KAREN DAVIDSON

Bradford, Ontario – Get readyfor a new galaxy of varietynames: Atomic red carrots, RedStar amaranth and Long Whitedaikon radish. These are theemerging frontrunners identifiedby the University of Guelph’sMuck Crops Research Station andthe Vineland Research andInnovation Centre (VRIC). The Holland Marsh has alwaysbeen a salad bowl with its carrots,onions and celery, but its mucksoils have also yielded tenderChinese vegetables. Experience isdeepening with farmers such asRex Sugrim who are growingvegetables not native to Ontario.These are the comfort foodssought by new Canadians from asfar afield as South Asia.

“Okra and long, round eggplant are in demand,” saysSugrim who came to Canadafrom Guyana in1989. Now thathe owns five acres and rentsanother 10, he’s developed aloyal following for kale, collards,dandelion and other crops at localfarmers’ markets. This businesshas been so successful that he gotout of green onions, attracting theattention of Loblaw produce buyers with new herbs such ascilantro. The relationship hasbeen profitable enough thatSugrim is now building a newbarn with appropriate wash stations to meet Loblaw’s food

safety regulations. “Holland Marsh growers have

been leaders in following themarket trends,” notes JamieReaume, executive director,Holland Marsh Growers’Association. “There’s been ahuge change in the demographicsof the Greater Toronto Area tothe point that more than half ofthe population consists of visibleminorities. With those statistics,it’s meaningless to say visibleminorities anymore.”

The demand for Asian greensis dramatic, a trend that’s readilyapparent at the Ontario FoodTerminal. “Every month, we seenew crops arriving,” saysReaume. The terminal handledone million tons of produce lastyear, a new record.

The diversity and dynamics ofthe marketplace are drawing newbusiness opportunities, with delegations arriving from Chinato tour both the Ontario FoodTerminal and the Holland Marsh.The Chinese are suffering fromsoil, water and air degradation so

are interested in how horticultureis practised here. Delegates froma Japanese farmers’ cooperativewill be touring in June.

All said, the target is toreplace imports during the brief,four-month growing season.That’s why the results of local trials are so important in identify-ing varieties that excel in specificsoils and climates. The unvarnished agronomics wererecently reported by Ahmed Bilal,research associate, VRIC. Redcarrots fared poorly with any-where from 33 to 62 per cent

marketability, due to culls withsplitting and forking. Wouldhigher seeding rates or bettergermplasm yield better results?

That’s a question for 2013 trials.More encouraging were the

trials with amaranth, the leafygreens sought by the Asian community. All four cultivarsgrew well. With these results inhand, VRIC’s next step is to conduct research on consumerpreferences for specific varieties.This summer, trials continue withcooperating farmers elsewhere insouthwestern Ontario. Some

greenhouses will be invited to trygrowing round eggplant.

“Short-term, we want toexpand commercial production ofglobal crops from 53 to 200 acresthis year,” says Bilal. “Okra, hotpeppers, round long eggplant,bottle gourd and red carrots showthe most promise.” Longer term,the objective is to replaceimports, taking over 10 per centof the market during Ontario’sgrowing season. If realized,farmers would be snaggingalmost $25 million of business.

Those ambitious figures arebased on cues from a growingnetwork of distributors, importersand retailers. After assessing veg-etable performance for threeyears, VRIC can now advisegrowers on both production andpost-harvest storage, giving moreconfidence to the supply chain’sneeds for quality that equals orimproves on the imports.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

JUNE 2013 CELEBRATING 133 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION VOLUME 63 NUMBER 06

On a sunny spring morning, Rex Sugrim is all smiles as he prepares to plant a dozen varieties of Asian vegetable seedlings. From kale tokohlrabi, he offers a tasty mix to local farmers’ markets. What’s global is sometimes already locally grown in the Holland Marsh nearBradford, Ontario. Photos by Glenn Lowson.

Growers learn the ABCs of global crops: amaranth, bok choy, collard greens

INSIDEForeign worker reforms Page 4

Are hazelnutsin your future? Page 10

Focus: Green technology Page 17

www.thegrower.org

P.M. 40012319

Short-term, we want to expand commercial production of global crops from53 to 200 acres this year. Okra, hot peppers,round long eggplant, bottle gourd and red carrots show the most promise.”

~ Ahmed Bilal

“

$3.00 CDN

THE GROWER

NEWSMAKERSAsparagus Farmers of Ontarioand Fox Seeds have hired a newgeneral manager. BernieSolymár comes to the positionwith 12 years of extensionexperience with OMAFRA andmost recently, 12 years as a private consultant withEarthTramper Consulting Inc.For several years, he providedexpertise to the CanadianHorticultural Council’s AppleWorking Group in developingtheir Integrated Fruit Productionproject. He has also contracted to a number of other not-for-profitorganizations, providing expertise in developing good governance,writing grant proposals and managing various projects. He’s alsothe founder and executive director of Nature’s CallingEnvironmental Education, a non-profit organization that reconnectskids with nature.

Rebecca Coates is the new full-time executive director of theOntario Ginseng Growers’ Association. Besides having grown upon a Simcoe, Ontario area ginseng farm, she comes to the associa-tion with experience in a number of senior, progressive positions inmanufacturing, most recently from Unilever Corporation. She is agraduate of Fanshawe College’s environmental technologist program and the executive development program at the Ivey Schoolof Business.

The Ontario Ginseng Growers’ Association has recently electedtheir board of directors for 2013. They include: Ken Van Torre,chair; Carl Atkinson, vice-chair; Menno Van Es, treasurer/secre-tary; Remi Van De Slyke; James Lucas; Anthony Kowanetz;Glen Gilvesy.

Farm & Food Care has hired Micah Shearer-Kudel as environmen-tal coordinator on a one-year contract. The University of Waterloograduate will be assisting Bruce Kelly on the Water ResourcesAdaptation Management Initiative.

The University of Guelph Food Institute has received donationsthrough the BetterPlanet project for teaching and research in food,environment, health and communities. Spanning all seven collegesat the university, the Food Institute is believed to be the first suchgroup addressing global issues in all aspects of food production,safety and security, as well as the impact of food on culture,economies and the environment. A $500,000 gift will establish theLongo’s Food Retail Innovation Fund, supporting a research teamto study grocery retailing and food service, technology, health andwellness. A $200,000 donation from Darcy and Cathy Rector iswelcomed to the Food Institute’s Founder’s Fund.

Karen Poncelet has joined the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair asmarketing and communications manager. She brings 15 years ofexperience working with clients ranging from Sifto salt to Nestle icecream and Natrel milk. She earned a BAS degree from YorkUniversity with a major in marketing.

AT PRESS TIME…

PAGE 2 –– JUNE 2013

Lucky 13th editionof Harvest Ontario

In early June, Home Hardware

will be distributing its 13th edi-tion of Harvest Ontario. Thisyear’s booklet features theDeVries family from Fenwick,Ontario. It’s a comprehensivelisting of Ontario farmers’ marketand on-farm retail outlets.

Government cutsbruise agriculture

Agriculture and Agri-FoodCanada (AAFC) was hit hard bylayoff notices in early May, withabout 700 employees affected.The research community took thebrunt, following the trend at theEnvironment and Fisheriesdepartments, and news that theNational Research Council ismoving away from basic scienceto more of a business focus.

While AAFC would not com-ment directly on the cuts, theMay 11 edition of Globe andMail did provide insight quotingthe president of the ProfessionalInstitute of the Public Service ofCanada. Gary Corbett’s worry isthat without science and scien-tists, sound public policy can’t bedeveloped.

“Irrigation and water engineerswere really hit hard,” says JamieReaume, executive director,Holland Marsh Growers’Association. “Nationally, theywere all cut by about 50 per cent.Everyone was given notice thatthey would have to compete forabout half of the positions.”

No longer can AAFC beregarded as leaders in water infra-structure, says Reaume, whetherit’s irrigation district managementon the prairies or projects such asLeamington Area Drip Irrigation.The private sector is increasinglysaddled with bearing the costs ofadhering to new regulations withmajor upgrades.

When The Grower askedAAFC for comment, PatrickGirard, senior media relationsofficer replied by email:

“AAFC will continue to conduct horticulture research at

centres across the country. Wehave developed strong partner-ships through investments andcollaborations, with universitiesthat are helping the horticulturesector develop capacity to take ona greater role in setting theirresearch and development priorities.

We have supported the horticulture sector in the past fouryears with over $16 million in

research networks and indus-try-led projects (under the cur-rent Growing Forward agree-ment). The sector will haveaccess to $3 billion in fundingunder the next GrowingForward framework, includinga 50 per cent increase in cost-shared funding for innovation,market development and com-

petitiveness.”

Ontario farmerspay full freight oncrop protection

Ontario farmers are paying anestimated $22 million moreevery year for crop protectionproducts than their competitors

in the United States. This isaccording to analysis done by theOntario Fruit and VegetableGrowers Association (OFVGA).

“Although product mix andvolumes vary by crop and region,these numbers represent a disturb-ing amount of extra costs borneby Ontario farmers compared toour competitors south of the bor-der,” says Ray Duc, a grapegrower and chair of the OFVGA.

The analysis was completedusing data from the 2012University of Guelph RidgetownCampus survey of averages pricesfor key agricultural inputs in theU.S. and Ontario, which includesfuel, fertilizer and 28 crop protec-tion products. As well, resultswere included from the latestPesticide Use Survey conductedby the Ontario Ministry ofAgriculture and Food (OMAF).

OFVGA analysis shows onlythree products of the 28 with alower price in Ontario –RoundUp Weather Max, GuthionSolupac and Dithane DGRainshield. All other products aremore expensive in Ontario thanfor growers in the United States.The 28 products surveyed by theUniversity of Guelph RidgetownCampus represent approximately85 per cent by volume of the totalcrop protection products used inOntario.

The remaining 15 per cent ismade up of more than 200 otherproducts, including some withprices up to seven times higher inCanada than the United States,which means the total cost differ-ence could be even higher if thesewere taken into account.

“Crop protection is a signifi-cant input cost for our growersand since we compete againstglobal producers of fruits andvegetables, these are extra costs

that we cannot recoup from themarketplace,” adds Duc. “Weneed a more level playing field ifour industry is to remain competi-tive.”

Growing agritourism

Believe it or not, Ripley,

Ontario is the site of the newBruce Botanical Food Garden. ACanadian first, it will display 250varieties of endangered, heirloomand ethnocultural plants. In someways, the setting will feel like apark until closer inspectionreveals all the plants are edible.The shrubs bear fruit, the leavesmake tea, the trees hang with nutsor fruit. This agritourism attrac-tion makes history with its offi-cial opening June 15.

Request to completesurvey

Industry members of the

Energy Environment WorkingGroup (EEWG) with cooperationfrom Agriculture and Agri-FoodCanada have developed a surveyon the EnvironmentalPerformance of Canada'sHorticulture Value Chain. Theintent is to establish a baseline ofthe environmental performance ofCanada's horticulture value chain.By understanding the activitiesand priorities of the horticulturesector, tools can be developed tomeet environmental demands.

The EEWG will later distrib-ute the survey results and lessonslearned to industry stakeholders.The survey will take about 10 to15 minutes to complete. Links tothe survey are:

English at: https://www.survey-monkey.com/s/7PL5ZGSFrench at: https://www.survey-monkey.com/s/D68L6JD

Twight sessionsplanned

Vineland Research and

Innovation Centre will be holdinga series of World Crop TwilightGrower Sessions slated for lateJuly and early August. These ‘inthe field’ information sessionswill provide the ‘how-tos’ of eth-nic vegetable production andinsight into market opportunities.For dates and locations visitwww.vinelandresearch.com orcontactinfo@vinelandresearch.com.

Right: Vineland and OntarioFruit and Vegetable Growers’Association 2011 world crop twilight grower session atVineland’s campus

Bernie Solymár

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

In a global crops seminar earlier this year, VRIC postharvest engineer BernardGoyette shared his findings withokra and eggplant. Reducing thetemperature as soon as possibleafter harvest is crucial to quality,he says. These tropical and

subtropical crops are chilling sensitive. Physiological disordersare associated with low temperatures. Chilling injuries arecumulative and may start in thefield prior to harvest.

For best management prac-tices, he recommends harvestingin the morning when temperaturesare cooler, keeping produce out ofdirect sunlight and moving

produce to a sorting facilityquickly. Cooling as soon as possible is preferable to ensurestorage longevity. A forced aircooling system is widely adaptable and is most suitable forsmall operations.

In a storage experiment withokra and eggplant, Goyetteachieved the best results whenproduce was not subjected to

rough handling and when producewas sorted to remove damagedand diseased plants. For okra, herecorded no quality issues whenstored for seven days at 8 degreesC at 95 per cent relative humidity.

For eggplant, he observed noquality issues when stored for 14days at 11 degrees C at 90 percent humidity.

Precise recommendations, on a

crop by crop basis, are forming abody of knowledge that can betrusted by growers. In turn, theyare taking the business risks ofgrowing and marketing these newcrops. If all goes well this year,Rex Sugrim, for one, hopes todouble his rental acres in 2014.

