GH - December 2022

Cannabis aphids on the rise They are becoming one of the most prevalent pests | 9

Benchmarking in Ontario Comparing operations’ finances | 44

Growing media trends Supply challenges continue to impact industry 48

DECEMBER 2022 greenhousecanada.com

Nutrient

Three Reasons to Consider Taegro® 2 For Bio-Logical Disease Management

When soilborne and foliar diseases threaten fruits and vegetables, growers deserve natural, dependable protection that helps them maximize marketable yields. Taegro® 2 biofungicide is an OMRI-Listed solution from Novozymes BioAg, it’s easy to use and a great fit for integrated pest management (IPM) programs.

1.Proven performance.

Powered by naturally occurring Bacillusamyloliquefaciens bacterium, Taegro 2 provides exceptional protection against powdery mildew, botrytis, blights and soilborne diseases like rhizoctonia, fusarium and sclerotinia It employs three modes of action that not only attack diseases, but also help the plant heal and mount a defense against them for better tolerance in the future.

This biological activity makes it an ideal tool for IPM programs because it won’t contribute to resistance issues and offers flexible application options.

Growers can apply via drench to transplants to help prevent root rot and give plants a strong start or mid-to-late season as a foliar to help keep blights, rots and spots from taking over after fruits are set.

Taegro 2 is also a durable and safe tank-mix partner that provides protection with a low use rate.

It’s stored as a spore with a hard cased capsule that activates when it reaches other living things. This gives it a shelf life of three years. Just 2.6-5.2 oz. per acre provides protection, and growers can spray one day and harvest the next.

Find out how Taegro 2 can enhance your IPM program. Talk to your retailer today!

Nutrient management

Identifying the plant nutrient uptake under different N concentrations and evaluating the impact of P and K supply.

Identifying

BY ALIA REEVES

Sawaya Garden Trials: Part 2

We look at another 40 key examples of varieties from the 2022 trials.

BY MELHEM SAWAYA

Growing media trends

Supply challenges continue to impact industry.

BY ANDREW SNOOK

Controlling cannabis environments

A new resource was recently released to help licensed producers optimize their indoor cannabis production, and it looks to be a fantastic resource for growers and students looking to tackle any aspect of growing. The Handbook of Cannabis Production in Controlled Environments, edited by Dr. Youbin Zheng, professor at the University of Guelph, showcases fantastic research from experts within the cannabis sector. Here’s a brief breakdown:

Chapter 1: Introduction

An introduction to basic biology, phytochemical constituents, and controlled environment production of cannabis.

Chapter 2: Growing Facilities and Environmental Control

An overview of the science and technology behind the control of temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, air distribution and lighting, and discusses how these key environment factors affect cannabis growth and development.

cannabis cultivation and integrated rootzone management for different cultivation systems.

Chapter 6: Lighting and CO2 in Cannabis Production

This chapter discusses how CO2 affects cannabis production and should be supplied during cultivation.

Chapter 7: Canopy Management

Reviews plant canopy management from the viewpoint of plant physiology, and describes how to manage canopies for stock plants for production of cuttings, and to manage vegetative and flowering plants.

Chapter 8: Management of Diseases on Cannabis in Controlled Environment Production

This discusses general plant pathology, disease management principles and specific disease control practices for cannabis production.

“A great resource for growers and students.”

Chapter 3: Genetics and Plant Breeding of Cannabis sativa for Controlled Environment Production

This section outlines cannabis genetics and breeding.

Chapter 4: Cannabis Propagation

This section is about propagation by seeds, stem cuttings and in vitro technologies.

Chapter 5: Rootzone Management in Cannabis Production

Discusses water sources, water quality, water and nutrient solution treatments, nutrition and fertilization, growing media and their selection, different rootzones used in

Chapter 9: Management of Insect Pests on Cannabis in Controlled Environment Production

This introduces the basic concepts of IPM for controlled environment cannabis cultivation, and the biology and management strategies for major insect pests of cannabis.

Chapter 10: Harvest and Post-Harvest

This covers when and how to harvest, post-harvest trimming, drying, curing and storage.

The handbook can be purchased at the VitalSource Bookshelf online or at www.routledge.com.

Sun Gro to purchase Pelemix Americas Operations

Sun Gro Horticulture, a North American industry leader in the manufacturing and distribution of growing media products, announced it has finalized a deal to acquire Pelemix Mexico and Pelemix USA.

The company also announced Sun Gro’s export sales vice-president, Kirk Johanson, will lead the Pelemix Mexico, Central and South America, and Caribbean businesses.

The Mexican operations, including their distribution facilities, will continue to be managed from their existing office in Guadalajara, Mexico. The Pelemix U.S. and Canadian operations will be integrated into Sun Gro’s existing organizational structure in both countries.

Sun Gro will continue to work collaboratively with Pelemix to leverage their global operations and source high quality coir and finished products from the Pelemix facilities in Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand.

“Sun Gro Horticulture is an industry leader in growing media and growing media product innovation,” said Phil Jones, CEO of Sun Gro. “Similarly, Pelemix is a global leader in the coconut coir substrate markets. This acquisition will allow Sun Gro to expand is growing media offerings, adding coconut coir substrates, and expand its geographical footprint further into Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean to meet the growing needs of all our customers.”

Pelemix coir is used worldwide as a growing media for hydroponic crops, plant propagation, fruit and vegetable production, potted plant and bedding plant production. The merger of Pelemix USA and Mexican businesses with Sun Gro strengthens both product portfolios and enables customers to have a single source for all their Coir and Peat needs, the company stated.

ADEPTAG ACQURIES BELLPARK HORTICULTURE

AdeptAg recently announced the acquisition of Bellpark Horticulture. With the addition of Bellpark, AdeptAg is expected to expand its product offerings, sales and support further into the automated horticulture systems industry. Based in Surrey, B.C., Bellpark has been involved in horticulture automation solutions for more than 20 years. The company has worked with suppliers such as

Visser Horti Systems, Logitec Plus, Mayer, DryGair, Unifortes, and KG Systems.

“Bellpark is a great addition to the AdeptAg platform,” said AdeptAg CEO Rick Parod. “Their strong reputation as

best-in-class reflects the same DNA as the current AdeptAg platform and pairs perfectly with our strategic leadership position in providing solutions in controlled environment agriculture.”

BY

THE NUMBERS

Farmland value increases override concern over higher interest rates

Average farmland values continued to increase in most parts of Canada, despite higher interest rates in the first half of 2022, according to a mid-year review by Farm Credit Canada (FCC).

The highest average farmland value increases were reported in Ontario (15.6 per cent), Prince Edward Island (14.8 per cent) and Quebec (10.3 per cent), followed by Saskatchewan (8.4 per cent), which was closest to the national average increase of 8.1 per cent. More modest increases were reported in the rest of the provinces. There were insufficient transactions in the Yukon, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador to fully assess farmland values.

2022 research brief: Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus

ABOVE

Nearly 10 years ago, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) initiated, in collaboration with the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the only greenhouse tomatoes-on-the- vine (TOVs) breeding program in Canada.

As the majority of tomato varieties have been developed by European seed companies, Vineland’s program focused initially on developing flavourful greenhouse TOVs adapted to the unique climate in southern Ontario, the epicentre of modern greenhouse vegetable production in North America.

However, the focus shifted in late 2019, when OMAFRA and OGVG invested in additional research at Vineland to identify a source of resistance to the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) and develop the necessary tools to add resistance to Vineland’s breeding program.

First identified in Israel in 2014, ToBRFV is a newly emerged virus mainly affecting tomatoes and peppers, which has since spread worldwide and was detected in Canada in 2019. Discoloured leaves and crinkled brown or yellow spots on the fruit are the hallmark symptoms of the disease.

Although not a food safety concern, it reduces the market value of the fruit and threatens global food security.

The Vineland team has since been involved in two separate efforts to combat this virus. First, a collaboration with researchers at AAFC to screen Vineland’s collection of diverse tomato lines for ToBRFV resistance. Secondly, a partnership with two global seed companies to screen a wide collection of tomatoes in Europe for ToBRFV resistance and to develop tools to efficiently breed that resistance into Vineland’s elite, Canadian-adapted TOVs.

If current efforts are successful, it is anticipated that Vineland will be able to begin testing new, high-yielding varieties in commercial greenhouses in two years, using the newly identified resistance and breeding tools.

This past August, Vineland showcased its research facility to a group of participants during the International Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus Symposium. Hosted by OGVG in partnership with OMAFRA, AAFC and Flowers Canada Growers, researchers from around the world met to address the issue of ToBRFV by discussing a number of topics including: ongoing research, crop management strategies and mitigation approaches.

This research program has been funded through AAFC, Genome Canada, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and OGVG.

The team at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre has been involved in two separate efforts to combat the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus.

Photo: Courtesy of Vineland.

CANNABIS APHIDS on the rise

They are quickly becoming one of the most prevalent pests on cannabis crops

CBY ALIA REEVES

annabis aphids (Phorodon Cannabis) are quickly becoming one of the most prevalent pests on cannabis crops. Fortunately, their physical and behavioural characteristics allow them to be easily identified and distinguished from other aphid species.

The cannabis aphids’ most defining feature is their antenna tubercules, which appear as horn-like structures at the top of their heads, and can be observed with the use of a microscope. Their colouration can range from yellow-green, green, or pink-brown and may have vertical stripes running down their bodies. Winged morphs are generally brown and green and appear to have harder more chitinized bodies.

Cannabis aphid feeding behaviour is somewhat unusual compared to other foliar aphids. Many other foliar aphids generally have a preference for feeding on leaves and select stems as a food source once their population reaches a certain threshold. Cannabis aphids, however, seem to have as much of a preference for feeding on stems as they do leaves. In areas of low infestation, they have been observed feeding on stems just as often, if not more so, as on leaves.

LIFE CYCLE

Aphids are able to reproduce sexually and asexually. Sexual reproduction occurs during the fall in preparation for overwintering; aphids overwinter as eggs that require a cold snap before that are able to hatch the following spring. In warmer climates and greenhouses where temperatures remain well above freezing, aphids reproduce asexually by parthenogenesis. In this case, aphids give birth to living and already pregnant female offspring. It is estimated that cannabis aphids birth one to five aphids daily during their three- to four-week lifespan.

CROP DAMAGE

excretion. As aphids feed on plant sap, they secrete a honeydew that falls from the feeding aphids on the underside of leaves to the top surfaces of the leaves below. This causes the top sides of the leaves or flowers to become sticky. Brown sooty mold is attracted to this honeydew and as it feeds and grows, it inhibits photosynthesis and causes contamination. Exoskeletons shed by the aphids also stick to the honeydew, which can further contaminate flowers.

PEST MANAGEMENT

Preventative and mechanical: Crops should be scouted and monitored regularly with clear documentation of pest pressures. Plants should be examined

Cannabis aphids are sap-sucking insects that not only cause feeding damage that weaken plant health, but also transmit viruses and contaminate products through their honeydew

by flipping leaves to detect early infestations. Sticky cards should be hung near the plants – but avoid touching – and monitored. Winged aphids looking to establish within the crop, or looking to disperse from an already established hotspot, can be found on cards and indicate corrective action will need to take place. Corrective action can include removing infested leaves, releasing beneficials or applying pesticides. Keeping accurate records will help determine if control methods were successful.

A cannabis aphid mummy.

Releasing beneficials preventatively can aid in ‘scouting’ as they hunt for prey. However, specialized aphid predators will have to be replaced weekly or bi-weekly as they may starve due to a lack of food. Depending on the predator and/or release rate, they may only provide suppression by slowing the population growth.

Maintaining a crop pruning schedule can remove any colonies that have not yet been discovered. However, it is only effective if plant material is removed from the facility, otherwise, it may act as a re-entry point. Scheduled pruning and de-leafing will also allow for better spray coverage and air flow. It also aids scouting as it is more effective to be able to see through plants rather than just the exterior leaves.

Maintaining a strong biosecurity program should be part of any IPM program. Personnel should arrive with clean or facility-specific clothing. New biomass should be quarantined and monitored prior to introducing to the rest of the crop. This will help prevent the introduction of any new pest.

Biologicals

Anystis baccarum

Anystis baccarum is a large generalist predatory mite that targets aphids, spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. They hunt indiscriminately by crawling in a circular pattern until they come into contact with a prey item. They can reproduce asexually through parthenogenesis which has significant implications for rapid population growth if provided with enough prey items. To take advantage of this reproductive strategy, A. baccarum are better suited towards longer lived crops, such as greenhouse vegetables or field cannabis, rather than greenhouse cannabis crops that are harvested after

LEFT

Cannabis aphids are sap-sucking insects that not only cause feeding damage that weaken plant health, but also transmit viruses and contaminate products through their honeydew excretion.

approximately eight to 10 weeks. As a predator specifically for cannabis aphids, they are capable of consuming all aphid developmental stages, including winged forms, but are more successful at catching first and second instars; larger aphids often required multiple attempts. They move quickly and are able to travel long distances. This attribute makes them better suited for prevention as they tend to leave hotspots even when infestations remain high. Their potential as an intraguild predator has not yet been fully explored, but due to its indiscriminate nature, any predator it comes into contact with that is smaller than the mite will likely become prey. Unfortunately, they are currently sold at a relatively high price point and do not appear to fill a niche that other aphid predators are incapable of.

Aphidius spp.

Aphidius spp. are parasitoids, or parasitic wasps, that inject their eggs into pest hosts. A single egg is laid into individual aphids where the egg hatches, the larva consumes and develop the host from within, and finally pupates and emerges turning the aphid into a mummy. After the larva pupates within the host, the adult wasp emerges and leaves an exit hole in the aphid mummy. The colour and texture of the mummy depends on the parasitoid species and can range from brown, pink, shiny, or fuzzy. They can be released preventatively to seek out aphid hotspots and slow down population growth. Aphidius matricariae and A. colemani currently appear to be the most successful species at parasitizing cannabis aphids. However, A. matricariae tend to leave greenhouse crops during the warmer months in search of more favourable environments while A. colemani tend to remain as long as there are appropriately sized aphids to parasitize. If released in large enough quantities at the right time, they may be able to control cannabis aphids or, at the very least, provide significant suppression. A. matricariae and A. colemani pair well with most other aphid predators. In the absence of prey, they will need to be released weekly or biweekly as they cannot continue to survive without a food source.

Aphidoletes aphidimyza

Aphidoletes aphidimyza are gall midges with predatory larvae that can consume up to 100 aphids in a week. Unfortunately, larvae undergo diapause and I found them to be unable to establish on vegging or flowering plants. It is not recommended to use this species as a control for cannabis aphids.

Hoverflies

Hoverfly adults are pollinators, that mimic the colouration of bees and wasps, and their larvae are predatory. Some species are migratory, arriving in Canada around April and leaving in September/October. From my experience, their larvae are voracious and may be able to provide control of cannabis aphids. However, during times of high cannabis aphid infestation, hoverflies have been observed to pupate

on flowers which can reduce product quality. This may happen without directly releasing them into the facility as they can be attracted from the wild and enter through greenhouse vents or establish themselves in field crops. If hoverflies are to be released, do so during low severity cannabis aphid infestations on vegging plants. They may be able to provide control and move on before the plants flower. While hoverflies are efficient predators, their benefit should be weighed against their potential risk.

Lacewings

There are two types of lacewings available in Canada: brown lacewings (Micromus variegatus) and green lacewings (Chrysoperla carnea). Brown lacewings are predatory as adults and larvae; however, there are not sold by many suppliers and they are often sold in small quantities making them expensive. Green lacewings are predacious as larvae and are commonly available. While the recommended curative release rates were used at both low and high cannabis aphid infestations, green lacewings were unable to provide control. However, they

likely slowed cannabis aphid population growth. Exceeding the recommended high curative rate and releasing lacewings while aphid pressure is low could result in control, however, determining such rate and timing is challenging.

Ladybird beetles

Both ladybird beetle adults and larvae are predatory, and the most commonly sold species is Adalia bipunctata. Many species are migratory and arrive in North America around May and leave around August/ September. If released into the facility outside of these months, they are likely to leave through greenhouse vents. They may be a risk for product contamination as they may pupate on flowers. Ladybird beetles are effective aphid predators, however, my experience with wild ladybird beetles in a field crop was that they were able to provide suppression.

Scymnus spp.

Scymnus spp. is a type of ladybird beetle that is native to North America and overwinters rather than migrates. They can be attracted into the facility and sustained with the use of banker plants

New Construction & Retrofit

SOLUTIONS

and forgo overwintering. Both the adult and larva are predatory and were observed to gain control of cannabis aphids in a closed system. The larvae show a preference for pupating on solid structures such as the underside of pot lips rather than the plants themselves. They do not appear widely available for sale, but I recommend attempting to attract and sustain them with banker plants if you have the resources to do so. During my breeding program, they were found frequently throughout the facility hunting cannabis aphids.

Chemical

Of the currently registered pesticides for cannabis, insecticidal soap was observed to be the most efficacious in controlling cannabis aphids. Insecticidal soap is a contact spray, so it is important to ensure adequate spray coverage. This can be achieved by maintaining an effective pruning/crop schedule and using appropriate spray equipment. A vertical boom with numerous nozzles pointed upwards at a 45-degree angle to target stems and the undersides of leaves should provide the best coverage.

Nutrient management during the flowering phase of drug-type Cannabis sativa

Identifying the plant nutrient uptake under different N concentrations and evaluating the impact of P and K supply.

BY MARTINE DORAIS, CAMILLE LEBLANC, THI THUY AN NGUYEN AND ANNIE BRÉGARD

During the last few years, an increasing number of studies have evaluated the impact of the mineral nutrition on growth, flower yield and cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles of cannabis. As a result, scientific-based N, P and K optimal ranges have been proposed. However, little is now about the nutrient uptake of cannabis during its development.

To determine the nutrient requirement of drugtype cannabis during the flowering phase, we studied at the commercial site (IsoCanMed Inc., Louiseville, Que.) the impact of two N concentrations (150 and 250 ppm) on plant growth development, plant nutrient uptake of N, P, K, Ca and Mg, flower yield and their cannabinoid and terpene content. Six growth cycles were performed in a vertical indoor aeroponic growing system with two high THC

ABOVE

genotypes (Critical Orange Punch, COP, and White Shark, WS) (figures 1A-D). The plantlets were transferred into a flowering room having 42 vertical aeroponic towers (264 plants per tower; total of 12,672 plants per growth cycle) and submitted to a vegetative phase (16-h photoperiod) of two weeks or directly submitted to the flowering phase (12-h photoperiod; PPFD of 445 µmol m-2 s-1 provided by 1000 W HPS and 315 W LEC lamps; 500-1500 ppm CO2; day/night temperature of 22/18oC; 55-70% RH). Plants were irrigated with a complete nutrient solution, which was collected into a 2,000 L reservoir and reused. Twice a day, the nutrient solution was adjusted for the EC and pH, and the plant nutrient consumption was measured daily (samples taken before and after the nutrient solution adjustment). The nutrient solution was renewed weekly.

To determine the nutrient requirement of drug-type cannabis during the flowering phase, studies were undertaken at the commercial site of IsoCanMed Inc. in Louiseville, Que.

A greenhouse experiment conducted at Laval University was also conducted to examine within a randomized complete block design with four replicates the response of one genotype (WS) grown in deep-water culture system of 40 L having three plants per system (total of 40 systems and 120 plants) with five P (25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm) and two K concentrations (175 and 250 ppm) (figure 1E). Upon their transplantation, the plantlets were submitted into the flowering phase with a 12-h photoperiod supplied with 1000 W HPS providing a PPFD of 321 µmol m-2 s-1 at the plant level; 22/18oC day/night temperatures and 63% RH. The nutrient solution was renewed every two weeks or every week.

NITROGEN EFFECT

During the six growing cycles, the pH and EC of the nutrient solution ranged from 5.74 to 6.02 (average of 5.79 for 250 ppm N and 5.97 for 150 ppm N treatments) and 1.28 to 2.94 mS/cm (average of 2.29 mS/cm for 250 ppm N and 1.93 mS/cm for 150 ppm N treatments) , respectively, while the daily plant water uptake ranged from 100 (150 ppm N) to 111 (250 ppm N) mL per plant. Our results showed that N, K and Ca uptake increased at the beginning of the flowering phase and then decreased, while P and Mg demand increased and then remained constant (figure 2). High N concentration increased N, K and Ca uptake only at week 2 of development, with no effect afterwards. P uptake increased

Evolution of the averaged daily N-NO3, P-PO4, K, Ca and Mg uptake per plant of C. sativa grown under 150 and 250 ppm N concentrations during the flowering phase. Different letters above the means represent significant differences between treatments by LSD protected by Fisher (P < 0.05). * is indicated when significant different at P≤0.05 between 150 and 250 ppm. (Note : mg L-1 = ppm)

FIGURE 1

Experimental designs at IsoCanMed (Louiseville, Que.) for the N experimental growth cycles (A-D) and Laval University for the N x P experiment (E).

PHOTOS: ISOCANMED AND CAMILLE LEBLANC

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 3

Weekly evolution of plant height and the number of nodes of WS and COP grown under 150 ppm N-NO3 (plain line) and 250 ppm N-NO3 (dotted line). Different lowercase letters above the means represent significant differences between the weeks and genotypes grown under 150 ppm N-NO3 by protected Fisher’s LSD test (P<0.05), while uppercase letters indicate differences for plants grown under 250 ppm N-NO3

*indicates a significant difference between the two cultivars at 250 ppm N-NO3. (Note : mg L-1 = ppm)

until week 5 and then reached a plateau. This corresponds at the time that flower buds were rapidly growing and gained weight. The reduction of the leaf P content at weeks 4-5 (data not shown) and the increase of the plant P uptake both suggest that flowers constitute a sink for P, with an averaged of 1.3% P content. The K leaf accumulation decreased at week 3, which can be related to the plant K uptake decrease, while Ca leaf content slightly increased during plant development as it is an important structural component for the cells (data not shown). The leaf Mg content of COP decreased after 8 weeks, while its content gradually increased for the WS until week 5, and then decreased, which suggest a genotype specificity (data not shown).

The genotypes, N treatments and weeks had a significant impact on the plant height and the number of nodes per plant (figure 3). Plants reached their maximum height at week 4, except for WS grown at 250 ppm N, which was delayed by one week. N treatment had a strong impact on the height as plants were 1.5 times taller under high N level. From weeks 5 to 10, there was a significant difference between WS and COP grown at 250 ppm for the plant height and the number of nodes per plant.

The high N concentration (250 ppm) did not impact significantly the flower yield of COP (average of 4.24 dry g per plant) but increased the yield of WS by 29% (4.50 dry g per plant) compared with the low N concentration (150 ppm; 3.50 dry g per plant). Under 150 ppm N, the flower yield of COP was 27% higher than WS, while no difference was observed under 250 ppm N. However, increasing the N concentration from 150 to 250 ppm N decreased by 9.5% the total THC content of both genotypes (from 17.66% to 16.13). The concentration of THCA already decarboxylated into Δ 9-THC in the dried flowers was, nonetheless, higher under 250 ppm N (0.31% compared with 0.14%). No significant effect of N on the other cannabinoids (CBDA, CBD, CBDV, CBN, CBG, CBGA and CBC) was observed. WS had 1.5 fold more CBN than COP (0.36% compared with 0.24%). Regardless of N concentration, the total THC and CBD potency were similar within both genotypes (16.89% and 0.14%, respectively).

The principal component analysis (Figure 4) shows that different terpenes are related to a specific genotype when

grown under a high N concentration (two difference clusters indicated in bleu dotted line for WS and orange dotted line for COP), while other terpenes are related to both genotypes under a low N concentration (same cluster indicated in black line).

For example, the high N concentration for WS was related to a high flower content of β-pinene, Trans-β-ocimene, carene, isoterpinolen, pseudolimonen, E-nerolidol, caryophyllene and β-myrcene, while a high N concentration for COP was related to caryophyllene oxide, linalool, β-eudesmol, humulene, D-limonene, o-cymene and cis-β-ocimene. On the other hand, a low N concentration for both genotypes was related to α-pinene, trans-nerolidol, I-bomeol, L-α-terpineo, guaiol and phytol.

Regarding the impact of K and P concentrations, no significant effect was observed on plant growth parameters (average values: total plant biomass of 160.5 g dw/plant; leaf biomass of 105 g dw/plant; root biomass of 11.5 g dw/plant; growth index of 1673; shoot diameter of 13.2 cm; number of leaves per plants of 292; chlorophyll content index of 61.8; and maximum quantum yield of photosystem II of 0.82), flower yield (27.9 g/plant) and water use efficiency (1.28 g/L), except for leaf area where the higher K concentration (250 ppm), regardless of the P concentrations, increased its value by 1.6 times compared with the 175 ppm K treatment (11,015 cm3/ plant vs 6,878 cm3/plant).

After 80 days of growth, N and K leaf content decreased compared with their content at 25 days, while Ca and Mg increased (data not shown). On the other hand, the N and P concentrations in the flowers increased, which suggest that flowers may constitute a sink for N and P due to the high energy demand for the biosynthesis of cannabinoids and terpenes. Under moderate P concentrations, the high K concentration (250 ppm) increased the leaf K content compared with 175 ppm K, which may suggest a “luxury consumption” of K. The leaf Ca content at 80 days was 36% higher than its content at 25 days of growth, which might be due to a higher transpiration rate as Ca transportation from the roots to the leaves is highly related to the transpiration stream.

In addition, no significant effect of P and K concentrations on the cannabinoid content (THCA, Δ9-THC, CBDA, CBD,

FIGURE 4

Principal component analysis of the terpenoids found in two genotypes (WS and COP) of C. sativa grown under 150 and 250 ppm N. The Principal com-ponent 1 accounted for 49.21% of total variance whereas the Principal Component 2 accounted for 38.16%.

CBGA, CBG, CBC) were observed with 14.08 to 16.24% for total THC and 0.05% for total CBD. The averaged terpene content of the flowers was 19.56 mg g-1; 75% of the terpenes were sesquiterpenes followed by the monoterpenes, while the remaining 1% were diterpenes. From the 60 terpenes identified, 11 terpenes representing 72% of the total terpene content had more than 0.50 mg g-1 and is known as having pharmacological metabolites of interest. β-caryophyllene was the terpene found at the highest concentrations with an averaged value of 2.64 mg g-1 followed by germacrene B, selina-3,7(11)-diene and α-pinene with 2.45, 1.72 and 1.50 mg g-1, respectively. Only three terpenes were impacted significatively by the 50 ppm P x 175 ppm K treatment. Figure 5 shows the relationship between the P and K concentrations and the flower content in cannabinoids (figures 5A and 5B) and terpenoids (figure 5C).

