d best spend $2,000 a year on international meetings,” he says. “The rewards are knowledge and networks. Our European friends are now hedging every year and manually pruning every other year or three years. Time will tell how this works for us. The big drive towards hedging is to save labour.”

In the intervening years, Balsillie followed the global research and became convinced

that he should build his own machine without all the bells and whistles. He also witnessed hedging results on an IFTA tour to northern Italy in 2014. It took several years, but between him and a neighbour, they built a machine that debuted at The Fruit Wagon farm in June 2015.

“From what we’ve learned, it’s best to employ this practice on the longest day of the year, around June 21 for our latitude,” says Balsillie. “Hedge too early and you’ll initiate a response with too much regrowth. Hedge too late and you’ll stimulate weak vegetative growth.”

The idea is to hedge during those long sunlit days so that there’s enough growth to initiate a fruit bud for next year. He set the machine to shear 18 to 24 inches from the leader at the bottom and six to eight inches from the leader at the top. This results in a tall slender canopy, a fruiting wall that can be picked easily.

Harvest time is near for his varieties that range from Ambrosia to Silken. Balsillie is expecting better fruit quality and higher packouts.

“We’re committed to hedging,” says Balsillie. “It’s going to become an integral part of the tall spindle growing system for

You Y ou are o are here. here e

Matt Peters, Provide Agro, based in Beamsville, Ontario demonstrated his company’s machine to the Ontario Apple Tour. Photo by Glenn Lowson. apples.”

Sam Bourgeois agrees that hedging is the way of the future.

The apple grower from Verger Belliveau Orchard in Memramcook, New Brunswick was also on the IFTA tour to Italy. He and a neighbouring farmer, La Fleur du Pommier, now have a hedging machine sourced from the U.S. This summer, Bourgeois hedged 20 high-density acres at

the 10-12 leaf stage. It’s his pickyour-own orchard with several apple varieties. He’s not sure about the timing. Like Balsillie, he knows that the practice might be too early or too late.

“There aren’t enough studies in our region,” says Bourgeois.

“We’ll be experimenting for the next few years.”

What is clear already is that the box shape of the trees is helpful when harvesting by platform.

The platform doesn’t hit and injure the fruit. But the biggest advantage is that the practice of summer hedging saves labour.

“It’s not just about saving labour costs,” says Bourgeois.

“Finding labour is hard.”

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PAGE 18 –– SEPTEMBER 2015 THE GROWER

FOCUS: NEW EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

Track perishable inventory in real time KAREN DAVIDSON Real-time tracking of harvest and packing is here for many of Ontario’s fruit growers, thanks to software company Dragonfly Information Technologies. A productivity dashboard was rolled out in mid-August to give growers a bird’s eye view of their current harvest and packing activities.

The newest version of the software system is now actively used by more than 150 Ontario growers to manage more than 17,000 acres of apples, grapes and tender fruit.

“We’ve deployed the system for several new growers this year,” says Matt Deir, Dragonfly IT. “We’ve added support for forklift-mounted tablets to lower set-up costs and make the system compatible for external access storage. The new hands-free system helps growers to manage their inventory and has the added bonus of increased traceability as it automatically tracks the harvest, storage and packing of product.”

Dragonfly IT has made a name for itself with Ontario’s fruit, grape and apple growers. Its Fruit Tracker software is customized for an industry adhering to a

Dragonly IT recently rolled out its real-time harvest and packing productivity dashboard to give growers a bird’s eye view of current harvest and packing activities.

higher standard of safety protocols. At first, its goal was to reduce administrative time documenting spray records to comply with CanadaGAP. The program has evolved to include premises identification, product identification and supply chain movements.

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packers and distributors to industry associations and retailers. In 2014, Fruit Tracker software won the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence. Dragonfly is now a multi-dimensional solutions company focused on agribusiness

including cloud-based Fruit Tracker software, information technology consultation and guidance services, and hardware technology.

Here’s a forklift-mounted tablet that lowers set-up costs and makes the Fruit Tracker system more compatible for external access storage.

