OFVC 2019 Show Guide

CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL EVENT

2019 ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONVENTION

17 YEARS STRONG!

SHOW GUIDE FEBRUARY 20–21, 2019 Scotiabank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, Ontario

#ofvc2019

THINK FRESH GROW .

SMAR T.

O SERIES ORGANIC HIGH PERFORMANCE GROWING MEDIA

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Organic grower, we’ve got you covered.

Meet us at Booth # 910

For more information, contact us.

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1 800 561-5204 | www.fafard.ca/en/growers ®/TM used under license by Scotts Canada Ltd. © 2019 Scotts Canada Ltd. World rights reserved.

CONTENTS

OFVC E XECUTIVE & COMMITTEE MEMBERS

PRE SIDENT

Matt Peters, N.M. Barlett Inc., HCO VICE PRE SIDENT Kevin Schooley BERRY GROWERS OF ONTARIO, HCO SECRE TA RY TRE A SURER

Glenna Cairnie

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President’s Welcome

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Thanks to our Great Sponsors

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Convention Exhibitors

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Trade Show and Session Room Maps

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Session Schedule

12

Speaker Biographies

DIREC TORS

Cathy Bartolic ONTARIO FARM FRESH, HCO Kelly Ciceran ONTARIO APPLE GROWERS, HCO Catherine Clark FARMERS’ MARK E T S ONTARIO, HCO Deanna Nemeth OMAFR A Kevin Schooley BERRY GROWERS OF ONTARIO, HCO Tony Sgambelluri NPF & VG A Tom Tancock NPF & VG A Torrie Warner NPF & VG A Tom Wiley NPF & VG A CH AIR

Tony Sgambelluri NPF & VG A CONVENTION CO ORDIN ATOR

Glenna Cairnie FACILITIE S

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Shining a Spotlight on Women in Agriculture

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Making a Difference Through Dedication and a Smile

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Get Ready for Cannabis Farming in Ontario

Kevin Schooley BERRY GROWERS OF ONTARIO, HCO TR ADE SHOW Ross Parker NPF & VG A Tom Tancock NPF & VG A SPE A KER PRO GR A M Amanda Green OMAFR A Dr. Jason Deveau OMAFR A SPE A KER CO - ORDIN ATOR

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OFVC Roundup

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Farmers’ Markets Ontario® Celebration of Excellence 2018

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Young Farmers Growing Strong

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OFFMA Outstanding Farm Market of the Year: Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch

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NPF & VGA Award of Merit 2018

Carol Pupo AC COMMODATIONS Catherine Clark FARMERS’ MARK E T S ONTARIO, HCO REGIS TR ATION, TR ADE SHOW & SP ONS ORSHIP CO - ORDIN ATOR

Glenna Cairnie FA RMERS A ND FRIENDS RECEP TION Catherine Clark FARMERS’ MARK E T S ONTARIO, HCO P OS TER SE S SIONS Hannah Fraser OMAFR A Dennis Van Dyk OMAFR A M A RKE TIN G /A DVERTISIN G / WEBSITE Steve Watt BRIGHT LIGHT COMMUNICATIONS, HCO TR A NSP ORTATION Cathy Bartolic ONTARIO FARM FRESH, HCO COMMIT TEE MEMBERS AT L A RGE Ken Slingerland NPF & VG A Deanna Nemeth OMAFR A Torrie Warner NPF & VG A Tom Wiley NPF & VG A 2019 SE S SION CH AIRS

Margaret Appleby Elizabeth Best NIAG AR A COLLEGE RESE ARCH & INNOVATION

CONVENTION PARTNERS

Kathryn Carter OMAFR A Kelly Ciceran OAG Travis Cranmer OMAFR A Dr. Jason Deveau OMAFR A Wayne Du OMAFR A James Dyck OMAFR A Kristen Ego EGO’S G ARDEN CENTRE AND FARM MARK E T

Evan Elford OMAFR A Kim Feere K ITCHENER FARMERS’ MARK E T

Interested in advertising in the 2020 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.

Dr. Melanie Filotas OMAFR A Hannah Fraser OMAFR A Kristy Grigg-McGuffin

Copyright © 2019 by OFVC Inc. Printed in Canada by Annex Publishing and Printing Inc.

