Root redux
A comparison of growing media for cannabis production 8
Aquaponics update
An overview of the sector in Canada and what the future holds 14
Hangover-free water treatment
Inexpensive and sustainable for CEA | 34
DECEMBER 2023
greenhousecanada.com
December 2023 Vol.43, Issue 11
A comparison of growing media for cannabis production. Page 8
Editorial 4
Industry News 8
Aquaponics update 14 Checking in on the industry in Canada
On trial 20 Part 2 of our coverage of the 2023 Sawaya Garden Trials.
Overwintering cucumbers 26
Continuing our series on growing vegetable crops through the dark months.
Lighting factsheet 40 OMAFRA’s insights on the effect of light abatement curtains on greenhouse environments.
2024 Buyers Guide 47
Inside View 70 Legal cannabis production, five years later.
The setup for the Seaborn Organics’ “squid juice” trial in the Cannabis Indoor Cultivation Research Labs (Cannabunker) at the Daniel J. Patterson campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. (Source: Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre, Niagara College).
68 Novelty amendments Research looks at some innovative ways to keep plants happy from the ground up.
BY OLGA SAFONOVA
Water treatment
Getting the most out of recirculated water for CEA.
BY JOHN DIETZ
Celebrating 60 years
B.C.’s United Flower Growers Co-operative Association marks important milestone.
BY AMY KOUNIAKIS
AMY KOUNIAKIS | @GreenHouseCan
As 2023 draws to a close, it seems a natural inclination to take stock of the past 12 months and plan for the year that awaits.
Greenhouse Canada has seen quite a few changes in the past year (hello, new editor!) and 2024 shaping up to be quite transformative and exciting for the magazine and its readership.
In 2024, we are excited to provide more opportunities for learning, knowledge-sharing, and networking. We’re also eager to explore new opportunities within the greenhouse community and its allied trades to share the latest in products, technology, and services. Most importantly, we are looking forward to facilitating the conversations and connections we all need to have/make to support the resiliency of this industry.
Resiliency was the theme of the Greenhouse Lighting and Systems Engineering (GLASE) Summit in Leamington this past October. Energy was a big focus of the day, and how greenhouse operations, whose demand for power is only increasing,
Rural Affairs’ (OMAFRA) Greenhouse Vegetable Specialist, was also on hand to provide a comprehensive overview of some of his research and that of his colleagues at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) on lighting. Much of this can be found in the October 2023 issue of Greenhouse Canada. In this issue, we feature more lighting research (page 40), as it relates to the use of light abatement curtains. The article is a handy reference for commercial greenhouse growers looking to save on energy.
We are paying close attention to cannabis production in this issue as well, in particular, how to cultivate a happy and healthy foundation for this crop. Read more on pages 8 and 30. Our ‘Inside View’ columnist, Gary Jones, also takes a stroll down memory lane (page 70) as we mark five years since cannabis has been legal to grow in Canada.
This month, Dr. Mohyuddin Mirza offers more advice for growing vegetables through the winter months. Part 2 of this series focusses
“In 2024, we are excited to provide more opportunities for learning.”
can manage profitability in an age where energy prices are climbing. Attendees heard from Dr. Bruce Bugbee, from Utah State University, whose work with NASA has made him one of the world’s leading experts on space farming. He spoke at length about harnessing the power of the sun and, what he called, ‘electric light agriculture.’ Researchers from GLASE also provided overviews of cuttingedge research on lighting, greenhouse controls and decarbonization.
Dr. Fadi Al-Daoud, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and
on cucumbers and can be found on page 26. We also get an update on aquaponics in Canada (page 14) and take a deep dive on water treatment and how to get the most out of recycled water (page 34).
Before we say goodbye to 2023, I would like to take a minute to express my deepest gratitude to our contributors, readers, advertisers, sponsors and colleagues who continue to show up and support this publication. Happy holidays, everyone, and cheers to a healthy and profitable New Year!
Tropically sweet and juicy, Pure Flavor’s Tiki Tomatoes recently received the prestigious Superior Taste Award Certification from the International Taste Institute (Brussels, Belgium). The reviewing jury, consisting of more than 200 renowned European Chefs & Sommeliers from over 20 countries, critically tested & analyzed the Tiki Tomato, a vibrant and cosmic-coloured cherry tomato. “Consumers want innovative products to WOW them; size, colour, consistency of availability, and most importantly, flavour – are all core traits of
a greenhouse grown specialty snacking tomato but with our new Tiki Tomatoes, we really have something special that is all of the above and more”, said Matt Mastronardi, Executive Vice-President.
“We continue to strategically invest in R&D to bring items to market that create niche and incremental opportunities to help our retail & foodservice partners grow their business. The flavour profile of the Tiki Tomato checks all the boxes of what a snacking tomato is all about; sweet, bite-sized, versatile, and full of flavour.” (Source: Pure Flavor)
After months of preparation, the Canadian branch of Van der Ende Group officially opened its doors in September. This marked a special moment in the history of the Dutch family business, which has been operating a new office and warehousein the Kingsville area
since early 2023. Roughly a hundred guests attended the event. Attendees joined the Dutch and Canadian management in a champagne toast presented by owner and CEO Lex Van der Ende. Lex van der Ende, noted: “We are incredibly proud of everyone who has
DeVry Greenhouses, headquartered in Chilliwack, B.C., is the newest addition to ThinkPlants’ growing network of breeders, growers, and suppliers. “We continue to work on increasing the presence of ThinkPlants perennials in Canada. The addition of DeVry Greenhouses as a young plant producer and participant is a strategic move to reach a larger number of growers in Western Canada,” said Joey Wiseman, Director of ThinkPlants.
DeVry Greenhouses has announced the start of a perennial young plant program representing a good list of perennial genetics that are part of the ThinkPlants program. “We look forward to expanding our perennial rooting business,” says Pete DeVry, Owner of DeVry Greenhouses. “And we feel that being a part of the ThinkPlants program will help get the word out.” (Source: ThinkPlants)
contributed to setting up this branch. Without all this positive engagement, we would not be standing here today. And we are convinced that we, as Van der Ende Group Canada, can immediately add value to the North American market. With our years of knowledge and
experience in the field of laws, regulations, pumps, variable frequency drives, water systems such as UF and HPRO, and air treatment systems like Airmix; we can provide all our existing and new customers with the right advice and service.”
(Source: Van der Ende Group)
Economic Footprint of Canada’s Fresh Produce Sector
The economic impact of the produce sector increased consistently from $11.4 billion in GDP in 2013 to $13.9 billion in 2016 and nearly $15 billion in 2022.
Farm-gate sales for vegetables rose by 11.2% to nearly $1.6 billion and fruit sales increased by 15.3% to $1.4 billion in 2022 compared with 2021
TOTAL LABOUR INCOME earned in the economy because of the economic activity in the fresh produce sector was nearly $10 billion.
Comparing growing media for cannabis production
BY J LYNN FRASER
Healthy roots of a cannabis plant grown in a coir growing medium.
Is it myth, science, or Licenced Producer (LP) experience that are the variables needed to choose the best growing medium? The cannabis plant is a “complex system”1 as are the systems of regulations, economics, history, and social factors it grows within. Picking the best growing media may be an art and a craft, but this must be pursued with a complete understanding of applicable laws.
In Canada, licensing for the commercial growth and production of cannabis is the responsibility of the federal government under the Cannabis Act (justice.gc.ca).
“The main legal concern is to respect the terms of your license. The cultivation of cannabis for commercial purposes is a federally-regulated activity,” cautions Robert Frater Q.C., Chief General Counsel with the Department of Justice, Government of Canada. “There are three different classes of cultivators: micro-cultivators (those growing on a surface area of no more than 200 sq. metres); standard cultivators, who grow on areas above 200 sq m; and nursery cultivators, who grow seeds and seedlings. So legal concern number one is: are you respecting the terms of your license? There is a different class of grower who grow cannabis plants for the production of hemp. There may also be growers who want to
specialize in CBD.”
As ignorance is no defence in the Canadian legal system, Frater adds: “Different licences are required for different activities.” Seeds, Frater notes, should always be obtained “from someone in Canada with a licence to produce seeds.”
Healthy roots of a cannabis plant grown in a coir growing medium.
It is hard for growers to switch, there is a learning curve that is not perfect.
The commercial cannabis market in Canada is precarious. EY Canada’s “State of Canada’s Cannabis Industry Report, 2023” found that there are more than 4,000 cannabis licenses in a “highly competitive and fragmented” market.2 The report’s authors found “Government taxes and provincial markups are excessive, representing almost 50 per cent of the price of a basket of legal cannabis products.”2 The report concluded that “Cannabis companies remain unprofitable and on the verge of bankruptcy.”2 Of those companies that filed for bankruptcy in Canada in 2022, 41 per cent were cannabis companies.2 In the future it is possible that the United States may legalize
cannabis thereby exposing Canadian commercial growers to competition from America’s “pharmaceutical, tobacco, and alcohol behemoths.”3
Every legal competitive advantage to maximize production and efficiency is crucial to a commercial grower’s survival.
LPs need growing media whose properties demonstrate a high porosity but that drain quickly while having a “moderate” water content in between irrigations. 4 It should also have “fast dry downs” as this reduces root pathogens. 4 Growing media should have “wellbalanced physical and chemical properties” while being dependable, predictable, and weed free. 4
“Some growers have twenty years of experience as well as twenty years of arguing” about the best growing media says Laila Benkrima, Ph.D., Agronomy Consultant, BC Centre for Agritech Innovation, Simon Fraser University. “It is hard for growers to switch, there is a learning curve that is not perfect.”
There are complexities to be considered. Which stage, for example, of the cannabis plants’ growth is being nurtured. Whether the plants being grown outside, in a warehouse or a greenhouse are other considerations.
“There is no best growing media,” says Dr. Youbin Zheng, a horticulture professor at the University of Guelph. After so many years of illegal growing there are “loads of myth” in the cannabis cultivation industry. Zheng believes that integrated rootzone management (IRM) approach is the key for successful cannabis production.
CBC News, (2019), “What you need to know to start a legal cannabis grow-op”, https:// www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/cbc-explainshow-to-start-a-grow-op-1.5058390
Government of Canada, Producing and Selling Cannabis, https://www.canada.ca/en/ health-canada/services/drugs-medication/ cannabis/industry-licensees-applicants.html
Government of Canada, Cannabis Licensing Application: Cultivation, processing and sale for medical purposes licence, https:// www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/ drugs-medication/cannabis/industry-licenseesapplicants/licensing-summary.html
Government of Canada, Types of Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Licences, https://www. canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugsmedication/cannabis/industry-licenseesapplicants/applying-licence.html
Government of Canada, Justice Laws Website, Cannabis Regulations (SOR/2018144).
Government of Canada, Understanding the New Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations, https://www.canada.ca/ en/health-canada/services/publications/drugshealth-products/understanding-new-accessto-cannabis-for-medical-purposes-regulations. html
MacFarlane Q.C., B.A., Frater Q.C., R.J., & Michaelson, Q.C., C., Cannabis Law (2nd ed.) (2021). Thomas Reuters.
Ritchie-Baum, M., Levandowski, A., Toane, C., Cramer, S. (2022). Cannabis entrepreneurship: A guide to core concepts, resources, and research strategies. Journal of Business & Finance Librarianship. DOI: 10.1080/08963568.2022.2137971 https:// libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/S_Cramer_ Cannabis_2022.pdf
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Canada, Cannabis legalization in Canada – FAQ, https://ca.usembassy.gov/cannabislegalization-in-canada-faq/
Zheng, Y. (Ed.) (2022). Handbook of Cannabis Production in Controlled Environments. Routledge.
“It is the most used media. It is not 100 per cent pure,” said Benkrima. There is, she cautions, “no perfect media” but finds that “coco coir has the most advantages and the least disadvantages.” She believes that coco coir has good water retention and aeration, less root rot, drains quickly, and has anti-bacterial properties.
In their research into the best growing medium for cannabis, coco coir was the best growing technique and the production system Nemati et al. (2021) chose coco coir. Based on their research it demonstrated more advantages and fewer “weaknesses.”
It is “highly renewable, easy to get a hold of and deal with,” comments, Dr. Mark Lefsrud, Dept. of Bioresource Engineering, McGill University. The water holding ability of this material is good, but not ideal Lefsrud finds. It is conveniently available in cubes, bags, and slabs.
The cost of coco coir is cheap but does “depend on how many plants are produced,” notes Benkrima. She finds that coco coir and peat are comparable in price. She notes that the medium needs to be treated before it is used to remove potassium and sodium. This step adds time and energy to the process.
An advantage of coco coir, according to Zheng, is that it is a “by-product from the coconut industry. The used coir growing media can be composted with cannabis residue to be re-used in agriculture or gardening.”
There are, however, significant disadvantages associated with coco coir. It uses “tons of fresh water for washing at the processing stage,” Zheng notes. There is also a risk that it may “contain diseases if not processed and handled correctly.” This may require pesticides to deal with.
Salt (sodium chloride) is also an issue with coco coir as it has to be leached before it can be used, according to Lefsrud.
Where the coco coir is grown, forests may be cut down and agricultural land lost to supply areas for coconut palms to be grown, observes Benkrima. Some coco coir is produced in Asia then shipped to Canada. This adds to the environmental cost of the product as products are shipped from the Philippines, Indonesia, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, India, and Sri Lanka. Some environmental impact can be ameliorated by mixing it with other media thereby using less of it.
There is variability in coco coir as they can be “different from batch to batch and make rootzone management difficult,” according to Zheng.
Rock wool’s advantage is that it has the best water holding and is “perfectly neutral,” according to Lefsrud. It is also good for plant growth. It is “very light, easy to handle, clean, and good to go,” says Benkrima. However, “It is expensive,” she adds.
It has no limitations to recyclability, says Lefsrud. How much rock wool is being recycled may depend on the province. Benkrima observes that in British Columbia there is limited recycling of rock wool.
In terms of production effectiveness, rock wool is “mostly homogenous with consistent qualities,” notes Zheng. This makes it “easy for rootzone management.” It is a material that is long lasting according to Lefsrud.
An issue with rock wool is that the “majority are used once, unless they are collected and reused for making bricks, etc.,” notes Zheng. The use of rock wool, when liquified, “uses a lot of energy,” Benkrima notes.
In their research, Nemati et al. (2021) found that peat moss had a “greater buffering capacity for water, pH and nutrients” in comparison to rock wool and phenolic foams. In comparison to other media peat had a lower level of aeration and “gas exchange rate” because of peat’s “particle size and shrinkage”4 To compensate for these weaknesses, perlite, peat chunks, and wood fiber are often added in4. The quality of peat moss quality varies, and that must be factored in when choosing a medium.
Peat moss is a non-renewable resource, and it has an important function as one of the best sources of carbon sink, i.e., keeping carbon out of the atmosphere. The challenge, as it is biological, is that it is rarely just “a single entity,” Lefsrund comments. Its use also has concerns about disease.
Benkrima notes that the disadvantages of peat moss are its higher price, and the regulations around its use. As well its use facilitates the “unsustainable exploitation of peatland contributes the greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.”
The advantage of perlite is that it is light weight and flexible, with a consistent quality notes Zheng. The pH for perlite is good as is its electro-conductivity. It is also recyclable observes Lefsrud.
Both coco coir, which comes in bags and slabs, and perlite are “ready to go” Benkrima notes. This quality makes them both efficient to use.
Cannabis waste disposal must be done by the LP. The organic waste can be composted, it can also be milled and mixed with soil, then stored for 48 hours notes Benkrima. The LP must be able to show “the full denaturation of the cannabis waste with no cannabinoids.”
This machine will take up to 6 cu. ft. bales and break them down to their original state before delivery to flat filler, pot filler or wherever you desire!
The Bale Breaker is:
• Equipped with a 2-HP electric motor (3-HP also available)
• Adjustable from 2 ft. to 6 ft. high
• Equipped with an adjustable table
• Water kit
- adds water to growing media as it exits
Some of the commercial fertilizers are formulated based on the experiences from the legacy market and some are not optimum nor based on scientific research, especially in regard to phosphates, Zheng said. In his research, Zheng has found that there is an overuse of phosphates. This over use can reduce cannabis yields while increasing production costs, which decreases income.
Opportunities to recycle fertilizers are not being taken advantage of according to Benkrima. Consequently, fertilizers are being disposed of down drains. This is wasteful as well as unhealthy for water systems. Fish fertilizers “Could be an alternative. So is the use of bio stimulants like seaweed extract or humic acid.”
Pesticides are on an accepted list, and any fertilizer can be used, says Lefsrund. Every batch of cannabis has to be tested for pesticide residue said Benkrima. In the future, she believes, more soilless mixtures could be used that will, “in combination with compost, and other bacterial or fungal bio stimulants,” reduce the amount of phosphates released into the environment.
“The important thing to remember is that the business of cannabis is highly regulated. When licenced growers want to sell their crops, they are obliged to deal with other licenced individuals,” cautions Frater. “I would certainly not recommend taking legal advice from anyone other than a qualified lawyer. There are several law firms across the country with lawyers that specialize in cannabis regulation. Cannabis is highly regulated federally, provincially, territorially, municipally and by First
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Peat moss is a non-renewable resource, and it has an important function as one of the best sources of carbon sink (i.e., keeping carbon out of the atmosphere).
Nations. For the individual grower, just knowing which level of government has regulations that may affect you in some way can be a challenge.”
For LPs the production of cannabis is a complex system i.e., a layered ‘multi-web’ of licences and choices. Seeking the best legal advice and receiving formal training at one of Canada’s colleges or universities in commercial cannabis cultivation are solid first steps to success.
