KAREN DAVIDSON

Information is liquid. That’show Brian Rideout describesthis age of information overload,cascading from multiplesources. He’s one of about 20young Ontario apple farmers,mostly millennials, who shareexperiences in a loosely structured group.

While he’s 46 and a generation X’er, he fits in easily. He didn’t grow up on afarm but he’s comfortable bridg-ing the baby boomer farmerssuch as his father-in-law, RustySmith, Blenheim, Ontario.Rideout helps manage ManitreeFruit Farms, with 300-plus acresof apples, tender fruit andsquash.

Technology exchange is crucial to competing in theglobal apple industry that hasbeen revolutionized in the lastdecade with new varieties(Honeycrisp), high-density trellis systems (tall spindles)and more targeted crop protection products.

“Pruning is no longer aboutcutting off branches but abouthow to grow branches,” says

Rideout. The philosophy haschanged to thinking aboutwhere the branches will growand how fast for the best quality. Other growers such asGerbe Botden, Thornbury,Ontario agree that many factorsare involved in precision thin-ning to optimize the crop load.

Botden, 24, is a second-generation grower at BotdenOrchards, who remembers thefirst organized meeting atOntario Apple Growers’ annualsummer tour of the GeorgianBay area two years ago. Sincethen, the group has met two orthree times a year to discussbest practices in establishing anew orchard, pruning tech-niques and how to access government grant programs.He’s actively engaged in 400acres of Red Prince, HoneyCrisp, Ambrosia and McIntoshvarieties grown under a high-density system.

As the group moves forwardin 2016, Botden is also partici-pating in cross-border eventssuch as the International FruitTree Association’s (IFTA)meetings in Grand Rapids,Michigan on February 6-12.

The common thread with all ofthese young growers is theirstrong regional ties but willing-ness to pursue knowledge inother geographies.

Ian Parker, 25, is learning theapple industry from CharlesStevens, Wilmot Orchards,Newcastle, Ontario. “What Ilike about this young farmers’group is that we’re not compet-ing against neighbours butrather competing against theworld,” says Parker. “No onewants to lose the shirt off theirback. By sharing information,you have each other’s backs.”

For example, apple maggotwas an aggravating pest a couple years back. The groupshared information on sprayingstrategies as well as how to keepworkers engaged while waiting

for re-entry intervals to lapse. Parker points out that

Ontario has several apple-grow-ing regions. Sharing informationabout thinning strategies can bevery beneficial to growers in different regions. If a specificregion is having unusual weather during thinning time,then it’s advantageous to sharehow that situation is handled.

Finetuning crop protection isa common link between allthese growers. “For me, I wasoverwhelmed by the world ofchemistry,” says Parker, “butafter four years, I feel more confident about what to sprayand when. I realize I’m not theonly one struggling to keep up.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

FEBRUARY 2016 CELEBRATING 137 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION THEGROWER.ORG

THE NEXT GENERATION

Millennials grow cooperatively to compete globally

INSIDERegulation burdens, energytop list of grower concerns Page 6

Flower quiz returns Page 16

FOCUS: Ontario Fruitand Vegetable Convention Section B

Volume 66 Number 02P.M. 40012319$3.00 CDN

Several important statistics stood out at the January 12 Ontario Apple Growers’ annual general meeting. About one-third of the province’s 16,000 apple acres has been planted in the last decade. Twenty-six per cent of the plantings are to popular, value-added varieties of Gala, Honeycrisp and Ambrosia. In the last five years, 1100 acreswere planted to Gala. Another indicator of rejuvenation is a group of 20 young apple growers. As part of last summer’s Ontario Apple Growers’ summer tour to Essex County,many of them gathered to learn the latest technology at the Fruit Wagon, Harrow, Ontario. In the front line of this group, from left to right is, Luis Ruiz, Ian Parker andRichard Feenstra. Photo by Glenn Lowson.

No one wants to lose the shirt off their back. Bysharing information, you have each other’s backs.

~ Ian Parker

“

“

Federal ag ministervisits Washington

Federal minister of agricultureand agri-food LawrenceMacAulay visited his U.S. coun-terpart Tom Vilsack on January14. The meeting was timely aftera major trade irritant wasremoved in December. That’swhen Canada obtained WorldTrade Organization authorizationto impose retaliatory surtaxes onU.S. exports to Canada worth$1.054 billion annually as a resultof harm caused by AmericanCountry of Origin Labelling(COOL) requirements for beefand pork. The U.S. has agreed torepeal its COOL legislation.

In a joint statement withChrystia Freeland, minister ofinternational trade, MacAulaysaid, “Canada will monitor imple-mentation of the repeal to ensurediscrimination against Canadiancattle and hog exports is removedexpeditiously in the U.S. market.It is our hope that no retaliatory

action will be needed in future.”If the U.S. had not agreed, the

Canadian government had threat-ened a number of retaliatorytaxes against such produce asfresh apples and sweet cherriesimported from the U.S.

CPMA podcastsprove popular

The Canadian ProduceMarketing Association producespodcasts throughout the year onvarious subjects of interest to thehorticultural food chain. JasonGurley, CPMA manager educa-tion, took a different approach forthe year-end 2015 podcast, invit-ing members of the producemedia to participate.

Moderated by CPMA presi-dent Ron Lemaire, the two-episode podcast, included: KarenDavidson, The Grower, Canada;Karen James, Grocery Business,Canada; John Groh, ProduceNews, U.S.; Tom Karst, ThePacker, U.S.; Matthew Ogg,Fresh Fruit Portal, Chile. Thepodcast has proven popular withmore than a thousand downloads. The following topics were cov-ered: sustainability, food trends,changes in international trade,technology impacts, marketingtrends and predictions for the bigstories in 2016. For this in-depthdiscussion, go to:http://ow.ly/WL996

Editor’s note: turningover a new leaf

This is a historic month forThe Grower. With this issue, arefreshed logo graces our coverpage as well as new fonts.

As graphic designer CarlieMelara, explains, “We have astrong brand but want to make itmodern with a “G” that is morefluid and flowing towards a leafthat is more ambiguous. The leafis no longer that of an apple, butcould be associated with a straw-berry or cherry.”

The font was chosen toimprove readability and to reflectthe fact that despite being print-ed on newspaper, we aspire to bea news magazine. These changesare synchronized with a newwebsite that will be launchedFebruary 17 at the Ontario Fruitand Vegetable Convention.

The new website is designedto be truly mobile-friendly forthose readers who operate fromtheir 4X4 truck cabs and are constantly on the move. We areorganizing content so that minoruse registrations and label extensions, for example, are published in real time. Look forvideos. Look for more bloggers --experts who will blog from acrossCanada. Look for more reportslive from trade shows.

This is a close-knit industry.To be part of this new platform,talk to advertising sales rep, HerbSherwood at 519-380-0118. And ifyou have any comments, pleasecontact Karen Davidson. Emaileditor@thegrower.org. How canThe Grower be more relevant toyou?

NEWSMAKERSTHE GROWER

AT PRESS TIME…

PAGE 2 –– FEBRUARY 2016

Eugenia Banks, the Ontario government’s potato specialist for 25years, was honoured with the Awardof Merit at the recent annual generalmeeting of the Ontario Fruit andVegetable Growers’ Association. Formore details, see page 5.

Jason Verkaik, Carron Farms, remainschair of the Ontario Fruit andVegetable Growers’ Association(OFVGA) for a second year. He isjoined by vice-chair Jan VanderHout,representing greenhouse vegetablesand the following directors: JohnThwaites, tender fruit; Mac James, potatoes; Norm Charbonneau,small fruit/berries; Ken Van Torre, ginseng; Kenny Forth, freshvegetables; Bill George Jr., grapes; Charles Stevens, apples; MikeChromczak, asparagus; George Gilvesy, greenhouse vegetables.

The OFVGA section chairs remain unchanged: Brian Gilroy,property; Ken Forth, labour; Charles Stevens, crop protection;Mark Wales, safety nets; Harold Schooley, research, AdrianHuisman, Canadian Horticultural Council.

OFVGA sponsored eight young growers to the recent annual general meeting. They included: Adrian Jacques, AsparagusFarmers of Ontario; Nathan Makarenko and Nick Weening,Holland Marsh Growers’ Association, Henry Su and Jamie Lucas,Ontario Ginseng Growers’ Association; James Zabek, GrapeGrowers of Ontario; Dylan Wiens, Niagara Peninsula Fruit andVegetable Growers’ Association; Kevin Howe, Ontario BerryGrowers’ Association.

Alison Robertson has been appointed chair of the Ontario FoodTerminal board for the next three years. Most recently, she wasproject manager for the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’Association and is now executive director of the Agri-FoodManagement Institute.

Farm & Food Care Ontario has hired Tracy Hussey for the roleof executive director. She replaces Crystal Mackay who has transitioned to the new national chief executive officer positionfor Farm & Food Care Canada. Hussey brings more than 20 yearsof experience working in the food industry, a hospital environment as well as family medicine. A registered dietitian bytraining, she has a Masters of Health Sciences degree fromMcMaster University.

The 2016 Arysta Golden Apple Award was presented to NorfolkCounty farm leader Murray Porteous, Lingwood Farms, Simcoe,Ontario. The family operation is comprised of 750 acres ofapples, pears, sour cherries and 100 acres of asparagus. The awardis presented annually to a recipient who has made outstanding contributions to the Ontario apple industry.

Houweling’s Group of Companies has appointed COO KevinDoran to the additional role of president. He joined the companyin late 2014. Casey Houweling, CEO and corporate grower forthe company will continue to focus on continued developmentand adoption of innovative, sustainable technologies for 200 acresof greenhouses located in Delta, BC; Camarillo, California; Mona,Utah and Loveland, Colorado.

Appointments to the CanadaGAP Stakeholder AdvisoryCommittee for 2016-2017 have been made by the CanAgPlusBoard of Directors. The Committee meets annually to provideinput, advice and recommendations on the technical componentsof the CanadaGAP Program. The following members will serveon the Committee for the next two years. Their areas of expertiseare listed along with affiliated organization. Jay Anderson, potatoes, Potato Growers of Alberta; Mariana Black, tree and vinefruit, B.C. Tree Fruit Cooperative; Chris Burr, program implementation for vegetables and potatoes, B.C. VegetableMarketing Commission; Joanne Driscoll, multi-commodity expertise/program development, P.E.I. Horticultural Association;Nadene Gurule, small fruit, Berryhill Foods; Grant Hackman,program development, vegetables and potatoes, Peak of theMarket; Stephanie Levasseur, other relevant expertise, Au Coeurde la pomme; Mary Shabatura, vegetables and small fruit,Shabatura Produce/Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers.Committee chair is Stephanie Lariviere, board liaison, greenhouse, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers.

Eugenia Banks

L-R: Tom Vilsack, LawrenceMacAulay

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Brian Rideout says that smartsprayers have been found lacking in their durability andadaptability to high-densityapple orchards. Tower sprayersthat can deposit spray dropletsmore directly to 12-foot treesare now under investigation.Multiple-pass sprayers that canmow grass and spray at thesame time are also of interest.

This millennial generation isvery tech-savvy, taking fulladvantage of the Fruit Trackerprogram that's been developedby the Ontario apple, tenderfruit and grape organizations. Inaddition, Rideout says everyfarmer has a favourite weatherapp. Downloaded from Apple’sItunes, the Storm weather appuses Google Earth to zoom inon areas as precise as concessionroads. It features high-definitionradar, advanced storm trackingand real-time severe weatheralerts. “I can tell whether astorm will hit me in 15 minutesor an hour,” says Rideout.“That allows me to pull workersout of the orchard or to pull my

sprayer.” Another app is Wind Meter

by Going Apps LLC. It helps togauge proper spraying condi-tions. His third favourite is anapp for measuring fields whichis called Measure Your Land byMYL Light. This is helpful incalculating precise sprayingrates for specific blocks.

What does the older generation think of all this?Leslie Huffman, retired Ontarioapple specialist, sowed theseeds for this group. “I am verypleased to see this YoungGrowers group moving aheadand continuing to provide linksfor young growers from all dis-tricts in Ontario. And I like thatthey perceive that rather thancompeting against each other,they are forming a team.”

There are some basics worthrepeating, such as how to set upa tractor to avoid flat tires in theorchard. Or how to add somesugar to your spray tank so thatyou’re attracting beneficialinsects. This is old-time lorethat doesn’t always appear in2016 scientific literature.

Ontario Apple Growers haveprovided administrative supportto this fledgling group,

sponsoring a lunch meeting, forexample, at this month’sOntario Fruit and VegetableConvention. The association isnot organizing an Ontario summer tour but rather encouraging all growers toattend IFTA’s regional study

tour from Rochester to Geneva,New York from July 18-21.

Ian Parker is looking forwardto a better production year in2016. It’s now time for thegroup to start capturing localinformation in a spreadsheetthat’s shareable.

“How did we manage applemaggot two years ago? How dida new miticide stand up toinsect pressure last year? Ourmanagement strategies shouldbe shared so that we’re astronger industry,” says Parker.

FEBRUARY 2016 –– PAGE 3 THE GROWER

COVER STORY

Millennials grow cooperatively to compete globally

EUROPEAN UNION

EU extends Russiansanctions

Geopolitics continues to dis-rupt trade patterns in Europe,with sanctions against Russiaextended another six months toJuly 31. Italy was in favour ofopening dialogue with Russia,but was outvoted by its col-leagues in the European Union.The sanctions result from theongoing presence of Russiantroops in eastern Ukraine.

With the slump in global oilprices, Russia’s economy is suf-fering. The situation is furthercomplicated by the relativelyrecent development of westerngovernments working moreclosely with Russia to find asolution to the Syrian war afterterrorist attacks in Paris and thedowning of a Russian jet inEgypt.

Source: Wall Street Journal

INTERNATIONAL

NETHERLANDS

Greenhouse acreagedeclines

Statistics Netherlandsreports that 2015 vegetableacreage dropped by 198 acres to11,732 acres. Acreage hassteadily declined from a peak in2010.

The largest decrease is incucumbers followed by toma-toes. However, eggplantacreage rose for the first time infive years and strawberriesunder glass showed strength.

Demand for cherry tomatoesis under pressure, while looseand truss acreage remains stable. Pepper acreage is statusquo, however the distributionbetween colours has changedwith more demand for red pep-pers, less for yellow and green.

Consolidation continues with4,130 horticultural companies in2015 versus 8,600 a decade ago.

Source: HortiDaily.com

NEW YORK STATE

Cornell: Institute forFood Safety

A $2 million state grant willhelp establish an Institute forFood Safety at CornellUniversity. It’s to be located atthe New York StateAgricultural ExperimentStation in Geneva, New York.

Cornell scientists and extension experts will addressoutbreaks of foodborne illnessand focus on food-safety related issues through appliedresearch, outreach and training.The timing couldn’t be betterwith increased demands fromthe Food Safety ModernizationAct. Betsy Bihn, a researcherspecializing in reducing microbial risks to fresh fruitsand vegetables, will have aleadership role. Her back-ground is in reducing risk fromcontamination in the field, during harvest and duringtransport.

Source: Cornell University

CHILE

Cherry crop to drop significantly

Despite Chile’s signature onthe Trans-Pacific Partnership(TPP) this month, the dealwon’t change the damages ofbad weather. Rains and springfrosts last September throughNovember, devastated thecherry crop. And extremely hottemperatures of up to 36°C inDecember didn’t help. TheCherry Committee of the FruitExporters Association of Chile(Asoex) predicts that volumesfor the 2015-2016 season willdecrease by 28 per cent whencompared to the previous season.

As of early January 2016,Chile had exported 13,222 tonsof fresh cherries to differenttarget markets, a significantloss when compared to the42,620 tons exported in theprevious season.

Source: FreshPlaza.com

GERMANY

New products at FruitLogistica

Vegetableseed breederHazera ispresentingnew varieties atFruitLogistica2016. Thecompany,

based in both Israel and theNetherlands, works with grow-ers, processors and retailers tobring new products to market.

For example, the companyhas worked with Dutch growerTB&S on Tinty, which com-bines red cabbage with theshape and taste of a greenpointed cabbage. While a redcabbage has harder and stifferleaves, this variety has thinnerand softer leaves as well as amild, sweet flavour.

Source: FreshPlaza.com

Two generations of apple growers from the Georgian Bay Fruit Growers compare notes at the 2015Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention. Left to right: Kyle and Brad Oakley, Marius and GerbeBotden. Both Kyle Oakley and Gerbe Botden are members of the Young Apple Growers. Photo byDenis Cahill.