In summary, our N experiments showed that N, K and Ca plant uptake peaked at week 2 and then decreased, while Mg and P uptake increased until weeks 2 and 5, respectively, and stay relatively high throughout the flowering phase. At the beginning of the flowering phase, high N fertilization promoted the N, K and Ca plant uptake. The high N fertilization increased the flower yield of White Shark by 29%, while no effect was

observed for Critical Orange Punch. For both genotypes, 250 ppm N fertilization reduced by 9.5% of the total THC content compared with 150 ppm. Therefore, growers may modulate the N supply according to the developmental stage of their genotype to avoid any N overfertilization and overgrown plants. However, further studies are needed to identify the optimal N concentration as neither genotype responded similarly. Regarding our P x K experiment, we did not observe any significant beneficial effect of higher P and K concentrations on flower yield, but we had a 60% higher leaf area under 250 ppm of K compared with 175 ppm, and higher plant biomass at 100 ppm of P and 250 ppm of K, while lower N flower content was observed under 50 and 100 ppm of P and 175 ppm of K. The cannabinoid concentrations in the inflorescences of plants grown in a hydroponic growing system were not significantly affected by the P and K studied concentrations, although total THC was related to high P content (P 150 ppm). Only three main terpenes were affected by P x K fertilization where the 50 P x 175 K ppm treatment reduced their content. High P concentrations (150 or 200 ppm) were related to some terpenes such as pinene, myrcene and limonene. Overall, our results suggest that hydroponic cannabis growers do not need to use a concentration above 25 ppm for P and 175 ppm for K as those levels were sufficient for an optimal plant development and yield. However, a high level of P (150 and 200 ppm) was positively related to the cannabinoids and some terpenes as shown in figure 3. These levels may vary according to the genotype and the light growing condition, as our P x K experiment was conducted with only one genotype and under relatively low light conditions. Additional studies with a large number of genotypes and under different growing conditions (e.g. growing media, lighting) are needed to better characterize the impact of the N, K and P management on the cannabinoids and terpene content.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors thank the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and IsoCanMed Inc. for the final support for this research. We are also grateful to Nathalie Delisle, Erik Bertacchini and Juliano Bertacchini for their trust and greatly appreciated technical assistance making this study possible as well as Rejean Bacon from Laval University for his support regarding the administrative and scientific aspects.

Complete results could be find at: https://corpus.ulaval.ca/entities/ publication/a6217be6-1cce-4f9d-bb5d-042f479dcdc7

FIGURE 5

Principal component analysis of the cannabinoids and terpenoids found in the flowers of C. sativa WS grown under 10 combination treatments of P (25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 ppm) x K (175 and 250 ppm). A) Simple effect of P or K on the flower cannabinoid content; B) P x K combined effect on the flower cannabinoid content; C) P x K combined effect on the flower terpenoid content.

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Quality post-harvest practices for cannabis

ABOVE

This image shows an example of a ripe bud where pistils have turned amber in colour and trichomes are no longer translucent.

Undeniably, growing cannabis is a tedious yet rewarding process. All cannabis crop management practices affect the post-harvest quality, which determines the product outcome. Post-harvest quality parameters will also vary with the end use of the cannabis flower. One of the most important aspects of growing quality cannabis comes when you are ready to harvest your plant.

The image (above) shows an example of a ripe bud where pistils have turned amber in colour and trichomes are no longer translucent. The number of days in flower will vary by strain. Typically, indica plants will be ready for harvest in approximately 50 to 60 days, and sativa usually between 60 and 70 days.

Harvesting plants too early or too late can affect potency and yield, potentially lessening the flower’s quality. The number of days from flower to harvest will also influence the way plants are grown, vegetatively or generatively. Growers follow three main practices while gathering buds for drying and processing:

1. Harvest the entire plant and hang it up, then harvest the buds when they’re dry.

2. Remove the branches with the buds intact, hang them and then harvest the buds after drying.

3. Remove the buds from the stem to save space, and dry buds in boxes or on trays.

When the entire plant is hung up, usually it takes longer to dry. During handling, the dried leaves and buds may fall or crumble.

PROCESSING YOUR CANNABIS BUDS

Drying: Several factors such as microbial activity, moisture content, room temperature, and duration of light, affect the post-harvest quality and sustainability of cannabis. Drying is the most effective technique for controlling microbial activity and enabling long-term storage while maintaining potency, taste, and medicinal properties.

Several drying methods have been used to dry the flowers, including hot air drying,

oven drying, vacuum freeze-drying, atmospheric freeze-drying, and microwave-assisted drying. While carrying out the drying process, keep the following points in mind:

• If you are drying the entire plant, then ensure that everything is set up prior to harvest — racks are properly placed and disinfected in advance;

• Don’t overcrowd the drying rooms. Keep the dry rooms well-ventilated with proper air flow to maintain ideal temperatures and humidity levels, which decreases the chances of mould and mildew;

• Some growers use higher temperatures for the first three to five days to get rid of moisture quickly, and then drop to lower temperatures;

• We recommend using Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) as a guideline rather than temperature and humidity independently. VPD indicates the difference of water activity inside the buds as compared to outside of them;

• A good range for proper loss of

water from buds is suggested to be between seven to nine millibars. Temperature and RH adjusted to achieve proper VPD will help to avoid condensation and mould;

• Measuring the moisture content of cannabis buds determines the effectiveness of drying and curing techniques, which also affect the terpene concentration and chemical profile of the finished product;

• The moisture content of adequately cured cannabis flower should be less than 13 per cent.

Curing: Curing is essentially a process of “ripening the buds” where dried buds are placed into airtight containers and stored in a dark environment between 15.5 to 20 degrees, with around 60 per cent humidity. Measuring water activity (aW) in cannabis buds helps determine how vulnerable the product is to microbial contamination. Mitigating water activity reduces the chance of microbial growth and allows the product to be stored for extended periods. Growers often mistakenly assume that higher moisture content in the flower

means a higher water activity but that’s not always correct. It is possible to have low moisture content in the product and still have water activity that is more than 0.65 aW. It is recommended that dried cannabis be stored in sealed containers with water activity below 0.65aW.

Storing the product with poor drying conditions under high humidity encourages the formation of microbial spores and harmful microbial toxins such as aflatoxin, as well as powdery mildew and botrytis, which causes the deterioration of cannabis.

The therapeutic potential of cannabis products depends heavily on the initial quality of the plant material, as influenced by the harvesting time, harvesting technique, and postharvesting technologies. This also helps to determine the chemical composition and quality of the buds.

Safety has been the biggest concern, however, since no proper standardized procedures are present, it’s difficult to enforce. Thus, having controlled process- ing systems in place, in alignment with the scientific evidence, is essential.

HOW CAN POWDERY mildew on cannabis be managed?

To get the most out of your greenhouse biocontrol program, start with preventative strategies.

BY CAMERON SCOTT AND DR. ZAMIR K. PUNJA

Powdery mildew diseases affect a wide range of host species including important greenhouse crops such as tomato, pepper and cucumber, and are caused by different fungal pathogens. On cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.), powdery mildew is caused by Golovinomyces ambrosiae and far less commonly by the pathogen Podosphaera macularis (specifically under field conditions). This disease is easily identified by the characteristic white powdery growth on the upper surface of leaves, as well as on flower tissues or stems of cannabis plants (Figure 1).

Spores of powdery mildew may originate from infected plants within or near the greenhouse, from surfaces that were not sufficiently cleaned between crops and infected plant debris. These spores are moved easily through the air but may also be spread by workers. Following spore germination and infection, fungal colonies that develop can limit photosynthesis and reduce nutrient availability to the plant, causing premature leaf drop as well as reducing overall vigour and potential yield of plants. Powdery mildew infection on cannabis can significantly reduce the quality and marketability of flowers, due to the visible growth of the pathogen on flower tissues (Figure 1).

DISEASE MANAGEMENT APPROACHES

In general, powdery mildews are managed by fungicide application or use of other chemical products, as well as biological control agents, induction of disease resistance, and development of cultivars with genetic resistance. Powdery mildew management on cannabis relies on cultural control methods, such as removal of diseased leaves (deleafing), maintaining relative humidity at levels not conducive for pathogen development, and application of biocontrol products or reduced risk chemicals.

There are currently no synthetic chemical fungicides registered for powdery mildew control on cannabis in Canada unlike on other crops. Several reduced risk chemical products are approved for use by Health Canada, and include potassium bicarbonate, hydrogen peroxide and lactic acid, among others. Other potential methods for disease control, including biological control agents, application of ultraviolet (UV) light, or use of disease resistant cultivars, have not been previously evaluated for cannabis.

FIGURE 1

Powdery mildew symptoms on cannabis plants include a white powdery growth of the pathogen on leaves (top left) which is due to mycelial growth and spore production as seen under the scanning electron microscope (top right). Comparison of powdery mildew development on a highly susceptible genotype of cannabis (bottom left) compared to a resistant genotype (bottom right). Both were grown side by side and powdery mildew developed from natural infection under greenhouse conditions. Photographs were taken at harvest time.

STUDY OBJECTIVES

In this study, we evaluated potential disease control methods for powdery mildew management on cannabis. Three biological control agents, namely Actinovate SP (containing Streptomyces lydicus strain WYEC 108), Rhapsody ASO (containing Bacillus subtilis strain QST 713) and Stargus (containing Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain F727) were tested. Chemical treatments

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UV-C treatments used daily reduced powdery mildew development (top right leaf) compared to untreated plants (top left leaf). Mildew developed extensively on untreated plants (bottom left) compared to treated plants (bottom right).

evaluated included MilStop (potassium bicarbonate), ZeroTol (hydrogen peroxide) and the plant defence inducer Regalia Maxx (containing an extract of Reynoutria sachalinensis). In addition, the efficacy of UV-C light to manage powdery mildew was also examined by daily exposure of leaves. Finally, the susceptibility of different cultivars (genotypes) of cannabis to disease development was assessed to determine their resistance to powdery mildew.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

All treatments were applied to cannabis cultivar Copenhagen Kush, which is highly susceptible to powdery mildew. Cuttings were rooted and grown in an indoor room with 24-hour lighting. To initiate powdery mildew infection, a diseased cannabis plant grown in a licenced facility in British Columbia provided a source of spores used to infect plants. A single heavily infected plant was placed in the centre of the room and allowed to release conidia. This ensured that background levels of inoculum in the indoor room where the experiments were conducted were sufficient for the disease to establish naturally. Rooted plants received one spray of MilStop to minimize any variance in the initial levels of infection. The plants were then maintained for seven days in the growing room before treatments were applied.

At the start of the experiment (week 0), plants were assessed for powdery mildew infection, after which they received the appropriate treatment. Plants received four weekly sprays in total and five disease assessments were made at weekly intervals. Disease was assessed on the 30 most diseased leaflets (assessed visually) per group by placing them into one of five categories, based on the percentage coverage of leaves by mildew. These ratings were then utilized to calculate a disease rating score for each plant. The experiments were conducted three times per treatment group.

FOLIAR SPRAYS THAT REDUCE POWDERY MILDEW

The disease progression on treated and control (untreated) plants was plotted on a graph to generate a disease progress curve which could be used to compare the efficacy of treatments. Based on these comparisons, the most effective treatments, which significantly reduced disease in all three trials, were Regalia Maxx, MilStop,

FIGURE 2

Comparison of five treatments tested against powdery mildew development. Leaves show disease after 4 treatments applied weekly compared to an untreated control. Top row: Untreated Control, Actinovate, Rhapsody. Bottom row: ZeroTol, Milstop, Regalia Maxx.

FIGURE 3

Rhapsody ASO and Stargus. Treatments of Actinovate SP and ZeroTol showed less efficacy and were only effective in managing powdery mildew in one or two trials, respectively (Figure 2).

ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT TREATMENTS

An ultraviolet treatment was also tested for powdery mildew control. The treated plants received daily exposure to UV-C light from a handheld CleanLight Pro unit over four weeks. Plants were treated for 3s to 5s per day (equal to 3–6 mJ/cm2 of radiation, as per the manufacturer) by moving the unit uniformly over and around the plants at a distance of 5 cm away. Treated and control plants were rated for disease as described above. In two trials, UV-C light significantly reduced powdery mildew development, and after 30 days, the plants were free of infection on new growth (Figure 3). Scanning electron microscopic observations of treated cannabis leaves showed that mildew spores had not germinated, and mycelial growth was inhibited, suggesting a direct toxic effect from these treatments.

CANNABIS GENOTYPES DIFFER IN SUSCEPTIBILITY

A comparison was made of 12 genotypes of cannabis grown for two weeks under a humidity dome in the presence of infected Copenhagen Kush plants. Entire plants were rated for disease by placing them into one of five categories based on the percentage coverage of powdery mildew on the leaves, as described previously. The average disease score per genotype was determined and significant differences were determined using statistical tests. The experiment was conducted twice. Among the 12 genotypes, seven showed partial or complete resistance to infection (Figure 4). Differing levels of susceptibility to powdery mildew infection have also been observed among hemp cultivars. Efforts are underway in several research laboratories to identify the resistant genes involved which will also allow them to be used in marker assisted breeding

of cannabis with improved powdery mildew resistance.

This article summarizes results of experiments conducted as part of Cameron Scott’s M.Sc. study at Simon Fraser

FIGURE 4

Comparison of powdery mildew development on leaves of three genotypes of cannabis. From left to right: ‘Space Queen’, ‘Pennywise’, ‘Sweet Durga Mata’.

University. More detailed results from this study have been published as an open access scientific paper in the Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology. This manuscript is available at the following weblink: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.10 80/07060661.2020.1836026

Sawaya Gardens Trials 2022: Part 2

We look at another 40 key examples of varieties from the 2022 trials

BY MELHEM SAWAYA

In the previous issue of Greenhouse Canada , we looked at success factors for cultivars and the first 42 varieties from the 22nd consecutive year of the trials. In this second part of the Sawaya Garden Trials 2022 report, we look at another 40 key examples of varieties from those trials:

Lantana (43) Landmark Gold is a vigorous lantana that has an excellent performance in our trials, with a continuous flower power. Landmark should be grown in large containers or planted in large landscapes that will cover 4 sq. ft. Minimal deadheading needed.

Lantana (44) Lucky Yellow is a more compact lantana compared to Landmark lantana. Lucky is great to sell in smaller containers for landscapes where it will not overpower the rest of the cultivars in a bed. All lantanas get better with high light and temperature and that is why lantanas, in general, are a must for summer landscape. In

addition to their flower power and beauty, they are a hummingbird favourite.

Lavandula(45) Javelin Forte Deep Rose have large blooms on strong stems with well branched habits, and continuous flowers from May until frost. It is Zones 7-9.

Lavandula angustifolia (46) LaDiva Vintage Violet is a very floriferous plant that is programable to flower the first year, with a strong upright habit and hardy to Zone 4.

We did not see any powdery mildew on any of the lavender varieties that we had this year without any chemical treatment.

Lobelia – Hot + White(47) and Lobelia erinus (48) Techno Lilac, in addition to more lobelia varieties, flowered the whole summer long most probably because of the cooler summer compared to other years – or the breeders are working on heat-tolerant varieties. Next trial year, if the lobelias are to perform

ABOVE Petunia (63) Supertunia Mini Vista Yellow have loads of medium-sized flowers on vigorous plants that could be in pots for landscape or hanging baskets and combinations.

good in hot weather, then lobelia will increase in production double and triple fold.

Lobularia (49) Lavender Stream is one colour of the stream varieties that is gaining popularity with gardeners due to its impressive performance in the gardens in full sun and tolerating shade locations. At Sawaya Gardens, we are going to encourage the use of Lobularias not just for their looks and performance but for their excellent host for orius; a predatory mite that controls thrips, mites, and lepidopteran eggs in soybeans. Lobularias are used in large scale in strawberry fields as biocontrol’s orius host to avoid chemical sprays.

Mandevilla (50) Tourmaline Fuchsias is one variety of the many Mandevilla on the market that proved over and over their resilient performance and flowering power through the whole season. Mandevilla improves in performance September on, while many of the other genera are slowing down. Mandevilla works very well in combinations as well as alone.

Muehlenbeckia (51) Proven Accents – Big Leaf.

Muehlenbeckia (52) Muehlenbeckia Big Leaf is the larger leaf of the Muehlenbeckias on the market. Both Muehlenbeckias are excellent fillers that enhances flowering or non-flowering combinations without taking over.

Nemesia(53) Nesia Tropical also performed very well compared to other years trials for the same reasons as Lobelia, a cooler summer, improved genetics, or both. We will keep close eye next year on their performance taking into consideration the average temperatures.

Passionflower – Betty Miles Young (54) and Passionflower - Betty Miles Young (Purple) Flower (55)

and plant are the standards for excellent growth, growth and very beautiful flowers.

Petunias are the lion’s share of the annuals, and that is because they come in so many different sizes, shapes, flower sizes and amazing flower designs that they will be great in small pots or gallons and large hanging baskets or combinations. Here some outstanding examples:

Petunia (56) Bee’s Knees, which is the favourite yellow petunia for the past few years.

Petunia (57) ColorRush Merlot Star Improved, the name describes it very well with massive amounts of star-like, medium-sized flowers.

Petunia (58) Crazytunia Mayan Sunset flowers change colours with age to think you planted more than one variety.

Petunia (59) Itsy Bitsy Pink, the one colour of the Itsy’s series. Itsy have loads of small flowers on a very tight foliage plant that never need dead heading and rain seems to enhance it.

Petunia (60) Red Carpet RIMarkable. Each flower is a piece of art that are in a large collage. It takes the rain well without any diseases.

Petunia (61) Supercal Light Yellow is a strong petunia that is hardy to cool temperatures with loads of mediumsized flowers. The Supercal light yellow is one variety of a whole series.

Petunia (62) Supertunia Mini Vista Hot Pink and Petunia (63) Supertunia Mini Vista Yellow have loads of mediumsized flowers on vigorous plants that could be in pots for landscape or hanging baskets and combinations.

Petunia Hybrida (64) Dekko Lavender Eye is one colour of the Dekko series that have medium-sized flowers that are

very resistant to diseases. Dekkos recover very fast after rain without any negative effect. Great in hanging baskets and combinations.

Rudbeckia (65) Goldsturm is the work horse of perennials that is hardy to zone four. loads of flowers slow to wake up in the spring. Gold strum flower beds you see from far away and put on a pleasant show year after year.

Rudbeckia (66) Minibeckia Flame is barely hardy to Zone 5, but it has super flowers the whole summer. It flowered more than 12 weeks.

Rudbeckia (67) Sunbeckia Maya and Rudbeckia (68) Sunbeckia Sarah are a series hardy to Zone 7 with extremely beautiful large flowers. In our area they can be used as an annual. Plant in large containers or landscape to enjoy the whole summer.

Salvia (69) Hummingbird Falls is a very vigorous trailing salvia. If not controlled, the vegetative part will overshadow the flowering part. Hummingbird Falls is great for hanging in baskets or landscape.

Salvia (70) Midnight Candle is a freely branching salvia that will lead to loads of blue flowers that last a long time without deadheading.

Salvia (71) Unplugged So Blue, like other salvias, attract pollinators and hummingbirds. It is great in landscape and containers.

Scaevola (72) Scala Pink vigorous and Scaevola (73) Surdiva Pink Fashion compact are only two varieties of many Scaveola varieties where all of them have excellent garden performance. No deadheading and blooms the whole summer long. Rain does not negatively affect scaveolas, and loves the heat.

Sedum (74) Double Martini have a contrasting maroon stem and olive-green foliage. Hardy to Zone 4 and drought tolerant.

Sedum (75) Peach Pearls another sedum all the characteristics of the double martini with a twist in its bloom different shades of star shaped rose-gold flowers.

Normally I do not appreciate verbena, since they need

lot of care deadheading and have powdery mildew susceptibility. This summer I was surprised and impressed by verbena, in general, because with minimal deadheading and no sign of powdery mildew, the plants looked great most of the time. That is why we insist on trialing some of the old varieties, so we learn their habit in the long run, here are some examples:

Verbena (76) Lascar Black Velvet, Verbena (77) Lascar Mango Orange, and Verbena (78) Superbena Sparkling Amethyst. These are a few of the over 50 varieties of verbena we had in the trials.

Vinca is the new impatiens. They have excellent bloom colours, are disease resistant, self-branching, love the heat and are tolerant to cool temperatures better than impatiens. So yes, vinca is for the north climate, and more and more vincas are grown in many landscapes.

new series that put on a great show the whole summer and visitors complemented on its performance. It is on the vigorous side, which makes it great for large containers and cover a large area of landscape.

This is the second part of the two-part series covering the trials. Just remember what we always say, promising new varieties are for you to try, not to make big programs with. Then if all goes well, the next season

plan on larger programs. Also, it will be the time to cancel the unprofitable or duplicate programs.

We do trials for the growers and consumers, so any suggestions that serve the whole or part of the horticulture gardening community are welcomed. Just drop a line or a phone call.

Next year’s Sawaya Gardens Trials open house date is July 19, 2023.

See you at the gardens!

“Just remember what we always say, promising new varieties are for you to try, not to make big programs with. Then if all goes well, the next season plan on larger programs.”

Vinca F1 (79) Titan Lavender Halo, and Vinca F1 (80) Valiant Lilac are only two that represent their series, plus more F1 varieties are available.

Viola (81) Admire Lemon Purple Wing and all the series flowered the whole summer and got better towards the fall. If a plant takes the cold that does not mean it cannot tolerate the heat, and the new breeding of viola is an example that. Viola takes the cold extremely well and thrives in the heat.

Zinnia marylandica (82) Zydeco Deep Yellow is a colour of the Zydeco

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Benefits of Active Ingredients in Growing Media

Ed Bloodnick, Director of Grower Services, Premier Tech

Various biological additives are now available for agriculture and horticulture. The definition of “active ingredients” could be subject to several articles. Some can be applied above soil line to reduce plant diseases or reduce insect pests. Others can be incorporated into growing media to enhance plant growth and/or reduce plant root diseases. Greenhouse and nursery growers often ask if active ingredients are effective, if they can replace chemical treatments, if they can be used in combination with chemical treatments and provide a return on investment. Here is an overview for the use of active ingredients for the plant root zone.

THE GROWING ENVIRONMENT

Compared to mineral soil, growing media used in greenhouses and nurseries are ”constructed” with organic based materials, such as peat moss, bark, coconut coir and/or other materials. Other ingredients, such as aggregates, fertilizers, limestone, etc., are added to make blends that have specific physical and chemical properties. Unless active ingredients are added, growing media generally contains low levels of microbes, making them virtually free of the biological component.

If we were to take a sample of mineral soil from an untouched environment, we would find a wide array of diverse biology. Some microbes convert organic matter into nutrients for plants, some fix nutrients in the soil for plant uptake and others interact to protect and stimulate plant root systems. In mineral soil, there can be any combination of microbes consisting of actinomyces, bacteria and/or fungi. Of these microbes, there are saprophytes, which feed on dead material; pathogens, that feed on and damage plants; symbionts that assist plants; and competitors, which can attack or compete with other microorganisms.

BIOCONTROLS AND BIOSTIMULANTS

Over the years, scientists have isolated and cultured various beneficial microbes for use in agriculture and horticulture. These microbes are produced in laboratories to be sure that strains remain true and continue to provide the desired benefits. Various microbes commercially available to growers can be placed into two general categories by the benefits they provide: biocontrols and biostimulants. Biocontrols are active ingredients that reduce the incidence of plant diseases or insects. They may directly attack the pathogen or insect, or indirectly control by creating barriers, producing a metabolite, blocking food source or excluding a pathogen. Compared to biostimulants, which are microbes that stimulate plant growth or assist plants in acquiring nutrients and/or water to improve the overall growth of plants. Some Bacillus species and mycorrhizae are among popular biostimulants. Bacillus pumilus is a bacterium that induces the proliferation of the root hairs for better nutrient uptake. Mycorrhizae (endomycorrhizae) are symbiotic associations between a fungus and a plant. The fungus grows in and around plant roots to form an extension of the root system and draw nutrients and water for the plant, which often are inaccessible to the plant roots. Mycorrhizae enable plant to be better protected and to resist the stresses caused by transplanting, drought and heat, while maintaining an optimal growth rate.

Picture of roots (larger structures) with mycorrhizal network (smaller threads). Mycorrhizal fungi are microscopic, so this picture is enlarged 40 times with a microscope.

Source: Premier Tech.

ADVANTAGES OF USING ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

One of the main advantages of using beneficial organisms is that they are safe to use. They have little to no toxicity to plants, humans or animals. Most have been discovered in mineral soil and are naturally occurring, not genetically modified. Because they are part of the normal checks and balances of soil biology, there is less potential for pathogen resistance. Most active ingredients that suppress pathogens or insects are preventative, not curative; therefore, they prevent the onset of plant disease before it has a chance to affect crops. For insects, they may reduce fungi that insects feed on, hence reducing their populations. Most beneficial active ingredients remain in the root zone of the plant for an extended period, while some can remain with the plant for life. If you are growing organic certified crops, a major advantage is that most active ingredients are certified or listed for use with organic crops.

Unlike chemical fungicides that are wide spectrum, biological controls generally interact with specific pathogens, therefore their range of pathogen control can be narrower that their chemical counterparts. If used in combination with chemical controls or other biological additives, be sure to check the compatibility of the microorganism with the chemistry and other bioadditives used.

INTEGRATING ACTIVE INGREDIENTS IN GROWING MEDIA

The major advantage of having active ingredients in growing media before you plant is that these microbes are present in the root zone before root diseases have a chance to get establish. Most beneficial microbes are packaged in granular form, powder or liquid format. Some of the liquid products can be applied in the greenhouse with injectors through the irrigation system. Most of the powders can be drenched, however there is added labor and time to apply products in this method. If you add beneficial microbes yourself, the easiest method is to add products to the mixing line. Another choice is to speak with your growing media supplier, since most manufacturers can add active ingredients to growing media for you. Often the best value and return on investment is to have the beneficial microbes added for you. Keep in mind that if the product you are adding to growing media is a PMRA registered biopesticide, handling and use regulations must be respected.

The use of active ingredients is becoming popular for plant growth enhancement and natural suppression of plant root diseases. They are readily available, predictable in the results they provide and are cost effective, offering growers a safer alternative and an additional tool for plant culture.

Begonia ‘Red’ planted with three plugs in 6” pots. Six (6) weeks after transplanting, those with Bacillus pumilus and mycorrhizal fungi on right are larger and healthier that the untreated on left. Source: Premier Tech.

Bell Pepper ‘California Wonder’ transplants. Those with Bacillus pumilus and mycorrhizal fungi on right are ready to transplant in the field sooner than those untreated on left. Source: Premier Tech.

Mapping northern Ontario

Vineland creating technology roadmap for horticulture.

BY ANDREW SNOOK

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) is building a technology roadmap for horticulture in northern Ontario.

To meet this goal, the Niagara Region-based, non-profit research organization has teamed with the Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA) and the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN), and the three organizations are conducting a study aimed at identifying barriers and challenges faced by stakeholders in the region’s horticultural sector.

The goal of the project is to provide growers, stakeholders, and communities with information to bring about improvements in the quantity, quality, and availability of fresh local produce in northern Ontario.

The project is being funded in part by FedNor through the Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance.