1 Naim-Feil, E., Elkins, A.C., Michelle Malmberg, M., Ram, D., Jonathan Tran, J., Spangenberg, G.C., Simone, J.R., Cogan, N.O.I. (2023). ‘The cannabis plant as a complex system: Interrelationships between cannabinoid compositions, morphological, physiological and phenological traits,’ National Library of Medicine. doi: 10.3390/plants12030493
2 E&Y (2022). https://assets.ey.com/content/dam/ey-sites/ey-com/ en_ca/topics/consumer-products/ey-cannabis-coe-state-of-thecannabis-industry-report-2023-finalpdf?aliId=eyJpIjoiOXlQbms1 ZUhtbkw5MElyciIsInQiOiJEWlVUY2VyV3lBWWRqTVJScmt1Ml VBPT0ifQ%253D%253D
3 Coulton, M. (2022). ‘Canada’s cannabis industry braces for increased competition as U.S. legalization looms larger.’ Financial Post. https://financialpost.com/cannabis/canadas-cannabisindustry-braces-for-increased-competition-as-u-s-legalizationlooms-larger.
4 Nemati, R., Fortin, J-P., Craig, J., Donald, S. (2021). ‘Growing mediums for medical cannabis production in North America.’ Agronomy, 11(7), 1366; https://doi.org/10.3390/ agronomy11071366
BY TREENA HEIN
Worldwide, both the aquaculture and greenhouse industries are growing because they are stable sources of safe, high-quality food. Combining them in aquaponics makes huge sustainability and efficiency sense, where nutrients from fish waste in the tank water is used to fertigate plants. Fish also offer the most efficient feed conversion of any farmed animal — as little as 1.5 pounds of feed/pound gained.
Here’s a look at some of the current aquaponics operations in Canada. From a profit perspective, revenues come first from crops due to their much shorter harvest timelines, and plant profits can be higher than fish, but not always.
At Aquanure/Croxall Farms in Huntsville, Ont., for example, they have consistently experienced growth opportunities in both crop and fish. For seven years, owner Todd Croxall and his team have grown a variety of greens, herbs, strawberries and peppers in a pillared system, with ongoing parallel production of Japanese koi. Crops and
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premium koi go into local retail and restaurant markets, with some of these fish shipped directly to customers. Standard koi are sold to Koi resellers such as nurseries and aquarium franchises.
From the perspective of Julien Le Net, cofounder of ÉAU in Montreal, Que., the volume of fish production plays a role in profitability.
“Aquaponic fish can also be certified organic, which brings an added value,” he explains. Other forms of added value are being pursued by ÉAU as well. “For example in one of our farms,” says Le Net, “we have put in place the equipment to produce cold-smoked Arctic char. This will be a pretty unique product in the current market.”
ÉAU is currently developing a dozen community/educational or commercial projects for clients, mainly in Quebec, but also internationally. Combined, these farms will produce more than 100 tonnes of fish and 1000 tonnes of crop harvest each year. The most advanced project in Montreal will begin operations in 2024. ÉAU
Rafferty Farms, located near Okotoks, Alta., is home to nearly 175 koi. This aquaponic operation specializes in Genovese Basil, mint pea shoot and microgreens. The koi are not sold and even have names.
also has its own tech showcase and R&D facility that’s been operating for more than two years.
Projects are pursued based on market, technical and regulatory studies completed for their clients, with vertical indoor or greenhouse production of greens, herbs, microgreens, and standard crops (tomato, cucumber, pepper,
LEFT Rafferty Farms co-owners Brian Hsu and James Rafferty.
strawberry). For commercial clients, it’s typically Rainbow Trout or Arctic char, but Le Net says “we are also developing yellow perch and walleye.”
Scott Allin, owner of Aquatic Growers in Muskoka, Ont., has grown a variety of crops and fish species since 2013. He now grows Rainbow trout and mainly salad greens.
In High River, Alta., Alberta Tilapia Aquaponics grows about 10000 lbs of cherry tomatoes and about 5000 lbs of fish per year, sold mostly through the Sobey’s chain and also local grocery stores. This firm is also the biggest Canadian supplier of tilapia fingerlings (white, blue and hybrid), about 25,000 annually. Owner Gerrit Swanpoel also supplies fish to universities like Dalhousie for research. The operation is continuing to expand and Swanpoel plans to bring in another fish species soon. “The market is still looking for more fresh fish grown in a controlled environment,” he says.
However, Rafferty Farms (Earthis Ltd.) near Okotoks, Alta. only does crop sales. Co-owners Brian Hsu and James Rafferty grow 90 per cent Genovese basil (200 lbs per week) with the rest mint pea shoots and microgreens. They sell primarily to large chain grocery stores, but also restaurants and boutique retailers.
It took from the start of 2015 to about 2021 to become profitable, but during the past two years, sales have grown to the point of maxing out capacity. A tripling of current crop capacity will begin soon. “Our goal is to supply basil to all of Alberta,” says Rafferty, “and then Western Canada.”
There are about 175 koi, which are like pets, and many have names. “We’re glad we didn’t go down the route of fish sales since that business requires diverse skills and different regulations and rules than selling greens,” Rafferty shares. “We also know of other aquaponics companies that discontinued fish sales due to lack of profitability from that revenue stream.”
Building on past experiences, Stack Industries is now building a facility on the outskirts of Vancouver with Rainbow trout and water lentil production in three 10-acre greenhouses. “We’re also setting aside a fraction of production to do R&D in the nutraceutical and biofuel industries, but the lion’s share of production is for food,” explains Steve McArthur, founding partner and chief technology officer. Water lentils, also called duckweed, are tiny fast-growing plants that contain 42 per cent protein, Omega fatty acids, antioxidants, calcium, iron, carbohydrates and many micronutrients. Stack Industries plans to have facilities across the country and eventually in other countries.
Some aquaponics systems integrate plants and fish completely, with plants growing in floating beds in the fish tanks. However, many
Scott Allin, owner of Aquatic Growers in Muskoka, Ont., has raised a number of different fish in his operation since its inception in 2013 but now he primarily grows rainbow trout.
times the two production systems are ‘decoupled’ (also called the ‘hydroponic approach), where water is not returned to the fish. The effluent can be carefully managed and treated, and the plant nutrients are supplemented as needed. While nutrient management is a huge topic, here is an overview of how it’s handled at these operations.
At Croxall farms, a decoupled system is used and some of the fish waste is sold as ‘Aquanure’ fertilizer. “We manage plant inputs through careful monitoring,” says Croxall. “Nutrient levels from fish waste may fluctuate, but we’ve honed our RAS (recirculating aquaculture system) to maintain consistency. Iron is added but aquatic maturity and proper bio-reaction with
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Scott Allin inspects a crop of salad greens at his aquaponic operation, Aquatic Growers, in Muskoka, Ont.
consistent dissolved oxygen levels help mitigate most problems when fine tuning the acidic relationship between aquatic life and plants. We’ve noticed that a properlymanaged RAS can operate flawlessly when we meticulously control key variables and comprehend how these variables (e.g. nitrate conversion ratios) intricately interact. The system’s harmony lies in the ability to manipulate and fine tune critical aspects such as the water quality as a whole, human interaction variables, feed and micro mineral levels, pH, temperature, and fish density, along with many more. Each element is interdependent, impacting the entire ecosystem.”
Alberta Tilapia Aquaponics also has a decoupled system. The plants receive a steady amount of nitrates (achieved on system maturation) and Swanpoel adds other nutrients as needed.
At ÉAU’s developing community projects, some coupled systems are planned, but at the commercial farms in development, it’s decoupled systems with a mineralization system for effluent. “Once the mineralization system has reached maturity after three to six months, almost all the organic matter from the fish is converted into inorganic matter that can be assimilated by the plants,” Le Net explains. “Then, depending on the size of the plant production sections, very little additional fertilizer, mainly iron, may be required. If the project is deliberately unbalanced for technical reasons, and fish production is not sufficient to meet plant needs, then organic or synthetic fertilizers must be added, using peristaltic pumping to calibrate the nutrient solution.”
Rafferty Farms (which only sells crops) has a single circulating water system which is fully integrated. “Waste from the fish is never removed as it fully decomposes in our growing towers via worms and other organisms,” Rafferty explains. “We designed our tower system to
act as a waste filter before the water returns to the fish tank. We designed the system with over 60,000L of circulating water to ensure the balance of nutrients in the system stays as consistent as possible. We found at the beginning in the first few months the pH would drift, but after about the first year the water chemistry is very stable. We do lab water testing every two weeks, and we supplement where needed to ensure we have the perfect balance of micronutrients in the water. We do not add any synthetic fertilizers.”
At the Aquaculture Centre of Excellence at Lethbridge College in Alta., Centre Chair Dr. John Derksen and Dr. Nick Savidov pursue an ‘ecosystem approach’ where the RAS promotes the natural development
of beneficial organisms. Fish waste nutrient use by crops is maximized, as is the biofiltration ability of plants to remove phosphorous and nitrogen from fish waste. The Centre has nine small aquaponics systems which have been continuously recirculated for almost 20 years using innovative carbon-based filter beds, bioreactors and more.
Allin at Aquatic Growers uses a coupled deep water culture hydroponic system. “Overall, I have learnt to listen to the plants and monitor and test when needed,” he says. “Some tests are daily while others are weekly to monthly…I find too many people are focused on attaining a particular level of each nutrient instead of focusing on what the plants are showing you and working within a safe range of nutrient parameters.”
Allin notes that there’s a great deal of misinformation about aquaponics, especially on social media, and information on best practices is sorely needed. “There is money to be made in this industry, providing you over-project your problems and under-project your profits in the beginning,” he says. “My best advice to anyone wishing to start in this industry, no matter where they live in the world, is to start small and expand as their knowledge grows.”
Allin would also like public knowledge about food production to grow. This is a priority at Scadding Court Community Centre in Toronto, which has had an aquaponics lab since 2016. They produce 400 lbs of Blue Nile tilapia a year and about 12 lbs of greens per week.
Many aquaponic operations in Canada and around the world have started up and failed due to a variety of factors; from a hurricane wiping out an operation in Newfoundland in recent years, to the pandemic to more typical reasons such as market changes and poor business acumen.
Obviously, all the aquaponics leaders in this story see a bright future for the sector, and more experience and knowledge-sharing will pave the way for expansion. Research continues at the Aquaculture Centre of Excellence into a variety of technological areas.
“The project has provided the community centre with a vehicle to engage and educate community members of all ages on topics including the food chain, ecosystems and sustainable urban agriculture,” says lab manager Jake Rutland. “Scadding Court has also used it as a platform to employ youth, helping them develop entrepreneurial skills by building relationships with local restaurants and selling specialty produce requested by the chefs themselves. Most recently, due to rising food costs, the centre has used the lettuce grown in-house to offset food costs for kids, adult, and senior programming meals.”
water soluble
Chelated micros for best delivery of nutrients over a range of pH’s and water types
Profiling another 30 standout cultivars from this year’s trials that were evaluated for their consumer appeal and top-notch performance in the garden
BY MELHEM SAWAYA
In last month’s issue of Greenhouse Canada, we considered some of success factors for annual and perennial cultivars and profiled 31 standout varieties from the 23rd annual Sawaya Garden Trials. This month, we profile another 30 cultivars from the trials to consider their performance and consumer appeal. It is important to note that fertilizing the plants was challenging due to particularly rainy weather this season. This reflected on the varieties that are heavy feeders and the plants that are negatively impacted by rain. On the other hand, varieties that like lower fertilization performed much
better than other years like Dahlias, impatiens, and slow growing varieties. Here is second half of our observations of some varieties that performed well or some significance that is important to mention for growers to adopt.
32. Alstroemeria - Inticancha Sunshine is one of the new breeding of compact Alstromeria that flowered the whole summer and is true perennial for zone 5. We have had it in my garden now for two years. Exceptional consumer appeal and great performance recipe for success. Great grown in gallon for landscape.
33. Dahlia - Darlin’ Ruby
34. Dahlia - Venti Passion Fruit 35. Dahlia - Hypnotica Orange 36. Dahlia x hortensis - Lubega Power Orange Are representative of different size flowers, and different vegetative growth which give the grower the opportunity to produce in different pot sizes with one plant per pot where the compact varieties in 10 centimetres and the jumbo in 30 centimetres still one plant per pot.
The Dahlias this summer trials in the pots and in the ground performed very well contrary to other summers the main difference is the extreme heavy rain for most of the season. Dahlia does not like high salts especially when it is hot, so next year we are going to try dahlia in pots with normal fertilizer and a lot lower rate of fertilizer to confirm our theory. Dahlia flowers give a great show that is why they are used as cut flower also and in pots. Dead-heading is a must to keep the plant looking good. The key to producing a successful dahlia crop is start in long days till April 5th where the day length is close to 13 hours, this is to prevent tuber formation which will diminish the vigour of the Dahlia plants. Dahlias are so versatile, they can be grown in containers, landscape and in combinations with varieties that do not require heavy feeding.
37. Dipladenia - Flordenia Pink Blush 38. Mandevilla - Summer star Pink 39. Mandevilla - Maximo Red and many other new varieties are on the market now with different characteristics of earlier flowering, trailing, bush type, smaller leaves, larger leaves, but almost all performed very well under
the adverse summer conditions. Mandevilla is trailing Dipladenia mounding, and many varieties are crosses between the two, but performance is great for both and the crosses.
Mandevilla and Dipladenia love heat and high light and they look better as the summer progresses into frost.
Dipladenias are great to grow in quarts, gallons and hanging baskets, and Mandevillas are mainly for trellises or hanging baskets.
40. Scaevola - Scala Pink Bird is one colour of a favourite scaevola series where, performance-wise, is up there with Dipladenia and Mandevilla. Scala mixed colours grown in hanging baskets are in demand from consumers. Scaveola loves the heat, no deadheading, trailing looks great the whole summer, and is one of the earliest new vegetative genera to be commercially produced.
41. Dianthus Interspecific - Jolt Cherry is an annual dianthus but it can take the heat and looks great the whole summer without deadheading until August but will continue flowering until late fall. Jolt have large flower clusters that can be seen from far. Do not try to produce it for late April sales because it requires long days to speed flowering, just need customer education that it will thrive through the summer heat. Great for landscapes.
42. Dianthus - Rockin’ Rose is a perennial dianthus that will thrive the whole summer, the same as jolt market it for summer production as well as early sales. Great to grow in quarts or gallons for landscapes. Deadheading is required.
Images clockwise from bottom-center
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43. Lophospermum - Lofos Compact Rose is one colour of the Lophospermum, with vigorous trailing habit, and nonstop flowering the whole summer. Lophospermum makes great hanging baskets that do not mind the heat. Easy to grow and needs some growth regulators.
44. Basil - Everleaf Thai Towers has masses of leaves with purple stem, columnar growth habit, late flowering and aromatic. It has a licorice flavour and, most importantly, it is very resistant to downy mildew.
45. Melampodium x paludosum – Show star is a very old variety that every year shows a great performance in our trials. No deadheading, sturdy, takes rain, wind and thrives in hot weather. Great to sell in quarts for landscape or large pots for patios.
46. Gerbera - Garvinea Sweet Glow is one colour from the Garvinia series that is bred for landscape. Flowers the whole summer, mildew resistant and thrives in the heat. It can be grown in gallons for landscape or large pots for patios.
47. Hibiscus - Rosa Sinensis Dark Pink is an annual hibiscus that can be taken indoors at the end of summer to be brought out again next summer in very beautiful nonstop flowering. Does not like cold so it needs to be brought out in June. Great in landscape or large pots and a center plant in large, high-end combinations.
48. Fantastic Foliage - Begonia Gryphon is one of the fastest growing plants from seed suitable for center in combinations or grown for large pots and landscape. Gryphon foliage adds nice contrast to any combination or landscape.
49. Lobularia - Stream Compact Rose is a new colour added to the Stream series. It features vibrant colour and excellent habit as long it is not excessively drying out. It flowers all summer and does not mind the heat. No deadheading needed because all old flowers fall on their own, yes, a little messy if it is set on a patio. If planted in landscape, it is an addition to be excellent garden performance it is great food supply for Orius which is the most voracious beneficial against thrips.
50. Sakata Combo #1 - White Wedding 51. Kwik Kombos - Dekko Dare Devil Mix 52. Confetti Garden - Summer Breeze 53. Peach Melba Parfait and 54. Spice of Life combinations I chose to portray to you the different choices we can do other than petunia, verbena and calibrachoa mix which most of the time are not compatible and we end up with one cultivar taking over the whole mix. In each of these combinations the varieties complement each other through the whole summer. As you can see, the combinations could be mono species or all from seed or herb combination. A proper combination is when every species complements each other, and no species takes over.
55. Echinacea - SunMagic Vintage Mango a first-season flowering can easily be programed like an annual with great looks that can be grown in large pots, or gallons for landscape or even centers for combinations. Vintage Mango looked great the whole summer with no negative effect from rain or hot weather.
56. RudbeckiaSunbeckia Carla 57. Rudbeckia - Sunbeckia Emma and 58. RudbeckiaSunbeckia Luna are absolute, knockout beautiful the whole summer. Large, bright flowers on sturdy stems that were a stand-out among the 3000-trial varieties on display this year. We received many compliments from visitors on their beauty. They are planted in our perennial garden which we will keep for three seasons to see its hardiness in our environment.
59. Gaillardia aristata - Spintop Mango another first-year flowering perennial that flowers the whole summer, and even when the flower is spent still looks good. Great for pots and landscape.
