OFVC 2014 Show Guide by OFVC Show Guide

— CANAD A 'S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL EVENT —

2014

ONTARIO FRUIT & VEGETABLE CONVENTION

D R A W R O F T GROW I

February 19 & 20, 2014 SCOTIABANK CONVENTION CENTRE NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO

www.ofvc.ca

P R E SI D E N T

OFVC Executive & Committee Members 2014

Matt Peters HCO V I C E P R E SI D E N T

Brad Huisman NPF & VGA S EC R E TA RY T R E A S U R E R

Glenna Cairnie

ConTenTs

D I R EC TO R S

Cathy Bartolic ONTARIO FARM FRESH, HCO Robert Chorney FARMERS’ MARKETS ONTARIO, HCO Bob Forrest OMAF & MRA Kevin Schooley ONTARIO BERRY GROWERS, HCO Tony Sgambelluri NPF & VGA Torrie Warner NPF & VGA Tom Wiley NPF & VGA

OFVC President’s Welcome

Thanks to our Sponsors

CHAIR

Trade Show Map

C O N V E N T I O N C O O R D I N ATO R

Convention Exhibitors

Sessions Schedule at a Glance

Speaker Biographies

What’s for Lunch? Daily Menus

Kelly Ciceran ONTARIO APPLE GROWERS

Coming Back to the Family Farm

Robert Chorney FARMERS’ MARKETS ONTARIO, HCO

And the 2013–14 Grape King is...

Glenna Cairnie

The Ontario Honey Bee in Crisis

Catherine Clark FARMERS’ MARKETS ONTARIO Brad Huisman NPF & VGA

Bill to Promote Local Food Passes Final Vote

P O ST E R S E SSI O N S

OFVC Round Up

Kurtz Orchards Farm & Marketplace: Ontario Farm Fresh Outstanding Farm Market of the Year

Tony Sgambelluri NPF & VGA Glenna Cairnie FAC I LIT I E S

Kevin Schooley ONTARIO BERRY GROWERS, HCO T R A D E S H OW

Ross Parker NPF & VGA S P E A K E R P RO G R A M

Deanna Nemeth OMAF & MRA S P E A K E R C O - O R D I N ATO R

ACC O M M O DAT I O N S

R EG I ST R ATI O N , T R A D E S H OW & S P O N SO R S H I P C O - O R D I N ATO R

FA R M E R S A N D F R I E N DS R EC E P T I O N

2014 NPF & VGA Award of Merit

The Farm Credit Canada Stage – The Hub for Information

Take a Stroll Through Persephone Township with Feature Speaker Dan Needles

Farm Succession Planning Made Easy with Feature Speaker Elaine Froese

OFVC Round Up Continues

2014 OFVC Innovation Award Submissions

CONVENTION PARTNERS

Interested in advertising in the 2015 Show Guide? Contact Steve Watt, steve@ofvc.ca. The OFVC Show Guide is published by Bright Light Communications, www.brightlightcommunications.com. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission from OFVC. Copyright © 2014 by OFVC Inc. Printed in Canada.

Hannah Fraser OMAF & MRA / Jason Deveau OMAF & MRA T R A D E S H OW STAG E P RO G R A M

Kim Reep OMAF & MRA M A R K E T I N G /A DV E R T I SI N G / W E B SIT E

Steve Watt HARVEST ONTARIO, HCO T R A N S P O R TATI O N

Cathy Bartolic ONTARIO FARM FRESH, HCO C O M M IT T E E M E M B E R S AT L A RG E

Bob Forrest OMAF & MRA Brad Huisman NPF & VGA Ken Slingerland NPF & VGA Torrie Warner NPF & VGA Tom Wiley NPF & VGA 2014 S E SSI O N C H A I R S

Ryan Brewster KCMS APPLIED RESEARCH AND CONSULTING INC. Kathryn Carter OMAF & MRA Michael Celetti OMAF & MRA Lana Culley VINELAND RESEARCH & INNOVATION CENTRE Jennifer DeEll OMAF & MRA Jason Deveau OMAF & MRA Anne Marie Diotte OMAF & MRA Evan Elford OMAF & MRA Pam Fisher OMAF & MRA Melanie Filotas OMAF & MRA Lesley Forsythe FORSYTHE FAMILY FARMS Kristy Grigg-McGuffin OMAF & MRA Dr. Ann Huber SOIL RESOURCE GROUP Leslie Huffman OMAF & MRA Brian Hugli HUGLI’S BLUEBERRY RANCH Paul Kozak OMAF & MRA Janice LeBoeuf OMAF & MRA Wendy McFadden-Smith OMAF & MRA Kevin Montgomery OMAF & MRA Mark Neufeld AGRICORP Marion Paibomesai OMAF & MRA Philip Powell CITY OF OTTAWA MARKETS Dr. Andy Reynolds CCOVI Elaine Roddy OMAF & MRA Rebecca Shortt OMAF & MRA Bernie Solymár ONTARIO ASPARAGUS GROWERS

VISIT US AT

Niagara Research

Booth 806

is now accepting projects in  Food & Beverage Innovation  Agriculture & Environment  Business & Commercialization Solutions

Innovation Happens Here NIAGARA RESEARCH, the Research & Innovation Division of Niagara College, provides real-world solutions for business, industry and the community through applied research and knowledge transfer activities with college faculty and students. We are increasing the productivity of our region’s small- and medium-sized enterprises and strengthening the economy of Niagara and beyond. IN RECENT MONTHS, NIAGARA RESEARCH HAS BEEN ABLE TO: Assist farmers across 20% Canada optimize PRECISION AGRICULTURE TOOLS to increase crop yield. One such tool reduces input costs by up to 20% while maximizing yield.

Develope a HIGH-QUALITY CARBONATED BOTANICAL FLAVOURED BEVERAGE for neob that is grown, developed and produced in Niagara.

0.0%

Develop a alcohol craft lager for MADD VIRGIN DRINKS

APPLIED DREAMS.

Devise a custom prototype harvester for hydroponic spinach grower DURHAM FOODS

Do you have an innovative idea but lack the resources to bring it to life? MEET WITH US. WORK WITH US. Our industry partners have access to cutting-edge technology, laboratories and a research team determined to find innovative solutions for you. VISIT US AT THE SHOW.

 NiagaraCollege.ca/Research  research@niagaracollege.ca

2,702 followers

1,973 likes

Grow the social media presence of OAST HOUSE BREWERS Create – with better than accuracy – a calculation engine for E3 SOLUTIONS INC that tracks hourly greenhouse gas emissions

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario Agence fédérale de développement économique pour le Sud de l’Ontario

oFvC presidenT’s weLCoMe The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention is the event on my professional calendar that I look forward to the most! You can feel the excitement in the air when people from all aspects of Canadian horticulture come together in one place looking to achieve a common goal – to grow. Whether it’s learning a new labour saving technology or funding program in one the 140 different sessions/workshops, discovering a new product or service on our +80,000 ft2 trade show floor, sharing an idea with a neighbour about how best to grow a certain crop, or cultivating a new relationship at our annual ‘Farmers and Friends’ event; you will go home from the OFVC with something that will help you grow your business. Our volunteer organizing committee has risen to the challenge once again to put together the best show possible for you! We have added more speaker rooms, more sessions, increased our exhibitors by 30+ booths and further invested in the always popular ‘Farmers and Friends’ event to bring you more great food. Another exciting highlight is the ‘Great Ontario-Hopped Craft Beer Competition’ and the addition of hard cider to the Ontario cider competition. We will be serving some craft brews and ciders at the reception on Wednesday alongside our usual offerings of great local wines and food. The OFVC is a non-profit organization and our members of the organizing committee are very proud to have funneled over half a million dollars back into research and marketing initiatives that directly benefit Canadian horticulture. We would like to give a special thanks to all of our sponsors and returning attendees for your support over the last 12 years. I am proud to be a part of such a great event! On behalf of the organizing committee, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the 2014 Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention and wish you a prosperous growing season!

MATT PETERS President O N TA R I O F R U I T & V E G E TA B L E CONVENTION

Sincerely,

Thanks to our Sponsors Platinum Agricultural Management Institute (AMI) Bayer CropScience DuPont Canada Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls — Fallsview Farm Credit Canada N.M. Bartlett

Gold BASF Engage Agro Constellation Brands Canada Inc. Niagara Orchard & Vineyard Corp. Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association Provide Agro Syngenta TD Canada Trust Vineland Growers Co-Operative Ltd. Vineland Research & Innovation Centre

Silver A&L Laboratories Canada Brock University – CCOVI DOW AgroSciences Loblaw MacGregor Marketing Communications Meridian Credit Union Nutriag Ltd. Ontario Tender Fruit Producers Marketing Board Stokes Seeds UAP Canada V. Kraus Nurseries Ltd. Vanden Bussche Irrigation & Equipment Ltd. VineTech Canada Inc. Wine Council of Ontario Yara

Bronze Bertie and Clinton Mutual Insurance Co. Charge More Eco+ G.W. Allen Nursery Ltd. Grape Growers of Ontario H & W Equipment Niagara North Federation of Agriculture NuFarm Agriculture Inc. Ontario Apple Growers OntarioFresh.ca Seminova Winery & Grower Alliance of Ontario

Friend s o f the Convention Niagara Fruit & Vegetable Growers Ltd. Norfolk Fruit Growers Association Scotland Agromart

Strengthen your apple IPM program with double-duty protection. NEW! Two modes of action for early-season scab control. Inspire Super™ fungicide provides effective, reliable control of a broad spectrum of diseases including apple scab and suppression of powdery mildew. Containing two active ingredients with different modes of action, Inspire Super delivers systemic and translaminar protection. It’s also an excellent fit in an Integrated Pest Management program.

onTario FruiT and veGeTabLe ConvenTion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sCoTiabank ConvenTion CenTre

Floorplan

Speaker Sessions Exhibit Booths Cafe / Food Court Registration Poster Display

2013 Convention Exhibitors 408 A & L Canada Laboratories 712 A.M.A. Plastics Ltd. 802 Absolute Results Penergetic 210 Acti-Sol 102 Adams County Nursery Inc. 229 ADS Canada Inc. 813 AEF Global 709 AG Global 524 Agricorp 326 Agriculture & AgriFood Canada 129 Agro 100 Ltée 332 AgroHaitai Ltd. 529 AgroSpray Limited 328 Agrozone NA Inc. 807 Airtec Sprayers 109 Allied Associates, LLP Chartered

Accountants 804 Allied Tube & Conduit (Atkore Int’l) 905 AP Material Handling, A Division of

Agri-Plastics Manufacturing 207 Aqua Treatment Technologies 633 Armtec Limited Partnership 220 Arysta Life Science 903 ATP Nutrition Ltd. 536 Axter AgroScience Inc. 304 BASF 321 Baxter Kitchens Inc. 716 Bayer Crop Science 702 Ben Berg Farm & Industrial Equip. Ltd. 432 Bertie and Clinton Mutual Insurance 816 Besseling Group North America Inc. 216 Botanicoir 528 Britespan Building Systems 324 Burgess Baskets 929 C. Frensch Ltd. 914 Cascades 424 Central Fabricating & Welding/Raynox 325 Compac Sorting Equipment 129 D & W Group Inc./JCB 309 David Stevens Drainage Ltd. 812 Decco U.S. Post-Harvest Inc. 727 Delaware Pump and Parts Ltd. 921 DFK Equipment Sales 213 Dominion and Grimm 131 Don Arthur Orchard Equipment 336 Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc. 805 Dragonfly IT Inc. 721 DuBois Agrinovation Inc. 202 DuPont Canada 313 Durward Jones Barkwell & Co. 510 Eckert Machines 113 ECO+ 912 Ecopoly Solutions Inc. 302 Engage Agro 303 Evergreen Liquid Plant Food 729 Farm Credit Canada 106 Farm for Profit/Greencrop Agri

Products Ltd. 811 FARM-APPS INC. 620 Farmers’ Markets Ontario 607 FBC Canada’s Farm & Small Business Tax

Specialist 307 First Genesis Inc./Sunflower Rubber & 233 215

Plastics Flexo Products Ltd. Food Waste Inc.

608 Form Flex/Metazet 121 Frontlink Inc. 918 Fruit & Vegetable Magazine 507 Fuels Inc. 100 Future Access Inc. 133 G.B. Equipements Inc. 128 Georgia Pacific Corrugated 20 Gillison’s Variety Fab Inc. 506 Gintec Shade Technologies Inc. 711 Global Horticulture Inc. 407 Grand River Planters 626 Grant Thornton 533 Grape Growers of Ontario 809 Grindstone Creek Nursery Inc. 631 Growers Mineral Solutions 21 H & W Equipment 228 Hardi North America Inc. 508 Harris Moran Seed Co. 916 Harvest Goodies 212 Haygrove Tunnels 535 Heartnut Grove 911 Hillphoenix 300 Hindle’s Clarksburg Hardware 329 Horticolor 814 Hoskin Scientific Ltd. 117 Industrial Bags Inc/Sacs Industriels Inc. 428 Informed Energy Solutions 532 Izovol USA LLC 208 Janny MT CA 311 Johnny’s Selected Seeds 810 Just Grow 430 Kam’s Grower Supply 425 KOOLJET Refrigeration Inc. 110 Koppert Canada 103 Kraun Electric 231 La Coop Federee – Dispro Machinery

& Parts 411 Lahave Natural Farms 717 Lakeview Greenhouses and Farm 720 Lakeview Vineyard Equipment Inc. 815 Lambert Peat Moss Inc. 235 Leading Edge Equipment Ltd. 714 Lift Line Machinery Ltd. 206 Liftow Limited 224 Lucas Liftruck Services 610 Macro Plastics Inc. 820 Makhteshim Agan Canada 211 Meridian Credit Union 612 Mori Vines Inc. 120 N.M. Bartlett Inc. 127 National Leasing 222 Natural Insect Control 334 Niagara Mobile Mechanics 308 Niagara North Federation of Agriculture 806 Niagara Research – Niagara College 214 Norseco Inc. 203 Nourse Farms 625 NOVC – Louth & Niagara Orchards 627 NOVC – Niagara Grape & Tender Fruit 435 NSF Agriculture International 310 Nufarm 713 NutriAg Ltd. 209 Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario 602

Workers (OHCOW) OMAF & MRA – Ag Maps Geographic Information Portal

604 OMAF & MRA – Agriculture Development 606 OMAF & MRA – Food Safety & Traceability

Programs 703 OMAF & MRA – Growing Forward 705 OMAF & MRA – Horticulture Technology 707 OMAF & MRA – Foodland Ontario 928 O’Neils Farm Equipment 217 Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association 715 Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’

Association – The Grower 710 Ontario Ministry of Labour 808 Ontariofresh.ca (Friends of the Greenbelt

Foundation) 108 Outfront Portable Solutions 323 Penn Refrigeration Ltd. 429 Phillips Farm Supplies 116 Phytocultures Ltd. 912 Pic’s Motor Clinic 909 Plant A Row 409 PlastiTech 330 Practical Precision Inc. 112 Premier Containers (1983) Inc. 822 Premier Equipment Ltd. 525 Princeton Wood Preservers Ltd. 629 R.E. Egger Truck & Machine 427 R.E. Mann Brokers Ltd. 913 R.W. Equipment Ltd. 30 Redtrac International Ltd. 803 Robert H. Laning & Sons Ltd. 426 Rupp Seeds 635 Seedway 305 Seminova 505 Shur Farms Frost Protection 611 Siegers Seed Company 129 Slimline Manufacturing Ltd. (Turbomist) 624 St. Catharines New Holland Ltd. 403 Stokes Seeds Ltd. 306 Storage Control Systems 115 Strawberry Tyme Farms 527 Sunpack Agro-Plastics Canada Ltd. 400 Sunshine Pickles 708 Superior PetroFuels 504 Syfilco Ltd. 226 Sylvite Agri-Services 434 Syngenta 111 TalkWireless 502 The Cider Keg 609 The Verge Group 503 Tirecraft 205 Treen Box & Pallet 402 UAP Canada Inc. 437 University of Guelph – Laboratory Services