ABOVE

Vineland has been conducting these technology roadmaps since early 2021. As part of the COVID-19 response, OMAFRA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs) funded all of the growers associations in Ontario to conduct these technology roadmaps to understand how the labour disruption caused by travel restrictions would impact the labour available to each sector; and what technological solutions there would be in the short-, medium- and long-term in terms of development to mitigate some of the risks of labour shortages, explains Dan Bath, research scientist, Horticultural Automation, Vineland.

“And so, Vineland was commissioned by three different growers associations to conduct these technology roadmaps. And from that, we really learned what a positive impact they can have on the organizations,” he says.

Vineland has now taken that concept

Vineland’s Dan Bath says a lot of new technologies are coming out for controlled environment agriculture, including several for vertical farming applications.

PHOTO: © WIRESTOCK / ADOBE STOCK

and applied it to several different organizations where it can perform industry research and market research to assess the technological needs of a given group. Earlier this year, Vineland arranged with NOFIA to conduct a technology roadmap specifically for horticulture in northern Ontario.

“Northern Ontario is not typically a place for horticulture, due largely to the climate being less amenable to horticulture than other places in Canada, particularly southern Ontario. Also, the parameters of the soil are not very conducive to horticulture. So, we’ve been working with NOFIA as well as RAIN to work on this roadmap,” Bath says. “Our process starts with interviewing key members of the group – in this case, northern Ontario horticulturalists. We’ve interviewed farmers, key stakeholders in the community to assess what the demand issues are faced by people in the horticulture sector in northern Ontario.”

Based on those interviews, Vineland conducted an online survey that was distributed more widely across the sector, where it could have participation from both consumers and producers of horticultural products in Ontario.

“In the last phase, we use that information to conduct industry research and market research. At Vineland, we have horticultural scientists as well as market researchers who dive into the issues that are identified through the interviews and surveys to try to see what technologies or technological solutions might be out there that may not be used to their full potential at the moment in the area,” Bath explains.

The project is still ongoing, and Vineland’s team is finishing up the industry research phase.

“What we’re doing now is making sure we’re having a look at how we think the research will impact various communities in northern Ontario, in particular, Indigenous communities. We will be meeting with representatives of Indigenous communities in the next month to ensure that our research will impact all communities in northern Ontario, including the Indigenous,” Bath says.

Once that process is complete, Vineland will release a report to NOFIA and the association will disseminate it through their website. Vineland is also planning on presenting its findings at the Ontario Agricultural Conference early next year.

REMOTE CHALLENGES

Northern Ontario growers face a variety of challenges when it comes to operating in the horticultural sector. The first one they struggle with is a low population density.

“The population density is much lower than other places, so the access to labour is much more restricted. In particular, the access to skilled labour because it’s so far from larger cities,” Bath says.

Another challenging factor is the geography.

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“Because communities are so spread far apart, there is a need for transportation of supplies for horticulture, as well as for the produce itself, those costs go up considerably,” Bath says. “One pretty interesting solution that we’ve encountered in our research along the way comes from a company called AgriTech North in Dryden. They are developing a distribution network for produce and related products and supplies, trying to maximize the efficiency with which materials are

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ABOVE

Dan Bath, research scientist at Vineland, says transportation issues not only impact the price of goods for the consumer, but also the freshness and quality.

transported for food production in northern Ontario.”

He adds that transportation issues not only impact the price of goods for the consumer, but also the freshness and quality.

“Produce that even comes from southern Ontario, or other places in North America, going to northern Ontario has anywhere from one day to several days of additional travel time, which reduces the quality of the produce that’s available to consumers,” Bath says. “This really highlights the need for a more local production in northern Ontario.”

He adds that local production in northern Ontario could take on several different forms.

“There may be some technological solutions to increase the possibilities for outdoor agriculture, a more traditional style of agriculture. But also, we’re seeing a lot of new technologies coming out for controlled environment agriculture,” Bath says. “That could be

as simple as placing row covers onto outdoor agriculture, all the way up to vertical farming applications that are using entirely LED lighting, completely controlled climate fertilizers, and other inputs.”

Vineland is also noticing that growers in northern Ontario are paying significant attention to what the inputs are for their agricultural pursuits.

“In southern Ontario we take advantage of the fact that we can just drive to the hardware store or the farm supply store and have access to basically anything we need. Whereas, especially in remote communities in northern Ontario, they really have to think about how they might access equipment and supplies for their horticultural pursuits,” Bath says.

“We’re also finding there are new strategies and technologies coming out for how to simplify the logistics of getting supplies needed for agriculture. Some controlled environment

agriculture solutions also try to build a circular economy of supplies. Some controlled agriculture solutions are making efforts to use waste products from the horticulture as inputs, either as energy inputs through biodigesters or through various composting methods to reuse materials as fertilizers. Controlled environment technology producers are also keeping in mind how to address the problem of replacing parts when they fail. And there are some pretty interesting strategies on how to do that as well.”

In the end, Vineland’s main goal for producing these technological roadmaps is to help growers and consumers throughout northern Ontario.

“Our No. 1 goal is to have a positive impact on the region’s horticulture. That could take many forms. It could be simply raising awareness of technologies that are available or identifying gaps in technologies – basically problems that need solutions,” Bath says.

MANAGING NIGHTTIME greenhouse light emissions

Without proper management strategies, light emitted from greenhouses during nighttime hours can potentially be disruptive to neighbouring residents

BY ONTARIO MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD, AND RURAL AFFAIRS (OMAFRA)

An increase in the use of supplemental lighting in greenhouses has been accompanied with an increase in the amount of light emitted from greenhouses at night during fall and winter months. Without proper management strategies, light emitted from greenhouses during nighttime hours can potentially be disruptive to neighbouring residents. As a result, the objective of this document is to outline the latest research in greenhouse light management for producers and to provide information on managing nuisance complaints should they arise.

Highlights of greenhouse light management research:

• While many studies have investigated the effects that

different lighting strategies have on plant production, there has been little examination of light emissions from greenhouses.

• The amount of light emitted from greenhouses using supplemental light is dependent on many factors including light abatement curtain use, crop stage, and light intensity (Snow et al.; 2022a, 2021a, 2021b).

• Sky brightness levels near greenhouses using supplementary lighting can be affected by light levels emitted from other sources in the region (e.g., infrastructure, industry, residences and businesses).

Cloud conditions, air quality and moon phase also impact sky brightness (Snow et al.; 2022a,

PHOTOS: BENJAMIN SNOW, UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH

Examples of available light abatement curtain models and their manufacturer specifications. This is not a comprehensive list.

2021a, 2021b).

• Research to determine optimal light management strategies for greenhouse production is ongoing, with the goal of developing strategies that create growing environments to support plant health, yield, energy efficiency and compatibility with neighbouring land uses.

GREENHOUSE LIGHT EMISSIONS

The amount of light emitted from greenhouses using supplemental lighting at night depends on light intensity, closure of light abatement curtains and amount of vegetation.

1) Light intensity of the fixtures installed in the greenhouse

In general, crops that produce fruits like high wire vegetables or large flowers such as cannabis require more light than potted ornamental plants or lettuce (Faust, 2021). The use of higher intensity supplemental lighting in greenhouses is associated with higher light emissions when light abatement curtains are not being used (Snow et al.; 2022a, 2021a).

2) Closure of light abatement curtains over the crop and on side and end walls

There are many models of light abatement curtains on the market that are made of different materials to suit the needs of greenhouse producers for managing the greenhouse environment for the crop (Table 1). These curtains reduce the amount of light emitted from greenhouses by reflecting the light back into the greenhouses. Current ceiling light abatement curtains allow less than 1% light transmission and wall light abatement curtains allow less than 2% light transmission when fully closed. This

allows for greater use efficiency of the supplemental lighting since most of the light is contained inside the greenhouse to be used by the crop.

Light emitted from the sides and ceiling of greenhouses using supplemental lighting at night may impact neighbouring land uses. These light emissions can be minimized by using ceiling, side and end wall light abatement curtains. As ceiling light abatement curtains are opened to different gapping degrees (10%, 20% gapping, etc.), there is an increase in the amount of light emitted that is somewhat proportional with the gapping (Snow et al., 2021b).

Furthermore, light emitted from the top of greenhouses using supplemental lighting at night may be observed further from the source by artificially illuminating the night sky. These emissions can be reduced by using light abatement curtains

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change in sky brightness when fully closed light abatement curtains are opened to a 10% gap, but as light abatement curtains are fully opened there may be a significant increase in sky brightness near the greenhouse (Snow et al., 2022a).

3) Amount of vegetation in the greenhouse

More light is emitted from walkways and areas with less plant volume than areas in full production. This is most likely due to more light being reflected by surfaces than plants (Snow et al., 2022a).

ENERGY EFFICIENCY CONSIDERATIONS

Curtains designed for light abatement (keeping supplemental light in the greenhouse) or blackout (keeping sunlight out of the greenhouse; typically used in cannabis or ornamental production) offer potential energy savings especially when used in combination with energy curtains as a double layer over the

crop (Hanifin, 2022).

The use of light management curtains can impact the climate in the greenhouse, which in turn can negatively impact plant growth and yield. Therefore, it is important to research production practices and technologies that can address potential humidity and temperature concerns.

Strategies to maintain a consistent environment in greenhouses with deployed light abatement curtains are being researched (Nauta et al.; 2022). Using new technology, such as air-mix fans, may help growers maintain a consistent environment under light management conditions. Air-mix fans blend air from above light abatement curtains with air from below the curtains when curtains are fully closed. The cooler air above the curtains is pulled below the curtains and mixed with the warmer air to cool it down before being blown into the greenhouse. These fans are typically installed below the curtains with a duct leading through the curtain to the space above the curtains (Table 2). This technology may assist in maintaining a constant climate in a greenhouse where light abatement curtains are closed.

Dehumidification technologies may also provide additional climate control in the greenhouse and energy savings in the fall and winter months (Han et al.; 2021) or when outside ventilation is limited by curtain deployment. However, this needs to be tested in greenhouses with light abatement curtains.

WHY IS SUPPLEMENTAL LIGHTING NECESSARY?

Shorter days in the autumn and winter seasons and low light levels during cloudy days in the spring and summer seasons make the use of supplemental lighting necessary for the production of high-quality greenhouse vegetables, fruits, ornamentals, and other crops year-round in Ontario.

Greenhouse producers may use supplemental lighting throughout the year for a variety of reasons based on the crops they produce, such as:

1. Supplemental light may be used to increase the amount and/or duration of light a plant receives during a day to ensure optimal growth. This can be achieved through day length extension by using lights before sunrise or after sunset. Lights may also be used during the day to provide increased light intensity on cloudy days or during sunrise and sunset.

2. In ornamental and cannabis plants, supplemental light may be used to control flowering. Night interruption may be used to control flowering time in ornamental crops by providing a brief period of light during the dark/night period. Certain species of cannabis need a fixed light period to promote the transition from vegetative growth to flowering.

There are two common types of supplemental lighting used in greenhouse production. High pressure sodium (HPS) lights have traditionally been more popular, but the transition to more energy efficient light-emitting diodes (LED) is ongoing. LED fixtures also allow growers to use different spectrums of light to optimize how the plant develops, and the lower amount of heat generated by LEDs allows them to be placed closer to the crop, and where appropriate, within the crop canopy.

Supplemental lighting is most commonly delivered from above the crop with fixtures hung from greenhouse trusses. Overhead supplemental lighting is typically used to extend the day length in the fall and winter months, but it can be used year-round to increase the amount of light a crop receives. Intracanopy lights, which are placed within the canopy of vine vegetable crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers can also be used year-round to improve light delivery to shaded areas of the canopy where the plant develops fruit.

REFERENCES:

• Faust, J.E. DLI Requirements for Various Greenhouse Crops. Ball RedBook. Volume 2: Crop Culture and Production. 19th Edition. June 2021.

• Han, J., J. West and A. Huber. 2021. Demonstration of Energy-Saving Dehumidification in Ontario Greenhouses. Canadian Greenhouse Conference. Poster presentation: October 6-7, 2021.

• Hanifin, R. 2022. Saving energy with curtains: A simulation exercise. Greenhouse Canada Magazine. January 11, 2022.

• Nauta, A., W.D. Lubitz, S.H. Tasnim, J. Han. Methodology and Validation of a New Interior Climate Prediction Model for Commercial and Small-scale Greenhouses. Proceedings of 2022 Responsible Engineering and Living Symposium. Windsor, Ontario Canada. June 23-24, 2022.

• Snow, B., W.D. Lubitz. 2022a. Progress Report: Greenhouse Light Emissions Survey. Light Management Research Advisory Committee. Presentation: June 1, 2022.

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Overhead supplemental lighting is typically used to extend the day length in the fall and winter months, but it can be used year-round to increase the amount of light a crop receives.

• Snow, B., W.D. Lubitz, S.H. Tasnim, T. Graham, D. Llewellyn, F. Al-Daoud, C. Dayboll.2022b. Comparison of the spectral and intensity responses of light sensors used to measure greenhouse light emissions. Presentation at 2022 Responsible Engineering and Living Symposium. Windsor, Ontario Canada. June 23-24, 2022.

• Snow, B., W.D. Lubitz, S.H. Tasnim, T. Graham, D. Llewellyn, F. Al-Daoud, A. Wylie. 2021a. Exploring Use of Drones to Evaluate Light Emissions from Ontario Greenhouses. Canadian Greenhouse Conference. Poster presentation: October 6-7, 2021.

• Snow, B., W.D. Lubitz, S.H. Tasnim, T. Graham, D. Llewellyn, F. Al-Daoud. 2021b. Experimental Measurements of Light Emissions from Ontario Greenhouses Using Supplemental Lighting at Night. 5th International Conference of the International Commission of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (CIGR). May 10-14, 2021.

Operators are encouraged to do their own research. Table 1 and Table 2 are not comprehensive in nature. No ministry or public sector agency has approved or endorsed any particular service provider or structural solution. Presence on or absence from this list does not indicate quality or reliability of the service provided.

22_003286_Greenhouse_Canada_DEC_CN Mod: October 11, 2022 11:17 AM Print: 10/25/22 12:34:40 PM page 1 v7

Community greenhouse thriving in the B.C. Interior

A small-town greenhouse, passive and solar, owned by everybody, is tucked away beside the headwaters of the Columbia River in the East Kootenays. It was unique when built and scores high for creativity today.

BY JOHN DIETZ

Step aside commercial, university and hobby greenhouse operators, this is a story about a community’s greenhouse in southeastern British Columbia. It’s a humble, educational, technical achievement and easy to miss.

More than an insulated, thermal-heated, 2,400-square-foot curved-wall greenhouse, Groundswell is “a living classroom that teaches people of all ages how to grow crops regeneratively,” says the community website: groundswellnetwork.ca.

With about 100 active members, the network hosts workshops and hundreds of visitors, including busloads of school children. It is studied and emulated in other countries, though it is littleknown in Canada.

Groundswell Community Passive Solar Greenhouse and Gardens, operated by the

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non-profit Groundswell Network Society, is in Invermere B.C., close to the Alberta border and about 300 km southwest of Calgary.

The site occupies one-and-a-quarter acres (about 5,000 sq. m.) adjacent to David Thompson Secondary School and College of the Rockies. It is on the inside of a switchback curve alongside 14th Street.

The greenhouse itself, about 40 ft. x 60 ft., is beside a hillside. Sunlight enters from a large curved-glass, south-facing wall. The north side holds a flat, insulated roof now surmounted by 15 large solar photovoltaic panels that generate electricity.

Inside, a solar-powered system sends hot water through an under-slab earth-heating system. As well, warm air at the top is collected and pushed nine feet below ground with a fan. From the edge

With about 100 active members, the Groundswell network hosts workshops and hundreds of visitors, including busloads of school children.

of the roof, rainwater funnels into and through a water retention system.

The greenhouse became operational in 2009. Workers could start plants in February and be harvesting the last tomatoes in November.

In retrospect, it was built with foresight for conditions developing today.

Back in 2014, then executive director Bill Swan said, “Why greenhouses aren’t all like this is because we live in an era of very inexpensive energy. And what we have tried to demonstrate here is to anticipate the change in that reality that many in the food sector believe is coming.”

New leadership and an energized sixmember volunteer board has gradually been introducing changes.

Groundswell more than tripled the output of the original solar system in 2021 by adding 15 larger solar panels. The increased electrical output supports a new pump and an electric water boiler, creating a combination of passive and active heating.

“Two years ago (2020) was the first year we were successful in growing marketable produce through the full

12 months of the year,” says volunteer director Deborah Griffith. “With the support of our new solar panel system and new electric water boiler, we kept temps in winter around 10C and kept growing through the coldest months.”

Passive energy from incoming sunlight and active energy from the ground below, regulated by an original Argus climate control system installed at the outset, kept the selected cool-season spices, herbs, and veggies comfortable.

Outside, in the valley between the Kootenay Mountains, the temperature was mostly below freezing for about 100 days.

The recent technology investment (about $20,000) produces enough electricity on an annual basis, Griffith says, to offset the new “active energy” heating bill for the greenhouse.

Twenty to 30 (or more) local organizations, donors and volunteers support the community-based programs. It offers raised-bed rental gardens, community events, market gardens, even soil research and production. It has become, in effect, a local educational institution for regenerative or

GREENHOUSE PEST MANAGEMENT

permaculture management practices.

Last fall, two staff members and volunteers took off the last tomatoes and planted the first cold weather winter seedlings.

GREENHOUSE DESIGN

End-to-end, this original greenhouse was “unique,” says Griffith. “We get requests monthly from people who want to recreate what we’re doing. There isn’t one exactly like it anywhere. The concept was to extend the season by taking warm air from inside the greenhouse and pumping it underground.”

A huge pipe collects the warm air. A fan pushes the heat through smaller pipes that connect and go down eight or nine feet into the ground. Below the greenhouse, a series of tubes along the full length of the greenhouse release the heat underground. They warm the ground, creating a heat sink. The floor of the greenhouse is a cement slab over a layer of Styrofoam insulation. This helps retain the bank of stored energy. During winter, the energy slowly seeps up through another pipe and natural spaces that aren’t fully insulated.

As the sustainable agriculture movement has grown, there has been a dramatic increase in the production of horticultural crops in greenhouses worldwide. Although there are numerous publications associated with pest management in greenhouses, Greenhouse Pest Management is the first comprehensive book on managing greenhouse arthropod pests, particularly in commercial production systems. The book contains the necessary information on major insects and mites, describing their biology and life cycle. Colour images are included to help with identification and also to illustrate the damage these insects and mites can cause to greenhouse-grown horticultural crops.

The north side of the building has an insulated roof and a thermally massive concrete wall. It all retains heat, storing it for release overnight.

The greenhouse has raised wooden beds for production. Theses beds are about 3 ft. by 8-ft. long, on the ground, on legs or on wheels, and have automatic drip irrigation. The boxes use a metal netting underneath, supporting layers of weed control fabric, gravel, and soil. A composting program supplies the soil.

The original kitchen also had upgrades in 2021.

“A major upgrade in the kitchen allowed us to more easily access the area. We put in an island where we work with the harvest material, new counters, new donated cabinets, a stove, dishwasher, and a huge commercial fridge with sliding glass doors,” Griffith says. “You can have an herbal workshop here, sit around the island and talk. Plus, volunteers and staff have space to clean the produce after harvest, put it in bags and get it ready for sale.”

BACKGROUND TO GROUNDSWELL

Around 2006, according to Griffith, local chef and teacher Alison Bell approached the Columbia Valley Botanical Gardens organization to see if it could support building a greenhouse with an extended growing season and kitchen for students. A groundswell of community support developed. The school division made land available to develop gardens and greenspace as well as a greenhouse. The new passive, solar greenhouse was commissioned in 2009 as a pilot project.

Bill Swan, a past Parks Canada official involved with adventure tourism, became the executive director for several years.

Griffith introduced the Wild Voices for Kids program from the background while doing communications and education with Parks Canada. She came onto the board of directors in 2019.

Rob Avis, an environmental engineer in Calgary, became an interested advisor. Avis helped them with overall initial design concepts, using the principles of permaculture, to make the 12,000 square foot site an “ecological gem.”

Groundswell’s website describes permaculture as “a holistic approach to design allowing creation of a sustainable and regenerative system based on science yet guided by ethics.”

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The north side holds a flat, insulated roof now surmounted by 15 large solar photovoltaic panels that generate electricity.

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Groundswell has a community garden space with 18 raised garden boxes, a community gathering space, two perennial food forests, and a market garden.

HOLISTIC DESIGN

The design intended to address issues of climate change, energy, water and resource conservation, regional ecosystems and biodiversity conservation, food security, and the decline of agriculture in the region.

Conceptually, Groundswell now has a community garden space with 18 raised garden boxes, a community gathering space with a pond and wetlands, two perennial food forests of edible, medicinal and fibre-producing plants, and a market garden. It hosts events and educational programs throughout the year. Recently, directors opened a second location, Mount Nelson Community Gardens, with another 29 garden boxes for public rental.

Along with permaculture, water flow guided the design by Avis. It formed the foundation for placing the gardens, food forests and gathering space beside the greenhouse, Avis said in an early video. The concept, in part, was to fully supply the watering needs for the greenhouse and gardens without using very much potable water from Invermere.

A swale beside the greenhouse, for instance, directs water flow from major rain events safely along the slopes of the site, infiltrating the whole garden area and spilling into the pond. The pond has a constructed wetland to clean the water and overflow spillways draining into the food forests.

An eco-friendly rainwater gathering system now is on the north side of the greenhouse. On the other side, a southfacing area with a curved rock wall provides a thermal barrier and space for garden beds.

“We try to really demonstrate what a functioning greenhouse and market garden in your backyard could look like,” Griffith says. “Staff put in the market garden, then do the feeding and amending. Volunteers come twice a week in summer and fall to help us harvest. We sell most produce to a local market on the highway, and people buy directly from us. Some produce also goes to the local food bank.”

RECENT PROGRAMS

Popular new programs have been introduced at Groundswell in the recent past.

“Apple Rescue” sends staff and volunteers out to pick apples for area residents who can’t pick themselves.

“The reason is to keep bears from coming into town. We are in the Columbia Valley and surrounded by forest. Bears are everywhere, and there are tons of apple trees here, too,” Griffith says.

There are markets for the good apples collected; the rest become animal feed at local farms.

“Seniors’ Luncheon” is a second new program. Groundswell directors decided to try offering a senior’s luncheon late in 2019. They were surprised to see 35

people attend for the first event.

“We did that for the rest of the fall and would like to do it again,” Griffith says.

Last spring, three classes from another local school started a ‘growing’ program, using the community gardens and visiting the greenhouse both spring and fall.

On sunny, chilly days in the fall, the thriving greenhouse gets really warm. Even in winter, vents are opened at times. Old and young visitors love it. It’s common to hear, “It feels so much like spring in here!”

Benchmarking in Ontario

Comparing your operation’s finances to those of other growers.

BY TREENA HEIN

Several years ago, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs ‘Business Analysis and Cost of Production Specialist’ John Molenhuis and his team began a financial analysis and benchmarking project for Ontario farms.

The performance results are posted to the OMAFRA website each year for 11 Ontario farm types, including cash crop, swine, beef, sheep, dairy goat, apple, grapes and greenhouse flowers, cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers.

“We draw data from those farmers participating in the provincial Agristability farm business risk management program,” Molenhuis explains. “Our analysis helps both those farmers and other farmers benchmark their operations. They can examine different costs and margin levels, including their operating costs and the ratio of some of those costs, for example, cost of annual labour against gross annual profit. For greenhouse operations, labour and heating are the largest cost categories. By looking at the data you can see what

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performance levels all the greenhouse operators in the project are achieving, and also what the top 25 per cent are achieving and see if your performance is on par.”

Molenhuis explains that these financial measures are a direct reflection of operational efficiency. “They are relating input costs as a percentage of farm revenue, and therefore, how effectively the farm is managing costs and generating outputs,” he says. “The power of comparison, of benchmarking, is seeing your areas of strength and areas of concern, where you can improve. It helps you become one of the top producers, if you aren’t already there.”

In terms of controlling costs, Molenhuis says greenhouse operators and other farmers can focus their management time first on those areas that are more cost intensive. “From there, investigate individual costs within those categories or other categories,” he says, “for opportunities to improve.”

OMAFRA’s financial analysis and benchmarking project posts performance results each year for 11 Ontario farm types, including greenhouse flowers, cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers.

PHOTO: © PETER / ADOBE STOCK

PARTICIPATION LEVELS

The analysis was started in 2016, using 2015 data. The number of farmers participating each year in Agristability has decreased to some extent since then, and as a result, the number of farms included in the performance results has declined some over time as well. This could be due to program changes over time or other factors.

From 2015 to 2019, the number of greenhouse tomato and pepper participants stayed fairly steady (fiveyear average of 45 and 23 participants respectively) but declined a little for flowers and declined quite a bit for cucumbers, with a five-year average of 76 and 65 participants respectively. (And if you are wondering, to consider an operation to be “greenhouse tomato” for example, 80 per cent or more of their commodity sales must come from that crop).

“This spring (2022) we published 2019 analysis and we’re now in the process of analyzing 2020,” Molenhuis says. “We will have 2021 data in early 2023.”

TOMATOES

Overall, from 2015 to 2019 for all tomato greenhouse participants, interest expenses went up. However, direct operating expenses went down overall, reflecting natural gas price trends. Other direct operating expenses can include equipment, salaries, storage/ drying, small tools, building repairs, soil and crop testing, shipping and electricity.

Overhead expenses stayed similar over the five years. These include insurance premiums outside Agristability, if any, advertising and promotion, memberships/subscriptions, office expenses, legal and accounting fees and licenses/permits.

It’s in the expense ratios (specific costs measured against overall revenue) where we see interesting differences between all participants and the top 25 per cent.

First, let’s look at all participants. As a group, all greenhouse tomato participants saw the ratio increase for interest costs (from 1.3 to 4.1), operating costs (92.8 to 94.6), labour (27.2 to 28.3) and crop inputs (14.9 to

16.7). Machinery operation dropped from 5.0 to 3.9.

As expected, the ratio for everyone for energy costs dropped from 14.5 to 13.1. However, the top 25 per cent of participants saw their expense ratio for energy costs drop from 13.1 to 10.2. That means this ratio for top performers actually started at a point in 2015, 13.1, that was the same ratio point all participants dropped to on average in 2019. In other words, their energy use efficiency was much higher from the start.

Two expense ratios, as expected, increased less for the top performers than was seen in the average for all performers. Their interest expense ratio went from 0.5 to 3.5 and operating expense ratio from 79.5 to 81.0.

The crop inputs expense ratio for top tomato growers increased in a similar way to that for all participants, from 11.4 to 15.9.

Machinery expense ratio for these top performers dropped more than for all participants, from 6.4 to 3.9 compared to 5.0 to 3.9 for all participants. Machinery expenses can

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Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs ‘Business Analysis and Cost of Production Specialist’ John Molenhuis says these financial measures are a direct reflection of operational efficiency.

include machinery repairs, licenses, insurance, lease, rental, freight and shipping. It would seem that these top performers perhaps invested in equipment (likely more efficient in terms of labour and energy) compared to the entire group.