SEPTEMBER 2015 –– PAGE 19 THE GROWER

FOCUS: NEW EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

Aerial imaging explored at the Muck Crops Research Station MARY RUTH McDONALD Drones, also unknown as UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) or RPVs (remotely piloted vehicles) have many potential uses, although it may be some time before we see drones delivering packages. In agriculture, researchers have been using drones to do many tasks, including: trap spores of fungi high above the ground, count apples in orchards and apply sprays to hard-to-reach areas of vineyards.

However, the most interest seems to be for field scouting and precision agriculture. Can “aerial surveillance” be used to identify areas of fields where disease is starting or where additional fertilizer is needed?

At the Muck Crops Research Station, we have been working with High Eye Aerial Imaging Inc. to look at how digital images taken from the sky can help with the integrated pest management program and in assessing research plots. The company uses an octocopter- a UAV with eight propellers – fitted with a camera.

The octocopter is controlled from the ground and sends digital images back to a computer.

Flights occur once a week and cover the field plots at the Muck Station and selected fields that are part of the Muck Crops IPMprogram. Both ‘true colour’ and near infrared images are taken, and the infrared images are further processed to provide more information.

This is the second year of the research project and we have learned a lot, but there is much more to be discovered and developed. The octocopter is best suited to aerial photography on the Marsh. A fixed wing aircraft needs more space to take off and land, and manned aircraft cannot fly low enough to get detailed images. Some of the differences in disease development that have been seen appear to be related to soil conditions. Areas of a field that show old creek beds or other differences in soil structure are the first areas where Stemphylium leaf blight develops. Growers have noticed that Stemphylium blight is worse where onions are under stress, and the pictures confirm this.

Currently, members of the Muck Station staff are working to find the best ways to use the digital images to make field scouting more efficient. At this point it takes extra time and effort to combine field scouting with a weekly review of the images. In the future, we expect that scouts will look at the aerial images at the start of the week and adjust scouting patterns to check out any bare patches or disease ‘hot spots’ that appear. Another part of the project is to produce “false colour” images with specific

colours that can be converted to data points to compare the intensity of chlorophyll or plant temperature for statistical analysis of different treatments, such as fungicides.

This work has been possible as the result of the project “Innovative technologies for improved plant health of field vegetables.” This project was funded in part through Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincialterritorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of Growing Forward 2 in Ontario. The project was sponsored by the Bradford Cooperative Storage Inc. and the Fresh Vegetable Growers of Ontario also provided funding.

The project is lead by Prof. Mary Ruth McDonald, Dept. of Plant

True colour aerial photograph of the Muck Crops Research Station plots taken by High Eye Aerial Imaging.

Agriculture, University of Guelph, and involves graduate student Selasi Tayviah and IPM Coordinator Dennis Van Dyk.

Mary Ruth McDonald is research program director, Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph.

False colour image from aerial infrared photograph. The center green section is a carrot trial. An onion trial is in the lower righthand corner.

PAGE 20 –– SEPTEMBER 2015 THE GROWER

Recognizing leaf diseases in strawberries PAM FISHER The weather changes of late summer and early fall are often favourable for leaf diseases on strawberries. Rainy weather, extended wetting periods and heavy dews, all contribute to the buildup of spots, blotches and purplish lesions.

A couple of well-timed fungicides in late summer will help to control this problem.

Depending on the disease complex present, different fungicides have their strengths and weaknesses. Identifying which leaf diseases are present is the first step in choosing the best fungicide. See table 4-21, page 135-136 of OMAFRA Publication #360, Guide to Fruit Production 2014-2015, to learn which fungicides provide the best control of leaf diseases. For details on biology and life cycle of these diseases, see www.Ontario.ca/cropipm.

Common leaf spot: This fungal disease can be especially severe on Mira and Kent. Spots are purple with light centers.

Infection occurs through the

Common leaf spot

underside of new leaves, before they are fully expanded.

V-shaped, progressing inward from a leaf edge.

Angular leaf spot: This is a bacterial disease, and is not controlled with most fungicides.

Lesions are translucent and look wet. Look for milky ooze in humid conditions. The bacteria in this ooze are easily spread throughout the field by workers, splashing rain or irrigation, and equipment. Use Copper 53W or Tivano to suppress angular leaf spot. If symptoms are showing up now, fall sprays might help to reduce inoculum. All cultivars are susceptible especially Wendy, Annapolis, and Jewel.

Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a range of confusing symptoms, from diffuse reddish specking, to a reddish-brown scorch. Often, affected leaves are curled upwards, causing a pinkish burn on the underside of the leaf. Very faint white powdery patches can sometimes be seen on the lower leaf surface when infections are new.

Angular leaf spot

Leaf scorch: Research has shown that winter injury is more severe where this fungal disease is abundant. Look for solid purple blotches, without a white center or border. Kent and Clancy are good indicator varieties for leaf scorch.

Leaf blight: Caused by the fungus phomopsis, leaf blight is common on Governor Simcoe.

We saw it on Malwina this year as well. Lesions are multi-coloured and often

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Ontario Berry Growers annual twilight meeting Wednesday September 9th, Heeman’s Strawberries 20422 Nissouri Rd. Thames Centre ON N0M 2P0 (just east of London).

There will be lots to see including both June and day neutral strawberries, tunnel raspberries as well as their greenhouse operation. Several trials being conducted on site that will be highlighted. The OBGA will

spend some time bringing members up to date on the proposed marketing board for Ontario Berries. Program starts with a farm tour at 4:00 pm followed by dinner around 6 pm.

The cost will be $15-$20 per person to cover the cost of dinner. Please RSVP to Kevin Schooley, at 613-258-4587, or info@ontarioberries.com.

SEPTEMBER 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PAGE 21 THE GROWER

BERRY FOCUS

Raspberry herbicide options

KRISTEN OBEID To the right is a table that provides herbicide options for new and established raspberry plantings. Each row in the table provides rotation options for your management program.

Postemergence Herbicides 2,4-D (Group 4) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Apply at any time during the year except during bloom. Keep off of new shoots. Do NOT spray more than two applications. Higher rates can be used for spot applications to control dandelions and other perennial weeds.

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Why use one herbicide over another: Preemergence herbicides Casoron (Group 20) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; long residual good on winter annuals and some perennials. Can be applied very late in the fall / winter, as long as the ground is not frozen.

Devrinol (Group 15) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; expensive at labeled rates, goodto-moderate control of annual grasses and broadleaves; moderate control of groundsel. Spray only once per season in the fall or spring before weeds emerge.

Princep Nine-T (Group 5) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; great on annual grasses and broadleaves.

Sinbar (Group 5) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will also burn off small seedlings.

Controls a large number of weeds including harder to control annuals and winter annuals: annual sowthistle, common chickweed, purslane, dandelion, henbit and yellow wood sorrel. However, may cause phytotoxicity.

To avoid injury use low rates, lowest on sandy soil.

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Note: only apply herbicides when needed. This table is an example of timing the various herbicides registered in raspberries depending if you have summer or everbearing varieties.

Note: Herbicide Group Numbers in brackets below which are important for rotation purposes to prevent resistance development. *DTH = days to harvest Gramoxone (Group 22) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; direct spray at the base of canes in the spring before new shoots emerge or in the fall when canes are mature. Gramoxone is a non-selective herbicide that will control all green plants.

Poast and Venture (Group 1) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for grass control. Ensure application is made at the appropriate leaf stage for the various grass weeds. Do NOT substitute other surfactants.

Comments on some newer strawberry varieties Laurel ELIZABETH HARLOW A strawberry variety trial was planted in 2014 at the Simcoe Research Station in southern Ontario. The following information was based on observations from this trial in 2015, conversations with growers, and trial results from other berry-producing regions in northeastern America.

A severe frost on May 22 impacted the early yields of our trial.

Rubicon This mid-season strawberry originated from New Haven, Connecticut. The berries are moderately firm, with excellent flavour and aroma. It has dark green foliage with a bluish tinge. Rubicon is resistant to red stele and black root rot, but plants are susceptible to anthracnose. It tolerates frost well, and produces good yields. It is recommended for trial planting.

Donna

This late-season strawberry originated from New Zealand in 1993, but it is new to Ontario. The fruit is mediumlarge, full red straight through, and heart-shaped with a small calyx. The flavour is tart and juicy, and not very sweet. Some of the berries might have an irregular shape.