60. Lavender angustifolia - Blue Spear a perennial from seed that looked great the whole summer. Sturdy stems that stood up to the many downpours of rain this summer; many new spears kept growing into the late summer which gives it a continuous fresh look.
61. Buddleja cultivars - Summer Bird Blue is a compact Buddleja that flowered the whole summer and was a great host for the butterflies. Minimal dead heading and total enjoyment to watch the butterflies taking off and landing on it.
Ratings for all the trial varieties will be published both on Greenhouse Canada and Sawaya Gardens’ websites.
Next year’s open house trial date is scheduled for July 18.
BY DR. MOHYUDDIN MIRZA
Cucumber is a fast-growing, high-light crop requiring a Daily Light Integral (DLI) of 25 to 30 moles/m2/day. The natural light in December is the lowest and daily photoperiod could be as low as eight hours. Some growers have adopted two-crops systems that uses natural sunlight from February to November, finish the crop, clean and sanitize the greenhouse and bring in three-week-old seedlings in late January or early February. The second system is plant seedlings in late October and take the crop through winter using supplemental lights. Other growers use three, or even four, crops per year.
The biggest challenge for winter production is the limited light levels, even with supplemental lights. When light levels are limited, other plant environments must be optimized and regulated to
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meet the minimum threshold for active plant growth. Cucumber needs about 300 to 400 joules/cm2 threshold for a reasonable active growth. Understanding how light is measured, what are thresholds for cucumber growth and how to link light levels with other environment inputs like irrigation, temperature, and relative humidity are key factors for effective management. Light also affects plant spacing.
Plant Focus
• Target for a transplant 25- to 30-days old. Most of the growers obtain seedlings from professional propagators where supplemental light is used. Plants generally have four to six sets of leaves.
Left: An example of a crop where plants reached wire very fast, dark green big leaves bending downward, thick stems, and weak flowers. Bending leaves is an indication of low Moisture Deficit, high relative humidity and cooler temperature. This is an example of a very vegetative plant and not much fruit production. Night temperature was going close to 16-17°C. Right: A well balanced cucumber crop. Thin stems, good internodal distance and strong tendrils.
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• Focus is vegetative to build a strong plant. Let the plant establish in the grow bags in a balanced manner. Plants can grow fast to reach the wire with thin stems and weak leaves.
• Target for rapid development of the stem fruit so as not to delay the development of top growth.
• This is very important. The pictures on the previous page show what can happen if a plant becomes too vegetative.
• Avoid setting fruit on every node. Some growers set fruit at fith or sixth node and then at alternate nodes. High-wire growers and lighted crops set fruit at every node. Plants have mechanisms to tell you if they are not happy by aborting fruits (see photo to right).
Aborted fruit on a very vegetative plant.
Average 24 hours air temperature minimum 21.5°C dark days, maximum 23.5°C sunny days. Day temperatures are based on light and pipe temperatures and are reduced quickly with increasing light. Recommended pipe temperatures are 50°C during dark days, 40°C n bright days and maximum pipe temperature 75°C.
Target temperatures after the first fruit set on the stem Day average 23°C, night average 20°C, 24 hours average 21 to
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21.5°C +1°C increase on light days. Ventilation 1°C higher than the heating set point in dark weather and 2°C higher than the heating set point based on light (bright weather).
CO2 target
800 ppm from one hour after sunrise to one hour before sunset or before supplemental lights are turned off. Avoid flue gas generated CO2 above 1000 ppm. In winter crops be alert to the possibility that flue gas CO2 may contain pollutants which can damage the crop.
Target irrigation/feed
Managing irrigation/feed is very important for winter crops. Unlimited water and nutrients can make the plants vegetative. Using higher Electrical Conductivity (EC) values will help to keep the plants compact and balanced for vegetative and generative growth.
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• EC feed 3.0 and an EC of leach the same around 3.0 mS. Use potassium sulfate to increase the EC. Also make sure trace elements are in the optimum range. Iron deficiency in young leaves can occur due to pH going over 6.4 and also inadequate levels of iron and manganese. It is suggested to use four ppm of iron and one ppm of manganese in January and early February.
• Close attention to pH is required in early winter crops because when the plant is establishing and producing roots the pH goes on the alkaline side and iron deficiency can occur as is evident in the picture above, right. If not corrected, the fruit abortion can occur (above, left). Feed pH should be around 5.5 to 6.0. Leach pH should be monitored constantly and adjustments made.
• Quantity of water depends on radiation and heating. Rule of thumb is three times solar radiation until active vent period. For example, if light levels reach 500 joules/cm2, then multiply by three = 1500 ml/m2/day
• Avoid the use of ammonium-based fertilizers during this crop season. Pay attention to nitrogen to potassium ratio (1:2), calcium to magnesium ratio of 3:1, iron to magnesium ratio of 3:1.
Target Vapour Pressure Deficit (VPD) or Moisture Deficit (MD)
It is important to maintain an active climate in the greenhouse, especially in January and February. VPD is a calculation based on temperature and relative humidity and provides a good measurement if plants are transpiring actively. Target a VPD of
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Pay close attention to pH in early winter crops because when the plant is establishing and producing roots the pH goes on the alkaline side and iron deficiency can occur.
between three to seven grams/m3 of air. Millibars and Kilopascals (Kpa) are other terms for this. So, know how this calculation is reported by your computer.
• Try to keep the VPD not less than 3.5 grams/m3 especially when plants are one- to 1.5-metres high.
• Stimulate the plant with pipe heat and small ventilation crack 0.5 cm when VPD is going below 3.0 grams/m3. Aggressive ventilation may be required to avoid condensation on the plants.
• Intensity can range from 50 to 150 joules/cm2 in the early part of planting.
• Adjustments should be done when it is cloudy for longer periods by reducing the day temperature.
For cucumbers grown using an “umbrella” system, where plants are grown to the wire, about 1.5 metres, and then fruit develops on laterals, target 20 leaves up to the wire. For high-wire cucumbers, there is no rule on number of leaves because plants are grown on a single stem. Try to maintain a ratio of two to three leaves/fruit. For high-wire cucumbers, the stem is taken to around four metres and then it is lowered. More leaves are removed compared to umbrella system to get light into the canopy. In my opinion cucumber plants have better vegetative and generative balance in this high wire training system.
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Cucumber plants being grown in a high-wire training system.
In the first article of this series entitled ‘Managing winter greenhouse vegetable crops. Part one: Tomatoes,’published in the November 2023 issue of Greenhouse Canada, an error appeared under Target CO2. The target should be: “between 800 to 1000 parts per million of CO2.” We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
drmirzaconsultants@gmail.com
BY OLGA SAFONOVA
What makes good soil? Every grower knows its basic properties: apart from mechanical support of a plant, good soil stores nutrients, ensures air and water movement, and provides a home for beneficial microorganisms. Soil structure can be improved by adding organic or inorganic amendments. While the organic portion makes up only about thre per cent of most natural soils, well-amended garden soil may contain 30 per cent or more organic matter. The most common organic amendments, such as compost and manure, have been around for ages. With increasing interest in organic products and sustainability in agriculture, the search for new ways of farming is on the rise. Organic additives, like fish compost, blood meal, biochar, kelp, and worm castings, have become increasingly popular,
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but have you ever heard of such an exotic substance as Black Soldier fly frass?
Inorganic soil conditioners include sand, dolomite lime, gypsum, perlite, vermiculite, and the options continue to grow. Are you familiar with wollastonite rock dust, or Huplaso basalt? What about Squid Based Plant Nutrient (squid juice)? Yes, that’s right… squid juice.
Commercial squid fisheries generate a great deal of waste. By-products of squid processing include squid ink, pen, skin, milt, liver, and viscera, and comprise about 52 per cent of the total body weight. All this waste goes into landfill. A few squid fisheries in the U.S. came up with the idea of liquifying squid byproducts and using the liquid as a fertilizer.
Scott Golem, Research Lead, and Gabriela Torrens, Research Associate, from the Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre collecting data for the Seaborn Organics “squid juice” trial in the Cannabis Indoor Cultivation Research Labs (Cannabunker) at the Daniel J. Patterson campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
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The setup for the Seaborn Organics “squid juice” trial in the Cannabis Indoor Cultivation Research Labs (Cannabunker) at the Daniel J. Patterson campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Application of hydrolyzed squid by-products as an organic fertilizer was approved by the United States Department of Agriculture in 2016, but only recently became available in Canada. Seaborn Organics, a company based in St. Catharines, Ont., offers liquid plant food derived from Loligo Squid caught in Rhode Island. The “squid juice” includes three primary plant nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (2-2-2), and a variety of micro-nutrients and amino acids. It can be added to soil at any stage of a growing cycle and lasts for a few months. The “squid juice” can be used in a conventional greenhouse and hydroponic systems, both indoor and outdoor. A few studies conducted in the U.S. found that
“squid juice” promotes budding and blooming and improves plants vigour.
Seaborn Organics is a client of the Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC) at Niagara College. Currently, the effectiveness of “squid juice” as a complete fertilizer is being tested by HESIC researchers on cannabis and vegetable crops. The team hopes to confirm that this product can improve quality and yield of the crops.
Another HESIC client has a research trial underway for study of another novel soil amendment - sheep wool. The owners of a sheep farm in Ayton, Ont., created a company,
‘Squid juice’ contains 3 primary plant nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
EcoWool Canada Inc. (EcoWool), that offers wool fertilizer pellets as a natural soil builder.
Did you know that all farm sheep are supposed to have a buzz cut every year? Regular sheep shearing is done for health reasons and yields thousands of tonnes of wool. However, only three per cent of Canada’s wool is suitable to make a sweater. Some of the shorn wool can be used for carpeting and insulation, but most of it ends up in a landfill. According to numerous publications in Europe, the wasted wool could be pelletized and applied as a fertilizer and soil conditioner. The pellets have nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium ratio 10-0-3, although decomposition of wool is slow process and could take a few months. The most remarkable quality of the wool pellets is the water retention which is 26 per cent higher than in peat moss. At the same time, when the pellets expand and break down, they leave space in the soil. This will increase the porosity of the soil creating an oxygen rich environment. Currently, the HESIC team is in the
middle of a trial designed to confirm the potential of sheep wool as a soil amendment in greenhouse crops. The research includes a few crops with different lengths of growth cycle. The plants will be tested on the quantity of biomass and quality of fruits. The trial will also answer the question about the optimal quantity of wool added to regular potting soil.
However, EcoWool sees their product not only as a new soil amendment, but also as a possible peat substitute. If the HESIC trial proves that wool pellets could be used as a component of a soilless media, it may become a big step toward sustainability in the greenhouse industry.
Sphagnum peat moss is the main ingredient of soilless potting mixes used in greenhouse production and indoor gardening. Peat moss is harvested from bogs and fens around the world, primarily in Canada and Russia. The demand on peat moss is growing, and so are scientists’ concerns about the
high resistance against ToBRFV
developed high resistance tomato varieties against ToBRFV –strong and compromised in
negative impact of its production on the environment. According to Oregon State University, peat bogs contain more carbon than all the planet’s forests combined, even though bogs take up only five per cent of the earth’s surface. Peat excavation releases enormous amounts of CO 2 into the atmosphere, a major greenhouse gas driving climate change. Harvesting of peat moss also destroys a native habitat essential to the survival of many animal species. In England, the sale of peat moss will be banned starting in 2024 because of environmental concerns.
Both studies of these projects are possible thanks to grants provided by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev), and Applied Research and Technology Partnership Grants. The funds are received through Greenhouse Technology Network (GTN).
Olga Safonova is a Research Laboratory Technologist at the Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre, Niagara College.
We can treat water, reuse it, and do it inexpensively, says Dr. Thomas Graham
BY JOHN DIETZ
Recycling precious water for food production in spaceships, in greenhouses, and in vertical farming facilities, is challenging but becoming sustainable and more costeffective.
Nearly 25 years ago, in 1999, the new Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility (CESRF) in Guelph, ON, took up the three big challenges of treating and recycling water in closed systems. It began looking for answers on how to grow plants in space, on the moon and Mars.
One challenge has been solved, in principle, and a second is ‘close’ to a solution. The toughest challenge
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probably will take a few years yet, according to one of Canada’s leading controlled environment agriculture (CEA) scientists.
CESRF and its Space and Advanced Life Support Agriculture program are an essential part of Canada’s contributions to plant research and development for space and closed environment related activities.
Dr. Thomas Graham has recently (2019) transitioned into the leadership of the CESRF, as its founder Dr Mike Dixon takes on the role of Professor Emeritus, while maintaining Director duties for the
A prototype of the Regenerative in situ Electrochemical Hypochlorination (RisEHc) system for recirculating hydroponic solutions.
Unlimited multi-zone light management with each zone lit with a custom light recipe. A
facility at the University of Guelph School of Environmental Sciences.
Addressing the 2023 Canadian Greenhouse Conference, Oct 9-10, at Niagara Falls, Thomas spoke about water treatment ‘without the hangover.’
Graham grew up in southwest Ontario, studied environmental and agricultural science at Guelph, and completed a NASA post-doctoral fellowship at the Kennedy Space Center before returning to Guelph in 2015 as Adjunct Professor and R&D Manager for Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility.
The facility today has at least 17 tightly sealed growth chambers where even air pressure and atmospheric composition can be varied along with heat, moisture, CO2 levels, and LED-based lighting (colour and intensity). It also has standard walk-in, not super-sealed chambers for conventional crop research. Technicians and up to a dozen graduate students continually work in the CESRF facility.
The sealed chambers at the CESRF are unique in that they can measure whole canopy photosynthesis and other key parameters in real time, returning gas exchange data (i.e., photosynthesis) in response to the application of whatever environmental recipe the researchers want to examine. The technology is incredibly useful for crop optimization studies and the technology continues to evolve. Numerous generations of chambers having been designed and built, both for internal use and for numerous international partners including Syngenta, the European Space Agency, and the German Space Agency, as the CESRF continues to evolve. The newest of these chambers, the PS2000, developed in collaboration with Intravision, a Canadian-Norwegian company, is just coming online and will continue the long tradition of advanced chamber design and use at CESRF. The team at CERSF are even in the process of designing such advanced chambers for use on the lunar surface, projects they collaborate with Canadensys Aerospace Corporation, and McGill University on.
“Although we have this suite of very high-fidelity, high-tech chambers, the number of chambers is still a bottleneck. We could build another hundred and probably still have them full all the time,” Graham says.
The technical carrot or challenge for the CESRF team is to ensure that astronauts have a reliable source of food, air, and clean water. Using space as the grand challenge, the team is immediately advancing Earth-based CEA systems.
“You’re trying to achieve complete closure of all the environmental loops, including water,” Graham said. “Technologies developed to do that are immediately transferable to Earth.”
Water quality control has been studied from the start. In a closed environment, maintaining quality water that is contaminant-free is critical for healthy plant growth.
Three main reasons stop greenhouses and vertical farms from reusing water forever: biological contamination (pathogens), chemical contaminants (there’s a laundry lists of these), and nutrient imbalances.
The focus at CESRF is on all three challenges, with emphasis on technologies that don’t require adding chemicals for the treatment process.
“I’ve looked at technologies such as ozone, UV light and heat, just to name a few,” he says.
Two electrochemical processes being developed by Graham’s team now have excellent potential for decontaminating nutrient solutions in production systems that recirculate hydroponic solutions. One is a chlorination process; the other is an advanced oxidation process.
The Regenerative in situ Electrochemical Hypochlorination (RisEHc) approach or system for recirculating hydroponic solutions has two parts, Graham explains. It begins with an electrochemical cell that is placed into the nutrient solution flow path. The cell has electrodes that drive reactions
A schematic of a ‘trial-ready’ electrochemical cell that, according to researchers, has excellent potential for decontaminating nutrient solutions in production systems that recirculate hydroponic solutions.
40% UP TO of water consumption can be reduced by recirculating irrigation water
involving chloride ions already in the solution, to form hypochlorous acid – a highly effective disinfectant.
“It’s a bit of a process, but what is essentially trace or background levels of chloride is used as the raw material to electrochemically generate hypochlorous acid,” Graham explains. “The acid is an extremely effective disinfectant. It also reacts with some chemical contaminants to break them down.
“The regenerative part is that the chloride ion is liberated once the hypochlorous acid reacts with a pathogen or another chemical. The chloride then comes back to the electrodes and you generate more disinfectant. You never have to add more reagent; you generate it in the solution (in situ) that you’re treating.”
The other part of the process is in situ It all happens in the fertigation stream or system. It can be in line, or in a bypass loop. “It’s cheap. You’re not having to buy or add anything, necessarily.”
He adds, “It’s not catalytic, but it’s the same effect. It remakes the product over and over with the same starting materials. With the right voltage and the right current density, things happen in a regenerative fashion.”
The process was discovered by grad student Serge Levesque in 2019. He was comparing UV and ozone oxidation technologies head-to-head, looking for a way to kill fusarium using electrodes in a nutrient solution. Results were published in HortScience in December 2022.
“The RisEHc chlorination system is primarily targeting disinfection, trying to keep the pathogens under control and, to a lesser extent, addressing the organic or chemical contaminants,” Graham says.
Water treatment normally requires the ongoing addition of reactants, like always adding bleach to purify the water. Whatever is added will likely accumulate over time and become a problem.
“That’s where the hangover comes from. If you add stuff to your system, not unlike adding alcohol to your body, it can be quite effective for a while, but eventually you get too much built up and there is a hangover to deal with,” Graham says. “Serge was just testing performance with some electrodes that weren’t part of the research program when he found that he was killing a lot of fusarium. The electrochemistry wasn’t new but how we package and manage the process in situ is new.”