CCOV I

OMAFR A

Andréanne Hébert-Haché

Jay Howell BR ANT V IE W APPLES & CIDER

Belinda Kemp CCOV I Christoph Kessel OMAFR A David Lauzon OMAFR A Todd Leuty OMAFR A Richard Liu OCCA Sarah Marshall OTFG Steve Martin MARTIN’S FA MILY FRUIT FARM

Sarah Martz OMAFR A Erica Pate OMAFR A Erin Panek OMAFR A Elaine Roddy OMAFR A Kevin Schooley BGO Rebecca Shortt OMAFR A Amanda Tracey OMAFR A Dennis Van Dyk OMAFR A Peter Vanweerden OMAFR A Robb Wagner OMAFR A Dr. Sean Westerveld OMAFR A

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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME Welcome to the 2019 edition of the OFVC! MATT PETERS PRESIDENT

Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention

On behalf of the OFVC board, committee and volunteers I’d like to welcome you to the bountiful Niagara region for OFVC 2019 and thank you for choosing to spend your valuable time here with us.

and vegetable industry through our two organizing partners: the Niagara Peninsula Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (NPF&VGA) and Horticultural Crops Ontario (HCO).

We have a great event planned for you this year and it will prove to be a hectic 2+ days so make sure you study the show guide and try to organize your time to take it all in.

Congratulations to the innovative fruit and vegetable growers in attendance for rising to the challenges of increasingly difficult market demands to achieve the nobble goal of growing a healthy and sustainable food source for Canadians. The collective group who organizes and executes the OFVC every year happily does this for you as we share these same goals.

We are excited to expand on our commitment to promoting equality and inclusion in agriculture with the “outstanding in HER field” networking breakfast event to be held Thursday morning. Our trade show is sold out once again, so please leave ample time to hit the floor and visit with our 100+ exhibitors.

A big thank you to our generous sponsors, speakers and attendees who empower us to provide this forum of discussion and growth. The OFVC committee is very proud of our standing as a not-for-profit organization that cycles all profits back into the Ontario fruit

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We wish you health, happiness and prosperity for the 2019 season!

THINK FRESH GROW .

SMAR T.

THANKS TO OUR GREAT SPONSORS PL AT I N U M

GO LD

BELCHIM CROP PROTECTION CANADA

S I LVE R

B R O N ZE

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CONVENTION EXHIBITORS 608 A & L Canada Laboratories 606 A Link Computer Solutions Inc. 1114 A.M.A. Horticulture Inc. 905 Abell Pest Control 1108 Actagro LLC 125 Adams County Nursery Inc. 400 ADS Canada Inc. 430 Advantage Packaging 724 Agricorp 215 Agriculture & Food Laboratory – University of Guelph 533 Agri-Flex Inc. 1107 AgriFresh Technologies Canada Inc. 828 Agrofrost Canada Inc. 312 AgroHaitai Ltd. 208 AgSquared 304 Allied Associates, LLP Chartered Professional Accountants 111 Alpine 600 Aqua Q 114 Aqua Treatment Technologies Inc. 426 Arysta Life Science/UPL 415 Atlantic Packaging Products 728 Axter AgroScience Inc. 222 BASF Canada Inc. 1118 Baxter Kitchens Inc. 814 Bayer Crop Science 210 Bayfield Berry Farm 413 BCM (Bertie and Clinton Mutual Insurance) 502 Belchim Crop Protection Canada (formerly Engage Agro) 902 Ben Berg Farm & Industrial Equip. Ltd. 217 Berger 1016 Besseling Group North America Inc. 804 BioWorks Inc. 1007 Bird Control Group 127 Boyle Tractor 524 Burgess Baskets 1116 Bylands Nurseries Ltd. 917 C. Frensch Ltd. 130 Cadman Power Equipment 711 Canadian Fruit Tree Nursery Co-operative Ltd. 1009 CBA 510 Central Fabricating & Welding 410 Cog-Veyor Systems Inc. 229 Cool Climate Oenology & Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), Brock University 517 Corteva Agriscience, Agricultural Division of DowDuPont 1123 CP Industries Ltd. 907 Crescent Oil/Fuels Inc. 1022 Croptracker 309 CWB National Leasing 913 DeCloet Greenhouse Mfs. Ltd.

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927 Delaware Pump and Parts Ltd. 107 Deluxe Payroll 1111 Desjardins Business 706 Dominion and Grimm Inc. 536 Don Arthur Orchard Equipment 1008 Douglas Agricultural Services Inc. 1112 Drape Net North America, LLC 822 DuBois Agrinovation Inc. 403 Durward Jones Barkwell & Co. 811 Eckert Machines 313 ECO+ 314 Ecocert Canada 1006 ecoSolv Ag Technologies 528 Elnova Ltee 1103 Evans Manufacturing Company LLC 506 Evergreen Liquid Plant Food 611 Farm Credit Canada 115 Farm for Profit/Greencrop Agri Products Ltd. 325 Farm Power Equipment Inc. 1012 FBC 406 Filmorganic 408 First Genesis Inc./Sunflower Rubber & Plastics 532 Flexo Products Ltd. 213 FMC Canada 407 Fraktals – One Chocolate Corp.