Its flesh and skin are both soft and bruise easily. Donna is sensitive to foliar diseases, and it produces relatively low yields. It is recommended for trial planting only.

habit that makes it easy to pick. It is winter hardy.

Recommended for fresh markets or pick-your-own.

This mid-season strawberry originated from a cross between Allstar and Cavendish made in Kentville, Nova Scotia in 2012. Laurel is an improvement on Cavendish; it is firmer, more uniform, and more resistant to diseases.

The berry is medium-large, bright red and very high quality. The flavour is good, and it is an attractive, aromatic berry that ships well. Laurel is tolerant of leaf diseases and red stele, but susceptible to botrytis. It might not be fully winter hardy for northern Ontario, and it produces average yields. It is a good variety for fresh markets and pick-yourown.

Malwina

Lila

This mid-late season strawberry originated from East Malling, United Kingdom. The berries are small, but highquality, and have good flavour. Mayflower tolerates wet weather well, and is high-yielding.

This mid-season strawberry originated from a cross between Queen Elisa and Wendy made in Kentville, Nova Scotia in 2012. It produces medium-small, shiny, orangered, round conic berries with a slightly uneven surface and a grainy texture. The flavour is sweet and juicy, but somewhat tart. The plant is semi-upright with an open growth

This strawberry originated from Germany. They are a very late-season variety, maturing after Valley Sunset. The berries are large and of excellent quality. They maintain their size through the season. It has excellent flavour. It is very vigorous; nitrogen needs to be managed to avoid excessive vegetative growth. Malwina is tolerant of verticillium and red stele, but susceptible to leaf blight.

Mayflower

Elizabeth Harlow is a USEL student, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

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PAGE 22 –– SEPTEMBER 2015 THE GROWER

TRADE SHOWS

Michelle Painchaud keynote speaker at 2015 Canadian Greenhouse Conference It takes a small village to operate greenhouses these days, underlining the importance of teamwork and motivating employees. Michelle Painchaud is a leadership coach to businesses such as Seacliff Farms and Westcoast Vegetables, helping to drive performance. With practical experience of more than 20 years, she will be sharing her tips as the keynote speaker at the 2015 Canadian Greenhouse Conference.

Her keynote presentation “How to Create a High Performing Organization” is slated for Wednesday, October 7th. The following day, she will be leading a workshop: “Don’t deprioritize - energize!”

Her insights may challenge your understanding of your leadership style and how it affects employee performance and engagement.

Other program highlights include “Ask the expert” sessions where you can bring pictures, samples and questions to OMAFRA experts. Identifying pest problems is a common request. Basic diagnostic techniques to broadly identify common suspects will be demonstrated.

Sara Jandricic, OMAFRA Vineland and Cara McCreary, OMAFRA Harrow will be showing how to prepare and pack samples to ensure a successful diagnosis.

Photo by Glenn Lowson Michelle Painchaud Michael Brownridge, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, will share proven solutions and approaches when dealing with pest outbreaks while maintaining an effective biocontrol program.

The results of a pilot study undertaken by the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers will be shared on lighting to

fulfill 12-month production. Xiuming Hao, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, will talk about lighting strategies to improve production efficiencies. Eric Doef, Doef Greenhouses Ltd, Lacombe, Alberta will share experiences with artificial lighting in his cucumber, tomato, pepper and lettuce greenhouses.

Also look for research updates by David Liscombe, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre on developing traits for

Canadian greenhouse vegetables. Valerio Primomo, also from Vineland, will be talking about breeding greenhouse tomatoes for Ontario environments.

For a full conference agenda for October 7 and 8, go to www.canadiangreenhouseconference.com. The preconference bus tour starts Monday, October 5 with Leamington as the destination. Pre-registration is required for this popular event.

Don’t miss sprayer demo at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show At Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS), organizers listen to what attendees want to see and plan demonstrations and interactive displays accordingly.

It’s always worthwhile for a refresher course on spraying.

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Jason Deveau, application technology specialist, OMAFRA, will be talking about the differences in droplet size, canopy penetration and coverage between conventional sprayers, air-assist sprayers and electrostatic sprayers.