Most interestingly, the labour expense ratio (again, labour as a cost compared to gross revenue) increased more for the top performers compared to all participants, from 22.2 to 27.1.

“This could represent a higher investment in labour,” says Molenhuis. “From the data, we don’t know what the management and/or production practices made the difference for the top farms. But it does give you insights into areas of costs where you may differ from the top farms to provide a starting point to investigate those areas for opportunities to improve.”

RESULTS ACROSS VEGGIE GROUPS

For peppers, there were some differences compared to tomato. Interest expenses stayed steady as opposed to increasing a little, but direct operating expenses went down a little, similarly to tomatoes.

Overhead expenses stayed steady for peppers and cucumbers, similar to tomatoes.

In terms of all-participant cost ratios, energy dropped for peppers and cucumbers in a similar way to tomatoes as expected. However, all other expense ratios (interest, operating, labour, machine, crop inputs) for peppers went down, where for tomatoes they increased.

For top pepper performers, expense ratios went up for machinery, similar for top tomato performers. Labour and crop input ratios only went up a little for pepper producers, less than for tomatoes. However, interest and operating expense ratios went down, where for top tomato producers, they went up.

For all cucumber participants, direct operating expenses went down a little, similar to peppers and cucumbers. Interest expenses were steady, as they were for peppers.

The expense ratios for all cucumber operations went down a little for interest, operating expenses and machinery operation, similar to peppers. Labour went up, as it did for tomatoes. However, crop input expense ratio stayed steady, which is different that both other crops (tomato went up and peppers down).

Looking at the top cucumber growers, crop inputs went up a little, like both other crops, and machinery

went down quite a bit, like both other crops. Labour went up, like tomatoes, as did interest expenses, but operating expenses went down, similarly to peppers.

DATA AS A WHOLE

Molenhuis notes that “it’s clear that among all farm types – greenhouse, orchard, livestock etc. – is that the top producers are doing a little better job in a lot of the categories, slightly but consistently better.”

He adds, “so, once you do your own financial analysis and compare to them, if you find you are not a top performer in energy or labour or another category, you can drill down into the larger cost categories and look at what you could do differently. As mentioned, labour and heating are the big ones for greenhouses, then beyond those, look at inputs like seeds, fertilizer, pollination services and so on.”

It may seem difficult to achieve higher efficiencies, but if some greenhouse operators are having success with keeping costs lower, others can as well. Compare your farm performance at the OMAFRA Farm Finance Statistics site here: https:// www.ontario.ca/page/farm-financestatistics.

GROWING media trends

Peat moss and other supply challenges continue to impact industry

BY ANDREW SNOOK

Shortages of peat moss fuelled a new trend of many customers placing their orders in advance.

It’s fair to say that the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on almost every industry worldwide. The dust has settled, but the global supply chain for many markets is still struggling to get back to normal. Other markets, including the growing media industry, will probably never be the same.

“This industry was lucky enough to have a nice boom during the pandemic, contrary to a lot of other industries. People were staying at home wanting to do more gardening, and that definitely had a positive impact on the industry, but it has also put a lot of strain on the greenhouse industry itself, growing media included,” says Pierre-Marc de Champlain, director of technical services at Berger.

Some companies, including Berger, were forced to adapt their product offerings and change their operations to make sure they meet demand in a timely manner.

“We had to make adjustments to how we function, and this has put the spotlight on certain shortcomings of the growing media industry, especially on the supply chain side.” de Champlain says. “However, at Berger we see these challenges as opportunities to improve our operations.”

PEAT MOSS

Sun Gro Horticulture’s Brandon Yep, grower specialist for Canada, says the peat moss shortages that took place through 2021 and 2022, primarily in Eastern Canada, impacted all

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of the growing media companies.

“We were hit pretty hard. It depends on where the bogs are located. All of the harvest was weather dependent. In certain pockets of New Brunswick and Quebec, the weather was worse, so there were less people out on the bog harvesting,” Yep says. “For us, we were completely sold out last year. I believe a couple other companies were in the same boat, so it did have a major impact.”

The recent shortages of peat moss fuelled a new trend of many customers placing their orders in advance.

“Customers and growers are definitely ordering earlier, much more in advance, much more in the summer months. Whereas in previous years, because there has been no shortage, they just kind of ordered whenever they needed it, later in the fall months,” Yep says. “We’re encouraging customers to put their orders in early just to ensure they get products.”

He adds that consumers are purchasing many other products far in advance as well, in an effort to avoid being impacted by another shortage.

“There are people that I know who have placed orders for plastics and other stuff for three years out. In the past, they were just kind of purchasing when they needed it,” Yep says.

He says navigating the peat moss shortage has been a learning experience for many companies.

“In the past, we were so flush with peat that we never really had the need to forecast out a couple of years. But now, we have to be extremely proactive, and track the quantity of orders we’re taking versus harvest to ensure that everybody gets product on time,” he says. “We’ve invested a lot into the company, whether it’s tracking strategies or staff to ensure that those needs are met.”

Berger manufacturers many of its own ingredients, including the peat moss it harvests, so the company has some control over its supply chain, but it’s far from absolute.

“It’s not perfect control because it is dependent on the weather,” de Champlain says. “Our harvesting operations are spread throughout Canada, which helps mitigate the risk of not meeting our ambitious harvest targets, but there are never any guarantees when you’re at the mercy of Mother Nature.”

The past two years have been less favourable for peat harvesting in many areas. Combined with the higher demand for horticultural products during the pandemic, the availability of peat moss has been a significant challenge.

“At Berger, we have always maintained a healthy reserve of peat moss to counteract poor harvest years and fulfill the needs of our customers,” de Champlain says, adding that they rely on the subsequent harvests to refill their stockpile, which was problematic this year. “Our resource management is the best in the industry. Our thorough planning has allowed us to mitigate the negative effects of the weather and meet the high demand for value-added growing media, but it has limited our ability to offer straight peat moss to customers.”

Yep says it’s very difficult to determine final harvest numbers in advance because the weather makes it a moving target.

“We want to harvest a certain amount, but as we move through a season, depending on how much rain we’re getting, depending on how we need to get on the bog, we

have to kind of adjust what we predict our inventory will be, so we’re constantly predicting future harvest, which is challenging to do,” he says. “It’s definitely a moving target. But with the tracking strategies we have, we’re getting better at it.”

This has forced consumers to change their habits. Growers that were making their own mix, whether to have the ability to customize the characteristics of their growing media or simply as a cost-savings strategy, were heavily dependent on the availability of peat moss.

“The current situation puts those customers in a difficult position where they can’t really rely on the peat supply to fulfill their needs. They must now buy ready-to-use growing media. Although Berger offers a wide variety of mix options to meet the diverse needs of our customers, and we recommend using our products ‘as is,’ growers still have the option to further customize the growing media to cater to the particular requirements of certain crops,” de Champlain says.

Due to the shortages experienced in the U.S., bark has risen slightly as a peat replacement, while wood fibre as a partial replacement has increased substantially. In Canada, the growing media industry is predominantly still peat moss driven, so it was not affected at the same level, Yep notes.

“But I do see customers being more open to trying new raw materials. I feel the customers want to get comfortable with different raw materials in case there is an issue with supply, so if they need to switch to another product, they have familiarity with it,” he says.

Yep says that the growing media industry as a whole

ABOVE

To help ensure Lambert Peat Moss has a large enough inventory of mixes to supply their customers, the company has increased its production lines and capacity.

is looking more aggressively at new materials.

“I think there’s definitely a push towards looking at new raw materials that are not so sensitive to the weather – not as a replacement, but as a partial replacement. There’s a lot of R&D going on regarding the material,” he says.

Rémi Naasz, scientific expert director for substrates and materials for Premier Tech, says growing media companies must always have contingency plans for managing supply issues.

“We try to always work with a plan A, and a plan B that’s added as a contingency. That’s really important in the growing media industry,” he says. “We were able to supply and provide all our distributors and growers with a

high volume of growing media because we have long-term relationships and collaboration with suppliers.”

Naasz adds that it’s important to have alternatives products as well, whether that’s for peat moss, wetting agents or fertilizer.

“That’s another way to secure our supply,” he says.

Lambert Peat Moss argonomist Frederic Gagnon says his company focused on creating alternative mixes during the peat moss shortages over the past two years, like LM-10.

“LM-10 is a 100-per-cent peat moss mix with pH adjusted, fertilizer starter charge and wetting agent. It can be used as is, because it is made from a high-quality peat moss with few fine

particles in it. You will end up with a great combination of porosity and water retention, two key elements for healthy plants,” he says. “You can also use this aggregate-free media as a peat base that will be completed at your facility with the additive you wish to incorporate and at the percentage you want. The core of your final mix had been submitted through a strict quality control process at ours laboratory. The main benefit is the quality of the peat base mix. Plus, you have an economic alternative on top of it.”

Since early 2021, Gagnon says that everyone has been planning in advance. To help ensure Lambert Peat Moss has a large enough inventory of mixes to supply their customers, the company

PHOTOS: LAMBERT PEAT MOSS

has increased its production lines and capacity.

“In 2021, everybody began to plan in advance more than before because it’s going be hard to deliver just-in-time now because of the problems with the ports and the containers,” he says.

INGREDIENT ISSUES

Peat moss isn’t the only ingredient that’s been affected by global supply chain issues. The availability of perlite and vermiculite has also been impacted.

“While perlite hasn’t really been affected that much, because the supply is pretty good, vermiculite has been a bit more of a challenge. Both of those components are important for growing media. Perlite provides a lot of air space, which is something that growers want within the growing media to drain excess water and have better control over their fertigation practices,” de Champlain explains. “Vermiculite, especially for germinating, is a very important component. It helps keep the growing media moist around the seed, helps with germination, and helps retain nutrients to make those available to the young plants as they’re growing.”

For most growing media manufacturers in North America, the ores used to produce these components are sourced overseas. Supply chain disruptions have had a significant impact, forcing companies to think outside the box and be inventive. For example, to help counter these issues, Berger has been using more locally available ingredients such as wood fibre. In fact, with the success of the BM4 NF Wood products, Berger has expanded their NF Wood offer over the past few years with the launch of the BM5 (combination of perlite and NF Wood ) and the BM2 NF Wood product lines. This makes them much less dependent on the overseas supply chain.

“The issues we’ve had during the pandemic have really forced us to be even more proactive on that front and look for other innovative growing media components that might be made from residual waste from another industry, or other components that could be interesting for the growing media industry. Our R&D efforts are focused on a lot of that,” de Champlain says.

Recent supply chain challenges have made many growing

media companies reevaluate how they get certain inputs supplied, and not just because of the pandemic.

“Even ingredients for which we have never had issues are now closely monitored. We need backup suppliers for everything, because in the current context you just never know,” de Champlain says. “It’s all about mitigating risks for our customers. If a crucial ingredient is missing, or if a critical

Premier Tech’s Rémi Naasz says one of the future growth markets for growing media is the berry production sector.

PHOTOS:

ABOVE

Premier Tech’s Rémi Naasz says growing media companies must always have contingency plans for managing supply issues.

equipment needs to be replaced, we must be ready for it. We have growers depending on on-time delivery of our products, and if we can’t fulfill that promise, it puts them in an extremely difficult position. We know they have plant material waiting to be transplanted and a tight schedule to respect.”

“Two winters ago, there were issues with the Texas [electrical] grid shutting down for several weeks. It wasn’t really on our radar that all of our wetting agent is dependent of an industry located in that area,” de Champlain says. “So when the power went down for several weeks, we really had to scramble, but thanks to our pro-active approach, we were able to react quickly and implement an effective solution.”

Berger now spends significant time in its R&D department, not only looking at the next innovations for the growing media industry, but also focusing on alternative sources for all its mix ingredients. The ultimate goal is to have backup suppliers and equipment for everything, in case there are unforeseen issues on the horizon.

Gagnon says his company looked at alternatives to various ingredients during the shortages to help control costs.

“The price of every component rose a lot. We had to adjust and supply some alternatives to reduce the costs,” he says.

One of the ways Lambert Peat Moss was able to control its costs was through the production of its ECOPEAT line, which

features highly fibrous natural wood fibre collected from the company’s peat bogs and processed at its facilities.

“It can be a replacement of the perlite itself, which helped to reduce the costs,” he says, adding that the performance of the mix is a good alternative when perlite is unavailable. “It’s an alternative to produce and offer to the customers.”

GROWING MARKETS

Premier Tech’s Naasz says one of the future growth markets for growing media is the berry production sector.

“That trend already started years ago where the berry market is going from soil to soilless, from ground to above ground production. That will have a huge impact on producing more growing media for that kind of market.

Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are the three main berries increasing in production in soils,” he says. “I’m seeing that more and more in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.”

Despite the recent struggles within the cannabis sector, Naasz believes growing media demand will continue to increase in this market.

“It is still an important market demanding a lot of growing media, and it will continue to increase. Canada and North America are leading the way in terms of technology in terms of growing media used for that market,” he says.

There are additional opportunities for growing media companies in the mature vegetables markets, like tomato, cucumber and pepper production, in terms of supplying more sustainable products.

“Growers don’t want to decrease their quality, but they want to take into account the sustainable aspects of their growing media,” Naasz says. “They are more or more regulated and need to send growing media at the end of life to a landfill and sometimes they have to pay. Looking at new sustainable materials that will not decrease the quality is something growers in that kind of industry want right now.”

PHOTOS: PREMIER TECH

OGVG fertilizer partnership could be first step in bio-economy

A variety of consumer tastes in gardening breeding for desirable plant characteristics

BY MATT JONES

The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) have established a partnership with Highline Mushrooms to use raw materials from greenhouses as an alternate fertilizer material. Representatives say that the partnership could be the first step in a regional bio-economy and could be a significant relief as fertilizer and manure costs have increased over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We saw an opportunity to divert organic waste from the local landfills as they were approaching their prescribed capacity limits as per their environmental compliance agreements with the Ministry of Environment, faster than anticipated” says Aaron Coristine, manager

of science, regulatory affairs and government relations for the OGVG. “One of OGVG’s key pillars right now is sustainability, so we thought there was an opportunity in utilizing our organic waste material as an alternative fertilizer that could be utilized by other segments of agriculture.”

The project centers around the OGVG’s members’ waste plant materials, such as trimmings, leaves and fruits. They had the materials sent for analysis to determine exactly what the composition makeup was, particularly as it related to nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus among other nutrients that would be important for growing food. Coristine says

ABOVE OGVG partnering with Highline Mushrooms to use raw materials from greenhouses

PHOTO:

ABOVE

that they found the plant materials to be comparable to traditional fertilizer products, which validated their concept. They found Highline Mushrooms to be an ideal partner and started sending them about 40 tonnes of organic waste per day as a trial. They have since determined it feasible to scale that up to 120 tonnes per day.

“We see an opportunity to scale up as Highline grows and as we become a little more robust in this project,” says Coristine. “This could be what we are viewing as the initial phase of the development of a circular bio-economy, where we are using our by-products or unmarketable commodities and plant material to generate a novel system.”

The OGVG represents approximately 180 growers, of which currently three farms are participating in the pilot project partnership with Highline Mushrooms. But those three farms might just be the first – Coristine says that the OGVG are open to further partnerships with other producers, and other sectors entirely.

“We are well on our way in exploring other avenues where we could utilize the waste, such as through pyrolysis to create biochar, as well as potentially working with Enbridge and landfills to generate renewable natural gas from the decomposition of the organic materials. We’re also looking at

some unique projects to extract the nutrient content out of the commodity and the plant material itself to repurpose.”

With a few initial hiccups regarding scheduling out of the way, Coristine says that things have progressed smoothly ever since. However, there will be logistics that have to be considered as they expand the project. Their products should be used within 24 hours – not a major concern at the current scale they are operating at, but if the number of OGVG members contributing materials and the locations where the materials are sent continue to expand, the logistics of establishing a delivery network could become more challenging. But Coristine is confident they can handle it and that the benefits will be worth the effort.

“There’ll be hurdles to jump over, but it’s certainly nothing that we wouldn’t be able to get done. We’re reducing our reliance on landfills, we’re reducing our greenhouse gas footprint, we’re reusing waste product to grow food. We are creating a regionalized bio-economy where we are minimizing waste and maximizing output.”

While Coristine hasn’t connected with any other national associations of greenhouse growers about it, he hopes that as the OGVG continues to scale up and demonstrate positive benefits, that they would be interested in assisting the undertaking of similar efforts in other areas to share what they have learned.

“In Ontario, and nationally, we pride ourselves in always looking to move the needle, to be disrupters in the agriculture space and to be innovative and creative – to really lead the way to new opportunities for agriculture.”

Three farms are participating in the pilot project partnership with Highline Mushrooms, but those farms may just be the first, according to OGVG’s Aaron Coristine.

2023 BUYERS GUIDE

Your products & services guide for the greenhouse industry.

2023 BUYERS GUIDE & DIRECTORY

Your official guide to industry suppliers and services

A & L CANADA LABORATORIES INC.

2136 Jetstream Rd., London ON N5V 3P5

Tel: 519-457-2575

Toll free: 855-837-8347

Fax: 519-457-2664

e-mail: alcanadalabs@alcanada.com

Website: www.alcanada.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/alcanadalabs

Facebook: www.facebook.com/alcanadalabs

Description: We are an innovative, research driven technology company. Through leading expertise, modern laboratory facilities and strong customer focus, A&L is your one stop lab!

A-ROO COMPANY LLC

22360 Royalton Road, Strongsville OH 44149

Tel: 440-238-8850

Toll free: 800-336-2766

e-mail: jparente@a-roo.com

Website: www.a-roo.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/aroocompany

Description: Plant sleeves, pot covers, carts and trolleys! We have a vast array of packaging and transport options available, in-stock and ready to ship. Our Web Shoppe, open 24/7, has some of our most popular packaging solutions. Looking for something specific? Let us help develop a customized solution for you!

A.M.A. HORTICULTURE INC.

2011 Spinks Dr., Kingsville ON N9Y 2E5

Tel: 519-322-1397

Toll free: 800-338-1136

Fax: 519-322-1358

e-mail: ama@amahort.com

Website: www.amahort.com

Twitter: twitter.com/amahort

Facebook: www.facebook.com/amahort

Description: For 40 years, it’s been our privilege to serve the horticulture industry and partner with innovative people who work hard to grow quality products. We supply commercial growers with solutions including: containers, hydroponics and berry supplies, substrates, propagation supplies, Ellepots by A.M.A., RootSmartTM and more. You can count on top quality solutions, friendly service and trusted expertise. We start with YOU! No two growers are alike. Everything from what, to how, to why you grow is unique to you and your operation. We start with your goals and challenges, and then work with you to find the right solutions. We tap into our team’s expertise and our global network of partners to source the solution you need to succeed – and create something new, just for you. This approach is part of our commitment to Always Learning, Always Growing. Together, let’s cultivate the future of horticulture.

AGROLUX SALES OFFICE CANADA

1587B County Rd 34, Ruthven ON N0P 2G0

Tel: +31 174 61 08 20

e-mail: info@agrolux.com

Website: www.agrolux.com

Description: Agrolux is a worldwide supplier of assimilation lighting for horticulture. We distinguish ourselves based on advice, service and quality. We produce our own fixtures and export them to clients worldwide. Our broad knowledge, extensive experience and our smart and innovative technological solutions, makes us stand out in the horticulture branche. We will happily provide you with good, honest advice that fits perfectly for your company and possibilities. But you can also count on us for fast delivery of lighting luminaires or parts.

Agrolux is part of Hawthorne Gardening Company, the largest manufacturer and distributor of hydroponic products in North America. Hawthorne Gardening Company is a subsidiary of Scotts Miracle-Gro, the world leader in lawn and garden products and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (SMG).

ANATIS BIOPROTECTION

278 rang Saint-Andre, Saint-Jacques-le-Mineur

QC J0J 1G0

Tel: 800-305-7714

e-mail: info@anatisbioprotection.com

Website: anatisbioprotection.com/en

Facebook: www.facebook.com/

AnatisBioprotection

Description: Founded in 2005, Anatis Bioprotection is a company offering biological solutions to farmers and growers to fight against harmful pests in their production. Having the satisfaction of its customers at the center of its activities and aiming for long-term business partnerships, the company’s vision, strategy, and objectives are aligned with the collaboration, effort, and contribution of its employees.

At Anatis, we work hard to offer organic and innovative solutions by promoting new effective solutions for the biological control of insect and mite pests. For a service-based company like ours, the quality and commitment of our employees is essential for our success. In this perspective, communication plays a major role both with our customers and internally.

Our company is favored for its strength and many years of scientific research in the development of new bioinsecticides for the world market.

ANDERMATT CANADA INC

1350 Regent Street, Fredericton NB E3C 2G6

Tel: 506-444-5690

e-mail: info@andermattcanada.ca

Website: www.andermattcanada.com

Facebook: @andermattcanada

Description: Andermatt Canada is a growing Canadian company in the forefront of the biocontrol segment. Andermatt Canada develops and manufactures in Canada and is part of the Andermatt Global Group of companies. Our products provide growers with a safe alternative to either integrate into an existing program with registered chemistries or application in a biological program. Andermatt Canada registers all products with either CFIA or the PMRA for the benefit of grower and consumer safety.

The Andermatt portfolio consists of plant health products for enhanced growth and vigour, bio insecticides with low application rates and proven efficacy. Plus monitoring tools determine the presence pests. To learn more about Andermatt Canada and the potential of biocontrol contact us directly.

ARGUS CONTROL SYSTEMS LTD.

18445 53 Ave., Surrey BC V3S 7A4

Tel: 604-538-3531

Toll free: 800-667-2090

Fax: 604-538-4728

e-mail: sales@arguscontrols.com

Website: www.arguscontrols.com

Twitter: @arguscontrols

Facebook: @arguscontrols

Description: Argus Controls, part of the Conviron group of companies, is a pioneer with over thirty years of leadership and innovation in control technology. We believe in our vision of contributing to feeding the world, improving human health and protecting the environment by providing technologies that advance plant science and production through innovative horticultural control solutions, empowering our partners to succeed.

Argus was among the first to use computers for integrating the control of greenhouse environments and irrigation systems. Today our systems are used in commercial horticulture, cannabis, research facilities, universities, and many other custom control applications at sites throughout the world. Our capabilities include facilities automation and specialty monitoring and control applications to support the needs of our customers.

ARMTEC

33 Centennial Rd., Orangeville ON L9W 1R1

Tel: 519-942-2643

Toll free: 800-354-9146

e-mail: info@armtec.com

Website: www.armtec.com

Twitter: twitter.com/armteclp

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArmtecLP

Description: Armtec is a leading national manufacturer of a comprehensive range of products for infrastructure, agriculture, greenhouse and building construction projects across Canada and abroad.

ASB GREENWORLD LTD.

332911 Plank Line Rd., Mount Elgin ON N0J 1N0

Tel: 519-688-3413

Fax: 519-842-8091

e-mail: karenk@asbgreenworld.com

Website: www.asbgreenworld.com

Description: ASB Greenworld supplies various professional greenhouse grower mixes, seedling and plug mixes, indoor/outdoor retail grower mixes, peat moss, soil conditioners, turf top dressing, retail potting soils and mulches.

BELCHIM CROP PROTECTION CANADA

104 Cooper Dr. Unit 3, Guelph ON N1C 0A4

Tel: 519-826-7878

Toll free: 866-613-3336

Fax: 519-826-7675

e-mail: jouke.sypkes@belchim.com

Website: www.belchimcanada.com

Twitter: @belchimcanada

Description: Crop Health Products for greenhouse growers across Canada including Insect Control (FujiMite, Talus, Citation, Tristar), Disease Management (Diplomat, Timorex Gold, Cueva, Phostrol, Torrent) and BioStimulants (Biocult, Kelpak, Kazoo).

BAILEY

NURSERIES

1325 Bailey Road, Saint Paul MN 55119

Tel: 800-829-8898

Fax: 651-459-5100

e-mail: sales@baileynurseries.com

Website: www.baileynurseries.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BaileyNurseries

Description: Bailey is a fifth-generation, family-owned horticultural company serving customers worldwide. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, along with operations in Oregon, Washington, Illinois, and Georgia, they are known for producing and distributing top-quality horticultural products, marketing support services, and sought-after genetic breeding work. Bailey Consumer Brands – Endless Summer® Hydrangeas, First Editions® Shrubs & Trees, and Easy Elegance® Roses – are widely recognized as premier products in the industry.

BALL FLORAPLANT

622 Town Rd., West Chicago IL 60185-2698

Tel: 800-879-2244

Fax: 800-234-0370

e-mail: ltoering@ballhort.com

Website: www.ballfloraplant.com

Description: Ball FloraPlant is a leading brand of vegetatively propagated plant varieties that has won critical acclaim for its ability to produce clean, healthy cuttings. It is distributed through Ball Seed.

BALL SEED/BALL SUPERIOR-CANADA

11831 Cold Creek Rd., Unit B, Kleinburg ON L0J 1C0

Tel: 905-893-7101

Toll free: 800-268-5204

e-mail: fhannell@ballhort.com

Website: www.ballhort.com

Twitter: Ballhort

Facebook: Ball Seed Cares

Description: Ball Seed combines our extensive experience and innovative thinking to make sure you always have the best products, the most efficient tools and the dynamic solutions to build your business.

BELLWYCK HORTICOLOR

1025 8th St. E,, Owen Sound ON N4K-1M5

Tel: 866-258-2992

Fax: 519-376-8726

e-mail: info@horticolor.net

Website: www.horticolor.net

Facebook: facebook.com/Bellwyckhorticolor-323814344374639

Description: TAGS/LABELS, PRINTING, PACKAGING & MARKETING

Bellwyck horticolor, with over 100 years of printed manufacturing history is committed to a culture of Innovation, Quality and Excellence that will assist in the success of your organization and products. As a vertically integrated privately owned corporation with manufacturing locations in Langley (BC), Toronto and Owen Sound (ONT) and our Horticultural Marketing in Boucherville (QC), we are SMALL enough to care and LARGE enough to scale!

A Canadian Manufacturing organization with a multitude of diverse workflows, we are an Essential Service supplier with secure supply chains in place! Products for discussion could be VERSA tags, custom tags, packaging, posters, banners, leaflets, brochures, and catalogs. In addition, we provide specialized horticultural and photographic data bases, brand creation/implementation and logo development with virtual platforms.

BERG EQUIPMENT

42134 Hwy. 3, Wainfleet ON L0S 1V0

Tel: 905-899-3405

Toll free: 800-387-4713

Fax: 905-899-3507

e-mail: info@benberg.com

Website: www.bergequipment.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ BenBergFarmEquipment

Description: We provide a small line of compact & portable bale breakers, soil mixers, flat fillers, and conveyors. These products were designed to improve your productivity and efficiency by providing compact and portable equipment for a variety of applications, while using simple and economical construction to allow for minimal maintenance and long service life. In addition to greenhouse equipment, we are a full-line Kubota equipment dealer, offering tractors, implements, turf equipment, construction equipment, utility vehicles and more.