731 Frontline Process Solutions Inc. 323 Frontlink Inc. 428 Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corp. (DRC) 308 Fruit & Vegetable Magazine 227 Fruit Support Europe bv 411 General Seed Company 113 Georgia-Pacific Corrugated 300 Gintec Shade Technologies Inc. 915 Global Horticulture Inc. 705 Grant Thornton LLP 515 Grape Growers of Ontario 109 Green Lea Ag Center Inc. 701 Grimo Nut Nursery 1011 Grindstone Creek Nursery Inc. 925 Growers Mineral Solutions 436 H & W Equipment 601 Harvestech 809 Heartnut Grove Inc. 700 Hindle’s Clarksburg Hardware 529 HM Clause Inc. 812 Hoskin Scientific Ltd. 1106 Huplaso 911 ICL Specialty Fertilizers 630 Ideal Pipe 626 Industrial Bags Inc./Sacs Industriels Inc. 202 Iron Earth Canada 801 Jiffy 511 Johnny’s Selected Seeds 530 Kam’s Grower Supply

625 KOOLJET Refrigeration Inc. 310 Koppert Biological Systems 201 La Cité 914 Lakeside Grain & Feed 922 Lakeview Vineyard Equipment Inc. 305 Lambert Peat Moss Inc. 336 Leading Edge Equipment Ltd. 1104 Let Us Sell Your Farm – You-me.ca 903 Lift Line Machinery Ltd. 831 Local Line Inc. 727 Maximum H2O 311 Maxstim Products Inc. 923 Meester Insurance Centre 416 Meridian Credit Union 909 MNP LLP 224 Monte Package Company 729 Moore Packaging Corporation 707 Mori Vines Inc. 736 MS Gregson Inc. 900 Munckhof Mfg. 322 N.M. Bartlett Inc./Provide Agro Corp.

627 National Building Group Inc. 527 Natural Insect Control 206 Niagara Christian Gleaners 509 Niagara College – Research & Innovation 808 Niagara North Federation of Agriculture 825 Niagara Orchard & Vineyard Corp.

526 NNZ Inc. 704 Norgen Biotek Corp.

414 Norseco Inc. 100 Northern Equipment Solutions.

628 Northshore Grapevine Nursery 632 NSF International 405 Nufarm 302 Nurture Growth Bio Fertilizer Inc. 624 NutriAg Ltd. 1014 Nuvia Technologies Inc. 1105 Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) 108 OMAFRA 412 OMEX Agriculture Inc. 1010 On Target Spray Systems 402 O’Neils Farm Equipment 417 Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association 401 Ontario Food Terminal Board 710 Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association – The Grower 929 Ontario Orchard Supply 609 Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association 126 Organic 4 Greens 708 Penn Refrigeration Ltd. 316 Phytocultures Ltd. 319 Pineapple Bytes 1102 Planet Paper Box Group Inc.

1109 Plant A Row 802 Plant Products Inc. 1013 PlantTape 1000 Premier Containers (1983) Inc. / The Apple Bag Lady 1026 Premier Equipment Ltd. 333 Premier Tech Horticulture 725 Princeton Wood Preservers Ltd. 122 ProduceTech 1113 R & W Equipment Ltd. 136 Redtrac International Ltd. 232 RJ Equipment 508 Rupp Seeds 226 Scholten’s Machinery 910 Scotts/Fafard 732 Seedway 703 Seminova 236 Slimline Manufacturing Ltd. (Turbomist) 123 Sparlings/Ultramar 500 Sparro Automation 306 Speare Seeds 212 Specialty Vegetable Equipment Inc. 829 St. Catharines New Holland Ltd. 607 Steam ‘n’ Weeds 800 Stevens Drainage 603 Stokes Seeds Ltd. 1110 Stoller Enterprises Ltd. 307 Structural Panels Inc. 230 Terramanus Technologies 702 The Cider Keg 131 Tilmor 636 Tirecraft 1002 Tunnel Tech 317 Twistyer Products Inc. 602 UAP Canada Inc. 901 Univerco (1978) Inc. 112 University of Guelph – Experiential Learning 204 UPI 432 UPI Energy FS 906 Upper Canada Growers 409 V. Kraus Nurseries Ltd. 1124 Vailmont Vineyards Ltd. 422 VandenBussche Irrigation & Equipment 531 Vegetolab Inc. 117 Vine Tech Canada Inc. 709 Vineland Growers Co-operative Ltd. 507 Vineland Research and Innovation Centre 806 VirtualOne/FreshQC Software 833 Warwick Orchards & Nursery Ltd. 730 Weather INnovations Consulting LP 513 Wellington Wood Packaging 225 Widder Fabricating 803 Willsie Equipment Sales