“As soon as the droplet leaves the sprayer, it’s out of the

applicator’s control,” says Deveau. “Although users can calibrate their sprayer to emit coarse or fine droplets, there are many factors impacting the efficiency of each droplet size.”

According to Deveau, coarse droplets move like a cannonball in the direction they are fired, and fall like rain; when they hit a flat

broad leaf, their journey ends. He says large droplets can be hard to rely on to fully penetrate a dense canopy, especially at low volumes. Fine droplets slow down quickly when released, and are impacted by humidity, wind and thermals. Generally, fine droplets need something to assist them to reach the intended destination.

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There are two types of sprayers that can help guide fine droplets into the canopy. The first is an electrostatic sprayer from On-Target Spray Systems and the other, a self-propelled, high-clearance Alpha Evo sprayer from Hardi.

The On-Target sprayer has been built specifically for the sprayer demonstration at COFS. It uses an electric charge to polarize droplets and attract them to the nearest plant surface.

Together with air-assist, they should reach the intended destination. Different configurations on the On-Target sprayer are used for a wide range of crops. The target for this demonstration is a dense planting of soybeans, but both sprayers should perform as well in any notoriously dense horticultural crop such as strawberries or potatoes.

Hardi’s Alpha features air-assist which improves spray accuracy and counteracts wind, which extends the window of opportunity in which to spray crops. This new high-clearance sprayer is one of two currently in North America and it’s a great opportunity to see it in action at COFS. “We want to show two different technologies for spraying crops, not determine which sprayer is better,” says Deveau.

“Both will be compared to a typical application using conventional nozzles and no air-assist.”

Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show runs September 15 - 17 at Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.outdoorfarmshow.com.

SEPTEMBER 2015 –– PAGE 23 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

LOUTH & NIAGARA ORCHARDS

IRRIAGTION

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

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for Water Systems

• Baskets • Masters • Fertilizer • Vineyard Trellis Supplies

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info@WinonaConcrete.com

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

1-800-361-8515

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

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GREENHOUSE Complete Greenhouse Systems For Your Needs!

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If you have a rural route address, please update subscription with your civic address to ensure delivery.

866-898-8488 ext 221

PAGE 24 –– SEPTEMBER 2015 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

EQUIPMENT

NEW TURBO-MIST SPRAYERS 2016 MODELS WITH SOME NEW FEATURES - NOW HERE

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RAMSEY FIELD PACKING HARVESTOR

PHILLIPS FARM SUPPLIES

519-771-2292 Office: 519-458-4720 Fax: 519-458-4313 Email: albertvanoosten@yahoo.com Mailing address: #447 Hwy #2, Princeton, ON N0J 1V0

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

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JOHN C. GRAHAM CO. LTD. 88 Erie Street North • P.O. Box 13 Leamington, Ontario • N8H 3W1 Tel:(519) 326-5051 Fax: (519) 326-0480

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

FOR SALE: Orchard in Simcoe area with total of 148 acres. 85 acres planted in apple trees. Many varieties. Home renovated recently. 3 mobiles for seasonal labour. 3 gaswells. One producing well supplying own use. Owner motivated to sell. Asking $1,450.000.

FOR SALE: Certified Organic Farm. Close to London. 100 acres with 60 acres workable, all certified for over 20 years.

Growing vegetables, grains and soybeans.

Established clientele. Owner retiring.

G.Loeters Royal LePage RCR Realty.

HOPS

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

Albert Van Oosten

Gerry Loeters for Royal LePage, RCR Realty.

HOPS OF PELHAM INC.

Excellent shape, can be used for multiple vegetable crops, food safety compliant, night LED lighting, fully rebuilt and ready for harvest.

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CLEAN HOP PLANTS AVAILABLE FOR SPRING 2016 PLANTING DEADLINE FOR EARLY ORDER DISCOUNT IS SEPTEMBER 15TH 2015 Alpharoma, Cascade, Cashmere, Centennial, Chinook, Cluster L­8, Columbia, Horizon, Glacier, Mt. Rainier, Newport, Nugget, Sorachi Ace, Tettnang, Triple Perle, Ultra, Vanguard, Willamette, Zatecki Cerveni.