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 3

THE GROWER

Growers learn the ABCs of global cropsALTERNATIVE CROPS

INTERNATIONAL

RASPBERRIES

Tunnels popularwith Ohio growers

Fresh raspberry consumptionis up nearly 300 percent in theU.S. and blackberry crops haveexpanded worldwide notes GaryGao, Ohio State Universityextension worker. Promise ofexpanded markets have encour-aged growers to use high tunnelsto grow these highly covetedfruits.

Gao is using high tunnels togrow both berry crops, extendingthe season in some cases throughto December. The longer seasonis ideal for bramble growers whowant to sell to local markets.Raspberries in high tunnels caneventually yield 16,000 to 19,000raspberries per acre – double totriple traditional harvests.Growers are also finding thatfewer fungicide sprays arerequired for disease control.

Source: Hortidaily.com

GREENHOUSE

LED lights boost vitamin C

Researchers are experiment-ing with LED lamps on tomatoesto boost levels of vitamin C.Wageningen University hasproven the benefits in a jointfacility opened with Philips inmid-May.

Several tomato varieties werestudied under various light inten-sities. Scientists used specialLED modules that were suspend-ed between the plants around thetomato clusters. Usually thesetomatoes hang in the shadebeneath the leaves, just belowthe top of the plant. The LEDsmimic ‘sunlight’ hours.

Source: Hortidaily.com

BERRIES

Profit dips on strawberries

Strawberries, the most popu-lar in the berry category, nowcomprise 4.4 per cent of U.S.produce department sales accord-ing to the Nielsen PerishablesGroup. That data was releasedfor the 52 weeks ending inFebruary.

The California StrawberryCommission supports those num-bers, reporting that the state’scrop is poised for a record.Between six and seven milliontrays of strawberries are shippedout of California every weekaccording to the commission’svice-president of marketing. Andthat number will be sustainedinto the summer months.

The large crop, however, willdepress prices for growers.

Source: FreshPlaza.com

APPLES

GM apples in registration queue

U.S. regulatory agencies arecurrently reviewing the ArcticGranny Smith and Arctic GoldenDelicious apple, geneticallymodified by silencing the genethat causes browning. Ifapproved, the non-browningapple will be the second GMfruit to be launched in the U.S.The first was the Hawaian virus-resistant papaya.

The apple has the potential toreduce food waste while offeringbetter taste, texture and healthyvitamin C and antioxidantsaccording to Joel Brooks, mar-keting specialist at OkanaganSpecialty Fruits.

While Washington stategrowers oppose the enhancedfruit, citing genetic drift con-cerns for organic apples, theUSDA is expected to issue itsregistration decision by year end.

Source: FreshPlaza.com

POTATOES

Non-bruising spudspromise new era

Potato processing giant J.R.Simplot Co. has applied for reg-istration of five varieties ofbiotech potatoes that don’tbruise. Black spot bruise canaffect up to five per cent of thepotato crop.

The Innate-branded potatoescontain only potato genes unlikethe transgenic varieties thatMonsanto developed in the1990s using genes from syntheticbacteria to kill insect pests.Researchers have discoveredhow to silence the unwantedtraits.

The Washington, D.C.-basedNational Potato Commission,representing 45,000 U.S. grow-ers, supports scientific advance-ments but has also warnedSimplot to take care in anypotential launch.

Simplot is also seekingapproval in Japan, as well asCanada, Mexico and SouthKorea.

Source: PotatoPro Weekly

Stumped as to what these seedlings are? Rex Sugrim gives The Grower a tour pointing out from left to right; red Swiss chard and kale in the foreground, purple and green basil;okra, anise and celery.

In late April, reforms wereannounced for the TemporaryForeign Worker Program(TFWP). The biggest change foragriculture is that the federal government can suspend andrevoke work permits and LabourMarket Opinions if the program ismisused.

“It’s a solid piece of protection for the ag industry,”says Ken Linington, LabourIssues Coordinating Committee.“If there’s fraudulent activity,then a specific employer will bearthe brunt of the rules.”

Linington is confident thatemployers are well aware of therules of the Seasonal AgriculturalWorker Program which fallsunder the TFWP. He applaudedthe balance of the news releaseissued jointly by Hon. DianeFinley, Minister of HumanResources and SkillsDevelopment, and the Hon. JasonKenney, Minister of Citizenship,Immigration andMulticulturalism.

The news release said:“However, they (agriculture) willbe unaffected by the remainingreforms, as there are proven acutelabour shortages in this industryand the unfilled jobs are trulytemporary.”

With an increasing media spotlight on foreign workers,Linington reviews some keypoints for farm employers. - Take a photocopy of the work-er’s passport, SIN card and thework visa including authorizationby Canada Border ServicesAgency. - Make sure that your worker isproperly identified in yourrecords and that the worker isdoing the job specified on theapplication. - With a work visa, make surethat your worker is within thedates of his/her allowable time inCanada. - With non-citizens, the CanadaBorder Services Agency willplace restrictions on the workvisa. Find out if the worker needsto report back periodically tomaintain a valid work permit.Help your worker through thatprocess with phone call, email orletter to the authorities.

These best management practices are particularly important when using third-partycontractors. If a worker is on atwo-year permit, for example, andhas already worked for oneemployer, determine exactly howmuch time is left before the visaexpires. If you’re the nextemployer, manage your risk byverifying the paperwork.

PAGE 4 –– JUNE 2013THE GROWER

Horticulture satisfied with foreign worker reforms LABOUR

It’s a solid pieceof protection for theag industry.”

~Ken Linington

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Reforms announced Reforms announced for foreign workers that do NOT affect agriculture follow: • effective immediately, require employers to pay temporary foreign workers at the prevailing wage byremoving the existing wage flexibility;• effective immediately, temporarily suspend the Accelerated Labour Market Opinion process;• add questions to employer LMO applications to ensure that the TFWP is not used to facilitate the outsourcing of Canadian jobs;• ensure employers who rely on temporary foreign workers have a firm plan in place to transition to aCanadian workforce over time through the LMO process;• introduce fees for employers for the processing of LMOs and increase the fees for work permits so thatthe taxpayers are no longer subsidizing the costs; and• identify English and French as the only languages that can be used as a job requirement.

Photo by Denis Cahill“

KAREN DAVIDSON

Vineland Station, Ontario –Building strength is an intervalexercise, characterized by succes-sive waves of energy expenditureand renewal. The stress thatcomes with high demand isn’t theobstacle; the real obstacle is thelack of intermittent recovery.

Those wise words from TonySchwartz, author of “Be Excellentat Anything” come to mind as theVineland Growers’ CooperativeLimited celebrates 100 years ofbusiness. A review of its history’s timeline (www.vineland-growers.com) chronicles disappointment and growth,investment and disengagement,yet a rhythm that propels thebusiness forward to its almost $40million in annual revenue today.

“Our proudest moment is notthe century of business, but thatwe will be celebrating our largestcrop in history this year,” saysMike Ecker, president, VinelandGrowers’ Cooperative Limited.With close to one million tenderfruit trees producing on 4500acres in the Niagara peninsula,that prediction is a clarion call toretailers.

That’s a fact recognized byCanada’s dominant grocer,Loblaw Companies. The cooperative is listed as one of thegrocer’s top 40 produce partners,

and only one of seven fromCanada. Ecker is not shy aboutbroadcasting that the coopera-tive’s 75 grower members can filldemand for local fruit in most ofeastern Canada, displacing for-eign imports with quality andflavour. Peaches are in hugedemand, but so are pears, cherries, plums, table grapes andincreasingly nectarines and apricots.

“We will double nectarine

production to 150,000 cases thisyear and double again to 300,000cases for 2015,” says Ecker. “It’staken 10 years of research to findthe varieties that suit our climate.And while I would say our nectarines are not as big as thosefrom California, ours are juicierand have more flavour.”

In another sign of renewal,growers plan to replace sweetcherry acreage with 30,000

apricot trees in the next twoyears. And in further attempts togain more fruit shelf space, grow-ers are betting on the Canadian-bred, fireblight-resistant HarovinSundown pear. Growers haveplanted 50,000 Sundown treesover the last three years on 75acres, with hopes to renew thefortunes of the Ontario pearindustry, now dwindling at lessthan one thousand acres.

The transition out of some

fruits to others mimics a similartrend in British Columbia. Thedrier Okanagan Valley environ-ment is conducive to sweet cherries, and consequently, B.C.growers are shipping more to

eastern Canada. At the same time,the Niagara peninsula is truckingmore tender fruit to westernCanada, supplying Winnipegthrough to Vancouver. More protective packaging and

smoother truck rides are guaranteeing that fruit arrives intop shape.

Playing on an increasinglylarger stage, the cooperative mustpredict future fruit trends. To thatend, the nearby VinelandResearch and Innovation Centreprovides support in global cropsthat might be grown in a temperate climate. Asian pears,for instance, have been shown tohave more flavour than thoseimported.

Fifteen new varieties of pluotsand apriums, crosses of plumsand apricots, are currently undergoing virus testing inSummerland, British Columbia.They are hybrids of the Prunusspecies. The push is for summertrials that would be approved bythe Canadian Food and InspectionAgency.

Mike Honsberger, a grandsonof original co-founder, Melvin,has been on the board for the lastdecade. Farming 150 acres of tender fruit at the homestead nearJordan Station, he’s proof of thestrength and constant renewal ofthe growers’ cooperative. “Myfamily has been proud to be partof the history.”

Vineland Growers’ Cooperative invests in future growth 100TH ANNIVERSARY

THE GROWER

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 5

Mike Ecker, president, Vineland Growers Cooperative Limited predicts largest crop in history this summer.Photos by Denis Cahill.

The cooperative is known for its loyal and long-serving staff.

KAREN DAVIDSON

If Detroit has the largest foodrescue operation in the UnitedStates, then it’s partly due to itsarticulate ambassador, MarilynBeckham. She’s been affiliatedwith Forgotten Harvest for eightof their 23 years, now calling onfood companies to divert theirless-than-perfect goods fromlandfill sites towards charity.

“There’s so much produce –maybe 25 to 40 per cent – thatdoesn’t meet retailer requirementsdue to size, colour or shape,” saysBeckham, now director, regionalfood rescue for Windsor, Ontario.“But there’s nothing wrong withthe healthiness of the produce orits nutritional value.”

Forgotten Harvest’s free-of-charge service has 35 donatedtrucks to deploy in the Detroitarea, ranging from large refriger-ated commercial trucks to com-mercial vans. Volunteers repackthe food at a central headquartersfor distribution to emergencyfood providers. Farmers’ market-style mobile pantries visit neigh-bourhoods most in need, whereseniors and students might nothave ready access to perishablefood.

The movement started on theU.S. side of the border, wheresocio-economic conditions inDetroit laid bare the need.Officials there estimate that more

than 57 per cent of children under18 live in poverty. But one ofBeckham’s bright successes isreaching out to the blossominggreenhouse industry inLeamington, Ontario.

Fresh vegetables are prizedamongst tinned food. And that’swhere many greenhouses havehelped including: SoaveAgricultural Group, TopLineProduce, Mucci Farms,Mastronardi Sunset brand, Jem DFarms, Lakeside Produce, ErieJames, Clifford Produce and

Nature Fresh. Not all of theirtomatoes, cucumbers and peppersqualify for top grade. Millions ofpounds of greenhouse vegetableshave made their way to the binsof Forgotten Harvest.

The business model hasworked so well in Detroit,Michigan that a Windsor, Ontariochapter opened two years ago. It’sa separately registered charity thathas distributed one millionpounds of food in Ontario since2011. The need has been docu-mented as 400,000 Ontarians turn

to food banks each month. Inhigh-unemployment Windsor, cityofficials estimate one in 10 peo-ple are living at or below thepoverty line despite living in aregion rich in agricultural bounty.

“I always have a call toaction,” admits Beckham. “Wewant to make it easier to donatethan to dump. So we give everysupport to growers.”

Forgotten Harvest comes to thegrower with a refrigerated truckat no charge. Donations are fullyprotected from criminal and legal

liability under the Donation ofFood Act, 1994. By diverting pro-duce from landfill sites, growersare cutting waste and disposalcosts.

Whether growers give a littleor a lot, every pound of produceis worthy. It goes to almost 50Windsor-Essex agencies such asschools and churches. The schooldrop-offs make sense because stu-dents can be taught how to pre-pare healthier meals using freshproduce. In some cases, the stu-dents are introduced to fruits andvegetables they’ve never encoun-tered at home.

Growers wishing to donatesurplus may contact ForgottenHarvest in southwestern Ontarioor Second Harvest in Toronto.“Food rescues often collaborate,knowing that perishable foodmust be handled just-in-time,”says Beckham. “They networkwith other hunger relief programsin Ontario, and can make referralsto someone in their area who canpick up food donations.”

With the recent start-up ofForgotten Harvest in Windsor,Ontario, both the Ontario andMichigan locations share foodwith one another. Records showthat in Detroit, almost half of therescued food is fruits and vegeta-bles: 11.4 million pounds of veg-etables (26%) and 9.2 millionpounds of fruit (21%). For moreinformation, go to: www.forgot-tenharvest.ca.

Food rescue has its own ambassador bridgeFORGOTTEN HARVEST

THE GROWER

PAGE 6 –– JUNE 2013

THE GROWER

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 7

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Ag minister Gerry Ritz hasannounced $7 million in responseto the science cluster proposalsubmitted by the CHC to theAgriInnovation Program underGrowing Forward 2. While thisamount is considerably less thanthe $12,114,000 sought, it is asignificant contribution to the sector.