EXHIBITOR AND SESSION ROOM MAPS SC OTI A B A NK C ON V E N T I O N CE N T RE

SCOTI A B A NK C ON V E N T I O N CE N T R E 2 N D L E VEL

Sponsored by

Shuttle Bus Schedule Complimentary shuttle bus service is provided between the Scotiabank Convention Centre and the Embassy Suites Fallsview Hotel.

TUESDAY Noon – 6:00 pm WEDNESDAY 7:00 am – 7:30 pm THURSDAY 7:00 am – 5:30 pm

C ONV ENTI O N CE N T RE PA RK I N G CO M PLIM EN TS O F:

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SESSIONS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019

(All sessions and speakers subject to change)

MORNING ROOM 201 & 202

ROOM 203

CEU SWEET CORN AND PUMPKINS

ROOM 204

CEU FOLIARMICRONUTRIENTS

Chair: Elaine Roddy, OMAFRA 9:30 Fruit Rots of Pumpkins and Squash Dr. Sally Miller, Ohio State University, USA 10:00 Soil Management Strategies for Intensive Vegetable Rotations Dr. Kate Congreves, University of Saskatchewan 10:30 Insect Pests of Sweet Corn: Trapping, Identification and Management Options Marion Zuefle, Cornell University, USA 11:00 Nutrient Cycling in Vegetable Crops Dr. Kate Congreves, University of Saskatchewan

ROOM 205

CEU BUSINESS

Chair: Christoph Kessel, OMAFRA 9:30 The Challenges of Applying Foliar Nutrients Dr. Abdel El Hadrami, OMEX Agriculture Inc. 10:00 Boron: Fact and Fiction Wendall Boehlje 20 Mule Team Borax, Rio Tinto, USA 10:30 Foliar Nutrient Products: Which to Choose Dr. Abdel El Hadrami, OMEX Agriculture Inc. 11:00 Foliar Fun Facts Christoph Kessel, OMAFRA SESSION SPONSORED BY:

ROOM 206

CEU WINERY

CEU APPLE CIDER

Chair: Robb Wagner OMAFRA

Chair: Erin Panek, OMAFRA

Chair: Richard Liu, OCCA

9:30 Making Money with Your Pen Margaret May, OSCIA

9:30 The Role of Macromolecules on Red Wine Stability and Astringency Dr. Matteo Marangon, University of Padova, Italy

9:30 Panel: Winners and Losers of Cider Specific Cultivar Trials in Ontario Derek Plotkowski, University of Guelph and Dr. Darby McGrath, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

10:00 Decreasing Burden, Maximizing Sustainability Nick Betts, Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform

10:00 Tannin Alert Update Dr. Belinda Kemp, CCOVI

10:30 Taxation Update Rick Wismer, MNP 11:00 Regulatory Compliance and Risk Managment: Benefits of a DRC Membership Anne Fowlie, Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation

10:30 Building Body: Tannins and Structure in Red Wines Dr. Anna Katherine Mansfield, Cornell University, USA 11:00 Soil Type Impact on Aromatics Dr. Belinda Kemp and Dr. Jim Willwerth, CCOVI

SESSION SPONSORED BY:

10:00 Juice Composition for Hard Cider Production: Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen and Foliar Fertilization Derek Plotkowski, University of Guelph 10:30–11:30 Panel: Current Examples of Contracting Apples for Cider in Ontario Nick Sutcliffe, Pommies Cider; Brock Puddicombe, Puddicombe Cider Company; and John Ardiel, Ardiel Cider House