Four years later, RisEHc is a welltested and proven process ready to commercialize. Commercial field trials are needed at this point to deliver the technology to growers. The process is still chlorination, with many of the same limitations or caveats as traditional chlorination processes, the scientist notes.
“There’s no way around that, but it is a better mouse trap so to speak,” Graham says.
The CESRF team also has developed an Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Process system (EAOP) that targets not only pathogens, but chemical contaminants that are difficult to breakdown with other technologies.
“Our other system kills bacteria and fungus as well, but it’s generating free radicals which are really good at breaking down recalcitrant (tough to breakdown) chemicals,” Graham says.
Details of this second issue solution are not ready to be released at this time, but Thomas expects that it will dovetail nicely with RisEHc as a more holistic treatment system approach.
He adds: “It will be a couple of years before this is commercially ready. It is just another tool, but it will be very inexpensive and there isn’t anything to break. There are no moving parts. There is lots of benefit to how we’re doing it, and you don’t have to manage or handle chemicals.
“At the end of the day, it is not new. How we’ve manipulated and managed it for controlled environment agriculture is new. It can certainly be used for field production, greenhouse production, or vertical farm production.”
The point is, if your closed system needs to capture and reuse water, you need to be able to treat that water effectively. Even when pulling water from a well or a municipal source, there is potential for contaminants.
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Graham notes, we are surrounded by a ‘microbial rain’ so there is no avoiding the threat of plant diseases, but we can certainly greatly reduce that risk. One sick plant can slough off disease pathogens into water that is captured and recirculated through an entire facility. A sustainable process needs to keep it clean and fresh.
A lot of people are working on the third big challenge that runs in the background for all greenhouses and CEA environments. Perhaps the biggest roadblock for long-term nutrient recycling is our inability to measure the individual nutrients in [pseudo] real time.
“This is a tough nut to crack. It’s a technical challenge, it’s a sensor issue, ultimately. We don’t have any effective way, in even pseudo-real time, to measure the individual forms of all the fertilizer ions.” Graham says. “We can do it at our facility because we have a really expensive HPLC device and a technician to run it, but that’s just not feasible for growers.”
HPLC stands for high pressure (or high-performance) liquid chromatography. It is used in laboratory settings with expensive, high-quality components, to analyze the chemical components in a solution. Regular maintenance, calibration, and lab supplies are needed along with well-trained technicians.
In a long-term, closed growing system, ideally, operators need to know the concentrations of each and every ion, every day. Even a four-day wait for results from a lab with an HPLC is too long. By then, ratios have changed in the nutrient solution. He explains, the fertility regime in a nutrient solution changes daily as plants take up nutrients, and leave behind or slough off contaminants.
“Individual salt ratios change because plants feed and take up nutrients at different rates, on different days, under different environmental conditions,” Graham said. “We need sensors that can measure how much nitrate is in solution, how much phosphate (that’s the hard one), how much potassium, how much calcium, how much sulphur, how much for each of the other 12 to 16 essential nutrients. We’ve got a lot to measure in the field, and we’re not anywhere close to being able to do that yet.”
Growers can measure changes when fertilizer goes into solution
by testing electrical conductivity and pH levels, but it’s a non-specific result. It’s been done for decades but tells them nothing about the individual nutrient concentrations.
“The sensor technology doesn’t exist to measure them all individually, certainly not in the complex soup that is the typical nutrient solution,” he says.
“There’s no silver bullet. We will need multiple subsystems within an overall water treatment system to crack this nut. If someone tells you otherwise, that there is a silver bullet, they’re wrong, plain and simple.”
An electrochemical cell prototype developed by researchers at Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility (CESRF) in Guelph, ON.
A branch of JEM Farms, HORTECA is a new two-acre research facility dedicated to showcasing the latest green technologies in joint venture with ecoation, including advancements in integrated pest management (IPM) to robotics and AI. The partnership also involves the University of Windsor providing a multitude of research opportunities. On display and lighting their research crops will be Sollum Technologies’ fully dynamic LED
new and exciting avenues in sustainable agriculture and green technologies for the benefit of growers across North America and beyond.” (Source: Sollum)
Learn how light abatement curtains can be used and their effect on the greenhouse environment. This technical information is for commercial greenhouse operators
BY THE ONTARIO MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS (OMAFRA)
Greenhouse producers use supplemental lighting to:
• grow vegetables and fruits in winter
• boost production in the summer
• control flowering in ornamental and medicinal plants
They also use light abatement and blackout curtains to reduce nighttime light emissions associated with supplemental lighting. This is in part in response to bylaws enacted by some municipalities across the province that regulate greenhouse light emissions.
The report,“Managing Nighttime Greenhouse Light Emissions,” written by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) in 2022, and published in Greenhouse Canada’s December 2022 issue, outlines some of the research conducted by institutions in the province to study the amount of light emitted by Ontario greenhouses using supplemental lighting at nighttime.
It concludes that greenhouse light emissions were associated with:
• light intensity
• gapping of light abatement curtains
• the amount of vegetation in the growing space
It also recognized that 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 was identified as important to research production practices and technologies that can address potential humidity and temperature concerns.
The information in this article details the results from recent research projects that investigated the effect of light abatement curtains on the greenhouse environment.
• A lighting strategy that adopts a long photoperiod (24 hours) with low light intensity sometimes resulted in less temperature fluctuations under light abatement curtains than a typical 16hour lighting strategy.
• Light abatement curtains increased air temperature and plant temperature when supplemental lights were on and off.
• Using supplemental lighting with a typical 16-hour lighting strategy before sunrise rather than after sunset reduces the amount of time light abatement curtains are in use.
• Increases in temperature and humidity caused by growing with lights under light abatement curtains can be managed to reduce impacts on production by:
ABOVE
Greenhouse light abatement curtains with gapping.
• When light abatement curtains were deployed, air temperature stratification occurred between colder air in the attic above the curtains and warmer air below the curtains where plants are grown.
1. gapping ceiling light abatement curtains to ventilate the greenhouse
2. using through-curtain ceiling fans as shown in the 2022 “Managing Nighttime Greenhouse Light Emissions”
3. employing a 24-hour, low-intensity lighting strategy
4. shortening the amount of time light abatement curtains have to be used by lighting before sunrise rather than after sunset
Research is ongoing into how different greenhouse fans affect air circulation under light abatement curtains, the effect of gapping light abatement curtains on the greenhouse environment and crop physiology of plants grown under light abatement curtains.
Ceiling curtains are commonly used in greenhouses to:
• diffuse and scatter sunlight for more even distribution of light
• reduce sunlight intensity
• control the temperature within the greenhouse
Some of the primary uses for greenhouse curtains are light diffusion, energy conservation and shade.
Many curtains have multiple functions. For example, some curtains retain thermal energy at night and provide cooling shade to the crop during the day.
Greenhouse shade curtains are intended to allow a certain amount of sunlight through. Light abatement curtains are designed to prevent light from passing through the curtain. This keeps light produced by supplemental lighting fixtures from escaping the greenhouse. Light abatement curtains are mainly used to reduce light pollution when supplemental lights are on during nighttime hours.
Ceiling light abatement curtains span the gap between the walls above the crop production area. They act as a semi-permeable barrier between the lower portion of the greenhouse and the attic. Some light abatement curtains are specifically designed for sidewalls and endwalls of greenhouses. These wall light abatement curtains are placed vertically on greenhouse walls to reduce light emissions from the side of greenhouses (Figures 1 and 2). Wall light abatement curtains are typically heavier than ceiling light abatement curtains, but their light transmission and energy saving properties are similar, depending on the model.
Greenhouse light abatement curtains are made from an opaque material with reflective properties. They are composed of polyester, polyolefin or a mixture of the two.
These materials are resistant to water, wind, light, and heat. They combine well with other fibres allowing them to be more easily modified to suit unique needs. Producers should verify that all their curtains are fire retardant and are installed and operated as per manufacturer’s instructions.
When light abatement curtains are being installed in a Family
FIGURE 3
The effect of energy and light abatement curtain deployment on air temperature in the attic above the curtains and on the air below the curtains8. Please note that the overall air temperature increased when the curtains were retracted because this commercial greenhouse increased the air temperature set point during those daytime periods and reduced the temperature set point during the nighttime periods when the curtains were deployed.
greenhouse, they may have additional features like fastening strips, zippers or magnetic closures to minimize light leakage from gaps. They may be layered on top of other curtains to provide greater versatility according to the needs of the producer. Light abatement curtains are typically installed with an automated deployment system that is controlled by the greenhouse environment management computer system.
Furthermore, the reflective surface facing the interior of the greenhouse reflects light emanating from supplemental lighting back to the crop, resulting in improved light use and therefore more energy savings. Light transmission and energy savings properties of ceiling and wall light abatement curtains vary depending on the model 3,4,5,6,7
occur between the air layers above and below fully deployed (100 per cent closed) light abatement curtains. The model assumed 1.0 air changes per hour and the simultaneous use of a light abatement curtain and an energy curtain.
Figure 5-18: Curtain deployment status and impact on air temperature, Greenhouse #5 (Dec 2021)
Significant variations in the vertical temperature profile of the greenhouse can exist with the use of curtains. When the curtains are not in use, the temperatures converge, supporting the model assumption that the greenhouse air can normally be considered as a perfectly stirred tank.
When they are fully deployed (100 per cent closed), light abatement curtains can reduce light emissions by more than 99 per cent. They also function as an energy or thermal curtain by reducing heat loss from the greenhouse to the nighttime environment by around 50 per cent.
Stratification of air temperature Modelling was conducted by researchers at the University of Guelph to understand the potential effect of light abatement curtains on the greenhouse environment 8,9. They investigated potential differences that could
Fully deployed curtains created a barrier between the attic area above the curtains and the growing area below the curtains resulting in differences in air temperature and humidity. This climate heterogeneity within the greenhouse (variations in climate between the upper and lower portions of the interior) can lead to abnormal or inefficient growth.
Error results from six data sets, each several weeks in duration, are summarized in Table 5-5
During cold weather periods with curtains deployed, attic air can become much cooler overnight than air below the
FIGURE 4
Air and plant temperatures in experimental mini-greenhouses with and without light abatement curtains under HPS and LED lights 10 .
curtains in the growing area8. Take care to open curtains slowly in these conditions, so plants are not shocked by large volumes of cold air descending suddenly from the cooled attic.
The location of air vents in the greenhouse and the amount of gapping in the curtains will impact the degree and nature of air stratification. When curtains are deployed, roof air vents located above the curtains, which are typical in modern greenhouses built for high-wire vine crops, allowed mixing of the air layer above the curtains but not below. Conversely, in greenhouses with air vents located in walls below the curtains, it is possible to observe mixing of the lower air layer and not the layer above the curtains9. Experience suggests that gapping of curtains to different degrees allows for more air circulation between attic and growing area and reduces air stratification.
Some modelling results were verified with a case study using air temperature data from a commercial vegetable greenhouse in southwestern Ontario. Similar to the model, this site also used an energy curtain and light abatement curtain simultaneously. As expected, stratification of air temperature developed when the curtains were fully deployed.
At night, warmer air was present in the growing environment below the curtains and cooler air was present in the attic above the curtains. The temperature of the air in the attic and the growing environment converged when the curtains were retracted (Figure 3). This air temperature stratification was more pronounced during months when curtains were used more frequently compared to those months when curtains were used less frequently8
To investigate the effects of light abatement curtains on greenhouse air temperatures and plant temperatures, researchers at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Harrow Research and Development Centre (Harrow) used four mini greenhouses (50 m2 each) outfitted with light abatement curtains to grow tomatoes in the winter of 2021–2022 (December 2021–April 2022)10:
• Two mini greenhouses had high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights
• Two had light-emitting diode (LED) lights
One mini greenhouse with HPS
lights and one with LED lights used light abatement curtains. The other two minigreenhouses did not use light abatement curtains. The light abatement curtains were fully deployed when the lights were on between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Increases in air temperature were observed under both HPS and LED lights when light abatement curtains were deployed. As expected, this increase in air temperature was more pronounced under HPS lights as compared to LED lights.
The temperature of the tomato plants
was also higher when grown under light abatement curtains as compared to plants that were not grown under them. This increase in plant temperature was observed under both HPS and LED lights.
The increase in air and plant temperatures under LED lights and light abatement curtains was accompanied by higher levels of relative humidity, whereas under HPS lights and light abatement curtains there was a drop in relative humidity levels (Figures 4 and 5)10
Between December 2022 and May
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Month and year
Average sunrise time (a.m.)
Average sunset time (p.m.)
Length of time light abatement curtains deployed (lights on 8:00 a.m. to midnight)
Length of time light abatement curtains deployed (lights on 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
TABLE 1
Theoretical analysis of the length of time that light abatement curtains would be deployed for 2 lighting scenarios where vegetable greenhouses would extend the day length before sunrise or after sunset11 .
Average outdoor air temp when light abatement curtains deployed (°C) (lights on 8:00 a.m. to midnight)
Average outdoor air temp when light abatement curtains deployed (°C) (lights on 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
Average temperature difference between outside and inside the greenhouse (assumed to be 21°C inside, lights on 8:00 a.m. to midnight)
Temperature difference between outside and inside the greenhouse (lights on 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
2023, another experiment was conducted in Harrow, where two mini greenhouses with LED lights and light abatement curtains used different lighting strategies11. One mini greenhouse had a typical 16-hour lighting strategy (2:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with 250 µmol per m2 per second) and the other had a long photoperiod (24-hour) low intensity lighting strategy (2:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with 200 µmol per m2 per second and 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. with 100 µmol per m2 per second). The daily light integral (DLI) in both mini greenhouses was equal (14.4 mol per m2 per day), and the light abatement curtains were fully deployed between sunset and sunrise for both lighting treatments. There were fluctuations
FIGURE 5
Relative humidity levels in experimental mini greenhouses with and without light abatement curtains under HPS and LED lights 10 .
FIGURE 6
Hourly air temperatures in mini greenhouses with light abatement curtains using a 16-hour lighting strategy and a 24-hour lighting strategy11. Please note that results from the Harrow mini greenhouses should be interpreted with caution because they may not be representative of commercial greenhouses, as illustrated by their erratic air temperature fluctuations.
in air temperature under both treatments between warmer daytime temperatures and colder nighttime temperatures, but the fluctuations under the longer photoperiod low intensity lighting strategy was less pronounced during some days (Figure 6) The yield of the tomato plants grown in both greenhouses were similar11
Lighting before sunrise reduced use of light abatement curtains
Most vegetable greenhouses in Ontario use supplemental lighting between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. during winter, but some producers prefer to extend the daylength after sunset rather than before sunrise.
Researchers in Harrow used sunrise and sunset data for southwestern Ontario to find out if extending the day — by lighting before sunrise or after sunset — affected the length of time that producers need to:
• deploy their light abatement curtains
• manage the changes in the greenhouse environment caused by the curtains.11
Researchers calculated how long light abatement curtains would be deployed
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under each scenario. It was assumed that:
• light abatement curtains would be deployed only when lights were on between sunset and sunrise
• that lights were on from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the “before sunrise” scenario and 8:00 a.m. to midnight for the “after sunset” scenario using a typical 16-hour photoperiod
The length of time that light abatement curtains would be deployed was calculated for each month between October 2022 and March 2023.
It was found that using supplemental lighting before sunrise reduced the amount of time that light abatement curtains would be used in each month.
The biggest difference was observed in December when using supplemental lighting before sunrise resulted in light abatement curtains being deployed 1 hour and 25 minutes less than using supplemental lighting after sunset.
When the researchers looked at the outside temperature for the same period of time under the two lighting scenarios, it was found that there was a greater difference in temperature between the greenhouse environment (assumed to be 21°C) and the temperature outside the greenhouse before sunrise as compared to after sunset.
This temperature gradient suggests it would be easier for producers to reduce the heat buildup in their greenhouses under light abatement curtains if they use supplemental lighting before sunrise rather than after sunset (Table 1)11
1Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. 2022. ‘Managing Nitghttime Greenhouse Light Emissions’.
2Advancing Cultivation Technology Summit. 2021. ‘Greenhouse Light Abatement By-Laws: Now What?’
3Amani M. et al. 2020. ‘Comprehensive Review on Dehumidification Strategies for Agricultural Greenhouse Applications’. Applied Thermal Engineering. 181:1359
4Hohenstein J.A. 2021. ‘Light Abatement Bylaws in Effect – Now What?’ Greenhouse Canada
5Jerszurki D. et al. 2021. ‘Vertical Microclimate Heterogeneity and Dew Formation in Semi-Closed and Naturally Vented Tomato Greenhouses.’ Scientia Horticulturae. 288:110271.
6Samaranayake P. et al. 2021. ‘Energy Minimisation in a Protected Cropping Facility Using Multi-Temperature Acquisition Points and Control of Ventilation Settings.’ Energies. 14:6014.
7Snow B. 2022. ‘Measurement and Analysis of Exterior Light Emissions from Commercial Greenhouses.’ Master of Applied Science in Engineering Thesis. University of Guelph.
8Nauta A. 2022. ‘Development of a New Dynamic Energy Model for Commercial and Small-scale Greenhouses: Validation and Practical Applications.’ Master of Applied Science in Engineering Thesis. University of Guelph
9Naut A. et al. 2023. ‘Performance Evaluation of a Commercial Greenhouse in Canada Using Dehumidification Technologies and LED Lighting: A Modeling Study.’ Energies. 16(3):1015.