The $7 million dollars is comprised of $5.6 million inContribution Agreement (CA)funding and $1.4 million inCollaborative Research andDevelopment Agreement (CRDA)funding.

The following projects havebeen approved and will concludeon or before the March 31, 2018program sunset:

Apple Projects

• Optimizing storage technologiesto improve efficiency, reduceenergy consumption, and extendthe availability of Canadianapples for domestic and exportmarkets (DeEll, OMAFRA)• Improving tree fruit storagemanagement using weather-basedpredictions of fruit quality at harvest (Bourgeois, AAFC)• Performance of Honeycrisp onnew size-controlling rootstocks(Cline, University of Guelph)• New biological control agents

for postharvest diseases of pomefruit (Nelson, University of BC)

Potato Projects

• Understanding of Potato virus Ycomplex in Canada and develop-ment of a comprehensive on-farmmanagement strategy (Singh,Agricultural CertificationServices Inc.)• Wireworm control in potatoesand strategic rotational crops inCanada (Vernon, AAFC)• Development of a rapid and sen-sitive triplex nested real-time PCR method for quan-tification of verticillium in soil(Tenuta, University of Manitoba)• Zebra chip and potato psyllidsurvey and monitoring (Johnson,University of Lethbridge)• Nitrogen management forimproved yield, quality and prof-itability of potato (Tenuta,University of Manitoba)• Canadian potato variety evaluation program (Sonier, PEIPotato Board)

Each of the projects for thegreenhouse, small fruit and veg-etable sectors will be resubmittedas Agri-Science Projects underthe AgriInnovation Program.

“We appreciate the commit-ment of $7 million dollars overthe next five years to horticultureand the CHC will aggressively

seek opportunities and alternatives for those commodities and viable projectsbrought forward to address theirrespective priorities,” notes KeithKuhl, CHC president. “Over thecoming months the Board ofDirectors will be discussing waysto take on a more strategic andproactive role regarding researchand innovation for the sector andin so doing ensure that the sectoradvances.”

According to AAFC, the heaviest demand to theAgriInnovation Program, including agri-science clustersand agri-science projects, wasfrom horticulture.

Discussions among the CHC’sScience Advisory Committee andvarious commodity groups areunderway to formalize next stepsfor those projects which wereapproved as well as for thosewhich are to be resubmitted asAgri-Science Projects under theAgriInnovation Program.

For further information regard-ing the Canadian Agri-ScienceCluster for Horticulture 2, pleasecontact Amy Argentino at aargentino@hortcouncil.ca or613-226-4880 (ext. 208).

THE GROWER

PAGE 8 –– JUNE 2013

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JOHN KELLY

Since the 2006 opening of theFerrero S.P.A. confectionary plantin Brantford, where Nutella andFerrero Rocher are produced,there have been high hopes todevelop a local hazelnut industry.Ferrero represents a significant“pull” market in that it is lookingto increase production while atthe same time diversifying itssupply chain. Hazelnuts aresourced primarily from Turkey,the world’s top producer, but newsuppliers also include the U.S.,Italy, and more recently, Chile.Close to completing a plantexpansion in Brantford, this com-pany will require thousands oftonnes of hazelnuts to meet global

demand. Company representativeshave indicated their interest inOntario growers as a local suppli-er. Estimates are that Ferrero willrequire more than 20,000 acres ofhazelnuts to be grown in Ontario.

Growing hazelnuts in Ontariodoes have its challenges. TheEastern Filbert Blight (EFB), afungal disease, has been thescourge of many hazelnut varieties, causing cankers, lowproductivity and even tree death.Secondly, trees that are developedfor Ontario must be cold tolerant,as the hazelnut has traditionallybeen grown in moreMediterranean-type climates.And thirdly, hazelnuts destinedfor Ferrero must meet exactingstandards for flavour, consistencyand quality. Preliminary work has

identified varieties for the Ontarioclimate that meet the company’smarket requirements.

Because this would be a newindustry for Ontario, the valuechain must be firmly established.In this case, the value chain

participants include technologyproviders (in this case, the varieties), nurseries, growers,aggregators, manufacturers andretailers. The nursery business isalso specialized. The ability formicro-propagation, a technologyto rapidly expand the number ofavailable trees, is not widelyused. Harster’s Greenhouses outof Flamborough does have thiscapacity and can ramp up thenumber of trees fast. They canprovide Ontario nurseries withtrees that can be rapidly grownout and provided to growers.Mori Nurseries, Grimo Nurseries,EarthGen and Krause Nurseriesare all interested in providingthese trees.

For growers, several questionsmust be answered before many

acres are planted. Can hazelnutsactually survive and thrive inOntario? Is there a business casewhich can be made for hazelnutsin Ontario? Growers haveentered new markets in the past,only to have them dwindle away.Are there any assurances that thiswon’t happen with hazelnuts?Scientists have investigatedwhether these trees will performwell in Ontario, and indeed theywill. Adam Dale and his SimcoeResearch Station team have collaborated with Oregon StateUniversity and Rutgers Universityin testing varieties that are EFB-resistant, and thrive in the Ontarioclimate. These are two keydevelopments. The third is thatthere are at least two varietiesnow—Jefferson and Yamhill --that meet the requirements ofFerrero. These recommendedvarieties are available in a limitedsupply.

Professor Elliot Currie of theCollege of Management andEconomics at the University ofGuelph has completely analyzedcosts of production and estimatedpotential returns. His work showsthat the profitability of hazelnutsunder a wide variety of conditionsis really quite good, with conserv-ative estimates for inputs, yields,and prices received for the hazel-nuts. Growers could realize a netrevenue in excess of $2,000 peracre. His break-even analysisobviously depends upon inputs,but returns could start as early assix years post-planting. WithFerrero investing so heavily intheir Brantford plant, they are inOntario for the long term.

Aggregators are those who willcollect, size, grade, sort and allo-cate hazelnuts. The allocation willbe done based upon the needs ofthe customer. Currently inOntario, there are no aggregatorsof hazelnuts for this purpose, andthis is one part of the value chainthat needs to be developed.Encouragingly, some companieshave expressed interest in provid-ing this service.

Limited numbers of trees willbe available for planting in thefall of 2013, however as is thecase with most orchard crops,trees need to be ordered well inadvance. Substantially more treeswill be available for 2014.Success for the hazelnut industryin Ontario will be large-scale cul-tivation and harvest by 2020. Weare encouraging growers to seri-ously consider this opportunity.

Over the past four years, manypresentations and documents fromhazelnut symposia have beenposted online. If interested in thehazelnut opportunity, please visitwww.erieinnovation.com.

John Kelly is vice president, ErieInnovation andCommercialization, Ontario Fruits & VegetableGrowers' Association

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THE GROWER

PAGE 10 –– JUNE 2013

Ontario poised for large hazelnut growth ALTERNATIVE CROPS

THE GROWER

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 11

SHAWN CASEMORE

To say that the face of the produce supply chain is rapidlyevolving is an understatement.The combination of increasinglystringent consumer demands, radical fluctuations in commodityprices, and downward pressure onpricing from retailers is squeezingprofits and reducing trust acrossthe supply chain.

There are two obvious ques-tions that result from these shifts.First, what are the likely trends inconsumer and retailer demandsmoving forward? Second, howcan the produce supply chain better prepare for and managethese changes while maximizingrevenue and retaining the qualityand integrity of the food chain?

Fortunately there is a solutionmore reliable than peering into acrystal ball, but it requires anapproach that challenges our perceptions of relationshipsacross the produce supply chain.The solution is to increase ourcollaboration.

Collaboration; really?

Let’s dispel the myth that “col-laboration” is simply a marketingslogan. In fact it’s quite the oppo-site. The intent of true collabora-tion is to develop a participatoryenvironment with various com-plementary groups or individualsto deliver outcomes that aremutually beneficial. This is not awin – win or win – lose proposi-tion, but a process that providesenhanced value for all partiesinvolved. From opportunities toreduce production and distribu-tion costs, to new product devel-opment and innovation, theprocess of collaboration providesthe underpinnings for overcomingthe challenges that exist intoday’s produce supply chain.

From concept to reality

To begin with, the process ofcollaboration is the outcome ofinitiation. What I mean is, it isunlikely that all parties involvedwill want to pursue collaborationat the exact same time. Someonehas to make the first move, and ifdone correctly (i.e. presentingwhat’s in this for “us”) mutualengagement can quickly be built.

The question then shifts fromwhat should we do, to how canwe make this work? Next to initiating collaboration there areseveral unique attributes that mustbe considered to ensure the collaboration is effective. Hereare the top four:

1. Idea instigation

It’s not enough to simply commu-nicate outwards to suppliers; youmust prompt suppliers to provideyou with new and innovative

solutions continuously. More thanthat, you must have a means tocollect, analyze, and implementthese ideas. This concept hasalready been adopted by many inthe retail sector. Proctor andGamble, for example, are quitevocal about their expectation thatsupplier collaboration will deliverover 50 per cent of the innovationthey will introduce in the comingyears. How are you enticing, capturing, and analyzing supplierinput and ideas to improve yourproducts?

2. Discuss, decide, and deliver

Sometimes regulations causemore headaches than they solve.What’s critically important inhighly regulated sectors such asproduce is that discussions pre-clude decisions. In one instancewe facilitated a session betweentwo parties to resolve indiffer-ences around produce qualityrequirements. Once the concernshad been flushed out, it becameapparent that there were someregulatory requirements that hindered further improvement.We contacted several associationsto gain perspective and furtherescalate the issues in order tomake improvements to the regulations and improve upon theunfavourable requirements.

It is only through these typesof face-to-face forums that issuescan be dissected and discussed,providing for reasonable conclusions and effective actionsto bring about quick resolution.Are you engaging in dialoguewith your suppliers to resolveoutstanding issues, or simplydeciding where fault lies?

3. Challenges to Opportunities

New challenges present newopportunities, and collaboration isthe best means by which to brain-storm solutions to new challengeswhile ensuring they are feasiblefor everyone. Healthier foodchoices in many of today’sschools are a great example ofcollaboration towards new ideas.Parents and school boards soughtout healthier food choices, andthe produce sector as a whole(associations, growers, distribu-tors, retailers) collaboratedtogether to form the solutions.You can attempt to meet newchallenges in solitude, or over-come them through effective col-laboration. What challenges areyou facing that require fresh ideasand outside-the-box thinking?

4. Driving Innovation

Peter Drucker’s theory on innova-tion suggests that true innovationrequires analysis and considera-tion of opportunities. Consideringthe significant impact that eachelement of the produce supplychain has on quality and costs,

reviewing distribution methodsand processes collaborativelywith suppliers can yield newideas to reduce costs and maxi-mize shelf life. When workingwith a distributor earlier this year,we identified opportunities toimprove sales when we found thatthe processor was delaying shipments to maximize freightutilization. Through collaborativediscussions we were able tomutually determine that themoney saved in freight paled incomparison to the lost sales

resulting from the delayed ship-ments. Without understanding thesupplier’s process, this opportuni-ty would not have come to light.

Sounds good, so now what?

To achieve value from buildingcollaborative relationships, focuson first identifying the most valuable suppliers and customersin your supply chain, making aconcerted effort to transition fromdiscussions to collaboration. Theroad may seem unfamiliar at first,

but the rewards for staying thecourse will pay dividends in thelong run.

This article is a synopsis of thepresentation Shawn Casemoregave to the Canadian ProduceMarketing Association in April.He is the president and founder ofCasemore and Co Incorporated, amanagement consulting firm helping businesses improve theiroperational performance to maximize revenue. For more information, visitwww.casemoreandco.com.

People, produce and profits: enhancing relationships to maximize revenue

COLLABORATION

Over the past number ofmonths we have made it knownto the Premier and the other polit-ical leaders our concerns over anyincrease to the minimum wagerate and the impact that it wouldhave on our farmers. Our concerns were heard and the government took no action toincrease the rate at this time eventhough there are many at Queen’sPark who think the minimum

wage rate should be considerably higher.

Premier Kathleen Wynneneeds to be commended for this,especially at this time as she is atthe helm of a minority govern-ment and getting support for thebudget is critical to the longevityof her government.

Our message was simple:some sectors can pass on additional costs while others cannot and that those who can’tare forced to absorb these additional expenses, cut jobs orsimply go out of business.

Even though there was nomention of a minimum wageincrease, we, as the saying goes,“are not out of the woods justyet.”

In fact, the whole question ofminimum wage increases is verymuch on the Premier’s agenda asshe attempts to combat poverty inOntario. In the most recentprovincial budget, the government announced that theyare putting together an advisory

panel with a time frame of sixmonths to recommend how bestto implement minimum wageincreases in the future. This is acomplex problem and the solutions will not be simple.

One of the basic laws ofphysics is that for every actionthere is an equal and oppositereaction. The question that thispanel will need to contend with ishow to implement minimumwage increases to benefit low-income earners without jeopardizing or losing job opportunities.

I mentioned that the problemwas complex and this is for several reasons. The disparitywithin the province betweenregions regarding the cost ofhousing and living is significant;it simply costs more to live inToronto than in many other partsof the province. Addressing theproblem in Toronto by increasingminimum wages may in fact jeopardize jobs in other parts ofthe province. A bigger concern

however is the difference betweensectors -- some having the abilityto pass on cost increases whileother sectors such as horticulture,have no way to pass on extraexpenses thus forcing the busi-ness owner to absorb these addi-tional expenses or cut jobs.