BIOBEE BIOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS CANADA, INC.

1402-22 Picton Street, London ON N6B3R5

Tel: 519-933-0648

e-mail: info@biobee-canada.com

Website: www.biobee-canada.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BioBee-SdeEliyahu-Ltd-376754736358650

Description: It is possible and economically feasible to produce healthy, high-quality agricultural products using fewer harsh chemicals in an environmentally friendly, sustainable and responsible way. For over 40 years BioBee has been pioneers in the mass rearing and implementation of beneficial mites, wasps, predatory insects and nematodes for agriculture.

Our Biologically Based IPM programs enable farmers to control pests and diseases during the entire growing cycle and deliver healthy fruits, vegetables, cannabis and ornamental plants to the market with low or zero chemical residue.

The BioBee advantage:

• No pest tolerance or resistance to pesticides

• Healthy crop yields

• Offers a safer work environment

• No entry limits in the crops

• Minimizes chemical residue

• Custom programs to meet individual needs

• Frequent supervised monitoring of pests and biological control agents

• Highly trained technical team

• Back-up and support from professional teams around the world

• BioBee has

BIOWORKS

100 Rawson Rd., Ste. 205, Victor NY 14564

Tel: 800-877-9443

Toll free: 800-877-9443

Fax: 585-924-4412

e-mail: bjaksic@bioworksinc.com

Website: www.bioworksinc.com

Twitter: twitter.com/BioWorksInc

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BioWorksInc

Description: For over 25 years, BioWorks has been helping our customers in the horticulture and specialty agriculture markets successfully grow crops with biological control and plant nutrition products.

We focus our efforts on consistently providing plant health programs and services to meet specific operational and strategic needs. We believe that How You Grow Matters&#x2122;. That’s why we are committed to bringing you products that are environmentally sound, products that work and products that fit within your operational growing plan.

All of our products are effective alternatives or additions to traditional chemical programs:

• Disease control

• Insect control

• Plant nutrition.

We are here to help you. Our technical services and program management teams provide the service and support you needed to ensure your programs are designed for success.

BOLD ROBOTIC SOLUTIONS

3904 Victoria Ave, Vineland ON L0R 2C0

Tel: 905-320-6817

e-mail: sales@boldrs.com

Website: boldrs.com

Description: BOLD Robotic Solutions was founded in 2017 with a sole purpose: to provide topnotch automated equipment for North American growers.

Our focus is providing cost-effective, smart machinery solutions that can reduce labor dependencies for greenhouses and nurseries. Our unique background and experience makes us ideally suited to tackle technically complex projects. Our proven approach allows us to successfully implement automation in various industries and market segments.

BOULDIN & LAWSON

70 Easy St., McMinnville TN 37110

Tel: 931-668-4090

Toll free: 800-443-6398

Fax: 931-448-3209

e-mail: sales@bouldinlawson.com

Website: www.bouldinlawson.com

Description: Bouldin & Lawson a proven name in the Greenhouse and Nursery industry.

With over 50 years of experience providing nurseries and greenhouses with quality automated equipment to improve productivity and efficiency

BUGVISION

66 skyline drive, Dundas ON L9H3S6

Tel: 289-204-6411

e-mail: contact@bug-vision.com

Website: www.bug-vision.com

Description: BugVision is a software solution for consistent and streamlined IPM scouting in greenhouse businesses.

Just take a picture of a yellow sticky card with your smartphone and let our server label and count the different pests for you.

We leverage computer vision models completely built on our premises for agile updates of the detection algorithm.

CANADIAN GREENHOUSE CONFERENCE

PO Box 11, Jordan Sation ON L0R 1S0

Tel: 905-892-9851

Fax: 905-892-9851

e-mail: info@canadiangreenhouseconference.com

Website: www.canadiangreenhouseconference.com

Twitter: @CdnGreenhseConf

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CanadianGreenhouse-Conference-386277761433757

Description: Canada’s premier education, exhibition and networking event for all crops grown in a controlled environment.

CANARM LTD.

2157 Parkedale Avenue, PO Box 367, Brockville ON K6V 5V6

Tel: 613-342-5424

Toll free: 800-267-4427

Fax: 800-263-4598

e-mail: hvacsales@canarm.ca

Website: www.canarm.com

Twitter: twitter.com/CanarmHVAC

Facebook: www.facebook.com/

CanarmAgSystems

Description: Circulating fans, exhaust fans, duct work fans, dampers, inline variable speed duct fans, ERVs/HRVs, blowers, grow lights, general lighting, carbon filters, controls

CASCADES

1061 rue parent, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville QC

J3V 6R7

Tel: 450-461-8600

e-mail: nathalie_gamache@cascades.com

Website: www.cascades.com/en

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cascades

Description: Cascades, a world of possibilities! Founded in 1964, Cascades offers sustainable, innovative and value-added solutions for packaging, hygiene and recovery needs. The company employs approximately 10,000 women and men who work in almost 80 facilities in North America.

CEEGREEN

5 Appleford Rd., St. Catharines ON L2P 3M1

Tel: 289-407-6420

e-mail: pete@ceegreen.ca

Website: www.ceegreen.ca

Description: Ceegreen is your guide to better greenhouse operations. We connect you to the technologies you need. Options in the areas of lighting, energy, automation, irrigation, disinfection and insulated panel construction.

CERES GREENHOUSE SOLUTIONS

1898 South Flatiron Court, Boulder CO 80301

Tel: 303-495-5006

e-mail: miriam@ceresgs.com

Website: www.ceresgs.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ CeresGreenhouses

Description: At Ceres we are more than just a greenhouse company. Every system is designed using the highest quality materials and equipment, with customized environmental controls to suit your desired climate and growing goals. We offer innovative geothermal HVAC options, as well as completely customizable controls systems to ensure maximum output and efficiency. We are there for our clients every step of the way, from navigating funding to providing growing data for commercial greenhouse operations. We care that our clients succeed in making the world a greener place.

CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEMS

408 Mersea Road 3, Leamington ON N8H 3V5

Tel: 519-322-2515

e-mail: sales@climatecontrol.com

Website: www.climatecontrol.com

Twitter: twitter.com/GreenhouseAtm

Facebook: facebook.com/greenhouseautomation

Description: Climate Control Systems Inc. has been manufacturing greenhouse automation systems since 1985. Our automation software and solutions help achieve a better crop while saving precious grower time. Our 3 main solutions are the Fertigation Manager&#x2122;, Climate Manager&#x2122; and Ozone Pro Water Treatment&#x2122; Systems, Plus selling Watt’s water filtration systems. These products are designed to help owners maximize crop yields, help manage energy costs and water & fertilizer conservation.

With major technology advancements in water sterilization and water recycling we are able to help commercial growers achieve considerable savings on water and fertilizer costs and at same time meet environmental regulations.

Climate Control Systems Inc. is sought after internationally for automation technology. We have dedicated ourselves to deliver the latest green technology that saves growers time and money and at the same time conserves and protects the environment that surround us.

CLIMATROL SOLUTIONS LTD.

#307-17665 66A Ave, Surrey BC V3S 2A7

Tel: 604-576-7677

Toll free: 877-576-7677

e-mail: pam@climatrolsolutions.com

Website: www.climatrolsolutions.com

Description: Greenhouse equipment manufacturer and supplier

CRAVO EQUIPMENT LTD.

30 White Swan Rd., Brantford ON N3T 5L4

Tel: 519-759-8225

Fax: 519-752-0082

e-mail: sales@cravo.com

Website: www.cravo.com

Description: World Leader in Retractable Roof: greenhouses, shadehouses, tunnels, orchard, field covers & AutoDry&#x2122; rain shelters. Cravo’s automated Retractable Roof Production Systems (RRPS&#x2122;) improve profitability for Fruits, Vegetables, Ornamentals, Floriculture and Pharmaceutical crops.

DARWIN PERENNIALS

622 Town Rd., West Chicago IL 60185

Tel: 888-800-0026

Fax: 800-234-0370

e-mail: info@darwinperennials.com

Website: www.darwinperennials.com

Description: Darwin Perennials® is a breeder and producer of innovative perennial plants. Many of our varieties are first year flowering to make it easy for perennial growers, retailers and consumers to be successful. We deliver a proven assortment of plants that provide high-impact colour year after year. At Darwin Perennials, supply is just as important as genetics. Our farm, Darwin Colombia, promises reliable supply of high-quality unrooted cuttings. You can also count on our list of well-known young plant suppliers licensed to carry Darwin Perennials to help meet your Darwin genetics needs.

Darwin Colombia - Our farm features more varieties, unsurpassed product quality and more innovation than ever before. Darwin Colombia is the Darwin Perennials production farm near Bogotá. Our team in Colombia brings you a comprehensive offering of vegetative perennials, including an extensive portfolio of the best genetics from Darwin Perennials, Walters Gardens, Florensis, Must Hav

DECLOET GREENHOUSE MFG. LTD.

1805 Charlotteville West Quarter Line, Simcoe ON N3Y 4J9

Tel: 519-582-3081

COMMERCIAL LIGHTING PRODUCTS

1535 Cliveden Avenue, Delta BC V3M 6P7

Tel: 604-540-4999

Toll free: 800-665-1021

e-mail: sales@comlight.com

Website: horticulture.comlight.com

Description: Commercial Lighting Products is a wholesale distributor of horticulture lighting systems & ballasts, nutrients, fans, soil & coco, and growing media for Hydroponics, Nurseries/ Greenhouses, Garden Centres, Vertical Farming, and Cannabis Production.

With 40 years of experience and 5 locations across Canada in British Columbia, Alberta, and Winnipeg, we are well-equipped to serve the Canadian Market for all their horticulture needs.

Toll free: 888-786-4769

Fax: 519-582-0851

e-mail: info@decloetgreenhouse.com

Website: www.decloetgreenhouse.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ DeCloetgreenhouse

Description: PRODUCT / SERVICE: Design and fabricate various types of high-quality greenhouses. Cut to length replacement poly, shade systems, benches and flood tables. We also carry a large inventory of replacement components.

DEGOEY’S NURSERY & FLOWERS

1501 Mersea Rd 6, Wheatley ON N0P2P0

Tel: 519-326-8813

Fax: 519-326-3769

e-mail: jmills@degoeysflowers.com

Website: www.degoeysflowers.com

Description: DeGoey’s Nursery & Flowers

Family owned and operated since 1976 5 acre facility. Hanging Baskets, Planters, Hardy Fall Mums, Christmas Holiday Planters

DOOL INTERNATIONAL B.V.

Aartsdijkweg 55, Maasdijk None 2676 LE Tel: +31 174 513094

e-mail: info@tcvddool.nl

Website: www.tcvddool.nl

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tc.vddool.1

Description: Dool International B.V. based in Maasdijk has a professional team and has more than 85 years of experience in the lifting and renovation of greenhouses and business premises. Without a doubt, Dool International B.V. worldwide specialist in lifting greenhouses and business premises.

For innovative solutions for the lifting and renovation of your greenhouse or business premises you are at T.C. v.d. Dool B.V. at the right place.

DOSATRON / DILUTION SOLUTIONS

2090 Sunnydale Blvd, Clearwater FL 33765

Tel: 727-443-5404

Toll free: 800-523-8499

e-mail: mailbox@dosatronusa.com

Website: www.dosatronusa.com

Twitter: twitter.com/Dosatronusa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Dosatronusa

Description: Dosatron International, based in Clearwater, FL, is focused on providing the best chemical delivery solutions possible for our client base to achieve complete chemical management control. Dosatron is committed to providing the highest quality, proportional dispensers for today’s demanding chemical applications. Dilution Solutions offers a broad portfolio of chemical dilution equipment. We are in the business of making chemical dilution easy. We offer a full line of water-powered chlorinators and electric metering pumps along with titration equipment.

Dosatron International and Dilution Solutions have provided unparalleled customer service and field tech support. We listen to and address our customers’ individual needs with on-demand, customized mixing systems All of our systems are backed by our experienced and dedicated staff who understand chemical delivery.

ELECTROMECANIQUE

4033 Victoria Ave., Vineland ON L0R 2C0

Tel: 905-562-7440

Fax: 905-562-4005

e-mail: emq@bellnet.ca

Website: www.ElectroMecaniQue1.ca

Description: Repair and sales of electric motors, pumps, fans, gear boxes, controls, AC inverters, air purification and related products. Sprecher & Schuh & Lovato industrial motor controls. Celebrating over 40 years of sales and service.

ENERTEC ENGINEERING

4811 King St., Beamsville ON L0R 1B6

Tel: 905-563-5090

Fax: 905-563-7764

e-mail: alex@enertecengineering.com

Website: www.enertecengineering.com

Description: Enertec Engineering supplies heating systems, retrofits, system design & engineering services, project consulting and replacement parts. Our key focus is on energy efficiency and optimized performance.

ENERTEC MECHANICAL

4811 King Street, Beamsville ON L0R 1B6

Tel: 905-563-5090

Fax: 905-563-7764

e-mail: alex@enertecengineering.com

Website: www.enertecengineering.com

Description: Enertec Mechanical offers quality service, repair and installation for all your Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Indoor Air Quality needs. Your Commercial HVAC Material and Service provider for Wineries, Greenhouses and Restaurants.

EVERGRO DIVISION, NUTRIEN SOLUTIONS

7430 Hopcott Rd., Delta BC V4G 1B6

Tel: 604-940-0290

Toll free: 800-663-2552

Fax: 604-940-0258

e-mail: evergro@nutrien.com

Website: www.NutrienAgSolutions.ca/specialty

Description: Supplier of full range of greenhouse and nursery fertilizers, POLYON, Sustane, organics, pest controls, IPM biologicals, PRO-MIX growing media, containers, ground covers, Poly Film, growing supplies and testing services.

EXACON INC

EXACON INC.

254 Thames Road East, Exeter ON N0M 1S3

Tel: 519-235-1431

Toll free: 866-335-1431

Fax: 519-235-2852

e-mail: sales@exacon.ca

Website: www.exaconinc.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/exaconinc

Description: Exacon Inc. is your “ONE SOURCE” provider for ventilation in the Canadian Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial, and Greenhouse markets. We provide leading edge, high quality products to meet your needs. Products include: Exhaust Fans, Horizontal Airflow Fans(Greenhouse and V-Flo Fans), Environmental Control Systems, Evaporative Cooling Systems, Misting Fans and Forced Air Heaters.

FINE AMERICAS

1850 Mount Diablo Blvd., #405, Walnut Creek CA 94596

Tel: 925-932-8800

Toll free: 888-474-3463

Fax: 925-932-8892

e-mail: info@fine-americas.com

Website: www.fine-americas.com

Description: Fine Americas focuses on the development and marketing of plant growth regulators (PGRs) for ornamental and agricultural crops. The company is continually striving for improved PGR technology that answers the demands of today’s quality-conscious growers. Fine’s innovative portfolio features industry staples such as Dazide® –the popular PGR for greener, stronger, more compact plants; Piccolo® XC – the only true solution, clear paclobutrazol; Concise – the uniconazole for denser plants with longer shelf life; and more. Fine is certified to ISO 9001:2008. These and other Fine Americas products are available from Kam’s Growers Supply, 877-821-1684, orders@ kams.ca, www.kams.ca/. For more information about any Fine Americas products, visit www. fine-americas.com.

FLOWERS CANADA GROWERS INC.

45 Speedvale Ave. E., Unit 7, Guelph ON N1H 1J2

Tel: 519-836-5495

Toll free: 800-698-0113

e-mail: flowers@fco.ca

Website: www.flowerscanadagrowers.com

Description: The Canadian trade association to promote the strength and unity of the floriculture industry through government representation, communication, marketing, education, research, plant health, trade, pest management and member services.

FLUENCE BIOENGINEERING, INC.

4129 Commercial Center Drive, Suite 450, Austin TX 78744

Tel: 512-212-4544

e-mail: marketing@fluence-led.com

Website: www.fluence.science

Twitter: twitter.com/fluence_led Facebook: www.facebook.com/FluenceGlobal

Description: Fluence Bioengineering, Inc. (Fluence) creates powerful and energy-efficient LED lighting solutions for commercial crop production and research applications. Fluence is a leading LED lighting supplier in the global cannabis market and is committed to enabling more efficient crop production with the world’s top vertical farms and greenhouse produce growers. Fluence global headquarters are in Austin, Texas, with its EMEA headquarters in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Fluence operates as a business unit within Signify’s Digital Solutions division.

GEORGE DE GROOT LASER GRADING & EXCAVATING INC.

822 Line 2 Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake ON L0S 1J0

Tel: 905-933-7810

e-mail: info@degrootlasergrading.com

Website: degrootlasergrading.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/degrootlasergrading

Description: All your grading and excavating works from start to finish! We will find the best solution for all grading work that needs to be done inside and outside your greenhouse

GGS STRUCTURES INC.

3559 North Service Rd., Vineland Station ON L0R 2E0

Tel: 905-562-7341

Fax: 905-562-3011

e-mail: sales@ggsstructures.com

Website: www.ggs-greenhouse.com

Twitter: @GGSSTRUCTURES

Facebook: facebook.com/ggsgreenhouse

Description: GGS is a world-class designer, manufacturer, and installer of commercial greenhouse structures since 1979 and our greenhouses are built to last. Here are the ways GGS can create an optimal growing environment for your plants. When we design greenhouse structures, our priority at GGS is to ensure the quality of the plant environment. Creating an environment that fosters the growth of plants & protects them from the elements should be the primary function of any greenhouse, after all. The following are a few types of greenhouse structures that we design, manufacture & build:

Gutter Connected Structures (Curved Glass/AFrame/Poly Covered/Venlo), Retail Garden Centres, Freestanding Greenhouses, Coldframes, and Shade Structures

Providing Structures, Benches, Lighting, and all ancillary items you need. Contact us to discuss all your Greenhouse and Indoor growing needs.

GMABE INC.

602 du Parc, St-Liguori QC J0K 2X0

Tel: 450-803-6324

e-mail: gmabe.inc@gmail.com

Website: gmabe.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/gmabeinc

Description: We import for Canadians farmers, growers and others these innovatives products lines.

IRRIGATION: Since 2015 we import Aqua-4D water treatment for optimum usage of your water.

DIGITAL: Authorized North American distributor of 2GROW plant monitoring probes in real time, Bitwise smart counting systems and Augmenta precision farming system. All real time technologies and easy solution to improve your operations. ROBOTIC: We also have agricultural robots from Naïo Technologies, AgroIntelli, Korechi and Raven.

WEEDS CONTROL: For the destruction of weeds with no pesticides we have Oeliatec boiling water and Oliver Agro implements.

ELECTRICS: There is also the Rocky-Agri electric work bench and others electrics tools.

GOLD LEAF TECHNOLOGIES INC.

2039 Robertson Rd., Suite 502, Ottawa ON K2H 8R2

Tel: 833-453-5323

e-mail: hello@goldleaftech.com

Website: goldleaftech.com

Twitter: twitter.com/goldleaftech

Facebook: www.facebook.com/goldleaftech

Description: Gold Leaf Technologies Inc. is a Canadian ag-tech company that specializes in consulting, equipment, and lighting to help growers be more efficient and consistent. Gold Leaf offers:

• Professional LED consulting and light planning

• Rebate paperwork processing included with every project

• Vertical farm design

• Multiple manufacturers to choose from

• Trial programs to ensure product fit prior to scaling

Servicing Canada from our headquarters in Ottawa, our team takes pride in what we do with a professional approach and outstanding customer service. We are committed to understanding your needs; we will work with you to build a custom solution for your business.

GREENFLOW CANNA CORP

195 King St Unit 106, St. Catharines ON L2R 3J6

Tel: 905-327-5929

Toll free: 888-552-3651

e-mail: info@greenflowcanna.com

Website: Greenflowcanna.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/greenflowcanna

Description: GreenFlow Canna is the exclusive marketer and distributor of Seaborn Organics

‘Squid Juice’. From Sea to Soil, ‘Squid Juice’ is made from Squid by-product after being fished for Calamari consumption. That waste product is then processed using a low heat hydrolysate method to create a sustainable 100% organic plant nutrient. ‘Squid Juice’ promotes crop and soil health, so give your plants what they need to thrive, and ‘Juice them Up’! Proven amazing results from any crop from grass, to produce and even trees.

GROUPE HORTICOLE LEDOUX INC. (ALSO KNOWN AS BOUTIQUEPRO.GHLINC.COM)

785 rue Paul Lussier, Ste-Helene de Bagot QC J0H 1M0

Tel: 450-791-2222

Toll free: 888-791-2223

Fax: 450-791-2225

e-mail: ghl@ghlinc.com

Website: www.ghlinc.com

Description: Greenhouse professional supplies & equipment manufacturer and distributor since 1992. Mix or single water soluble fertilizers (Performa Globalys brand and other brands), tomato hooks, tomato clips, vegetable seeds, Grodan rockwool / Oasis / coco substrates, West Penetone disinfection and greenhouse cleaning products, irrigation systems, greenhouse plastic film, ground cover, fans, horticultural lighting, greenhouse equipments, Argus Controls greenhouse climate control and automation, Berg Hortimotive greenhouse work carts, MosaGreen seeding / potting lines, Irrometer tensiometers, etc.

HARNOIS GREENHOUSES

1044, rue principale, Saint-Thomas QC J0K3L0

Tel: 450-756-1041

Toll free: 888-427-6647

Fax: 450-756-8389

e-mail: info@harnois.com

Website: harnois.com

Twitter: twitter.com/HarnoisHQ

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarnoisInc

Description: Division of Harnois Industries, an established leader in the design and manufacturing of innovative steel structures that meet the financial and operation needs of its clients.

HAVECON HORTICULTURAL PROJECTS

360 York Road, Unit 3, Niagara on the Lake ON L0S 1J0

Tel: +1 905 641 06 03

e-mail: jon@havecon.com

Website: havecon.com

Twitter: twitter.com/Havecon

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Voorwindengroep

Description: Havecon Horticultural Projects is a customer-focused organization with a wealth of in-house experience in the completion of greenhouse horticulture projects. Together with our strategic partner Voorwinden Group, we design, manufacture and oversee the construction of modern greenhouses. And we don’t limit ourselves to just greenhouse construction. We deliver turn-key projects to suit all your horticultural needs. We work closely with reliable partners to ensure you get the best in class. And we do this globally, with a focus on Europe and North America.

HEBEI NALTSEN TRADING CO., LTD.

No.9-1-1105, Phase 2, Jinzeyuan, Fuxing district, Handan City, Hebei Province,CN, Handan - 056000

Tel: 861-757-6096

e-mail: jasen@naltsen.com

Website: www.naltsen.com

Twitter: twitter.com/zhang_jasen

Description: Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd. (Naltsen) is a one-site supplier of materials and accessories for agriculture and horticulture. Naltsen focus on cost-effective products, such as strawberry truss support tape, quick release tape, ground cover, shade netting, hail netting, anti-insect netting, polysteel rope&wire, clips, galvanized chain&pipe, roll-up winder, etc. Customized sizes are available to suit your project and crop needs.

HOOGENDOORN AMERICA INC.

4890 Victoria Ave. N., Building R6, Vineland Station ON L0R 2E0

Tel: 905-562-0800

e-mail: info@hoogendoorn.ca

Website: www.hoogendoorn.ca

Description: Hoogendoorn Growth Management is one of the world’s foremost innovators in the horticulture sector with more than 50 years’ experience. With offices and partners around the world our roots are in Dutch Greenport. Hoogendoorn has been responsible for developing many of the systems and innovations now regarded as the industry standard. Aiming to not only excel in technological products, but also in customer support and training. We work with growers in every conceivable climate, with the most diverse crops to ensure a more efficient and sustainable future for horticulture.

Hoogendoorn’s IIVO climate computer provides smart technology for greenhouse growers. This truly unique system is capable of monitoring, controlling and maintaining any greenhouse. Allowing you to grow more, at higher quality while using minimal resources. Our team of in-house dataand plant-scientists are constantly pushing the boundaries of smart technology to harness the power of nature.

HORTAU

966 chemin Olivier, Suite 450, Levis QC G7A 2N1

Tel: 418-836-7927

Toll free: 1-888-5-HORTAU

e-mail: cletendre@hortau.com

Website: www.HORTAU.com

Twitter: twitter.com/Hortau

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hortau

Description: Hortau helps growers to optimize their irrigation management.

My name is Caroline Letendre and I’m the Canada Sales Director at HORTAU.

I’m working with growers of all field sizes and crops to make better daily irrigation decisions. We offer reliable soil moisture sensors, weather stations, and automation services. Our Mobile App makes it easy to consult field data in realtime and to make better decisions. By irrigating at the right time and with the right amount, growers can expect yield increase, plant quality, and avoid leaching. Hortau owns proprietary technology based on soil tension. We are developing, manufacturing, and servicing our technology directly to growers or through partners. We also collaborate with the irrigation industry by being active in research. We have an agronomic R&D department constantly developing and fine-tuning technology and conducting field research. We constantly improve our technology to be a reference in the Precision Ag Industry.

HOSKIN SCIENTIFIC

#5-3280 South Service Road West, Oakville ON L6L 0B1

Tel: 905-333-5510

Toll free: 800-665-5871

Fax: 905-333-4976

e-mail: sales@hoskin.ca

Website: www.hoskin.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ HoskinScientificLimited

Description: For over 70 years Hoskin Scientific has provided expert consultative support to find the right product to fit your application needs. Our Environmental Department provides solutions for monitoring and sampling biological and chemical parameters in the environment. Our team of environmental sales representatives and diverse product range guarantee that you will find the right products for your application. Whatever the area of specialty, Hoskin Scientific can equip you to collect the data you need for your project whether through a purchase or rental.

HOUWELING AMERICAS

4114 184th Street, Surrey BC V3Z 1B7

Tel: 905-598-0182

e-mail: jake@h-dp.ca

Website: www.houwelingamericas.com

Description: North American Subsidiary of Houweling Group in the Netherlands, Houweling Americas is the Premier Supplier of Greenhouse Disinfection and Cleaning Products, a Partner of Signify (Philips) LED Lighting, the Canadian distributor of Dutch Plantin Coconut Coir Products, as well as the Producer of Premium Nutrient Products and Shading Agents.

HRVST

LIMITED

310 Industrial blv Suite 100, Saint-Eustache QC

J7R 5R4

Tel: 450-323-1171

e-mail: info@hrvstlimited.com

Website: hrvstlimited.com

Facebook: www.linkedin.com/company/hrvst-limited

Description: At HRVST, we’re on a mission to power the future of sustainable agriculture and take on some of humanity’s toughest challenges. Our unique hyper-controlled technology creates optimal growing conditions, produces more reliable results, and dramatically improves crop yields, in virtually any environment, and for even the most complex plants.