PAGE 4 –– FEBRUARY 2016THE GROWER

CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST

The Prince Edward IslandPotato Board has announced anew plan for potato disinfectionfor the province, collaboratingwith industry members, thePrince Edward IslandDepartment of Agriculture andFisheries, as well as the scientif-ic community. Additionally, theBoard believes that this planmeets the needs of potato farm-ers and addresses concernsvoiced after the previouslyannounced changes to the pota-to disinfection program.This plan has the followingmain components:

1. Effective January 1st, the

Prince Edward Island PotatoBoard takes over responsibilityfor disinfection services offeredat the Borden-CarletonInspection Station. Disinfectionservices will be available at thislocation for any trucks movingpotatoes. As a transition mea-sure, provincial staff will assistwith disinfection services at theBorden facility until March 31,2016.

2. The PEI Potato Board willhost a series of winter work-shops across Prince EdwardIsland to provide potato farmers,packers, and other industry part-ners with all the necessary infor-

mation to perform disinfection.These workshops address biose-curity, Bacterial Ring Rot(BRR), and practical approachesto achieving top-notch cleaningand disinfection on farms. Astandard disinfection log bookand certification form will beprovided to farmers to recorddisinfection activities as sup-porting documentation to theCanadian Food InspectionAgency (CFIA) and other inter-ested parties. Furthermore,support will be offered throughthe Canada-PEI GrowingForward II programs to assistfarmers with the purchase andinstallation of disinfection

equipment.

3. Some private businesses havecontacted the Board to indicatetheir availability to providethird-party disinfection services.These businesses will also beoffered standard forms to recordthat disinfection services havebeen provided.

4. The PEI Department ofAgriculture and Fisheries,through the Plant Health Act,will retain regulatory responsi-bility for oversight of PEI pota-to farms (both seed and non-seed) if BRR infection occurs.

5. The PEI Department ofAgriculture and Fisheries willcontinue to provide dedicatedcleaning and disinfection ser-vices under contract with CFIAfor potato wart-regulated land.The Prince Edward Island pota-to industry worked with bothlevels of government over manyyears to bring Bacterial RingRot to the point of functionaleradication, and it is important

that growers maintain on-farmbiosecurity measures to protectagainst potential sources ofinfection.

CFIA regulations requirethat all trucks transporting bulkseed potatoes must be cleanedand disinfected before beingloaded. The new disinfectionstrategy continues to meet theserequirements and reassures buy-ers of Prince Edward Islandseed potatoes that there will beno disruption in disinfectionservice. Prince Edward Islandpotatoes will continue to meetor exceed federal regulations.Greg Donald, general managerof the Prince Edward IslandPotato Board, noted that theplan ensures biosecurity for theseed sector, the foundation ofthe Island potato industry.Through a collaborativeapproach with multiple expertsand industry partners, thisapproach maintains or enhancesmeasures to prevent outbreaksof potato diseases such asBacterial Ring Rot.

PEI Potato Board announces revised potato disinfection programPRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

The first year of BritishColumbia’s $8.4 million, seven-year replant program fortreefruits has gone well with200 acres of apples, 20 acres ofcherries and various othertreefruits completed in 2015.That’s according to CarlWithler, BC ministry of agriculture industry specialistfor tree fruit and grapes.

The provincial governmentpays about one-third of the cost,equal to $3.50 per tree or $2.50per graft. By the time growerspay to install irrigation, trellisingand tie-ons, the cost is close to$14 per tree. Most of the fundswent to the replanting of apple

orchards, primarily Ambrosiaand Honeycrisp varieties. Theremainder went to cherryorchard plantings, adding to thesizable 4,500 acres alreadyplanted and coming to full production.

“I expect the replant program to be oversubscribed in2016,” says Withler, as growersanalyze long-term trends andrealize the benefits of renovation to meet high-valuemarkets. Replanting requires asoil test which leads to composting and liming toamend soil tilth. Most of thereplanting has occurred in theOkanagan and Similkameen

valleys, with funding partnerships at the SummerlandVarieties Corporation, theprovincial government, IAf andadministration by the B.C. FruitGrowers’ Association.

So far, January 2016 temperatures have been “normal” for the apple-growingregions and pruning is proceeding at a good rate.

Photo right: (L-R) Fred Steele,president of BC Fruit Growers’Association, replant growerAvtar Boparai, and B.C. ministerof agriculture Norm Letnick.Photo courtesy of Carl Withler.

Replant program proves popular BRITISH COLUMBIA

For Manitoba’s120 potatogrowers, the Carberry plant isthe destination for about 430million pounds annually. Thisyear, they are pleased that federal ag minister LawrenceMacAulay and provincial agminister Ron Kostyshyn haveannounced a $380,000 invest-ment to increase efficiency andreduce waste. These funds totalhalf of the total cost.

New equipment will reducepotato and canola oil waste by900,000 pounds and 800,000pounds per year, respectively.

McCain Foods Canada hasalready invested more than $30million in other improvementsover the last decade, including a$23 million waste waterupgrade.

Manitoba is Canada’s second-largest potato producerafter Prince Edward Island. In2015, 67,00 acres of potatoeswere grown in Manitoba.Eighty per cent of potatoesprocessed in Manitoba areexported to the U.S.

Source: Potatobusiness.com

McCain Foods to upgradeCarberry potato processingplant

MANITOBA

THE GROWER

FEBRYARY 2016 –– PAGE 5

OFVGA AWARD OF MERIT WINNER

Niagara Falls, ON -- EugeniaBanks is happiest in the fieldwith potato growers. But shemade a big exception to attendthe Ontario Fruit and VegetableGrowers’ Association annualgeneral meeting on January 12.That’s where she was honouredfor her 25 years of provincialgovernment service to the potato industry. True to form,she flew out the next day, notwanting to miss Potato Expo2016 in Las Vegas.

Banks came to Canada fromChile in the 1970s to pursueadvanced education in plantpathology. She studied underthe late Lloyd Edgington at theUniversity of Guelph and wasawarded her PhD in PlantPathology. Fortunately, shestayed and Ontario potato grow-ers were the beneficiaries of hertalent. She was hired by theOntario ministry of agricultureas an IPM specialist for potatoesin the ‘80s and then she accept-ed the combined position asoverall potato production andIPM specialist when SamSquire retired in 1995.

She has been a tireless advocate for the potato industry,working in the trenches – literally – to combat Coloradopotato beetle. As Craig Hunter,OFVGA research, explained inhis award address, “She workedwith industry representatives tosecure the registration ofAdmire insecticide when wewere down to flamethrowersand plastic-lined ditches as allthe pest control products of theday had failed.”

“Where would growers havebeen without that tool -- onestill widely and effectively inuse today?” Hunter askedrhetorically.

Her annual field trials helpedgrowers to see new varietiesthat were correctly identified ashaving resistance, not toleranceto common scab, and newequipment that has allowedgrowers to achieve better yieldsand higher quality.

In 2008, the U.N.-declaredInternational Year of the Potato,Eugenia Banks was the idealspokesperson. The TorontoStar’s food editor pursued her toa storage shed near AllistonOntario to see her array of testvarieties. This treasure trove ofpotatoes were so new that theyhad numbers, not names.

Her new potato varietieshave been showcased to growers at an annual Augustfield day.

She also coordinates theannual Ontario PotatoConference, packed with ninepresentations from NorthAmerican experts. Her ability toconvene international expertsspeaks to her reputation well

beyond provincial borders. In2013, HZPC, one of the largestseed and potato breeding com-panies in Europe, awardedPotato Woman of the Year toher at a Netherlands event. Shewas cited for her Potato FieldGuide and technology transferthrough variety trials.

It’s important to note thatEugenia Banks is not in retirement. In fact, the OntarioPotato Board has hired her to

organize the 2016 OntarioPotato Conference for March 1in Guelph.

Since 1947, the OFVGA hasannually recognized industryleaders and those who havemade significant contributionsto the industry. Congratulationsto Dr. Eugenia Banks, 2016Award of Merit winner. Photo Right: Eugenia Banks ispictured at a spray clinic nearAlliston, ON.

DR. EUGENIA BANKS

Ontario potato specialist honouredfor 25 years of service

PAGE 6 –– FEBRUARY 2016THE GROWER

ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

KAREN DAVIDSON

Niagara Falls, ON -- Ontariogrowers face an ever more burdensome regulatory environment which is particular-ly onerous for smaller opera-tions. Some of the additionalconcerns for 2016 and future

years are in the following chart:The political and regulatory

landscape was summarized bygovernment relations specialistBliss Baker, Maple LeafStrategies, who spoke to theOntario Fruit and VegetableGrowers’ Association annualgeneral meeting, January 12.

“Environmental legislationdominated the latter part of thelast session with resourcesstretched for the OntarioMinistry of the Environmentand Climate Change(MOECC),” said Baker. “Withthe waste diversion file andprospects of cap and trade in

the next session, MOECC staffwill be stretched for capacity.”

When the new legislativesession starts February 16, theOntario government will bestarting budget consultations.“The deficit will still driveeverything at certain points,” hepredicted. “The governmenthas so far escaped making anytough decisions, partially due tonew revenue tools and the saleof Hydro One assets. Howeverthe days of avoiding major cutsmay be numbered.”

Arthur Potts, parliamentaryassistant to Ontario agricultureminister Jeff Leal told the audience: “There is no indifference to growing the agricultural sector. This is not arural issue, but an Ontario issue.

Don’t think we’re not interest-ed in deficit reduction.”

On the positive side of theledger, Bliss said that theOntario government views thegreenhouse sector as a driver forgrowth and jobs. However,George Gilvesy, chair of theOntario Greenhouse VegetableGrowers, responded during thequestion-and-answer period.He said that the governmentterm “leakage” does not adequately describe the multi-million dollar investments thatOntario companies are makingsouth of the border to build newgreenhouses.

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

Regulatory burdens and energy costs top list of grower concerns

Electricity costs are on every Ontario grower’s mind as billsincrease for heating greenhouses and cooling long-term storage.Green power sources, such as wind turbines, have been controversial because they do not always produce energy whenneeded, then the stored energy is discounted to out-of-provincebuyers. Photo by Glenn Lowson.

Nature Fresh Farms, headquartered in Leamington, Ontario, expects to harvest its first crop of tomatoes in late February at its new Delta, Ohio facility. The second phase and third phases arealready under construction for completion later this year, bringing total Ohio acres to 45.

ISSUE START DATEPROVINCE OF ONTARIOOntario consultations for cap and trade, waste diversion legislation February 2016

Noise protection for all workers exposed to 85 decibels or higher July 1, 2016

Small-sized business (50 employees or fewer) employer contributions toOntario Registered Retirement Plan

January 1, 2019

Reductions of 40 per cent (from 2008 levels) in phosphorus loading intoLake Erie

By 2025

Risk assessment project for Ontario greenhouses 2016

THE GROWER

FEBRUARY 2016 –– PAGE 7

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

“There is no confrontation withthis government because thedecision-makers have evaluated the entire policy environment and walked acrossthe border with their investment dollars,” saidGilvesy. “Those dollars aregone for good for Ontario.”

It’s not just a case of highelectricity costs comparable toU.S. jurisdictions, Gilvesy said,but the looming legislativeagenda of more costs down-loaded to employers.

Federally, Baker says he iswatching several key initiatives.They include: health food policy, innovation funding allocation, agricultural tradeinterests, Growing Forward 2replacement, Canada PensionPlan enhancement as well asclimate change and soil conservation initiatives.

Here are the resolutionspassed at the OFVGA annualgeneral meeting whichaddressed regulatory and energy issues.

Resolution 2016-02 – thatOFVGA lobby the governmentof Ontario to establish an agricultural electricity rate comparable to those of geographically close provincesand states. PASSED

Resolution 2016-07 – thatOntario municipalities stoplarge-fill sites from being placedon class 1, prime agriculturalland. PASSED

Resolution 2016-08 – thatOFVGA immediately lobby theOntario government to workcollaboratively with the sectorto help achieve the goal ofreduced phosophorus in theGreat Lakes tributaries orwhere applicable through edu-cation, investment in innovationand risk-based regulation that isboth protective of environmentwhile allowing the sector toremain competitive throughreduced financial burden togrowers. PASSED

Resolution 2016-09 – that theOFVGA lobby the Ontario gov-ernment to undertake a fullRegulatory Impact Assessmentof the proposed cap and tradeprogram to assess the economicimpact on the agricultural sectorand to grant fuel and electricitydistributors an initial exemptionfrom cap and trade requirements on fuel deliveredfor use in agriculture PASSED

Resolution 2016-10 – thatOFVGA lobby the Ontario government to continue to workwith the greenhouse sector to

put in place programs that allowgrowers to access competitivelypriced electricity, allowing thesector to grow and innovatethrough lighted 12-month production in Ontario. PASSED

Resolution 2016-11 thatOFVGA lobby the Ontario government to take a more fulsome view of economicdevelopment that ensures themandate of the provincial energy regulators directly supports the premier’s growth

challenge to both agri-food andto the economy in general.PASSED

Resolution 2016-12 – that theOFVGA lobby the Ontario government to recognize theunique labour challenges facedby the fruit and vegetable sector and ensure any changesto the Employment StandardsAct do not negatively impactthe sector’s international competitiveness and economicviability. PASSED

ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Regulatory burdens and energy costs top list of grower concerns

THE GROWERPAGE 8 –– FEBRUARY 2016

ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Environmental regulations dominate the legislative agenda BRIAN GILROY

The environment has beenvery high on the action prioritylist of the Ontario governmentover the past year. The numberof Environmental Bill of Rights(EBR) postings that dealt withproposed regulations impactingagriculture was overwhelming.

The work on the Great LakesProtection Act has been relativelycalm this past year. The GreatLakes Guardian CommunityFund continued to provide funding for local projects to helpprotect and restore the GreatLakes. As yet, I am unclear as tothe goal date to which the Lakesare to be restored. The waterfocus has been on phosphorusreduction in Lake Erie. The target is to reduce phosphorusloading by 40 per cent by 2025.

This is a fairly lofty goal for anumber of reasons. Number one,for me, is the fact that phosphorus is challenging to mea-sure and there are three differenttypes of phosphorus. Agricultureuses phosphorus and is part of theproblem but, Ontario agricultureis working hard to improve on arelatively good track record when

it comes to nutrient management.The greenhouse sector has

participated in the NutrientManagement Act for one year -- apositive first step for all of horticulture. Holland Marshgrowers have been the first sectorto participate in the program,Smart Water Assessments whichfocuses on minimizing water usein vegetable washing. This iscoordinated by Farm and FoodCare and financially supported bythe province. It is hoped that thisfunding will continue and beexpanded to other horticulturalsectors.

Recently, the Ontario government has proposed a Capand Trade program to reducegreenhouse gas emissions. Thisshift to a low-carbon, circulareconomy is a significant structuralchange in how Ontario does business and the impacts of thistransition have not been assessed.The impact on farm businesses --which have been unable to passincreased costs on to their buyers-- may drastically reduce our ability to compete here at homeand in the global marketplace.Initial information is that fuelcosts will increase 3.6 cents a litreas the program is introduced. We

have also been told that there willbe no offsets or credit given fornormal farm practices thatsequester carbon.

If the proposal is accepted, ourhope to benefit from the environmental goods and servicesthat we farmers provide to society, will go unrealized. TheCap and Trade program will besimilar to what is currently operating in California and isbeing introduced in Quebec. Theneed to help agriculture transitionto a low-carbon economy will beimperative if we wish to maintainour food security and the economic benefit we provide.

It has been recommended thatagriculture receive a proportionalshare of the proceeds from theCap and Trade program for transitional activities. The reasonthis point is of such importance isthat most fruit and vegetablegrowers have been financiallychallenged by rapidly increasinginput costs. Labour, food safetyand electricity have seen themost significant cost increasesover the last few years. Electricityrates have gone up exponentiallyand there appears to be no end insight for further increases. I amunsure what can be done to

provide some type of relief to asector that is highly dependenton electricity. Something needsto be done if we want fruit andvegetable farming to remainviable. Perhaps, a lower agriculture rate?

The government has continued to state that plans toincrease the availability of electricity and natural gas to ruralOntario continue to progress.Agriculture needs access, if weare to grow our farms, as challenged by our premier.