I believe these differenceshave always been there but whathas changed is this thing calledglobalization and free trade.There is no longer protection atthe border and there is more andmore foreign product, both foodand other on the store shelves.There are no tariffs to protect theproducer or manufacturer and theconsolidation in the retail sectorhas given the few retailers thatremain tremendous pricing powerand pricing pressure on their suppliers. This problem is notgoing to go away any time soonso the advisory panel will need toconsider these realities; failure todo so will cost a lot of jobs andany gain that some may receivewill be taken from others through

job loss.We have asked the govern-

ment that horticulture, the mostlabour intensive sector in all agriculture, have a representativeon this advisory panel.

This panel, if it is to providesound advice, must be wellrounded, and in that mix thereneeds to be included people whounderstand our sector and therealities that we work with everyday, who appreciate the signifi-cance of the 30,000 jobs that weprovide here in Ontario. They willalso need to understand the realities of trying to meet payroll.

Failure to appoint a well-rounded advisory panel willhave serious implications on thequality of the recommendations tobe presented to the Premier andhence the actions to be taken bythe government.

For what it’s worth, it’s theway I see it.

THE GROWER

PAGE 12 –– JUNE 2013

STAFFPublisher: Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ AssociationEditor: Karen Davidson, 416-252-7337, kdavidson@ecomente.caProduction: Carlie Robertson, ext. 221, production@thegrower.orgAdvertising: Herb Sherwood, 519-380-0118, hsherwood@cogeco.ca

The Grower reserves the right to refuse any advertising. Any errors that are the direct result of The Grower will be compensated at our discretion with a correction notice in the nextissue. 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 thesole owner of The Grower. All editorials and opinions expressedin The Grower are those of the newspaper’s editorial staff and/orcontributor, and do not necessarily reflect the view of the association.

All rights reserved. The contents of this publicationmay not be reproduced either whole or in part without theprior written consent of the publisher.

P.M. 40012319

OFFICE355 Elmira Road North, Unit 105

Guelph, Ontario N1K 1S5 CANADATel. 519-763-8728 • Fax 519-763-6604

The 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:

$30.00 (+ G.S.T.) / year in Canada$40.00/year International

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.

ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEEChair Ray Duc, Niagara-on-the-LakeVice-Chair Jason Verkaik, BradfordFruit Director Norm Charbonneau, Port ElginVeg Director Jan Vander Hout, WaterdownDirector Brian Gilroy, Meaford

BOARD OF DIRECTORSApples Brian Gilroy, MeafordFresh Vegetable - Other Mary Shabatura, Windham CentreTender Fruit Fred Meyers, Niagara-on-the-LakeON Asparagus Grws’. Mkg. Brd. Jason Ryder, DelhiGGO/Fresh Grape Growers Ray Duc, Niagara-on-the-LakeFresh 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 Don Taylor, Durham

OFVGA SECTION CHAIRS

Crop Protection Charles Stevens, NewcastleResearch Harold Schooley, SimcoeProperty Brian Gilroy, MeafordLabour Ken Forth, LyndenSafety Nets Mark Wales, AlymerCHC Murray Porteous, Simcoe

ART SMITHCEO, OFVGA

Protecting 30,000 horticultural jobs in Ontario

WEATHER VANE

Norfolk County is gaining a reputation where nature and agriculture can co-exist. In addition to being the most diverse region in Ontario for agricultural crops, it is also unique inthat it still boasts over 28 per cent natural cover, much of it Carolinian forest. According to Bernie Solymar, president of the Norfolk Field Naturalists, there are more species ofplants and animals found in Norfolk than anywhere else in Canada. “That includes the highest number of species at risk, including several turtle species such as the Spotted Turtle,Blanding’s Turtle and Spiny Softshell," he says. In an effort to protect these species, several organizations have boosted community awareness of the significance of these species andthe habitats they live in. Signs have been installed at high density “turtle crossings,” particularly where roads bi-sect wetland areas, including the Causeway, a 3.7 km stretch of roadleading onto the Long Point peninsula. Photo by Glenn Lowson.

THE GROWER

Ontario ginseng growers are ina bind, one that you wouldn’texpect.

There’s nothing wrong withtheir product – in fact, globally,it’s top class of its field.American ginseng, the speciesgrown on the sandy soil of theNorfolk plain, (versus Asian gin-seng, the other popular variety) isthe apple of ginseng exporters’eye. Most of the crop is shippedto China where it’s highly regard-ed for its quality.

That reputation has madeOntario’s 140 ginseng farmersNorth America’s production lead-ers, exporting $130 million worthof product annually. The Simcoe-based Ontario Ginseng Growers’Association says farmers haveenjoyed production increases overthe last 25 years, particularly assupport for tobacco has fallen.

But, as the growers’ associa-tion points out, ginseng has anunusual share of challenges forsuch a world-leading crop. It’s acapital-intensive crop, and a riskyone -- there is no crop insurance,and no crop to harvest for the firstthree years.

Worse, once ginseng has been

grown on a field, it can never begrown on the same plot again.

And surprisingly, no oneknows why. Even though Ontarioleads the country in ginseng pro-duction, experts have been unableto figure out what makes the sec-ond planting of a ginseng cropfail. Fungus? Virus? Enzymes?Nematodes? The culprit, or cul-prits, remain at large.

That mystery weighs heavilyon ginseng farmers’ minds.

“We figure that in 10 years,we’re either going to have ananswer to this problem, or we’regoing to run out of good land onwhich to grow ginseng,” sayslocal grower and University ofGuelph graduate Remi Van DeSlyke. “Right now, we don’tknow what’s causing this, and ifwe don’t find out I’m worriedabout our future.”

That was an eye-opener for the30 members of the EasternCanada Farm Writers’Association who visited the VanDe Slyke farm in May as part oftheir annual meeting and farmtour. On the surface, things lookgreat there – an apparentlyhealthy crop growing in idealconditions on commodity-perfectsoil. But when Van De Slykeforecast that the industry was atrisk, journalists perked up.

And it’s not because journal-ists salivate when they sense trou-ble. Rather, it’s because the situa-tion Van De Slyke describes runscounter to every big-picture dis-cussion we hear these days aboutagriculture.

As a sector, agriculture isregaled for having stayed thecourse during the recession. Andwith that unwavering perfor-mance (along with generallyhigher commodity prices), it’sheralded provincially and federal-

ly as having perhaps the greatestpromise for leading the country’seconomic recovery.

Part of that success comesfrom research, and the way it’sserved farmers either facing chal-

lenges or on the cusp of opportu-nities. Both of these situationsface ginseng growers: the veryfuture of their industry could bein limbo, and the way China hasembraced their product, they are

poised to make further inroadsthere and in other export markets.

But growers figure they’re notgetting the support they need.Ottawa closed down the nearbyresearch station in Delhi, wherethey would have usually turnedfor help.

So they took matters into theirown hands. Their research com-mittee, now chaired by Van DeSlyke, is working toward theirown solutions with on-farm testplots. As well, they’re hoping fora research agreement with theprovince. And they’re hiring uni-versity students this summer tosearch out ginseng productionresearch that’s taken place else-where, and hopefully start honingin on answers to the mystery theyface in their fields.

Political agendas may be shortand unstable, but research agen-das must be clear and long. Theregion is still reeling over the lossof tobacco. Farmers don’t wantginseng to follow.

Growers need answers to ginseng production questions

OWEN ROBERTSUNIVERSITY OFGUELPH

PERSPECTIVE

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 13

Ontario's ginseng harvest is highly prized in the Chinese market.Photo by Glenn Lowson

THE GROWER

PAGE 14 –– JUNE 2013

LILIAN SCHAER

A group of young farmers hastaken to social media to sharewith Canadians how they producefood and two fruit and vegetablegrowers are right in the thick ofit.

Erin McLean, whose familyruns a pick-your-own berry oper-ation near Peterborough andserves farmers’ markets and localgrocers with fresh fruits and veg-etables, and potato growerStephanie Kowalski from theAlliston area are part of a recentlylaunched initiative called DinnerStarts Here.

Central to the project is a web-site called dinnerstartshere.ca,which features blog posts by ten

young farmers as well as recipes,answers to frequently-asked farm-ing questions and informationabout buying local. Social mediatools such as Facebook, Twitter,YouTube, Pinterest will be usedto share information and bringvisitors to the site.

“I love teaching people aboutfarming and where their foodcomes from. So often these daysthe connection with the farm islost,” says McLean, who farmswith her parents and brother. “I’mhoping we'll be able to teach peo-ple more about the work that goesinto getting food onto their tableso they can better understand theprocess, be informed about farm-ing practices and appreciate all ofthe hard work that each and every

farmer does to feed them everyday.”

“It is especially crucial in thehorticulture industry to connectwith the consumers. I want themto think of my blog posts ortweets next time they walk intothe supermarket and see pota-toes,” adds Kowalski, a fourthyear biology student at WilfridLaurier University. “I want to bea part of that trust-building rela-tionship with consumers that Ithink is very critical for farmers.Social media is where consumersare and it's where we need to bealso. That's why I get so excitedabout this because it's us, theeveryday farmers, getting our sayto the consumer.”

The team members are takingturns posting on various socialmedia outlets, as well as the pro-ject blog with a goal of postingtwice monthly. A post consists ofanything from a video to a simplediscussion about what’s happen-ing in the field that day, thingsthat non-farmers can relate to.

“The biggest success with thisproject will be hearing that peoplelearned something new and itadded to their knowledge aboutfarms and farming,” saysMcLean. “Reaching out to con-sumers to be able to show themfirst-hand where, how and whytheir food is grown, harvested andsold will help bridge the gapbetween the farming community

and the public and help demystifyfarming and local food and bringit back to a level that anyone canunderstand.”

“My personal goal is to get mynon-farming friends interested init,” says Kowalski. “If I can geteven five of my friends, in their20s, to follow it and read ourposts I would be thrilled and con-sider it a success for me.”

The project was the brain childof dairy farmer and social mediaadvocate Andrew Campbell ofAppin, Ontario, who has lined upfunding for the project from

Dairy Farmers of Canada, GayLea Foods Co-operative, OntarioSheep Marketing Agency,Grayridge Egg Farms and Farm& Food Care. The group wouldwelcome more sponsors and alsoencourages others to get involvedin sharing the story of food andfarming.

You can follow the team onTwitter at @HowDinnerStarts, onFacebook at https://www.face-book.com/DinnerStartsHere orthrough their blog, www.dinner-startshere.ca.

Young farmers reach outto consumers via socialmedia

June 8 Garlic Growers of Ontario Field Day, hosted by Bob Romaniuk, Scotland, ON

June 12, 13 National Farm Business Management Innovation Roundtable, Ottawa, ON

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

July17-19 Federal-Provincial-Territorial Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, Halifax, NS

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

October 5 Soupfest, Ansnorveldt Park, Bradford, ON

October 5 75th Anniversary Asparagus Farmers of Ontario Dinner, Hungarian Hall, Delhi, ON

Oct 9, 10 Canadian Greenhouse Conference, Scotiabank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, ON

October 24 Ontario Harvest Gala, Guelph, ON

Oct 28 – Nov 1 North American Plant Protection Organization Annual Meeting, Guelph, ON

Nov 1 – 10 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, ON

November 7 American Agri-Women Conference Canadian Tour, Holiday Inn & Suites, Parkway Conference Centre, St. Catharines, ON

Nov 12 – 17 Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer Awards, Regina, SK

Nov 14 – 24 European Farm Show & Tour, for info email admin@agriveg.ca

Nov 19 – 21 Potato Growers of Alberta Conference and Trade Show, Calgary, AB

Nov 22 Asparagus Farmers of Ontario Annual General Meeting, TBA

Dec 10 – 12 Great Lakes Expo, Michigan

Dec 4 – 7 Joint North Carolina Strawberry Growers Association and North American Strawberry Growers Association Conference, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Durham, North Carolina. www.ncstrawberry.com

COMING EVENTS 2013

Willsie Equipment introduces new weeder

A demonstration daywill be held nearExeter, Ontario on June19 and 20 to demon-strate a Robo-Cropweeder. As KeithCampbell, sales manag-er explains, thisGarford-manufacturedmachine uses videoimage analysis to locateindividual plants inorder to mechanicallyremove weeds from therow as well as withinthe crop row betweenthe plants. It’s ideallysuited for use on trans-planted crops such aslettuce, cabbage andbroccoli. It can be usedon most crops that are planted at least eight inchesapart where plant foliage is clearly separated fromthe next plant.

Campbell points out that weed control remains apersistent challenge, with pressure to reduce chemi-cal spray. The Robo-Crop II in-row cultivator helpssolve these problems. The new chassis designallows the operator a clear view of the working

heads, as well as better access to the inter-rowweeding units when adjustments are required. Thelatest software and operator systems speed up workrates and offer improved operator information. Theunit offers working widths from 1.5 m to 6 m.Larger units can be placed on special order.

For directions to the demonstration days, pleaseRSVP before June 14th by calling 1-800-561-3025or emailing keith@willsie.com.

