Ferme Giroflée offers highbush blueberries and a philosophy of sustainability. | 14
High-tech cranberry farm
Remote alarm notification software a game-changer for family farm. | 18
November 2024
fruitandveggie.com
November 2024 Vol.80, Issue 4
Colours of the season
Our 2024 photo contest displayed the colours, bounty and insect visitors of the season.
Editorial 4
Industry News 6
In the News 16
Disease Deep-Dive 22 What diseases to expect in a drought year?
10 14 18
Adventures of a tree-fruit
grower
What’s wrong with my tree? Sometimes diagnosing the problem takes a little detective work.
BY MICHELLE CORTENS
A decade of new growth
Ten years after its launch, Ferme Giroflée is the Montérégie largest organic highbush blueberry grower.
page
BY JOEL CEASU
Cranberry farm goes high-tech Family cranberry farm’s remote alarm notification software is crucial to crops’ success.
BY CODY P. BANN
Gooseberries after a rain. See
7. Photo courtesy of David Bianchi.
FROM THE EDITOR
Rounding out the year
The temperatures are dropping, the grain corn fields are turning brown and being harvested, and Christmas decorations are already filling the stores – as the growing season wraps up, our magazine’s season is starting up.
This issue marks the start of Fruit & Vegetable’s 80th anniversary year. The magazine has come a long way since its origins as a local fruit growers’ publication. Now distributed to thousands of growers and industry members across Canada, the magazine has grown to cover a wider variety of crops and an ever-evolving cadre of topics. As you’ll read on page 18, technological developments continue to change how we grow – in this particular instance, turning the 24/7 job of monitoring cranberry bogs during crucial growing periods into a task software can handle, alerting the grower if intervention is needed. I’m sure the extra sleep is appreciated.
photos of the rhythms and sights of their growing season. We’ve received snapshots of farms from the Prairies to the Maritimes, and it’s such a treat to see the season as you do. Thank you for sharing a window into your world with me and our other readers.
I have to admit this is one of my favourite projects Fruit & Vegetable does. There’s something so energizing about checking my email and seeing a cluster of berries, or a bee pollinating cover crops, or a beautiful indigo bunting perched on some pears (see page 7). It makes me feel connected to the industry and our readers in a way that can only be achieved when the communication goes both ways. It’s a good reminder for me to seek out the knowledge and viewpoints of readers and the industry more broadly, as that’s the best way to learn.
So, I’ll take this opportunity to say: If there’s something you want to see us cover, or think we should know, drop me a line. I want to know what’s important to you and what I might be missing. My contact information is in the sidebar. If there’s anything I’ve learned
“Thank you for sharing a window into your world with me.”
The past five years have been tumultuous, to say the least, and we’ve seen a lot of change and pivots happen quickly in response to extreme weather conditions, national and international events, and – of course – the COVID-19 pandemic. As it’s an anniversary year, and with the end of 2024 approaching rapidly, it seems a good time to reflect on the challenges we’ve faced and how we’ve overcome them – or simply adjusted to them, as the case may be.
As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve brought back our photo contest. From May to September, growers and other folks involved with Canadian horticulture sent in
over the years, it’s that if you have a question or a concern, you’re almost certainly not the only one. Sometimes it takes being the brave person to broach the topic in order to improve the understanding of everyone else, too.
Since this is the last issue of 2024, I’ll take this time to wish you a very merry Christmas or happy holiday – as fits your celebrations – and a wonderful new year. May 2025 bring us all fair weather, bountiful crops, and the warmth of good friends and family. •
Canadian organics receive AAFC funding
In early October, Kody Blois, MP for Kings–Hants in Nova Scotia, announced up to $6.8 million over five years to the Organic Federation of Canada (OFC).
This funding will allow the OFC to partner on research into the environmental benefits of sustainable farming practices and address challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, soil health and water quality. The OFC will develop solutions to production challenges
such as organic crop adaptability and pest management. These efforts will improve the performance of organic production systems, support economic growth and development, and improve sustainability in the sector.