Recently I attended a sessionhosted by the Municipal PropertyAssessment Corporation (MPAC)which is updating its valuationprocess for farmland and farmbuildings. This is a normal practice for property values to beupdated every three to five yearsand is to be completed early in2016. The market analysis is 95per cent complete for the 222,870farm properties in the provinceand only uses farm sales to bonafide farmers. Due to problemswith low farm sales in someregions, to allow for reasonablecomparison, the geographicregions are being reduced from220 currently to 170 in 2016.MPAC is also proposing that this

extensive updating of propertyvalues move to a frequency ofevery six to eight years.

A new building cost manualfor structures is also being developed. The Douglas CostManual has been used by Ontarioinsurance companies for a number of years and will be thebasis for MPAC's new manual.The impact that this will have forsome fruit and vegetable farmerscould be significant. The goodnews is that there is still time forinput on the changes to the property and structure values andfeedback to MPAC is encouraged. A detailed MPACassessment methodology guidefor agricultural property is alsobeing developed.

On December 7, 2015 theprovince released the report:Planning for Health, Prosperityand Growth in the GreaterGolden Horseshoe: 2015-2041. Apositive in the report is the inclu-sion of farmland preservation andsupport for agricultural investments and our industry'sviability.

Brian Gilroy is OFVGA chair, property section.

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THE GROWERFEBRUARY 2016 –– PAGE 9

ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

MARK WALES

Because the OntarioAgricultural CommodityCouncil (OACC) meeting wasrescheduled until December 14,I do not have the most recentstatistics from Agricorp on CropInsurance and AgriStability sowhat was reported in Novemberis still the most current. Iattended a meeting onDecember 7 in regards to theFresh Vegetable Acreage Lossprogram and may have somefurther updates.

SDRM

As of Nov 22, 2015 all appli-cation notices for SDRM hadbeen sent out, which was 2,562notices for a total possiblerequest of $28.5 million. In 20142,393 notices were sent out for atotal possible request of $28.56million so no real change there.So far, for 2015, 736 producerrequests had been received for atotal of $11.5 million, and ofthose 642 had requested with-drawals. In total for 2014 1,987producer applications triggeredmatching government funds of$23.42 million. This includedthe extra $2 million allotment ofunused funds as per the com-modity sharing agreement.

Given strong livestock commodity prices it could beexpected that SDRM wouldreceive the extra $2 million forthe 2015 program as well, butwe will not know for certainuntil after April 30, 2016.

Agricorp

In total across programs,

more than 4,000 farmers havechosen direct deposit whichhelps reduce administrationcosts and thus benefits every-one. There will be continuedpromotion of this option.

Crop Insurance

In general the program yearis winding down, however partsof Ontario still have substantialcorn to harvest which is beingheld up by lack of storage for alarger than normal crop. Therewill be premium increases nextyear for some tree fruit crops asa result of frosts, but overall --and I stress overall -- the CropInsurance fund is healthy andmany crops will see premiumsreduced.

Ontario Registered PensionPlan (ORPP)

The Ontario governmentcontinues to move forward withphased implementation ofORPP starting in 2017 for largeemployers, 2018 for mediumand 2019 for small, with fullimplementation by 2020. Theyhave indicated they will beusing the CPP earnings exemp-tion threshold of $3,500, andhave made no decision yet on ablanket exemption for non-resident workers which wouldbenefit our sector substantially.

Growing Forward 2 Non-BRM

At the recent OACC TechCommittee meeting, we had alengthy and long overdueupdate on programs. For yearone and year two, only 29 percent of producer projects wereapproved. So far in year three,

with the process streamlinedthe approval number is up to 72per cent, however there are farfewer applications beingreceived so this number mustbe viewed with some skepticism. As of August 2015,there had been 253 projects byOrganizations andCollaborations approved for atotal of $24.6 million.

As of August 2015, there hadbeen 2,981 Producer projectsapproved for a total of $32.21million of which almost 1,000were for PED. As of August2015, there had been 592Processor projects approved fora total of $28.6 million, 50 percent of which were for labourproductivity enhancement.

It appears that given theexperience of the first twoyears, many producers are notwasting their time applyingbecause of a continued frustration with the process.This results from going to amerit-based evaluation which isinherently complicated foreveryone. We agreed that thereneeded to be discussion atOACC about whether we wantdedicated funding for certainprograms such asEnvironmental Farm Plans inGF3 or not. If we do, then thatmessage has to be repeated constantly during the run up toGF3. If not, then we live with acomplicated system that tendsto frustrate producers.

CFA Business-RiskManagement Working Group

We had an update by JasonBent on the recommendationsof this working group.

They focussed on two that

have been asked for since 2006.These are elimination of theAgri-Stability viability test, andallowing the better of the five-year average of theOlympic average.

Diversified Operations

There has long been a recog-nition that diversified farmsreceive fewer program payments due to calculationmethods which effectivelypenalize producers for beingdiversified. The working grouphas looked at models to solvethis and presented what appearsto be a very workable concept.It requires data to run differentscenarios from OMAFRA. Thestaff at the meeting wereunwilling, however, to communicate the request further up the chain.

The model is referred to asthe "AgriStability CommoditySpot Loss Coverage” and ratherthan separating out components

of the farm business by refer-ence margin, separates them outby inventory-adjusted revenueand uses a five-year average.The model can account forstructural change as we all knowthat cropping programs canchange as the business evolves.

Large Building Energy Audit

There has been noEnvironmental Bill of Rights(EBR) posting yet. TheMinistry has indicated it willnot be posting citizen’s information for public viewingas originally proposed. Howeverthe ministry still seemsdetermined to move forwardwith the rest of what is clearly abad idea.

Mark Wales is OFVGA chair, safety nets section. This report waspresented at the annual generalmeeting, January 13.

Expect reduced premiums for crop insurance

Horticulture is labour-inten-sive. The Foreign AgriculturalResources Management Serviceadministered the paperwork andflights for almost 18,000 workersin Ontario last year. This number didn’t include almost2,000 transfers. As Ken Forth,OFVGA chair of the labour section reported at the annualgeneral meeting, more than9,000 workers had beenprocessed for 2016. That’s anexcellent start to smooth operations for what will be the50th anniversary of the SeasonalAgricultural Workers Program.

“Growers, keep up the goodwork on early Labour MarketImpact Assessment applica-tions,” said Forth. “Your orderneeds to be in at least 14 weeksbefore you need workers.”

One of the new requirementsfor workplace health is theOntario ministry of labourrequirement that all workers

must wear noise protectionguards for workplaces in whichthere is noise above 85 decibels.For a gauge on what thatmeans, hearnet.com says thatcity traffic inside a car registersabout 80 decibels, a powermower registers 107 and apower saw registers 110 decibels. Sustained exposure to90-95 decibels can cause permanent hearing damage.That regulation comes intoeffect July 1, 2016.

Guest speaker ElizabethMills shared some of the workthat her organization performsin the horticultural sector. Aspresident and CEO ofWorkplace Safety andPrevention Services (WSPS),she pointed out that falls fromheights are the most worrisomeout of a list of 10.

Work is underway for a riskassessment project with greenhouses. In workshops

conducted with greenhouseemployers and employees lastfall, the two groups identifiedthe top ten risks – independently. That’s goodnews for everyone to be on thesame page.

“You have already communicated to workers what

the risks are,” said Mills. “Nowyou’re ready to start on solutions.”

A greenhouse industry guidewill be developed for safety,based on more industry consultations this month. Inturn, that guide will be used totrain ministry of labour

inspectors. WSPS has more resources on

its website, www.wsps.ca/farmsafety Specifically, look forSpanish resources (SeguridadAgricola) and online courses fororienting new agricultural workers to health and safetyissues.

Review workplace healthand safety standards

Source: Workplace Safety and Prevention Services

THE GROWERPAGE 10 –– FEBRUARY 2016

STAFFPublisher: Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ AssociationEditor: Karen Davidson, 416-557-6413, editor@thegrower.orgProduction: Carlie Melara, ext. 221, production@thegrower.orgAdvertising: Herb Sherwood, 519-380-0118, advertising@thegrower.orgThe Grower reserves the right to refuse any advertising. Anyerrors that are the direct result of The Grower will be compen-sated at our discretion with a correction notice in the next issue.No compensation will be given after the first running of the ad.Client signature is required before insertion.The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association is the soleowner of The Grower. All editorials and opinions expressed inThe Grower are those of the newspaper’s editorial staff and/orcontributor, and do not necessarily reflect the view of the associa-tion.

All rights reserved. The contents of this publication maynot be reproduced either whole or in part without the priorwritten consent of the publisher.

OFFICE355 Elmira Road North, Unit 105Guelph, Ontario N1K 1S5 CANADATel. 519-763-8728 • Fax 519-763-6604The Grower is printed 12 times a year and sent to allmembers of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association who have paid $30.00 (plus G.S.T.) per year forthe paper through their commodity group or container fees.Others may subscribe as follows by writing to the office:

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Subscribers must submit a claim for missing issues withinfour months. If the issue is claimed within four months, butnot available, The Grower will extend the subscription byone month. No refunds on subscriptions.

P.M. 40012319

ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2016

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEEChair Jason Verkaik, BradfordVice-Chair Jan Vander Hout, WaterdownFruit Director Norm Charbonneau, Port ElginVeg Director Mac James, LeamingtonDirector John Thwaites, Niagara-on-the-Lake

BOARD OF DIRECTORSApples Charles Stevens, NewcastleFresh Vegetable - Other Kenny Forth, LyndenTender Fruit John Thwaites, Niagara-on-the-LakeON Asparagus Grws’. Mkg. Brd. Mike Chromczak, BrownsvilleGGO/Fresh Grape Growers Bill George Jr., BeamsvilleFresh Vegetable - Muck Jason Verkaik, BradfordON. Potato Board Mac James, LeamingtonSmall Fruit/Berries Norm Charbonneau, Port ElginON. Ginseng Growers’ Ken Van Torre, BurfordGreenhouse Jan Vander Hout, WaterdownGreenhouse George Gilvesy, Tillsonburg

OFVGA SECTION CHAIRS

Crop Protection Charles Stevens, NewcastleResearch Harold Schooley, SimcoeProperty Brian Gilroy, MeafordLabour Ken Forth, LyndenSafety Nets Mark Wales, AlymerCHC Adrian Huisman, St. Catharines

Climate

My predecessor stated lastyear that he hoped the elusiveperfect growing season woulddevelop this past season. I con-tinue to share in his hope.Spring started off very dry, thenwe also had a late spring freezethat challenged some crops,some areas hurt more extensive-ly than others. As we prayed forrain, June came and so did therain. In my area of the HollandMarsh, we had 450 mm of rainwithin the month. After that,the season became dry again foran extensive period with littlerain over three months. Thisput stress on multiple fieldcrops. As we wait for this elu-sive perfect growing season, thevariability in weather has beennoticed by many in our provin-cial government and around theworld. The unification at theCOP21 Paris ClimateConference, alongside ourprovincial government’s devel-opment of an overarching envi-ronmental policy, has kept the

OFVGA extremely busy thispast year.

Consultations

The primary purpose of theOFVGA is to lobby the govern-ment on behalf of Ontario’s hor-ticultural farmers. The premierissued a challenge in 2013 tothe agriculture and food sectorto add 120,000 jobs and doubleits annual growth rate. This pastyear had the Minister ofEnvironment and ClimateChange (MOECC) with 20 pub-lic consultations and theMinistry of Natural Resourcesand Forestry (MNRF) had 35consultations. This is unprece-dented!

In this extensive list, someexamples included: Great LakesProtection Act, Cap and Trade,Greenbelt review, LargeBuilding Energy Reporting. Ourstaff has been diligentlyresponding to all relevant con-sultations. We continue to workwith lobby firm Maple LeafStrategies and are satisfied withthe opportunities this companybrings to our lobby effort. Wehave personally met withPremier Kathleen Wynne,Minister of Agriculture, Food,and Rural Affairs Jeff Leal andthe Environment and ClimateChange Minister Glen Murrayon multiple occasions. We havebeen very engaged with govern-ment staff as well. There is asignificant structural change inhow Ontario does business. Aswe support the premier’s chal-lenge and a healthy environ-ment, everything we lobby foris the viability and sustainability

of our farm businesses.

Competitiveness

The rise in minimum wageto $11.00 and the subsequentrise to $11.25 based on the con-sumer price index, along withfood safety and traceability,Environmental ComplianceApprovals (ECAs) for wash andrain water, and other red taperequirements have added coststo producing food. We are chal-lenged to pass these costs on tothe consumer. Our competive-ness with other global andCanadian jurisdictions has beensignificantly reduced. In light ofthis, we have asked the govern-ment for an innovative produc-tion fund to mitigate some ofthese added costs which arebeyond our control. Our ask forthis fund is meant for primaryproducers to help invest in moreefficient technologies that willlead to sustainability. If youhave any examples of equip-ment or technologies that mighthelp you personally on yourfarm, please send your ideas tous. We continue to enforce thepoint that our competitivenessas an industry needs to be at theforefront of any new policy thatis made by the government.For example, we are lobbying tohave non-resident workersexempt from the new OntarioRetirement Pension Plan(ORPP

Collaboration

We continue to request thatthe government collaborate withus on all issues and policies that

affect the sustainability of oursector. Funding from theprovincial government for ourjoint Northern Fruit andVegetable Snack Program isabout $1.2 million. This is usedto bring healthy snacks to stu-dents and facilitate an aware-ness of fruits and vegetables,promote healthy eating andbring a positive change in con-sumption patterns. The Freshfor the Farm fundraising pro-gram has seen incredible growthand positive uptake in manyschools. This program hasexpanded to multiple regions inOntario and promises to grow. Aspecial thank you to AlisonRobertson for her passion andprofessionalism around theseprograms.

We continue to explore othermechanisms to fund theOFVGA and monitor theincreasing use of reusable plas-tic containers (RPCs). We haveexperienced great collaborationfrom our board as we worktogether to respond to theissues of the day in what unitesus all.

The financial position of theOFVGA is still strong andshows, as a whole, we are grow-ing in business. The surplus ofrevenue over expenses hasallowed us to return $274,170 toour commodity membersthrough our research and mar-keting program. The percentageof distribution is based onequivalent financial contribu-tions to the OFVGA and isreviewed on a year-by-year basisby the OFVGA Board ofDirectors in relation to revenueover expenses.

We also continue work withother farm and marketing orga-nizations to strengthen our agri-culture lobby. The CanadianProduce MarketingAssociation’s program -- Halfyour Plate – is a great messagethat half of every meal consistsof fruits and vegetables. Whilewe continue to promote healthyeating, it helps with our lobbyefforts and our ability to posi-tively promote healthy habitsthat can reduce the burden onour health care system. We con-tinue to monitor “social licence”around agriculture and educatethe government about our mod-ern horticultural production sys-tems to help protect our abilityto farm.

Change

With a new federal govern-ment, we will continue to moni-tor promises made, such asresolving financial protectionsimilar to the PACA trust in theU.S. We work with theCanadian Horticultural Councilto ensure that lobbying with theprevious federal governmentand the work involved with thenew government brings aboutsatisfactory legislation and areinstatement to our preferredstatus under the PACA trust.

It has truly been an honourto serve as your OFVGA Boardof Directors Chair for 2015.

Editor’s note: This is shortenedversion of the report presented to theOFVGA Annual General Meetingon January 12.

The power of perception

JASON VERKAIKCHAIR, OFVGA

Ice wine harvest temperatures of –8°C finally arrived in the Niagara peninsula in early January. Photos courtesy of Grape Growers of Ontario/Denis Cahill.

WEATHER VANE

THE GROWERFEBRUARY 2016 –– PAGE 11

You’ve likely heard sometasty – and not so tasty -- foodtrend predictions for this year,above and beyond higher pricesfor food.

For example, according tofuturists, you might find your-self snacking on, among otherthings, a helping of insectsground into powder. They’retouted to be low-cost, environ-mentally sound and nutritious.And in a powered form, they’dbe easy to slip into a variety of

other dishes. What a way to surprise your dinner guests!

As well, for the first time,you might also be dining onOntario-raised shrimp -- whichan entrepreneur has receivedprovincial support to develop, ina converted pig barn – as analternative to imported shrimpraised under questionable environmental conditions.

It’s part of what University ofGuelph agri-food economistSylvain Charlebois calls choosing values over value,making food choices on thebasis of your own values aboutanimal welfare, food productionor ethics, versus choosing foodmainly on price, which has traditionally been the driver formost people.