10Digweed Q. 2022. ‘Lighting and Abatement.’ Presentation at the 2022 Canadian Greenhouse Conference.
11Digweed Q and Sawan S. 2023. ‘Impact of Phase Change Material on Greenhouse Energy Balance Under Light Abatement Curtains.’ Proceedings of 2023 Engineering to Adapt Symposium Windsor, Ontario, Canada. June 22-23, 2023.
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No. 25, Foster Lane, Colombo 10, Colombo ON 01000
Tel: +94 112628562
Fax: 411-262-8592
e-mail: info@hayleysfibre.com
Website: www.hayleysfibre.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hayleys.fibre
Description: Chas P Hayley & Company Private Limited is the pioneer and largest value-added coconut fibre-based product manufacturer and exporter in Sri Lanka, has debuted its very own brand, “Haygreen”, with its offering of a range of hydroponics and horticulture products for homes, gardens, and industries. Founded in 1878 and pioneer in the industry, operates with 5 production facilities in Sri Lanka and India, supplying to over 70 countries.
The company offers the flexibility to manufacture OEM and private label products, including the distinction of holding the largest production capacity and factory compliances serving customers with short lead times. Our product portfolio includes, Coco peat grow bags, blocks, bricks, coco pots, weed mats, coco poles, seedling pads & coir twine. Chas P Hayleys & Company is a fully owned subsidiary company of Sri Lanka’s largest and No. 01 blue-chip conglomerate, Hayleys PLC.
408 Mersea Rd 3, Leamington ON N8H 3V5
Tel: 519-322-2515
e-mail: contact@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. We manufacture 3 flagship products all designed to help growers maximize crop yields and help with water conservation and energy savings for commercial CEA operations worldwide, the Fertigation Manager, Climate Manager and Ozone Pro. We also distribute water filtration products from Watts Water and gear boxes, rack & pinions from CCI
With major leaps forward in water purification, recycling and reducing energy consumption, Climate Control Systems Inc. is sought after internationally for greenhouse automation technology. We have dedicated ourselves to produce innovative technology that will not only save growers time and money but also conserve the environments that surrounds them here and throughout the world.
We are proud to achieve these milestones as we see the need for environmental controls increase.. Our systems have been installed in Canada, US, Mexico, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
CLIMATROL
Unit 307 - 17665 66A Ave, Surrey BC V3S 2A7
Tel: 604-576-7677
Toll free: 877-576-7677
e-mail: office@climatrolsolutions.com
Website: www.climatrolsolutions.com
Description: CLIMATROL SOLUTIONS LTD. #307 – 17665 66A Ave, Surrey, BC V3S 2A7
Tel: 604-576-7677
Toll Free: 877-576-7677
Email: office@climatrolsolutions.com
Website: www.climatrolsolutions.com
Description: Greenhouse equipment provider since 1985 offering the following products for sale including installation and service.
Priva Climate Control systems including Connext, CompactCC, Compass, FS Performance Labour Tracking, HAF Fans, Root Optimizer, Neutralizer Injection Unit, NutriJet Dosing System, Vialux Sterilizer.
Greefa Grading systems, Bin Tippers, Ridder Screen Control, Philips LED Lighting, HPS Lighting, Irrigation Units, Mixing Tanks, Control Panels, Alarm Dialers
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, shade houses, cooling houses, tunnels, orchard, field covers & Auto-Dry™ rain shelters.
Cravo’s automated Retractable Roof Production Systems (RRPS™) improve profitability for Fruits, Vegetables, Ornamentals, Floriculture and Pharmaceutical crops.
5125 North Talbot Road, Maidstone ON N0R 1K0
Tel: 866-300-2929
e-mail: info@cropdefenders.com
Website: www.cropdefenders.ca
Description: At Crop Defenders, we know you want to profitably grow healthy crops so that your greenhouse business can thrive.
But there’s a major obstacle standing in your way: thrips, aphids, and many other pests are invading your farm, and damaging your crops. These pests aren’t just stealing your valuable yields; they’re also eating away at your farm’s financial health. We understand the frustration these pests bring. Since our establishment in 2007, we’ve been the trusted choice for growers all across Canada, helping them save more yields and protect their financial bottom line. We do this with our locally produced and packaged Biological Control Agents, an innovative 8-Part Pest Management Framework, and tailor-made solutions designed to bring powerful results.
Don’t let pests dictate your success. Contact us today and start your journey towards saving more of your yields and money from the clutches of these invaders. Choose Crop Defenders, your proudly Canadian Biocontrol Partner.
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
Facebook: www.facebook.com/darwinperennials
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, located near Bogota, features more varieties, unsurpassed product quality and more innovation than ever before. 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, and Must Have Perennials.
DECLOET GREENHOUSE MFG. LTD.
1805 Charlotteville West Quarter Line, Simcoe ON N3Y 4J9
Tel: 519-582-3081
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.
DUBOIS AGRINOVATION
478 rue Notre-Dame, Saint-Rémi QC J0L2L0
Tel: 450-454-3961
e-mail: marketing@duboisag.com
Website: duboisag.com/ca_en
Twitter: none
Facebook: www.facebook.com/duboisag?locale=fr_CA
Description: North-American leader of horticultural solutions and tailor-made irrigation systems for farmers and home gardeners.
DYNAMIC 77 GROUP INC.
38 Erie St. N, Leamington ON N8H 2Z3
Tel: 519-968-3565
e-mail: sales@dynamic77.com
Website: dynamic77.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/p/Dynamic-77Group-Inc-100075737034279
Description: Dynamic 77 Group Inc. offers complete greenhouse systems. Turn-key Plusassistance with permit applications, utility requirements, design and build. Venlo glass greenhouse roof systems, irrigation and heating systems, environment control systems. With our solar division we can not only offer complete large scale solar energy systems but, offer very attractive financing and assistance with grant applications.
EMQ INC.
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.
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.
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.
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 and Vertical Airflow Fans (including Multifan Greenhouse and V-Flo Fans), Environmental Control Systems, Evaporative Cooling Systems, Misting Fans and Forced Air Heaters.
1850 Mount Diablo Blvd., #670, 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 Royal Brinkman Canada 877-821-1684, royalbrinkman. 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: Flowers Canada Growers is The Canadian Trade Association for the Canadian floral greenhouse industry and promotes the strength and unity of the floriculture industry through government representation, communication, marketing, education, research, plant health, trade, pest management, and member services. Our members across Canada include floral greenhouse growers, distributors, and wholesalers all dealing with cut flowers, potted plants, bedding plants, propagated material, and specialty suppliers and services to the industry.
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: George de Groot Laser Grading & Excavating is fully equipped for and specialized in grading, precision laser levelling, digging for underground heating or irrigation lines and all other excavating that needs to be done inside or outside your greenhouse. We also install cultivation floor systems, from start to finish!
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.
4222 Sann Rd., Lincoln ON L3J 1K1
Tel: 905-563-3211
Toll free: 800-668-9567
Fax: 905-563-3191
e-mail: sales@globalhort.com
Website: www.globalhort.com
Description: Horticultural supplies and equipment: beneficial insects, bees, IPM supplies, fertilizers, irrigation, sleeves, pot covers, care tags, ground cover, plastics, bamboo stakes and canes + trellises, coco peat, LVM equipment, disinfectants (Huwa-San / Wetcide 84 / Virkon), white wash, tomato dividers, vertical air movement fans (Nivola Nivolators), paint supply, sulphur evaporators, pH & EC measuring equipment, Chrysal floral supply, bouquet binders (Cyklop), troughs and pots for small fruits, seeding and transport trays, ethylene filters, customized aluminum products, free fall hooks, tomato, cucumber, Orchid and plant clips.
110 St-Joseph, Suite 201, Terrebonne QC J6W2Y5
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. Planters, spreaders and weeders : We import Oliver Agro, Ferrari Growtech, DCM and MOM.
GOLD LEAF TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Suite 502, 2039 Robertson Rd., Ottawa ON K2H 8R2
Tel: 833-453-5323
e-mail: hello@goldleaftech.com
Website: goldleaftech.com
Twitter: @goldleaftech
Facebook: @goldleaftech
Description: Gold Leaf Technologies Inc. equips commercial greenhouses, vertical farms, and research centers with the latest indoor agriculture technologies — from LED lighting to automation controls and vertical farm systems. We combine our extensive product selection and expert skillset to provide solutions uniquely tailored to each facility and crop, with the goal of helping customers increase crop yields and quality while reducing OPEX. We build long-term relationships by delivering consultative, end-to-end white glove service and supporting you with everything from planning to rebate applications. Grow with us.
GROUPE HORTICOLE LEDOUX INC. (ALSO KNOWN AS BOUTIQUEPRO.GHLINC.COM)
785 rue Paul-Lussier, Ste-Helene-de-bagot QC
J0H1M0
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 / poting lines, Irrometer tensiometers, etc.
HARNOIS GREENHOUE
1044 rue Principale, St-Thomas QC J0K3L0
Tel: 450-756-1041
Toll free: 888-427-6647
e-mail: info@harnois.com
Website: harnois.com
Twitter: twitter.com/HarnoisHQ
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarnoisInc
Description: Engineered for northern climates. Harnois offers a comprehensive lineup of greenhouse structures tailored for floriculture and vegetables. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a ground-to-ground setup or an experienced grower in need of a gutter connected greenhouse, we’ve got you covered. We customize your greenhouse based on its specific location and your production goals. Our experts meticulously assess each project to craft a precise technical blueprint for your greenhouse. Rely on our in-house engineers to determine the roof angle, the amount of steel and all components to provide you with a durable, cost-effective greenhouse.
HAVECON NORTH AMERICA INC
360 York Rd Unit 3, Niagara on the Lake ON L3K 2M6
Tel: 905-641-0603
e-mail: ashley@havecon.com
Website: www.havecon.com
Description: Together with our strategic partner Voorwinden Groep, we develop, produce and take care of the construction of modern greenhouses. And not just greenhouses. We deliver turn-key projects, no matter what specific needs you have. We work closely with reliable partners to optimally meet all your horticultural needs. All this on a global basis, with a focus on Europe and North America.
HEALTHY HYDROPONICS INNOTECH
550 Parkside Dr, Unit A9, Waterloo ON N2L 5V4
Tel: 844-947-0650
e-mail: info@healthyhydroponics.ca
Website: www.healthyhydroponics.ca
Twitter: twitter.com/HealthyHydrop
Description: With our proactive monitoring, stay a step ahead of diseases, not behind.
Healthy Hydroponics InnoTech is the first full microbiome lab service for indoor farms. Our Pathogen+ service allows you to identify more than 600 disease-causing pathogens from a single sample. With our accuracy and ability to track data over time, we help you pinpoint the correct targets for IPM strategies, saving you on inputs and crops that are lost to pathogens. Have a specific pathogen problem? Pathogen Mini is a quick qPCR service to find single targets you define. Using microbial biologicals, fermentors or have unique microbial problems? We will work with you to customize our lab services to meet your goals. To get started, contact us at info@healthyhydroponics.ca.
4890 Victoria Ave. N., Building R6, Vineland Station ON L0R 2E0
Tel: 905-562-0800
e-mail: info@hoogendoorn.ca
Website: www.hoogendoorn.com/en
Description: For over 50 years, Hoogendoorn Growth Management has been a global leader in horticultural innovation. Beyond providing cutting-edge technology, we stand by your side as a trusted partner in customer support and training. IIVO, our revolutionary climate computer fortified with Intelligent Algorithms, is a transformative powerhouse for greenhouse and indoor farming management. It simplifies climate optimization, effortlessly tailoring it to your crops and environmental needs with just a few settings. They’re not just responsive; they controls are proactive, continuously fine-tuning your climate control while considering forecasted weather conditions, ensuring your greenhouse/ indoor farm operates at peak efficiency, regardless of unpredictable elements. Embrace the future of horticulture with Hoogendoorn, where technology, sustainability, and Intelligent Algorithms unite to deliver unprecedented success.
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.
HUB INTERNATIONAL ONTARIO LIMITED
24 Seacliff Dr. E., Suite 100, Leamington ON N8H 0C2
Tel: 519-326-9339
Toll free: 800-463-4700
Fax: 519-326-0128
e-mail: gary.klemens@hubinternational.com Website: www.hubinternational.com
Description: National Insurance Brokerage supplying Greenhouse Insurance Coverage.
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.
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.
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 aim to serve our customers in plant propagation and cultivation to achieve better results. We do this by continually improving, innovating, and working towards our common goals based on scientific research, teamwork, and involvement. Our broad portfolio offers you an incredible variety of options to create tailor-made solutions for your business. We offer Growblocks, Growbags, Pellets, Substrate Mix, Sustainable Pots, and our Preforma. We invite our customers to develop sustainable plant-growing solutions together, starting today!
JOLLY FARMER PRODUCTS INC.
56 Crabbe Rd., Northampton NB E7N 1R6
Tel: 506-325-3850
Toll free: 800-695-8300
Fax: 800-863-7814
e-mail: sales@jollyfarmer.com
Website: www.jollyfarmer.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jollyfarmerproducts
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.
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, containers, Lambert Peat, coir products, Pöppelmann, TO Plastics, Landmark, ICL Specialty Fertilizers, Syngenta, Kientzler, Suntory, Greenfuse, Vivero, Proven Winners, Rakers, Walters, Benary, Pan American, Oasis products and BioBee Biologicals.
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
34 Seneca Rd, Leamington ON N8H 5H7
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 95 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 you are a professional grower or an amateur horticulturist. At Lambert Peat Moss, we stand behind our products!
LUMESMART INC.
Law, Richmond Hill ON L4C 5K7
Tel: 416-887-6977
e-mail: info@lumesmart.com
Website: lumesmart.com
Twitter: twitter.com/lumesmart?lang=en
Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/ Lumesmart-Inc/100060583404719
Description: Powering Business for Over 10 Years
Imagine a world where any vegetable or fruit you desire is available affordably and sustainably anywhere in the world at any season. My name is Shohreh Sabaghpour, Founder and CEO of Lumesmart Inc. since 2013. We provide innovative LED lighting solutions, listed in Ontario Made, that serve the vertical and greenhouse farming market and allow more people to have access to affordable, sustainable foods while also helping to fight climate change.
Adjustable Spectrum
Dynamic Dimming
Integration with IOT
Customize LED Lighting
We ensure quality, schedule and that we’re all working toward same goal!
Project Planning , Research & Analysis , Execute
Project , Make it Happen
Innovative Lighting Solutions: Custom Spectrum, PPF, PPFD Data
Professional Engineering Team: Lighting Simulation & Product Design
Government Support: Funds & Grands
After Sale Support: Full Warranty
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
Let’s Making Peace by Saving Nature from Effects of Global Warming!
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: Founded over two decades ago, letsgrow.com is the go-to platform for greenhouse horticulture with over 400 clients globally. Our plant models are backed by; over 40 years of research, innovation, and data analysis - ensuring precision. Delving into plant physiology, physics, and your personal growing method, we offer direct support and seamless integration between growers, partners, suppliers, and crop consultants – all in one platform. Elevate your success with Letsgrow.com
MASTERTAG
9751 US Highway 31, Montague MI 49437
Tel: 800-253-0439
e-mail: marketing@mastertag.com
Website: www.mastertag.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MasterTag
Description: MasterTag is a horticultural tagging and labeling company, devoted exclusively to horticulture for over 70 years.
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
3125 24 Ave N, Lethbridge AB T1H 5G2
Tel: 780-608-7528
e-mail: brad.warner@meridianmfg.com
Website: meridianmfg.com
Twitter: @meridianmfg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MeridianMFG
Description: Meridian Manufacturing offers a variety of storage and handling solutions for the Agricultural, Commercial, and Energy Sectors. Meridian Corrugated Water Tanks are professionally engineered for a wide range of storage challenges including rainwater and condensate capture, potable water, wastewater, stormwater retention, firefighting reserve water supply and many other liquid storage possibilities. Our Meridian Corrugated Water Tanks offer hermetically sealed, versatile and economical options for a wide range of farm or public utilities. They are easily transported and installed for ultimate flexibility in meeting your water and other liquid storage needs. Available in open and closed top designs, these tanks are ideal for any configuration. Visit meridianmfg.com to learn more!
419 Seacliff Drive East, Leamington ON N8H 3V7
Tel: 151-932-4990
e-mail: info@meteorsystems.com
Website: www.meteorsystems.com
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 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: fog@microcool.com
Website: www.microcool.com
Twitter: instagram.com/microcoolfog
Facebook: facebook.com/microcool
Description: Suppliers of high-pressure fog systems for cooling, humidification and odor control. Quality pumps with unique safety and control features, hand-adjustable nozzles lines, includes design and support. 40+ year in Horticulture.
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 have products to meet all types of growers. Convential Growbags for Vegetable and Strawberry growers, Open Top bags for Berry growers as well as Bulk Coir and Chips. 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.
MK RITTENHOUSE & SONS
1402 4TH AVENUE, ST. CATHARINES ON L2S0B8
Tel: 905-684-8122
Toll free: 800-461-1041
Fax: 905-684-1382
e-mail: robert@mkrittenhouse.com
Website: www.mkrittenhouse.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MKRittenhouse
Description: For over 100 years M.K. Rittenhouse has been a leader in the Green Industry. Our history begins in 1914 when Moses Rittenhouse saw the need for agricultural spraying equipment in the booming tender fruit region of Niagara. He began by building orchard sprayers from his barn in Jordan Station, Ontario. M.K. Rittenhouse was born, and soon established itself by providing equipment and service to fruit and vegetable growing communities throughout Ontario. We have added warehousing, technology, and upgraded shipping capabilities. Our products can also be found on Amazon.com and Amazon. ca. We have placed a number of products in strategic locations across the USA to increase efficiency. In 2020 we released our new website. The new design is an industry leader and will have advanced features to service our business clients. Rittenhouse continues to the future but has not forgotten its roots. We deliver the highest quality equipment & parts, with the most complete customer service.