Division 104 UPI 107 V. Kraus Nurseries Ltd. 924 Vailmont Vineyards Ltd. 1000 Vanden Bussche Irrigation 509 Vineland Growers Co-operative Ltd. 315 Vineland Research and Innovation Centre 706 Vines to Vintages 119 Vinetech Canada Inc. 637 VirtualOne Software 628 Warwick Orchards & Nursery Ltd. 531 Weather INnovations Consulting LP 622 Wellington Wood Products 603 Willsie Equipment Sales 406 YARA Canada

Sessions Day 1: Morning (All sessions and speakers subject to change)

Wedne sday, Fe b ruary 19, 2014 9:30 AM ROOM 201 & 202

ROOM 203

ROOM 204

Vegetables

Organic

Water Management

Chair: Marion Paibomesai, OMAF & MRA Sponsored by: Yara Canada Inc. 9:30 am Problem Weeds Dr. Darren Robinson, University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus 10:00 am Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Hannah Fraser, OMAF & MRA 10:30 am Phytophthora Blight (Peppers and Cucurbits) Dr. Mohammad Babadoost, University of Illinois 11:00 am TBA

Chair: Evan Elford, OMAF & MRA

Chair: Dr. Ann Huber, Soil Resource Group

9:30 am A Systems Perspective on Weed Management: Cultivation, Rotation, Cover Crops, and the Weed Seedbank Dr. Eric Gallandt, University of Maine

9:30 am Constructed Wetland to Treat Wash Water Lloyd Rozema, Aqua Treatment Technologies

10:30 am Late Blight, Downy Mildew and Invasive Insects – What’s an Organic Grower to do? Melanie Filotas, OMAF & MRA 11:00 am Sprayer Technology for Applying Organic Products Jason Deveau, OMAF & MRA

11:45 am – 1:15 pm 2014 Fresh Grape Annual General Meeting

10:30 am Re-using Surface Water for Fruit and Vegetable Production Lisa Jones, Cornell University 11:00 am Field Fertigation Re-using Greenhouse Leachate John Zandstra, University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus

Room 205

Room 206

Room 207–208

Winery

Apple Cider Workshop (Sweet and Hard Cider)

Tender Fruit

Chair: Kevin Montgomery, OMAF & MRA Sponsored by: Vineland Research & Innovation Centre

Chair: Leslie Huffman, OMAF & MRA

9:30 am Winery Session Introduction Kevin Montgomery, OMAF & MRA

9:30 am New Cider Technologies: Mobile Pressing, Bag-in-Box Garry & Gord Geissburger, Farmhouse Ciders

9:40 am Tannin Alert: Phenolic Ripeness and Tannin Management in Red Wine Production Dr. Belinda Kemp, CCOVI – Brock University

10:00 am Making Winning Cider at Delhaven Orchards Hector & Mark Delanghe, Delhaven Orchards

10:10 am Unique Appassimento Process for Ontario-grown Grapes Dr. Bernard Goyette, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

10:30 am Choosing the Right Apples for Better Ciders Ben Watson, Chelsea Greene Publishing

10:50 am Managing Wine Flavours despite Vintage Variation: A Perspective from New Zealand with Application to Ontario Dr. Belinda Kemp, CCOVI – Brock University

11:00 am Economic Impact Study for the Ontario Hard Cider Industry Nick Sutcliffe, Ontario Craft Cider Association

Chair: Wendy McFadden-Smith, OMAF & MRA Sponsored by: Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association 9:30 am Agrichemical Updates Agrichemical reps 10:00 am Integrated Management of Peach Diseases Dr. Guido Schnabel, Clemson University 10:30 am Integrated Pest Management of Pear Insects Dr. Richard J. Hilton, Oregon State University 11:00 am The Future of Peach Production – Staying Ahead of the Curve Dr. Desmond Layne, Washington State University NPF & VGA Award of Merit Presentation Recipient: Wayne Roberts

Ballroom A

Ballroom B

Ballroom D

Berries

OFFMA Summit

Farmers’ Markets Ontario

Chair: Pam Fisher, OMAF & MRA Sponsored by: BASF

Chair: Leslie Forsythe, Forsythe Family Farms Sponsored by: Agricultural Management Institute (AMI)

9:30 am Biennial Raspberry Production – What We have Learned over the Past 15 years Kevin Schooley, Ontario Berry Growers Association

:30 am Props for Pennies 9 Leslie Groves, Creative Retail Solutions

10:00 am Micronutrients – What is Best for Berries Joe Uyenaka, NutriAg & Kirk Patterson, Scotland Agromart

10:30 am Picking the Right Team – Auditioning Employees Jerry Howell, Howell’s Pumpkin Farm

10:30 am Integrated Disease Management and Dealing with Fungicide Resistance in Strawberry and Raspberry Dr. Frank Louws, North Carolina State University

11:15 am – 12:15 pm OFFMA AGM

11:00 am The Impacts of Fumigation and Alternatives on Nematodes and Soil Ecology Dr. Tom Forge, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 11:30 am Global Trends in Berry Production Dr. Adam Dale, University of Guelph

10:00 am Washwater Treatment and Recycling Options Dr. R. Zytner & Gurvinder Mundi, University of Guelph

Chair: Philip Powell, City of Ottawa Markets 9:30 am FMO Report and Members Forum – A Snapshot of 2013 Philip Powell, City of Ottawa Markets 10:30 am The Business of Farmers’ Markets: How to Grow Your Customer Base & Increase Revenue Danielle Brodhagen & Julia Gilmore, Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance 11:30 am British Columbia Farmers’ Market Coupon Program Elizabeth Quinn, BC Farmers’ Markets Association 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Farmers’ Markets Ontario Annual General Meeting

Sessions Day 1: AFTERNOON (All sessions and speakers subject to change)

Wedne sday, Fe b ruary 19, 2014 2:00 PM ROOM 201 & 202

ROOM 203

ROOM 204

Cucurbits

BIOPESTICIDES – Making them Work in the Field

Irrigation

Chair: Melanie Filotas, OMAF & MRA

Chair: Elaine Roddy, OMAF & MRA Sponsored by: Stokes Seeds 2:30 pm Pollination: A Systems Approach Sue Chan, Farms at Work & Elaine Roddy, OMAF & MRA 3:15 pm Soil Test Interpretation Workshop Christoph Kessel, OMAF & MRA

2:00 pm Biopesticides – Experiences in Quebec Liette Lambert, Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) 2:30 pm Biopesticides for Management of Root and Foliar Diseases Matt Krause, Bioworks Inc. 3:00 pm Effective Fungicides for Strawberry, Apple and Grape Claude Dubois, AEF Global 3:30 pm Biopesticide Use in Ontario Vegetables – A Researcher’s Perspective Dr. Mary Ruth McDonald, University of Guelph

Chair: Rebecca Shortt, OMAF & MRA Sponsored by: Vanden Bussche Irrigation & Equipment Ltd. 2:00 pm Subsurface Drip Irrigation: Advantages and the Different Applications Ray MacKenzie, Vanden Bussche Irrigation 2:30 pm Evapotranspiration/Web Based Irrigation Scheduling Ian Nichols, Weather INnovations 3:00 pm Evaluating Soil Moisture in Orchards and Vineyards Kathryn Carter & Rebecca Shortt, OMAF & MRA 3:30 pm Irrigation: Money and Water Savings Dr. Rob Sampson, USDA-NRCS

Room 205

Room 206

Room 207–208

WINERY

GRAPE

TENDER FRUIT

Chair: Dr. Andy Reynolds, CCOVI

Chair: Kevin Montgomery, OMAF & MRA Sponsored by: Wine Council of Ontario 2:00 pm Marketing Innovation: Our Appassimento Experience Len Crispino, Foreign Affair Winery 2:30 pm A Wine Agent’s Perspective on Marketing to LCBO and Beyond Anthony Amato, Stellar Wine & Spirits Inc. 3:00 pm China and Asia Export Markets: Opportunity and Challenges Amos Tin, OMAF & MRA 3:30 pm Resources Wrap-up and Survey Kevin Montgomery, OMAF & MRA

2:00 pm Grape Production in France, from Blockbusters Varieties to Indigenous Cultivars Laurent Audeguin, French Institute for Vineyards and Wine 2:30 pm Hastening Ripening in Grapes Dr. Gabriel Balint, Oregon State University 3:00 pm Prevention is Better than a Cure – Minimizing Herbicide Drift in the Vineyard Rick Dunst, Militello Farm Supply Inc., & Dr. Andrew Landers, Cornell University 3:30 pm 2,4-D Ready Crops, Implications for Grape Growers Dr. Bruce Bordelon, Purdue University; Lee Bradshaw, Ontario Ministry of Environment; Paul Foran, Dow AgroSciences

Chair: Ryan Brewster, KCMS Applied Research and Consulting Inc. 2:00 pm Improving Peach Quality* (* Remote presentation) Dr. Carlos H. Crisosto, University of California 2:30 pm There’s a Reason they call them Water Molds: Understanding and Managing Phytophthora on Peach Trees Dr. Wayne Wilcox, Cornell University 3:00 pm New Worker Safety Requirements and How to Avoid Fines Kelli Harrison, Ontario Ministry of Environment 3:30 pm Improving Production Efficiency using Fruit Tracker Matt Deir, Dragonfly IT; David Hipple, Hipple Farms; Jamie Warner, Warner Orchards

Ballroom A

Ballroom B

Ballroom D

PORT COLBORNE LOUNGE

BERRIES

OFFMA SUMMIT

Farmers’ Markets Ontario

TASTING COMPETITIONS

Chair: Kevin Schooley, Ontario Berry Growers Association 2:00 pm Vector Control – The Key to Virus Management John Lewis, Perennia 2:30 pm Low Tunnel Strawberry Production Dr. Kim Lewers, USDA-ARS 3:00 pm Software to Track Your Product and Labour Efficiency and Quality Rudy Heeman, Heeman’s Strawberries 3:30 pm Protected Culture and Season Extension for Strawberries and Raspberries Becky Hughes, University of Guelph 4:00 pm Row Cover Management Grower Panel

Chair: Leslie Forsythe, Forsythe Family Farms Sponsored by: Agricultural Management Institute (AMI) 2:00 pm Lesson’s Learned in California – the Land of Extremes Steve Martin, Martin’s Family Farm 3:00 pm Creating the Picture that is Worth a Thousand Words Jenniffer Julich & Amanda McNaughton 3:30 pm Round Table Talks Moderator: Jesse Lauzon, Springridge Farm

Chair: Philip Powell, City of Ottawa Markets 2:00 pm Foodland Ontario Update Barbara Smith, Foodland Ontario 2:30 pm Funding Opportunities Overview of Local Food Act & Local Food Fund Andrew Barrie, OMAF & MRA

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm The Great Ontario-Hopped Craft Beer Competition Jason Deveau & Evan Elford, OMAF & MRA 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Sweet Cider and Hard Cider Competition Leslie Huffman, OMAF & MRA

3:00 pm Social Media Kelly Ward, Foodland Ontario

Learn how to respond to negative social media & getting the best value for your market Facebook page

8:30 am to 7:00 pm – Trade Show (Exhibition Hall) 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm – Farmers and Friends Reception (Exhibition Hall) 8:30 am to 7:00 pm – Poster Session (outside Exhibition Hall)

Sessions Day 2: MORNING (All sessions and speakers subject to change)

T hur s day, Fe b ruary 20, 2014 9:30 AM ROOM 201 & 202

ROOM 203

ROOM 204

Vegetable Pathology Diagnostic Workshop

Nematode Management in Hort Crops

Drip Irrigation Workshop

Chair: Janice LeBoeuf, OMAF & MRA Sponsored by: BASF

Chair: Michael Celetti, OMAF & MRA Sponsored by: A & L Canada Laboratories

9:30 am Vegetable Disease Diagnostics Workshop Elaine Roddy, Marion Paibomesai & Janice LeBoeuf, OMAF & MRA; Dr. Shannon Shan, University of Guelph

9:00 am Plant Parasitic Nematodes: Biology, Symptoms and Damage in Horticulture Crops Dr. Tom Forge, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

This will be a 2-hour workshop with a significant hands-on component, focused on diagnostics that can be done in-field as well as what you need to know when sending samples to a diagnostic lab.

9:30 am An Integrated Approach to Managing Plant Parasitic Nematodes Dr. Inga Zasada, USDA-ARS 10:00 am Evaluating Nematicides for the Control of Nematodes on Vegetable Crops in Ontario Dennis VanDyk & Dr. M.R. MacDonald, University of Guelph 10:30 am The Next Generation Non Fumigant Nematicide – NIMITZ Don Surgeoner, Makhteshim Agan of North America Ltd. (MAAN)

Chair: Rebecca Shortt, OMAF & MRA 9:30 am Developing your Farm Specific Drip Irrigation Schedule Go through a step by step process to optimize farm irrigation water use. By the end of the session you will know your:

1. Farm water requirements: crop peak flow and annual water requirements 2. Plant water requirements: system operating time and schedule for various crop growth stages 3. Preferred irrigation scheduling tools and techniques Improving system management can save you money and conserve water. Bring a calculator and a pencil.

11:00 am New Requirements for Applying Soil Fumigants in Canada Adam Colley, Pest Management Regulatory Agency, Health Canada

Room 205

Room 206

Room 207–208

Specialty Fruit

Tender Fruit

Grape

Chair: Evan Elford, OMAF & MRA

Chair: Kathryn Carter, OMAF & MRA

Chair: Dr. Wendy McFadden-Smith, OMAF & MRA

9:30 am Uncommon Fruits with Potential for Commercialization Lee Reich, Horticultural Consultant and Writer

9:30 am Defining Postharvest Strategies for Optimal Quality of Ontario Pears Dr. Gale Bozzo, University of Guelph

9:30 am Agrichemical Update Agrichemical reps

10:30 am Experiences with Haskap Production and Marketing in Ontario Mira & Greg Melien, Boreal Berry Farm & Winery

10:00 am The Impact of Cold Temperatures on Stone Fruit Dr. Jon Clements, University of Massachusetts

10:00 am Grape Production in France, from Blockbusters Varieties to Indigenous Cultivars Laurent Audeguin, French Institute for Vineyards and Wine

11:00 am Seabuckthorn: Next Superfruit for Canada Laura Poppy, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

10:30 am “Freeze your buds off” – Investigating Bud Hardiness in Tender Fruit Ryan Brewster, Applied Research and Consulting Inc.