The inrow rotors cultivate between the plants and conventional hoe tines complete the job inter row.

Following are highlights from theOFVGA board meeting heldApril 25, 2013. The purpose ofthis brief is to keep you up-to-date on the issues that theOFVGA is working on, as well asprojects and initiatives the organi-zation is involved in.

Crop protection

Section chair Charles Stevensreported that a meeting will takeplace in China in May to addressMaximum Residue Limits(MRLs). Canada will be repre-sented by Richard Aucoin,Marion Law, and Dr. Peter Chanfrom the Pest ManagementRegulatory Agency (PMRA).

Regulatory Co-operationCouncil (RCC) harmonization:The Regulatory Co-operationCouncil (RCC) process to harmonize regulatory processesbetween Canada and the UnitedStates is ongoing. PMRA hasdefined harmonization of pesticide regulation not as aNorth American label but as an“aligned” label, which meansthere could still be differences inthe labels between Canada andthe United States that couldimpact grower access to products.The OFVGA board adopted arevised definition for a NorthAmerican label that it feels ismore reflective of the intent ofthe RCC process: A commonCanada-United States label on allnew actives thereby giving growers of Canada and the USAequal access to all new registra-tions at the same time on thesame crops with the same restric-tions with the same MRLs andwith Canada-United States access.This definition will be forwardedto the Canadian HorticulturalCouncil, which is participating inthe RCC process, to use in theirlobbying efforts.

Grower Requested Own Use: Ifthe quest for a North Americanlabel is not successful, theGrower Requested Own Use(GROU) program will becomeincreasingly important forCanadian growers to have accessto product from the United States.Based on OFVGA analysis, it isestimated that the cost to Ontariogrowers for crop protection prod-ucts is approximately $22 to $44million more than for farmerssouth of the border.

OFVGA has been working ongetting a reciprocity agreement inplace with New York (NY) torecognize the Ontario pesticidelicence as equal to the one in theirstate. This would allow Ontariogrowers to buy restricted productsin NY without having to taketheir certification course. NY offi-cials have provided the agreementcurrently in place between NewYork and Pennsylvania andOntario is hoping to piggybackonto that one. The next statebeing targeted will be Michigan.

Property

Wash water: Property sectionchair Brian Gilroy reported theprovincial government is wrap-ping up a study on washwater forpotatoes and other muck veg-etable crops; results are expectedby the end of the month. This ispart of ongoing efforts to havehorticulture regulated under theNutrient Management Act, similarto other agricultural sectors inOntario. Regulations are nowbeing developed to address nutri-ent feedwater in the greenhousesector, which encompasses anynutrient-containing solution thatwill not be used in a greenhouseoperation.Wildlife loss: A study examining

wildlife loss in the horticulturesector is now complete. The mon-etary loss to horticulture farmersfrom wildlife predation is estimat-ed to be $24,753,075 annually.

Labour innovation study: TheHorticulture Value Chain RoundTable (HVCRT) labour sub-com-mittee engaged the VinelandResearch and Innovation Centreto conduct a benchmarking studyon labour innovation in horticul-tural production. The report,which includes seven recommen-dations, has been completed andresults will be available shortly.

Research

OMAF-Guelph Agreement:Research section chair HaroldSchooley reported that negotia-tions are underway to renew theresearch agreement between theOntario Ministry of Agricultureand Food (OMAF) and theUniversity of Guelph.Approximately $70 million isspent annually on agriculture andagri-food research through theagreement, which has been inplace since 1996.

Growing Forward 2: UnderGrowing Forward 2, $20 millionwill be available over five yearsfor research. Seventeen projectproposals were submitted, whichare currently under review. TheCanadian Horticultural Councilexpects to receive funding deci-sions in May.

Research priorities: TheOFVGA/Vineland Research andInnovation Centre priority plan-ning session for edible horticul-ture was held February 13. Thegoal was to bring together pro-ducer groups and representativesfrom across the value chain todefine priority areas for researchand innovation. The ultimate out-come will be a list of researchneeds for the sector; a committeemet in April to review the priori-ties that were brought and nar-rowed into a few key areas.Labour-saving devices and tech-nologies to improve efficienciesare leading priorities across allhorticultural sectors.

CHC

The new Canadian HorticulturalCouncil (CHC) OversightCommittee is up and running,reported OFVGA CHC represen-tative Adrian Huisman, who is thecommittee’s chair. The group iscurrently addressing the organiza-tion’s finances, includingredesigning policies and terms ofreference for committees and theorganization as a whole. It willalso deal with governance issues.

Reusable Plastic Containers

In response to a resolution passedat its recent annual meeting, theCHC has made a request to theCanadian Produce Marketing

Association to reconvene its task-force looking into the issue ofReusable Plastic Containers(RPCs). A growing number ofretailers are mandating the use ofRPCs in place of corrugated card-board packaging. Food safety andtransportation are major concernsfor growers across the country.For the OFVGA, their increaseduse also means a decrease in con-tainer fee income to the organiza-tion. In April, the OFVGA boardestablished a committee to lookinto funding issues affecting theOFVGA as a result of RPC use.Committee members are RayDuc, Jason Verkaik, Brian Gilroy,Art Smith, Don Taylor andAdrian Huisman.

Presentation to the StandingCommittee

On April 23, CEO Art Smithmade a presentation to the Houseof Commons Standing Committeeon Agriculture and Agri-Foodregarding the status of the juiceindustry, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The presentationincluded a brief history of boththe fruit and vegetable juice situa-tion and how most processors

have disappeared over time, aswell as wine labelling issues andrestrictions facing the fruit winesector. Recommendations to thecommittee included clarity inlabelling, need to retain theStandard Containers Act, harmonization of crop protectionmaterials and the need for aPACA-like trust in Canada toensure sellers of produce receivepayment for their product.

Annual General Meeting

The next OFVGA annual meetingwill take place January 13 and 14,2014 in Niagara Falls. The eventwill follow a slightly differentstructure than in previous yearswith the AGM starting at 1 pm onthe Monday afternoon, followedby the banquet. Day two of themeeting will include sectionmeetings as well as resolutions.Meeting details will be posted onthe OFVGA website in the fall.

The next OFVGA board meetingwill take place Thursday, June13th, 2013 at the OFVGA officestarting at 10:00 a.m.

THE GROWER

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 15

Board briefsOFVGA

THE GROWER

PAGE 16 –– JUNE 2013

Canada’s population growth isfuelled by immigration, withapproximately 250,000 peoplearriving each year. That’s wellover a million new consumers inthe last five years, many fromAsia with diverse cultures, tastesfor food and economic standing.It’s imperative that producers andprocessors explore these trends tounderstand what needs to be pro-duced in the next decade, espe-cially for the Greater Toronto andVancouver areas.

Exposure to these new tastes,items and cooking methods isalso impacting multi-generational

consumers. They are eager toexperiment with a diverse arrayof new meal ideas, providing asignificant opportunity for grow-ing sales.

As these categories continue toevolve, there are challenges forthe retailers. The consumer ismore knowledgeable than theretailer. Employees at store levelare also not comfortable workingwith items they do not under-stand. There is a need for retail-ers to invest in their employees tohelp them understand the itemsand be able to assist consumers.The Vineland Research andInnovation Centre in VinelandOntario is assisting primary pro-ducers who want to transition tothese new crops. The followingtable illustrates the amount ofproduct required for three itemsthat would have been difficult tofind in traditional food stores 10years ago.

Sales estimates could beunderestimated, researchersreport, because at the present timeconsumers are unsatisfied withthe quality they receive. If theproduct was closer to what theyare looking for, sales could beeven higher. Study results are

available atwww.vinelandresearch.com.

As the population continues tochange retailers are eager to buildtheir expertise in this area. In2009, Loblaw Companies pur-chased the T&T chain of super-markets, an independent retaileroriginating in British Columbia.The stores cater to the East Asianconsumer and sell a diverse selec-tion of items that are not availablein traditional food stores. These items are getting moreexposure in store and in theweekly ads. This will drive exe-cution at retail and more volume.Suppliers who produce or processthese items should be ready forthe fluctuations of ad volume andbe ready with inventory. There is no doubt the listing basein grocery stores will continue toevolve as consumers change and

become more demanding.Retailers will scramble to catchup and there will be many oppor-tunities for suppliers during thistime. As the market gets morecrowded with options for theretailers, there will be more pres-sure on costing. Producers andprocessors who can capitalizeduring the growth period willbenefit. It is very important toconduct the research to under-stand the size of the opportunityand stay ahead of a changingmarket place.

A changing consumer at Costco

Costco has a simple businessmodel. They offer items in largesizes at a reduced category mar-gin. The combination of member-ship fees and volume deliver abottom line. They have a narrowlisting base and duplication ofskus is rare.

Last week, I took a secondlook at the spice section. Therewere four types of pepper andfour types of salt. Our consumeris changing! In the past one saltand one pepper would have beenthe limit for Costco and now theyare devoting shelf space to sixadditional skus. They do notstock the item if it does not sell.More proof that consumers arebecoming more knowledgeableand more diverse in their tastes.

Loblaw makes the news for right and wrong reasons

Loblaw Companies have beenin the news a lot in the past fewweeks with some good news,some bad news and a new launch.

The good news was recentfinancial results: absolute retailsales growth of 3.4 per cent andsame store sales growth of 2.8 percent. Both are very strong num-bers in Canadian retail and muchbetter than recent Loblaw results.

Growth in margins increasedfor the quarter as well. Theseresults will give Loblaw somebreathing room in the “what haveyou done for me lately” environ-ment of publicly traded compa-nies. The combination of therecent announcement of the REITand the financial results sentLoblaw stock to a 52-week highof $48.16.

The bad news was the tragedyin the collapsed Bangladesh fac-tory where more than a thousandgarment workers were killed.The factory produced Joe Freshand other clothing lines forLoblaw. The company was swiftto address the issue, to dedicateresources to understanding theissue and to provide support forvictims and victim’s families. Nodoubt a terrible situation, butGalen Weston was very crediblein his remorse and the companyappears committed to doing whatthey can to ensure this does nothappen again.

The new launch was thePCPlus program. A new loyaltyprogram is being rolled out inOntario that awards points toLoblaw shoppers based on pur-chases. It is certainly a stepbeyond carrying a points card andgetting a few cents off. It promis-es recipes and offers deliveredright to your smart phone. It willbe interesting to see how Loblawmerges this with the PC pointsprogram currently offered to PCMasterCard holders. You canlearn more at www.pcplus.ca.

Peter Chapman, a retail foodconsultant and professionalspeaker, is principal of GPSBusiness Solutions, based inHalifax, Nova Scotia. Peter workswith producers and processors tohelp them navigate through theretail environment with the ulti-mate goal of getting more itemsinto the shopping cart. pchap-man@gpsbusiness.ca.

Global foods are no longer exotic

PETER CHAPMAN

RETAIL NAVIGATOR

NEW MODE OF ACTION

CITED IN APHID DEATHS.

www.uap.caWestern Canada: 1-800-561-5444Ontario & Maritimes: 1-800-265-5444Quebec: 1-800-361-9369British Columbia: 1-604-534-8815

Crop Ontario demand Potential revenue Acres required

Okra 24,900,000lbs $49,700,000 1,400-2,600 acres

Yard long beans 23,700,000lbs $59,000,000 10,500 acres

Asian long purple eggplant

21,400,000lbs $33,400,000 N/A

Okra

In the last five years,Recoltech’s Richard Caron haswitnessed a wave of change asgrowers have converted tobiodegradable black or greenplastic to protect crops.

“Organic growers started firstwith plastic that guaranteed noGMOs in the content but nowconventional growers want ittoo,” says Caron, owner ofQuebec-based Recoltech Inc. Thechange has been driven by costs

of up to $1300 per container todispose of plastic. For all thelabour and gasoline that’sinvolved in removing plastic,growers now consider biodegrad-able plastic the best option.

Recoltech, which sources itsproduct from France, offers dif-ferent plastics depending on best-before dates. For example, vinecrops such as squash or melonrequire plastic to degrade in threeto four months whereas tomatoes,

peppers and eggplants requireplastic to last five to six months.Trials are now underway testingbiodegradable plastic that will lasttwo years for small bushes.

Green tinted films are nowused for crops such as cucumbers,melons and cantaloupes. Thetechnology has proven to delivermore uniform daytime tempera-tures.

For more information, go towww.recoltech.com.

Plasticulture is green when it’s biodegradable

Tunnel talk

THE GROWER

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 17

New water filtration technolo-gy is cutting water use and reduc-ing the potential environmentalimpact of Ontario greenhouses.Great Northern Hydroponics, agreenhouse tomato grower in theLeamington area, has installed anew ion filtration system to betterreuse and re-circulate water in itsproduction facility.

“In Ontario, greenhouse veg-etables are grown hydroponically,which means without the use ofsoil, and get their nourishmentfrom a nutrient solution,” explainsLeanne Wilson, science coordina-tor with the Ontario GreenhouseVegetable Growers (OGVG).“This new system allows a grow-er to filter the water so it can bere-used repeatedly in the green-house, cutting down on water andfertilizer use.”