We’ve invested over a decade of research into the development of HRVST’s unique row-by-row hypercontrolled environment technology. Today, our systems is the most powerful versatile industrial hydroponic solution on the market. Supporting various segments such as food, flowers, cannabis and propagation, our system can either complement an existing operation and/or be used to create a fully-sustainable production operation. From commercial to industrial scale, our technology is adapted to the local environment and needs of the growers.

The goal? To feed the world and improve yields for a variety of crops. At HRVST, we’re growing the future!

HUB INTERNATIONAL ONTARIO LIMITED

24 Seacliff Dr. E., Suite 100, Leamington ON N8H 0C2

Tel: 519-326-9339

Toll free: 800-463-4700

e-mail: gary.klemens@hubinternational.com

Website: www.hubinternational.com

Description: National Insurance Brokerage supplying Greenhouse Insurance Coverage.

HUPLASO

19 Duclos Street, St-Isidore NB E8M1N3

Tel: 506-358-6345

Toll free: 833-487-5276

Fax: 506-358-2868

e-mail: info@huplaso.ca

Website: www.huplaso.ca

Twitter: twitter.com/huplaso

Facebook: www.facebook.com/huplaso

Description: Huplaso natural mineralizer is a product only composed of volcanic rock dust. It comes from a volcanic deposit with distinctive properties, which makes the product very rare, even unique. It can be used for landscaping and organic farming. Huplaso balance the pH and increases the amount of minerals and the paramagnetic value of your soil, improving the yield by over 35%. It also guarantees the addition of 57 nutrients to your soil. With these many minerals, there is so many advantages using the product. The big difference with our product is the silicate dioxide and liming power properties. One application per year is sufficient since our Huplaso product is non soluble and will stay in the soil. Finally, it reinforces the cellular walls and give the plant strength to resist to drought, frost and insects. Great for around lakes and water ways because Huplaso will not wash away and pollute like chemical fertilizers.

2 different Huplaso products: Lawn & All-Purpose Mineralizer

HYDROGARDENS X TERIS

1330 Sandhill Dr., Ancaster ON L9G 4V5

Tel: 905-648-1801

Toll free: 1-800-8WeGrow Fax: 888-749-8677

e-mail: info@teris.co

Website: www.teris.co/en/home-hydrogardens Facebook: www.facebook.com/TERIS.CO

Description: HYDROGARDENS X TERIS, IT STARTS WITH YOU.

Agricultural and Horticultural Input Supplies Since 1964, HYDROGARDENS (a TERIS Company) has been the largest supplier of procurement services and advice in Ontario, in eastern Canada and in Quebec for farmers, gardening centers, greenhouses, horticulturists, industry professionals, nurseries and retailers. With the right values in the right places and a commitment to customer success, HYDROGARDENS (a TERIS Company) has become the industry benchmark. Offering a turnkey service, we are partners in your success so you can focus on what really matters.

WE HAVE THE GREEN THUMB

Environmentally conscious, we offer a range of natural and biodegradable products. By reducing our impact, we sincerely believe that we can contribute to environmental initiatives.

I2I AUTOMATION INC

18760-96 Avenue, Surrey BC V4P 3N9

Tel: 778-574-1889

e-mail: enquiries@i2iautomation.com

Website: i2iAutomation.com

Description: At i2i Automation, we develop user friendly Packhouse Management Software that helps improve your operational efficiencies and delivers fast ROI. Features include - Inventory Management, Shipping / Receiving, Traceability, Labour tracking, Job Costing, and Food Safety compliance . we also supply and integrate PTI Label applicators, Inkjet date coders, barcode scanners, RFID systems, Vision Systems, and data collection systems.

JELITTO PERENNIAL SEEDS

125 Chenoweth Lane, Suite 301, Louisville KY

40207

Tel: 502-895-0807

Fax: 502-895-3934

e-mail: maryv@jelitto.com

Website: www.jelitto.com

Twitter: @JelittoSeeds

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ JelittoPerennialSeeds

Description: Jelitto offers quality seed of around 4,000 varieties of perennials, ornamental grasses, and herbs, with a growing list of organic seeds. Breeding and production is under our care.

JIFFY PRODUCTS

5401 Baumhart Rd., Ste. B, Lorain OH 44053

Tel: 440-282-2818

Toll free: 800-323-1047

Fax: 440-282-2853

e-mail: prosales@jiffygroup.com

Website: www.jiffygroup.com

Twitter: twitter.com/jiffygroup

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JiffyGroup

Description: We at Jiffy aim to serve you, our customers in plant propagation and cultivation, to achieve better results. We can do this together by continually improving, innovating and working towards our common goals based on facts, teamwork and involvement. Let’s develop sustainable plant growing solutions together: starting today!

JOHNNY’S SELECTED SEEDS

955 Benton Ave, Winslow ME 04347

Tel: 207-238-5309

Toll free: 877-564-6697

e-mail: tmacy@johnnyseeds.com

Website: www.johnnyseeds.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JohnnySeeds

Description: Our mission is helping families, friends, and communities to feed one another by providing superior seeds, tools, information, and service. Johnny’s Selected Seeds is a privately held, employee-owned seed producer and merchant headquartered in Winslow, Maine, USA. Johnny’s does not knowingly sell genetically modified seeds; nor do we breed new varieties using genetic engineering. Our breeders use traditional, painstaking methods of natural crossing to create hybrid seeds that are healthy and safe. Johnny’s is committed to your success, every step of the way. We want you, our customer, to be 100% satisfied with all of our seeds, tools, and supplies. If anything you purchase from us proves unsatisfactory, we will either replace the item or refund the purchase price.

JOLLY FARMER PRODUCTS INC.

56 Crabbe Rd., Northampton NB E7N 1R6

Tel: 506-325-3850

Toll free: 800-695-8300

Fax: 800-695-8300

e-mail: sales@jollyfarmer.com

Website: www.jollyfarmer.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jollyfarmer-

products

Description: We are growers of high-quality Grower Ready young plants from seed and vegetative materials. Serving customers across North America, we sell our plants directly, not through the broker network. Our service is especially suited for the small to mid-size growers- very low minimum order required. With more than 3,000 varieties offered in multiple tray sizes, we’re equipped to match any program or budget. Our young plants, including plugs and rooted cuttings of annuals, vegetables, herbs, grasses and perennials, ship nationwide in the US and Canada via our own trucks, and other carriers. In addition, we grow Retail Ready finished plants distributed in the Northeastern US and Atlantic Canada. We offer a wide range of seed and vegetative annuals in flats, pots, hanging baskets, and planters including selections for fall and holiday. We invite you to join our growing list of satisfied customers and experience our commitment to integrity, quality, and reliable service.

JV ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.

80 Wigle Ave., Kingsville ON N9Y2J8

Tel: 519-962-9116

Fax: 519-962-8580

e-mail: info@jvenergysolutions.com

Website: www.jvenergysolutions.com

Description: Joined with our Dutch Partner, JV Energy Solutions Inc. has 60+ years of greenhouse heating experience in working to provide and promote sustainable energy in the greenhouse cultivation sector of North America. We partner and work well with several greenhouse structure contractors, offering our heating and cooling expertise. Whether it is a 1,500sq meters greenhouse, a 20-hector project or a renovation/ expansion, we have tailor made solutions for all situations. Our services also extend beyond initial installation to include routine maintenance, emergency services and a fully stocked shop location in Kingsville with over 1,000 essential heating and cooling components for our customers needs.

JVK

P.O. Box 910, 1894 Seventh St., St. Catharines ON L2R 6Z4

Tel: 905-641-5599

Toll free: 800-665-1642

Fax: 905-684-6260

e-mail: info@jvk.net

Website: www.jvk.net

Description: Seeds, plants, labels, supplies. Soilless media, coir product, Poeppelmann, TO Plastics, Landmark, Everris, Syngenta, Kientzler, Suntory, Greenfuse, Vivero, Proven Winners, Rakers, Walters, Benary, Pan American, Mastertag, Oasis products and BioBee Biologicals.

ROYAL BRINKMAN (GUELPH OFFICE)

32 Airpark Place, Unit 2, Guelph ON N1L 1B2

Tel: 519-821-1684

Toll free: 877-821-1684

Fax: 519-821-5714

e-mail: orders@kams.ca

Website: www.kams.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kamsgrowers

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/kamsgrowerssupply

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kamsgrowers

Description: Royal Brinkman offers a complete line of biological agents (bios), crop protection products, PGRs and plant nutrition products (water soluble fertilizer, straights, micros, organic, slow release fertilizer, bulk & custom totes) for the greenhouse floriculture, greenhouse vegetable, cannabis and nursery markets.

ROYAL BRINKMAN (KINGSVILLE OUTLET)

39 South Talbot Rd., Cottam (Kingsville) ON N0R 1B0

Tel: 519-839-4778

Toll free: 877-821-1684

Fax: 519-821-5714

e-mail: kvorders@kams.ca

Website: www.kams.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kamsgrowers

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/kamsgrowerssupply

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kamsgrowers

Description: Royal Brinkman offers a complete line of biological agents (bios), crop protection products, PGRs and plant nutrition products (water soluble fertilizer, straights, micros, organic, slow release fertilizer, bulk & custom totes) for the greenhouse floriculture, greenhouse vegetable, cannabis and nursery markets.

KOOLJET REFRIGERATION

150 Adams Blvd., Brantford ON N3S 7V2

Tel: 519-752-2424

Toll free: 866-748-7786

Fax: 519-752-4040

e-mail: info@kooljet.com

Website: www.kooljet.com

Twitter: yes

Description: Custom Built Designs - Greenhouse and processing/packing areas. Domestic and International Markets. One-piece, portable skidmount systems, hydro-coolers, water and glycol process chillers, blast freezers, and refrigerated dehumidifiers.

KOPPERT CANADA LIMITED

3 - 40 Ironside Cres., Toronto ON M1X 1G5

Tel: 416-291-0040

Toll free: 800-567-4195

Fax: 416-291-0902

e-mail: info@koppert.ca

Website: www.koppert.ca

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Koppert_Canada

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ KoppertCanadaLimited

Description: Koppert Biological Systems produces sustainable cultivation solutions for food crops and ornamental plants. Together with growers and in partnership with nature, we work to make agriculture and horticulture healthier, safer, more productive and resilient. We achieve this by using natural enemies to combat pest infestations, bumblebees for natural pollination, and biostimulants that support and strengthen the crops both above and underground. Restoring and protecting vital ecosystems in a natural way is the basis for healthy crops and a balanced environment. Add our quality know-how and consultancy services to this and you will understand why an increasing number of growers regards us as a partner with whom they can realize their ambitions.

L & R SHELTERS INC.

461 Highway 5, Dundas ON L9H5E2

Tel: 905-627-1101

Toll free: 866-216-4113

Fax: 905-627-1109

e-mail: info@lrshelters.ca

Website: www.lrshelters.ca

Facebook: L & R Shelters Inc

Description: Manufacturers of freestanding shelter and heavy duty greenhouse kits 17 ft to 30 ft wide at any length. Engineered drawings provided. “RT” Shelters exceed snow-loads of 50 psf.

LAMBERT PEAT MOSS, INC.

106, Lambert road, Riviere-Ouelle QC G0L 2C0

Tel: 418-852-2885

Toll free: 800-463-1313

Fax: 418-852-3352

e-mail: info@lambertpeatmoss.com

Website: WWW.lambertpeatmoss.com

Description: For over than 90 years, Lambert Peat Moss has been acknowledged as a leader in sphagnum peat moss industry. Well-known for their ability to quickly adapt to the customers requests and special needs. Lambert’s success is based on their obsession for quality control. Their devotion and passion for their products makes the perfect partner, whether if you are a professional grower or an amateur horticulturist. At Lambert Peat Moss, we stand behind our products!

LANGENDOEN ELECTRIC INC.

4389 21st STREET, Vineland ON L0R 2E0

Tel: 905-321-1503

Fax: 905-562-9044

e-mail: langendoen.electric@gmail.com

Website: Langendoen Electric Inc.

Description: We sell, service and install complete electrical and generator systems, for warehouses, offices, greenhouses, and HID Lighting systems. We also offer a complete line of Environmental Climate control and irrigation computers from; Argus, Hoogendoorn, Damatex, Priva and Link 4. Our experience staff can assist from the design of your electrical, climate control system to the project installation.

LANGENDOEN MECHANICAL INC.

1764 South Service Rd., St. Catharines ON L2R 6P9

Tel: 905-984-8711

e-mail: info@langendoenmechanical.com

Website: www.langendoenmechanical.com

Description: Design+Build turnkey heating systems, cogeneration, heat storage tanks, replacement parts, certified gasfitters, oilfitters, chillers and cooling, steamfitters and welders, boiler retuning, pipe insulation, aluminum container systems, and custom fabrication

LETSGROW.COM

4890 Victoria Avenue North, The Lodge Building R6, Suite 9000, Vineland Station ON L0R 2E0

Tel: 289-668-8743

e-mail: info@letsgrow.com

Website: www.letsgrow.com/en

Description: LetsGrow.com was founded over 20 years ago and is the data platform for the horticultural sector, both nationally and internationally. Any Greenhouse production company can get connected to the LetsGrow.com platform to gain insight in what is happening in your greenhouse. Using your own data and analyzing it, we supply analyses and advice, which lead to better results through improved quality of the production and better harvest prognoses. The algorithms are based on data generated in the greenhouse, plant physiology and Artificial Intelligence. The combination of these three elements are what makes LetsGrow.com unique and what supports the growers by providing additional insight into their data from one platform.

MANA CULTURE

162 Charron, Mont-tremblant QC J8E 2L7

Tel: 438-940-2640

e-mail: info@manaculture.ca

Website: manaculture.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ManaCultureInc

Description: From soil preparation to marketing, Mana Culture makes high-performance tools available. Mana Culture is there to help make diversified vegetable farms more profitable and to improve the quality of life for farm owners and their workers over the long term.

MAXIMUS

1250, rue Marie-Victorin, Saint-Bruno-deMontarville QC J3V6B8

Tel: 514-240-2844

Toll free: 877-445-6556

e-mail: greenhouse@maximus-solution.com Website: www.maximus-solution.com/en-ca Twitter: twitter.com/MaximusSystems Facebook: www.facebook.com/ themaximussolution

Description: A Smart System for Precise Climate Management

Developed and manufactured in Quebec, Canada, the MAXIMUS system automates and controls equipment (roof vents, roll-up side curtains, HAF fans, lighting, etc.), according to the desired parameters. More specifically, the MAXIMUS controller communicates with strategically placed sensors that provide real-time information on the greenhouse’s current climate status. Based on this data, the system achieves the growers desired climate by operating the necessary equipment. In addition to sending notifications as soon as an irregularity is identified, the MAXIMUS controller allows you to make the necessary adjustments remotely.

MAXIMUS - SMART technology for today’s growers.

MEESTER INSURANCE CENTRE

The Village Square, Reg. Rd. 20, PO Box 299, Smithville ON L0R 2A0

Tel: 905-957-2333

Toll free: 800-465-8256

Fax: 905-957-2599

e-mail: info@meesterinsurance.com

Website: www.meesterinsurance.com

Twitter: twitter.com/Meester_Ins

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MeesterInsurance

Description: Individually tailored Greenhouse Insurance Program

METEOR HORTICULTURAL SYSTEMS

419 Seacliff Drive East, Leamington ON N8H 3V7

Tel: 519-324-9900

e-mail: info@meteorsystems.com

Website: www.meteorsystems.nl

Facebook: Meteor Systems NL

Description: Meteor Systems produces complete cultivation systems for (glass) horticulture. Among other steel gutters, (movable) growing systems, drip irrigation, suspension and support systems, wire products, fastening materials, hydroponic floaters, vertical farming grow racks and fruit covers. Our products are used all over the world for the cultivation of crops such as vegetables, soft fruit, cut flowers, leafy greens, herbs and (medicinal) cannabis.

MICROCOOL

72216 Northshore St. #103-104, Thousand Palms CA 92276-2324

Tel: 760-322-1111

Toll free: 800-322-4364

Fax: 760-343-1820

e-mail: info@microcool.com

Website: www.microcool.com

Twitter: instagram.com/microcoolfog

Facebook: www.facebook.com/microcool

Description: Optimize greenhouse production with MicroCool’s state-of-the-art, high-pressure industrial fog cooling & humidification systems. With over 40+ years serving the greenhouse horticulture industry, MicroCool’s superior products are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA on a continuous product improvement cycle. Customizable & accurate climate zones, hand-adjustable directional nozzles, compatible with any controller. Serving all sizes of commercial greenhouse. Worldwide distribution.

MILLENNIUMSOILS COIR

111 Fourth Ave., Suite 371, St. Catharines ON L2S 3P5

Tel: 905-687-1877

Toll free: 866-256-4040

Fax: 905-687-8635

e-mail: coir@vgrove.com

Website: www.vgrove.com

Twitter: @Millenniumsoils

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Millenniumsoils

Description: For over 30 years, Millenniumsoils Coir has been supplying Coconut Coir to the horticultural industry. With a combined knowledge of 100 years in the field of Coconut Coir, we can help you achieve your goals with the best Coconut Coir for you needs.

We offer Coco Growbags, Bulk Bales, Retail wrapped Coir and anything in between.

From our standard mixes to custom Coir mixes, Millenniumsoils Coir can offer growers exactly what they need to meet their growing style and climate conditions.

With our many years of expertise in logistics, we can ensure that you receive your Coir orders in a timely manner.

Give us a call or email us and we can help you with all your Coir needs.

MULTI SHELTER SOLUTIONS

360 King St., PO Box 1125, Palmerston ON N0G 2P0

Tel: 519-343-2335

Toll free: 866-838-6729

Fax: 519-343-2399

e-mail: multisheltersales@gmail.com

Website: www.multisheltersolutions.com

Twitter: TheShelterMan

Facebook: MultiShelterSolutions

Description: We manufacture a wide variety of shapes, sizes and strengths of greenhouses. They can be either plastic or tarp covered and either ground mounted or elevated. North America wide shipping.

MYCORRHIZAL APPLICATIONS

710 NW E Street, Grants Pass OR 97526

Tel: 541-476-3985

e-mail: inquiries@mycorrhizae.com

Website: mycorrhizae.com

Twitter: twitter.com/MycorrhizalApp

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ MycorrhizalApplications

MOLEAER

3232 El Segundo Blvd, Hawthorne CA 90250

Tel: 424-558-3567

e-mail: info@moleaer.com

Website: www.moleaer.com

Twitter: twitter.com/moleaer

Facebook: www.facebook.com/moleaerinc

Description: Moleaer&#x2122; develops industrial-scale nanobubble technology that delivers extraordinary improvements in chemical-free water treatment, sustainable food production, and the recovery of natural resources. We partner with experienced engineering and innovation teams at world-renowned universities to validate new applications for our nanobubble technology. Our patented technology injects trillions of nano-sized gas bubbles into liquid and delivers best-in-class gasto-liquid transfer. Nanobubbles are an innovative, sustainable irrigation and greenhouse technology fueling healthier plant growth through unparalleled oxygenation, pathogen control, and improved root development. Nanobubble-enriched water has proven to improve water quality, promote root development, and foster plant health while lowering treatment and oxygen costs. Growers deploying Moleaer’s nanobubble technology consistently report reduced pathogens, healthier roots, improved vigor, and better yields.

Description: As the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of mycorrhizal soil inoculants, Mycorrhizal Applications is dedicated to sustainability by providing the agriculture, horticulture, landscaping, turf, and forestry industries with efficient and effective microbial-based biorational solutions. Mycorrhizal Applications researches and manufactures beneficial mycorrhizal fungi that greatly accelerate plant growth by increasing the surface absorbing area of roots as much as 50 times. This symbiotic fungus produces a healthier root system which requires fewer inputs such as nutrients and water and leads to optimal soil health, higher yields, increased plant stress resilience, and crop sustainability.

Mission: At Mycorrhizal Applications, we harness the power and wisdom of natural systems to promote living soils and increase quality, productivity, and health in all industries involving soils, plants, and people.

NEUDORFF NORTH AMERICA

Box 178, Brentwood Bay BC V8M1R3

Tel: 519-803-3261

e-mail: tim.tripp@neudorff.ca

Website: http://www.neudorffpro.org

Twitter: twitter.com/neudorffpro

Facebook: www.facebook.com/neudorffnorthamerica

Description: Neudorff North America (NNA) is an innovative leader in ecologically responsible products for agriculture, turf, and ornamental growers. From small-scale organic farming to large-scale crop production, Neudorff provides high-efficacy, low-impact plant protection products.

NIAGROW SYSTEMS LTD.

3559 North Service Rd., Vineland Station ON L0R 2E0

Tel: 905-562-6226

Fax: 905-562-6761

e-mail: sales@niagrow.com

Website: www.niagrow.com

Twitter: @ggsstructures

Facebook: facebook.com/ggsgreenhouse

Description: Every Niagrow greenhouse heating system is completely adjusted to make sure you have the right amount of heat in the location you need it, when you need it. We offer a variety of options each with their own benefit. From project inception, through design, installation, project supervision and after-sales service, we are here to make your commercial greenhouse heating project a success.

NNZ INC. THE PACKAGING NETWORK

136 Main St. W. Unit 3, Norwich ON N0J 1P0

Tel: 519-863-5782

Toll free: 866-493-5782

Fax: 519-863-5784

e-mail: adejonge@nnz.ca

Website: www.nnz.ca

Description: NNZ Inc. the Packaging Network offers a broad portfolio of agricultural packaging supplies. Onion bags, potato bags, vegetable boxes. We offer baskets: paper, plastic, wood; quarts, pints, litres, bushels. We carry butcher wrap and meat boxes, cider jugs, clamshells and egg cartons. Take out containers and deli tubs. Bulk bags and Firewood bags. We carry shopping bags of all shapes, in reusable, plastic, paper, compostable, and biodegradable. If you are a farmer, a repacker, a roadside stand, a butcher, a baker or even a crafter, we have your packaging needs covered!

NATURAL INSET CONTROL

3737 Netherby Rd, Stevensville ON L0s-1S0

Tel: 905-382-2904

Fax: 905-382-4418

e-mail: info@naturalinsectcontrol.com

Website: www.naturalinsectcontrol.com

Description: Natural Insect Control (NIC) is the only CANADIAN producer of beneficial NEMATODES and a master distributor of beneficial insects. Being the only Nematode producer in Canada offers us the unique ability to create customized beneficial Nematode blends to target your particular pest. If you have an insect problem, we have the solution. We are the experts on developing preventative bio-programs. Prevention is the key to successful production and optimum crop yields. We can design a program specific to your growing needs, whatever they may be (greenhouse, field crop, hydroponic). NIC offers FRESH beneficial insects. Fresh means no storage, creating stronger more resilient insects resulting in faster control & better reproduction. Look to us for all your biologicals program needs.

NORSECO

2914 Curé-Labelle Blvd., Laval QC H7P 5R9

Tel: 514-332-2275

Toll free: 800-561-9693

Fax: 450-682-4959

e-mail: info@norseco.com

Website: www.norseco.com

Description: Founded in 1928, NORSECO is one of the most important vegetable, flower seed, young plants and plugs distributors in Canada. We commercialize top quality and innovative varieties.

NORVIEW GARDENS LTD.

2628 Windham Rd 19, Norwich ON N0J 1P0

Tel: 519-468-3547

e-mail: office@norviewgardens.ca

Website: www.norviewgardens.ca

Description: Growers of quality ornamental grasses in plugs/liners in PL 72, PL 40 & PL 50 sizes and finished in 1L, 15cm & 2 gal potted.

THRIVES

OREON LED

Lorentzlaan 6, IJsselstein - 3401MX

Tel: +31(0)307600660

e-mail: info@oreon-led.com

Website: www.oreon-led.com

Twitter: twitter.com/Oreon_led

Description: Oreon is a Dutch innovative developer and manufacturer of high-tech LED grow lights. Oreon started nearly 15 years ago with years of research. The first commercial project with watercooled LED fixtures of Oreon was installed back in 2009. Now, the LED fixtures are worldwide deployed in the horticulture and vertical/indoor farming industry above various types of crops. The water-cooled LED top lights and multi-layer lights from Oreon operate on an active water-cooling technique. This ensures the LEDs and electronic parts are continuously cooled and makes it possible to produce high lighting levels with a high efficiency and offers the opportunity to reuse the gained heat.

The top lights are dimmable and the multi-layer lights are spectrum flexible and dimmable. This enables growers to maintain a flexible lighting strategy in regards to energy prices, fluctuations in sunlight or different phases of growth of the plant. More info: www.oreon-led.com.

PANAMERICAN SEED

622 Town Rd., West Chicago IL 60185

Tel: 630-231-1400

Toll free: 800-231-7065

Fax: 630-293-2557

e-mail: newsandinfo@panamseed.com

Website: www.panamseed.com

Twitter: twitter.com/panamseed

Description: Growers and distributors rely on PanAmerican Seed for the newest and best seed products in the industry. Grow and sell every product with confidence. The industry’s best product quality and availability. Speedy shipping straight to your door. Friendly, on-the-spot customer service, with cutting edge technical advice. Call us today!

PAUL BOERS MANUFACTURING/PRINS GREENHOUSES

3500 South Service Rd., Vineland Station ON L0R 2E0

Tel: 905-562-4411

Fax: 905-562-5533

e-mail: info@paulboers.com

Website: www.paulboers.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/paulboersltd

Description: Paul Boers Manufacturing and Prins Greenhouses supplies complete greenhouse systems. Choose from the Venlo, Gutter Connect, Freestanding and Coldframe Structures, Benches, Irrigation, Environment controls, Heating, Shade systems and Lighting.

PERLITE CANADA INC.

1775 52 AVENUE, LACHINE QC H8T 2Y1

Tel: 514-631-4251

Fax: 514-631-4254

e-mail: servicesclients@perlitecanada.com

Website: www.perlitecanada.com

Description: PERLITE CANADA INC. produces, transforms and markets its products. Our products are 100 % organic. No additives, nor chemicals are added. The expansion process is entirely mechanical.

Perlite and vermiculite are used worldwide for soil aeration, water retention and drainage for both indoor and outdoor plant life. They also facilitate root penetration to maximize growth and help control temperature variations. In addition, they reduce transportation costs by making the soil and peat mixtures lighter.

Perlite and vermiculite products are also useful in other applications such as, absorption, acoustics, animal feed and litter, fillers for light weight cement, filtration, and insulation to name a few. We pride ourselves in having a quality product.

PHILIPS HORTICULTURE LED SOLUTIONS

281 Hillmount Road, Markham ON L6C 2S3

Tel: 289-929-6205

e-mail: horti.info@signify.com

Website: www.philips.com/horti

Twitter: www.twitter.com/philipshorti

Facebook: www.instagram.com/philipshorticulture

Description: Philips Horticulture LED Solutions from Signify offers LED grow lights to help growers improve production speed and quality, better manage energy costs, and create new sales opportunities. For more than 15 years, the Philips horticulture LED team has led the way by focusing on science-based research on the application of LED lighting. And in these 15 years, the Philips team has developed hundreds of customized light recipes, specifically tailored to improve production yields for greenhouse and indoor food and flower crops. Today, growers in more than 43 countries are using Philips brand LEDs in a variety of growing environments, for a variety of crops and applications including ornamentals, high-wire fruits and vegetables, lettuces, leafy greens and herbs, soft fruits, and cannabis and hemp.