10:30 am Return of an Old “Friend” Black Rot, Why and What to do About it Dr. Wayne Wilcox, Cornell University

11:00 am Labour Relations: How to Attract and Keep Good Local Labour Tom Baker, Bayview Flowers; Jim Meyers, Meyer Farms; Brenda Lammens, Spearit Farms

11:00 am Using Rootstocks to Manage Vine Vigour and Fruit Quality Laurent Audeguin, French Institute for Vineyards and Wine

Ballroom A

Ballroom B

Ballroom D

Apples

OFFMA Summit

Farmers’ Markets Ontario

Chair: Philip Powell, City of Ottawa Markets

9:30 am My Progression to Fruiting Walls and Mechanical Hedging Mo Tougas, Tougas Family Fruit Farm

Chair: Brian Hugli, Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch Sponsored by: Agricultural Management Institute (AMI)

9:30 am A Stroll through Persephone Township Dan Needles, Author & Playwright

9:30 am Why we Decided to Expand our Business Sarah Jollay, Jollay Orchards

10:00 am Making AppleTracker work for you Matt Deir, Dragonfly IT & Andrea Otten, Josmar Acres

10:30 am Recruiting MyPick® Farmers Made Easy Noella Rinaldo, Urban Park Market

10:00 am Discuss the Undisscussabull Elaine Froese, CAFA, CHI Coach

10:30 am Introducing the ‘Arctic Apple’ Neal Carter, Okanogan Specialty Fruits

11:00 am NEW Occupational Health and Safety Awareness Training Regulation for Employer Kirsten Hoffman, WSPS

11:00 am FMO/MyPick® Panel Tracy Lamb, Mopani Communications Inc.; Noella Rinaldo, Urban Park Market; Catherine Clark, MyPick® Lead; Philip Powell, FMO Chair

Chair: Kristy Grigg-McGuffin, OMAF & MRA Sponsored by: Dow AgroSciences Canada

10:45 am Panel: Growing Honeycrisp Apples Shane Ardiel, Apple Springs Orchards; Calvin Dentz, Dentz Orchards; Murray Porteous, Lingwood Farms

Moderator: Leslie Huffman, OMAF & MRA

Sessions Day 2: AFTERNOON (All sessions and speakers subject to change)

T hur s day, Fe b ruary 20, 2014 2:00 PM ROOM 201 & 202

ROOM 203

ROOM 204

ASPARAGUS

Apiculture

Funding Programs

Chair: Bernie Solymár, Asparagus Farmers of Ontario

Chair: Paul Kozak, OMAF & MRA

Chair: Anne Marie Diotte, OMAF & MRA

2:00 pm Asparagus Breeding and Research Update Paul Banks, University of Guelph

2:00 pm Updates on Apiculture in Ontario Paul Kozak, OMAF & MRA

2:30 pm Biology & Management of Asparagus Foliar Diseases Jen Foster, University of Guelph

2:10 pm Pollination Services to Ontario Agriculture and the Management of Honey Bee Colonies for Pollination Ontario Beekeeper

2:00 pm Traceability Funding Initiative (TFI): Funding Opportunities and Successful Applicants Martha Smith, OMAF & MRA

2:45 pm Update on Pesticide Registrations for Asparagus Jim Chaput, OMAF & MRA

2:20 pm TFI-Enhance your Competitive Advantage with Traceability Lonnie Duwyn, Elite Pak

2:35 pm Technology Transfer Program Les Eccles, Ontario Beekeepers Association

3:00 pm Asparagus Irrigation – Effects on Yield and Profile Dr. Dan Brainard, Michigan State University

3:00 pm Protecting Beneficial Insects in the Agricultural Landscape Xerces Society

3:30 pm On-Farm Food Safety 101 Heather Gale, CanadaGAP

3:45 pm Discussion Panel on Bees and Pesticides

2:40 pm TFI-Improve your bottom line through Traceability Randy Whitteker, Ontario Natural Food Co-op 3:00 pm Growing Forward 2 (GF2): Funding Opportunities and Successful Applicants Carl Fletcher, OMAF & MRA 3:30 pm GF2 Funded Project Examples

4:00 pm Asparagus Industry Updates for Members Ken Wall & Bernie Solymár, AFO

Room 205

Room 206

Room 207–208

Maintaining Good Relations with Neighbours

Global Trends and Local Impacts of Labour-Saving Technologies

Grape

Chair: Lana Culley, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Sponsored by: Vineland Research & Innovation Centre and Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association

Chair: Mark Neufeld, Agricorp 2:00 pm Drainage Issues Between Neighbours Sid VanderVeen, OMAF & MRA 2:30 pm Drift Issues with 2,4-D and Dicamba Tolerant Crops that are Planned for 2015 Dr. Bruce Bordelon, Purdue University

2:00 pm Opportunities in Labour Saving Technologies Dr. Jim Brandle, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

3:00 pm What to do When a Drift Event Occurs and What to Expect Lee Bradshaw, Ontario Ministry of Environment 3:30 pm “Noise” and How it Affects Your Neighbour Hugh Fraser, OMAF & MRA

Includes bird bangers, wind machines, irrigation pumps, etc.

Chair: Kathryn Carter, OMAF & MRA Sponsored by: BASF 2:00 pm Recovering from Cold Symptoms: Grapevine Cold Hardiness and Mitigating the Effects of Freeze Injury Dr. Jim Willwerth, CCOVI – Brock University

2:30 pm Think Global – Act Local Karen Lewis, Washington State University Extension, Centre for Precision and Automated Agricultural Systems

2:30 pm Optimizing Grapevine Winter Hardiness: acclimation/de-acclimation of Grapevines and Resulting Stresses Affecting it Dr. Andy Reynolds, CCOVI – Brock University

3:00 pm Grower Perspective of Integrating Technologies to Improve Profitability Chris Hedges, Apple grower

3:00 pm Nutrition & Cover Crops in Vineyards and their Impacts on Yields Dr. Mehdi Sharifi, Trent University

3:30 pm Update on Vineland’s Labour-Saving Technology Projects John Van de Vegte, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

3:30 pm Grapevine Viruses: Challenges and Opportunities Dr. Marc Fuchs, Cornell University; Dr. Lorne Stobbs, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; Dr. Wendy McFaddenSmith, OMAF & MRA

Ballroom A

Ballroom B

Ballroom D

Apples

OFFMA Summit

Farmers’ Markets Ontario

Chair: Leslie Huffman, OMAF & MRA 2:00 pm Horticultural Management of Honeycrisp Apples in Washington Dr. Ines Hanrahan, Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission 2:30 pm Advances in Apple Storage Recommendations and Technology Dr. Jennifer DeEll, OMAF & MRA 3:00 pm Sorting out Spots on Apples Kristy Grigg-McGuffin, OMAF & MRA 3:30 pm Current Horticultural Challenges for Tree Fruit Growers in Washington Dr. Ines Hanrahan, Washington Tree Fruit Research

Chair: Brian Hugli, Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch Sponsored by: Agricultural Management Institute (AMI) 2:00 pm Kids, Customers and Employees; How to Make Time for All of Them Sarah Jollay, Jollay Orchard; Shawn Murphy, Murphy’s Farmstead; Michelle Herrle, Herrle’s Country Market 3:00 pm Encouraging the Heart of Your Business Elaine Froese, CAFA, CHI Coach

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Market Managers’ Conference (FMO members only) Facilitators: Tracy Lamb, Mopani Communications Inc.; Alix Aitken, Cambridge Farmers’ Market; Christine Scheer, Outdoor London Covent Market; Andrew Barrie, OMAF & MRA

Topics to choose from (participants can select three from the list:) •

“ Marketing Your Market” Market Bucks, Promotions, Special Events

•

“Administration” – Planning a Move

•

“Technology” – Social Media

•

“ Creating a Healthy Environment” Dealing with challenging vendor situations; Recruiting volunteers; Recruiting vendors

•

“Talk with the Experts” – Finding Funding

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Session 1 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Session 2 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Session 3

8:30 am to 4:30 pm – Trade Show (Exhibition Hall) 8:30 am to 4:30 pm – Poster Session outside Exhibition Hall

speaker bioGraphies

O N TA RI O FRU I T A N D V EGE TA BL E CO N V EN T I O N 2014 alix aitKEn

laurEnt audEGuin

Alix has been the Market Manager for the Cambridge Farmers’ Market since June of 2011. The Cambridge Farmers’ Market has been a proud member of Farmers’ Market Ontario (FMO) for a number of years and in February of 2013 Alix had the opportunity to join the FMO board as a representative from Western Ontario. Prior to her work in Cambridge Alix was a Community Development Worker in Guelph, Ontario where food security was a central part of her job. Food Cupboards, Community Gardens and other work all lead to making Alix passionate about Food, Farmers’ and Markets. Alix enjoys being a part of a collective of individuals that are committed to bringing healthy local food to its residents. She believes markets are the “hub” in every community, and that they should be celebrated for their ability to bring people together.

Laurent was born in 1965 in Cahors, the famous Malbec wine region. He graduated from the National University of Agronomy of Montpellier, Option Viticulture and Enology. After few years working as a consultant in the South West, he joined ENTAV, now named IFV (as French Vine and Wine Institute), the French Selection Center, in 1995. Laurent is coordinating the French clonal and breeding programs, in close collaboration with INRA. Since 1999, he is in charge of the development of the International ENTAV-INRA® trademark, giving technical and commercial support to promote French Material.

Canada. His research at Brock University focused on relationships among water stress, grape varieties and plant growth regulators (abscisic acid and its catabolites). A better understanding of how water stress/ excess affects the ripening process allows growers to use various tools (strategies) to control it. The central theme of his research work at Oregon State University is fruit development in relationship to the physiological, environmental and cultural factors that directly and indirectly affect yield and quality. Developing a new method using remote sensing to validate crop coefficients used to calculate water needs during the growing season is in progress. GIS technique in water management decision is one of his latest research interests.

MohaMMad babadoost

paul banKs

Mohammad joined the Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in 1999. He conducts research and extension programs on the biology and management of vegetable and fruit crop diseases and teaches plant disease diagnosis. Dr. Babadoost is well known for developing techniques for quantifying soilborne fungal pathogens and managing vegetable diseases, especially diseases of cucurbits.

andrEw barriE

anthony aMato Anthony is a sales and marketing professional with demonstrated achievements nationally in building wine, spirits and beer brands and has 35+ years in the beverage alcohol industry in Canada. Prior to his present position, Anthony held progressive positions in sales and marketing with Labatt Breweries of Canada, Gilbey Canada Inc, Labatt International Brands, Bacardi Canada Inc.

shanE ardiEl Shane is an apple grower presently farming 144 acres with 94 acres in current apple production. He started planting apples in 1985. In 1995, he planted his first acre of high density trees and in 1999 planted his first block of high density Honeycrisp. Currently he has 14 acres of Honeycrisp and 14 acres of Ambrosia with the Crimson Crisp being the latest new variety planted. Shane is a Past President of the Georgian Bay Fruit Growers’ Association, and has served on many boards and committees for the past 25 years. Shane has also been involved with the Ontario Apple Growers since its inception and is currently a director. The Royal Winter Fair is just one example of his efforts to promote Ontario apples. Since the reintroduction of the Royal Apple Competition five years ago, Shane and his wife Gail have volunteered and participated annually. Shane is also a recipient of the Golden Apple Award.

toM baKEr Since 2001,Tom has been with Bayview Flowers. In this position, Tom has overall responsibility for the Human Resources, Occupational Health and Safety, IT, and Administration functions. In addition, Tom is the Chair, TOGA Human Resources Committee and provides Human Resources counsel to Flowers Canada. From 1995 to 2001 Tom ran T.E. Baker Consultants Inc. Products and services included Training and Human Resources Management programs in the areas of leadership, management development, team building, and performance/change management; conflict resolution and relationship mediation workshops; and Organizational Effectiveness assessments. Previous employers included Ault Foods, Sperry Univac, DeBeers, Owens Corning Fiberglas, INCO, PPG Canada and SONY Music.

dr. GabriEl balint Dr. Balint is the Viticulture Research/Extension Specialist at Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University where he conducts applied research and provides outreach and education programs for Southern Oregon Wine Grape Industry. Gabriel has a BS in Horticulture from University of Agronomy Iasi, Romania, an MSc in IPM from Wye College, University of London, and a PhD in Viticulture and Enology, from Brock University,

Paul Banks worked for twenty years as the field technician for the asparagus breeding program at the University of Guelph.

Andrew is an Environmental Specialist with OMAF and MRA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Rural Affairs) based in Walkerton. Andrew maintains his CCA designation (Certified Crop Advisor). He has worked with OMAF for 15 years in positions including Soil & Crop Advisor, Regional Information Coordinator, Nutrient Management Specialist and Direct Farm Marketing Program Lead. Andrew grew up on a Beef Feedlot farm in Waterloo County and for 12 years operated his own seasonal fruit and vegetable on farm market near Hanover with value-added product sales across Ontario.

brucE bordElon Bruce is a professor of viticulture at Purdue University where he has been part of the Purdue Wine Grape Team since 1991. He provides statewide extension support for the grape and small fruit industries in Indiana through a series of workshops, symposia, newsletters and web-based educational materials. Bruce received the Purdue Outstanding Extension Faculty/Specialists award in 2013. His research interests include evaluation of new varieties and selections, matching varieties to sites, integrated pest management, and vineyard management to improve fruit quality. The Purdue Wine Grape Team coordinates viticulture and enology research and develops marketing strategies to provide relevant and

useful information for the wine industry. The team has lead study tours to Italy, Chile, and Argentina.

dr. GalE bozzo Dr. Bozzo obtained his BSc and MSc degrees in Biology from York University, and his PhD (Biology) from Queen’s University. He completed an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Florida, where he studied plant folate metabolism. In 2008, he joined the University of Guelph’s Department of Plant Agriculture as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Bozzo’s research addresses how the overall quality of traditional and novel pome fruit cultivars are impacted by postharvest strategies designed to minimize ethylene-mediated ripening and senescence, which include the use of controlled atmosphere storage and ripening inhibitor technology (i.e. 1- methylcyclopropene). In addition, he is interested in defining biomarkers that precede the onset of physiological disorders in apple and pear fruit during storage. A concurrent focus addresses mechanisms promoting the loss of nutraceutical compounds in plants in response to environmental stress.

lEE bradshaw Lee received an undergraduate degree in Geology and a Masters degree in Earth Science. She has worked as a hydrogeologist in private consulting and with the Ministry of the Environment. Lee started with the MOE Windsor Office in 2000 as a senior environmental officer, and became an agricultural officer in 2008; and has been working in that capacity since then. Duties include doing farm inspections, dealing with complaints and spills, including pesticide overspray incidents and doing outreach.

dan brainard Dan Brainard is an Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University. He received his MS from Stanford University in Economics and a PhD from Cornell University in Horticulture with an emphasis on weed ecology and management in vegetable crops. Prior to graduate school he worked on commercial vegetable farms in the Northeast U.S., and served as an agricultural extension educator for the U.S. Peace Corps in Mali, West Africa. In addition to his work with irrigation systems for asparagus production, his current research and extension projects include i) improving nitrogen use efficiency in carrots and sweet corn; and ii) reduced tillage systems for sweet corn, snap beans and winter squash production.

JiM brandlE Jim Brandle is the CEO of Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, a position he assumed in 2007 with start-up of the organization. A true visionary, Jim transformed a dated research station located in Niagara Region, Ontario, into Canada’s premier hub for horticultural research and innovation. As a passionate advocate for the horticulture sector, Jim leads a

team of seventy plus research scientists and support staff in consumer and sensory research, horticultural production systems, and applied genomics. With Jim’s direction, Vineland has emerged as a leading centre for innovation and industry outreach. His efforts have also helped generate private and public sector investment in horticulture research. He received his Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, from the University of Manitoba, and his M.Sc. and B.S.A. in Crop Science from the University of Saskatchewan.

ryan brEwstEr Ryan received a degree in Biology from Brock University in 2003 where his studies focused on viticulture and plant physiology. He joined Ker Crop Management Services (KCMS) in 2001, as a seasonal employee and in 2003, he was employed full time as the Field Services Manager. Currently his duties include; local vineyard and orchard consulting, training and supervision of seasonal crop monitoring staff and coordinating various research projects. He is also an author of a weekly regional pest management crop report that highlights local pest pressures, specific insect spray dates (based on in-field trapping and modeling) as well as spray material recommendations. Recently, Ryan has been working on evaluating bud hardiness in various tender fruit and grape cultivars and the effective management of wind machines in reducing winter injury of specific crops.

daniEllE brodhaGEn Danielle is the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance (OCTA) Director of Product Development and joined the OCTA team in May and made the move to the big city of Toronto! Her passion for food led to a 15 year career in hospitality. She spent the last five and half years developing Stratford’s Culinary Tourism Program. She is the founder and the force behind the award-winning Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival and past co-chair of Slow Food Perth County. Danielle and her partner Paul and 3 year old daughter, Elloise believe in eating seasonally, shopping only at farmers’ markets and enjoy spending weekends visiting local markets and food events.