With the help of the FarmInnovation Program (FIP), GreatNorthern Hydroponics initiallyinstalled a small-scale systemsuitable for five to 10 acres ofproduction, sourced from a localcompany that supplies similarequipment to the dairy industry.A larger unit for 15 acres was

subsequently installed. Both sys-tems were tested for their capabil-ity to extract sodium, sulphatesand chlorides from the solutionusing semi-permeable membranesto make it suitable for

recirculation. “This system is really good at

extracting the components fromthe solution that we wanted,” saysGuido van het Hof of GreatNorthern Hydroponics. “And we

discovered that the filtration is sogood that it also filters out plantpathogens, bacteria, viruses andfungi. We currently disinfect allof our water through pasteuriza-tion but this will no longer be

necessary with this new system.” For Great Northern

Hydroponics, the overall impacthas been very positive. Van hetHof’s goal is to make the systema complete closed loop, meaningall water and nutrients would berecycled. He currently spends $75– $100 per day to run the waterpasteurization system, which hewould no longer need to keeppathogens at bay. If the systemcontinues to perform as it has todate, van het Hof says he willinvest to expand it to his entire70-acre production area.

“This technology has thepotential to be really beneficial toall greenhouse vegetable growersby reducing water use and fertil-izer costs, as well as shrinking theenvironmental footprint of green-house vegetable production,” saysWilson.

Information is available fromOGVG at www.ontariogreen-house.com.

This article is courtesy of theAgricultural Adaptation Council.

Ion filtration system permits water to be recirculatedGREEN TECHNOLOGY

Photo courtesy of Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers

While plastic field tunnels are increasingly used to mitigate risksfrom weather, they are also providing environmental benefits. Arecently published California handbook observes that fewer insects areharboured in tunnels and that alone, reduces pesticide use.

As Patrick Coppens, general manager, DeCloet Greenhouses pointsout, “These are passive solar-heated structures that fulfill a need for amulti-connected, low-cost system to withstand the climatic conditionsin southwestern Ontario.”

In a new model introduced recently, the double roof rolls up toincrease ventilation during warmer weather, simulating outdoor tem-peratures inside the structure. The double roof roll up also allows thegrowing environment to open up in cooler, non-dangerous weather.For those growing organic produce, this system uses insect nettingwhich eliminates the need for pesticides.

Natural ventilation means that electricity is not required. Use ofmanual crank openers on roof rollups eliminates the need for an elec-trical motor.

Augur posts stabilize the structure, leaving the soil undisturbed withno need for concrete. Growers are discovering that the high sidewallsaccommodate field equipment inside the tunnels. A customized rolluplocking extrusion system keeps the roof tight and secure when in theclosed position.

Richard Caron, Recoltech. Photo by Denis Cahill.

THE GROWER

PAGE 18 –– JUNE 2013

GREEN TECHNOLOGY

KAREN DAVIDSON

At first blush, the $21 millionconstruction of a tomato greenhouse beside Chatham-based Greenfield Ethanol wouldseem to be about energy savings.But the benefits may be far rosierthan the tomatoes themselves.

The Truly Green enterprise,the first in North America to hook

up to an ethanol plant, is ownedby the Devries family along withthe Tamminga and Bultje families. President of the company Greg Devries is predicting yield increases of threeto five per cent due to pumped-incarbon dioxide on top of loweringheating costs by 50 per cent usingthe ethanol plant’s waste heat.

“We are designing a greenhouse with competitive

advantages,” says Devries. “Theadvantage is untethering the carbon dioxide from the heatingsource.”

With the first planting oftomatoes expected in early July,the construction timetable isunder pressure to complete intime for a hookup to GreenfieldEthanol in September. That’swhen the ethanol plant shutsdown for two weeks of mainte-

nance and when the undergroundconnection for carbon dioxide canbe made physically to the newgreenhouse.

If all goes to plan, producefrom 22.5 acres could be ready tomarket by September. Devriesplans to analyze results from thefirst test crop, clean out thegreenhouse and start with newcrop next January. Eventually,the greenhouse will market 22million kilograms of tomatoesannually, with a goal of buildinga complex of 90 acres during thenext decade.

That’s a carbon-neutral storythat can be taken straight to consumers. With a marketingagreement with MastronardiProduce, Devries says that theirtomatoes-on-the-vine and grapetomatoes are slated to qualify fora premium under theMastronardi’s Eco-label brand.That third-party accreditationmight be possible by 2014.

For Greenfield Ethanol, theadvantages are also quantifiable.Angelo Ligori, Greenfield’sethanol plant manager, supportsthe partnership to harness theCO2 released in the ethanolprocess. Greenfield will update itsolder technology to include wasteheat recovery and a thermal oxi-dizer. The new technology willcondense stack heat through aseries of exchanger systems,allowing the ethanol plant to sup-ply hot water to the greenhouse.The water will then be returned tothe ethanol plant through anexpanded cooling water loop.The changes will mean there’s nolonger a visible plume from theethanol plant.

Two years in the making, anexpansion of this scope is not forthe faint of heart. The Devriesfamily has built on a relativelynew entry into the greenhousebusiness. While they have beenfarming grains and oilseeds since1948, they built their first sweetbell pepper greenhouse in 2003which has grown to 16 acrestoday. In that case, natural gasboilers produce hot water andCO2 is captured from the boiler

exhaust. However, they discov-ered that of any greenhouse-grown vegetable, tomatoes are thebiggest users of C02 and thatdemand is greatest in the summer.The challenge is that summertimerepresents the least demand forheat. The bridge to the ethanolplant solves those inequities, supplying heat and CO2 ondemand.

The farming operations arebecoming more synergistic all thetime. The Devries family growscorn, part of which is sold to theethanol plant. At the same time,they buy the ethanol plant’sbyproduct – distiller’s grains – fortheir feedlot, while buying thewaste heat and C02 for theirtomato greenhouse.

“It’s an amazing story,” hesays, adding that it’s beneficialfor the local economy, the farm-ing operation, the greenhouse andthe ethanol plant.

Thanks to a $100,000 grantfrom the Agricultural AdaptationCouncil and a $3.2 million grantfrom the Rural EconomicDevelopment Agency, Devriessays these monies help make thebusiness risk more tolerable. TheChatham region has been hard hitby the downturn in the automo-bile sector, so he points out thatgreen technology is rejuvenatingthe area. The Truly Green opera-tion requires 50 jobs alone forstartup of phase one.

A tomato greenhouse hooks up with an ethanol plant to save energy

The plume from the Greenfield Ethanol plant is evident behind the new construction for the Truly Green greenhouse in Chatham, Ontario.

Indoor piping

The horticulture sector has notpreviously consolidated informa-tion on the extent and type ofwildlife damage.

The Ontario Fruit andVegetable Growers’ Associationwith financial support from theAgriculture-Wildlife ConflictStrategic Funding has a projectunderway to:• quantify wildlife damage;• research effective mitigationmeasures;• review horticulture wildlifedamage prevention programs/systems in other jurisdictions;• develop a set of BestManagement Practices for theprevention of wildlife damage tohorticulture; and,• produce a final report withresults and recommendations fornext steps.

When asked if they felt predation was increasing, 100 percent of the associations whosegrowers experienced crop preda-tion replied in the affirmative, citing an increase in the numberof predators and a decrease in hunting. For those reporting deerdamage, respondents felt therewas a direct link between lesshunting and expanding population.

For the commodities reportingpredation losses1, all farmersexperienced some level of loss.Berry growers deal with the high-est levels of crop loss or damageat 35 per cent. The total losses ofour seven sample groups aloneamount to $24,753,075!

Wildlife damage is occurringover the course of the growingseason. However, winter brows-ing of trees was a significantissue for apples, tender fruit andnursery stock growers.

The top six ranked predators,in descending order of damage,were:1. Deer2. Wild birds (other than thoselisted below)3. Wild turkeys4. Canada geese5. Raccoons6. Mice/voles/rabbits

Deer was the top ranked preda-tor for apple growers and otherwild birds topped the list for ten-der fruit growers. They wereranked significantly higher thanany of the other predators.

Visual devices were the mostcommonly used predator preven-tion tool used by growers fol-lowed by chemical deterrents.Virtually every fruit grower wasusing some type of predation pre-vention. However, the effective-ness of these tools to stop cropdamage was generally listed asnot sufficiently effective. Fencingwas related to the non-avianpredators, primarily deer, and wasnoted as being satisfactory in themajority of cases but extremelyexpensive to install. Deterrentchemicals were noted to be effective only for a short timeafter application; they have to be

applied frequently and after arainfall. All predator speciesquickly habituate to anti-predatormeasures rendering them ineffective after a relatively shortperiod of time.

Growers were asked whattypes of programs or predationassistance would be of benefit tothem. There were five main comments listed below in order ofimportance based on frequency ofresponse. Financial assistance forfencing and netting was a unanimous response across thefruit crop sectors.1. Financial assistance for (deer)fencing and netting.2. Hunting (including issuingmore deer tags), trapping,removal of problem animals.3. Financial compensation fordamage.4. Assistance in retrofittingpropane cannons with electronicautomatic timers to help reduceneighbour complaints.5. Research on effective deterrents.

Respondents felt that wildlifecompensation damage could beassessed in crops using a similarprocess to that employed by cropinsurance. Having grower docu-mentation of historical yields andan on-the-ground evaluation ofthe impact on yield loss and cropdamage could work equally wellfor predation losses as for weather related events.

Next steps for this projectinclude:• Conduct a scan of wildlife damage prevention programs andsystems in other areas, summarizetheir results and assess whetherthey are applicable to Ontario.• Based on the information gathered, develop a set of BestManagement Practices for theprevention of wildlife damage onhorticultural farming operations.• A limited number of printcopies of the BMP document willbe produced. The information willalso be posted on the OFVGAwebsite, the on-line version ofThe Grower, and electronic versions will be provided to ourmember organizations.

• A final report will be preparedwhich summarizes the projectfindings and any recommenda-tions for next steps to addressidentified gaps.

1 Nine OFVGA member associa-tions plus nursery stock growersresponded to the survey howeverasparagus, ginseng and green-house vegetable growers did notreport predation concerns.

This survey was prepared bySusan Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald &Co for the Ontario Fruit andVegetable Growers’ Association.

THE GROWER

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 19

PREDATION SURVEY

Almost $25 million lost to wildlife predators

The 'AQUA Wetland System'“A new breed of constructed wetland”

AQUA Treatment Technologies Inc. designs and installsthe 'AQUA Wetland System' (AWS) for tertiary treatment of many types of waste water including sani-tary sewage, landfill leachate, dairy farm & abattoirwastewater, greenhouse irrigation leachate water &mushroom farm leachate water (i.e. manure pileleachate) and high strength winery washwater.

The 'AQUA Wetland System' is operated out of doorsand can achieve year-round tertiary treatment of waste-water. This sub-surface, vertical flow constructed wetlandconsists of sand & gravel beds planted with moisture tolerant plant species. Water is pumped vertically from cell to cell. There is no open or standing water.Treatment occurs through physical filtration & biological degradation. Plants shade & insulate the cells,cycling nutrients while preventing algae growth. There is no production of sludge.

The AWS has been approved for use by the Ontario Ministry of Environment through over 40 EnvironmentalCompliance Approvals. Recently the Region of Niagara began approving the AWS for treatment of 'smallflow' winery washwater I.e. < 10,000 liters per day. Other agencies who have issued approvals includeHealth Canada, USEPA and OMAFRA. Recent projects include:1) treatment of cider mill washwater at Bennett's Apple and Cider in Ancaster2) treatment of winery washwater at DiProfio Wines and Lincoln Farm

Winery in Niagara3) treatment of pond water at Hihojo Farms for supply of hog drinking waterFor additional information please Contact LloydRozema at: cell. 905-327-4571email. lrozema@aqua-tt.com

A new disease of celery: leaf curl(anthracnose)

MICHAEL CELETTI,ONTARIO MINISTRY OFAGRICULTURE AND FOODAND MINISTRY OF RURALAFFAIRS, PLANTPATHOLOGISTHORTICULTURE CROPSPROGRAM LEAD

Leaf curl is a serious diseaseon celery caused by the fungusColletotrichum acutatum that wasobserved for the first time in sev-eral locations throughout Ontarioduring 2012. In Australia, the dis-ease caused significant crop loss-es during the 1990s. The diseasehas recently been observed in cel-ery fields for the first time inMichigan and Pennsylvania dur-ing 2010 and 2011. Infected cel-ery plants are unmarketable dueto leaf malformation and lesiondevelopment on the stalks (peti-ole). The recent discovery of cel-ery leaf curl could have a seriousnegative impact on celery produc-tion in Ontario. The OntarioMinistry of Agriculture and Foodtogether with the University ofGuelph will be conducting a sur-vey for leaf curl in celery fieldsduring 2013.