PHORMIUM

Weverslaan 15, Lokeren - 9160

Tel: 0032 9 340 98 11

e-mail: info@phormium.com

Website: www.phormium.com

Description: Phormium offers premium agrotextiles. Phormium professional screens, ground covers, and mushroom and compost nets are characterized by their durability and technical performance. They are innovative solutions, created by the Phormium Research Center, to serve the rapidly evolving high-tech horticulture market with adapted solutions. As a leading global player, Phormium offers growth-oriented and future proof solutions.

Phormium... growth driven, future proof!

PLANT PRODUCTS - A MEMBER OF BIOBEST GROUP

50 Hazelton St., Leamington ON N8H 3W1

Tel: 519-326-9037

Toll free: 800-387-2449

e-mail: info@plantproducts.com

Website: www.plantproducts.com

Twitter: @ProductsPlant

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PlantProductsNA

Description: Providing Canadian customers with specialized technical support for more than 70 years, Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group is a distributor of Biobest beneficial insects and bees, biological and synthetic pest control products, control-release, water soluble and Selectus custom fertilizers, Syngenta greenhouse vegetable seeds and other innovative consumable goods.

Locations: Leamington, ON; Ancaster, ON; Laval, QC; Langley, BC; Canton, MI

POLYTARP PRODUCTS

350 Wildcat Road, Toronto ON M3J 2N5

Tel: 416-633-2231

Toll free: 800-606-2231

e-mail: info@polytarp.com

Website: www.Polytarp.com

Description: Polytarp Products, a plastic film & bag producer supplying the agricultural and cannabis industry across North America. Our goal is to assist your business in maximizing the growth of your plants and increasing the yield of your harvest. We manufacture Black & White Grow Bags, 1/2 Pound Terpene Bags, Black & White Panda Film, Co2 Tubing, Harvest Bin Liners and Vacuum Bags directly in our Toronto, Ontario manufacturing facility.

PREMIER TECH GROWERS AND CONSUMERS

1 Avenue Premier, Rivière-du-Loup QC G5R 6C1

Tel: 800-667-5366

e-mail: services@pthorticulture.com

Website: www.pthorticulture.com

Twitter: twitter.com/promixghgrowing

Facebook: www.facebook.com/promixgreenhousegrowing

Description: Introduced in 1968, PRO-MIX® provides professional growers and consumers with cutting-edge and value-added growing media products. PRO-MIX® growing media are enhanced with high-performance active ingredients. PRO-MIX® represents innovative solutions and is a reference in the market. Fine-tuned for growers who seek efficiency, superior plant quality, disease suppression and resistance to environmental stresses, PRO-MIX® optimizes results. Premier Tech uses a unique approach to peat moss selection ensuring consistency and setting a high standard for the industry.

PRIVA

3468 South Service Road, Vineland Station ON L0R2E0

Tel: 905-562-7351

e-mail: info.na.east@priva.com

Website: www.priva.com

Twitter: twitter.com/PrivaSolutions

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ PrivaNorthAmerica

Description: Priva is a world leader in developing and supplying sustainable technologies for the control of indoor environments within horticulture and the building environments. Priva provides sustainable solutions for the more efficient control of energy and water within indoor environments, as a means to conserve scarce resources and reduce our impact on the planet. Together with local partner organizations, we offer our customers across the world access to high-quality hardware, software and services.

PRODUCETECH

1094, André Liné, Granby QC J2J1J9

Tel: 450-994-4567

e-mail: service@producetech.com

Website: www.producetech.com

Description: Cultivation, Harvest, and Postharvest Technologies

Thanks to our partnerships with renowned European manufacturers, and our constant search for new technologies, we can meet the needs of growers and packers of all sizes.

We have developed a high level of expertise in orchards, vineyards, as well as in nuts, hazelnuts, berries, and emerging productions.

We strive to be a long-term partner to our customers, by offering them technologies that adapt to their changing needs and the growth of their business.

Thanks to our team of experts, we take pride in offering unparalleled personalized service and after-sales support to ensure the satisfaction and loyalty of our customers.

PROVIDE AGRO

4825 Union Rd., Beamsville ON L3J 0V6

Tel: 905-563-8261

Toll free: 800-263-1287

Fax: 905-563-7882

e-mail: info@provideag.ca

Website: www.provideag.ca

Description: Custom built packhouse solutions featuring Greefa sorting technologies.

QUéBEC VERT

3230, rue Sicotte, local E-300 Ouest, SaintHyacinthe QC J2S 2M2

Tel: 450-774-2228

Fax: 450-774-3556

e-mail: renseignement@quebecvert.com

Website: www.quebecvert.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LeQuebecVert

Description: Spokesperson for the ornamental horticulture industry, Québec Vert (formerly FIHOQ) represents, defends and promotes the interests of the sector in the province of Quebec.

RL DISTRIBUTING INC / NIAGARA GREENHOUSE

EQUIPMENT.COM

27 Red Haven Drive - Office, 1063 Line 8, NOTL - Warehouse, Niagara-on-the-Lake ON L0S 1P0

Tel: 905-329-9409

e-mail: equipmeniagara@gmail.com

Website: niagaragreenhouseequipment.com

Facebook: Niagara Greenhouse Equipment

Description: Our company specializes in equipment and product solutions for the greenhouse and nursery trade. We offer both new and used equipment from quality suppliers such as Logitec BIG BALE, Pack Mfg, Horticulture Equipment and Services, Bouldin Lawson, Javo, Martin Stolze, Agrinomix and many more with the opportunity for TRADE IN of your old or retired equipment. We also supply Blue Diamond Quality Floral shipping carts in both standard and custom sizes - made to order for your operation. Best price in the market, buy or rent. Solutions are our business. Give us a call or check us out at niagaragreenhouseequipment.com - Randy 905 329 9409

SBI SOFTWARE

2222 NE Oregon Street, Suite 205, Portland OR 97232

Tel: 866-515-4909

Toll free: 866-515-4909

e-mail: sales@sbiteam.com

Website: http://sbigrower.com

Description: Built for Wholesale Growers and Re-wholesalers. The SBI Platform gives you access to all of your apps from anywhere, on any device. No other system gives you inventory visibility with so little labor to run it day to day. Start simple and expand what you use over time. We implement the system for you and walk your team through it from A to Z. Driven by our clients and industry, we strive to continually innovate and improve our software. After 21+ years of supporting growers, we know how to maximize efficiency, saving you time and money. Call 866-515-4909, ext. 3 for a quick consultation. Consider SBI your software partner—we learn from you and solve your business problems.

ROEHM AMERICA LLC

1796 Main Street, Sanford ME 04073

Tel: 855-202-7467

e-mail: info@acrylite.co

Website: www.acrylite.co

Twitter: twitter.com/ACRYLITE

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ACRYLITE

Description: We are a German engineered, American-based brand specializing in PMMA plastics. As the world leader in acrylic technology, ACRYLITE® products consistently outperform other greenhouse materials in commercial, institutional, research and retail greenhouse facilities throughout the world. ACRYLITE® greenhouse glazing materials enable the full natural light spectrum to reach your plants, resulting in increased plant growth and enhanced plant quality for decades.

We’ve learned that consistent innovation is needed in a world that’s constantly evolving. We provide customers with answers to the challenges that arise in our ever-evolving world. With our versatile and constantly growing range of functionalities, combined with our durability and environmental compatibility, we are considered one of the most precious plastics and indispensable partners for the creation of ingenious products. Our dedication to providing customers with revolutionary acrylic material helps to shape the future.

SANECOTEC LTD

5646 Manotick Main Street, Ottawa ON K4M 1B3

Tel: 877-610-0787

e-mail: info@sanecotec.com

Website: sanecotec.com

Description: SanEcoTec provides comprehensive water quality monitoring with continuous risk management and optimization. With the correct key performance indicators, real-time water tests, sensors and data analytics, water users will receive reliable process insight. The Water Health Index (WHI) Platform provides real-time water quality management and unique know-how to help you evaluate and optimize current and future water health solutions. The WHI Software Platform has reduced water operations costs while improving water control, safety, and quality for those whose water systems are mission-critical.

SMART HOME DESIGNS NIAGARA

4301 Jordan Road, Jordan Station ON L0R 1S0

Tel: 905-562-6702

e-mail: sales@smarthomedesign.ca

Website: www.smarthomedesign.ca

Description: We design and build innovative housing. With flexible solutions, innovative building materials, and experienced professionals, we provide a full design and build service that can be customized to the budget and needs of your agricultural operations. Whether for 2 or 200 workers, Smart Home Designs Niagara is ready to meet your needs with a design that incorporates your vision and unique requirements. Using steel Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), our Seasonal Farmworker Housing Units provide an economical, comfortable, and energy-efficient home for your workers. Steel SIPs—PIR foam insulation sandwiched by steel panels—provide the structure, insulation, and moisture barrier in 1 single product and offer high R-value and an optimal material for the construction of farmworker housing units. Bringing over 25 years of experience in commercial greenhouse construction, we are here to help you navigate the regulations and increase or upgrade accommodations with innovation and quality.

SOLAR LIGHT COMPANY, LLC

100 East Glenside Avenue, Glenside PA 19038

Tel: 215-517-8700

e-mail: info@solarlight.com

Website: www.solarmeter.com

Twitter: twitter.com/SolarLight_Co

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ SolarLightCompany

Description: Solarmeter® by Solar Light Company, LLC’s point-and-click handheld meters ensure healthy plant growth. The Model 9.4G monitors blue light intensity to produce strong, healthy stems and leaves. The Model 9.6G monitors red light intensity to produce beautiful flowers and delicious fruit. Solar Light also offers Model PMA2132 Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) Sensor for accurate measurements in greenhouses, growth chambers and open environments.

SOLLUM TECHNOLOGIES

465 Rue Saint-Jean, Suite 502, Montréal QC H2Y2R6

Tel: 514-543-6163

Toll free: 866-220-5455

e-mail: info@sollum.tech

Website: sollumtechnologies.com

Twitter: twitter.com/Sollumtech

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sollumtechs

Description: LED by nature&#x2122;, Sollum Technologies offers greenhouse growers the only dynamic LED grow light solution that recreates, perfects, and modulates the full spectrum of the Sun’s natural light. It enables growers to grow fruits or vegetables in greenhouses anywhere in the world, regardless of their native climate and the location of their greenhouse.

In tandem with our state-of-the-art LED fixture, our cloud-based SUN as a Service® platform uses smart algorithms to create an infinite number of light recipes adapted to each plant for greenhouse cultivation. Not only that, it provides growers with real-time and remote control of their lighting through their computer or smartphone. Our technology provides significant value in terms of energy savings, productivity, and superior produce quality, with great respect for the environment. We work closely with our clients to create recipes adapted to the growth cycle of their produce and the location of their greenhouse.

TAKS HANDLING SYSTEMS B.V.

Munnikenheiweg 58, Etten-Leur - 4879 NG

Tel: 0031 76 524 5200

Fax: 0031 76 5229902

e-mail: sales@taks.nl

Website: www.taks.nl

Twitter: @systemstaks

Facebook: Taks Handling Systems

Description: Taks Handling Systems is one of the leading manufacturers of harvest logistic solutions for greenhouse horticulture. All high-grade harvest processing and packing systems for internal transport, sorting, packing, palletising, tracking and tracing. Service Department Canada: 419 Seacliff Drive East, Leamington, Ontario N8H 3V7

TRIPLE GREEN PRODUCTS

Box 119, RR1, Morris MB R0G 1K0

Tel: 204-746-6333

Toll free: 855-373-2378

e-mail: info@triplegreenproducts.com

Website: www.triplegreenproducts.com

Twitter: twitter.com/triplegreen_tgp

Facebook: www.facebook.com/triplegreenproducts

Description: Talk to Triple Green Products about how to reduce heating costs by 50% or more in a reliable and affordable way.

Sales, Service and Install

STOKES SEEDS LTD.

296 Collier Rd. S., Thorold ON L2V 5B6

Tel: 905-688-4300

Toll free: 800-263-7233

e-mail: stokes@stokeseeds.com

Website: www.stokeseeds.com

Twitter: @StokeSeeds

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StokeSeeds

Description: Stokes is committed to assisting all customers, from the large commercial grower to the beginner grower, by supplying the highest quality seed and cuttings, along with the knowhow to support success. Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stokeseeds

Twitter: https://twitter.com/StokeSeeds

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StokeSeeds

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ stokes-seeds

TERIS

3180, Montee St-Aubin, Laval QC H7L 3H8

Tel: 888-622-2710

Fax: 888-749-8677

e-mail: info@teris.co

Website: www.teris.co/en

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TERIS.CO

Description: TERIS, IT STARTS WITH YOU. Agricultural and Horticultural Input Supplies

Since 1964, TERIS has been the largest supplier of procurement services and advice in Ontario, in eastern Canada and in Quebec for farmers, gardening centers, greenhouses, horticulturists, industry professionals, nurseries and retailers. With the right values in the right places and a commitment to customer success, TERIS has become the industry benchmark.

Offering a turnkey service, we are partners in your success so you can focus on what really matters.

WE HAVE THE GREEN THUMB

Environmentally conscious, we offer a range of natural and biodegradable products. By reducing our impact, we sincerely believe that we can contribute to environmental initiatives.

VAN DER ENDE GROEP

Aartsdijkweg 23, Maasdijk - 2676 LE Tel: 117-451-5050

e-mail: info@vanderendegroep.nl

Website: www.vanderendegroep.com

Twitter: twitter.com/vanderendegroep

Facebook: www.facebook.com/vanderendegroep

Description: Van der Ende Groep is inventor, manufacturer and supplier of technical products in the fields of water technology, air treatment and filtration technology. We have been producing and supplying a wide range of pumps and accessories, water treatment systems, electric motors, frequency controllers, valves for controlling flow, horticultural fans, and filter systems for more than 35 years. We offer specialist advice and fast, extensive technical services to our customers. Our numerous innovative products are sold all over the world.

VH SYSTEMS

Oosteindsepad 8, Bergschenhoek None 2661 EP Tel: +31 (0)85 401 77 02

e-mail: info@vhsystems.nl

Website: www.vhsystems.nl

Twitter: twitter.com/SystemsVh

Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100085133401166

SYNGENTA FLOWERS, LLC

2280 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy CA 95020

Tel: 408-847-7333

Toll free: 800-549-0158

Fax: 408-848-5429

e-mail: syngentaflowers.us@syngenta.com

Website: www.syngentaflowers-us.com

Twitter: @syngentafhg

Facebook: www.facebook.com/syngentaflowersNA

Description: Syngenta Flowers North America is one of the largest wholesale breeders of hybrid flower seed and cuttings in the world – developing and producing flower seeds and cuttings for growers internationally.

TERRALINK HORTICULTURE INC.

464 Riverside Rd, Abbotsford BC V2S 7M1

Tel: 604-864-9044

Toll free: 800-661-4559

Fax: 604-864-8418

e-mail: info@tlhort.com

Website: www.tlhort.com

Twitter: twitter.com/Tlhort

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ TerraLinkHorticulture

Description: TerraLink is a leading supplier of nutrients, crop protection products, beneficial insects, seeds, growing media and hard goods for professional greenhouse vegetable, floral, medicinal and nursery growers in Western Canada.

Description: VH Systems designs, manufactures and installs internal logistics systems for in the greenhouse sector. From fixed grow tables and roller tables to container systems and mobile gutter systems, for each project is an appropriate advice and a customized solution. VH Systems is the specialist in internal logistics systems. To increase production, ensure crop quality, guarantee labor improvement and save in costs, the use of internal logistic systems is the solution. Gain insight into the complete cultivation process to efficiently and flexibly anticipate the cultivation. With in-house design, production and installation, we can adapt to your needs and requirements.

VIRO GLOBAL TRADE INC.

735 Waterloo Row, Fredericton NB E3B 1Z6

Tel: 506-460-8696

Toll free: 877-744-2469

Fax: 506-460-8521

e-mail: sales@viroglobaltrade.com

Website: www.viroglobaltrade.com

Description: Shipping carts, shipping racks, grower racks, grower benches, display racks and shopping carts. Designs and sizes are customized to buyers’ needs. Hot dip galvanized or powder coated. Manufactured in Vietnam. Factory-direct.

VRE SYSTEMS

7367 Young St., RR 1, Grassie ON L0R 1M0

Tel: 905-945-8863

Toll free: 800-499-4873

Fax: 905-945-9294

e-mail: info@vresystems.com

Website: www.vresystems.com

Twitter: twitter.com/VRESystems

Facebook: www.facebook.com/VRESystems-100778465623340

Description: VRE Systems has been in business for over 40 years, supplying high quality products and services to the retail garden centre, horticultural, greenhouse and professional grower industries.

For retail garden centres, VRE manufactures durable and long lasting customer service carts, benches, displays and merchandisers, as well as structures such as round houses, cash huts, shaders, sidewalk structures and more. Our products are proudly manufactured in house in Canada, are made of high quality materials such as steel, which is then hot dip galvanized for the ultimate durability.

For horticultural companies, we manufacturing greenhouse benching, monorails, and transportation carts. We also have significant experience designing, manufacturing and installing shade, light deprivation and blackout curtain systems for greenhouses.

We also offer a line of products for cannabis growers, including drying trays, grow carts and drying racks.

If you want professional products, call VRE Systems.

WATER ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES

3375 North Service Rd., #A7, Burlington ON L7N 3G2

Tel: 905-336-7666

Toll free: 800-561-5235

Fax: 905-336-5714

e-mail: info@waterentech.com

Website: www.waterentech.com

Description: Water purification equipment and water treatment chemicals, including reverse osmosis, filtration, ion exchange, UV light sterilization, chemical feed pumps & controllers, disinfectants, pond algae control and boiler, cooling & potable water programs.

WESTBROOK GREENHOUSE SYSTEMS

4670 South Service Rd., Beamsville ON L0R 1B1

Tel: 289-432-1199

Toll free: 855-945-0806

Fax: 905-563-9304

e-mail: mail@westbrooksystems.com

Website: www.westbrooksystems.com

Description: Westbrook Greenhouse Systems offers an extensive selection of greenhouse structures and their related products, including heating and benches, customized to the unique needs of each grower.

WESTGROW BIOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS INC. / THE BUG LADY

PO Box 769, Fort Langley BC V1M 2S2

Tel: 604-888-5026

Fax: 604-888-5046

e-mail: bob@westgrowbios.ca

Website: www.thebuglady.ca

Facebook: The Bug Lady Instagram @ thebugladywgb

Description: Distributor of biological controls including insects, mites, and nematodes. Main supplier is Applied Bionomics (insects and mites); also nematodes from BASF (was Becker Underwood) and the complete Biobest product line.

We sell wholesale, direct to commercial greenhouses and also carry the BugLady line of products for re-sale through retail garden centers (check us out at thebuglady.ca). Wholesale price lists available upon request.

We bring in & re-ship biologicals as fresh products, same day, twice a week, and reach 90% of Canada in 1-2 days via expedited couriers.

Our suppliers are well known for the quality of their products:

Applied Bionomics: the focus is on freshness, which their mass-production competitors can’t match. Fresh (non-refrigerated) bios live longer, lay more eggs, and search better than stored biologicals.

BASF: high-quality producer of commercial nematodes for several decades.

Biobest: one of the largest bio companies, with a vast array of products.

WESTLAND GREENHOUSE SOLUTIONS

4301 Jordan Road, Jordan Station ON L0R1S0

Tel: 905-562-0225

e-mail: sales@westlandgs.com

Website: www.westlandgs.com

WORKPLACE SAFETY & PREVENTION SERVICES

5110 Creekbank Road, Suite 300, Mississauga ON L4W 0A1

Tel: 905-614-1414

Toll free: 877-494-9777

Fax: 905-614-1414

e-mail: customercare@wsps.ca

Website: www.wsps.ca

Twitter: twitter.com/WSPS_NEWS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Facebook: www.facebook.com/workplacesafetyandpreventionservices

Description: Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) is a not-for-profit organization committed to protecting Ontario’s workers and businesses. It serves more than 171,000 member firms and 4.2 million workers across the agricultural, manufacturing and service sectors. A proud partner in the province’s occupational health and safety system and a trusted safety advisor since 1917, WSPS has a rich history of making workplaces safer.

ZWART SYSTEMS INC.

4881 Union Rd., Beamsville ON L3J 0V5

Tel: 905-563-9606

Toll free: 800-932-9811

Fax: 905-563-9238

e-mail: info@zwartsystems.ca

Website: www.zwartsystems.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/zwartsystems

Description: Specializing in the Design, Supply, Install and Service of Custom Irrigation Systems, Greenhouse Supplies, Greenhouse Internal Logistic Systems - Moving Tables, Conveyor Belts, Design.

EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES & SERVICES

ACCOUNTING & FINANCES

SBI Software

ALARM SYSTEMS

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hortau

Hoskin Scientific

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Langendoen Electric Inc.

TERIS

ASSOCIATIONS/TRADE SHOWS

Québec Vert

SBI Software

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

BENCHES

DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.

GGS Structures Inc.

GMABE inc.

Langendoen Mechanical Inc.

Paul Boers Manufacturing/ Prins Greenhouses

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

VH Systems

Viro Global Trade Inc.

VRE Systems

Westbrook Greenhouse Systems

Westland Greenhouse Solutions

Zwart Systems Inc.

BOOKS

Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Natural Inset Control

Québec Vert

BUDDING & GRAFTING SUPPLIES

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

BUNK HOUSE SUPPLIES

Smart Home Designs

Niagara

BURLAP

Hydrogardens X TERIS

TERIS

CARBON DIOXIDE

Enertec Engineering

Enertec Mechanical

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hoskin Scientific

HRVST Limited

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Langendoen Mechanical Inc.

Niagrow Systems Ltd.

CARTS & RACKS

A-ROO Company LLC

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

GGS Structures Inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

HRVST Limited

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Mana Culture

Paul Boers Manufacturing/ Prins Greenhouses

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

Viro Global Trade Inc.

VRE Systems

Westland Greenhouse Solutions

CLIMATE CONTROL

- AUTOMATION & SYSTEMS

Argus Control Systems Ltd.

Ceegreen

Ceres Greenhouse Solutions

Climate Control Systems

Climatrol Solutions Ltd.

Commercial Lighting Products

Cravo Equipment Ltd.

DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.

Exacon Inc.

GGS Structures Inc.

GMABE inc.

Gold Leaf Technologies Inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hoogendoorn America Inc.

Hortau

Hoskin Scientific

HRVST Limited

Hydrogardens X TERIS

i2i Automation Inc

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

JVK

Langendoen Electric Inc.

LetsGrow.com

MAXIMUS

Niagrow Systems Ltd.

Paul Boers Manufacturing/ Prins Greenhouses

Priva

ProduceTech

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

TERIS

Van der Ende Groep

Westland Greenhouse Solutions

COMPOSTERS

Triple Green Products

CONSULTING

BugVision

Ceegreen

Ceres Greenhouse Solutions

Climate Control Systems

Enertec Engineering

Enertec Mechanical

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

Johnny’s Selected Seeds

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Koppert Canada Limited

SanEcoTec Ltd

SBI Software

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

CONTAINERS, FLATS & POTS

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Jiffy Products

Johnny’s Selected Seeds

JVK

Langendoen Mechanical Inc.

Millenniumsoils Coir

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

ProduceTech

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

CONVEYORS

Berg Equipment

Bold Robotic Solutions

Bouldin & Lawson

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

i2i Automation Inc

Mana Culture

ProduceTech

Provide Agro

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

TAKS Handling Systems B.V.

Zwart Systems Inc.

COOLERS & REFRIGERATION

Enertec Mechanical

Kooljet Refrigeration

Langendoen Mechanical Inc.

Mana Culture

Niagrow Systems Ltd.

COOLING EQUIPMENT & SYSTEMS

Canarm Ltd.

Commercial Lighting Products

DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.

Enertec Engineering

Enertec Mechanical

Exacon Inc.

GGS Structures Inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

JVK

Kooljet Refrigeration

Langendoen Electric Inc.

Langendoen Mechanical Inc.

MicroCool

Niagrow Systems Ltd.

Van der Ende Groep

Zwart Systems Inc.

CROP PROTECTIONBACTERICIDES

Anatis Bioprotection

Andermatt Canada Inc

Belchim Crop Protection Canada

BioWorks

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Kam’s Growers Supply Inc.Head Office Guelph

Kam’s powered by Royal Brinkman - Kingsville

Location

Neudorff North America

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

CROP PROTECTION

- BIOLOGICAL, NONCONVENTIONAL

Anatis Bioprotection

Andermatt Canada Inc

Belchim Crop Protection Canada

BioBee Biological Solutions Canada, Inc.

BioWorks

BugVision

Greenflow Canna Corp

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JVK

Kam’s Growers Supply Inc.Head Office Guelph

Kam’s powered by Royal Brinkman - Kingsville Location

Koppert Canada Limited

Mycorrhizal Applications

Natural Inset Control

Neudorff North America

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

SanEcoTec Ltd

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

WestGrow Biological Solutions Inc. / The Bug Lady

CROP PROTECTIONFUNGICIDES

Anatis Bioprotection

Andermatt Canada Inc

Belchim Crop Protection Canada

BioWorks

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JVK

Kam’s Growers Supply Inc.Head Office Guelph

Kam’s powered by Royal Brinkman - Kingsville Location

Neudorff North America

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

CROP PROTECTIONHERBICIDES

Anatis Bioprotection

Belchim Crop Protection Canada

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JVK

Kam’s Growers Supply Inc.Head Office Guelph

Kam’s powered by Royal Brinkman - Kingsville Location

Neudorff North America

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

CROP PROTECTIONINSECTICIDES

Anatis Bioprotection

Andermatt Canada Inc

Belchim Crop Protection Canada

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JVK

Kam’s Growers Supply Inc.Head Office Guelph

Kam’s powered by Royal Brinkman - Kingsville Location

Koppert Canada Limited

Neudorff North America

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

WestGrow Biological Solutions Inc. / The Bug Lady

CROP PROTECTION -PESTICIDES, CONVENTIONAL

Belchim Crop Protection

Canada

BioWorks

BugVision

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JVK

Kam’s Growers Supply Inc.-

Head Office Guelph

Kam’s powered by Royal Brinkman - Kingsville

Location

Neudorff North America

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

CURTAINS AND CLIMATE SCREENS

Ceegreen

Cravo Equipment Ltd.

DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.

GGS Structures Inc.

JVK

Kam’s Growers Supply Inc.-

Head Office Guelph

Paul Boers Manufacturing/ Prins Greenhouses

Phormium

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

VRE Systems

DISINFECTANTS & SANITIZERS

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Houweling Americas

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JVK

Kam’s Growers Supply Inc.-

Head Office Guelph

Kam’s powered by Royal Brinkman - Kingsville

Location

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

Water Energy Technologies

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Argus Control Systems Ltd.