K athryn cartEr Kathryn Carter is the Tender fruit (stone fruit) and Grape Specialist for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Ministry of Rural Affairs (OMAF & MRA) and works with growers, researchers and industry to provide them with information on production issues. Kathryn’s research projects have focused on the use of rootstocks in stone fruit orchards, and evaluating the use of irrigation in orchards and vineyards. Kathryn has a MSc. in Environmental Biology from University of Guelph, and a BSc. from Brock University.

nEal cartEr Neal Carter is the president and founder of Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF), a dynamic agriculture biotechnology company specializing in the creation of novel tree fruit varieties. OSF’s flagship project, the non-browning Arctic ® apple, is expected to be commercially approved in early 2014. Outside of OSF, Neal grows and packs apples and cherries at his orchard in British Columbia’s beautiful Okanagan Valley. For over 30 years Neal has worked with numerous crops as a bioresource engineer around the globe, ranging from maize to mango, from growing to harvesting, packing, storage, processing and packaging. It was through this firsthand experience that Neal was persuaded that biotechnology can help agriculture meet ever-expanding global food demand.

JiM chaput Jim is the Minor Use Co-ordinator, Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Ministry of Rural Affairs. Jim received his B.Sc. (Agr.) in 1986 and his M.Sc. in 1989 from the University of Guelph where he specialized in Horticulture and Entomology. From 1989 until 2000 Jim worked as IPM Specialist, responsible for developing reliable and sustainable crop management programs for bulb vegetables, carrots, radish, leafy vegetables, Brassica vegetables and Asian vegetables in Ontario. In that capacity Jim provided assistance to growers, researchers and other extension personnel to help develop and deliver effective pest management strategies as part of an integrated crop management strategy. Jim is responsible for coordinating minor use submissions, provincial minor use priority-setting and acting as provincial liaison between Ontario’s specialty crops industries and key minor use stakeholders nationally and internationally.

lEn crispino Len has served as Assistant Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario International Trade Corporation and subsequently Ontario Exports Inc. from 1993 and 2002. During his career with the Government of Ontario, Len served for three years as the province’s chief trade representative to Italy, promoting Ontario’s trade and investment interests, and was awarded the Order of Merit from the Italian Government for fostering business ties between Canada and Italy. Len’s experience extends beyond the public service to include the rewards and challenges of operating a small business. He and his wife Marisa own and operate an innovative estate winery (The Foreign Affair Winery) producing exclusively amarone (appassimento) styled wines, the first to do so in Canada. The winery has received major accolades for its focus and responsive innovative approaches in the wine sector and for creating a new offering to the international marketplace. Recently the winery received the Premier’s Award for Innovation for its pioneering work in appassimento wines in Canada.

carlos crisosto Carlos is currently Full Pomologist, at University of California, Davis. The focus of his research and extension program is the postharvest biology and technology of fruits, especially peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, cherries, table grapes, figs, kiwifruits, olives, pomegranates, and persimmons, as well as tree nuts such as pistachios, almonds and walnuts. The goal of his research program is to develop a better understanding of the orchard factors and postharvest factors that control fruit flavor and shelf life and to develop technology to overcome fruit industry problems. He is applying genomic techniques to identify gene(s) responsible for fruit sensory attributes (both desirable and undesirable), and investigating physiological disorders such as peach chilling injury. He is also using sensory techniques, such as trained panels and “in store” consumer tests, to describe fruit flavor characteristics and losses during postharvest handling.

dr. adaM dalE Professor emeritus, Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Simcoe. Adam Dale (B.Sc. Ph.D.) has 40 years of research experience in the breeding, genetics, and management of berry crops. From his strawberry breeding program, he has released 8 strawberry cultivars. Adam has an active interest in genetic resources and has been incorporating wild Fragaria virginiana germplasm into his program. Adam’s program has covered many aspects of berry crop research including: a systems approach to mechanical harvesting in strawberry, developing management systems for day neutral strawberries, heat tolerance in strawberries, and irrigation in highbush blueberries. He has been instrumental in developing greenhouse raspberries production systems and started to breed raspberries for the same. He has considerable research experience in dormancy, flower initiation and frost tolerance in berry crops and is an acknowledged expert on the genetics and management of yield in raspberries.

dr. iMEd daMi Dr. Dami is Associate professor and Extension viticulture specialist in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science at The Ohio State University with research and extension responsibilities in viticulture. His research interests include cold hardiness of grapevines and developing methods of cold protection; improving fruit and wine quality using cultural practices; and germplasm evaluation and matching varieties with climates and sites. Dr. Dami participated in research assignments and educational tours in Canada, Chile, Italy, Tunisia, and USA (California), and has been invited to speak nationally and internationally including Australia, Canada, Chile, Italy, New Zealand, and Tunisia. Dr. Dami was the editor and lead-author of an Extension book titled “Midwest Grape Production Guide” and co-authored “Winter Injury to Grapevines and Methods of Protection”, both were awarded Best Extension Publications by American Society of Horticultural Sciences. Dr. Dami

served as Chair of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture-Eastern Section (ASEV-ES) (2010–2011), and Board Director in ASEV-E (2007–2009), and currently serves on the national ASEV.

dr. JEnniFEr deEll Dr. Jennifer DeEll is the Fresh Market Quality Program Lead with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food/ Ministry of Rural Affairs, located in Simcoe. She is currently studying the use of anti-ethylene technologies to retard fruit ripening and control physiological disorders during storage, investigating methods to improve handling and storage of fresh fruits and vegetables, and developing optimum postharvest practices for new apple and pear cultivars. She was one of the first to receive the Agri-Food Innovation Award from the Government of Ontario for previous work on fresh-cut apple slices. Dr. DeEll has published over 70 scientific papers, as well as review articles, book chapters, and books, on these topics and other subjects pertaining to postharvest physiology and the quality of fresh fruits and vegetables. She is on the editorial board for the international scientific journal Postharvest Biology and Technology.

MatthEw dEir Matthew Deir is a software engineer with Dragonfly IT Inc., a software development company in Kingston, Ontario. First started in 2005 with Dragonfly, OMAFRA and industry experts, Fruit Tracker ™ began as a spreadsheet for field record keeping. Over the years it has grown from the spreadsheet, to a desktop application, and finally to a web-based system.

hEctor and MarK dElanGhE Hector started Delhaven Orchards Ltd., in 1961 and farms a large variety of fruit crops. He is a past president of OF&VGA and CHC and is a Golden Apple award winner. In 2009, Hector received the first Lifetime Achievement Award in Horticulture by OF&VGA at its 150 th Anniversary. His involvement in the formation and presidency of F.A.R.M.S. and CanAg Travel has been an important contribution to our industry. Hector was a president of LICC and a 16 year member of the Crop Insurance Commission and NISA. Hector’s most recent honours have been his induction into the Agricultural Hall of Fame in June of 2013 and his presentation of the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service in the field of Agriculture by the Prime Minister of Jamaica this past October. His ultimate source of pride, however, is his family and is very pleased that his son, Mark, is an active partner in the operation of the business.

calvin dEntz Calvin Dentz, along with his brother, operates a successful fruit and vegetable farm south of Ottawa in Dundas County. They grow, pack and ship strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes,

apples, squash, and pumpkins. Corn, soybeans, wheat, and sweet corn are also grown. Crops are sold through distribution channels as well as at the farm gate. Dentz Orchards and Berry Farm planted their first Honeycrisp trees in 2000. Calvin has 25 years of farming experience and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Guelph.

dr. Jason s.t. dEvEau Jason holds an honours B.Sc. in Biology & Psychology from Mount Allison University, a M.Sc. in plant cell physiology & metabolism from York University and a Ph.D. in plant cell electrophysiology from the University of Guelph. Working out of the Simcoe Resource Centre, his current focus is on developing educational materials for airblast sprayer operators, and researching practical methods to optimize spray effectiveness and reduce spray waste and drift.

claudE dubois Claude graduated from University Laval in agronomy in 2003 and is a member of the Agronomist Order of Quebec. He has worked for AEF Global for 5 years and is Director of Technical Services & Products Development. AEF Global is a Canadian company specializing in the development of biopesticides.

ricK dunst Rick Dunst retired from Cornell University in 2010 after a 30-year career as a research support specialist at the Vineyard Laboratory in Fredonia, NY. During his career, Rick cooperated with Cornell researchers conducting field research trials, conducted numerous herbicide trials, and authored the weed management portion of the Cornell Pest Management Guidelines for Grapes. Currently, Rick provides viticulture advice to Double A Vineyards, Inc. and Militello Farm Supply, Inc. in Western New York, and their customers. Double A Vineyards is the largest grapevine nursery in the US outside of California and is currently establishing new increase blocks certified by the National Clean Plant Network. Militello Farm Supply provides services and products to grape growers at the eastern end of the Lake Erie Grape region.

lonniE duw yn Lonnie and his wife Cherie are third generation farmers, and proud of it. They stand for the same values of the people who cleared this land, trusted their instincts, and worked hard to create a sustainable farming operation and vibrant community. At a time when many young-adults of local farmers were enrolling in MBA’s and migrating away from their rural roots, Lonnie and Cherie merged their ancestral legacies into a single-focus destiny and journey. They would be the first to admit that it has been a wild ride, especially in those early years. But they persevered, they stuck to it and as time went by realized they had a knack for farming. In the last ten years they have moved from a mom and pop Asparagus operation to a state-of-the-art processor. Although they couldn’t have done it all by themselves, they did have the vision

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of what it was they wanted to achieve. And when they shared their vision with farm-related incentive programs, it was a match made in heaven. Most recently, OMAFRA, through the TFI program, has been a partner in bringing their vision to reality.

management of foliar diseases in asparagus with Dr. Mary Ruth McDonald. Jen is also a Field Development Biologist with Syngenta, and she is responsible for the horticulture, potato, and turfgrass field research program in Canada.

of tree-fruit and small-fruit crops, and (3) understanding the influences of alternative soil, nutrient and water management practices on elements of soil ecosystem health in perennial fruit production systems, with a particular emphasis on populations of plant-parasitic nematodes.

MElaniE Filotas

toM ForGE

hannah FrasEr

As the Integrated Pest Management Specialist for specialty crops with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) in Simcoe, Ontario, Melanie is responsible for identifying pests and pest management solutions for specialty crops in Ontario, including sweet potatoes, lavender, herbs, tree nuts, hops and low acreage fruits and vegetables. Dr. Filotas has a BSc in environmental science from Carleton University and a PhD in entomology from Cornell University. Prior to joining OMAFRA in 2006, she worked as a researcher with the U.S. Department of Agriculture looking at the use of biopesticides, natural enemies and other reduced risk products to control insects in commercial greenhouses.

Tom is a research soil ecologist and nematologist at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Pacific AgriFood Research Centre (PARC) in Summerland, BC. Tom’s educational background includes a B.Sc. in Biology from Kansas State University and a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Tom did postdoctoral research in Scotland, Victoria, BC, Oregon State University, and at AAFC-PARC in Summerland, BC. Tom’s postdoctoral research experience covered a wide range of topics including the effects of municipal biosolids on soil biological activity, host status of the pinewood nematode, distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes in Oregon vineyards and cherry orchards, the use of winter cover crops for suppression of plant-parasitic nematodes in small-fruit cropping systems, effects of forest harvesting and fertilization practices on soil food web structure, and interactions between mycorrhizal fungi and root-lesion nematodes. Tom’s research at both the Agassiz and Summerland facilities has been aimed at: (1) identifying emerging nematode problems in horticultural crops in western Canada, (2) developing soil management strategies to improve replant success

Hannah’s areas of focus include: collaborate on research to evaluate and integrate new solutions for pest management, and to prevent the introduction and facilitate the eradication or management of insect pests and/or associated diseases. Hannah is the co-editor of Hort Matters Newsletter providing weekly in season information to the horticulture industry.

JEnniFEr FostEr Jen is a PhD student in the Dept. of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph. She received her B. Sc. from the University of Guelph and her M.Sc. from Michigan State University with a specialty in agronomy and plant pathology, respectively. Her current research project focuses on epidemiology and

huGh FrasEr Hugh is an OMAF Agricultural Engineer specializing in horticulture, despite having grown up on a dairy farm. One of his duties is being the provincial nuisance noise expert. His talk will focus on his Factsheet describing how to understand and reduce nuisance noise from stationary farm equipment used in horticulture such as wind machines, bird bangers and irrigation equipment.

Elaine Froese Elaine Froese is a sought after thought leader, writer and farm family coach who specializes in helping people in agriculture work through issues surrounding succession, business continuance communication. For more than 22 years, Elaine has worked with families in business; and now she’s coaching the next generation. A catalyst for change, Elaine’s clients get results when they start meeting, and talking, about the tough issues. With passion and practicality, Elaine gives people the specific tools and action steps they need to move forward. Many of her clients say: “I wish I had met you 10 years ago.” She currently farms with her family in southwestern Manitoba with her husband and married son.

Marc Fuchs Marc was born and raised in the grape growing region of Alsace in France. He received his Master’s and PhD degrees from the University Louis Pasteur in Strasbourg, France. Marc joined the Department of Plant Pathology at Cornell University in Geneva, NY in 2004. His research and extension program focuses on virus diseases of fruit and vegetable crops. Marc is leading a multidisciplinary team effort to determine the impact of leafroll disease and devise strategies to prevent its dissemination in vineyards. He is also working on fanleaf and red blotch diseases of grapevines.

Heather Gale Heather has been working with Canada’s horticultural industry since 2000 and is the Executive Director of CanadaGAP, the food safety program for fresh fruit and vegetables. Her career with the horticulture sector began with the Canadian Horticultural Council, where she worked in communications, issues management and, in 2005, took on the role of managing the food safety program. Heather is a member of the Global Food Safety Initiative’s Technical Working Group, and past chair of the Food Safety Committee for the International Federation for Produce Standards. She currently serves as a Director on the Board of the Canadian Supply Chain Food Safety Coalition. Her work history includes several years’ experience working on a fruit and vegetable farm. She graduated with an M.A. from the University of Ottawa in 1994.

Eric Gallandt Eric is the Associate Professor of Weed Ecology and Management,   University of Maine. His research program at the University of Maine focuses on ecologically-based management of annual weeds in diversified organic vegetable farming systems. To support cultivation programs in these systems, we examine opportunities to reduce weed seedbanks, including strategies that preempt weed seed rain, enhance seed predation,

and encourage germination to minimize “credits” and increase “debits” to the seedbank.

Garry and Gord Geissberger Gord and Garry Geissberger have been involved in their family’s apple cider business since they were kids. In recent years they have taken the business from a small seasonal single-product operation to a year-round multi-product business. Over the 43 years they have been making apple cider, they have made changes and upgraded their original apple press crafted by their father’s cousin from Switzerland. In 2012, knowing that the vintage equipment wasn’t meeting their needs, Gord and Garry researched new equipment and came across a mobile cider mill which incorporated a whole new style of packaging. With the new bag-in-the-box packaging, orchard growers soon saw the benefit of the longer shelf-life for their cider product without refrigeration or preservatives. Gord and Garry purchased a mobile mill in 2012 and used it during that short season. With the bumper apple crop in 2013, the mobile mill was used constantly, visiting orchards around Ontario. Being the only mobile cider mill on Ont. and with the new bag-in-the-box packaging, in 2013, they applied for and received The Premier’s Leadership in Agricultural Innovation Award and the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association’s Food innovation award.

Julia Gilmore Julia is a firm believer in dessert at every meal and loves that she can bring her passion for the sweet (and savoury) things in life to her role as Project Coordinator at OCTA. Julia was born and raised in the Niagara region spending her summers picking peaches and promptly baking them into pies. Coming from a family of dairy and poultry farmers, she is a proud supporter of Ontario producers and excited by the growth and quality of culinary tourist experiences that the province has to offer. In addition to many years of working in the restaurant industry, Julia also brings her experience in marketing and public relations. Upon graduating from McMaster University, Julia completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Book Publishing at Humber College. In her spare time, Julia enjoys volunteering at local food events, researching recipes, and seeking out the best vanilla ice cream to serve with her all-time favourite dessert, the humble apple crisp.