Of course, when you choosenot to buy food from strugglingfarmers in developing countries,you’re making a value decisionthere as well. It’s a gray area,unless exporters can tell compelling stories about foodcoming from a sustainable coopor production system, one that

truly supports farmers.For me, the waning days of

2015 ended with a call from mylong-time family doctor inFergus, drawing my attention tosome recent blood work results.They showed that for the firsttime, my cholesterol was rising.It’s still controllable by exerciseand diet, but it needs to beaddressed, now.

I know what to do, exercise-wise. But fortunately, cholesterol had never been adietary concern. So with that inmind, where was I to turn?

Well, when it comes to foodwith potential health benefits, itturns out Ontario farmers havethe prescription I need. And Idon’t have to look far.

The list, supported byresearch studies, starts with fruitand vegetables. Tomatoes, forexample, help with cholesterol,and are also renowned as superbantioxidants.

Brightly coloured berries –blueberries, raspberries, straw-berries and cranberries, amongthem -- likewise have numerous

health-related properties including cholesterol control. So do beans, carrots, apples,nuts, garlic, fish, grapes, and tosome extent, the end product offermented grapes, wine.

In fact, my daughter and son-in-law, who farm nearThamesville, are major producers of a significant cholesterol-lowering staple food-- soybeans. They and about28,000 other Ontario farmershave made soybeans theprovince’s biggest cash crop.

Earlier in 2015, the OntarioGrain Farmers organization,which represents soybean, cornand wheat growers, expandedby becoming officially affiliatedwith another of the best cholesterol-lowering crops on

the face of the Earth -- oats. Other important cholesterol-

controlling commodities predominantly come from otherparts of Canada, particularlycanola oil and salmon. In fact,only a few of the often-mentioned commodities forlowering cholesterol come fromabroad, such as matcha tea, avocados, dark chocolate andolive oil. And of course, a variety of food products fromCanadian farms, such as leanmeat and a host of other commodities, have additionalroles in health maintenance.

As nutrition experts repeat-edly say, it’s all about balance.

Now, I’m waiting to hearwhat they have to say aboutinsects.

I’m looking to local food for health benefits in 2016

OWEN ROBERTSU OF GUELPH

PERSPECTIVE

Fruits and vegetables help bust cholesterol.

PAGE 12 –– FEBRUARY 2016

THE GROWER

MELISA LUYMES

In Ontario, more than fourmillion acres of farmland is rent-ed, leased or share-cropped,representing 35 per cent of thetotal farmland. This number hasbeen steadily increasing, upfrom 23 per cent in 1975. Theselandlords include active farmers,widowers, retired farmers, localgovernments and investors. Insouthwestern Ontario, nearlyhalf of farm landlords are non-farmer investors or investment companies.

Beyond the political and economic repercussions of landrental, this trend also has consequences on the environ-ment. Do farmers treat theirrented fields with the same careas their own? Research by BradyDeaton and graduate studentsat the University of Guelphshow that farmers in Ontario arenot as likely to make the cashinvestment to plant cover cropsor apply manure to rented land.They are likely, though, to useno-till at the same rate becausethe equipment investment hasalready been made.

If rented fields aren’t wellcared for, they could be moreprone to soil erosion and surfacewater issues, and this affectsmore than just the owner andrenter. But is poor soil manage-ment the fault of the landlord orthe farmer? And where areopportunities to improve?

I would argue that theresponsibility for soil health lieswith both parties and that thereare opportunities to strengthensoil conservation on rented landthrough creating more aware-ness and through adding envi-ronmental stipulations to landleases. I’d like to see rentalagreements go beyond the priceper acre and begin to put valueon the time and inputs farmersuse to improve soils.

Deaton’s research shows thatwell over half of farmland rentalagreements are based on noth-ing more than a handshake andthat there are no agronomicpractices stipulated in themajority of agreements.

Could rental agreementsstipulate the application ofmanure to a field, and even thetiming of that application? Whatif cover crops and soil testing

were mandatory, or what iflandlords hired agronomists toassess the farming practices ontheir rented fields? That wouldbe a game changer.

And perhaps specific environmental stipulations willbe secondary, because we knowthat the longer a farmer feels heor she can rent a field, the better the field will be treated.For the farmer, short-termrental agreements conflict withthe fact that soil health and eco-nomic benefits of agriculturalbest management practices areonly realized in the long term.

Building organic matter andsoil fertility require a long-termperspective and a one-year leasesimply can’t encourage goodpractices such as longer croprotations or cover crop use.Ideally, land rental agreementswould be three to five years andreviewed annually to discussmanagement decisions andadjust rent if needed. Any landlord would understand thisbecause land is a big investmentand it just makes good businesssense to conserve it.

For the next two months,Farm & Food Care is workingon a project focused on just thistopic, funded by the GreatLakes Agricultural StewardshipInitiative (GLASI). Our goal isto encourage environmentalpractices to be incorporated intoland rental discussions andagreements. We are creatingcase studies and resources forlandlords and farmer-renters tohave this important discussionon soil health and farmlandrental.

In horticulture, there is inter-esting research coming aboutno-till and cover crops and forfruit and vegetable producers,these environmental issuesaround farmland rental may beeven more pertinent. And thetimes are changing so perhapswe will soon see the day whenland is rented to the farmer withthe best environmental practices and not the one whocan write the largest rentcheque.

If you have any comments ora rental story of your own, Farm& Food Care is still looking forfarmers and landlords to be featured in this project’s casestudies. Please contact MelLuymes atmel@farmfoodcare.org or (519) 837-1326 x291.

Melisa Luymes is environmentalcoordinator, Farm & Food CareOntario.

Rented farmland and theenvironment

February 2 Eastern Ontario Drip Irrigation Workshop, Grenville Mutual Insurance, Kemptville, ON To pre-register kevinschooley@bell.net

Feb 2-3 Ontario Processing Vegetable Conference, Four Points by Sheraton, London, ON

Feb 3-5 Fruit Logistica, Berlin, Germany

Feb 9-10 Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Annual General Meeting, Best Western Lamplighter Inn, London, ON

Feb 4 AgKnowledge Forum 2016 Water Technology Information Lake Simcoe, Holland Marsh Growers’ Association Water Forum, Bond Head Golf Course, Bond Head, ON

Feb 6-12 59th Annual Conference International Tree Fruit Association, Grand Rapids, MI

Feb 10 Potato Selections Release Open House at AAFC, Guelph, ON – simulcast with Fredericton, NB and Lethbridge, AB

Feb 16 Growers Supply Annual Horticulture Meeting, Oliver Community Centre, Oliver, BC

Feb 16 Ontario Berry Growers’ Association Annual General Meeting, Embassy Suites Hotel, Niagara Falls, ON

Feb17 Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association Annual General Meeting, Scotiabank Convention Centre Ballroom B, Niagara Falls, ON

Feb 17-18 Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Scotiabank Conference Centre, Niagara Falls, ON

Feb 23 B.C. Cherry Association Annual General Meeting, Rutland Centennial Hall, Kelowna, BC

Feb 24 B.C. Tree Fruit Horticultural Symposium, Trinity Baptist Church, Kelowna, BC

Feb 25 Canadian Association of Farm Advisors’ Focus on Farm Women: Bringing It All Together Conference, Springfield Golf And Country Club, Guelph, ON

Feb 26-27 International Potato Technology Expo, Charlottetown, PE

March 1 Asparagus Farmers of Ontario Grower Information Day, German Hall, Delhi

March 1 Ontario Potato Conference and Trade Show, Delta Hotel and Conference Centre, Guelph, ON

March 2-4 Western Fair Farm Show, Entertainment Centre, London, ON

March 2-4 North American Raspberry and Blackberry Conference, Williamsburg, VA

March 3-4 AMI presents Food Entrepreneurs: Building Ontario Innovation One Product at a Time, Georgian College Barrie Campus, Barrie, ON

COMING EVENTS 2016

THE GROWER

FEBRUARY 2016 –– PAGE 13

RETAIL NAVIGATOR

Post mortems take your game to the next level

November and Decemberare critical months in food retail.The stores are full of productand the sales and sell-throughimpact the retailers’ ability todeliver overall results. There isanother level to winning thesales battle over the holidays.There is so much work put intobuilding a great plan and exe-cuting at this time of year, themorale within the stores and theoffice really is impacted by holi-day sales. Suppliers shouldunderstand this. Although youcan’t change what happened in2015, you should start planningfor the 2016 holidays now. Thisis the best time to do a postmortem while it is fresh in yourmind.

Why they are so important

There are a number of rea-sons to do a post mortem:1. Assess your performance2. Determine what worked real-ly well3. Determine what you need tochange4. Determine what you wouldlike to see your customerschange5. Demonstrate to your cus-tomer that you want to makethis as successful as possible forboth parties

Where to start

The best place to start yourpost mortem is with two things:your 2015 results and your 2016plan. The actual results from

the previous year are mostimportant because they are factsand it is also how the retailerswill be judged. I suggest youlook at your item sales from thebeginning of November throughto the end of December.Depending on the lead timesfor items and shipping to theretailer, the time frame mightbe earlier than this. Ultimatelyyou want to understand whatmoved through the stores dur-ing these eight to nine weeks.

Set up four columns on yourspreadsheet:2014 actual 2015 plan2015 actual 2016 plan

Review your item sales ineach of these columns to assessthe season. You can add per-centage variances if it helps youassess the performance.

What went well?

Once you have an idea of thesales numbers, you need toreview the quantitative andqualitative positives from theseason. The sales are criticalbut there are other importantfactors. Perhaps you had a pro-duction issue but because youwere proactive and called thecategory manager they workedwith the supply chain to get theproduct into and out of thewarehouse quickly so it hit thestores on time. This is just asimportant as a sales increase. Itspeaks volumes to your relation-ship with your customers.

You should include any notesfrom store visits. If your newpackaging looked great in thestore or the department man-agers you talked to said con-sumers were talking about yourproduct -- great! Include thesevaluable insights.

What do you need to change?

We can always improve.Where are the gaps for yourbusiness that you see from thesales results and other observa-tions? Perhaps your competitorintroduced a product thatimpacted your sales or the

expensive shipper you investedin never made it to the floor.Make sure you include solu-tions, not just the problems.

What would you like to see yourcustomers do differently?

You don’t control the retailerbut if you can demonstrate thata different action on their partwould benefit both of you, thenit should be in your postmortem. Often retailers dothings without understandingthe impact on suppliers. Theimpact of a late purchase orderor an ad that gets printed wrongcan be a huge issue.

Build your plan for 2016

Take the information youhave been compiling and builda quick plan for 2016. It is along way off but you need tostart somewhere and the besttime is while all of this is fresh.Plan the sales and make note ofwhat you would like to see hap-pen again, what you wouldchange and what you would liketo see your customer change.Share your post mortemCategory managers are busy andthey don’t always do the thingsthey should. Completing a holi-day post mortem could be oneof those things. I encourage youto share your post mortem withthe category manager. Theymight not even respond butthey will see it and they willunderstand you take the holidayselling period as seriously asthey do. When you do have ameeting to plan 2016 youalready have the groundwork inplace. Now is the time to pullthe information together andget ready for the end of 2016. Ifyou have had success with postmortems or if you have anyquestions please give me a callat (902) 489-2900 or send me anemail at pchapman@gpsbusi-ness.ca.

The other side of the desk

Get to know the operations people at the retailers

We all get focused on the cate-gory managers and the buyerswhen we are working withretailers. There is no doubt theyare the most important decisionmakers. You should expandyour relationship to include theretail specialists and operationspeople within the retailers aswell. They see products in theproduce department every dayand they are interacting withconsumers regularly. Freshproducts have so many criticalpoints where quality is impact-ed. These people can tell youwhat your items look like whenthe consumer takes them home.

Do not take too much oftheir time because they have ajob to do. If you develop a rela-tionship where you can have aconversation about your itemsand how they are performingthis is very valuable.

What’s in store?

Teddy bears and peanut butter

Prior to the holidays Kraftdistributed this special packagewith a Gund teddy bear andKraft peanut butter. For $14.99the consumer got the 500g jar ofpeanut butter, the bear and $2worth of Kraft peanut buttercoupons.

This accomplished a numberof things for Kraft:1. Delivered good value with-out discounting peanut butter2. Distributed coupons to bringthe consumer back for anotherpurchase3. It is an in/out item so it willget merchandised on an end orsomewhere away from the regu-

lar shelf giving Kraft incremen-tal space.

This could be an opportunityfor your business, if it is, now isthe time to prepare for nextyear. You will need to pulltogether the offer, get the retail-ers to agree to carry it, generateitem numbers and dependingon who you are, offer someincentive to the retailer to giveyou the space.

This is an example of takingadvantage of holiday shoppingtraffic to sell an item that hasnothing to do with the holidays.

Next month

We have spent a number ofmonths devoted to the relation-ship with the category managersand your retail customers. Nextmonth we will begin a newseries of articles devoted toincreasing your sales. Thisshould be a top priority in yourbusiness and we will start withhow to interrupt the shop andget your products in the shop-ping cart. If you have some top-ics you would like to see cov-ered in upcoming issues pleasegive me a call at (902) 489-2900or send me an email pchap-man@gpsbusiness.ca.

Peter Chapman is a retail consultant, professional speakerand the author of A la cart-A suppliers’ guide to retailers’ priorities. Peter is based inHalifax NS, where he is the principal at GPS BusinessSolutions. Peter works with producers and processors to helpthem navigate through the retailenvironment with the ultimategoal to get more of their items inthe shopping cart. pchapman@gpsbusiness.ca.

PETER CHAPMAN

THE GROWER

PAGE 14 –– FEBRUARY 2016

JENNIFER JARVIS

Did you know that windbreaks:• increase crop yield, improvesoil moisture distribution overfields and reduce soil loss?• provide shade and shelter forlivestock?• minimize spray drift andodours?• decrease the amount of snowdrift onto driveways and roads?• enhance biodiversity andwildlife habitat?• can generate alternativeincome?

Windbreaks have many benefits for farmers and rurallandowners, and more thanmake up for the loss of landthey use. Fall is the perfecttime to start planning for aspring planting. Here are somethings you need to do to getstarted:• Do a site assessment wherethe windbreak will be planted.• Decide on the tree speciesyou would like to plant basedon why you're planting a windbreak and your site’s characteristics.• Develop a planting plan.

• Confirm the number of treesyou'll need and place your treeorder. You can order treesthrough nurseries and someconservation authorities.• Prepare the site by markingout in-row and between-rowtree spacing, tilling, mulching,mowing and/or band or spotspraying, and placing blackplastic mulch over the area tocontrol weeds.

The Ontario Ministry ofAgriculture, Food and RuralAffairs (OMAFRA) has manyresources to help with windbreak planning. Visit ourwebsite to watch our four windbreak videos on planning,planting, maintenance andwindbreak successes. Our freeBest Management Practicesbook, "Establishing TreeCover," provides a step-by-stepguide for planning and plantinga windbreak.

For more information aboutwindbreaks and for help withplanning a windbreak, contactyour local conservation authority.

Jennifer Jarvis is OMAFRA stakeholder communications andmarketing advisor

JANICE LeBOEUF

The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation(RUSLE2) is a software program designed to help farmers estimate the potential for soil erosion under different land management and cropping practices. Thesoftware overcomes many of the limitations of the previous USLE equation.

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and RuralAffairs (OMAFRA) staff has adapted the RUSLE2 forOntario farmers by incorporating climate, soil and management practices common to the province.

We have created five interactive tutorials to help youuse RUSLE2 for Ontario. The easy-to-followaudio/visual guides give step-by-step instructions onusing RUSLE2 to help you assess the cropping andtillage practices you use on your farm.

Find out how you can prevent soil erosion from yourfields! Visit the OMAFRA website to watch the tutorials and to download RUSLE2.

Do you have questions about RUSLE2? Contact theAgricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca.

See the video tutorials at ontario.ca/ce4i.

Janice LeBoeuf is vegetable crops specialist, OMAFRA.

Do you want to increasecrop yields by 10-15%?Plant a windbreak!