360 King St., Unit 5, PO Box 1125, Palmerston ON N0G 2P0
Tel: 519-343-2335
Toll free: 866-838-6729
Fax: 519-343-2399
e-mail: info@sheltersolutions.ca
Website: http://multisheltersolutions.com
Facebook: http://multisheltersolutions.com
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.
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.
NEUDORFF NORTH AMERICA
Box 178, 6761 Unit 4 Kirkpatrick Crescent, Saanichton, British Columbia, 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.
3559 North Service Rd., Vineland Station ON L0R 2E0
Tel: 905-562-6226
Fax: 905-562-6761
e-mail: sales@ggsstructures.com
Website: www.niagrow.com
Twitter: @ggsstructures
Facebook: facebook.com/ggsgreenhouse
Description: At Niagrow, every greenhouse heating system is meticulously tailored to provide precise heat distribution precisely when and where you need it. Our diverse array of heating options offers unparalleled benefits. From project inception through design, installation, meticulous project supervision, and unwavering after-sales service, we are unwavering in our commitment to ensuring the success of your commercial greenhouse heating project.
Enhance the performance of your large-scale commercial greenhouse with Niagrow’s cutting-edge heating solutions. We fully grasp the paramount importance of maintaining the ideal climate for your crops, ensuring their health and year-round growth.
Our comprehensive selection includes biomass heating, a beacon of sustainability and carbon neutrality. Choose from an array of eco-friendly fuel sources, including pellets, sawdust, woodchips, or mixed woods, all designed to lower your costs and minimize your environmental footprint.
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 produce bags with and without handles 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!
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
Twitter: norseco_officiel
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.
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 and native grasses and in plugs/liners in PL72, PL40, and PL50 sizes and finished in 1L, 15cm, and 2 gallon pots.
18 Seapark Dr., Unit 4, St. Catharines ON L2M 6S6
Tel: 905-687-9011
Toll free: 800-991-0600
e-mail: sales@omnicanada.com
Website: www.omnicanada.com
Description: Manufacturer of Utility Structures, Cold Frames and Freestanding Greenhouses. Supplier of fabricated reinforced poly tarps, twinwall polycarbonate panels and tracks, greenhouse poly films and fastening track.
Utility Structures utilize a high strength welded reinforced arch system with a tensioned 3 ply cover. Structures are designed for efficient do it your self installation with a 60 lbs load capacity. Sizes from 24’ to 40’ wide x length you require. End wall packages available with roll up poly tarp doors and man doors.
Cold Frames available from 8’ to 20’ wide. Freestanding Greenhouses 24’ to 40’ wide. All Cold frames and Freestanding Greenhouses are available with single or double poly cover, gable end walls and roll up sidewall vents.
Omni Structures has been proudly suppling the greenhouse and agricultural industries across Canada and the United States for over 30 years.
142-766 Cliveden Place, Delta BC
Tel: 604-520-6211
Toll free: 800-799-6211
Fax: 604-521-5927
e-mail: info@pacesolutions.com
Website: http://www.pacesolutions.com
Description: For the past 40 years Pace Solutions Corp. is a leading provider of specialized chemicals and solutions designed to enhance plant health, control diseases, disinfect hard non-porous surfaces, and treat boiler systems. With our deep expertise in plants and agriculture, we have developed a wide range of chemical products tailored specifically for greenhouse use. Our mission is to empower growers by offering high-quality solutions that promote plant health, maintain a clean environment, and reduce energy and water consumption. At Pace Solutions Corp., we are dedicated at partnering with growers to get the best results possible crop after crop.
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, Coldframe and Utility Structures, Benches, Irrigation, Environment controls, Heating, Shade systems and Lighting.
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 offers LED lighting products to help growers harvest tomatoes, strawberries, and cucumbers year-round, improve production speed and quality of their ornamental crops, better manage energy costs of their indoor cannabis grow, and improve revenue opportunities. For 17 years, the Philips horticulture LED team has led the way in horticulture lighting by focusing on science-based research on the application of light to deeply understand how light intensity and spectrum can improve plant growth. In these 17 years, the Philips team has developed hundreds of customized light recipes, specifically tailored to improve production yields for greenhouse and indoor 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 tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, lettuce, leafy greens, a wide variety of ornamental crops, and cannabis.
- 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 80 years, Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group is a distributor of Biobest beneficial insects and bees, biological and synthetic pest control products, controlled-release, water soluble and Selectus custom fertilizers, greenhouse vegetable seeds and other innovative consumable goods.
Locations: Ancaster, ON, Laval, QC, Langley, BC, Leamington, ON, and Canton, MI
350 Wildcat Road, Toronto ON M3J2N5
Tel: 416-633-2231
Toll free: 800-606-2231
e-mail: info@polytarp.com
Website: www.polytarp.com
Description: Polytarp Products is a leading manufacturer of polyethylene film, tubes and bags. We supply the Agricultural and Cannabis industries across North America. Our goal is to assist your business in maximizing the growth of your plants while increasing the yields of your harvest. We manufacturer Polybags, Bin and Box Liners as well as Black and White Panda Film, Co2 Tubing, Harvest Bin Liners and Vacuum Bags. Located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, our 60 years of experience ensures that you are supplied with the right products when you need them most. Contact us today for more information.
TECH GROWERS AND CONSUMERS
1 avenue Premier, Rivière-du-Loup QC G7R6C1 Tel: 855-867-5407
e-mail: redr@premiertech.com
Website: www.pthorticulture.com/en Twitter: twitter.com/promixghgrowing Facebook: www.facebook.com/promixgreenhousegrowing
Description: For 55 years, PRO-MIX® has been the reference in growing media, setting a high standard in the industry with a unique approach to peat moss. Leveraging 40 years of expertise in biological active ingredients we fortify our growing media with high-performance biologicals that work for you. This leads to higher yields, improved overall plant health, and increased resistance to diseases and environmental stresses.
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.
1094,Andre-Line, Granby QC J2J 1J9
Tel: 450-994-4567
e-mail: service@producetech.com
Website: producetech.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProduceTech
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.
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.
9409 45 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T6E6B9
Tel: 780-930-2929
Toll free: 888-353-0021
e-mail: info@purifico-ozone.com
Website: www.purifico-ozone.com
Description: Purifico is a Canadian OEM specializing in ozone-based water treatment systems. We build durable systems designed for high-volume water needs in rugged agricultural environments. We offer effective, chemical-free disinfection and aeration. Our systems do not use any consumables, requiring only natural air and electricity for operation, and do not leave any chemical residues behind. Purifico takes the headache of water treatment away, ensuring a seamless transition to ozone with comprehensive support. From design and installation to servicing and ongoing assistance, we’ve got you covered. You can choose from our range of turn-key products or opt for customized solutions. Our systems are user-friendly and feature touchscreen interfaces, remote access, and compatibility with Modbus or Priva for easy integration. Ready to transform your water quality? Connect with us today to learn more about effective, sustainable water treatment solutions that reduce costs and improve crop performance.
7575 North Fraser Way, Burnaby BC V5J 4Z3
Tel: 604-321-5858
Toll free: 866-421-5858
Fax: 604-321-9958
e-mail: sales@qualitygardening.com
Website: www.qualitygardening.com
Description: Since 1999, Quality has grown and expanded as one of the leading horticultural wholesalers in Canada. Specializing in the import, export, wholesale, and distribution of products throughout North America, including fertilizers, lighting, grow mediums, pest control, and everything else needed for success in the horticultural industry. Our focus on value means customers can trust us to deliver the best products at the lowest prices so they can maximize their success.
27 Red Haven Drive - Office, 1063 Line 8, NOTLWarehouse, 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
ROYAL BRINKMAN CANADA INC. (KINGSVILLE OUTLET)
39 South Talbot Rd., Cottam (Kingsville) ON N0R 1B0
Tel: 519-839-4778
Fax: 519-821-5714
e-mail: orders@royalbrinkman.ca
Website: www.royalbrinkman.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/royalbrinkmancanada
Description: Royal Brinkman Canada offers:
- a complete line of biological agents (bios)
- hygiene, crop protection & PGR products
- shade paint
- a crop rotation line of hooks, clips & twine.
- plant nutrition (water soluble fertilizer, straights, micros, organic, slow-release fertilizer, bulk & custom totes)
- IPM scouting services as well as pathogen, plant tissue, sap, media and water sampling and testing services
…..for the greenhouse floriculture, greenhouse vegetable, cannabis, and nursery markets.
ROYAL BRINKMAN CANADA INC. - HEAD OFFICE GUELPH
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@royalbrinkman.ca
Website: www.royalbrinkman.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/royalbrinkmancanada
Description: Royal Brinkman Canada offers:
- a complete line of biological agents (bios)
- hygiene, crop protection & PGR products
- shade paint
- a crop rotation line of hooks, clips & twine.
- plant nutrition (water soluble fertilizer, straights, micros, organic, slow-release fertilizer, bulk & custom totes)
- IPM scouting services as well as pathogen, plant tissue, sap, media and water sampling and testing services
…..for the greenhouse floriculture, greenhouse vegetable, cannabis, and nursery markets.
SBI SOFTWARE
2222 NE Oregon Street, Suite 205, Portland OR 97232
Tel: 866-515-4909
e-mail: sales@sbiteam.com
Website: sbigrower.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/sbisoft
Description: For over 22 years, we have strived to help Growers reach their fullest potential. We focus on improving our platform that works to make your day-to-day tasks more efficient, productive, and profitable. We pride ourselves on innovating software that’s built for your ENTIRE business; from production planning to cash collection (and all the challenging growing, inventory, order processing, and shipping steps in between). We learn the process of each of our partners and then we work to increase their efficiency. Sometimes that means suggesting alternative ways to approach the process. Sometimes it’s a matter of applying the right piece of software. It always means taking the time to learn and understand your business needs so we can streamline your process.
B204, Hi-Polymer industrial Zone, Lutai Avenue,, Zibo None 255000
Tel: 533-272-7685
e-mail: sales@jh-hortitech.com
Website: www.jh-hortitech.com
Description: Shandong JH Hortitech Co., Ltd is a leading manufacturer of greenhouse supplies in China. We offer a wide range of greenhouse climate screens and woven fabrics , including energy saving curtain, blackout screen, diffused light screem, roll up side screen and relevant unit, aluminum shading screen, pp white and black ground cover, insect accordion net, monofilament shade net, windbreak and anti-hail net. We also supply high quality panda poly film, geomembrane underlay as well as polyester wire, hooks, clips and trellis produts.
Greenhouse materials supplied by JH Hortitech are reliable and durable, having high performance and competitive prices, which are widely used in greenhouses located in North America, Europe, East Asia and South America.
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.
740 Notre-Dame Ouest/West, Suite 601, Montréal QC H3C 3X6
Tel: 514-543-6163
Toll free: 866-220-5455
e-mail: info@sollum.tech
Website: www.sollumtechnologies.com
Twitter: twitter.com/Sollumtech
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sollumtechs
Description: Sollum’s dynamic LED grow light solution redefines the horticultural lighting industry. By recreating any spectra of the Sun’s natural light cycles from any region of the world with unparalleled precision, it enables year-round cultivation regardless of the location of the greenhouse. The fixtures are equipped with sensors that detect changes in ambient light spectrum and intensity for real time dynamic output compensation. In tandem with our state-of-the-art LED fixture, our cloudbased SUN as a Service® (SUNaaS™) platform uses smart algorithms to create an infinite number of light recipes reproducing the native light conditions of each plant for controlled-environment cultivation. Sollum’s team of expert agronomists, scientists and engineers also offer ongoing smart support customer service to clients. Sollum’s dynamic future-proof technology evolves with producers. and is designed and manufactured in Canada.
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: www.instagram.com/stokeseeds
Twitter: twitter.com/StokeSeeds
Facebook: www.facebook.com/StokeSeeds
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/stokes-seeds
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. We are dedicated breeding innovative flower varieties that offer outstanding performance in the professional greenhouse, at retail, in the landscape and in the home garden. In addition to legendary genetics, we support industry professionals with world-class customer service, in-depth cultural information, flexible and exciting marketing programs, and a deep understanding of plants from many points of view.
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
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.
28 Dimar Drive Unit#3, Kingsville ON N9Y OG2
Tel: 519-398-9227
e-mail: sales.ca@vanderendegroup.com
Website: www.vanderendegroup.com
Twitter: twitter.com/vanderendegroup
Facebook: www.facebook.com/vanderendegroup
Description: Van der Ende Group 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.
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
464 Riverside Rd, Abbotsford BC V2S 7M1
Tel: 604-864-9044
Toll free: 800-661-4559
Fax: 604-864-8418
e-mail: sales@tlhort.com
Website: www.tlhort.com
Twitter: twitter.com/Tlhort
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ TerraLinkHorticulture
Description: For over 50 years, TerraLink has been 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.
120 Hunter Rd, Niagara on the Lake ON L0S 1J0
Tel: 905-682-8436
Fax: 905-682-8436
e-mail: andy@veelectric.ca
Website: www.veelectric.ca
Description: Specializing in greenhouse controls and electrical. Supplier of climate and irrigation control systems as well as generators. Networking and fiber optics installations.
2000 Chemin Georges, Lavaltrie QC J5T 3S5
Tel: 450-586-2252
Toll free: 800-363-1700
Fax: 450-586-4649
e-mail: france.samson@vetoquinol.com, virginie. filteau@vetoquinol.com, quentin.hohengarten@ vetoquinol.com
Website: biosecurity.vetoquinol.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/VetoquinolClub
Description: Founded in 1933, Vetoquinol is an independent, family-owned business. Our deep commitment to rural values and to science allows us to address the specific needs of producers and veterinarians alike, people with shared interests, working together to reach the same goal, responsibly.
Vetoquinol is dedicated to helping greenhouse growers achieve optimum performance in biosecurity. Combined with technical support, our line of products includes cleaners & disinfectants (i.e. Virkon-Greenhouse, Biosolve-Plus, Hyperox), insecticides and rodenticides. Visit our biosecurity website to access our free Greenhouse Biosecurity Program and to find all the information you need to properly use our biosecurity products.
VH
Oosteindsepad 8, Bergschenhoek - 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
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
735 Waterloo Row, Fredericton NB E3B 1Z6
Tel: 506-460-8696
Toll free: 877-744-2469
Fax: 506-460-8521
e-mail: viroglobal@haimy.com
Website: www.viroglobaltrade.com
Description: Shipping carts, shipping racks, display racks, grower racks, grower benches and shopping carts. Designs and sizes are customized to buyers’ needs. Hot dip galvanized or coloured powder coated. Manufactured in Vietnam. Factory direct.
767 Wharncliffe Rd. S, Unit 1, London ON N6J 2N7
Tel: 226-448-6999
e-mail: andrei@vitalgrosolutions.com
Website: vitalgrosolutions.com
Description: VitalGro Solutions develops organic agricultural technology for producing compost, vermicompost, and vermicompost and substrate extracts. The scientists have developed a unique technology for harnessing and enchaining the full potential of worms’ natural bio-processing abilities and the resulting product.
GROWO Liquid Vermicompost Extract is a comprehensive fertilizing supplement that can be used on its own or in combination with any plant nutritional regimen.
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.
* Reverse Osmosis & Electrodeionization * Filtration * Ion Exchange * UV light sterilization
* Chemical feed pumps & controllers
* Disinfectants * Pond algae control * Boiler, cooling & process water treatment programs.
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.
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: We are a major distributor of biological controls including insects, mites, and nematodes. Our focus is fresh, non-refrigerated products produced by Applied Bionomics (insects and mites), and also nematodes and the full product lines of both Biobest and Koppert.
We sell wholesale, direct to commercial greenhouses and also carry the BugLady line of small pack 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.
Applied Bionomics: their focus is on freshness, which their mass-production competitors can’t match. Fresh (non-refrigerated) bios live longer, lay more eggs, and search much better than stored biologicals. Dollar for dollar, fresh biologicals will significantly outperform refrigerated products. Koppert and Biobest: we sell their full line of products
ZAYNDU
ATIC, Loughborough Science & Enterprise Park, 5 Oakwood Drive, Loughborough None LE11 3QF
Tel: +44 (0) 1509 276225
e-mail: info@zayndu.com
Website: zayndu.com
Twitter: twitter.com/Zayndu_Seeds
Description: Zayndu boosts crop yield, seed health, and germination, as well as vitality and uniformity, simply by treating seeds with cold plasma. This ensures bigger, stronger, and faster-growing crops with the power to resist pathogens—using less power than a microwave, without the use of any agrochemicals whatsoever. This completely dry process, installed on a grower’s site, acts as a biosecurity gateway, barring seed-borne pathogens from entering.
Zayndu’s cold plasma harnesses the power of nature. Outdoors, lightning creates plasma, which in turn creates a rain of natural fertiliser and disinfectant on crops around a lightning strike. However, creating that in a controllable, usable form that doesn’t destroy seeds has eluded the greatest minds. Until now.
This easily deployed capability is tailored to greenhouses and CEA growers. Constant monitoring and support from our expert team of plant scientists and biologists ensures it unleashes the full potential of your seeds.
ACCOUNTING & FINANCES
i2i Automation Inc
SBI Software
ALARM SYSTEMS
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hoskin Scientific
Hydrogardens X TERIS
TERIS
VanEgmond Electric
ASSOCIATIONS/TRADE SHOWS
Flowers Canada Growers Inc.