Leslie Groves A lifetime involved in front line retail provides the best insight to the needs and challenges of Leslie’s customers. With nearly 20 years in industry, she’s provided consulting to 1000’s of retail and wholesale business owners. Having a broad exposure to market trends, she welcomes the challenges facing todays businesses. Her practical and hands on approach provides innovative solutions to the ever changing retail landscape. Finding her first love in teaching as an instructor for Humber College she has since continued to grow and develop new merchandising, marketing, and customer service programs that are shared regularly

with national trade shows, educational institutions and independent businesses. As a regular columnist and stylist for industry magazines, Leslie keeps up-to-date with current trends and leads the way in updating and reinventing stores and dynamic displays.

Dr. Bernard Goyette Bernard received his PhD in 2010 from the Department of Bioresource Engineering at McGill University, where he conducted research investigating the application of physical treatments to enhance quality attributes of fresh horticultural produce. Dr. Goyette joined Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in 2011 as a Research Scientist in the area of Postharvest Science, bringing with him almost 20 years of experience. He is an agricultural engineer by training, specializing in postharvest treatments and his area of research has included precooling, storage and handling, as well as physical postharvest treatments. He specialised in applying thermodynamics and heat and mass transfer principles to develop new storage methods or techniques that maintain optimum freshness and quality of horticultural produce.

Kristy Grigg-McGuffin Kristy Grigg-McGuffin is the Pome Fruit IPM Specialist for Ontario Ministry of Agriculture & Food and Ministry of Rural Affairs (OMAF & MRA) in Simcoe, ON. She works with apple growers, researchers and industry to provide them with information on managing insects and diseases in Ontario orchards, including resistance management, new or emerging pest issues, predictive models and spray timing, and development of sustainable IPM practices. Kristy received her MSc in Environmental Biology and Toxicology from University of Guelph, where she studied codling moth resistance in southwestern Ontario apple orchards. Prior to her MSc, Kristy worked with OMAF & MRA in Guelph, ON as an acting vegetable crop specialist.

Ines Hanrahan Ines Hanrahan’s experience includes an extensive international background in practical and academic horticulture, including: research, teaching, and consulting. Ms. Hanrahan has been employed as a Project Manager by the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC) since 2005. Her expertise includes the management of technical projects related to fruit quality such as: apple fruit finish improvement, methods to prevent rain-induced cherry cracking, apple postharvest physiological disorder prevention, and optimization of cropping and storage systems to produce consistently high yields of target fruit. As such, her focus is on managing applied horticultural projects, expediting transfer of research results to industry application, and on providing an ongoing link between scientists and the industry.

LunCh Menu seLeCTions daY one reTaiL

daY Two reTaiL

PullinG PiGS $6.50

WellinGton County Prime riB $6.50

Our Own Cured and Braised Pulled Pork with Side of Ontario Apple and Cabbage Slaw

Slow Roasted Local Rib-eye Soft Bun with House Made Gravy & Kettle Chips

SideS With your SandWiCh add $2

Roasted Heirloom Beet Salad

Sledger’s Greens

Hillside Gardens Cumin Scented Rainbow Carrots

entrÉe SaladS $6.50

Classic Cobb Salad - Bratford Bay Organic Chicken

Wedge Salad - Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Pickled Red Onion, Goats Feta

SCCN Caesar - Our Own Caesar Dressing, White Anchovies, Poached Quails Egg, Double Smoked Bacon

Wintery SouPS* $4.50

Hillside Roasted Parsnip with Maple

Did Somebody Say Borscht?

Everyone Loves Bacon with Potato

ClaSSiC ComBoS

*Comes with Rolls and Butter.

Pasta with Tomato Sauce $10

ClaSSiC ComBoS

Hamburger with Drink $10

Pasta with Tomato Sauce $10

Pulled Pork with Drink $10

Hamburger with Drink $10

Soup & Salad $10

Beef on a Bun with Drink $10

Soup & Drink $8

Soup & Salad $8

Salad & Drink $8

Soup & Drink $8 Salad & Drink $8

boris harMic Boris Harmic has been overseeing Information Technology departments since 1998 across sectors including automotive manufacturing and food. He has been the IT Manager for Ontario Natural Food Co-op since November of 2010 and during that time has overseen the successful implementation of the MS Dynamics NAV ERP system as well as a complete technological overhaul.

KElliE harrison Kellie is a graduate of the Safety Engineering Technology Diploma Program Humber College. She is an experienced Occupational Health and Safety Inspector with Ministry of Labour. Currently she is Acting Regional Program Coordinator with the Ministry of Labour, including Farming lead for the Western Region. Her project work includes the Western Region Farming Initiative.

chris hEdGEs Chris currently farms 100+ acres of orchard in Norfolk County. He received his degree in Economics and Finance from Wilfrid Laurier University starting out his career as a banker, but preferred the world of farming. He has planted much of his acreage in the last several years and is a leader in adopting modern planting systems recently installing wind machines in his new plantings to protect his orchard. Chris uses his economics background to the fullest, analyzing information and data available to the apple industry and then adapting it to suit his operation. In addition to growing apples, Chris also operates an orchard supply company providing the necessary support system supplies for modern orchard systems to Ontario tree fruit farmers. Chris has been interested in learning new technologies and developments in the apple industry and has attended the International Fruit Tree Association (IFTA) conferences for many years and in 2012 he was elected to the IFTA Board of Directors. Chris was also awarded the 2012 Golden Apple Award.

MichEllE hErrlE Michelle Herrle has been involved in the growth of their family business, Herrle’s Country Farm Market, for over 22 years. She has seen their staff team grow from 3 employees to 75. Admittedly, balancing the demands of family, staff, and customers has always been a challenge, but one that has provided many learning opportunities over the years.

richard hilton Richard has a BA in Biology from Pomona College and a MS from UC Davis in Plant Protection and Pest Management. He started working at what was then the Southern Oregon Experiment Station in 1987 as a Research Assistant and Orchard Manager. In 1994, he took over the Entomology and

IPM Research Program at SOREC. His current and recent research on arthropod pests includes: evaluating new management techniques, emphasizing selective or non-disruptive tactics which are compatible with natural biological control agents; development of economic injury levels along with appropriate monitoring and sampling methods; and investigating the population dynamics of new and emerging pests, such as the grape mealybug in vineyards and the spotted wing drosophila in cherries and small fruit.

Kristin hoFFMan As a Workplace Safety and Prevention Services Consultant, Kristin assists firms with the development and maintenance of effective health and safety programs. Kristin’s years of experience includes hazard identification, assessment and control activities and dynamic training for firms. Kristin serves agricultural and horticultural firms across Hamilton and Niagara Region. Kristin achieved her Bachelor of Kinesiology Degree at Brock University and Occupational Health and Safety Certificate at Ryerson University. Kristin’s family operates a horse boarding facility in St. Anns, Ontario.

JErry howEll It has been 28 years since a nine-year-old Jerry Howell filled a wheelbarrow with pumpkins harvested from his family farm in Fonthill, Ontario, and sold them to folks passing by. Now a leading agri-tourism farm, the Howell Family Pumpkin Farm offers many activities for families to enjoy as well as having Niagara’s largest selection of pumpkins, giant pumpkins and squash. Each fall, the Howell Family Pumpkin Farm is transformed into a Howln’ Theme Area. There is a 3,000 sq. ft., haunted spook barn, haunted corn maze, a giant pumpkin eating dinosaur named Pumpkinosarus-Rex, scenic wagon rides, a haunted forest walk, giant hay bale play areas, a pumpkin catapult, Nessy the Robotic Pumpkin Monster, and many more attractions.

bEcKy huGhEs Becky Hughes is a researcher for the University of Guelph stationed at the New Liskeard Agricultural Research Station in northeastern Ontario. She has a B.Sc. (Agr) and an M.Sc. from the University of Guelph. Her research interests include clean plant or seed programs and horticultural crops and production systems suited to northern Ontario. Becky has been involved in berry crop research for many years. She was awarded the OBGA Award of Merit in 2012 for her involvement in berry crop research and consolidating the plant propagation program in New Liskeard. Over the last several years she has been researching dayneutral strawberry production and protected culture of floricane and primocane-fruiting raspberries in conjunction with researchers in southern Ontario and Quebec.

sarah Jollay Sarah is a partner in Jollay Orchards and Grandpa’s Cider Mill located in Coloma, Michigan. She is Graduate of Saint Mary’s College. Sarah began her career on the farm after marrying Jay in 2003. They live on the family farm, first settled in 1857. She and her husband Jay have six children: Jonathon, Jackson, Claire, Ben, Sam and Michael. She is active in promoting agri-tourism and is one of the founders of the Emerald Avenue off of Exit 39 in Coloma.

lisa a. JonEs Lisa was born and raised in rural Michigan where her interest in agriculture was developed. She attended Cornell University and earned a BS in Plant Biology. Her next few years were spent at the Florida Department of Agriculture as part of the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) conducting research and diagnostics for new and emerging agricultural plant pest and pathogens. She is currently a graduate student at Cornell University in the Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology at the New York State Agriculture Experiment Station in Geneva, NY. Her thesis project focuses on plant and human pathogens that are likely to spread through surface irrigation water sources and pathogen diagnostics.

JEnniFFEr Julich Jenniffer is a graduate of the Classical Animation and Computer Animation programmes at Sheridan College in Oakville, ON. She lives with her husband in St. Catharines. Her passion is visual storytelling, agri-tourism and client collaboration. Her production experience in film, television, mural art, and agri-tourism tour guide manager lends itself naturally to independent publishers, film productions and agri-tourism farms need for an illustrator, co-ordinator or crew manager.

bElinda KEMp Belinda Kemp obtained a first class BSc (Hons) Viticulture and Oenology from University of Brighton, UK then and went on to be Winemaker at Nyetimber Ltd, West Sussex. She received a Lincoln University International Doctoral Scholarship to study a Ph.D. in Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University, New Zealand in 2010 entitled “The effect of the timing of leaf removal on Pinot noir berry ripening, flavour and aroma compounds” at Pegasus Bay Vineyard, Waipara. She completed vintages at Palliser Estate, Martinborough and Cracroft Chase, Canterbury before returning to the UK to teach wine studies and do research. Belinda’s research has included Pinot noir wine flavour and sparkling wine and has presented guest lectures at University of Rioja, Spain and Geisenheim University, Germany, before joining CCOVI Brock University in the role of Senior Scientist in Oenology to focus on outreach and wine flavour research.

Christoph Kessel

Dr. Andrew Landers

Christoph’s areas of focus include: soil fertility and tissue nutrition guidelines for horticulture crops and the evaluation of sources, application and timing of macro and micronutrients. Christoph is an active member of the OMAF & MRA Soil Team and the OMAF & MRA Soil Laboratory Accreditation Program.

Dr. Andrew Landers studied and taught agricultural engineering in England before he joined the faculty at Cornell University in 1998. He is based at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva where he directs the application technology program and his teaching/extension/research appointment involves the use of engineering solutions to provide safer spraying. In 2007 he was presented with the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at Cornell University award for outstanding accomplishments in extension and outreach. In 2010 the New York Wine and Grape foundation presented him with the Research Award for major contributions in research and education.

Dr. Matthew Krause Dr. Krause is the Product Development Manager, Plant Disease Management for Bioworks, Inc., in Victor, NY. He is a native of Ohio and a three-time graduate of The Ohio State University where he gained his multiple degrees. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business and Applied Economics, Master of Science and a PhD in Plant Pathology. Prior to joining Bioworks, he worked as a senior plant pathologist in Belgium for nine years. He has also worked as an associate research leader in the Microbial Process Ecology and Management Program at the KU Leuven University College De Nayer Institute.

Tracy Lamb Tracy has been promoting local food, farmers and agriculture for over 25 years. She is passionate about the connection between food and health, the need to appreciate and understand where our food comes from and the vital role that farmers’ markets play in that connection. Tracy and her team develop and implement provincial and national programs to raise awareness, motivate shifts in attitudes and behaviours and increase production and consumption of locally-produced food. An expert in marketing communications in agri-food, Tracy has extensive knowledge of all parts of the value chain, from producer to retailer and from influencer to consumer. Her passion for promoting healthy eating has led to her involvement in countless local food and nutritional education programs across Canada, working collaboratively with all stakeholders to develop innovative yet practical solutions aligned with her clients’ business objectives.

Brenda Lammens Brenda and her husband, Raymond, are partners in Spearit Farms where they have been producing asparagus for the past 30 years. Brenda has served in various positions on the Asparagus Farmers of Ontario Board and has just completed her 14th year as a Director. Brenda is the Chair of The Agricultural Management Institute which supports Business Management initiatives for Agri Food and Agri based product, producers and processors. She is presently also serving as a Director, representing Horticulture, on The Agricultural Adaptation Council. Brenda has also chaired The Ontario Agricultural Commodity Council and The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association. Brenda was named by former, Agriculture Minister McMeekin, to the Minister’s “Growing Forward 2 Strategic Initiatives Innovation-Industry Roundtable”.

Desmond Layne Desmond is currently the Endowed Chair – Tree Fruit Extension Program Leader and Professor of Pomology, Department of Horticulture, Washington State University. Layne is the first hire as part of W.S.U.’s Campaign for Tree Fruit that will create a $32 million endowment from self-assessment of apple, pear, cherry, and stone fruit growers and is overseeing the $12 million Information and Technology Transfer area. Layne previously served as Professor of Pomology and Extension Peach Specialist at Clemson University since 1997. Layne grew up in Harrow and has been working with tree fruit crops since the age of 14 when his first summer job was picking peaches at a farm in Essex County. While at university, he spent 2 summers working in the stone fruit breeding program of his father, Dr. Dick Layne (AAFC) and one summer as an IPM Scout for OMAFRA. He subsequently earned a B.Sc. in Horticulture from the University of Guelph (1986) and both a M.Sc. (1989) and a Ph.D. (1992) in Horticulture from MSU.

disease-resistant strawberries. Dr. Lewers especially enjoys working with grower groups, nurseries, and collaborative scientists, chairing the Small Fruits Crop Germplasm Committee and the North American Strawberry Growers’ Research Committee in addition to writing the strawberry section of the “Register of Fruits and Nuts,” an historic record of new strawberry varieties.

John Lewis John has worked 17 years as a berry crop specialist in Nova Scotia, first with the N.S. Department of Agriculture and most recently with Perennia. The main berry crops he works with are strawberries, raspberries, highbush blueberries, cranberries and grapes. He has conducted applied research on alternative production systems including plasticulture systems for strawberry; the use of compost for soil rejuvenation in strawberry; fertigation programs for day-neutral strawberry production; and microclimate elaboration for optimum vineyard siting. Most recently he conducted an “aphid monitoring project for improved virus management in strawberries”. He has lectured at numerous workshops and symposia around North America.

K aren Lewis Karen is a Regional Tree Fruit Extension Specialist at Washington State University. She is an affiliate at the WSU Center for Precision and Automated Agricultural Systems in Prosser, WA. Karen’s projects focus on the integration of people, orchard systems, engineering solutions and economics.

Frank Louws

Janice’s areas of focus include: production, IPM and marketing decisions for fresh market and processing vegetable crops including tomatoes, peppers, sugar beets, table beets, eggplant, and chicory; liaise with consultants, agribusiness, Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers, Fresh Vegetable Growers of Ontario, Sugar Beet Growers, processors, and researchers on production issues; assist in focusing resources and efforts to strategic priorities in these crops; assess new techniques and technologies relating to production and IPM issues.

Dr. Frank Louws is a Professor of Plant Pathology and Director of the NSF-Center for IPM at North Carolina State University. His research and extension program focuses on foliar and fruit diseases of strawberry and disease management of soilborne diseases in strawberry and vegetable systems. The program engages technicians, undergraduate and graduate students and senior scientists to generate new knowledge about the biology of plant pathogens and to develop disease and crop management recommendations. The program engages industry leaders and growers in identifying research priorities and developing practical solutions.