Growers should become famil-iar with the symptoms of this dis-ease. Symptoms are sometimesmistaken for early symptoms ofAster yellows however the two

diseases look quite different.Celery plants can be infected atany age with the leaf curlpathogen. Infected plants appearstunted with small malformedcupped leaves but remain greenunlike the bleached or yellowplants infected with Aster yellow.Older leaves on infected plantsoften appear fan-like and curldownward (Figure 1). Brownlesions may develop on the leafmargins of infected plants andoccasionally yellow translucentspots appear scattered on theupper leaf surface. Symptomaticleaves eventually become brittleand crack along their lengthwhich may extend into the stalk.The stalks of infected plantseventually become twisted withreddish to light brown lesions thatcan develop on either the outsideor inside of the stalks or insidethe crown at the base of theinfected plants (Figure 2). Sporesof the fungus are produced in thelesions that develop along thestalk and in the crowns and areeasily disseminated by watersplashing during overhead irriga-tion or rainy and windy weather.The fungus has been isolatedfrom many non-celery host plantsincluding strawberry, pepper,apple and numerous weeds. It isnot known if strains of the fungusinfecting the different alternativehosts can infect celery and vice

versa. Currently there are no fungi-

cides registered for the control ofleaf curl on celery in Ontario,however, it is probable that somefungicides registered for the con-trol of early and late blight of cel-ery may have activity on leaf curlbut more research is required toidentify which ones are most efficacious as well as their timingand rate of application prior toobtaining registration for use forleaf curl control. Since thepathogen can overwinter in un-decomposed plant residue ofinfected celery, growers shouldnot plant celery in fields that haveinfested plant residue and a threeto four-year crop rotation withnon-host crops should be fol-lowed. Deep ploughing or culti-vating of infested residue ofinfected plants immediately afterharvest will encourage decompo-sition of the residue and lower thepopulation of the pathogen in thefield. A few resistant cultivarshave been identified in Australiabut may not be suitable forOntario growing conditions.Regardless, growers should growresistant varieties when identifiedthat are suitable for the region. Ifpossible and practical, diseasedplants should be rogued, placed ina plastic garbage bag andremoved from the field or buriedbefore the disease can spread.

THE GROWER

PAGE 20 –– JUNE 2013

Reality check: herbicide-resistant weedsKRISTEN CALLOW, OMAFAND MRA WEEDMANAGEMENT PROGRAMLEAD – HORTICULTURE

So, which camp are you in?Have you conceded and admittedto yourself that you have a resis-tance problem on your farm? Orare you still in denial? No oneever wants to admit that theyhave a problem that can potential-ly spread to others. However, it isalways best to admit it now,because it will catch up with youlater and usually at a big expense.For example: Jack who grows8000 acres of soybeans in thesouthern U.S. He didn’t admitthat he had a problem until it wasmuch too late. Jack hadglyphosate resistant palmer ama-ranth infesting his 8000 acres.The problem was so bad that Jackwent bankrupt because he couldno longer grow soybeans eco-nomically.

Reality check. Once you dis-

cover a herbicide resistant weedproblem, it has likely been therefor more than three years.

Reality check. If you didn’tknow you had a problem untilthree years later, you have likelyspread the problem around yourfarm without even knowing it.

When it comes to the health ofyour farm, you should think aboutit as seriously as your own health.Resistant weeds, once present arethere for good and you will con-tinue to manage them for yourlifetime. They are like cancercells multiplying rapidly oncethey are present.

Reality check. On averagethere are 100,000,000 weed seedsper acre and only 1,000,000emerge each year. Therefore,resistant weed seeds can remainin the soil for many years (Giantragweed produces up to 5,000seeds per plant with an averagedormancy of two years; Canadafleabane produces up to 200,000seeds per plant with minimal dor-mancy (86 per cent of seeds cangerminate immediately); Redrootpigweed produces up to 100,000seeds per plant and has a seeddormancy of up to 40 years).

It is true that new management

strategies are being developed tohelp manage resistant weeds invarious cropping systems. Mostof these strategies use multiplemethods (Integrated WeedManagement) to control the resis-tant weeds, such as: crop rotation,shallow cultivation (to preventbringing weed seeds to the soilsurface from deeper soil depths,tank-mixing herbicides with dif-ferent modes of action that haveactivity on the resistant weed,using preemergence herbicidesfollowed by postemergence herbi-cides, etc). These are all strate-gies that were used in the past,

prior to the introduction of herbi-cide-tolerant crops. It is nowtime to bring these managementtools back. Remember whenweed control was an art?

Reality check. Integratedweed management is the future ofweed control. There are no newherbicide modes of action comingany time soon. Crop protectioncompanies are working on newherbicide tolerant corn and soy-bean cropping systems. There areno new technologies for horticul-ture producers.

It is not all doom and gloom… just reality… If you haveresistance get on it now, spendthe extra money to prevent a situ-ation like what happened to Jack.

If you are not sure if you havea problem (yet) get your weedstested (it is free:www.plant.uoguelph.ca/resistant-weeds/) and for heaven’s sake, donot let those ‘maybe resistantweeds’ go to seed.

Figure 1. Leaf curl on infected celery plants appear stunted with smallmalformed cupped leaves. Older leaves on infected plants often appearfan-like and curl downward.

Figure 2. Twisted stalks of celery plants develop reddish to lightbrown lesions that contain spores of the leaf curl pathogen.

There are

and only 100,000 emerge each year.

100,000,000weed seeds per acre

BRIAN COLLINS, MSCSTUDENT, UNIVERSITY OFGUELPHMELANIE FILOTAS,SPECIALTY CROPS IPMSPECIALIST/OMAF AND MRA

Sweet potatoes are susceptibleto a variety of postharvest storagerots. While a number of differentbacterial and fungal pathogenscan cause storage rots in sweetpotatoes, over the last several

years fungal pathogens in thegenus Rhizopus and Fusariumhave been the most commoncauses of postharvest storagelosses in Ontario sweet potatoes.

Rhizopus soft rot

Rhizopus soft rot, caused bythe fungus Rhizopus stolonifer, isone of the most common posthar-vest diseases of sweet potatoes inNorth America. R. stolinfer isextremely common in air andsoils, and enters sweet potato tis-sues through wounds, such asthose occurring during harvestand packing. Sweet potatoes withRhizopus soft rot develop awhite, hairy fungal growth(Figure 1) which produces verylarge quantities of dusty blackspores (Figure 2). A ring rot canalso occur when the fungusinfects the middle portion of theroot. Infected tissue often has apronounced, sweet odour, whichoften attracts fruit flies. This fun-gus can spread rapidly, and a softwet decay can spread over theentire root within three daysunder storage conditions (13°C).Wet, cool soil at harvest canmake sweet potatoes more sus-ceptible to this disease. Sweetpotato cultivars can vary consid-erably in susceptibility toRhizopus soft rots, with thewhite-fleshed cultivars likeO’Henry often being more sus-ceptible than orange-fleshed culti-vars. However, even resistant cul-tivars like Beauregard can sufferlosses to Rhizopus under the rightconditions (e.g. cool, wet weatherat harvest and injury to roots dur-ing harvest or packing).

Fusarium root and surface rots

Sweet potatoes are susceptibleto several different diseasescaused by Fusarium species,including Fusarium root rot, sur-face rot and stem canker. WhileFusarium stem canker affectsplants in the field, root rot andsurface rot are predominatelypost-harvest diseases and are sig-nificant storage diseases of sweetpotatoes in many sweet potatogrowing regions.

Fusarium root rot, caused bythe fungus Fusarium solani, caus-es light and dark brown circularconcentric lesions on the skin ofsweet potatoes, which may coa-lesce and overlap over time.Fusarium root rot is generally dryand infected roots remain firm.Symptoms often originate fromthe end of the root and thus thisdisease has also been referred toas Fusarium end rot. Upon cross-section of severely infected roots,discolouration varies from light todark brown (Figure 3) with lens-shaped cavities that often havewhite fungal mycelium growinginside. If infected sweet potatoesare stored in a humid environ-ment, a white fungal growth candevelop on the exterior of the

roots near the infection site(Figure 4).

Fusarium surface rot is causedby the fungus Fusarium oxyspo-rum and by some strains of F.solani. Symptoms appear as cir-cular light brown, firm drylesions. Lesions are generallysuperficial and often occur atpoints of injury to the root. Earlysymptoms of root rot can be easi-ly confused with surface rot, asexternal symptoms are very simi-lar. The differentiating feature isthat surface rot does not colonizethe inner tissue of the root and symptoms are restricted to theouter layers of tissue.

Both species of Fusarium arepersistent soilborne pathogens,and require wounds in the fleshyroots of sweet potatoes for infec-tion to occur. These wounds aremost often caused by mechanicalharvesting, leading to the morecommon storage rots. Howeverrots can occasionally occur in thefield through wounds caused byinsects, nematodes or rodents, andthrough growth cracks. Thispathogen will not spread betweenroots in storage unless newwounds occur. However, F.solani can spread from seed rootsto sprouts, leading to Fusariumstem canker in the resulting slips.Sweet potatoes with minor F.solani infection can appearhealthy but if used as parentmaterial the pathogen can betransferred to the sprouts.

Management:

All of the fungi discussed hereare widespread in the environ-ment, and are likely present in allsweet potato fields. Howeversince they can only enter sweetpotatoes through wounds in theskin, the best way to managethese diseases is through sanita-tion and proper handling of rootsto minimize entry points for thesepathogens. Specific management

techniques include:• Careful handling of roots at har-vest to minimize injuries to theskin. • Completing harvest early toavoid chilling temperatures (pro-longed exposure to 10-12°C orless), which can predispose rootsto storage rot pathogens.• If possible, avoid harvestingfrom wet soil. Extremely dry con-ditions can also affect diseaseincidence by increasing the rateof skinning, thus creating moresites for infection. • Properly cure roots as soon aspossible after harvest to heal anywounds that do occur during har-vest. • Ensure the entire storage facilityhas adequate air flow to maintainappropriate temperatures (13-16°C) and humidity levelsthroughout. In some cases, thestorage rots have been reported tobe more severe at the bottom ofsolid containers or along outerwalls, where there is inadequateheating or air flow.• Remember that wounding ofroots at the packing stage can alsolead to development of Rhizopussoft rot after sweet potatoes haveleft the storage facility. Gentlehandling during packing and min-imizing/cushioning any dropsalong the packing line can helpreduce incidence of the disease. • The fungicides Scholar (fludiox-onil) and Bio-Save (the biofungi-cide Pseudomonas syringae) areregistered for the control ofRhizopus soft rot on sweet pota-toes in Ontario. There are nofungicides registered for controlof postharvest Fusarium diseasesin sweet potatoes in Canada.

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 21

THE GROWER

VEG FOCUS

Postharvest storage rots in Ontario sweet potatoes

Figure 1 - Sweet potato with symptoms of Rhizopus soft rot. Note thedistinctive “whiskery” growth.

Figure 2 - Close up of black spores associated with Rhizopus soft rot.

Figure 3 - Cross section of a storage root infected with Fusarium rootrot.

Figure 4 – White fungal growth developing on outer surface of sweetpotato infected with Fusarium root rot. This can develop when infectedroots are exposed to humid conditions.

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THE GROWER

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THE GROWER

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JIM CHAPUT, OMAFRA,MINOR USE COORDINATOR,GUELPH

The Pest ManagementRegulatory Agency (PMRA)recently announced the approvalof a minor use label expansion forNova 40 W fungicide for controlof powdery mildew on crop group9, cucurbits; crop subgroup 13A,caneberries; and crop subgroup13B, bushberries in Canada. Nova40W fungicide was alreadylabeled in Canada for manage-ment of a number of diseases onapples, pears, grapes, cherries,peaches, Saskatoon berries, straw-berries, greenhouse tomatoes,peppers and cucumbers, aspara-gus and ornamentals.

These minor use projects spon-sored by Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Pest ManagementCentre (AAFC-PMC) were origi-nally submitted in 2001 and 2003in response to minor use prioritiesidentified by producers and exten-sion personnel in Canada.

These registrations will pro-

vide producers with another pestmanagement tool to help managethis common disease problem ofthese crops in Canada.

The following is provided as ageneral, abbreviated outline only.Users should consult the completelabel before using Nova 40Wfungicide.

Nova 40W fungicide should beused in an integrated pest man-agement program and in rotationwith other management strategies.This product is hazardous to fish.Do not contaminate any body ofwater by direct application, clean-ing of equipment or disposal ofwastes. Do not apply directly towater or wetlands. Do not applywhen weather conditions favourdrift or run-off from areas treated.Follow all other precautions and

directions for use on the Nova40W fungicide label.

For copies of the new supple-mental label contact Pam Fisher,

OMAF & MRA, Simcoe (519)426-2238 [berries], Mike Celetti,OMAF & MRA, Guelph (519)824-4120 ext. 58910 [cucurbits],

Jim Chaput, OMAF & MRA,Guelph (519) 826-3539 or visitthe Dow Agrosciences website athttp://www.dowagro.com/ca

THE GROWER

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 25

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Engage Agro Corporation ofCanada has reached a long-termagreement with Marrone BioInnovations, Inc. to be the exclu-sive marketer and distributor ofGrandevo bioinsecticide forCanada. Engage will launchGrandevo once registration isreceived in Canada, and willwork to further expand the regis-tered uses for this product foradvanced, broad-spectrum insectand mite control.

Grandevo is a bioinsecticidethat offers complex modes ofaction to control a broad spectrum of chewing and suckinginsects and mites.

It is naturally derived from anewly discovered bacterium,commonly known asAchromacil, which produces anumber of compounds that con-tribute to the mode of action,resulting in a potent biopesticidethat is highly active againstinsects and mites. Control ofpests is achieved by uniquecombinations of repellency, oraltoxicity, reduced egg hatch, andreduced fecundity (ability of pestto reproduce). Grandevo has alsobeen shown to maintain popula-tions of most beneficials andintroduced biological controls.The product is currently submit-ted for registration with the PestManagement Regulatory Agency.In the U.S. it is certified for usein organic production.Source: Engage Agro newsrelease

EngageAgro plansto marketGrandevo

THE GROWER

PAGE 26 –– JUNE 2013

For many years we have beeninsisting that science should bethe determining factor when pesticides get registered, or get‘de-registered.’ Good science isunassailable, or so we would liketo think.