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Sell your farm equipment here. classified ads call the classified department at 866-898-8488 ext 221

SEPTEMBER 2015 –– PAGE 25 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

EQUIPMENT

PRE-SEASON ORDER DISCOUNT ON MECHANICAL TRANSPLANTERS Use for direct seeding, transplants, bulbs, plastic mulch, planter.

Multi-row available, 13” min. spacing.

ORDER DEADLINE: October 31, 2015 HOURS: Tuesday and Thursday 9 - 12 other days by chance.

John A. M. Martin Equipment 1467 Grey Ox Ave, RR 5 Lucknow, ON N0G 2H0

ASPARAGUS

REFRIGERATION

ASPARAGUS CROWNS Millennium Mary Washington Sandy Shore Farms Ltd. (519) 875­3382 www.sandyshorefarms.ca info@sandyshore.ca

KOOL JET

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PAGE 26 –– SEPTEMBER 2015 THE GROWER

MINOR USE CRAIG’S COMMENTS

Blame it on election fever

CRAIG HUNTER OFVGA We are now fully into election mode across Canada. It is up to every grower to push for his or her issues with their local candidates, and to party faithful who decide on any policy shifts needed to swing votes or ridings.

It is not enough to just look at the most immediately pressing issues.

Many have been captured in past years’ resolutions yet never achieved and are languishing as ‘policy’ in various association records.

None of this may be enough however, given the voting records of the past. Low voter turnout/apathy allows things to remain as status quo forever. In countries such as Australia, it is mandatory to get out and vote.

Heavy penalties can be imposed on those who do not vote without solid reasons.

In a book I read many years ago, an entirely different concept of voting was laid out as entirely reasonable, doable, and one leading to very different outcomes. It was prophesized that the public had become so blasé about government, that those who chose to run were ‘less than ideal.’ Likewise, those who even took time to vote were likely to elect folks who were grossly incapable of the jobs they had to do as elected members.

Funnily enough, it was suggested that Australia had been the first to try a different form of election eligibility. In one state, they tried it in an election and that subsequently led to that state getting industry, jobs and industry activity away from the rest of the country, by having a government made up of well qualified

2011 popular vote by province, with graphs indicating the number of seats won.

Source: Elections Canada

individuals who could create an economic atmosphere conducive to success. Other states followed suit, and then the national elections were re-designed to do so as well. It took many years until other countries in the then-Commonwealth to follow, with mother England being last.

Part of the overall concept was that to attract the talent needed to run a government, the atmosphere had to change from what was in vogue. Under the existing approaches to selecting candidates, no one with a long successful business background would give that up to run.

Instead, a person who had maybe worked in someone else’s business, but with no financial commitment on the line, could run, win, and become the minister of trade as an example. Someone who had been a bus driver could become the minister of transportation, and someone who had done their three-year mandatory military service as a stoker second class could become the minister for defense! This is not to denigrate any individual or job, but to point out that better talent

may exist but is not available unless the conditions of the work changes.

The change in elections comes about by changing the basis of ‘democracy’ that in fact has only been in place for most of the world since the time of WWI. Up to that time in most western societies, only men could vote, and every man got one vote.

Long ago it was only the wealthy who actually chose, if choice was even allowed.

The theory was that voters always select those who have no eye for tomorrow and that spending all (and more) of today’s wealth will be somehow corrected later. Voters can be bribed with their own money, and the payback will be assumed to be made by someone else!

Does any of this sound familiar?

The changed voting proposal worked like this. Everyone currently eligible to vote gets that one vote. However, people could be eligible for additional ballots based on different criteria based upon their considered contribution to the good of their country.

In the book, there were six additional criteria. The last one, or the ‘seventh vote’ was only held by a very few people, and authorized solely by The Queen as an honour bestowed for an over-and-above contribution. The other criteria listed then may not all apply in today’s society, but nonetheless, allowed those who contributed to have a greater say in the affairs of their government.

The result of this formula was assumed to be so good that everyone would want to adopt it.

However, those already holding the reins of power were vehemently opposed, for selfish reasons of course! They knew in their heart of hearts that the new proposal would be better for the country, but not necessarily for them in particular! There were better talents out there who might take on the jobs that they knew they struggled with. However, politicians tend to hang on to power for as long as possible.