Dr. Kim Lewers

Ray MacKenzie

Dr. Lewers has been with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service at Beltsville, Maryland since 2001, conducting research on strawberry, blackberry, and raspberry. She serves as a Research Geneticist (Plants) developing improved cultivars of these valuable fruit crops while studying inheritance of important traits and developing molecular markers and genetic maps to help track these traits in breeding populations. She works toward the vision of year-round, locally grown, great tasting,

Ray has been involved in sales and design with Vanden Bussche Irrigation for over 20 years. VBI is well known as Ontario’s irrigation leader and is celebrating 60 years in business in 2014. Ray’s primarily focus involves working with growers implementing drip irrigation systems and a wide variety of watering schemes for nursery crops. He also helps clients with needs as diverse as turf grass systems, cooling and frost protection and dust suppression for mines. Vanden Bussche Irrigation’s full system approach to

Janice LeBoeuf

design includes mapping, CAD designs, component lists and implementation, ensuring that products function properly together. SDI or subsurface drip irrigation is a newer technology to the Ontario market. Ray and Vanden Bussche Irrigation have been involved with these systems for many years and bring a wealth of knowledge regarding both the benefits and challenges that are involved.

Steve Martin Steve Martin works in the family operation of Martin’s Family Fruit Farm in Waterloo with his primary job being in charge of retail sales. In the past he has served on the board of Waterloo Region Foodlink and speaks extensively on food related issues across the province. Presently he also sits on the board of OFFMA.

Dr. Mary Ruth McDonald Dr. McDonald is the University of Guelph program Director of Plant Production Systems Research and a professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph. Her research programs focus on crop protection and integrated crop management of vegetables, including onions carrots, leafy greens and crucifer crops. The emphasis is on disease forecasting and management, IPM, screening for resistance and contributing to and developing integrated crop management programs for these crops. Dr. McDonald

received her BSc, MSc and PhD from the University of Guelph, where she specialized in plant protection and plant pathology. She has taught vegetable production at the University of Guelph for several years.

Amanda McNaughton Amanda was born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario. She completed a BFA in Photography from Ryerson University in 2010, during which she studied a semester abroad at Napier University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Following graduation, Amanda undertook an internship with Canadian Geographic Magazine. In 2013, Amanda was an on-set photographer with Wild Canada Productions capturing images for their interactive book app. Amanda currently lives and works in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Greg Melien Greg is President of the Ontario Haskap Association and co-owner of Boreal Berry Farm & Winery, the largest commercial Haskap orchard in eastern Canada. Greg has an extensive background in northern horticulture and for the past 10 years has worked on plant breeding and market development for northern Ontario fruits, specializing in Haskap berries.

Shawn Murphy Shawn Murphy and her husband Mark grow several hundred acres of potatoes in Alliston, Ontario. They began in the early eighties with a small on-farm fruit and vegetable stand that flourished in the early nineties to include a bakery as well as agritourism. Shawn was involved with OFFMA for a number of years and is an alumni of the Advanced Agriculture Leadership Program. In 1993 they were honoured as Outstanding Young Farmers in Canada. Shawn and Mark celebrated the Centennial of their farm this summer with their five children being the 5th generation to carry on the agricultural traditions.

Dan Needles Dan is the author of the Letters from Wingfield Farm, a series of award-winning stage plays that tell the story of stockbrokerturned-farmer Walt Wingfield. The plays have appeared continuously across Canada and the U.S. since 1985. Dan won the 2003 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour for “With Axe and Flask”, his history of fictional Persephone Township and has written many other works for stage, television, radio and magazines. Since 1988, he has made his home on a farm near Collingwood, Ontario where he and his wife raise sheep, rare chickens and four children.

Ian Nichols

Murray Porteous

Lee Reich

Ian is CEO of Weather INnovations (WIN), based in Chatham, ON, providing programs in climate and environmental monitoring and modelling, primarily for agriculture. WIN builds web-based agronomic solutions for growers that help them deal more proactively with the weather’s influences on farming. WIN’s websites provide sitespecific weather forecasts, disease and insect risk advisories, growth stage models and other tools. Ian grew up farming in Blenheim and still farms today. With a degree in Agricultural Economics from University of Guelph, he’s also had a successful off-farm career, formerly a Ralston Purina dealer; co-op manager; and instructor at U of G’s Ridgetown Campus. It was at Ridgetown that WIN first began, and spun-off in 2006 into a private business.

A fourth generation apple grower, Murray is a graduate of the University of Guelph with a degree in Agricultural Business. After working for six years in agricultural sales and marketing positions, Murray joined the family farm partnership near Simcoe, Ontario. The farm has expanded considerably and currently consists of 865 acres with 110 acres of asparagus and the balance planted to tree fruit. During the past 15 years, Lingwood Farms has planted several blocks of Honeycrisp apples in different locations with variations in soil type and topography. In an attempt to manage this difficult variety, they have experimented with differing approaches to fertility, thinning, labour management and tree training on various rootstocks, support systems and tree densities.

Lee Reich, PhD is an avid ‘farmdener’ (more than a gardener, less than a farmer), gardening consultant, and writer from New Paltz, NY who has worked in fruit research with the U.S.D.A. and Cornell University. He is the author, most recently, of The Pruning Book and Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden.

Andrea Otten

Philip was born and raised in the Ottawa Valley. He had a brief career in banking before replying to a newspaper ad offering “an unusual and stimulating opportunity for a hands-on manager” with the City of Ottawa. He landed that job and has managed Ottawa’s famous ByWard & Parkdale Markets for over 25 years. Philip was a founding member of Farmers’ Markets Ontario, the association that represents the provinces 160 farmers’ markets, and is presently serving as its chair. Philip was also involved in getting Savour Ottawa, the Capital and areas “buy local” culinary initiative off the ground in 2006. He continues to sit on the Savour Ottawa steering committee. In 2009 he assumed responsibility for the City’s business licensing and enforcement sections in addition to the markets program. Known for his passion for markets and local food Philip is often called upon to share his expertise and stories.

Andy has been conducting research in grapes and wines since his MSc studies began in 1978. He is presently Professor of Viticulture, Brock Univ., St Catharines, Ontario, a position held since 1997. His education includes a B.Sc. (Agr.), horticulture major (1978) from Univ. of Guelph; M.Sc., plant breeding & genetics (1980) also from Guelph; and a PhD (1983) from Cornell Univ.; thesis topic: grapevine canopy microclimate in relation to wine quality. Andy was Research Scientist, viticulture & enology, Agriculture Canada Research Station, Summerland, BC (1983–97) prior to coming to Brock Univ. as NSERC Research Chair in Viticulture, Cool Climate Oenology & Viticulture Institute (July 1997–2002). Sabbatical leaves have included WSU Pullman (1994–5), studying impact of yeast strain on flavor of Riesling, and implications of acetic acid for stuck fermentations, and RH Philips, Dunnigan Hills, CA (2004–5) studying new irrigation technology. Responsibilities at Brock: development of a viticulture & enology 4-yr degree curriculum; teaching; research; administration; consultation. Major research interests: canopy management; site, soil & their impact upon flavor; irrigation and water relations; geomatics, and use of GPS/GIS and remote sensing for studying terroir. Andy is a frequent speaker at conferences internationally.

Elizabeth Quinn

Noella Rinaldo

Elizabeth is the Executive Director for the British Columbia Association of Farmers’ Markets since 2008. She has 20 years’ experience in program and fund development, social marketing and communications, through working for Provincial and Regional Governments, First Nations, non-profits and charities. She earned a BA from the University of British Columbia in Resource Management. Her passion in the politics of food began from reading “Diet for a Small Planet,” and was fueled when she saw that fertile farmland was at risk to development, which launched her focus on food security and local food. Elizabeth lived at a yoga retreat centre for six years, where she developed a procurement policy to buy local, taught food preservation and launched a program to reduce the carbon footprint of the centre. She lives in Delta, BC with her husband who has been farming organically for eleven years.

Noella comes to us from Timmins in northern Ontario. A councillor for the City of Timmins, it was her day job that involved her with Farmers’ Markets Ontario. Executive Director of the Timmins Downtown BIA for 3 years, she started a farmers’ market in the downtown area. Deciding a farmers market was needed to service the 3000 plus employees in the downtown area, the BIA joined Farmers’ Markets Ontario and started the Urban Park Market. Three summers into the Urban Park Market, the market is not only successful as a market, it helps farming in northern Ontario become sustainable. Understanding the benefits of the MyPick® farmers, the downtown Timmins BIA has been very successful in getting the farmers in northern Ontario part of the MyPick® program.

Andrea works part-time on the mixed family farm, Josmar Acres and is a full-time mom to 3 children. On the farm, she works closely with her brothers and parents on providing the best quality apples, strawberries, sweet corn, pumpkins and a number of other crops in between to wholesale customers and farm gate customers alike. Andrea also manages the Food Safety Program at Josmar and takes care of the never ending bookwork!

Marion Paibomesai Marion’s areas of focus include: production and IPM of fresh market and processing vegetable crops including cole crops, onions, carrots, celery, and leafy vegetables; provide IPM training and guidance; and liaise with liaise with consultants, agribusiness, processors, researchers, Fresh Vegetable Growers of Ontario and Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers. Marion is also the editor of the Ontario Vegetable Crop Protection Guide, publication 838.

Kirk Patterson Kirk is Marketing and Agronomy Manager at Scotland Agromart Ltd. with over 23 years of crop consulting experience in horticultural and field crops. He has developed custom site specific crop management programs for growers using precision agriculture techniques and customized scouting programs for high value crops such as ginseng, strawberries, potatoes and other vegetables.

Laura Poppy Laura has 20 years of experience as an agroforestry specialist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Her work has taken her across the country and around the world in support of agroforestry. She primarily works with researchers to develop agroforestry science with a focus on woody plants such as sea buckthorn.

Philip Powell

Andrew Reynolds

Darren Robinson Darren’s research interests include: weed management in vegetable crops; the influence of cultural practices and soil fertility on crop-weed competition; and the effect of herbicide residues on production of vegetable crops. Recent or current projects include: Effect of topramezone residues on high value crops; Weed management in processing and fresh tomato;

Kevin Schooley

Barbara Smith

Elaine’s areas of focus include: production and IPM for sweet corn, cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, squash, beans, peas and asparagus; conduct on-farm demonstration trials pertaining to fertilizer use efficiency and IPM; and liaise with consultants, agribusiness, processors, researchers, Fresh Vegetable Growers of Ontario and Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers. Elaine is also the editor of the Ontario Field Vegetable Guide, publication 839.

After graduating from the University of Guelph in 1987 Kevin worked at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural affairs for 13 years as a pest management and fruit and vegetable specialist. Kevin also worked at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as a commodity specialist in Ottawa for 3 years. For the past 15 years, Kevin has worked with fruit and vegetable growers in the Ottawa area as an independent on-farm consultant and since 2004, has acted as the Executive Director of the Ontario Berry Growers Association and since 2006, as the Executive Director of the North American Strawberry Growers’ Association.

Barb is the Retail Services Supervisor for the Foodland Ontario program. She works with Ontario’s retail groups, Farmers’ Markets and On-Farm market groups to increase market opportunities and prominence of Ontario grown foods. Barbara has been with OMAFRA for over 15 years in various marketing and program roles.

Rob Sampson

Dr. Mehdi Sharifi

Rob was born and raised in the US in Idaho, and has degrees from the University of Idaho and Colorado State University. He is registered in Agricultural, Civil and Environmental Engineering in Idaho, Oregon and Alaska. Rob has worked for the NRCS since 1981 in Idaho, Oregon, Colorado, the Virgin Islands, and Alaska. His current post is as the National Water Management Engineer for NRCS in Washington DC. His professional interests are water resources, stream and wetland restoration.

Dr. Sharifi is the new Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Agriculture at Trent University in Peterborough Ontario. Prior to moving to Ontario, he held the Nutrient Management Research Chair position at Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro, Nova Scotia. Previous to that he held the position of postdoctoral fellow at the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada, Nova Scotia Agricultural College. He also completed a three-year NSERC postdoctoral fellowship at Potato Research Centre (AAFC), Fredericton New Brunswick between 2005 and 2008. Dr. Sharifi is a recognized expert in nitrogen dynamics in agroecosystems. His research accomplishments have been highlighted several times in popular press, radio and newspaper Interviews/articles. His research interests include nutrient cycling in agro-ecosystems, nitrogen management in arable and horticultural crops, soil and plant testing, cover crops and organic amendments management under broad theme of Sustainable Agriculture.

Critical control period and mechanisms of competition in carrot; Biologically effective rate of sulfentrazone in tomato and pepper; Use of micro-rates for weed control in red beet; and Weed competition and light attenuation in living mulch systems for sweet corn.

Elaine Roddy

Christine Scheer Christine is the farmers’ market manager at London’s Covent Garden Market and at University Heights Public School. She is also a chef and a community food advisor, food writer, and cooking class teacher. She is married to organic farmer John Wilson, so basically lives and breathes food. Christine has been an advocate of local sustainable food for many years. She likes nothing better than sharing farmers’ market experiences with other managers, and believes that all of our markets can become stronger through confident, positive and creative management.

Guido Schnabel Guido Schnabel was born in Marburg, Germany, and received B.S. and M.S. degrees in Agricultural Sciences from Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany, and a PhD degree in plant pathology from the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart in 1997. Thereafter, Schnabel was a post-doctoral research associate in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Michigan State University from 1997 to 2000, where he investigated genetic diversity and fungicide resistance in Venturia spp. under the guidance of A. L. Jones. In July 2000, Schnabel began his position as fruit pathologist at Clemson University. Currently he is a Professor in the School of Agricultural, Forest, & Environmental Sciences with a 60% Research and 40% Extension appointment. His focus is on management of important peach and strawberry diseases.

Rebecca Shortt Rebecca is the irrigation/water management engineer with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Her role with the Ministry involves helping Ontario producers improve their production by providing irrigation and water management expertise to the province. Rebecca is the co-author of many OMAFRA irrigation publications including the Irrigation Best Management Practices book. Most recently, Rebecca has developed demonstrations and presentations on water efficiency and soil moisture monitoring. Her specialty includes water permitting and drip irrigation. In addition to irrigation, Rebecca develops solutions for other agricultural water uses such as fruit and vegetable washing. Rebecca holds a M.Sc. and B.Sc. from McGill University in Agricultural Engineering and has been active in water and irrigation associations across Canada and the U.S.

Martha Smith Martha Smith is a Traceability Program Specialist in the Food Safety and Traceability Programs Branch within the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Ministry of Rural Affairs in Ontario. Martha supports the agri-food industry on traceability understanding and adoption. She brought to the Ministry over 15 years of private sector experience including the administration of corporate loans at The Bank of New York Canada and a solid background in customer service having worked for organizations to promote motivation and training opportunities. For the last 8 years, Martha has held several positions in the Ministry which supported the delivery of food safety and traceability programs under the Agricultural Policy Framework and Growing Forward. Most recently she assisted with the delivery of projects under the Traceability Foundations Initiative (TFI) which has resulted in significant economic development and incident management benefits in Ontario.

Dr. Lorne Stobbs Dr. Stobbs, a graduate from the University of Guelph in 1979, worked as an assistant professor in the Dept., of Biology at the University of Waterloo for 3 years before accepting a position with Agriculture Canada at Vineland as a member of the plant pathology group. His research has largely focussed on virus identification and characterization, and epidemiology studies looking at virus spread and disease management strategies. He has worked with a wide range of crops including grape, tender fruit, field and greenhouse vegetables and woody and greenhouse ornamentals. Over the past 13 years, he has studied the distribution of plum pox virus in infected trees leading to more targeted field sampling, worked with other scientists on the team to develop more rapid and sensitive diagnostic tests, and studied the impact of the virus on both newly planted and mature peach trees. He has worked closely with the CFIA and OMAFRA over his career to assist in the development of clean stock programs and better disease management strategies. This past fall, he collaborated with OMAF/MRA to complete a preliminary survey of vineyards across Niagara for the presence of grapevine leafroll disease.