AFTERNOON ROOM 201 & 202

CEU VEGETABLE WEED CONTROL

ROOM 203 DRIP IRRIGATION WORKSHOP

ROOM 204

CEU

EMERGING TOOLS FOR IPM

ROOM 205

ROOM 206

WINERY

TENDER FRUIT

CEU

CEU

Chair: Dennis Van Dyk, OMAFRA

Rebecca Shortt, OMAFRA

Chair: Hannah Fraser, OMAFRA

Chair: Dr. Belinda Kemp, CCOVI

2:00 Weed Control in Carrots Dr. Clarence Swanton, University of Guelph

1:00–4:00 Develop Your Farm Specific Drip Irrigation Schedule

2:30 Integrated Weed Management Without Linuron Herbicide Dr. Jed Colquhoun, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA

1. Farm Water Requirements: Crop peak flow and annual water requirements

2:00 Reality Bytes: Detecting Plant Diseases with Aerial Photography is Harder Than it Looks Dr. Mary-Ruth McDonald, University of Guelph

2:00 Wine Fining with Plant Proteins Dr. Matteo Marangon, University of Padova, Italy

3:00 Stacked In-Row Cultivation Tools Improve Weed Management and Tool Selectivity in Carrots Dr. Dan Brainard, Michigan State University, USA 3:30 Potato Weed/Vine Management and Cover Crop Mulches for Weed Control in Organic Vegetable Production Dr. Jed Colquhoun, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA

2. Plant Water Requirements: System operating time and schedule for various crop growth stages 3. Preferred Irrigation Scheduling Tools and Techniques Bring a calculator and a pencil.

SESSION SPONSORED BY:

2:30 Sterile Male Releases for Control of Insect Pests Dr. François Fournier, Collège Montmorency 3:00 Is There a Place for RNAi in IPM Programs for Insect Pests?

Dr. Cynthia Scott-Dupree, University of Guelph 3:30 Refining PheromoneBased Monitoring and Attractand-Kill Tools for Native and Invasive Fruit Pests Dr. Tracy Leskey, USDAAgriculture Research Service, USA

2:30 Feed your Yeast: The Importance of YAN Dr. Anna Katherine Mansfield, Cornell University, USA 3:00–4:00 LCBO Sparkling Wine Trends Carolyn O’Grady-Gold, LCBO

Chair: Peter Vanweerden, OMAFRA 2:00 Safe Food for Canadians Regulations Jeremias Cull, CFIA 2:30 Post Harvest Handling Tips for Peaches and Pears: Insights from California Dr. Elizabeth Mitcham, University of California-Davis, USA 3:00 The Biology and Management Options for Thrips in Stone Fruit Dr. Brett R. Blaauw, University of Georgia & Clemson University, USA 3:30 Out of this World New Fresh Grape Varieties Dr. Amy Bowen and Michael Kauzlaric, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre SESSION SPONSORED BY:

BELCHIM CROP PROTECTION CANADA

TRADESHOW & POSTER DISPLAY 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

CEU = CEU Credits *Video Conference

MORNING ROOM 207 & 208

BALLROOM A

CEU

BALLROOM B

CEU

TENDER FRUIT

BERRIES

OFFMA SUMMIT

Chair: Kathryn Carter, OMAFRA

Chair: Erica Pate, OMAFRA

9:30 Soil Health Anne Verhallen, OMAFRA

9:30 Mustard as a Pre-Plant Cover Crop Charles Gray, 4 Corners Farm, USA

10:00 You Say You Want a Revolution? Well, You Know High Density Peaches Could Save the Orchard Dr. Greg Lang, Michigan State University, USA 10:30 Achieving Consistent High Quality Pears Dr. Stefano Musacchi, Washington State University, USA 11:00 Improving Labour Efficiency Grower Panel and Reducing Production Costs Doug Darling, Sunnydale Farm; Kai Wiens, Kai Wiens Family Farm Ltd.; and, Brett Schuyler, Schuyler Farms Ltd.

BALLROOM C

CEU

10:00 Labour EfficiencyDifferent Motivation and Remuneration Techniques David Lemire, Jasmine Sauvé, La Ferme Horticole Gagnon

BALLROOM D

CEU HOPS

FMO NETWORKING SYMPOSIUM

Chair: Steve Martin, Martin’s Family Fruit Farm

Chairs: Evan Elford and Dr. Melanie Filotas, OMAFRA

9:30–10:30 Create a Farm Website that Sells Charlotte Smith, 3 Cow Marketing, USA

9:30 Environmental Impacts on 9:30–10:30 California Certified Farmers’ Market Program Hop Cone Quality Evan Elford, OMAFRA Gail Hayden, California Farmers’ Market Association, USA 10:00 Pest Management and

10:30–11:30 Keeping Track of your Employee Hours Al Kinsella, Barrie Hill Farm and Shannon Miller, Miller’s Bay Farm