Vegetable Sessions at the Ontario Fruitand Vegetable Convention

Software program helps Ontario farmers prevent soil erosion

Specialty Vegetables – Wednesday, February 17th 2016

9:30 am Get Ready Ontario: Vineland Sweet Potato Varieties Coming to MarketDr. Valerio Primomo, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

10:00 am High Tunnel Production of Organic Specialty VegetablesDr. Youbin Zheng, University of Guelph

10:30 am Where Do We Go from Here: A Fresh Look at Okra and Eggplant in OntarioDr. Viliam Zvalo, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

11:00 am Lessons Learned: Successes and Failures in Specialty Crops in OntarioDr. Jim Todd, OMAFRA

Vegetables – Wednesday, February 17th, 2016

2:00 pm Fostering Soil Health for Reduction of Risk Associated with Physical and BiologicalStress Dr. George Bird, Michigan State University, USA

2:30 Bacterial Disease Management: Beyond the SprayerJanice LeBoeuf, OMAFRA

3:00 Insect Management in Sweet Corn, with Updates on Bt Varieties and Corn EarwormControl Dr. Richard Weinzierl, University of Illinois, USA

3:30 Fusarium Diseases of VegetablesBrian Collins, University of Guelph

Vegetables – Thursday, February 18th, 2016

9:30 Managing Cucurbit Insects: Don’t Over-Do It and Cause More ProblemsDr. Richard Weinzierl, University of Illinois, USA

10:00 Cover Crop Residue Management in SquashDr. Dan Brainard, Michigan State University, USA

10:45 Fungal Disease Management in Pumpkins and Squash: Too Many Choices?Elaine Roddy, OMAFRA

11:30 Open Question PeriodOMAFRA Vegetable Specialists, Agricorp and Vegetable Session Speakers

Growing Garlic Potential – Thursday, February 18th, 2016

2:00 Challenges and Successes in California Garlic ProductionTom Turini, University of California Cooperative Extension, USA

2:30 Fertility Management for Optimizing Garlic YieldsCrystal Stewart, Cornell University Cooperative Extension, USA

3:00 Disease and Insect Pests of Garlic in OntarioMichael Celetti and Marion Paibomesai, OMAFRA

3:30 Panel: Marketing Garlic in Ontario Jackie Rowe, The Garlic Box; Peter McClusky,Toronto Garlic Festival; Warren Ham, August Harvest

THE GROWERFEBRUARY 2016 –– PAGE 15

VEG FOCUS

ELAINE RODDY

The website, OntarioCropIPM, contains the fullrange of pest managementinformation for many vegetablecrops, including asparagus.Many users do not realize that itis also home to weed galleries,herbicide injury information andcritical weed control periodinformation. The following areexcerpts from the weeds andherbicides section of OntarioCropIPM.

Eastern black nightshade(Solanum ptycanthum Dun.)

Eastern Black Nightshade isoften mistaken for pigweedseedlings. Eastern black night-shade is distinguished fromother weeds as it is an annualplant that has thin, oval to diamond shaped leaves, smallumbels of white flowers on theside of stems and black berrieswhen mature. Eastern blacknightshade is an annual repro-ducing only by seed.

The hypocotyl (stem belowcotyledon) is hairy and can begreen or maroon. The cotyledonleaves are oval, smooth andgreen on the upper surface,maroon on lower surface. Theleaves are alternate (one leaf pernode), oval or diamond-shapedand pale green, soft and nearlytranslucent. Young pigweedleaves can be distinguished by ashallow notch at the tip.

The stems are erect, five to100 cm (2-40 in.) high, verybranched in the upper part of

the stem and mostly hairless.Eastern black nightshade flowers from June until lateautumn. The flowers are smalland usually grouped together ina small umbel of two to fiveflowers. The petals are whiteand may or may not be tingedwith purple. They resemblepotato flowers but are smaller(9-15mm) in diameter. Thefruits are black berries that arefirst green and contain many flatseeds. The berries are reputedto be poisonousBest control options: Chateau,simazine (trade namesSimazine, Princept Nine-T andSimadex) and Callisto are thetop-rated asparagus herbicidesfor nightshade control.

Field bindweed (Convolvulusarvensis L.)

Field bindweed is a perenni-al reproducing by seed and by apersistent, extensively spread-ing underground root system.

The cotyledon leaves areopposite, round and notched atthe end. The leaves are alter-nate (one per node) with shortor long stalks. They are commonly arrowhead-shapedwith two basal lobes and smoothmargins. Occasionally they arelong and narrow, or broader andnearly round except for the twobasal lobes.

The stems are slender andsmooth or very finely hairy.They are usually twining orcurling; they lay prostrate on theground or grow up any nearbyobject.

Field bindweed flowers from

mid-June until autumn. Theflowers form on long stalks fromaxils of leaves, always with apair of small, narrow, greenbracts on the flower stalk somedistance below the flower. Theflowers have five small greensepals and a white to pinkishfunnel-shaped corolla 2-2.5 cmin diameter when fully opened

The seedpods are roundish,about five mm long containingone to four seeds each of whichis about three mm long, pear-shaped and three-angledwith one side rounded and withtiny grayish bumpsBest control options: controllingfield or hedge bindweed is achallenge, because of its extensive, perennial root system. Because bindweedgrows in patches, a systemicherbicide with glyphosate (eg.Roundup) can be effectivelyused as a spot spray. The key isto wait until bindweed showsfirst bloom (bud to full bloom),and use a two per cent solution

(2L Roundup in 100L water).Established patches usuallytake at least two applications insubsequent years for completecontrol.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.)

Horsetail is a perennial plant.It never has flowers or seeds butreproduces by spores and byaggressive horizontal under-ground stems (rhizomes). Therhizomes are dark brown orblackish, spread out for long distances and are often one mbelow the ground surface. It isan intense competitor and canseverely suppress crops andother plants.

In early spring the shoots areashy-gray to light brown,unbranched, hollow, jointedstems. Each node (joint) is surrounded by a toothed sheath.The tip of stem ends in abrownish, spore-producing cone.After the cones have shed theirspores (early May) these light

brown stems wither and diedown. At the same time, thesecond type of shoot emergesfrom the ground. These shootshave green, slender, erect, hollow stems. They are leaflessbut have whorls of six to eightbranches at nearly every node.Each branch may branch againwith whorls of smaller branches.Best control option: Sandea islabelled for horsetail suppres-sion. Use maximum labelledrates for best results. A non-ionic surfactant or crop oilconcentrate should be used withpost-harvest applications.Contact with asparagus fernmay cause temporary yellowing.Crop injury will be minimizedand weeds will be controlledmore effectively when applica-tions are made with drop noz-zles to direct the spray belowthe fern to allow for more com-plete coverage of target weeds.

Elaine Roddy is vegetable cropsspecialist, OMAFRA

Three problem weeds for asparagus

Diseas

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Eastern black nightshade Field bindweed Horsetail

PAGE 16 –– FEBRUARY 2016

THE GROWER

FLOWER QUIZ

Identify these flowers

1 2

43 5

876

The Grower’s popular flower quiz returns with photos gathered over the past growing season. While we think of fruit trees with the most extravagant blossoms,vegetables are not to be outdone. Thanks to our freelance photographers, Denis Cahill and Glenn Lowson, for making this quiz possible. Answers on page 18.

THE GROWERFEBRUARY 2016 –– PAGE 17

BITS AND BITES

The Ontario Greenhouse VegetableGrowers (OGVG) has announced that food-service unit manager, Michael Tuinstra ofDana Hospitality LP who runs the cafe atthe Blount Canada Ltd. location in Guelph,has been selected as the winner of the sec-ond OGVG Celebrating Ontario Agriculturepromotion and display competition.

OGVG engaged more than 20 universi-ties and business dining locations through-out Ontario, providing tool kits, recipes and merchandising material. These resourceswere created to support menu initiatives,promotions and displays during CelebratingOntario Agriculture Week.

Working with OGVG resources, Tuinstralaunched five colourful displays utilizingOGVG produce. His culinary team alsointroduced several new recipes that featureOntario greenhouse cucumbers, peppersand tomatoes throughout its menu.

“OGVG is pleased to be a part of thispromotion with Ontario hospitals and cafe-terias and we look forward to working withfoodservice partners in the future,” saidGeorge Gilvesy, chair of OGVG. “In a com-petitive market new partnerships that sup-port our produce in the foodservice market-place will help sustain Ontario greenhousevegetable growers.”

Dana Hospitality LP is a Canadian-owned food service provider. Their culinaryteam takes great pride in using fresh, locally-sourced and nutritious ingredients,preparing meals from scratch every day.Their goal is to transform the food serviceexperience.

Source: Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growersnews release

Celebrating greenhouse produce in the foodservice sector

According to the Federal Departmentof Agriculture (FDA), in the final regulations of the new Food Safety Act,importers of food into the U.S. have tohave their suppliers approved by a certified third party/auditor. The thirdparty/auditor will need to conduct food

safety audits and issue certificationsregarding the foreign facilities and thefoods they produce.

WaudWare has added a feature to itsProduce Inventory Control System(PICS) software that helps customerstrack these certifications. This new

feature is called the Vendor’s ApprovalDocument. It helps businesses in thefresh produce industry keep track ofvendor certification documents and itcan be set to warn users when a PurchaseOrder is issued to a vendor for whichthere is no approval document on file.

The Vendor’s Approval Document feature saves produce businesses timeand improves productivity.

Source: WaudWare news release

WaudWare adds new feature to Produce Inventory Control System (PICS) software

ADAMA Canada has announced theaddition of two new products to theirline up.

Hotshot, ADAMA’s new co-pack, isthe ideal glyphosate tank-mix partner forpre-seed burn-off to control a wide rangeof annual broadleaf weeds includingGroup 2 & 9 resistant kochia, volunteer

canola including glyphosate resistant,wild buckwheat, dandelion and narrow-leaved hawk’s beard. Hotshot consists ofthe active ingredients bromoxynil andflorasulam, and when it’s combined withglyphosate, it creates a weed resistancetag team that controls early seasonweeds. This product is available in

Western Canada.Squadron, a broad spectrum herbicide

registered for grass and broadleaf weedcontrol in a wide range of crops, mostnotably lentils, peas, chickpeas,fababeans, soybeans and potatoes.Powered by the active ingredientmetribuzin, Squadron is an excellent

resistance management tool. This product is available in both Eastern andWestern Canada.

These products hit the market inearly 2016.

Source: ADAMA news release

ADAMA adds new products to 2016 portfolio

Houweling’s has announcedthat it is strengthening its commitment to the pursuit and

enforcement of its intellectualproperty rights by increasingapplications for patent

protection worldwide and diligently enforcing its existingpatent rights.

As a leader in the greenhouseindustry, Houweling’s hasdeveloped many novel advancements in greenhousetechnologies and has investedconsiderable time and resourcesinto ensuring that Houweling’sremains on the forefront ofgreenhouse development andcrop production. To this end,Houweling’s has obtainedpatent protection for its novelgreenhouses, air/gas distributionsystems and closed loop air drying systems. Throughout theyears, Houweling’s has continu-ally enforced its patent rightsagainst infringers attempting tomisappropriate or otherwise“piggyback” on Houweling’sprotected technology.Houweling’s intends to contin-ue to enforce its patent rightsagainst any and all infringers, inboth the United States ofAmerica, as well as in foreignjurisdictions such as Europe,

Australia, New Zealand, Israel,Canada and Mexico.Houweling’s will also vigorouslydefend any challenges to itspatents worldwide and willexhaust all avenues of appealagainst such challenges.

Houweling’s commitment todefending its intellectual prop-erty rights mirrors its commit-ment to the development ofnew and innovative technology.

Houweling’s Group is anindustry leading greenhousevegetable grower, propagatorand marketer with operations inDelta, BC, Camarillo, CA,Mona, UT and Loveland, CO.A year-round grower, with morethan 200 acres of greenhousefarms, Houweling’s producesfresh and flavorful tomatoes andcucumbers sustainably.

Source: Houweling’s news release

Houweling’s to enforce intellectual property rights

THE GROWERPAGE 18 –– FEBRUARY 2016

I was listening to a guestspeaker early in the New Yearas he explained the concept oflocal sourcing of a seed supplyto produce seedling plants forrepopulating areas in a giveneco-zone. He went on to explainthat his company not only raisesplants for sale but also sellsseeds to those who want toplant on their own. His competition sources seeds fromwherever they can, and sellsthem indiscriminately and at alower cost because their sourcing is obviously cheaper.He showed the sites where theyhave collected seeds for every-thing from trees, to wild flowersto grasses across Ontario. (Ibelieve they also go furtherafield.) The key is that theyensure that the location of thebuyer and where the seeds orig-inate get matched up and theycustom-sort to ensure they getseeds sourced locally for them.

This company is obviouslypassionate about local environ-ment renewal, and willing to gothe extra mile to ensure thebest suited species are beingsourced and used. The fightcontinues to deal with invasivespecies that have been introduced, either deliberatelyin planting ‘mixtures’ or inadvertently by illegal or othermeans such as coming in viamail order seeds sourced fromaround the globe. Invasiveplants dislodge and often out-compete local plants, at agreat loss to a natural environ-ment. Control of invasives iscosting millions of dollars, buttheir impact is in the billions!

Using local well-suited solutions to problems is notnew. However, the expedientuse of so-called solutions foundanywhere (else) continuesunabated without due regard totheir ultimate cost or net benefit.

As usual, I have a few examples.

Regulations intended to prevent the spread of exoticorganisms would seem to be agood idea. It is the definition ofexotic that Canadian officialsseem to have a problem gettingtheir noggins around! Pesticideand plant breeding trials to control certain endemic plantdiseases require that the diseasebe made present and abundantin the trials to ensure a discrimi-nating difference between

treatments. In the case of cer-tain high value crops, the trialsare located well away from areasof production to ensure nospread can occur. Likewise, ifthe disease organism is highlyvirulent, the plants on site aretop killed and all residue isburned or destroyed to ensureno spread. These disease organisms are highly regulatedby importation rules, as well ascareful site-specific protocols.No problem so far.

In the case where the diseaseis already widespread locallyand faced every year by growers, one would think therewould be some exceptionsmade. That is where the problem arises. The same rulesare being applied, notwithstand-ing that they were never intend-ed for such a circumstance. If aplant breeding company wantsto collect white mould sclerotiafrom a seed cleaning plant, andthen use them to ‘seed’ plotsprior to evaluation of new varieties for resistance, they facea huge regulatory burden. Itcould take more than a year todo the paperwork and get allthe permissions.

On the other hand, if afarmer had a bad case of mould,and all the sclerotia ended up inwindrows behind the combine,and if he rented out that site forthe trial, it would not be regu-lated! If he drove the combineto a nearby farm and unloadedthe hopper into a gravity wagonalong with lots of sclerotia, andif that wagon just happened totip over in the right spot, thatwould move the sclerotia whereit is needed, again with nopaperwork needed. What does ittake to get the paper-pushers tolighten up, apply the ruleswhere they were intended, andget out of the way of practicaland progressive science?

Another example centres onhow the provincial governmentset standards for their ‘ToxicSubstances Bans and Phase-outList’ allowable levels of ‘pollutants,’ including for sever-al pesticides. My understandingis that the task was assigned to ajunior scientist, who poredthrough the existing standards

sourced from anywhere else.The levels chosen were themost conservative found foreach pollutant, regardless of thesource of the standard or theunderlying data to support it (ifthat in fact existed). This maynot have been the worst thing,if it had just been used as astarting point. However, that listbecame THE list! There wasno further local data sourcing,no additional Ontario-basedresearch commissioned, noground proofing, and certainlyno impact analysis done. Wehave had to live with those‘standards’ in the absence oflocal evaluation. The scary thingis that there may be other simi-lar examples that emulate thisapproach that was allowed inthe 1980s.A similar situation exists federally where the governmentrelies on the outcomes of anindustry-government task forceon worker exposure to pesticides. This group used theexisting results of the many tri-als looking at pesticide exposurethat they had had to conduct inprior years. All this data waspulled together, and hasbecome the ‘go to’ resource fornew or re-newed registrations.All of this is good, as far as itgoes. However, while the exposure studies may well havebeen entirely accurate, they aretotally dependent upon theresearch protocols underpinningthe methodology. Herein liesthe problem!

Crop production practice haschanged mightily in the 30-plusyears since some of these stud-ies were conducted! Withoutany named person to be incharge of the data, it may continue to be used indiscrimi-nately by registrants and government staff alike! Sadly,data owned by a ‘group’ fallsdown almost as soon as it is collated. ‘Someone’ should bekeeping the database up todate, but ‘someone’ doesn’texist! Just one example is the‘factor’ used to consider workerexposure to pesticides whenmoving irrigation pipes. Withthe cost of labour these days,most operations have moved on

to center pivots, travelers, trick-le, solid set systems, and veryfew still move pipe regularly ina field by hand. Even then, ifpipe has to be moved, it is doneduring a dry time on the farm.Hence, less pesticide is gettingused at that time anyway. Giventhat it is in fact irrigation pipe, Iwould think that the irrigationwater would cleanse the pipeand remove most of whateverresidue may remain on it andthe crop. However, the factoradjudged to be in play for work-er exposure to pesticides for irri-gation is very high- almost thehighest of all farm chores,including mixing and loading!Surely this factor needs to belooked at in light of modernpractice?