Don Surgeoner Don has over 30 years of experience in Canadian Agriculture encompassing Ag Retail Management, Territory Sales, Product Marketing, Account, Sales and Business Management. Crop experience covers row crops, horticulture, turf plus fruit and vegetables. Don has worked for

Cyanamid, BASF, Engage Agro and is now working for MANA Canada. Makhteshim Agan develops products for the Global Agricultural business and ranks 6th in the world. Business is built on the strategy of providing choice to growers with products to meet their crop production needs.

Nick Sutcliffe Nick comes by his passion for cider honestly; originally from England, his Mother insists he had his first sip before he was a teenager. In 2011, while holding the position of VP Business Development for Idea Couture, a Boutique Innovation Agency in Toronto, Nick (and his wife, Lindsay) decided to take the plunge into the cider business. Leaving the city behind they moved to Caledon and launched Pommies Dry Cider in the LCBO. Nick is also the Chair of the Ontario Craft Cider Association and has made it his mission to help build a world class cider industry in Ontario.

Amos Tin Mr. Tin is with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Ministry of Rural Affairs, responsible for the promotion of Ontario agri-food to the Asia Pacific Market. He just returned from Taiwan, worked as the Deputy Director, Trade and Investment at the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, under a three-year secondment. His extensive experiences, not just over 20 years of service with the governments, but also previous marketing management positions with the East Asiatic Company Ltd., Nestle and Campbell Soups, provides him the necessary skills and knowledge to manage the agriculture and agri-food file. He is a graduate from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (H. B.Sc. in Science), University of Western Ontario (Master of Business Administration) and George Brown College (Professional Culinary Certificate).

Maurice ( Mo) Tougas Mo has been the owner/operator of Tougas Family Farm in Northborough, Massachusetts since 1981, with his wife Phyllis and son André. The Tougas Family Farm is a 100 acre diversified retail fruit operation located between Boston and Worcester, MA. Previously, Mo was the

Horticulture and Community Development agent with the Massachussetts Cooperative Extension Service. He had studied Natural Resources and Adult Education at University of Rhode Island from 1970–1977. Mo is active in farm organizations including the International Fruit Tree Association (Director and Past President), the Massachusetts Fruit Growers, the New England Apple Association, and the Massachusetts Roadside Stand Association.

Joe Uyenak a Joe has had a long successful career in the fruit and vegetable industry. He is a University of Guelph graduate who has worked as a researcher at H.J. Heinz, territory manager for Niagara Chemicals, fruit and vegetable specialist with OMAF, agronomist with Stoller Canada and Cargill and presently working as an Agronomist and Ontario Territory Sales Manager for NutriAg.

John Vandevegte John joined Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in February 2012 to fill the role of Project Manager, Robotics and Automation. John is responsible for managing all aspects of Vineland’s Prosperity Initiative program partially funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and any other active Vineland project involving robotics and automation. Active projects include robotic planting, packaging and harvesting equipment. In addition, John works closely with Growers and the Vineland Team to identify areas where the development and introduction of new technology will benefit the Horticulture Industry. John has a M.Eng. degree from the University of Toronto as well as a P.Eng designation.

Dennis VanDyk Dennis is currently a M.Sc. candidate at the University of Guelph. His thesis research is on root-knot nematode and lesion nematode management for carrots, and tomatoes. He is also evaluating various extraction methods for these nematodes in different soil types. He has worked at the Muck Crops Research Station as a research technician from 2010–2012. Dennis received his B.Sc. in Biology from York University.

Kelly Ward Kelly is the Supervisor of Brand Services for Foodland Ontario and is the face behind their social media channels where she manages interaction with over 160,000 Ontarians daily. She has been with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Rural Affairs for 13 years in marketing and product development roles and helped to create the Ministry’s first online publication and podcast. Now, she’s involved with social media strategy development and web user experience design. She also has a research project underway with the University of Guelph to assess the use of smartphone apps as an economic development tool. She is currently completing her masters in Digital Media Experience Innovation at the University of Waterloo.

Wayne Wilcox Wayne Wilcox was born and raised in northern California. He received his B.S. in Horticulture and M.S. and PhD degrees in Plant Pathology, all from the University of California at Davis. Since 1984, he has been a faculty member at Cornell University’s NY State Agricultural Experiment Station in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York and has led that institution’s grape pathology program for the past 18 years, with both research and extension responsibilities. His programmatic focus is on the biology and practical, integrated management of the major fungal diseases of this crop, utilizing both viticultural and fungicidal tools.

Dr. Jim Willwerth Dr. Jim Willwerth is a Senior Staff Scientist in Viticulture at the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI). His responsibilities are to perform research and outreach services in the field of viticulture with emphasis on grapevine winter hardiness and the priorities of the grape and wine industry. He has his Doctorate from Brock University where his research focused on elucidation of Riesling terroirs that impact wine varietal character in vineyards and validation of sub-appellations in terms of Riesling fruit composition and wine sensory profiles. Prior to starting his position at CCOVI, he worked as the Sensory Coordinator in Quality Assurance at the Liquor

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Control Board of Ontario (LCBO). His expertise includes vine physiology, cold hardiness, viticulture practices, soil/irrigation management, and water relations in grapevines. He currently has numerous research and outreach projects focused on optimizing cold hardiness in V. vinifera, winter protection methods, vineyard variability using precision viticulture techniques such as GPS/GIS, remote sensing and UAVS and assessing bird damage and activity in vineyards.

season extension, environmental sustainability, and research to support the development of new crops. Current projects include improving the storability of open piled sugarbeets, popcorn cropping systems, impact of heat stress on field pea production, protected culture production of strawberry and raspberry, and bitterpit management in Honeycrisp apple. John also manages the University of Guelph’s Cedar Springs Fruit Research Station.

randy whittEKEr

dr. inGa zasada

A graduate of the University of Guelph (BSc.Ag.), Randy has been at Ontario Natural Food Coop (ONFC) since 1988, as General Manager since 1991. During his time with ONFC he has served on a number of boards within the organic food sector. Ontario Natural Food Co-op is dedicated to food system sustainability and local food production and is one of Canada’s premier natural and organic food distributors. In addition to his role as GM of ONFC, Randy and his wife Michele now own a small farm where they enjoy the pleasures of sustainable farm living.

John zandstra John has been with the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus since 1994 and is responsible for conducting cropping systems research on fruit and vegetable crops in south-western Ontario. John also teaches courses in fruit and vegetable crop management and is the coordinator of the Agriculture and Horticulture Diploma Programs at the Ridgetown Campus. John completed his B.Sc. (Agr) and M.Sc. at the University of Guelph. Research interests include

Niagara on the Lake, ON

Dr. Zasada is a Research Plant Pathologist/Nematologist at the USDA-ARS Horticultural Crops Research Laboratory. Her research program focuses on the biology, epidemiology and management of plant-parasitic nematodes in small fruits. Dr. Zasada was born in Alaska and obtained her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Crop Science at Oregon State University and North Carolina State University, respectively, and a PhD in Plant Pathology at University of California at Davis. She started working with plant-parasitic nematodes in 1996 as a United State Peace Corp volunteer on the Maltese Islands. In 2003, Dr. Zasada was hired by the USDA-ARA Nematology Laboratory, Beltsville, MD to develop a biosolid product for plant-parasitic nematode management. Current research topics include: identification of Vitis planting materials resistant to the northern root-knot nematode; soil fumigation alternatives for management of root lesion nematode in raspberry, and; integration of mustard seed meals and cover crops into small fruit production systems.

Phone: (905) 468-5016

richard G. zytnEr Prof. Zytner worked with Clayton Environmental Consultants for several years prior to joining the School of Engineering, University of Guelph in 1991. Since then he has taught both undergraduate and advanced graduate courses on water and wastewater treatment. His research interests centred around soil remediation and wastewater treatment technologies. These projects have taken him several times to Germany on research leaves. The current focus of his research is the fresh cut fruit and vegetable sector, with his research students looking at ways to treat both wash-water and wastewater, with the goal of reducing fresh water consumption. Prof. Zytner feels his current research has taken him full circle as he previously lived 30 years in Leamington, where many family members were involved in the agriculture sector.

JiM MEyErs Jim grew up in the family business and decided to make it his career for the past 10 years. His responsibilities include sales, HR, administration, transportation and production. He has a passion for both fruit and flower industries. At Meyers, they attribute their successes over the past 50+ years to the dedication of its employees. Labour relations is seen at Meyers as an evolving process and something that needs to be nurtured to create a successful workplace culture, and in turn a sustainable business for the future.

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CoMinG baCk To BY COURTNEY DENARD

The

family farm

Traditionally speaking, farming has never really been looked at as a desirable occupation... ...nor haS it Been ConSidered the BeSt PlaCe to

make a proﬁtable living but now a new draw to the family farm has emerged, bringing with it a new generation of entrepreneurial, tech-savvy, passionate young farmers. According to Statistics Canada, the average age of a Canadian farmer is currently 55 years old. This means that in the entire history of the census of agriculture—it started in 1871—farmers have never been older. It also means that in a very short period of time, Canada is going to be in a negative balance of farm operators when this group decides to retire. Discussions around this topic are not new. Just stop by any farm meeting and you’ll ﬁnd a roomful of grey haired individuals wondering exactly who will be taking over the family business. 28

Well, some good news is finally here. New data shows that young people across Canada are making their way back to the family farm after a long downward trend in the agriculture industry. It seems that suddenly, almost overnight, farming has become a leading contender in the variety of career choices young people have to choose from. Enrolment numbers at the University of Guelph confirm this. The number of students enrolling in U of G’s agriculture diploma program went up 35 per cent between 2007 and 2012. Applications to the agriculture degree program are up too with an increase of 30 per cent between 2009 and 2012. Undoubtedly a number of these students will work in the agriculture sector outside the farm gate but many will return home to work on their parent’s farm or start a farming enterprise of their own. Attending a post-secondary school that specializes in agriculture isn’t the only way young people are getting back into farming. Many of those from the Y and Z generations are working abroad or gaining real life farm experience at home in hopes of becoming the farm’s next CEO. Brother and sister team Erin and Ben McLean fit this

“New data shows that young people across Canada are making their way back to the family farm after a long downward trend in the agriculture industry.”

description perfectly. The McLean siblings grew up on a berry farm in Lakeﬁeld. Raised by their farmer parents Sam and Jane, Erin and Ben say they have been passionate about agriculture their entire lives. At 28, Erin is the older of the two siblings by three years and although she says her love for farming has always been present it took a journey half way around the world to prove to her that home is where she should be. Upon completing teacher’s college, Erin decided to take some time off to ﬁnd herself like so many young people do. While working as a nanny in Switzerland Erin says the level of homesickness and yearning for the farm hit an unprecedented high. “It was there that I realized just how much I would miss the farm if I wasn’t a part of it,” she says.

IMAGES TOP TO BOT TOM : SAM MCLEAN WITH DAUGHTER ERIN AND SON BEN ; ERIN KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON THE CROPS; ERIN AND BEN TAKING A BREAK; BEN AND ERIN DURING THE ‘WONDER’ YEARS.

“Quality is what truly matters in this business and I want our farm to be known for that even more than it already is today,”

At the same time, back home in Canada, Ben was starting to recognize that he too wanted to make farming his full-time career. Fresh out of high school, Ben was a little lost as to what to do next. When his father suggested joining the farm as a co-owner Ben decided that farming was his best choice and working with his family would be an opportunity he wouldn’t want to miss. To make room for not only one child returning to the farm but two, the McLean’s had to make some big changes. The first point of business was purchasing another berry farm for Ben to run so there would be an even distribution of work and income between each family member. Erin had to return home from Switzerland and get back into 30

the daily running of the family business. Fortunately, the transition didn’t take long. “I came home on a Wednesday and made my way to my ﬁrst farmers’ market that Saturday,” she says. Today, Erin and Ben continue to work as a family unit with their parents. Between McLean Berry Farm and Buckhorn Berry Farm (Ben’s operation that was purchased in 2009), the farms produce a variety of fresh fruit including strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, currants, and a handful of different vegetables. Maple syrup is produced in the winter months and agri-tourism events like the annual pumpkin festival in the fall and maple syrup festival in the spring offset farm income in the slower growing months. Looking back now, both Erin and

Ben say they’re certain they made the right choice returning to the family farm. As a next generation farmer Erin says she wants to focus on educating consumers about food and making the farm a real life classroom of agriculture. Ben is taking a more business minded approach and says he plans on focusing on providing the freshest produce around along with the best customer service. “Quality is what truly matters in this business and I want our farm to be known for that even more than it already is today,” he says. Whatever their legacies may be, it’s for certain that even at such a young age both Erin and Ben are well on their way to making all of their farming dreams come true.

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April 11, 2013 CCCA Ad for The Grower Full Page Tabloid No Bleed 10.5” x 15.25

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and The

2013–14

BY COURTNEY DENARD

The Grape Growers of Ontario have announced its selection for the 2013–2014 Grape King and this year the distinguished title goes to Wes Wiens.

Grape King

is...

name VineTech Canada. VineTech grows and sells grapevines specifically to the Canadian grape and wine industry. It also focuses on cloning, providing trellis materials and installation, as well as laser and GPS guided planting services. Wiens calls the business a “one call does it all” type of shop. And VineTech doesn’t stop there. The innovative business has also made research and development, along with environmental sustainability, a major focus in its everyday tasks. From trickle irrigation, to infloor heating and specialized multi-row equipment, VineTech uses only the best technologies that focus on efficiency and quality. The latter is especially important to Wiens who says quality is a critical standard that will get a company through the many ups and downs that inevitably come with running a

Born and raised on a grape and tender fruit farm in Niagara, Wiens has been a part of the horticulture industry his entire life. He is a true next generation grower who says he was inspired by the innovative approach and mindset of his father, Abe and Uncle Ernie. “That’s what really attracted me to make this industry my vocation,” Wiens says. At 36, Wiens has already acquired an impressive list of industry experience. He began his ofﬁcial career by completing the John Deere WES WEINS, THE 2013–2014 GR APE KING WITH WIFE, Agricultural Equipment BRIAR AND THEIR CHILDREN. Technician program at Fanshawe College. Upon graduation he took his newly honed skills home successful business. to the family farm to manage the operation’s maintenance When you ask Wiens how he feels about being chosen and repairs as well as provide the same service to other local as this year’s Grape King, the longtime grower says “both growers. humbled and honoured.” In 2003, Wiens was approached with an opportunity that “To think of all of the challenges we’ve faced starting would ultimately change his career path and his life. Martin this new business and then to be honoured in this way is Gemmrich, a local nursery owner, was looking to sell his signiﬁcant to my family and I,” he says. “There are so many already established business and wanted Wiens to be the sole people to thank including my brother Gary, my father, my purchaser. wonderful wife Briar and our four children.” It was undoubtedly a huge decision but Wiens saw the deal Wiens also says that he is looking forward to acting as an as a chance to stay in the industry he loves while taking on a industry ambassador over the next year. He hopes to use his new challenge. So Wiens said yes to Gemmrich’s offer and for time as Grape King to continue to promote what he calls a the past 11 years has been building a new business under the Canadian vision for the industry. 33

Honeybee The ontario

in Crisis

BY COURTNEY DENARD

All stewards of the land have been affected by the honeybee crisis that’s been making headline news since 2007. For

almoSt

deCade

noW,

members of horticulture and agriculture industries near and far have been working effortlessly to determine exactly what is going on in hopes of decreasing the number of honeybee losses that continue to rise on an annual basis. Les Eccles, Tech-Transfer Program Lead with the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association (OBA), says Canada is not immune to this global phenomenon that has the potential to wipe out farm production, as we know. Eccles recently took the time to sit down with the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention to answer some questions as to what’s happening with the crisis today and highlight ways Ontario growers can help navigate the situation.