Canadian Greenhouse Conference

LetsGrow.com

Priva

Québec Vert

SanEcoTec Ltd

SBI Software

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

ELECTRICAL SERVICES/ SUPPLIES

Argus Control Systems Ltd.

Bold Robotic Solutions

Ceegreen

Climatrol Solutions Ltd.

Commercial Lighting Products

HRVST Limited

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Langendoen Electric Inc.

Van der Ende Groep

EXCAVATION

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

FANS Canarm Ltd.

Ceegreen

Climatrol Solutions Ltd.

Commercial Lighting Products

DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.

ElectroMecaniQue

Enertec Mechanical

Exacon Inc.

GGS Structures Inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

HRVST Limited

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JVK

Kooljet Refrigeration

Langendoen Electric Inc.

Multi Shelter Solutions

Niagrow Systems Ltd.

Priva

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

TERIS

Van der Ende Groep

Westland Greenhouse Solutions

Zwart Systems Inc.

FERTILIZER EQUIPMENT

Ceegreen

Climate Control Systems

Commercial Lighting Products

GMABE inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

HRVST Limited

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JVK

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

Priva

ProduceTech

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

Zwart Systems Inc.

FERTILIZERS

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Andermatt Canada Inc

BioWorks

Commercial Lighting Products

Gold Leaf Technologies Inc.

Greenflow Canna Corp

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

Houweling Americas

Huplaso

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JVK

Kam’s Growers Supply Inc.Head Office Guelph

Kam’s powered by Royal Brinkman - Kingsville

Location

Mycorrhizal Applications

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

FLAT AND POT FILLING EQUIPMENT

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Berg Equipment

Bouldin & Lawson

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Mana Culture

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

FLOORS, CULTIVATION/ FLOOD

George de Groot Laser Grading & Excavating Inc.

HRVST Limited

Niagrow Systems Ltd.

Polytarp Products

Zwart Systems Inc.

FOGGERS

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hydrogardens X TERIS

MicroCool TERIS

Van der Ende Groep

FUELS & BIOMASS

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Langendoen Mechanical Inc.

Niagrow Systems Ltd.

Triple Green Products

FUMIGANTS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

GARDEN CENTRE SUPPLIES

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Commercial Lighting Products

GGS Structures Inc.

Greenflow Canna Corp

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Johnny’s Selected Seeds

JVK

Natural Inset Control

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

VRE Systems

WestGrow Biological Solutions Inc. / The Bug Lady

GENERATORS

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hoskin Scientific

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Niagrow Systems Ltd.

ProduceTech

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

GLAZING & PAINTING

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

TERIS

GRADING & SORTING MACHINES

Bold Robotic Solutions

i2i Automation Inc

ProduceTech

Provide Agro

GREENHOUSE COVERINGS

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Cravo Equipment Ltd.

DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.

GGS Structures Inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Johnny’s Selected Seeds

JVK

L & R Shelters Inc.

Multi Shelter Solutions

Paul Boers Manufacturing/ Prins Greenhouses

Polytarp Products

Roehm America LLC

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

Westland Greenhouse Solutions

GREENHOUSE STRUCTURES

Ceres Greenhouse Solutions

Cravo Equipment Ltd.

DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.

Dool International B.V.

George de Groot Laser

Grading & Excavating Inc.

GGS Structures Inc.

Harnois Greenhouses

Havecon Horticultural Projects

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

Hoogendoorn America Inc.

HRVST Limited

JVK

L & R Shelters Inc.

Multi Shelter Solutions

Paul Boers Manufacturing/ Prins Greenhouses

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

Roehm America LLC

Westbrook Greenhouse Systems

Westland Greenhouse Solutions

GREENHOUSE SUPPLIES, GENERAL

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Agrolux Sales Office Canada

Ceres Greenhouse Solutions

Commercial Lighting Products

Dool International B.V.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

Houweling Americas

Huplaso

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

JVK

Meteor Horticultural Systems

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

Polytarp Products

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

SBI Software

Smart Home Designs

Niagara

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

Viro Global Trade Inc.

Zwart Systems Inc.

GREENHOUSES, HOBBY

Ceres Greenhouse Solutions

Commercial Lighting Products

Dool International B.V.

Johnny’s Selected Seeds

L & R Shelters Inc.

Multi Shelter Solutions

GROWING MEDIAAMENDMENTS

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JVK

Koppert Canada Limited

Millenniumsoils Coir

Mycorrhizal Applications

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

Premier Tech Growers and Consumers

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

GROWING MEDIACOIR

Commercial Lighting Products

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Houweling Americas

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Jiffy Products

Millenniumsoils Coir

Premier Tech Growers and Consumers

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

GROWING MEDIAPEAT MOSS

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Commercial Lighting Products

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Jiffy Products

JVK

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

Premier Tech Growers and Consumers

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

GROWING MEDIAROCKWOOL

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Commercial Lighting Products

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hydrogardens X TERIS

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

GROWING MEDIASOIL

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Jiffy Products

JVK

Premier Tech Growers and Consumers

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

GROWING MEDIASOILLESS MIXES

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Commercial Lighting Products

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Houweling Americas

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Jiffy Products

JVK

Millenniumsoils Coir

PERLITE CANADA INC.

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

Premier Tech Growers and Consumers

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

GROWTH ENHANCERS

Andermatt Canada Inc

Commercial Lighting Products

Greenflow Canna Corp

HRVST Limited

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Mycorrhizal Applications

PERLITE CANADA INC.

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

GROWTH REGULATORS

Fine Americas

Hoskin Scientific

JVK

Kam’s Growers Supply Inc.-

Head Office Guelph

Kam’s powered by Royal Brinkman - Kingsville

Location

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

HEAT PUMPS, GROUND

WATER

ElectroMecaniQue

Enertec Engineering

Enertec Mechanical

Hoskin Scientific

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Langendoen Mechanical Inc.

Niagrow Systems Ltd.

TERIS

Van der Ende Groep

HEATING EQUIPMENT

Ceres Greenhouse Solutions

Enertec Engineering

Enertec Mechanical

Exacon Inc.

GGS Structures Inc.

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Langendoen Mechanical Inc.

Niagrow Systems Ltd.

Paul Boers Manufacturing/ Prins Greenhouses

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

Triple Green Products

Westbrook Greenhouse Systems

HOSE REELS

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

HUMIDIFICATION

EQUIPMENT

Ceres Greenhouse Solutions

Commercial Lighting Products

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Mana Culture

MicroCool

Zwart Systems Inc.

HYDRAULIC EQUIPMENT/SERVICE

Mana Culture

Moleaer

ProduceTech

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

Van der Ende Groep

HYDROPONIC

EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Climate Control Systems

Commercial Lighting Products

Dosatron / Dilution Solutions

Enertec Mechanical

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

HRVST Limited

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Jiffy Products

Meteor Horticultural Systems

Millenniumsoils Coir

Moleaer

TERIS

Zwart Systems Inc.

INJECTORS

Ceegreen

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

HRVST Limited

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JVK

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

Priva

TERIS

Zwart Systems Inc.

INSULATION

Ceegreen

Enertec Engineering

Enertec Mechanical

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Langendoen Mechanical Inc.

Niagrow Systems Ltd.

PERLITE CANADA INC.

ProduceTech

INSURANCE

HUB International Ontario Limited

Meester Insurance Centre

IRRIGATION

EQUIPMENT/SYSTEMS

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Argus Control Systems Ltd.

Ceegreen

Climate Control Systems

Climatrol Solutions Ltd.

Commercial Lighting Products

Dosatron / Dilution Solutions

GMABE inc.

Gold Leaf Technologies Inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

Hortau

HRVST Limited

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

JVK

Mana Culture

Meteor Horticultural Systems

Moleaer

Niagrow Systems Ltd.

Paul Boers Manufacturing/ Prins Greenhouses

Priva

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

TERIS

Westland Greenhouse Solutions

Zwart Systems Inc.

LABELING EQUIPMENT

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Bold Robotic Solutions

i2i Automation Inc

ProduceTech

Provide Agro

LABELS & TAGS

A-ROO Company LLC

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

Hydrogardens X TERIS

i2i Automation Inc

JVK

Mana Culture

TERIS

LABORATORY SERVICES

A & L Canada Laboratories Inc.

Hoskin Scientific

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

SanEcoTec Ltd

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

LABOUR MANAGEMENT

Climatrol Solutions Ltd.

Hoogendoorn America Inc.

i2i Automation Inc

LetsGrow.com

Priva

SBI Software

LANDSCAPE FABRICS

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

LIFTGATES AND TRUCK EQUIPMENT

LIGHTING

Canarm Ltd.

Commercial Lighting Products

Fluence Bioengineering, Inc.

GGS Structures Inc.

Gold Leaf Technologies Inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

Houweling Americas

HRVST Limited

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Langendoen Mechanical Inc.

Oreon LED

Paul Boers Manufacturing/ Prins Greenhouses

Philips Horticulture LED Solutions

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

Solar Light Company, LLC

Sollum Technologies

TERIS

Westland Greenhouse Solutions

MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT

Bold Robotic Solutions

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hoskin Scientific

i2i Automation Inc

Mana Culture

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

TAKS Handling Systems B.V.

Zwart Systems Inc.

MERCHANDISING/ RETAIL

VRE Systems

METERS, NUTRIENT

Climate Control Systems

Commercial Lighting Products

Greenflow Canna Corp

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hoskin Scientific

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

Solar Light Company, LLC

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

Zwart Systems Inc.

MISTING EQUIPMENT

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hydrogardens X TERIS

MicroCool

TERIS

Zwart Systems Inc.

MOTORS

Enertec Engineering

Exacon Inc.

GGS Structures Inc.

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Langendoen Electric Inc.

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

PACKAGING EQUIPMENT

Bold Robotic Solutions

Bouldin & Lawson

Cascades

Hydrogardens X TERIS

i2i Automation Inc

Mana Culture

Polytarp Products

ProduceTech

Provide Agro

TAKS Handling Systems B.V. TERIS

PACKAGING SUPPLIES

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Cascades

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Mana Culture

NNZ Inc. the Packaging Network

Polytarp Products

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

PAINTS, GREENHOUSE

Enertec Engineering

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

JVK

Kam’s Growers Supply Inc.Head Office Guelph

Kam’s powered by Royal Brinkman - Kingsville Location

Langendoen Mechanical Inc.

Niagrow Systems Ltd.

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

PANELS

Argus Control Systems Ltd.

DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.

JVK

Smart Home Designs Niagara

PESTICIDE APPLICATION

BugVision

GMABE inc.

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

TERIS

PIPE

Armtec

Enertec Engineering

Enertec Mechanical

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Langendoen Mechanical Inc.

Niagrow Systems Ltd.

TERIS

PLUG GROWING EQUIPMENT

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Commercial Lighting Products

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JVK

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

TERIS

POTTING MACHINES

Berg Equipment

Bouldin & Lawson

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

PROPAGATION MEDIA/ SUPPLIES

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Argus Control Systems Ltd.

Commercial Lighting Products

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Houweling Americas

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Johnny’s Selected Seeds

JVK

Millenniumsoils Coir

Mycorrhizal Applications

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

PUMPS

Commercial Lighting Products

Dosatron / Dilution Solutions

ElectroMecaniQue

Enertec Engineering

Enertec Mechanical

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hoskin Scientific HRVST Limited

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Langendoen Mechanical Inc.

Moleaer

Niagrow Systems Ltd.

TERIS

Van der Ende Groep

Water Energy Technologies

Zwart Systems Inc.

ROOTING PRODUCTS

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Andermatt Canada Inc

Commercial Lighting Products

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Jiffy Products

Kam’s Growers Supply Inc.Head Office Guelph

Kam’s powered by Royal Brinkman - Kingsville

Location

PERLITE CANADA INC.

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hoskin Scientific

Hydrogardens X TERIS

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

SEEDERS

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Bouldin & Lawson

GMABE inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Johnny’s Selected Seeds

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

TERIS

SENSORS & MONITORS

BugVision

Canarm Ltd.

Ceres Greenhouse Solutions

Commercial Lighting Products

ElectroMecaniQue

Enertec Engineering

Enertec Mechanical

Exacon Inc.

GMABE inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

HRVST Limited

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Langendoen Electric Inc.

Langendoen Mechanical Inc.

MAXIMUS

Niagrow Systems Ltd.

SanEcoTec Ltd

TERIS

Water Energy Technologies

SHREDDERS

ProduceTech

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

SLEEVES, WRAPS & POT COVERS

A-ROO Company LLC

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JVK

Millenniumsoils Coir

TERIS

SOIL MIXERS

Berg Equipment

Bouldin & Lawson

Commercial Lighting Products

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

JVK

Mana Culture

Millenniumsoils Coir

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

SOIL STERILIZATION

EQUIPMENT

Climate Control Systems

GMABE inc.

JVK

SPRAYING EQUIPMENT

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Bold Robotic Solutions

GMABE inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Mana Culture

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

SPRINKLERS

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hydrogardens X TERIS

TERIS

Zwart Systems Inc.

STAPLING MACHINES

Bold Robotic Solutions

ProduceTech

STICKING MACHINES

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

Zwart Systems Inc.

TESTS & KITS

A & L Canada Laboratories Inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hoskin Scientific

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JVK

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

Water Energy Technologies

THERMOMETERS

Commercial Lighting Products

Enertec Engineering

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hortau

Hoskin Scientific

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Langendoen Mechanical Inc.

Niagrow Systems Ltd.

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

TIMERS

Commercial Lighting Products

Enertec Engineering

Gold Leaf Technologies Inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hydrogardens X TERIS

TERIS

TOOLS

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Commercial Lighting Products

GMABE inc.

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Johnny’s Selected Seeds

ProduceTech

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

TRACTORS

Berg Equipment

GMABE inc.

Mana Culture

TRAILERS

Berg Equipment

Bouldin & Lawson

ProduceTech

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

TRANSPLANTING SYSTEMS

Bouldin & Lawson

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

TRANSPORT AND SHIPPING SYSTEMS

Bold Robotic Solutions

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

ProduceTech

RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com

TAKS Handling Systems B.V.

Zwart Systems Inc.

TRELLIS & SUPPORTS

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JVK

Meteor Horticultural Systems

ProduceTech

TERIS

TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

TRUCK BODY AND REPAIR

TUBING

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Armtec

DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.

Enertec Engineering

Enertec Mechanical

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

HRVST Limited

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Langendoen Mechanical Inc.

Meteor Horticultural Systems

Niagrow Systems Ltd.

TERIS

Zwart Systems Inc.

VALVES

ElectroMecaniQue

Enertec Engineering

Enertec Mechanical

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.

HRVST Limited

Hydrogardens X TERIS

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Langendoen Mechanical Inc.

Meteor Horticultural Systems

Niagrow Systems Ltd.

ProduceTech

TERIS

Van der Ende Groep

Zwart Systems Inc.

VENTILATORS

Canarm Ltd.

ElectroMecaniQue

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

HRVST Limited

Hydrogardens X TERIS

TERIS

Van der Ende Groep

WASHERS

Bouldin & Lawson

Provide Agro

WASTE RECYCLING

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Van der Ende Groep

WATER GARDENING SUPPLIES

Commercial Lighting Products

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Johnny’s Selected Seeds

JVK

TERIS

WATER TREATMENT PRODUCTS

Armtec

Climate Control Systems

Climatrol Solutions Ltd.

Enertec Engineering

GMABE inc.

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

Hoskin Scientific

Houweling Americas

JV Energy Solutions Inc.

Kam’s Growers Supply Inc.Head Office Guelph

Kam’s powered by Royal Brinkman - Kingsville Location

Moleaer

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

Priva

Provide Agro

SanEcoTec Ltd

Van der Ende Groep

Water Energy Technologies

WATERING EQUIPMENT/TOOLS

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

Argus Control Systems Ltd.

Bouldin & Lawson

Commercial Lighting Products

Dosatron / Dilution Solutions

Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)

HRVST Limited

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Meteor Horticultural Systems

Moleaer

Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group

SanEcoTec Ltd

TERIS

Zwart Systems Inc.

BEDDING PLANTS

FINISHED

Jolly Farmer Products Inc.

SEED / CUTTINGS

Ball FloraPlant

Darwin Perennials

Jelitto Perennial Seeds

Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Norseco

Syngenta Flowers, LLC

YOUNG

Jolly Farmer Products Inc.

BULB PLANTS

SEED / CUTTINGS / TC

Jelitto Perennial Seeds

CACTI & SUCCULENTS

SEED / CUTTINGS / TC

Jelitto Perennial Seeds

Syngenta Flowers, LLC

YOUNG

Jolly Farmer Products Inc.

CUT FLOWERS

SEED / CUTTINGS / TC

Jelitto Perennial Seeds

Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Norseco

Syngenta Flowers, LLC

PLANT MATERIALS

GRASSES, ORNAMENTAL

FINISHED

Bailey Nurseries

Norview Gardens Ltd.

SEED / CUTTINGS / TC

Jelitto Perennial Seeds

Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Syngenta Flowers, LLC

YOUNG

Jolly Farmer Products Inc.

Norview Gardens Ltd.

HERBS, GARDEN

FINISHED

Jolly Farmer Products Inc.

SEED / CUTTINGS / TC

Jelitto Perennial Seeds

Johnny’s Selected Seeds Norseco

YOUNG

Jolly Farmer Products Inc.

HERBS, GH PRODUCTION

FINISHED

Jolly Farmer Products Inc.

SEED / CUTTINGS / TC

Jelitto Perennial Seeds

Johnny’s Selected Seeds

YOUNG

Jolly Farmer Products Inc.

PERENNIAL & GROUNDCOVER

FINISHED

Bailey Nurseries

Darwin Perennials

SEED / CUTTINGS / TC

Darwin Perennials

Jelitto Perennial Seeds

Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Norseco

Syngenta Flowers, LLC

YOUNG

Jolly Farmer Products Inc.

POTTED, FLOWERING

FINISHED

DeGoey’s Nursery & Flowers

Jolly Farmer Products Inc.

SEED / CUTTINGS / TC

Jelitto Perennial Seeds

Syngenta Flowers, LLC

YOUNG

Jolly Farmer Products Inc.

SHUBS, BUSHES & TREES

FINISHED

Bailey Nurseries

LINING OUT STOCK

Bailey Nurseries

NURSERY STOCK

Bailey Nurseries

SEED / CUTTINGS / TC

Syngenta Flowers, LLC

TROPICALS

FINISHED

SEED / CUTTINGS / TC Norseco

YOUNG

Jolly Farmer Products Inc.

VEGETABLES, GARDEN

SEED / CUTTINGS / TC

Johnny’s Selected Seeds Norseco

YOUNG

Jolly Farmer Products Inc.

VEGETABLES, GH PRODUCTION

SEED / CUTTINGS / TC

Hydrogardens X TERIS

Johnny’s Selected Seeds TERIS

“Triple crown of horticulture”

All-American Selections, National Garden Bureau and Perennial Plant Association working together

The interest in rudbeckias is booming, the products are available, and the chatter is at an all-time high for this plant.

For the first time ever, three major industry non-profits have joined forces to promote a plant class and specific variety.

• For All-America Selections, one of the first perennial winners from their three-winter trial is Rudbeckia ‘American Gold Rush’

• For National Garden Bureau, their 2023 perennial of the year is the Year of the Rudbeckia

• For Perennial Plant Association, their 2023 Perennial Plant of the Year is ‘American Gold Rush’

This means the time is right for brokers, growers and retailers to all take advantage of this “Triple Crown of Horticulture” and use the free promotional programs to promote an iconic

The

ABOVE

The interest in rudbeckias is booming, the products are available, and the chatter is at an all-time high for this plant.

American garden plant, the rudbeckia.

The interest in rudbeckias is booming, the products are available, and the chatter is at an all-time high for this plant.

Perennial Plant Association members chose the rudbeckia because at the height of summer it turns up the volume for a long season of dazzling colour right up to autumnal frosts. More than just boosting the ornamental show, however, the hairy foliage is resistant to Septoria leaf spot – a debilitating fungal disease that causes unsightly black spotting and premature seasonal decline on some rudbeckia. The rudbeckia is a reliable hardy perennial and a stunning focal point in perennial borders and meadows as well as being brilliant when massed in public or corporate landscapes.

The National Garden Bureau chose rudbeckia as the perennial for their 2023 “Year of the” popular consumer program for many reasons. Rudbeckias are native to much of North America, are pollinator friendly, very easy for home gardeners to grow and there are many new varieties to showcase.

Breeders, brokers, seed companies, growers and garden centers throughout the U.S. and Canada are urged to highlight these flowers and plants when planning their marketing for the 2023 season as the publicity generated from these programs is substantial.

2023

JANUARY

Jan. 10-12

Landscape Ontario Congress Toronto, Ont. locongress.com

Jan. 18-20

Tropical Plant International Expo Tampa, Fla. tpie.org

Jan. 24-27

IPM Essen Germany ipm-essen.de

Jan. 26-28

Pacific Agriculture Show Abbotsford, B.C. agricultureshow.net

FEBRUARY

Feb. 15-19

Northwest Flower & Garden Festival Seattle, Wash. gardenshow.com

February 21

OFVGA AGM Niagara Falls, Ont. ofvga.org

Feb. 28 – March 1

Canadian Federation of Agriculture AGM Ottawa, Ont. cfa-fca.ca

MARCH

March 14-16

FVGV 2023 AGM Vancouver, B.C. fvgc.ca

March 14-16

Ottawa Valley Farm Show Almonte, Ont. ottawafarmshow.com

To submit an upcoming event, contact editor Andrew Snook at asnook@annexbusinessmedia.com.

CANADA CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIED RATES: Minimum order $75.00 or 84¢ per word, word ads must be pre-paid. CLASSIFIED DISPLAYS: $72.00 per column inch. GENERAL INFORMATION: Payment must accom- pany order. Copy required on publication close date. All advertising copy subject to the approval of the publisher. Send order and remittance to: Classified Dept., Greenhouse Canada, P.O. Box 530, Donly Dr. S., Simcoe, ON N3Y 4N5 Canada

GREENHOUSE FOR SALE

10 ACRE MODERN POLY GREENHOUSE

Situated on 93 acres of irrigation land with close proximity to Medicine Hat, Alberta. Has 2 irrigation pump sets with 2 water silos for fresh water and recirc water, and a water sterilation unit. Also includes 2 - 800 HP Crone boilers with C02 condenser and capacity for expansion. Water scource is from St. Mary’s Irrigation system filling a 5 million gallon dugout which facilitates year round usage. Has 40 acres of hayland under a 9 tower pivot and a wheel line for watering 5 acres with greenhouse leachate water. This is a turn key operation including some equipment, and produce is marketed throughout the prairie provinces under the Big Marble Marketing Label, and includes packaging at Redhat Co-op in Redcliff Ab, 22 kms from greenhouse. Please contact Doyle Brandt, Skyview Growers Ltd for more info, can ‘ email payday90@hotmail.com or phone/text 403-504-8864. For more information, contact admin@barriegardencentre.com or call Etti Mountain at 705-730-1113. 11/1t/pd

ADVERTISERS INDEX

GARY JONES

Cannabis continues to surprise

So, we’re a few years into the world of legal cannabis production, and it seems to have been a bit of a roller-coaster for many. How has it been for you? Maybe you aren’t interested in it at all. But for many in the greenhouse sector it’s been a new crop introduction that has been impossible to ignore, and certainly one from which we can all learn lessons.

According to Government stats, “For the December 2021 reporting period: Licensed indoor and outdoor cultivation area held by licence holders stood at 1,756,642 m2 and 713 hectares (7,130,900 m2).”1 That’s 175 hectares (over 430 acres) of protected cultivation of a new crop in four years. When else did you see that with another crop? Whatever you think, it’s something to take notice of. But don’t forget that ‘cannabis’ is not one product, it’s actually a range of products. The same Government stats show that up to end of December 2021, “In total, 16,636,345 packaged units of cannabis were sold across Canada for medical and non-medical purposes. Dried cannabis sales represent 58% of total sales, edible cannabis 24% and cannabis extracts represent 17% of total sales.”1 I’m not sure of many other greenhouse crops that provide dried, edible and concentrated versions for retail sale, especially with dried being the most important to overall sales.

However, all is not rosy. “Nationally, 69,698,724

government involvement.

“Dried cannabis sales represent 58% of total sales...”

packaged units of cannabis products were held in inventory by cultivators, processors, distributors and retailers. The total inventory of packaged units of dried cannabis held by cultivators, processors, distributors and retailers represents 3.7 times total sales. Likewise, total inventory of packaged units of edible cannabis and cannabis extracts represent 4.7 and 4.8 times total sales respectively.”1 Would you consider carrying nearly five times your production as inventory? We’re usually looking to move product as soon as it’s ready for sale. We can argue the details of the stats (especially if you are a greenhouse cannabis business with up-to-date market info) but consider the spirit of this. A new crop, four years into business, showing some very unusual behaviour in the marketplace. No doubt this is dependent on the nature of the plant and why it is sold, and the subsequent high intensity of

FIGR is a cannabis production facility in Charlottetown, P.E.I., and centre of a recent CBC News report. “But as busy as the company and its 130 employees are, and as solid as sales have been, the CEO said it’s hardly translating into a profit. “If you look across the industry, I don’t know that you’ll find a licensed producer reporting a profit at this point. And as a local company competing in the industry, we’re certainly not immune to that either,” said Alex Smith, FIGR’s CEO. “The industry is not viable right now for licensed producers.”2 “Smith said the biggest issue is the excise tax imposed on cannabis producers. For every gram of cannabis they sell to distributors, they owe the government $1, or 10 per cent of the per gram price — whichever is greater.”2 And unlike many greenhouse crops, cannabis has a thriving illicitand lucrative - production base against which it has to compete, leading to lower sale prices, typically down from ‘$7-8 per gram at the beginning of legal cannabis production to $4 or less per gram now, and $1 of that is lost to the excise tax.’2 In the CBC article, George Smitherman, president of Cannabis Council of Canada said “many cannabis businesses across the country are on the brink of closure.”2 This is reflected in employee numbers. “While FIGR’s CEO said the company has avoided laying off any employees, it has started eliminating some positions as people have left them. In fact, over the past two years, staffing numbers at FIGR have dropped from 160 to 130.”2 I know this, and realtime actual lay offs, reflects the situation at many other greenhouse cannabis producers.

It has been a wild ride with the introduction of this particular new crop. No doubt it will continue to be so. But don’t let this put you off trying new things. This is a pretty unique situation.

1. ‘Cannabis Market Data Overview’, Govt of Canada, accessed October 27 2022 at https:// www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugsmedication/cannabis/research-data/market.html

2. Steve Bruce, “Why a P.E.I. cannabis company says it’s losing money, in an industry-wide trend” CBC News, Oct 21 2022 accessed October 27 2022 at https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ prince-edward-island/pei-cannabis-producersstruggles-taxation-1.6623310

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