Blois made the announcement on behalf of federal ag minister Lawrence MacAulay, and the investment is through the AgriScience Program – Clusters Component, a Sustainable CAP initiative.
CANADIAN FARMLAND VALUES CONTINUE TO RISE
Canadian cultivated farmland values rose by an average of 5.5 per cent in the first half of 2024, according to the mid-year farmland values review by Farm Credit Canada (FCC). Over the 12 months from July 2023 to June 2024, there was a 9.6 per cent increase, representing a slowdown compared to the previous 12-month period (January to December 2023).
BY THE NUMBERS
Cranberries are native to Canada’s Atlantic provinces, where they grow wild and are sometimes known as “marsh apples.”
72.5%
For the second consecutive year, Saskatchewan and Quebec have recorded the highest average six-month increases in the country, at 7.4 per cent and 5.4 per cent respectively. The rates in New Brunswick, British Columbia and Alberta all settled in the same range – 5.2 per cent, 5.0 per cent, and 4.6 per cent respectively. Manitoba recorded a growth rate of 3.9 per
cent, closely followed by Nova Scotia at 3.8 per cent. Ontario recorded a lower increase at 2.1 per cent, with Prince Edward Island concluding the list at 1.7 per cent. Elevated borrowing costs, lower commodity prices and the increased price of land hasn’t deterred some buyers. Looking ahead, declining borrowing costs and a limited supply of available
farmland should sustain the current high prices for farmland.
On the other hand, J.P. Gervais, FCC’s chief economist, notes that farm cash receipts are projected to decline overall in 2024 by 3.3 per cent as commodity prices show few signs of a quick rebound, possibly limiting farmers’ willingness and capacity to assign higher valuations to farmland.
In 2022, Canada produced 209,205 metric tons of cranberries Quebec accounts for of the Canadian cranberry crop
QUEBEC is also the largest producer of organic cranberries globally
This was an exceptional yield – 35% higher than in 2021
Canada is the SECOND LARGEST PRODUCER of cranberries in the world, after the U.S
Quebec’s 2022 cranberry crop hit an alltime record production volume, at 151,739 metric tons
The 2022 crop was a 51.6% increase over the 2021 crop in Quebec
COLOURS OF the season
Our 2024 photo contest displayed the colours, bounty and insect visitors of the season, showing off the variety of produce grown by Canada’s farmers.
BY ALEX BARNARD WINNER
Gooseberries after a rain.
Photo courtesy of David Bianchi.
The bugs and berries have it – according to the photos we received, at least. This summer, Fruit & Vegetable brought back our growing season photo contest, running from May 1 to Sept. 20, and once again we were treated to a cornucopia of beautiful snapshots of fruits, vegetables, and scenes from across Canada.
Taking the top spot this year is David Bianchi, semi-retired farmer at Sunny Acre Farms in Georgetown, Ont., with his photo of a cluster of gooseberries after a rain. For those who recall the results of our 2022 photo contest, featured in that year’s November issue, a couple of Bianchi’s insect pics were included among the honourable mentions. This year, three of his photos ranked in the top five photos for our judges.
One of Bianchi’s responsibilities on his family’s roughly 40-acre apple and strawberry farm was spraying and scouting the orchard and berries. Now, he’s semi-retired and running a small U-pick, with several varieties of garlic, rows of raspberries and currants, and one row of gooseberries, featured in the winning photo. A keen eye trained to look for pests and diseases and his passion for photography – having his camera constantly at hand and “always looking for what would make a good picture” – are evident in the photos Bianchi sent in.
Many thanks to everyone who submitted a photo and gave us a look into what your season looks like. It’s always a joy to get to share the daily sights of Canada’s fruit and vegetable growers. •
HONOURABLE Mentions
LEFT
Nothing like a honeybee enjoying what its work produced.
Photo courtesy of Hetty Verlinden.