Q What are the major issues currently facing the Ontario bee industry? a Honeybee health and keeping bees alive has been a big issue since 2007. The industry continues to have an increasing number of severe losses of honeybee colonies each year, especially over the

wintertime. It’s true that honeybees are experiencing a lot more stress and disease but the main pest is the varroa mite, which negatively affects a bee’s immune system. In the last couple of years, the other big issue facing the industry has been the use of neonicotinoid pesticides in conventional grain farming. We don’t really know how far, and to what extent, they’re affecting honeybees, but we do know they’re causing a huge kill in the spring. This is happening because only 2-20 per cent of the pesticide is being sprayed directly onto the seeds in the ﬁelds and the rest is going into the natural environment. New research is also showing levels of neonicotinoids in water and wetlands. This is problematic because bees drink their body weight in water everyday.

Q How is the Ontario bee industry dealing with these issues? a When it comes to dealing with the varroa mite, the industry has made it a big part of our integrated pest management (IPM) program. The

Ontario industry probably has the most developed program in North American when looking at this particular issue. For the past 20 years we’ve been able to develop effective management tools including treatment products that can be used to ﬁght off mites. It’s important to note that these treatment products must be rotated regularly in order to reduce the incidence of resistance throughout the industry. Monitoring mite levels is another important management practice we promote as part of our IPM program. For the neonicotinoid issue, a provincial working group has been established with numerous representatives from the horticulture and agriculture industries including the OBA, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, the Grain Farmers of Ontario, and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture to name a few. Representatives from these groups are sitting down to discuss the situation and working to come up with a report to give the Ontario Minister of Agriculture.

Unfortunately, this is a very complicated issue because grain farmers need to protect their crops, and beekeepers use pesticides in their production systems as well, but this particular pesticide is severely affecting pollinators and colony health. In response, the OBA has called for a ban of neonicotinoid pesticides until controls around usage can be better understood and implemented. Developing good IPM for crop production would be the best improvement going forward.

Q How are these issues impacting the Ontario horticulture and agriculture industries at large? a When people think about honeybees, they think honey but the main driver is actually pollination. Each year about 24,000 honeybees from Ontario are exported to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince

Edward Island to pollinate blueberries. The bees are then moved to Quebec to pollinate their provincial cranberry crop before they’re returned to Ontario where they pollinate canola and many other crops. In order to yield literally all of the fruits we produce throughout the country, honeybee maintenance is essential. There is a huge risk of losing and maintaining honeybees across the country right now. Approximately 35 per cent of honeybees are dying every year and that’s having a negative impact on our industry to say the least. With this loss comes even more loss in horticultural production and yields especially because a lot of the tender fruit pollinate early and that’s when the biggest colony hits are occurring.

a The number one suggestion I can make to growers right now is to only use neonicotinoids when it is absolutely necessary. Beekeepers are not against the use of pesticides in general; we just have to be markedly careful when it comes to this speciﬁc insecticide. It’s also important to provide good honeybee forage when the bees need it. This means having a consistent supply of blooming plants within the bees’ ﬂight range.

Q What specifi cally can Ontario growers do to help with the honeybee crisis?

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biLL To proMoTe LoCaL Food passes FinaL voTe BY COURTNEY DENARD

Ontario’s local food movement took a major step forward this past November when the provincial government officially passed the Local Food Act.

QuiCk FaCTs • The Local Food Act will require the government to produce an annual local food report on its activities to support local food. • The province’s agri-food sector contributes approximately $34 billion to the economy and supports more than 740,000 jobs across Ontario. • The province’s farmers produce more than 200 commodities, including fruits, vegetables, livestock, dairy, poultry, grains and oilseeds. Food processors in Ontario purchase about two-thirds of the food that is produced on the province’s farms. • Ontario’s Local Food Fund is part of a $30 million investment from the province to create jobs and support innovative local food projects over the next three years.

aCCordinG to the ontario Ministry of Agriculture and

Food, the Act fits perfectly into the Ministry’s broader and local strategy of supporting local food. Since 2003, the province has invested more than $116 million in initiatives that help promote and celebrate the good things that are grown, harvested and made in Ontario. The Act is being seen as another step in that direction. The purposes of the Local Food Act are to foster successful and resilient local food economies and systems in Ontario, while increasing the awareness of local food and developing new markets. The government also says that the new legislation, which is the first of its kind in Canada, will help Ontario’s economy. “The Local Food Act will benefit people by making the connection between buying local and helping grow an important Ontario industry,” says Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, who also wears the hat of minister of agriculture and food. “If we increase demand for homegrown food, we will create jobs and boost the agri-food sector’s contributions to our economy.” Michelle Seaborn, manager of the Grimsby Farmers’ Market, agrees that the new Act will do a lot to benefit Ontario’s fruit and vegetable industry. She says anything that promotes a healthy lifestyle is a good thing. “We have always known about local food and many of the benefits of it so I think it’s about time our Provincial government realized it too,” she says. Seaborn says the new Act will mean different things to different producers across the province. For example, large

producers who are able to meet long-term demand will benefit by the push to look for locally grown products at retail outlets and markets. The smaller farmer will benefit if co-operatives are formed, Seaborn says. She explains that small local co-operatives would help producers get their product to the local consumer more efficiently. The farmers’ market sector will see a positive impact as well. The number of farmers’ markets has grown substantially over the past few years and most of this is due to the consumer’s desire to eat healthy. Seaborn expects even more farmers’ markets to arise over the next few years providing new distribution outlets for even more locally grown fruits and vegetables. As part of the Act, growers will also be eligible for a nonrefundable tax credit of 25 per cent when they donate their surplus harvest to eligible community food programs such as food banks. Seaborn says this will give farmers an incentive to send excess product where needed and get a little compensation for doing so. “I think this is a great step with win-win possibilities,” she says. On the consumer end, the Act has the potential to show buyers exactly how much local food costs and as Seaborn points out the price is always more than imported food. She says that the price of fresh fruit and vegetables on farmers’ market stands often represent the real cost of farming not “lost leaders” used by grocery chain stores to lure customers into their business. So consumers are going to have to realize the true cost of farming in Ontario but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The taste and quality that comes with the escalated cost is usually enough to convince buyers to pay out a little more cash for locally produced goods. Mark Wales, of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), also publicly commented on the newly passed Act. He said, “The Local Food Act will serve as a constant reminder of the bounty of Ontario. The OFA is happy to see that it will target food literacy, local food use and will help farmers attend to the needs of others through a community food donation tax credit.” In an effort to officially celebrate Ontario’s local food and the farmers who grow it, the Act will declare one week in June as Local Food Week. The week will begin each year on the first Monday of the month.

The new Act will mean different things to different producers across the province.

oFvC ROUNDUP Global wine shortage makes headline news BY COURTNEY DENARD rePortS that the World marKet iS facing a wine shortage caused a media frenzy last fall when new data from Morgan-Stanley made headline news. The global fi nancial services fi rm released a report October 22 claiming that the industry is experiencing an undersupply of nearly 300 million cases per year. Reportedly the shortage comes despite the fact that there are one million wine producers globally, making 2.8 billion cases each year. About half of that comes from Europe and even at almost 3 billion cases, the supply is not enough to keep up with worldwide demand. Morgan-Stanley said that global production fell by more than five per cent last year, the lowest level since the 1960s, primarily due to bad weather in France and Argentina. Production in Europe alone dropped by 10 per cent in 2012 while worldwide consumption rose by one per cent that same year. Looking at consumption trends, the French take the lead on the world scale followed by the Americas and then the Chinese. The new data showed that America consumes 12 per cent of the world’s wine but produces just eight per cent. Consumption in the U.S. rose by two per cent in 2012.

Wine has become increasingly popular in China as the country’s economy booms and the standard of living improves. China is also producing more wine of its own, the report said. According to the Grape Growers of Ontario, 2012 was a record year in yield and quality for the provincial industry. In fact, the 2012 Ontario grape harvest was one of the highestvalued crops in the industry’s history. Total grape purchases grew to 66,014 tonnes and farm gate values rose to $88.6 million compared to $78.6 million in 2011. Wines made from 100 per cent Ontario grapes, known as Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA), reached 10.5 per cent of wine sales in Ontario in 2012 and continue to grow at 6.1 per cent by volume. Market share of VQA and Ontario wines sold in LCBO, Vintage Stores, Winery Retail Stores and direct delivery came in at 40.7 per cent in 2012. Ontario wine sales are currently valued at $658 million and generate $3.3 billion of economic impact.

OFVC Welcomes a New President

2013 Gary Ireland Scholarship Award

BY STEVE WATT

BY COURTNEY DENARD

iF you read the PreSident’S WelCome on page 5, you

on BehalF oF the univerSity oF GuelPh, the Ontario

may have noticed a new face. It belongs to new OFVC President, Matt Peters. Although he’s a new face, he’s an old hand in the horticultural ﬁeld as well as the convention. Since 2005, Matt has been actively involved with OFVC performing numerous roles on the organizing committee. Besides working behind the scenes, you probably OFVC PRESIDENT, MAT T PETERS have bumped into him as an exhibitor at the N. M. Barlett Inc., booth or during the Farmers & Friends reception as a reception sponsor. Growing up in St. Catharines, Matt developed a keen interest in plants. That interest led him to the University of Guelph where he graduated with an honours BSc, top of the hort class. After graduating, he joined the company his great-grandfather, Norman Millet Bartlett, started and the rest as they say, is history. Matt currently enjoys working as the Sales Rep for NMB crop protection, managing two equipment lines for Provide Agro (a Barlett company) and heading the marketing team. An avid sports fan with a love of volleyball, he lists camping, canoeing, wine, travel and growing food in the backyard as things he enjoys doing. But most of all, besides work and his OFVC duties, you’ll ﬁnd Matt enjoying family time with his wife Allison and their two young children. “I am extremely proud to be a part of this great event called the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention and look forward to strengthening our position as Canada’s premier horticultural event.”

Fruit and Vegetable Convention would like to recognize Leo Droogendyk, the recipient of the 2013 Gary Ireland Scholarship Award. Droogendyk was born and raised on Cedar Ridges Farm in Princeton where he spent his childhood helping his family run their intensively managed fresh-market lettuce operation. From a very young age, Droogendyk could be found helping with countless tasks around the farm. As the young farmer grew so too did his responsibilities and his passion for farming and agriculture. Because of this Droogendyk chose to attend the University of Guelph and recently completed a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture with a major in crops and horticulture. Droogendyk also completed a certiﬁcate in business also at U of G. Moving back home to co-own the farm is almost the next item on Droogendyk’s to-do list. First though he will be spend the next few months travelling the globe before joining the farm operation on a full-time basis later this spring.

SCHOL ARSHIP RECIPIENT LEO DROOGENDYK WITH OFVC CHAIR, TONY SCAMBELLURI.

kurTZ orChards FarM & MarkeTpLaCe: ONTAR IO FAR M FRESH

Outstanding Farm Market of the Year BY COURTNEY DENARD

A third generation farm market with an equal passion for farming and entrepreneurship has been chosen as the 2014 Outstanding Farm Market of the Year, presented by the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association. Kurt z

orChardS

Farm

marKetPlaCe is being recognized

this year for its unprecedented ability to value add and deliver what consumers want. The enterprise not only produces some of the best quality goods in the Niagara region it also provides an unforgettable on-farm experience for its guests. Anne Just, owner and operator, says the orchard has solid roots in the Ontario horticulture industry. The business, which was originally started by her Polish immigrant grandparents, began as a wholesale operation nearly a half-century ago. Anne’s mother Jean, along with her husband Edward, Anne’s father, was the second generation to take over the family orchard. Together the couple took the farm to new heights by adding a specialty foods division and implementing a direct sales business model. This was the farm Anne grew up on. From a very young age, Anne saw the opportunity in farming and says it was her parents who turned the tide on what she understood agriculture to be. “It was no longer the sad story of having a load of fresh fruit rejected by the canning factory; there was hope for 40

AROUND THE FARM : KURTZ’S ORCHARDS FARM & MARKETPL ACE

prosperity on the farm,” she says, adding that for as long as she can remember success and sustainability were the goals she’s held close to her heart. And today, no one can deny that Anne has achieved these goals. Her current business plan proﬁtably runs 50 acres of apples, tender fruit and vineyards. There is a market store directly on the farm and another one mile down the road in Niagara-on-theLake. In 2010, Anne opened yet another retail business in Carmel, California to access the American market. Over the past two years, Kurtz Orchards has also moved fruitfully

into the high-end wedding industry becoming one of the hottest wedding venues in the region. Anne says that when she was told she was the recipient of this year’s award it was very special indeed. “I got the call just as I was looking over the Napa Valley in California and that was extremely quintessential. We were beholding the rolling hills, glasses in hand, enjoying the simple beauty and taste of agriculture,” she says. It was a true full-circle moment one that Anne says she could not have achieved without the support of many dedicated family members, friends and a loyal staff. “You can never truly succeed in business if you do not realize the people who work with you or around you. I know for certain that I would not be where I am today without the hard work each and everyone of us has put into this business for the past 50 years.” With a mindset like that, it’s not hard to see why Kurtz Orchards Farm & Marketplace was chosen to represent the farm market industry this year. Congratulations to Anne and her hard working team in Canada and in the U.S.

AWARD OF MERIT 2014

NPF & VGA

BY COURTNEY DENARD

the late Wayne roBertS has been

named this year’s recipient of the Industry Award of Merit, presented by the Niagara Peninsula Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association. Roberts spent his entire career working on behalf of the horticulture industry on any and all matters dealing with the development and registration of crop protection materials. Known to many as ‘the big guy,’ Roberts started his career with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, which gained him national experience and contacts in the industry. Roberts eventually took a position with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, where he spent a large portion of his career acting as the director of integrated pest management (IPM) programs. In 1996, Roberts accepted a new position with the Tender Fruit Board and the Grape Growers of Ontario. In this role, Roberts used his widespread knowledge and experience to direct the organizations’ IPM system

“He was a driving force in helping the industry...” development. He also focused heavily on efforts related to crop protection materials including registration. Some highlights of Robert’s career include: the registration of Pyrimite for the control of red mite in grapes; the emergency registration of materials to control Asian Lady Bird Beetles; and extensive leadership on the control and eradication of the Plum Pox Virus. Roberts also provided guidance to the Ontario Apple Growers and Landscape Ontario for several years on their research and IPM programming. Roberts retired in 2010 but continued to provide consulting services until his passing in 2013. Torrie Warner, owner of Warner’s Farm in Beamsville and long-time member of the Ontario Fruit and

NPF & VGA AWARD OF MERIT WINNER WAYNE ROBERTS

Vegetable Growers’ Association, says Roberts is the perfect recipient of this year’s award. “He was a driving force in helping the industry to solve the Oriental Fruit Moth crisis in the mid-1990’s. He was also a team player and in the last 10 years helped the industry develop a certiﬁed program to provide clean fruit tree nursery stock,” says Warner. Sadly, with his passing Roberts will not be able to accept his award in person but there is no doubt that his legacy and contribution to the industry will live on for years to come. The NPF & VGA Award of Merit will be presented on Wednesday, February 19 at the conclusion of the Tender Fruit morning session in Room 207 & 208.

“Bartlett” Washer/Waxer Custom width/length Alternating independently variable speed brushes  Follower to push product through at end of run  Automated brush washing system  Food Safe, and easily integrated with water treatment system

1.800.263.1287 905.563.8261 Beamsville, ON

info@provideag.ca Provide Agro

A Bartlett Company

THE FARM CREDIT CANADA STAGE The Hub for Information

With a neW loCation and an expanded program, the Farm Credit

Canada Stage is the hub for information and entertainment at this year’s convention. Conveniently located next to the Food Court area, the stage will host a variety of events including cooking demonstrations featuring some of Ontario’s most celebrated chefs. See which company brings home The Great Ontario-Hopped Craft Beer title, who reigns supreme in the cider competition and which exhibitor walks away with the coveted Innovation Award with award presentations occurring throughout the show. Special guests, announcements and excitement – ﬁnd it all at the Farm Credit Canada Main Stage! Check TV monitors situated throughout the trade show ﬂoor for program details.