If we were to take a page outof the Minor Use book, onewould see that research proto-cols are developed every year,with the help of those familiarwith current crop productionpractice. This ensures validityof the results. Unfortunately,these results could be scuttledwhen old exposure models froma by-gone time are subsequent-ly used to decide on the allow-able use pattern. Fortunately forus, the folks at the PestManagement RegulatoryAgency (PMRA) ‘get it’ andhave allowed some changes. Inaddition, the Pest ManagementCentre updates the CropProfiles to show current fieldpractice. I wish I could be asconfident about other ‘models’based on old ways and oldthinking.

Local solutions for local problems are a good idea. Theydo need to be tempered withbroad oversight and use of gooddata wherever it can be sourced,as long as it is field-tested at thelocal level before implementa-tion! The key is to get the solution that fits locally. Toomany problems that wereintended to get fixed end upbeing made worse from a lack ofunderstanding, a lack of localinput, and overzealous attentionto ‘rules’ instead of desired outcomes.

Thank goodness some people get it!

CRAIG HUNTEROFVGA

MINOR USE

CRAIG’S COMMENTS

Local solutions work best

Answers to flower identificationquiz, page 16

1. Field cucumber

2. Greenhouse pepper

3. Jerusalem artichoke

4. Peaches

5. Greenhouse cucumber

6. Blueberries

7. Hazelnut flower

(Photo by Linda Grimo)

8. Sour cherries

THE GROWERFEBRUARY 2016 –– PAGE 19

MINOR USE

Looking back, looking forward on the crop protection file

CHARLES STEVENS

Two issues seemed to dominate our time this year, butin spite of that there were manyhot items to deal with through-out. The trade-related issuesassociated with MaximumResidue Level (MRL) differences around the worldhave led to a national MRLworking group tied to majorcommodities including horticulture. These have had aprofound effect on several commodities traded offshore,and with the outcomes of theTrans Pacific Partnership tradedeal could have an even morepronounced effect. The secondissue, of course, was the firstGlobal Minor Use Priority setting meeting. Canada had amajor role in planning and carrying out this effort thatmany called a success.

The MRL Taskforce hasbeen able to secure access to aglobal MRL database fromBryant Christie Inc. Thisdetailed database providesexisting MRLs in every possi-ble foreign trade destination. Italso has the proposed but notyet promulgated changes, andthe simply proposed changes.These in turn allow a producerand exporter to plan pesticideuse, or to know where to avertpesticide use for trade. Thetaskforce has also documentedthe Canadian and all foreigntrade destination MRLs for aselected group of commodities.These are now being sharedwith each registrant as a firststep in defining a path forwardto eliminate the differences,especially where the non-detectlevel exists elsewhere against apositive MRL here. This is awork in progress of vital importance as our registrationsystem continues to providenew uses. Trade barriers relatedto MRLs effectively curtail theuse of some of these pesticides.

The Global Minor Use meeting was the first ever to setpriorities leading to registrationprojects. Three were selected

this year, and the work will bedone on all the “rep. crops” sothe registration packages thatensue will allow setting globalMRLs by crop group. This is ahuge step up for value to grow-ers both for use and for trade.The three projects are tropicalfruits, greenhouse lettuce andleafy greens in the field. Thesewill provide diverse benefitsaround the globe.

Plans are already in theworks to have the next suchmeeting in late 2017. Staytuned!

Of course there were otherissues during the year. Charlesand Craig met with PestManagement RegulatoryAgency (PMRA) officials to dealwith re-registration issues onseveral pesticides where pro-posed re-entry limits threatenedto effectively eliminate theiruse. This meeting was followedup in summer with a field visitby three PMRA staff to orchardsin the Newcastle area to seefirst-hand what the orchard configurations are today, andthe kinds of exposure actuallybeing encountered while thinning. They were impressedby their observations. We nowawait the revised outcomes ofthe re-evaluations.

PMRA has listened to ourconcerns about the need forgrowers to contribute to theCODEX process. They inviteour input on possible activeingredients to include in theirnominations. In turn they willprovide us with the outcomes oftheir company discussions onthese nominations, and showwhat they actually provide, plusthe outcomes of the meetings.This whole process has allowedus a better insight into theprocess, albeit a very frustratingone with a four-year backlog!

This year the CanadianMinor Use meetings went verywell. We will have more than 40projects, plus several joint pro-jects shared with IR-4. Theseare valuable collaborations thatlead to common data, commonsubmissions, and ultimatelycommon registrations and

MRLs. There was also a workshop on bacterial plant disease that was quite valuableto all attendees. Another suchworkshop is planned for nextMarch, likely on resistancemanagement for pesticides.

Ontario provided several candidates to the annualGrower Requested Own Use(GROU) pesticide import pro-gram nomination process.These have been submitted toPMRA and we still await theirdecisions on which will qualify.This whole program has hadless uptake than in the past, nodoubt related to the dollarvalue. We will continue to bevigilant in price monitoring.

We attended the firstOMAFRA forum on bee healthin September. This was the firstone to focus on what needs to

be done to actually help thebees in a positive way. Therewere very few growers in attendance, and the dominancewas by groups who have noactual experience with bees, butlots of ideas on what they feelneeds to be done! We await further opportunities for ourinput as the major users of beepollination services.

Charles chaired the annualOFVGA Crop Protection meet-ing in November that had astrong attendance. The seasonreview by each commoditygroup was valuable, as were theupdates on various pests byOMAFRA staff. Given the lossof the old meeting structurewhen OMAFRA had productionand research meetings annuallyto do this, the meeting fulfills avaluable niche of informationsharing.

Lastly, Charles and Craigattended and participated in theNAFTA Technical WorkingGroup meeting on pesticides inNovember. Here the focus wason MRLs, bees and minor use.Craig also provided informationon the problem of 'inadvertent'residues that arise when grow-ing root crops in the soil oncetreated with organo-chlorine

insecticides such as DDT chlordane and dieldrin. Becauseof their very long half-lives theyremain in the soil and couldcause MRL issues elsewhere.

In addition to this group ofinsecticides, many new regis-tered products are showing long(three- to four-year) half-lives.While nowhere as significant,these residues could become anissue as detection equipmentcan show levels down to partsper trillion. (That is one part ina million times a million parts!)This may be a problem downthe road and needs to be fixednow before that happens.

There were lots of otherissues that arose during theyear, and several problems inpest control we will all have todeal with down the road. Wehave a great rapport with PMRAthese days, and also work pclosely with CropLife Canadaon these problems. It will notbe easy, but the frameworkexists to deal with problems asthey arise.

Charles Stevens is OFVGA chair,crop protection section. This reportwas presented at the annual generalmeeting, January 13.

The Global Minor Use meeting was the first everto set priorities leading to registration projects...The three projects are tropical fruits, greenhouselettuce and leafy greens in the field.

THE GROWER

PAGE 20 –– FEBRUARY 2016

FEBRUARY 2016 OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR SECTION B

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION

A place to grow your business

Early bird registration ends February 9 at 6 pm. For more details and day-of-event agenda,

www.ofvc.ca

By the numbers:

• 2,000+ growers• 125+ speakers • 30+ first-time exhibitors

Photos by Denis Cahill.

THE GROWERPAGE B2 –– FEBRUARY 2016

2016 show round upFOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION FEBRUARY 17 - 18

COMPETITIONS TRADE SHOW SPEAKERS

MEET THE BUYER

This popular speed-dating session is set for February 18 at 8:30am, available at no charge to OFVC attendees who register for thisevent. Expect to meet with buyers from: Costco, Gordon FoodServices, Loblaw, Longo’s and Walmart Canada.

Entering its fourth year, the Great Ontario-Hopped Craft BeerCompetition brings together Ontario’s hop producers and thebrewing industry. It also helps introduce the next generation of theprovince’s brewers to the hop growing community, and promotesthe use of locally grown hops.

For the first year, BASF Canada is a sponsor. In addition to cropprotection products for hops and malting grains, BASF’s innovativeproducts are also used in beer processing, bottling and packaging.

“Sponsoring the Great Ontario-Hopped Craft Beer Competition isa great way for BASF to continue its support of the horticulturalindustry, and the growing hops market specifically. The event isalready a tremendous success and we are looking forward to work-ing with the organizers and our customers to enhance it evenmore,” says Scott Hodgins, horticulture brand manager with BASF.

AT PRESS TIMEThe trade show is sold out with almost 30 first-time exhibitors. “The trade show is repeating lastyear’s record-setting size,” says Glenna Cairnie, OFVC executive coordinator. Early-bird registrationdiscounts end February 9 at 6 pm. Save time and money by pre-registering online at www.ofvc.ca. Forthose who tweet, use hashtag #OFVC2016 and follow @ofvc1.

INNOVATION PRODUCT DISPLAYSee exhibitors’ new products for 2016. They include: Cadman Mini 1000 Series Traveller irrigation;Fracture fungicide; Lambert peat moss; Sercadis fungicide; Tornado automatic floor scrubber;Tritoflex Instant-Set Liquid Rubber, Priwen grape fungicide.

STUDENT POSTER COMPETITION

BASF RAISES A GLASS TO CRAFT BEER

At the deadline, a flood of entries arrived for this year’s studentposter competition organized by OMAFRA’s Jason Deveau andHannah Fraser.

“We have 16 students from the most diverse base we’ve had in thecompetition’s history,” says Deveau. He cites entries from theUniversity of Guelph, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre,Western University, University of Waterloo and McMasterUniversity. Topics are diverse, ranging from the latest informationon the invasive brown marmorated stink bug to carrot rust flyresearch and peach cooling treatments.

The top three winning posters receive cash awards of $500, $300and $200, generously sponsored by Brock University’s CoolClimate Oenology and Viticulture Institute.

“The calibre of this competition is not to be missed,” saysDeveau. “All posters are displayed in the Scotiabank ConventionCentre atrium before entering the trade show area.”

Michael Celetti, OMAFRA plant pathologist and CathyMcKay, Nature’s Bounty apple orchardist, prepare tospeak at last year’s fireblight seminar.

Glenna Cairnie, OFVC executive coordinator, manages last-minute details for a smooth show opening. Photos by Denis Cahill.

Anita Buehner, Bonnieheath Estate Lavender andWinery, delivers her entry, Folkin’ Hard Apple-CherryCider. It went on to win the 2015 Specialty Class forHard Cider.

THE GROWER

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION WWW.OFVC.CA

FEBRUARY 2016 –– PAGE B3

The Ontario Fruit andVegetable Convention (OFVC),to be held at the ScotiabankConvention Centre in NiagaraFalls, is the premier event inOntario for horticultural producers to see what’s new,learn about new technologies,visit the multitude of boothsand talk business with manysuppliers. More importantly,we see this event as a greatopportunity for growers to talkwith each other and key influencers in the industry in aneffort to stay ahead of the competition. If you have notregistered for this convention,you can do so at www.ofvc.ca.

The Ontario Fruit &Vegetable Growers Association

(OFVGA) strongly supports participation at the OFVCthrough a variety of ways,including having The Grower asthe main media sponsor for theevent. The Grower, in particular, sees this show as amainstay in Canadian horticultural production andwith almost 200 exhibitors, theshow is a great place for growersto meet with suppliers andstakeholders to the sector.

Not only is this show attended by producers fromacross the country and thosefrom international jurisdictions,there is also a large contingentof government personnel whoare there to see first hand whatis impacting the sector. TheOntario Ministry of Agriculture,Food and Rural Affairs has sixbooths detailing many differentprograms for horticulture. TheVineland Research andInnovation Centre will also beshowcasing world crops, sweetpotato trials and apple developments. This is a greatvenue for growers to bring forward those opportunities andchallenges to the larger audience.

The list of speakers at thisevent is large and diverse, witha huge range of topics covered.This diversity will no doubt

provide interest to all growerswho are looking at new special-ty crops, pest management,marketing, soil health, sustainability, business development and more.

The OFVGA encourages

attendees to visit us at our location, to chat with KarenDavidson and Herb Sherwoodwith The Grower and also withGeorge Shearer and DanTukendorf from the OFVGA.Booth 710 is located just by the

Café where you will also have achance to win certificates toThe Keg.

Here’s to a successful convention!

A great opportunity to connect and see what’s new

JOHN KELLYEXECUTIVE VP, OFVGA

(L-R) George Shearer, OFVGA water specialist, Karen Davidson, editor The Grower and HerbSherwood, advertising sales representative, The Grower. Photo by Denis Cahill.

The Grower, in particular, sees this show as a mainstay in Canadian horticultural production and with almost 200 exhibitors, the show is a greatplace for growers to meet with suppliers and stakeholders to the sector.

““

THE GROWER

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION FEBRUARY 17 - 18

Want to pitch an idea for anew food product? Here’s yourchance to get some feedback atthe OFFMA’s program,February 17.

It’s a clever spin from theCBC’s Dragon Den whereentrepreneurs pitch their ideasto a panel of judges. KevinO’Leary, the acerbic financier,will not be appearing, but doexpect some noted marketerson the panel of judges. Theyare Jennifer MacKenzie, a foodwriter and cookbook author,Jesse Lauzon, SpringridgeFarm and Denise Zaborowski,Foodland Ontario.

The idea is to encouragefood innovation and to tap thebrain trust of the OFFMAmembers. There are twoentries to date.

Tips on how to renovate your marketing plan

Bull Pen:agriculture’sanswer tothe Dragon’sDen

PAGE B4 –– FEBRUARY 2016

KAREN DAVIDSON

There’s nothing like travel toget a fresh perspective of home.For on-farm retailing business-es, this is especially truebecause home and work areoften the same place.

Every year, Cathy Bartolic,executive director of theOntario Farm Fresh MarketingAssociation (OFFMA)

coordinates an annual tour.Sometimes it’s to provinciallocations and other years, suchas 2015, her members went toBritish Columbia. For OFFMAvice-president, Nicole Judge,Spirit Tree Estate Cidery, “Thesmallest things can make thebiggest difference.”

At one B.C. farm, the ownerput up bulletin boards in thebathrooms publicizing comingevents and promoting gift

baskets. With a captive audience, business increased.This tactic worked much betterthan putting up signage at thecash register.

“Tell your farm story,” saysJudge. “I don’t think we’vedone as good a job as possible inour own operation. That’s whywe’re removing the artwork inour ciderhouse and replacingwith canvas prints, using photography of all the seasons

on the farm and our family.”She has sourced three-by-

four canvas prints at Costco fora reasonable price.

This renewed focus onbranding is also playing out in anew emailed newsletter thatfeatures upcoming events suchas their farm’s Cider MakerDinner Series at Caledon,Ontario. To build her mailinglist, she’s putting a box by thecash register that invites

business cards for a draw. Theprize? An apple pie from theiron-farm bakery.

Planning content for anewsletter can be onerous forsome. Judge has overcome thishurdle by profiling supplierssuch as the locals who makeginger syrup and spice blends.

Judge is one of the OFVCspeakers at the OFFMA session, starting at 9:30 am,February 18. She’ll be sharingmore ideas under the topic:What can we learn from B.C.direct farm marketingindustry?”

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Joe Calhoun, author of theebook “Prioritize” is the guestspeaker for a day-long seminarhosted by the Ontario FarmFresh Marketing Association(OFFMA). It’s scheduled forFebruary 16, Marriott Gatewayto the Falls. Both OFFMAmembers and non-memberscan attend. For registration,contact 905-841-9278 byFebruary 8.

Planning forgrowth

Deleafers: another tool to fight disease and manage grape maturity

KAREN DAVIDSON

Deleafers have come a longway. The objective is to preventleaves from shading grapebunches so that they maturewith appropriate brix levels.According to Niagara-on-the-Lake grape grower, KevinWatson, deleafers are anextremely important tool toachieve harvest quality underdiffering climatic conditions.

“Put it this way, we buy a lotof grapes and we wouldn’t consider buying a red viniferagrape if it wasn’t deleafed in atimely way.”

The technology hasimproved over recent years. Adecade ago, a deleafer acted likea lawn mower, tearing completeleaves off the vine and in somecases bits of the cane. This wasa very aggressive approach.Theadvent of rollers was animprovement, but again, someof the tiny grapes would becaught up in the process. Today,deleafers are more sophisticated,shooting air through the leaves.