BELOW Kiwi berries in September.
Photo courtesy of Danielle Lambert.
LEFT
Ripe haskap berries.
Photo courtesy of Curtis Braaten.
LEFT
Late May, when spring begins to unravel.
Photo courtesy of Lorne Matheson.
RIGHT
Saskatoon berries in the back yard.
Photo courtesy of Sharon Faye.
LEFT
An indigo bunting on Flemish Beauty pears.
Photo courtesy of Colin Campbell.
RIGHT
Beautiful fall mornings – a reminder that there is beauty after a long season in Ontario.
Photo courtesy of Trevor Herrle-Braun.
LEFT
Going to market.
Photo courtesy of Emily Fieguth.
RIGHT
Colorado potato beetles having a snack.
Photo courtesy of David Bianchi.
Identify if the problem is spreading or if it is static from an event that happened in the past.
Consider the history of the orchard, including maintenance, chemicals used and occurrence of extreme environmental conditions. For new trees, consider if the plants dried out during storage or planting. Also consider what herbicides were applied, at what rate, in what weather conditions and whether the tank was kept agitated. Look outside of your control as well; were there any extreme temperatures, such as excess rainfall or drought? It is a wild world out there. I have even seen trees electrocuted by lighting across a trellis wire or stolen by a beaver.
After collecting all of this information, sometimes a laboratory test could be helpful. Laboratory tests need context though, because simply finding a disease-causing organism does not prove that it was the original cause of the issue. Trees that are weakened are more susceptible to infection and the real issue is the problem that caused the initial weakening. However, if you find a disease organism, it is helpful to identify
what it is in case it can infect healthy trees. Soil and leaf tests can help to determine soil and root limitations. Engage your local tree fruit extension specialist because they can bring an industry-wide perspective to your situation. They might even know if your neighbours or widespread farms are experiencing the same or similar issues. They can use the clues to search for similar symptoms in written records. Communicating your issues to your local specialist is also important to build a bank of knowledge for your local industry.
There is plenty to consider for determining the cause of weakened trees. Sometimes we may not be sure of the cause, but we can develop good theories that inform management. Eliminating unlikely causes is just as important to avoid unnecessary practices – for example, a nutrient application when nutrient deficiency is unrelated.
Lastly, if anyone decides to write a detective series based solely on plant murders, I’ll be sure to read it. Happy harvest season everyone! •
When trying to diagnose an issue, keep an open mind and consider multiple factors.
BACKYARD BOUNTY
Grow more food, with less work, in any yard – now completely revised and expanded!
Are you itching to start your own garden or grow more in the one you have, but feel that gardening is too challenging or timeconsuming for your busy schedule? Now completely updated and expanded, Backyard Bounty will demystify gardening, bringing it back to the down-to-earth, environmentally practical activity that anyone can enjoy.
January
• Jan. 6-7, Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Lexington, KY
• Jan. 28-30, Mid-Atlantic U.S. Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Hershey, Penn.
February
• Feb. 1, Nominations open for Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture program
• Feb. 3-6, NASGA and NARBA Conferences, Kailua-Kona, HI
• Feb. 11, Canada’s Agriculture Day
• Feb 16-19, International Fruit Tree Association Conference, Rochester, NY
• Feb. 18, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ AGM, Niagara Falls, Ont.
• Feb. 19-20, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Niagara Falls, Ont.
CRANBERRY FARM goes high-tech
Remote alarm notification software crucial to crops’ success.
BY CODY P. BANN
The 200-year-old cranberry industry is now a multi-billion dollar business. While grown in just five states, the U.S. is the world’s leading cranberry producer, harvesting approximately 40,800 acres of cranberries, which yielded nearly 7.62 million barrels in 2023 (one barrel is equal to 100 lbs., or 45.4 kg).