SBI Software
BENCHES
AdeptAg
DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.
GGS Structures
Global Horticultural Inc.
GMABE inc.
Langendoen Mechanical Inc.
Paul Boers Manufacturing/ Prins Greenhouses
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
Shandong JH Hortitech Co., Ltd
VH Systems
Viro Global Trade Inc.
Westbrook Greenhouse Systems
BOOKS
Natural Insect Control
BUDDING & GRAFTING SUPPLIES
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
BUNK HOUSE SUPPLIES
American Bedding Manufacturers, Inc
Smart Home Designs
Niagara
BURLAP
GMABE inc.
Hydrogardens X TERIS
TERIS
CARBON DIOXIDE
Enertec Engineering
Enertec Mechanical
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hoskin Scientific
Langendoen Mechanical Inc.
Niagrow Systems
CARTS & RACKS
A-ROO Company LLC
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.
GGS Structures
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Paul Boers Manufacturing/ Prins Greenhouses
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
Shandong JH Hortitech Co., Ltd
Viro Global Trade Inc.
CLIMATE CONTROL - AUTOMATION & SYSTEMS
AdeptAg
Climate Control Systems
Climatrol Solutions Ltd.
Cravo Equipment Ltd.
DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.
Dubois Agrinovation
Dynamic 77 Group Inc.
Exacon Inc.
GGS Structures
Global Horticultural Inc.
GMABE inc.
Gold Leaf Technologies Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hoogendoorn America Inc.
Hoskin Scientific
Hydrogardens X TERIS
i2i Automation Inc
JVK
LetsGrow.com
Lumesmart Inc.
MicroCool
Niagrow Systems
Paul Boers Manufacturing/ Prins Greenhouses
Priva
ProduceTech
Quality Gardening
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TERIS
Van der Ende Group
AdeptAg
Bellwyck / horticolor
Enertec Engineering
Enertec Mechanical
Gold Leaf Technologies Inc.
Koppert Canada Limited
Lumesmart Inc.
Pace Solutions Corp.
Purifico
SBI Software
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
Vetoquinol Canada
A-ROO Company LLC
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
Chas P Hayley & Company
Private Limited
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Langendoen Mechanical Inc.
Millenniumsoils Coir
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
AdeptAg
Bouldin & Lawson
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
i2i Automation Inc
ProduceTech
Provide Agro
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TAKS Handling Systems B.V.
COOLERS & REFRIGERATION
Agro Resilience Kit (ARK) Ltd
Dubois Agrinovation
Enertec Mechanical
Kooljet Refrigeration
Langendoen Mechanical Inc.
Niagrow Systems
Smart Home Designs Niagara
COOLING EQUIPMENT & SYSTEMS
AdeptAg
Agro Resilience Kit (ARK) Ltd
Canarm Ltd.
DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.
Enertec Engineering
Enertec Mechanical
Exacon Inc.
GGS Structures
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
JVK
Kooljet Refrigeration
Langendoen Mechanical Inc.
MicroCool
Niagrow Systems
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
Van der Ende Group
CROP PROTECTIONBACTERICIDES
Andermatt Canada Inc
BioWorks
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Gold Leaf Technologies Inc.
Hydrogardens X TERIS
Neudorff North America
Pace Solutions Corp.
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc. (Kingsville outlet)
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc.
- Head Office Guelph
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
Vetoquinol Canada
Zayndu
CROP PROTECTION
- BIOLOGICAL, NONCONVENTIONAL
Andermatt Canada Inc
BioBee Biological Solutions Canada, Inc.
BioWorks
Crop Defenders Ltd.
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Healthy Hydroponics
InnoTech
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Koppert Canada Limited
Natural Insect Control
Neudorff North America
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc. (Kingsville outlet)
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc.
- Head Office Guelph
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
VitalGro Solutions
WestGrow Biological
Solutions Inc. / The Bug Lady Zayndu
CROP PROTECTIONFUNGICIDES
Andermatt Canada Inc
BioWorks
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Neudorff North America
Pace Solutions Corp.
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Quality Gardening
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc. (Kingsville outlet)
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc.
- Head Office Guelph
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
Vetoquinol Canada Zayndu
CROP PROTECTIONHERBICIDES
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
Gold Leaf Technologies Inc.
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Neudorff North America
Pace Solutions Corp.
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc. (Kingsville outlet)
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc.
- Head Office Guelph
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
CROP PROTECTIONINSECTICIDES
Andermatt Canada Inc
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Koppert Canada Limited
Neudorff North America
Pace Solutions Corp.
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Quality Gardening
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc. (Kingsville outlet)
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc.
- Head Office Guelph
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
Vetoquinol Canada
WestGrow Biological Solutions Inc. / The Bug Lady
CROP PROTECTION -PESTICIDES, CONVENTIONAL
BioWorks
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Norseco
Pace Solutions Corp.
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Quality Gardening
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc. (Kingsville outlet)
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc.
- Head Office Guelph
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
Zayndu
CURTAINS AND CLIMATE SCREENS
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
Cravo Equipment Ltd.
DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.
Dynamic 77 Group Inc.
GGS Structures
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
JVK
Paul Boers Manufacturing/ Prins Greenhouses
Shandong JH Hortitech Co., Ltd
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
DISINFECTANTS & SANITIZERS
AdeptAg
Dubois Agrinovation
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Pace Solutions Corp.
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Purifico
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc. (Kingsville outlet)
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc.
- Head Office Guelph
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
Vetoquinol Canada
Water Energy Technologies
Zayndu
EDUCATION/TRAINING
Canadian Greenhouse Conference
LetsGrow.com
Priva
SBI Software
Vetoquinol Canada
AdeptAg
Agro Resilience Kit (ARK) Ltd
Climatrol Solutions Ltd.
Gold Leaf Technologies Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Lumesmart Inc.
Van der Ende Group
VanEgmond Electric
EXCAVATION
George de Groot Laser Grading & Excavating Inc.
FANS
AdeptAg
Canarm Ltd.
Climatrol Solutions Ltd.
DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.
EMQ Inc.
Enertec Mechanical
Exacon Inc.
GGS Structures
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Kooljet Refrigeration
Multi Shelter Solutions
Niagrow Systems
Priva
Quality Gardening
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TERIS
Van der Ende Group
FERTILIZER EQUIPMENT
AdeptAg
Climate Control Systems
Climatrol Solutions Ltd.
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
GMABE inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
MK RITTENHOUSE & SONS
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Priva
ProduceTech
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
Zayndu
FERTILIZERS
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
Andermatt Canada Inc
BioWorks
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
Gold Leaf Technologies Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux
Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Pace Solutions Corp.
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Quality Gardening
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc. (Kingsville outlet)
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc.
- Head Office Guelph
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
VitalGro Solutions
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
AdeptAg
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
Bouldin & Lawson
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
AdeptAg
George de Groot Laser Grading & Excavating Inc.
Niagrow Systems
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
AdeptAg
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.
Dubois Agrinovation
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
MicroCool TERIS
Van der Ende Group
Vetoquinol Canada
FUELS & BIOMASS
Langendoen Mechanical Inc.
Niagrow Systems
FUMIGANTS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
GARDEN CENTRE SUPPLIES
A-ROO Company LLC
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
Bellwyck / horticolor
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
Chas P Hayley & Company
Private Limited
DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.
Dubois Agrinovation
Evergro Division, Nutrien
Solutions
GGS Structures
Global Horticultural Inc.
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Natural Insect Control
Quality Gardening
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
WestGrow Biological Solutions Inc. / The Bug Lady
GENERATORS
Agro Resilience Kit (ARK) Ltd
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hoskin Scientific
Niagrow Systems
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
VanEgmond Electric
GLAZING & PAINTING
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Hydrogardens X TERIS
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
TERIS
GRADING & SORTING MACHINES
Climatrol Solutions Ltd. i2i Automation Inc
ProduceTech
Provide Agro GREENHOUSE COVERINGS
A-ROO Company LLC
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
Agro Resilience Kit (ARK) Ltd
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
Cravo Equipment Ltd.
DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.
Dynamic 77 Group Inc.
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
GGS Structures
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Harnois Greenhoue
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
L & R Shelters Inc.
Multi Shelter Solutions
Omni Structures
International Inc.
Paul Boers Manufacturing/ Prins Greenhouses
Shandong JH Hortitech Co., Ltd TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
GREENHOUSE STRUCTURES
Agro Resilience Kit (ARK) Ltd
Cravo Equipment Ltd.
DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.
Dynamic 77 Group Inc.
GGS Structures
Harnois Greenhoue
Havecon North America Inc
Hoogendoorn America Inc.
JVK
L & R Shelters Inc.
Multi Shelter Solutions
Omni Structures
International Inc.
Paul Boers Manufacturing/ Prins Greenhouses
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
Westbrook Greenhouse Systems
GREENHOUSE SUPPLIES, GENERAL
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
Chas P Hayley & Company Private Limited
DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.
Dubois Agrinovation
Dynamic 77 Group Inc.
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Harnois Greenhoue
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Lumesmart Inc.
Meteor Horticultural Systems
MK RITTENHOUSE & SONS
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Quality Gardening
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
SBI Software
Shandong JH Hortitech Co., Ltd
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
Zayndu
GREENHOUSES, HOBBY
Dubois Agrinovation
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Gold Leaf Technologies Inc.
L & R Shelters Inc.
Multi Shelter Solutions
Omni Structures International Inc.
GROWING MEDIAAMENDMENTS
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
Berger
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Koppert Canada Limited
Millenniumsoils Coir
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group Quality Gardening
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
GROWING MEDIACOIR
Chas P Hayley & Company
Private Limited
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
Millenniumsoils Coir
Quality Gardening
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
GROWING MEDIAPEAT MOSS
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
Berger
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Premier Tech Growers and Consumers
Quality Gardening
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
GROWING MEDIAROCKWOOL
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
Quality Gardening
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
GROWING MEDIA - SOIL
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Quality Gardening
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
GROWING MEDIASOILLESS MIXES
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
Berger
Chas P Hayley & Company
Private Limited
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Millenniumsoils Coir
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Premier Tech Growers and Consumers
Quality Gardening
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
GROWTH ENHANCERS
Andermatt Canada Inc
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Hydrogardens X TERIS
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Quality Gardening
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
VitalGro Solutions Zayndu
GROWTH REGULATORS
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Fine Americas Inc.
Global Horticultural Inc.
Hoskin Scientific
JVK
Norseco
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc. (Kingsville outlet)
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc.
- Head Office Guelph
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
Zayndu
HEAT PUMPS, GROUND
WATER
EMQ Inc.
Enertec Engineering
Enertec Mechanical
Hoskin Scientific
Hydrogardens X TERIS
Langendoen Mechanical Inc.
Niagrow Systems
TERIS
Van der Ende Group
HEATING EQUIPMENT
AdeptAg
DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.
Dynamic 77 Group Inc.
Enertec Engineering
Enertec Mechanical
Exacon Inc.
GGS Structures
Global Horticultural Inc.
Langendoen Mechanical Inc.
Niagrow Systems
Paul Boers Manufacturing/ Prins Greenhouses
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
Westbrook Greenhouse Systems
HOSE REELS
AdeptAg
Dubois Agrinovation
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
MK RITTENHOUSE & SONS
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
HUMIDIFICATION
EQUIPMENT
AdeptAg
Agro Resilience Kit (ARK) Ltd
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
MicroCool
Quality Gardening
HYDRAULIC EQUIPMENT/SERVICE
Dubois Agrinovation
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
ProduceTech
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
Van der Ende Group
HYDROPONIC EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES
A-ROO Company LLC
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
Dubois Agrinovation
Enertec Mechanical
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
Meteor Horticultural
Systems
Millenniumsoils Coir
Purifico
Quality Gardening
TERIS
INJECTORS
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
Climate Control Systems
Dubois Agrinovation
Dynamic 77 Group Inc.
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
MK RITTENHOUSE & SONS
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Priva
TERIS
INSULATION
DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.
Enertec Engineering
Enertec Mechanical
Langendoen Mechanical Inc.
Niagrow Systems
ProduceTech
INSURANCE
HUB International Ontario Limited
Meester Insurance Centre
IRRIGATION
EQUIPMENT/SYSTEMS
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
AdeptAg
Climatrol Solutions Ltd.
DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.
Dubois Agrinovation
Dynamic 77 Group Inc.
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
GMABE inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Meteor Horticultural Systems
Niagrow Systems
Paul Boers Manufacturing/ Prins Greenhouses
Priva
Quality Gardening
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TERIS
LABELING EQUIPMENT
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
i2i Automation Inc
ProduceTech
Provide Agro
LABELS & TAGS
A-ROO Company LLC
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
Bellwyck / horticolor
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
Global Horticultural Inc.
Hydrogardens X TERIS
i2i Automation Inc
JVK
MasterTag
TERIS
LABORATORY SERVICES
Healthy Hydroponics
InnoTech
Hoskin Scientific
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
LABOUR MANAGEMENT
AdeptAg
Climatrol Solutions Ltd.
Hoogendoorn America Inc.
i2i Automation Inc
LetsGrow.com
Priva
SBI Software
LANDSCAPE FABRICS
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
Dubois Agrinovation
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Shandong JH Hortitech Co., Ltd
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
LIGHTING
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
Canarm Ltd.
Climate Control Systems
Dubois Agrinovation
Dynamic 77 Group Inc.
GGS Structures
Gold Leaf Technologies Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
Langendoen Mechanical Inc.
Lumesmart Inc.
Paul Boers Manufacturing/ Prins Greenhouses
Philips Horticulture LED Solutions
Quality Gardening
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
Sollum Technologies
TERIS
VanEgmond Electric
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Hoskin Scientific
i2i Automation Inc
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TAKS Handling Systems B.V.
MERCHANDISING/ RETAIL
Dubois Agrinovation
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hoskin Scientific
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Quality Gardening
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
AdeptAg
Agro Resilience Kit (ARK) Ltd
DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
MicroCool
Quality Gardening TERIS
Climate Control Systems
Enertec Engineering
Exacon Inc.
GGS Structures
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
EQUIPMENT
AdeptAg
Bouldin & Lawson
Global Horticultural Inc.
Hydrogardens X TERIS
i2i Automation Inc
ProduceTech
Provide Agro
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TAKS Handling Systems B.V.
TERIS
A-ROO Company LLC
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
AdeptAg
Bellwyck / horticolor
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
Cascades
Global Horticultural Inc.
Hydrogardens X TERIS
i2i Automation Inc
NNZ Inc. the Packaging Network
Polytarp Products
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
Enertec Engineering
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Langendoen Mechanical Inc.
Niagrow Systems
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc. (Kingsville outlet)
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc.
- Head Office Guelph TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
PANELS
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.
JVK
Shandong JH Hortitech Co., Ltd
PESTICIDE APPLICATION
AdeptAg
GMABE inc.
Hydrogardens X TERIS
MK RITTENHOUSE & SONS
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
TERIS
Zayndu
PIPE
AdeptAg Armtec
Dubois Agrinovation
Enertec Engineering
Enertec Mechanical
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
Langendoen Mechanical Inc.
Niagrow Systems
TERIS
A-ROO Company LLC
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
Global Horticultural Inc.
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Quality Gardening
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TERIS
AdeptAg
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
Bouldin & Lawson
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
PRESERVATIVES
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
Global Horticultural Inc.
PROPAGATION MEDIA/ SUPPLIES
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
Berger
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Gold Leaf Technologies Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Millenniumsoils Coir
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Quality Gardening
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
Shandong JH Hortitech Co., Ltd
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
PUMPS
AdeptAg
Climate Control Systems
Dubois Agrinovation
EMQ Inc.
Enertec Engineering
Enertec Mechanical
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hoskin Scientific
Hydrogardens X TERIS
Langendoen Mechanical Inc.
MK RITTENHOUSE & SONS
Niagrow Systems
Quality Gardening
TERIS
Van der Ende Group
Water Energy Technologies
ROOTING PRODUCTS
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
Andermatt Canada Inc
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Quality Gardening
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc. (Kingsville outlet)
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc.
- Head Office Guelph
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hoskin Scientific
Hydrogardens X TERIS
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
AdeptAg
Bouldin & Lawson
Dubois Agrinovation
Global Horticultural Inc.
GMABE inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
MK RITTENHOUSE & SONS
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TERIS
SENSORS & MONITORS
AdeptAg
Canarm Ltd.
Climate Control Systems
Dubois Agrinovation
EMQ Inc.
Enertec Engineering
Enertec Mechanical
Exacon Inc.
Global Horticultural Inc.
GMABE inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
Langendoen Mechanical Inc.
Lumesmart Inc.
Niagrow Systems
Quality Gardening TERIS
VanEgmond Electric
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.
Bellwyck / horticolor
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
Chas P Hayley & Company
Private Limited
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Millenniumsoils Coir
Polytarp Products
TERIS
SOIL MIXERS
AdeptAg
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
Bouldin & Lawson
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
JVK
Millenniumsoils Coir
Quality Gardening
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
SOIL STERILIZATION EQUIPMENT
Bouldin & Lawson
Climate Control Systems
Global Horticultural Inc.
GMABE inc.
JVK
SPRAYING EQUIPMENT
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
AdeptAg
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
Global Horticultural Inc.
GMABE inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
MK RITTENHOUSE & SONS
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
AdeptAg
Dubois Agrinovation
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
TERIS
STAPLING MACHINES
Global Horticultural Inc.