In this case, the old parties remain, and it is up to them to attract the best of the new talent coming forward to represent them in any forth-coming election.

SENATOR 70WP ®

engageagro.com

1-866-613-3336

Maybe all that changes is that those who contribute get a better say, and as a result a better kind of government emerges. Maybe dumb decisions still get made, but fewer of them!

Perhaps we need to at least adopt the concept of mandatory voting. The other change may take a lot more effort to bring about!

Regardless, it is up to all voters to make sure their issues are heard, by all candidates. If the issue is never raised, how can one expect it will be dealt with, and resolved? If you don’t get out, then maybe a well-organized group will get out with the opposite (wrong in your eyes) message and win the day. Never rest on your oars until the race is won!

Many a ship was torpedoed just before entering harbour when the level of surveillance was lowered in anticipation of shore leave.

Stay the course, deliver your message/concern right up to election day, and hope that any/all the parties heard it, and then act appropriately.

(With apologies to N.S. Norway author of: In The Wet)

Proven Systemic Disease Control Unique mode of ac on Systemic & rainfast Broad spectrum

Senator is a registered trade-mark of Engage Agro Corporation. © 2013 Engage Agro Corporation.

SEPTEMBER 2015 –– PAGE 27 THE GROWER

CROP PROTECTION

Watch out for bacterial blight in hazelnuts

Figure 1 – Bacterial blight lesions on hazelnut leaf

ERICA DE JONG AND MELANIE FILOTAS While most members of Ontario’s emerging hazelnut industry recognize the importance of managing eastern filbert blight, other pests can also affect this crop and will require attention.

Following two cold winters, we have seen an increased incidence of bacterial blight in many Ontario hazelnut orchards. While not quite as devastating as filbert blight, this disease can still significantly affect the health of hazelnut trees, particularly newly established ones.

Bacterial blight is caused by the bacterial pathogen

Figure 2 – Bacterial blight lesion/canker in hazelnut bark

Figure 3 – Bacterial blight lesions on hazelnut husk

Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina, and most commonly causes losses in young, establishing trees less than six years of age, or in very stressed older tress. Bacteria enter the tree through natural openings or wounds on buds, branches or trunks. Bacteria spread between trees and orchards by rain splash, infected nursery stock or contaminated pruning tools. The freezing weather experienced in recent winters not only weakens the trees and makes them more susceptible to infection, but also increases wounds and cracks that can provide entry points for the bacteria, which may be why we have seen an increased incidence of the disease in Ontario

Although not as common, spotting can also be found on the nut husks (Figure 3). Lesions girdling branches and trunks initially cause premature wilting of leaves under hot, sunny conditions, followed often by dieback of small branches (Figure 4). These symptoms can be a cue to start looking for lesions by following the dead branches back into and down the tree.

It has also been reported that buds can be infected for more than 200 days before symptoms appear -meaning infected trees can look healthy. If you find bacterial blight symptoms, remove heavily diseased trees or prune out diseased material 60-100 cm below the infested

hazelnuts.

The best way to recognize bacterial blight is on the leaves, where it causes angular, reddish brown spots that may be surrounded by a yellow halo, which may eventually coalesce at the tip of the leaf (Figure 1).

Spotting lesions on branches or trunks can be challenging, as they are easily confused with winter injury, sunscald or normal bark splitting. Lesions are typically vertical sunken splits in the bark (Figure 2), which may ooze a sticky liquid in humid conditions.

If you remove the outer layer of bark near a bacterial blight lesion, the underlying tissue will be brown. Infected buds can turn brown and fail to leaf out.

How to identify stink bugs

Adult green stink bug (T. Baute, OMAFRA)

TRACEY BAUTE Lots of people have been sending in pics of eggs, nymphs or adult stink bugs and asking which stink bug it is. So I thought I’d try to help sort them out for you.

There are predatory stink bugs and then there are plant feeding stink bugs. It is important to make sure you can identify the good ones from the bad ones. Most are brown with the exception of the green stink bug.

Green stink bugs are the easiest to identify. The adults are quite large and green. The nymphs are very colourful with black, orange and green-yellow markings and are easy to distinguish from others.