In the past few years there hasbeen a decided (and unhealthy)shift to non-scientific approachesused to look at pesticides. In earlyMay I happened to come acrossthree such references in a singlemorning, thus prompting this column. It is a telling situationwhen our society abandons goodscience and hops on a band-wagon with little more thanhyperbole, prognostication, innuendo and well stoked fearmongering by groups with anagenda. Society does know bettersome of the time, but is easily ledastray by well financed groupswho wish for nothing more thanto damn the use of pesticides tofurther their own gains.

The first such reference camewhen I saw an update on “thedirty dozen.” Using data from theUS EPA food basket pesticideresidue monitoring study, thecommodities with the most pesticide residues (by numberregardless of amounts) are enumerated. The FACT that noneof these residues exceeds theallowable amounts that alreadyhave additional safety factors oforders of magnitude is not mentioned. Nor is the FACT thatthese levels may be in parts perbillion. In FACT, it is only thesophistication of the diagnosticequipment that we can now reportsuch findings.

Furthermore, these lists have

been debunked annually by com-petent scientists. Nonetheless, itgets reported widely in the mediaby reporters only looking for a‘sensational’ story, regardless ofthe facts. In some circles, suchdeliberate misleading informationcould be considered to underminethe public confidence in theirfood supply. One suspicion is thatthose who happen to be in the‘organic’ or ‘natural’ food business could use this to propeltheir market share. Anotherthought would be that such anundermining of public confidenceis a form of terrorism, and thosewho promulgate it should be subject to the provisions of law.The sad part remains that thosewho ‘promote’ such tacticsremain behind their cloisteredwalls, waiting for the fallout. Thework of the science community tode-bunk such stories is made thatmuch harder when their rebuttalsare on page 17 three weeks lateras compared to page one for theoriginal! In fact, these findingsshow that the pesticides wereused according to the label, thatthe growers obviously producedhigh quality produce (for it to beoffered for sale), that the publichad a wide array of choice inhealthy produce to consume, andthat the public is well served bythe agriculture infrastructure as itexists today. The denigration ofperfectly safe food by such articles is contemptible, in myopinion.

The second such story cameabout as a result of the significantbee kill incidents of last spring,and a report that the EuropeanUnion had voted recently to banthe use of neonicotinoid insecticides for two years (atleast). Isn’t it alarming whenpoliticians can overturn the registrations that were based onsound science, even in theabsence of good science to justifythemselves? The apparent intentof the reporting here in Canadaappears to be an attempt to tryand use this action as a lever toemulate such action here. This inspite of an acknowledged absenceof sound science! Furthermore,there seems to be a lack of understanding of why such

products are used, and accepted inthe farming community. Theseproducts have been used effectively here since 1989. The‘perfect storm’ of conditions in2012 did contribute to seriouslosses. These are being dealt withby the joint actions of govern-ment, growers, beekeepers, andthe pesticide industry. Evenamongst the bee research community there is no consensuson cause and effect, nor on solutions to the issue.

The use of these products asseed treatments came about as thedirect result of the governmentaction following the re-evaluationof the previously used products-lindane and diazinon. These hadbeen used successfully as insecti-cidal seed treatments for manyyears, and it was not their seedtreatment uses that were the pri-mary factor for their demise. Ourgrowers do not have fallbackproduct(s) ready to be used forseed treatments if such a ban onneo-nics occurred here. The insectdamage and the crop loss fromseed corn maggot, wireworm andother pests would be substantial.It is hoped that such a loss wouldnot be overlooked in any deci-sion-making down the road.

Furthermore, it is hoped thatsound scientific studies wouldunderpin any decisions, not justspeculation, or worse, pseudo-science. Not all ‘science’ that getsreferenced is from reputablesources!

The third story that came myway was about the City ofToronto authorizing the aerialspraying of large areas (many arewell-to-do neighbourhoods) forthe control of Gypsy Moth. Thisspraying was allowed because‘natural’ means of control wouldnot do the job! Isn’t it ironic, (ifnot at least two-faced) that theself-same folks who foisted uponall Ontario citizens a ‘cosmetic’pesticide ban, would revert tousing a registered pesticide assoon as they felt ‘threatened’ by acosmetic pest outbreak?! Whilethe rest of Ontario has had to dealwith much worse pests such aswhite grub, Japanese beetle,European chafer, Emerald AshBorer and cinch bugs, ‘Toronto’has smugly denied the use ofeffective controls for ‘us’ to dealwith these pests. It also seemsdisingenuous that they will suggest that the product they havechosen to use is ‘safe.’ In fact,when Health Canada registers

ALL products they are deemed‘safe’ (meaning they will notcause any unacceptable effect) ifused according to the label. Infact, some of the newest ones registered are indeed less toxicthat the one being used in thisaerial spray! However, a verysmall group of people decidewhat we can and cannot accessfor use. If it means that the rest ofOntario does without effectivecontrol for their pests- that is justtoo bad. However, when Torontoneeds something, it is immediate-ly cleared for use. A few yearsago, when this same pest was inMuskoka and the same pesticidewas to be applied by air and someproperty owners objected, the aerial applicator was forced tospray around such properties. ForToronto, no such option wasavailable. Those who have ‘concerns’ are advised to just stayindoors!

How is it that such hypocrisyis allowed? Only in Toronto? Theproduct that they choose to use isnot the issue. It is the fact thatwhen Toronto has a pest controlissue it is dealt with, whereas therest of the province must dealwith their problems without effective tools to do so. Thesetools are denied because pseudo-science or downright mistruths were allowed to win theday leading to the ban. When willthose responsible for this situationawaken their conscience and havea sober second thought. Is theToronto environment so stiflingthat they cannot see the situationfrom the eyes of those outside thebig smoke? Shame, shame.

Science is a tool to help makesound judgments. The mis-use ofscience or the absence of sciencewill doom such decisions. Thisbecomes more evident whenlooked back upon after manyyears. The abandonment of theuse of science by trained scientists is the biggest shame ofall.

Some of us already havelooked back, and it is not pretty!

CRAIG’S COMMENTS

Science or pseudo-science: how are the decisions made?

CRAIG HUNTEROFVGA

MINOR USE

NEWmul�-site fungicide with a broad rangeof labeled diseases.

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engageagro.com GranuFlo T is a registered trade-mark of Taminco Inc. © 2013 Engage Agro Corporation.

JIM CHAPUT, OMAFRA,MINOR USE COORDINATOR,GUELPH

The Pest ManagementRegulatory Agency (PMRA)recently announced the approvalof a minor use label expansion forMovento 240 SC insecticide(spirotetramat) for control and/orsuppression of several insect pestson bulb vegetables, sweet corn,artichokes, bushberries, cranber-ries and outdoor grown firs inCanada. Movento 240 SC insecticide was already labeledfor management of a variety ofinsect pests on a range of crops inCanada.

These minor use submissionswere sponsored by Agriculture &Agri-Food Canada, PestManagement Centre (AAFC-PMC) in response to minor usepriorities identified by producersand extension personnel inCanada. Several of the projectswere jointly sponsored in collaboration with the U.S. IR-4program.

Management of these insectpests with Movento has been ahigh priority for producers ofbulb vegetables, bushberries,cranberries, artichokes, sweetcorn and firs and these registra-tions will provide producers withanother insect management andresistance management tool.The following is provided as ageneral, abbreviated outline only.Users should consult the completelabel before using Movento 240SC insecticide.

Movento insecticide should beused in an integrated pest man-agement program and in rotationwith other management strategies.This product is toxic to pollina-tors through direct contaminationof pollen and nectar; followbuffer zones and do not apply thisproduct during crop floweringperiod or when flowering weedsare present in the field or orchard.Take all possible measures toreduce spray drift. Follow allother precautions and directionsfor use on the Movento insecticide label.

For copies of the new supple-mental label contact Jim Chaput,OMAF & MRA, Guelph (519)826-3539 or visit the BayerCropScience Canada website atwww.bayercropscience.ca

THE GROWER

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 27

MINOR USE

Information MeetingsLes séances d’information

Date and TimeLe date et l’heure

Thursday, May 30, 20131:30 to 3:30 p.m.jeudi 30 mai 2013 13 h 30

LocationEndroit

Sudbury Ambassador Hotel\Hôtel Ambassador - Empress Room\Salle Empress,225 Falconbridge Road\225, chemin Falconbridge, Sudbury, Ontario P3A 5K4

Friday, May 31, 20139:30 to 11:30 a.m.vendredi 31 mai 2013 09 h 30

BarrieHoliday Inn Hotel & Conference Centre BallroomHôtel Holiday Inn et Salle de bal du Centre de conférence20 Fairview Rd, Barrie, Ontario L4N 4P3

Friday, May 31, 20139:30 to 11:30 a.m.vendredi 31 mai 2013 09 h 30

Barrie WebEx (Offeredin English only\offerteen anglais seulement)

When registering on-line, email confirmation contains instructionsfor joining the WebEx teleconference.

Monday, June 3, 20131:30 to 3:30 p.m.lundi 3 juin 2013 13 h 30

London Four Points Sheraton\Hôtel Four Points Sheraton - Bristol A\Salle Bristol A,1150 Wellington Road South, London, Ontario N6E 1M3

Monday, June 3, 20137:00 to 9:00 p.m.lundi 3 juin 2013 19 h

London Four Points Sheraton\Hôtel Four Points Sheraton - Bristol A\Salle Bristol A,1150 Wellington Road South, London, Ontario N6E 1M3

Tuesday, June 4, 20131:30 to 3:30 p.m.mardi 4 juin 2013 13 h 30

Holiday Inn Guelph\Hôtel Holiday Inn - Oakwood Ballroom B\Salle de bal Oakwood B,601 Scottsdale Drive, Guelph, Ontario N1G 3E7

Tuesday, June 4, 20131:30 to 3:30 p.m.mardi 4 juin 2013 13 h 30

Guelph WebEx (Offeredin English only\offerteen anglais seulement)

When registering on-line, email confirmation contains instructionsfor joining the WebEx teleconference.

Tuesday, June 4, 20137:00 to 9:00 p.m.mardi 4 juin 2013 19 h

Guelph Holiday Inn Guelph\Hôtel Holiday Inn - Oakwood Ballroom B\Salle de bal Oakwood B,601 Scottsdale Drive, Guelph, Ontario N1G 3E7

Wednesday, June 5, 20131:30 to 3:30 p.m.mercredi 5 juin 2013 13 h 30

Kemptville Kemptville College\Collège Kemptville – W.B. George Gymnasium\Gymnase W.B.George, 830 Prescott Street\830, rue Prescott, Kemptville, Ontario K0G 1J0

Thursday, June 6, 20139:30 to 11:30 a.m.jeudi 6 juin 2013 09 h 30

Trenton Ramada Inn\Hôtel Ramada Inn – Harvest Ballroom\Salle de bal Harvest,99 Glen Miller Road, Trenton, Ontario K8V 5P8

Friday, June 7, 20139:30 to 11:30 a.m.vendredi 7 juin 2013 09 h 30

Alfred (offerte enfrançais seulement\offered in French only)

Collège Alfred\Alfred College, J.A. Demers - Salle\Room 22431, rue St. Paul\31 Saint Paul St., Alfred Ontario K0B 1A0

Friday, June 7, 20139:30 to 11:30 a.m.vendredi 7 juin 2013 09 h 30

Alfred WebEx (offerteen français seulement\offered in French only)

Upon registering on-line, email confirmation contains instructions for joining theWebEx teleconference.Lors de votre inscription en ligne, le courriel de confirmation aura les instructionspour assister à la téléconférence WebEx.

Register online at www.ontariosoilcrop.org or contact OSCIA at 1-800-265-9751

Registration

Now FullGuelph

Label expansion granted for Movento 240 SC insecticideCrop / crop

groupPest(s) Rate (mL per ha) Comments** PHI

Bulb vegetables,CG3-07

Thrips(larvae)

365 Max. 2 applications per season/ mini-mum 7 day application interval

3 days (dry bulb subgroup);7 days (green onion subgroup)

Bushberries,CG13-07B,Cranberries

Aphids, blueberry maggot, blueberry gallmidge/ cranberry tipworm, lecanium scale

220 – 365 (aphids);365 – 435 (maggot,gall midge/ tipworm);365 – 585 (scale)

Max. 1.833 L/ha allowed per season/minimum 7 day application interval

7 days

Sweet corn Aphids 220 - 365 Max. 1.1 L/ha allowed per season/minimum 7 day application interval

7 days (50 days if being harvested for silage)

Artichokes Aphids 220 - 365 Max. 1.833 L/ha allowed per season/minimum 7 day application interval

3 days

** consult label for details regarding appropriate water volumes and timing of applications.

THE GROWER

PAGE 28 –– JUNE 2013

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TMTrademark of Suncor Energy Inc. Used under licence.

TM k ofrademarTTr

y Inc.f Suncor Energ Used under lic

cence.