Over the years, farmers have improved yield-per-acre by planting higher-producing varieties and improving farming practices. For example, sorting fruit through wooden slats has given way to computerized scanners that scrutinize the berries for colour, firmness and imperfections. To meet high
ABOVE
consumer demand, increase efficiency and ensure family farms prosper for future generations, many growers are investing in other high-tech equipment to more quickly harvest, sort and package the fruit.
TECHNOLOGY YIELDS NEW GROWTH
The agriculture industry has radically transformed over the past 50 years. Advances in machinery have expanded the scale, speed and productivity of farm equipment, leading to more efficient cultivation of more land. According to a 2020 report by McKinsey & Company, artificial intelligence, analytics,
Cranberries ready for harvest at the Lee Brothers’ farm in Chatsworth, New Jersey, where the family has been farming for more than 160 years.
PHOTOS
connected sensors and other emerging technologies could further increase yields, improve the efficiency of water and other inputs, and build sustainability and resilience across crop cultivation. Advances in technology also help monitor critical environmental conditions and state-of-the-art machines.
A FAMILY LEGACY
Lee Brothers, Inc., was founded in 1860 when Stephen Lee, a young engineer and Irish immigrant, purchased roughly 2,000 acres in the New Jersey pinelands. Learning that cranberries grow best along a stream, Lee realized that if he built a dam to hold the water back, in the winter he could flood the cranberries and yield higher production. This ingenuity has reaped much success for the generations carrying on the family-farming legacy on the 135 contiguous acres of cranberry bogs and 1,700 acres of surrounding woodlands. For this family, cranberry farming is not just a job but a way of life.
Lee Brothers, Inc., is now run by Stephen Lee III (Lee) and his son, Stephen Lee IV, who manages the farm’s day-to-day operations. Both men know that it takes more than ingenuity to be successful in today’s complex, competitive agriculture and food processing industry. Ensuring ideal bog conditions is critical to maximizing harvests. With a small team to run the operation, missing changing weather conditions could jeopardize the entire crop. Since monitoring a cranberry bog is a 24/7 operation, Lee and his son were staying up all night in shifts, especially when frost or other inclement weather threatened to harm the crops. This was not a viable, long-term strategy for success. The family wanted to integrate and leverage technology to complement the team and change the 24/7 schedule.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
Since 1952, Lee Brothers, Inc., has been an Ocean Spray farmerowner, a co-operative that began in 1930 by three cranberry farmers and now includes more than 700 grower families across North and South America. This co-operative provides a sharing of ownership, ideas and innovation, which is how Lee first learned about SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems – which are used for controlling, monitoring and analyzing industrial devices and processes – and remote alarm monitoring software.
Previously, Lee relied on hand-held digital and mercury thermometers to monitor the bogs’ nighttime temperatures, but he wanted a more autonomous and hierarchical system that allowed for continuous monitoring of multiple variables. After talking with an Ocean Spray operations vice president and conducting research, in 2011, Lee installed the GE CIMPLICTY SCADA system integrated with remote alarm notification software, which has proven crucial to the crops’ annual success.
“The remote alarm notification software system we selected is critical for us to be able to manage the operation with a minimum number of people during the off hours,” Lee says.
LEAVING NOTHING TO CHANCE
Lee Brothers has been using the software for more than ten years at this point, starting out with modems and alphanumeric pagers. Today, Lee Brothers relies on the software’s mobile app to alert them of any conditions that may impact the crops.
As every farmer knows, crop production is dependent on the weather. Fortunately, however, modern technology allows
for intervention to minimize risk and increase yield. The Lee Brothers’ bogs rely on six pump houses to continuously monitor soil moisture and temperature conditions. If a bog is exposed to temperatures that are too high or too low, the year’s flowers or berries could be destroyed, and the vines – which, if healthy, can produce fruit for up to 60 years – could be damaged. The installed technology allows each pump house to be autonomous and continuously report bog conditions back to the SCADA. If the temperatures fall below or rise above optimum levels, the
ABOVE
One of six pumphouses on the Lee Brothers’ farm where the PLCs are installed.