An air compressor powered by ahydraulic motor shoots out airlike popcorn. The effect is thatholes are blown through the leafso that only the veins remain.The result is that the remainderof the leaf dries up and falls off.The cane does not overcompen-sate by growing new leaves.

As Watson explains, by thetime that leaves are two monthsold, they shade the maturinggrapes too much. Removingthese leaves, just after bloomand before bunch closure, andthen again at veraison, opensthe grapes to more sunlight.Another advantage is that grapesare less prone to disease expo-sure such as molds and mildews.Opening the canopy minimizesbotrytis.

Deploying a deleafer canmake a big difference in harvestquality. Watson reports anincrease of one to two points inbrix levels of grapes which haveundergone deleafing comparedto those without deleafing. With

extreme weather patterns anduncertain harvest schedulesfrom year to year, earlier maturation translates to moneyin the bank when selling towineries. An increase in brixusually means that acidity levelshave decreased.

“I’ve known other growerswho had grapes rejected due tohigh acidity,” says Watson. “Incooler years, it’s important toachieve the taste profile and toget the crop harvested as soon as

possible.” What was once a pioneering

practice is now commonplaceamong grape growers, albeitwith more sophisticated equipment.

Photo right: Joe Pillitteri,Lakeview Vineyard EquipmentInc., is one of the purveyors ofgrape deleafers, who exhibits atthe Ontario Fruit and VegetableConvention. Photo Denis Cahill.

THE GROWERFEBRUARY 2016 –– PAGE B5

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION WWW.OFVC.CA

Put it this way, webuy a lot of grapesand we wouldn’t consider buying a redvinifera grape if itwasn’t deleafed in atimely way.

~ Kevin Watson

“

“

THE GROWERPAGE B6 –– FEBRUARY 2016

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION FEBRUARY 17 - 18

Farmers’ Markets Ontario celebrates 25th anniversary Pop the Ontario sparkling

wine. Crack open an Ontariocraft beer.

This is a milestone thatdeserves celebration of all that’sbeen accomplished. Certainlyone achievement is that farm-ers’ markets can legally sellOntario VQA wine. Another isthe MyPick verified markets.

This year’s OFVC programfeatures marketing consultantTracy Lamb and registereddietitian Lois Ferguson on Feb17. Their interactive workshopwill highlight 25 food trends,tips or facts that can help marketers in 2016.

“There’s a lot of competitionthese days for a share of theconsumers' time and food dollars,” says Tracy Lamb.“This session will help youunderstand what today’s consumers are looking for: whatfood experiences and productsthey are seeking out, what motivates them to buy, whatwill keep them coming back formore. We hope to give youinsight on how to sell more atmarket and beyond.”

Lois Ferguson offers a tasteof the trends.

Vegetables are heroes

Once over-cooked andplaced at the side of the plate,vegetables have now moved tocentre stage. Hot veggies for2016: kohlrabi, escarole (a variety of endive) and kalette (abrand-new vegetable, bloomingwith the best flavours of kaleand Brussels sprouts).Have fun with spiralized veg-gies which can be demonstratedat the market. Suggest to consumers that spiralized vegetables can be servedinstead of pasta. It’s an innovative way to get kids to eat

more veggies. In fact there areentire cookbooks and blogs dedicated to spiralizing. Veggiesbest suited are butternut squash(squoodles?), carrots, turnips,beets and zucchini.

Trust and transparency

Farmers’ markets have anadvantage because they providethe perfect place to interactwith customers and build elationships. Customers wanttransparency and honesty andwant to connect with who hasproduced their food. Farmers’markets can leverage this trend

for the benefit of both vendorsand customers.

Farm-branded for added value

Customers appreciateauthentic artisan items such asfarm-branded cheeses, breads,pickles, sausages, jams. Home-made kits with all theingredients to make a recipehave a special appeal.

Plan to attend this Farmers’Markets Ontario NetworkingSymposium on February 17,Ballroom D, Main Floor. It isscheduled for 9:30 am to noon.

Spiralized vegetables Escarole Kalettes

THE GROWERFEBRUARY 2016 –– PAGE B7

Bright future predicted for farmers’ markets FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION WWW.OFVC.CA

KAREN DAVIDSON

As climate changes, will consumers change? That’s aquestion which is more pressingthis winter as consumers adjustto sticker shock on cauliflowerthat retails for up to $8 perhead. California’s vegetable basket has been struck by notonly drought but extremeweather patterns resulting fromEl Nino. Florida’s citrus industry is suffering from aninsect-transmitted disease calledcitrus greening for which thereis no cure.

Reflecting on this new reality, Jon Bell, president ofthe B.C. Association of Farmers’Markets, thinks that climatechange is a two-edged sword.With longer seasons, Canadianfarmers can shift what theygrow and for how long. Butalong with that wider window,comes different disease andinsect pressures. If farmers canadapt to these challenges, thenthose who grow for farmers’markets will do well.

Farmers’ markets are proliferating in BritishColumbia with the provincialmarket association now representing more than 125markets and more joining everyyear. This year’s spike in foodprices may cause consumers tovalue their food purchases morehighly and to search out morelocally-produced food. Theymay be willing to pay more for“local” with an understandingthat the dollars are circulated inlocal economies.

“We’re in for a good turn,”predicts Bell, referring to thesuccess of farmers’ markets ingeneral. “Consumers, I think,will base their decisions on costsas well as personal values.That’s what is making farmers’markets thrive.”

The popularity of farmers’markets in British Columbia, for

example, is translated into anew selling feature for realestate agents. For an increasing-ly urbanized culture, proximityto a farmers’ market is now asymbol of community.

Bell, now retired fromAgriculture and Agri-FoodCanada, is a producer of early-season greens, rhubarb, garlicand potatoes for the SecheltFarmers’ and Artisans’ Market,an hour north of Vancouver. Hesees these trends being playedout every week.

"The farmer at a market hasnow become the face of agriculture to the Canadian

consumer, who shops weeklyfor local food product,” he says.He regularly educates consumers about how food isgrown but also how to store andprepare. Waste can be prevent-ed by properly storing fruits andvegetables upon arrival homefrom market.

Part of the trust in farmers’markets is a B.C. program calledMarket Safe. Vendors take aone-day course on food safety toreceive a certificate. “Becausewe have a lot of isolated communities in the north, wenow have an online programwhere vendors can be

certified,” says Bell. Winter markets are also

springing up. There are apples,root vegetables and greenhouse-grown vegetables as well as preserves on offer.

In new trends, Bell pointsout British Columbia’s successwith a pilot program that startedin 2007: B.C. Farmers’ MarketNutrition Coupon Program.Community groups partner withtheir local farmers' market andthose in need. Low-income,new mothers and seniorsreceive $15 of coupons perweek for the market season.The coupons are valid at participating markets and canonly be used for fresh produce,meats, fish and dairy, but notprocessed foods. With the B.C.ministry of health funding theproject, the latest statistics showthat 3,000 households werereached in 48 communities in

2015. Targeting these in-need

groups has shown positive bene-fits to the extent that privatebusinesses and new fundershave also donated to boost theircommunity profile. While theprogram rollout is constantlybeing finetuned, it continues toexpand in scope and visibility.

“I’ve seen two seniors,coupons in hand, come to themarket and make tradeoffs,”says Bell. “One will say she’llbuy the $3 green beans if theother one buys the $3 carrots.Then they’ll share. The benefits go far beyond nutritionto the social interaction.”

Jon Bell is a guest speaker atthe upcoming Ontario Fruit andVegetable Convention. He’ll bepart of “The Future of Farmers’Markets” at 1:30 pm, February17, Ballroom D.

British Columbia’s minister of health, Dr. Terry Lake, is pictured third from left with coupon recipients at the Kamloops market. Jon Bell, president of the B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets isat the far right. Photo right: A sample of the B.C. Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon.

THE GROWERPAGE B8 –– FEBRUARY 2016

Exhibitor galleryFOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION FEBRUARY 17 - 18

Oriental Vegetable Seeds

Bitter Melon

AgroHaitai Ltd. Ph: 519-647-2280 • Fax: 519-647-3188

seed@agrohaitai.com• www.AgroHaitai.com

Sweet potato fries for snacking

If there’s a popularity contest for best booth at theupcoming Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention, itmight be Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.That’s where convention goers can pick up samples ofsweet potato fries.

It’s an innovative way to publicize the real-worldresults from Valerio Primomo’s research on sweet potato varieties that will mature in Ontario’s short seasons. The Vineland researcher will be speakingabout his trials on February 17, 9:30 am.

New seeds on offer

Rupp Seeds will be showcasing an entire line of vegetable seed, including two new Rupp gourds —Gizmo and Hoargarth — and three new pumpkins:Bayhorse Gold and City Gold with powdery mildewresistance and Sirius Star, a new white pumpkin.

Risk management

Visit Agricorp’s booth to find out what’s new in riskmanagement programs, how programs can help protectyour farm business from risks beyond your control andhow Agricorp is making it easier to do business.

As extreme weather patternscontinue to disrupt normalgrowing seasons, growers areinvesting in frost protection.

“In recent years, there’sbeen lots of damage in apples,grapes and blueberries,” saysHugh Fraser, a consultant forOutside-the-Barn FarmSolutions. “There are fixed-in-place wind machines that pullwarm air down from above andportable equipment that blowsair vertically, or horizontally.It’s an area where growers havelots of questions.”

The Ontario Fruit andVegetable Convention is hosting a Frost Protection session on February 18 at 2 pm.Robert Evans, now retired fromthe USDA, will be starting with“Frost Formation,Measurement and PassiveStrategies to Avoid Damage.”Next, Michael Wisniewski,USDA, will explain “UsingInfrared Thermography toVisualize the Freezing Processand Assess the Performance ofFrost Protection Measures.”

Hugh Fraser will speakabout airflow machines andheating equipment for frostprotection. “This is both science and art,” he says. “It’simportant to understand howfrost is formed and how wellyour machines can work.Starting machines too early orrunning them too long costsmoney.”

Investing in frost protection

THE GROWERFEBRUARY 2016 –– PAGE B9

Exhibitor galleryFOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION WWW.OFVC.CA

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become popular in thelast couple years to take aerial photographs of fields. The idea is toget a bird’s eye view of early disease or insect damage or waterand draining damage. Analysing and translating that evidence intoactions that have an economic benefit will take more time.

“Digitial photographs are very good for assessing differences insoil type, drainage, weeds and crop growth,” says Mary RuthMcDonald, University of Guelph’s research program director forplant production systems. “In true colour photos, it’s easy to seecrop damage as a result of excess water or poor drainage.”

She explains that near infrared images can be used to calculatethe normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI). This indexgives a leaf area index, which indicates how much of the soil iscovered by leaves. At the Muck Crops Research Station, work isstill needed for early detection of disease and insect damage.

In research conducted over the last two years, McDonald saysthat octocopters work best because they don’t need room to takeoff and land. They can hover and change heights easily. They arebest for photographing research plots in compact areas such as theHolland Marsh.

Many growers such as Charles Stevens, OFVGA chair of thecrop protection section, are following these research develop-ments. As major equipment manufacturers sell equipment withprecision data capabilities, Stevens cautions that the aggregateddata may grant unparalleled knowledge to big business. In thefuture, as the analysis capabilities improve, he suggests that like-minded growers band together to buy an octocopter to bringcosts down. “In this way, you also own the information,” saysStevens.

The upcoming Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention is hosting a Precision Ag seminar on February 17.

More research needed totranslate data fromunmanned aerial vehicles

Pollination

Koppert Canada is well-known for its state-of-the-artbiological systems for crop protection and pollination.In addition to beneficial insects and mites, the companyoffers technical assistance, training and information.

Asian vegetable seeds

AgroHaitai Ltd has introduced many unique varieties tocommercial growers across North America. The newvarieties in 2016 include Chinese cabbage ‘CR NapaKing F1’, ‘CR Mini Top F1’ and Shanghai Pak Choy‘Toy Green F1’, ‘Wa Wa Qing’, Winter squash ‘ScarletAsia’, Radish ‘Green Top’ and many more.

Orchard and vineyard supplies

Niagara Orchard & Vineyard Corporation is the largestindependent orchard and vineyard supply company inOntario. It supplies fertilizer, crop protection materials,containers, trellising materials, greenhouse and land-scape items.

Photo courtesy of Muck Crops Research Station.

THE GROWERPAGE B10 –– FEBRUARY 2016

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION FEBRUARY 17 - 18

JENNIFER DeELL

Chilling injury is a major limiting factor in the life ofstored peaches. This can lead toseveral end-of-market qualityconcerns and result in plenty ofconsumer complaints. Loss offlavour generally precedes anyvisual symptoms of chillinginjury, which are mealiness, lackof juiciness, flesh browning,flesh translucency, and/or failureto ripen. These fruit qualitycharacteristics can quickly leadto unhappy consumers and lackof return purchases.

The greatest expression ofchilling injury occurs after storage at temperatures rangingfrom 2 to 8°C, during subse-quent ripening at room temperature. Therefore, thepoor fruit quality issues associat-ed with chilling injury are mostoften experienced by the endconsumers, and not by growersor shippers. The range of temperatures between 2 and8°C is known as the “killingtemperature range” for peachesbecause of its severe adverseeffect on fruit market life.

Chilling injury is geneticallyinfluenced and it’s triggered bya combination of storage temperature and duration.Symptom intensity and theonset of its development varyamong cultivars, cultural practices, fruit maturity at harvest, postharvest handling,

growing location and seasons. Incollaboration with the OntarioTender Fruit Growers, webegan a four year project in2014 to investigate the susceptibility of Ontario grownvarieties to chilling – “ReducingIncidence of Chilling Injury/Mealiness in Ontario’s Peachesand Nectarines.”

During the first year of study(2014) the following varietieswere evaluated: Vivid,Redhaven, Harrow Beauty, andGlowingstar peaches, plusHW109 and Fantasia nectarines.During the second year of study(2015) the same varieties(except Harrow Beauty) wereagain evaluated, along withAllstar and Coral Star. Chillinginjury developed in all varietiesand the major symptoms wereno flavour, lack of juiciness, andsevere mealiness, but many fruitalso exhibited flesh browning,bleeding, or translucency. Fruitfrom later harvests tended to bemore susceptible to chillinginjury, while HW109 nectarineappeared to be the least chillingsensitive.

Another three-year projectwas started in collaboration withthe Ontario Tender FruitGrowers in 2015 – “OntarioStone Fruit Harvest and ColdChain Best ManagementPractices.” One objective was toinvestigate the effects ofpostharvest coatings on peachquality. During the first year ofstudy (2015) Scholar 230 SC

fungicide, Peach Nectarine &Plum Lustr 251 and 282, andDeccoNatur 550 were evaluat-ed, as well as the effects ofwater spray and/or brushing. Itwas first determined that lab-scale trials were comparableto larger on-site trials at growerpackinghouses.

In a separate preliminaryexperiment during this past season, the effect of temperature conditioning onpeach mealiness was also investigated. Redhaven, CoralStar, and Glowingstar allshowed substantial reduction inchilling injury when fruit wereheld for one or two days at 10°Cprior to cold storage at 0°C forthree weeks. Furthermore, fruit

from this temperature conditioning regime appeared tomaintain similar firmness asthose placed quickly into coldstorage at 0°C.

For more information onthese projects and chillinginjury in peaches, plan to attendthe Ontario Fruit and VegetableConvention in Niagara Falls. Iwill be presenting the results ofthese studies on WednesdayFebruary 17 at 3 pm –Understanding Mealiness inPeaches. This will be followedwith a presentation by mypostharvest colleague Dr. ChrisWalsh from the University ofMaryland – Peach Storage andMealiness. Dr. Walsh has morethan 25 years of experience in

this area of expertise. Thanks to the Ontario

Tender Fruit Growers, MattPeters and N.M. Bartlett Inc.for their support, and LorieWalker, Cathy Mous, MelissaWestaway, and Kathryn Carter(OMAFRA) for their technicalassistance. These projects werefunded in part through GrowingForward 2 (GF2), a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.The Agricultural AdaptationCouncil assists in the delivery ofGF2 in Ontario.

Dr. Jennifer DeEll is fresh marketquality program lead for horticul-tural crops, OMAFRA, Simcoe,Ontario.

Storage, chilling injury and mealiness in peaches

Chilling injury and mealiness in ‘Glowingstar’ peach.Peaches and nectarines in storage trials.