ProduceTech
AdeptAg
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TESTS & KITS
AdeptAg
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Healthy Hydroponics
InnoTech
Hoskin Scientific Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Pace Solutions Corp.
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group Quality Gardening
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
Water Energy Technologies
THERMOMETERS
AdeptAg
Enertec Engineering
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hoskin Scientific Hydrogardens X TERIS
Langendoen Mechanical Inc.
Niagrow Systems
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group Quality Gardening
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
TIMERS
Climate Control Systems
Dubois Agrinovation
Enertec Engineering
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
Quality Gardening
TERIS
VanEgmond Electric
TOOLS
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
Dubois Agrinovation
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Global Horticultural Inc.
GMABE inc.
Hydrogardens X TERIS
MK RITTENHOUSE & SONS
ProduceTech
Quality Gardening
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
TRACTORS
GMABE inc.
TRAILERS
Bouldin & Lawson
ProduceTech
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TRANSPLANTING SYSTEMS
AdeptAg
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
Bouldin & Lawson
Dubois Agrinovation
GMABE inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
A-ROO Company LLC
AdeptAg
ProduceTech
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TAKS Handling Systems B.V.
TRELLIS & SUPPORTS
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
Dubois Agrinovation
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
ProduceTech
Quality Gardening
Shandong JH Hortitech Co., Ltd
TERIS
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
AdeptAg Armtec
DeCloet Greenhouse Mfg. Ltd.
Dubois Agrinovation
Enertec Engineering
Enertec Mechanical
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
Langendoen Mechanical Inc.
Niagrow Systems
TERIS
AdeptAg
Climate Control Systems
Dubois Agrinovation
EMQ Inc.
Enertec Engineering
Enertec Mechanical
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
Langendoen Mechanical Inc.
MK RITTENHOUSE & SONS
Niagrow Systems
ProduceTech
TERIS
Van der Ende Group
VENTILATORS
Canarm Ltd.
EMQ Inc.
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
TERIS
Van der Ende Group
WASHERS
AdeptAg
Bouldin & Lawson
ProduceTech
Provide Agro Vetoquinol Canada
WASTE RECYCLING
Agro Resilience Kit (ARK) Ltd
Dubois Agrinovation
Meridian Manufacturing
Van der Ende Group
Water Energy Technologies
WATER GARDENING
SUPPLIES
Dubois Agrinovation
Evergro Division, Nutrien Solutions
Hydrogardens X TERIS
JVK
Quality Gardening
TERIS
AdeptAg
Armtec
Climate Control Systems
Climatrol Solutions Ltd.
Dubois Agrinovation
Dynamic 77 Group Inc.
Enertec Engineering
Global Horticultural Inc.
GMABE inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hoskin Scientific
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Priva
Provide Agro
Purifico
Quality Gardening
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc. (Kingsville outlet)
Royal Brinkman Canada Inc.
- Head Office Guelph
Van der Ende Group
Vetoquinol Canada
Water Energy Technologies
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
AdeptAg
Bouldin & Lawson
C Y Grower Supplies Ltd.
Climate Control Systems
Dubois Agrinovation
Global Horticultural Inc.
Groupe Horticole Ledoux Inc. (also known as boutiquepro.ghlinc.com)
Hydrogardens X TERIS
Meridian Manufacturing
MK RITTENHOUSE & SONS
Plant Products - A member of Biobest Group
Quality Gardening
RL Distributing Inc / Niagara greenhouse equipment.com
TERIS
FINISHED
Agrotek Industries Inc
Jiffy Products
Jolly Farmer Products Inc.
VitalGro Solutions
SEED / CUTTINGS
Agrotek Industries Inc
Ball FloraPlant
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
Darwin Perennials
JVK
Jiffy Products
PanAmerican Seed
Stokes Seeds Ltd.
Syngenta Flowers, LLC
VitalGro Solutions
YOUNG
Agrotek Industries Inc
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
JVK
Jiffy Products
Jolly Farmer Products Inc.
VitalGro Solutions
BULB PLANTS
BULBS
Agrotek Industries Inc
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
Jiffy Products
VitalGro Solutions
FINISHED
Agrotek Industries Inc
Jiffy Products
VitalGro Solutions
SEED / CUTTINGS / TC
Agrotek Industries Inc
JVK
Jiffy Products
PanAmerican Seed
VitalGro Solutions
YOUNG
Agrotek Industries Inc
Jiffy Products
VitalGro Solutions
CACTI & SUCCULENTS
SEED / CUTTINGS / TC
Agrotek Industries Inc
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
Jiffy Products
Stokes Seeds Ltd.
Syngenta Flowers, LLC
VitalGro Solutions
YOUNG
Agrotek Industries Inc
JVK
Jiffy Products
Jolly Farmer Products Inc.
VitalGro Solutions
CUT FLOWERS
FINISHED
Agrotek Industries Inc
Jiffy Products
VitalGro Solutions
SEED / CUTTINGS / TC
Agrotek Industries Inc
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
Jiffy Products
PanAmerican Seed
Syngenta Flowers, LLC
VitalGro Solutions
YOUNG
Agrotek Industries Inc
JVK
Jiffy Products
VitalGro Solutions
FINISHED
Agrotek Industries Inc
Jiffy Products
Norview Gardens Ltd.
VitalGro Solutions
SEED / CUTTINGS / TC
Agrotek Industries Inc
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
JVK
Jiffy Products
PanAmerican Seed
Stokes Seeds Ltd.
Syngenta Flowers, LLC
VitalGro Solutions
YOUNG
Agrotek Industries Inc
JVK
Jiffy Products
Jolly Farmer Products Inc.
Norview Gardens Ltd.
VitalGro Solutions
HERBS, GARDEN
FINISHED
Agrotek Industries Inc
Jiffy Products
Jolly Farmer Products Inc.
SEED / CUTTINGS / TC
Agrotek Industries Inc
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
JVK
Jiffy Products
PanAmerican Seed
Stokes Seeds Ltd.
Syngenta Flowers, LLC
VitalGro Solutions
YOUNG
Agrotek Industries Inc
JVK
Jiffy Products
Jolly Farmer Products Inc.
VitalGro Solutions
HERBS, GH PRODUCTION
FINISHED
Agrotek Industries Inc
Jiffy Products
Jolly Farmer Products Inc.
VitalGro Solutions
SEED / CUTTINGS / TC
Agrotek Industries Inc
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
JVK
Jiffy Products
PanAmerican Seed
Stokes Seeds Ltd.
VitalGro Solutions
YOUNG
Agrotek Industries Inc
JVK
Jiffy Products
Jolly Farmer Products Inc.
VitalGro Solutions
PERENNIAL & GROUNDCOVER
FINISHED
Agrotek Industries Inc
Darwin Perennials
Jiffy Products
SEED / CUTTINGS / TC
Agrotek Industries Inc
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
Darwin Perennials
JVK
Jiffy Products
PanAmerican Seed
Stokes Seeds Ltd.
Syngenta Flowers, LLC
VitalGro Solutions
YOUNG
Agrotek Industries Inc
JVK
Jiffy Products
Jolly Farmer Products Inc.
VitalGro Solutions
POTTED, FLOWERING
FINISHED
Agrotek Industries Inc
Jiffy Products
Jolly Farmer Products Inc.
PanAmerican Seed
SEED / CUTTINGS / TC
Agrotek Industries Inc
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
JVK
Jiffy Products
Syngenta Flowers, LLC
VitalGro Solutions
YOUNG
Agrotek Industries Inc
JVK
Jiffy Products
Jolly Farmer Products Inc.
VitalGro Solutions
SHUBS, BUSHES & TREES
FINISHED
Agrotek Industries Inc
Jiffy Products
LINING OUT STOCK
Agrotek Industries Inc
Jiffy Products
VitalGro Solutions
NURSERY STOCK
Agrotek Industries Inc
Jiffy Products
VitalGro Solutions
SEED / CUTTINGS / TC
Agrotek Industries Inc
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
Jiffy Products
Syngenta Flowers, LLC
VitalGro Solutions
TROPICALS
FINISHED
Agrotek Industries Inc
Jiffy Products
SEED / CUTTINGS / TC
Agrotek Industries Inc
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
Jiffy Products
Syngenta Flowers, LLC VitalGro Solutions
YOUNG
Agrotek Industries Inc
JVK
Jiffy Products
Jolly Farmer Products Inc.
VitalGro Solutions
SEED / CUTTINGS / TC
Agrotek Industries Inc
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
JVK
Jiffy Products
PanAmerican Seed
Stokes Seeds Ltd.
Syngenta Flowers, LLC
VitalGro Solutions
YOUNG
Agrotek Industries Inc
JVK
Jiffy Products
Jolly Farmer Products Inc.
VitalGro Solutions
VEGETABLES, GH PRODUCTION
FINISHED
Agrotek Industries Inc
Jiffy Products
SEED / CUTTINGS / TC
Agrotek Industries Inc
Ball Seed/Ball SuperiorCanada
JVK
Jiffy Products
PanAmerican Seed
Stokes Seeds Ltd.
VitalGro Solutions
YOUNG
Agrotek Industries Inc
Jiffy Products
VitalGro Solutions
B.C.’s United Flower Growers Co-operative Association marks six decades of community, commerce and cultivation
BY AMY KOUNIAKIS
An evening of flowers and fellowship was held in early September to celebrate the 60th anniversary of B.C.’s United Flower Growers Cooperative Association. According to attendees, it was an evening filled with laughter, camaraderie and reminiscing.
“It was so memorable and special for everyone – especially for those who travelled from further away – to have a chance to gather and to be together again after three years of being separated,” Michel Benoit, the association’s CEO, told Greenhouse Canada in a recent interview. “I don’t think there will ever be another evening like that for a long time.”
The excitement was palpable among the more than 250 people in attendance, Benoit explained, because for the first time since COVID-19 restricted access to the UFG’s premises at 4085 Marine Way in Burnaby, growers and buyers were once again, face-to-face.
“Prior to the event, a lot of growers were only a number to some buyers,” he said, adding that members even contributed to the celebration by creating breathtaking floral arrangements and trade show booths for the event.
The joy of coming together to celebrate this important milestone in the life of UFG stands to underscore the association’s importance to the industry as a whole.
United Flower Growers was established six decades ago in an effort to empower B.C.’s flower growers. Today, with more than 70 members and close to 90 growers shipping to the co-op regularly, and over 500 customers, United Flower Growers facilitates approximately $45 million per year in flower sales.
Much of those sales are generated through UFG’s Dutch-style flower auctions, which take place daily in-person and online.
ABOVE
From left: Bob Pringle, CEO of United Floral, Michel Benoit, CEO of United Flower Growers and Andrew Morse of Flowers Canada attend the event marking the 60th anniversary of B.C.’s United Flower Growers Co-operative Association.
ABOVE
Honourable Pamela Alexis, B.C. Minister of Agriculture and chair of UFG’s board, Andries Quik, helped to mark the association’s 60th anniversary.
“The benefit of the auction is that we are able to move a large amount of product in a very short period of time,” Benoit said, noting that nowadays, a lot of those transactions are happening online – a trend that has only gotten more popular since the pandemic.
“Before COVID, at a regular auction, we would see less than 100 people in the building not counting staff,” Benoit says. “The number of buyers buying remotely increased a lot (since COVID) and the number of new customers also increased because of their ability, now, to be able to buy online.”
In fact, COVID proved to be quite a boon for the floral industry as more people turned to beautifying their homes with plants and gardens while in isolation. “Flowers and plants were extremely popular, especially in 2020. The amount of tropicals that we sold that year was just record-breaking amounts,” Benoit said.
UFG’s adept navigation of the pandemic is further proof of the association’s resilience in times of uncertainty – a trait that’s been put to the test several times over the past six decades.
The emergence of big box stores put much strain on the association’s membership as the Dutch-style auction format wasn’t suited to the purchasing needs of these companies.
“They’re looking for long-term contracts with growers with UPC codes with certain branding requirements,” Benoit explained. “We saw some of that business leave the coop and that has been a long-term trend.”
The co-op, however, remains “incredibly viable,” Benoit says, because what it services best is “people who are in the floral business, or who have independent garden centres, or
other wholesalers who sell to the floral side of the business.”
In the early 2000s, the UFG underwent another transition as the board recognized opportunities in the wholesale and the import of flowers. By 2012-13, Benoit said, that aspect of the UFG became too profitable to be a part of the non-profit association so the decision was made to create a separate wholesale and import business from the co-op. Thus, United Floral was born and today, the wholesale side of that business sources most of its local products from coop members.
Beyond facilitating the sale of growers’ products, the UFG works tirelessly to support the community it serves. The association works closely with Flowers Canada and the BC Agriculture Council to advocate for growers and push for legislation that is beneficial for farmers. Most recently, the association saw success in lobbying for the reduced cost of the carbon tax for greenhouse growers. Additionally, following the devastating floods in the Fraser Valley in 2021, UFG lobbied for compensation for farmers affected by the disaster.
Looking ahead, Benoit says, in the wake of the uncertainty of the past few years, what the future holds for the UFG remains unclear but Benoit is still rather hopeful.
“We feel that we’re in a better place than 2019 but how much of the COVID gains we’ll be able to keep is a challenge to know where that will land,” Benoit said. “We’re still projecting some growth, but certainly not at the levels we had in 2021/2022.”
One thing is for certain, after the success of the evening spent celebrating 60 years of its success, the UFG plans to host more gatherings and open houses for its customers and growers as this next phase of the association looks to prioritize the preservation those personal relationships.
“We really want to make sure we maintain those relationships and build them because they are really, really valuable,” Benoit said, recalling a story of a recent trip to Seattle where he met one of the co-op’s wholesale customers.
“He says to me: ‘You know, I hope you don’t mind but in Seattle, we sell your flowers as local because we feel that you know, we are local. So, even though there’s a border that separates us flowers brings us together,’” Benoit remembers fondly. “I love it. That wholesaler has access to incredible sources of product (in California), and yet he just loves the B.C. products.”
(905) 431-8892
GARY JONES | greenhousewolf@gmail.com
As I write this, recreational cannabis has been legally produced in Canada on a commercial scale for five years already. Where did that time go?! It has been an interesting journey for the greenhouse industry as a whole. After all, whether you’ve been directly involved in growing the crop or not, it has surely impacted your business and thinking somewhere along the way. So, in the hopes of learning something, perhaps it’s timely to take a step back and have a look at how ‘outsiders’ have reported this adventure in to the unknown. Here’s a (select) few BBC stories on this topic from the last 15 years.
“Canada’s booming cannabis industry ranks alongside tourism and forestry as a money earner and employer, but the illegal trade has angered its US neighbour”1 So in 2008, the illegal cannabis market was seen as a behemoth understory of our national GDP, albeit an undeclared one (in tax revenue terms at least).
Fast forward 11 years, and the then reflective narrative looking back to pre-legalisation times was enthusiastic. “When Canada legalised marijuana just over a year ago, it seemed like anyone who was anyone wanted to break into the market. The media nicknamed the frenzy Canada’s “green rush.”2 The body of that article, however, was already looking at a less rosy picture for cannabis producers, and the tide was turning.
The world has kept a close eye on how we’re
attempts to toe a careful line between public health and building a robust cannabis industry. Others say it’s simply a matter of too many players and too much production that far exceeds demand.”3
“This year’s boom crop might well be next year’s bust...”
doing. After all, we’re something of an ‘experiment’ that other countries want to take opportunity to learn from. So, jump forward again to today. “Canada remains one of the only countries in the world that allows legal and regulated access to recreational marijuana. But five years after the drug’s legalisation, the country’s cannabis industry is struggling for survival.” “Five years later, the industry is dealing with economic struggles far removed from the enthusiasm of those early days.”3
That same BBC report mentions two companies (Aurora Cannabis and Canopy Growth) and of them says “Both companies, along with other cannabis producers, have also given out pink slips to thousands of workers in an effort to cut costs as they continue to generate little to no profit.” According to the same news item, “Part of the problem, experts and industry leaders say, is overregulation of the drug as the country
There are of course other reasons for what is going on. Reasons not touched on in a public forum like the BBC. Nonetheless, none of this comes as a surprise to those of us in the greenhouse industry. The cannabis sector has perhaps been a mirror for any other new crop grown over the years, but in a much shorter timeframe, and with some particular ‘quirks’ given the nature of the product. And it has experienced more drastic extremes of highs and lows. Explicitly, looking at the ‘problems’ mentioned above, no matter what you grow, perhaps you can relate to the challenges of ‘over-regulation’ and ‘supply exceeding demand’, and the effect of those on prices and your business’ profitability. Over the years, new entrant ‘farmers’ and ‘growers’ with newly acquired land have often asked “What do you think I should grow to make lots of money?” One answer is “If I knew, do you think I’d be here telling you and not doing it?” An old boss of mine once told me to “Never chase a good crop”4 , meaning this year’s boom crop might well be next year’s bust, so steady and slow often wins the day. The greenhouse equivalent of Aesop’s fable about ‘the tortoise and the hare’. Of course, this doesn’t sit well with those of us who are risk takers seeking higher returns, and all power to you if that’s how you tick. But I guess many others will be content to keep watching and see how this continues to unfold over the next 15 years.
1 BBC News “Canada cannabis industry boom” 12 August 2008
2 BBC News “Why Canada’s cannabis bubble burst“ 29 Dec 2019
3 Nadine Yousif, BBC News “Canadian cannabis market struggles five years after legalization” 17 Oct. 2023
4 Jim Large, ADAS advisor, personal communication. Bless him.
Gary Jones sits on several greenhouse industry committees in BC and welcomes comments at greenhousewolf@gmail.com.