There are a few brown

Green stink bug nymph (H. Bohner, OMAFRA) coloured stink bugs which are a little more difficult to sort out. I put together a Brown Look-ALike Stink Bug Guide to help with identifying the adults and eggs. Nymphs look similar to the adults but lack wings.

Brown marmorated stink bug is very different in terms of impact but has not been found in crops in Ontario yet. Thresholds for this invasive pest are different from above. If you find brown marmorated stink bug in the fields, please contact the OMAFRA Ag. Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300. We will respond quickly to alert growers and implement appropriate management strategies.

Tracey Baute is an entomologist for field crops, OMAFRA.

Figure 4 – Wilting and branch dieback caused by bacterial blight lesions on hazelnut trunk area. Sterilize pruning tools following every cut in order to minimize the further spread of the bacteria within the orchard.

Burn or remove all diseased material from the orchard.

Stressed trees are more susceptible, so ensure young trees have adequate nitrogen and irrigation, but avoid waterlogging the roots. Commercial hazelnut growers can refer to OMAFRA’s Fruit Production Guide for treatment options for this disease.

Erica De Jong, OMAFRA summer student and Melanie Filotas, specialty crops IPM specialist, OMAFRA

PAGE 28 –– SEPTEMBER 2015 THE GROWER

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainable Farm and Food Plan receives $50,000 The Sustainable Farm & Food Plan initiative, a collaborative project of Ontario’s farmers and food and beverage manufacturers, has received a significant boost in the form of almost $50,000 in funds from the Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS). The Sustainable Farm & Food Plan initiative will build upon the success of the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) program by expanding the scope into a whole farm sustainability plan that addresses not only environmental practices but also economic and social issues important for sustainability.

Food and beverage companies and consumers are increasingly demanding assurances that their food supplies are sourced using sustainable farm practices; this initiative will help address these issues.

The funds will go towards conducting a GAP analysis of agricultural sustainability initiatives (existing and under development) in Canada and internationally. This research, said project lead Gord Surgeoner, will reduce redundancy and help to ensure that the Ontario pilot project is useful and relevant to all of Ontario agri-food, and eventually Canadian agri-food.

Paul Walker, president of the GRAS said, “We are proud to have provided resources to this project. Ontario farmers have done a superb job of providing safe nutritious food, while maintaining the quality of our agricultural environment.

This is an important initiative for our

producers and we are pleased to help.”

Since 1991, more than 38,000 Ontario farm families have completed an Environmental Farm plan (EFP), resulting in millions of dollars in environmental improvements on their farms. The new initiative will build on the success of the EFP program with three objectives: to guide farmers in the identification of needs/opportunities for improvement in sustainability; to assure/inform the general public about these transformations; and to help address growing requirements by food manufacturers and retailers for assurance that farm products have been produced in a sustainable manner.

Sustainable Farm & Food Plans will be built upon the efforts of existing programs, including EFP, food safety, Codes of Practice, regulatory standards and various commodity initiatives, to build a cohesive program that encompasses the whole farm, rather a commodity-specific approach. The process will be electronic and be housed in Provision Coalition’s online sustainability portal, a partner organization representing Canadian food and beverage manufacturers. This pilot program will be developed in close cooperation with Canadian food and beverage manufacturers, food service and retailers to ensure supply chain requirements are met.

This project is funded in part through Growing Forward 2 (GF2), a federalprovincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in

Photos by Glenn Lowson the delivery of GF2 in Ontario. It has also received support from Ontario Agri Food Technologies.

A report entitled Our Commitment to Sustainability, which is a basis for the project, is in development and will be released September 15, 2015 at the Outdoor Farm Show, once Ontario farm and food organizations have had a chance to review and comment on the draft document.

Sustainable Farm & Food Plans is a joint initiative developed by the following

collaborators: The Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Christian Farmers’ Federation of Ontario, the Presidents’ Council, Ontario Agri Food Technologies and Farm & Food Care Ontario. The groups are also working closely with the food industry on this initiative through the Provision Coalition.

For more information contact Gord Surgeoner, chair, Sustainable Farm Coalition Steering Committee, gord@oaft.org; 519-826-4195.

Source: News release