THE GROWERFEBRUARY 2016 –– PAGE B11

Brock’s grape and wine research centre boosts Ontario’s economyFOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION WWW.OFVC.CA

A new study shows thatBrock University’s Cool ClimateOenology and ViticultureInstitute (CCOVI) contributedmore than $91-million and theequivalent of 307 jobs toOntario’s economy in 2014-15.

Conducted by the manage-ment consulting firm MDBInsight, the economic impactstudy found that investments inCCOVI’s industry-drivenresearch and education aretranslating into job and businessgrowth across Ontario.

CCOVI is an internationallyrecognized research unitfocused on addressing the needsof Canada’s grape and wineindustry. The only researchcentre of its kind in Canada,CCOVI’s activities range fromcomplex laboratory research toin-the-field programs that alertgrape growers to imminentthreats from severe weather.

Its director, Debbie Inglis,says the economic impact is aculmination of the programs andservices that CCOVI has developed and transferred tothe industry over the pastdecade.

“The size of CCOVI’simpact on the industry demonstrates that the institute’scombination of research, out-reach and education activitiesare not only being used, but alsoembraced by the industry theywere designed for,” she says.

Of the $91-million overallimpact, CCOVI’s research pro-grams and services contributedan annual economic impact ofmore than $86 million in 2014-15.

To gauge its impact, the consultants evaluated CCOVIprograms and services in sevencategories: grapevine cold hardiness, ladybugs, new winestyles, Icewine, CCOVI ser-vices, workshops and seminars,and conferences. These pro-grams provide both knowledgeand hands-on tools or processesthat the industry can use.

The study also directlyattributed more than $4.7 million worth of economicimpact to Brock’s investment inCCOVI and government-and-industry supported research anddevelopment.

For Brock’s senior

administration, the results illustrate the importance of part-nerships between universitiesand communities around them.

“This report highlightsCCOVI’s significant impact onOntario’s grape and wine industry,” says Brock presidentJack Lightstone. “It shows howBrock’s commitment to partner-ship is transforming the univer-sity’s innovative research intoreal-life solutions that benefitcommunities across Ontario and

Canada.” “At the heart of Brock’s

culture of research leadership isour commitment to co-creatingnew knowledge with our community partners,” says vice-president of research GaryLibben. “Together, we mobi-lize our knowledge, skills andcreativity for the betterment ofNiagara and beyond.”Local industry organizationshave welcomed the report:

Patrick Gedge, president and

CEO of the Winery and GrowerAlliance of Ontario: “The neweconomic impact study carriedout by a well-recognized con-sulting company demonstratesthe short and long term impor-tance of CCOVI to the wineand grape industry and community at large.”

Bill George, chair of theGrape Growers of Ontario:“Cool climate viticulture has itsown unique advantages as wellas challenges. This economicimpact study validates theimportance of CCOVI toOntario’s economy and thegrape and wine industry.”

Allan Schmidt, chair of theWine Council of Ontario:“CCOVI’s newly publishedEconomic Impact Reportdemonstrates the important roleresearch contributes to Ontario’sgrape and wine sectors. Thisinformative report will aidwineries and growers in futurebusiness decision-making,which benefits the entireindustry.”

The full report can be foundhere: http://brocku.ca/flipbook/ccovi/2014-2015/eia/

— Quality Seed Since 1881 —T: 1-800-263-7233 F: 1-800-272-5560 www.StokeSeeds.com Box 10 Thorold ON L2V 5E9

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Sybaris 56 day, straight medium size deep green pods,

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Bristol 53 days. Great fruit quality, shape and dark green color.

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THE GROWERPAGE B12 –– FEBRUARY 2016

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We all love birds andwildlife but sometimes they area very costly nuisance toOntario fruit growers. At theOntario Fruit and VegetableConvention Thursday Feb 18,in Niagara Falls, fruit growerscan get the latest researchupdates and insights on how tomanage deer, turkeys, and birdsand other wildlife problems ontheir farms. The program willfeature several guest speakersincluding Dr. CatherineLindell, from Michigan StateUniversity, and Dr. Paul Curtisfrom Cornell University, whohave recently completed aUSDA-funded project on limit-ing bird damage to fruit crops.Dr. Jim Willwerth from BrockUniversity will share his findingon new technology to reducebird damage in grapes. Fruitproducers have identified birdand wildlife damage as a criticalissue that needs more atten-tion! This program is designedto bring recent research resultsand successful managementstrategies to Ontario growers.

Don’t miss this and othersessions at the Ontario Fruitand Vegetable Conventionwww.ofvc.ca

PAM FISHER

The Ontario Berry Growers’Association annual meeting isscheduled for February 16 andthe Berry Session is scheduledfor February 17 at the OntarioFruit and VegetableConvention. Both held inNiagara Falls, they are jam-packed with informationregarding the fast-paced berryindustry. From social media,fungicide resistance management, and mulching

alternatives, to new varietiesand new products for pest control, this program will keepyou informed, connected andprofitable. There will be twogrower panels plus four speak-ers from the U.S., Alberta andNova Scotia. The sessions areorganized for opportunities fordiscussion. This is what keepsgrowers coming back to thisprogram year after year.

Feb 16, 2016 : Ontario BerryGrowers’ Association AnnualMeeting, Embassy Suites,

Niagara Falls , ON register atinfo@ontarioberries.com.

Feb 17, 2016: Ontario Fruit andVegetable Convention,Scotiabank Convention Center,register at www.ofvc.ca

Pam Fisher is Ontario’s berry specialist.

Bird andWildlifeManagementProgram

Kestrel boxes on a fruit farmcan help to discourage birdsfrom frequenting fruit crops.

Photos by Glenn Lowson

FOCUS: ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION FEBRUARY 17 - 18

Alert to Ontario berry growers: two days, two registrations

THE GROWERFEBRUARY 2016 –– PAGE B13

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

PRUNING

Good Reasons to Contract Your Pruning:

• Experienced crew• Exact costing• Free estimates• Job completion on time• No additional costs

associated with general labour• Improved quality• reduced harvesting and

maintenance costs

Available anywherein Ontario!

Simply the best approach tothis important factor of fruit

production

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

EQUIPMENT

DON ARTHUR ORCHARD EQUIPMENT(519) 599-3058 donarthur3@gmail.com Clarksburg, ON

LOW DRIFT SPRAY TOWERS - ADD TO ANY TURBO-MISTTurbo-Mist 400 gal., diaphragm pump, electric controls $8,150Turbo-Mist 500, electric ball valve controls, very low hours $13,900Turbo-Mist 500, centrifugal, tall spray tower, electric $15,500Turbo-Mist 500, centrifugal, hydraulic, almost new $17,500Turbo-Mist 500, hydraulic valves, short turn hitch $17,900Turbo-Mist 500, centrifugal, tall spray tower $19,500Turbo-Mist 500, diaphragm, used a few hours, full warranty $20,500Turbo-Mist 600, hydraulic, older sprayer, very clean $8,500Turbo-Mist 600, centrifugal, new hydraulics, tall tower $10,700Turbo-Mist 600, centrifugal, electric, almost new $17,900Perfect KG-220 H.D. flail mower, all new flails $5,900Perfect KG-220 new flails, used 2 years, like new $7,250Used Stainless Steel Tall Spray Tower - 30” Turbo-Mist

* Perfect rotary mowers & heavy duty flail mowersTRADES, CONSIGNMENTS, LEASING, DELIVERY ANYWHERE

NEW TURBO-MIST SPRAYERS*All Turbo-Mist parts in stock - 7 days/week in season

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Albert Van Oosten519-771-2292Office: 519-458-4720 Fax: 519-458-4313 Email: albertvanoosten@yahoo.comMailing address: #447 Hwy #2, Princeton, ON N0J 1V0

• VEGETABLE SEEDERS

Planet Jr. Gaspardo Cole

• FERTILIZER ATTACHMENTS

(SideDressers)

• CHISEL PLOW EQUIPMENT

• ROW CROP WEEDERS AND CULTIVATORS

• DISC HILLERS

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

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

Treeform "V"spreaders

treeform@sympatico.ca519-599-2299 Tree training made easier.

FROST PROTECTION

SHuR FARMS®

Frost ProtectionAward Winning Technology! Internationally Acclaimed!

Shur Farms Frost Protection1890 N. 8th St., Colton, CA 92324

Toll Free (877) 842-9688info@shurfarms.com ~ www.shurfarms.com

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Cold Air Drain®

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GREENHOUSE ROOFING

HOPS

CLEAN HOP PLANTS AVAILABLE FOR 2016 PLANTING

Alpharoma, Cascade, Cashmere, Centennial, Chinook, Cluster L-8, Columbia, Horizon, Glacier,

Mt. Rainier, Newport, Nugget, Sorachi Ace, Tettnang, Triple Perle, Ultra, Vanguard, Willamette,

Zatecki Cerveni.

PRODUCED FROM CLEAN STOCK THROUGH WSU NATIONAL CLEAN PLANT NETWORK

For more information Call 905-932-0300 or email inquiries to: orders@greenfieldgardens.ca

ASPARAGUS

CLASSIFIEDS

ASPARAGUS CROWNS

MillenniumMary Washington

Sandy Shore Farms Ltd.(519) 875­3382

www.sandyshorefarms.cainfo@sandyshore.ca

ASPARAGUS ROOTSJersey GiantMillennium

Wrightland FarmRR 1 • 1000 Ridge Rd. Harrow, ON N0R 1G0

Keith: 519-738-6120Fax: 519-738-3358

Weight sizer. Tesso, two lane, 5 out. Complete with 2 – 5’round tables. Flat tables. Sixpacking tables. $6,000. Also,Tew washer/ waxer. 905-562-4897

Bunkhouse mattresses:Canadian made and reasonably priced. Delivered to your farmin time for the spring re-fit.Reliable Mattress Supply,Simcoe.Call 226-567-5754

PAGE B14 –– FEBRUARY 2016

THE GROWER

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

CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING

AUCTIONS

IRRIGATION

Pipe& Fittings

for Water Systems• PVC, ABS, Poly, Copper

• Stainless, Brass, SteelProduct Lines

• Drip & Micro Irrigation• Septic & Sewer

• Drainage & Culverts• Berkeley Water Pumps

Winona Concrete & Pipe Products Ltd.

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

info@WinonaConcrete.comPhone (905) 945-8515 Fax: (905) 945-1149

or call toll-free

1-800-361-8515

REFRIGERATION

Used WoodenApple Bins For Sale!48” x 48”, plywood

Used wooden posts 8’ x 2”

Algoma Orchards905-242-6141

Jack Morris Auctions Inc

Farm Machinery Auction SaleLarge well cared for, low hrs. JD tractors, combine & other farm equip

Saturday, March 12 at 10:00 am

For Bert & Margaret Rammelaere, Rammelaere Farms Ltd., at 4479, Coutts Line, Tilbury.

If coming on Hwy 401 from the east take exit # 63 to Jeanette’s Creek Rd. half way around theexit ramp, turn left & go approx. 1 km to Coutts Line, go right to farm. In the Town of Tilbury take

Queen St. north under Hwy 401 & turn right on Industrial Dr, follow to Coutts Line & to farm.Watch for auction signs.

No Reserve. All farms are rented.Tractors - 425 HP, 190 HP, 100 HP JD tractors all very low hrs, all purchased new byRammelaere Farms Ltd., all have always had seat covers, etc., & are sharp & clean:2000 J.D. 9400 T track 425 HP, 1590 hrs; 2002 J.D. 8220 - 190 HP w/duals, FWA, 975 hrs;1994 J.D. 7400, 1507 hrs, 100 HP; A.C. gas WD 45; Combine sells w/630F Hydra Flex 30’Header, purchased new by Rammelaere Farms: 2002 J.D. 9650 STS dsl, 950 eng. hrs, 574sep. hrs, 2wd, dual front tires, has Maurer bin exten., holds 450 bu., power tail board, AWS airreel, this combine has been converted to single point hookup w/tilt assist & will sell w/approx. 6yr old JD 630F hydra flex 30’ air reel header; Planting: J.D. 1990 CCS 30’ air seeder; OtherEquip: 70’ Eversman Automatic Grade Plan; Case IH model 3950 – 32’ cut wheel disc;Kongskilde 3800 series 39’ pull type cult; Sunflower 37’ pull type cult w/Treder lev. harrows; 40’Sprocket Packer; 19’ Sunflower 4510 – 15 shank ripper; Gregson lg single wheel sprayer, 1300gal tank w/Ravin control system & 100’ boom; R200 ATV dual axle sprayer, 45’ boom;six 600 bu. Derynck gravity wagons, duals all around, roll tarps; plus other equip.

Terms cash, debit or personalized cheque day of sale.Owner or auctioneer not responsible for accidents day of sale.

Proprietors: Bert & Margaret Rammelaere, Rammelaere Farms Ltd.519-682-0845, house; 519-809-5480, cell

Auctioneer: Jack Morris, 519-687-2530 or 1-800-462-3561Details & photos at www.jackmorrisauctions.com

Produce / Vegetable Rubber Bands

• For bundling green onions, asparagus, broccoli, celery,

leeks, herb and other vegetables • Some come with different colours or printed PLU# • Also carry UV bands for plants, ferns, and flowers for

green houses and nurseries Natural Rubber: Best tensile strength available in North

America. Complete product range inventoried in Ontario.

Bay Tree Enterprises E-mail: baytree@bell.net Cell: (416) 452-7574

THE GROWERFEBRUARY 2016 –– PAGE B15

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

SEED AND ROOTSTOCK

CONFERENCE

Providing quality

apple trees for 40 years.

• Bench graft• Sleeping budded eye• 9 month bench• 1 year old whip• 1 year old feathered• KNIP tree• 2 year old tall feathered

(instant orchard)

Brian Van Brenk31760 Erin Line

Fingal ON, Canada N0L 1K0519-902-6353

www.vanbrenk.cabrian@vanbrenk.ca

GLADIOLUS BULBSWide variety selection for retail sales and

commercial cut flower productionCatalogue available upon request or visit our website at www.lmbolle.com

L.M. Bolle & Sons813083 Baseline Norwich, ON(519) 468-2090 Fax 468-2099

email: lmbolle@execulink.com

KEDDYC.O.

• Certified Strawberry Plants & Raspberry Canes• All popular varieties available

• Grown under the Nova Scotia Certification program. Plants shipped across North America.

Contact us for a FREE brochure!

982 North Bishop Road, Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada B4N 3V7Ph: (902) 678-4497 Fax: (902) 678-0067

Email: keddynursery@xcountry.tv

Exclusive grower of select grafted nut trees and minor fruits.Cultivars are tested in our own experimental orchards.

Choose from Persian and black walnut, heartnut, butternut,chestnut, hazel, pecan, hickory, gingko, pine nut, mulberry,

persimmon, pawpaw, fig & more.

Proprietor Ernie Grimo

979 Lakeshore Rd, RR 3, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON Canada L0S 1J0Tel.: (905) YEH-NUTS (934-6887) E-mail: nuttrees@grimonut.com

Fax: (905) YEL-NUTS (935-6887) Catalogue Site: www.grimonut.com

STRAWBERRY PLANTS***CERTIFIED***

RASPBERRY CANESProducers of Quality stock for 46 years. Grown under the

Nova Scotia Certification Program. Shipping across North America.

Contact us for more information and a free brochure

G.W. ALLEN NURSERY LTD.7295 Hwy 221

Centreville, N.S. B0P 1J0ph. 902-678-7519 fax: 902-678-5924

Email: sales@gwallennursery.com www.gwallennursery.com

QUALITY FRUIT TREES

• APPLE on M9, B9 and M26

• Peach on Bailey

• PEAR on Quince

ORDER NOW FOR BEST SELECTION

WARWICKORCHARDS & NURSERY LTD

7056 Egremont Rd. R.R. #8Watford, Ontario

N0M 2S0warwickorchards@brktel.on.ca

Tel: (519) 849-6730Toll free: 877-550-7412

Fax: (519) 849-6731

SquirrellFarms

SEED POTATOESAll seed is C.F.I.A.

inspected and is tagged asto variety and level of

certification.

Contact

Penny and Glen SquirrellRR 2, Shelburne, ON L0N 1S6

Ph: 519-925-5247Fax: 519-925-5603

email: pmsquirrell@yahoo.comCall for pricing.

Small orders Welcome!

Delivery can be arranged!

ORCHARD SUPPLIES

THE GROWERPAGE B16 –– FEBRUARY 2016