10:30 Tips for Delivering Quality Berries to Buyers 11:30–12:00 OFFMA’s AGM Dr. Elizabeth Mitcham, University of California-Davis, USA 11:00 New Products for Berry Crop Protection Representatives from Biosafe, Bayer, FMC, Syngenta

Cone Quality Dr. Melanie Filotas, OMAFRA and Dr. Asifa Munawar, University of Guelph 10:30 Post-Harvest Methods for Optimal Cone Quality Alex Adams, Cedar Hop Farm, Harmony Agricultural Services, and Processing Consultant, MILocal Hops, USA

Chair: Jay Howell, Brantview Apples & Cider

10:30–11:30 How Special Events can Grow your Brand and Make $$$ Tess Van Den Bosch, Night Market, Junction Farmers’ Market; and Noella Rinaldo, Applefest, Urban Park Market

11:30–12:00 In Recognition of FMO Excellence

11:00 Ontario Processor Perspectives: What Do We Need to Do to Improve Cone Quality?

Brandon Bickle, Valley Hops; Curtis VanQuaethem, VQH Farms & Kinglake Farms; Nicolas Schaut, Bighead Hops; and Scott Hayhoe, Hayhoe Hops

SESSION SPONSORED BY:

AFTERNOON ROOM 207 & 208

BALLROOM A

CEU GRAPE

BERRIES

Chair: Margaret Appleby

Chair: Kevin Schooley, BGO

2:00 How to Manage Hard to Control Weeds in Grapes Kristen Obeid, OMAFRA

2:00 How to Give Your Transplants the Best Chance of Survival Charles Keddy, Keddy Nursery Inc.

2:30 Precision Vineyard Management Dr. Kaan Kurtural, University of California-Davis, USA 3:00 Canopy Management Techniques to Improve Fruit Quality and Reduce Rot in Vinifera Cultivars Dr. Paolo Sabbatini, Michigan State University, USA 3:30 The Italian Grape and Wine Industry: Role of Breeding for Innovation Dr. Enrico Peterlunger, University of Udine, Italy SESSION SPONSORED BY:

BALLROOM B

BALLROOM C

BALLROOM D

OFFMA SUMMIT

THE GREAT ONTARIOHOPPED CRAFT BEER COMPETITION

FMO NETWORKING SYMPOSIUM & AGM

CEU

2:30–3:30 Panel: Harvest Management and Logistics Charles Gray, 4 Corners Farm, USA; Dave Klyn-Hesselink, Fenwick Berry Farm; Dusty Zamecnik, EZ Grow Farms; and Dave VanDeVelde, Wholesome Pickins 3:30 Fitting New Herbicides into your Berry Weed Management Program Kristen Obeid, OMAFRA SESSION SPONSORED BY:

BELCHIM CROP PROTECTION CANADA

Chair: Steve Martin, Martin’s Family Fruit Farm 2:00–3:00 The Causey Farm Story: On-Farm Events Angela Murtagh, Causey Farms, Ireland 3:00–4:00 Content & Branding: Making First Impressions that Last Jenna Champagne, Murphy’s Farm Market and Bakery 4:00–5:00 Round Table Talks Moderator: Leslie Forsythe, Forsythe Family Farms

Chairs: Dr. Jason Deveau, Evan Elford and David Lauzon, OMAFRA SESSION SPONSORED BY:

PORT COLBORNE LOUNGE ONTARIO’S FINEST SWEET & HARD CIDER COMPETITION

Chairs: Kelly Ciceran, OAG and Kristy Grigg-McGuffin, OMAFRA

Chair: Jay Howell, Brantview Apples & Cider 2:00–3:00 Rising from the Ashes: Rebuilding Your Farmers’ Market Rachelle Richard-Collette, Bouctouche Farmers’ Market, New Brunswick 3:00–4:00 Market Success and Challenges in Nova Scotia Justin Cantafio, Nova Scotia Farmers’ Market Co-operative 4:00–4:45 FMO Activities and Annual General Meeting

SESSIONS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2019

(All sessions and speakers subject to change)

MORNING ROOM 201 & 202

CEU VEGETABLE DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Chair: Amanda Tracey, OMAFRA 9:30 Managing Phytophthora Crown and Fruit Rot Dr. Mary Hausbeck, Michigan State University, USA

ROOM 203

ROOM 204

CEU

FOOD SAFETY FOR PRODUCE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

ROOM 205

TAPPING INTO SECONDARY STREAM REVENUE FOR FARMS

ORGANIC PEST MANAGEMENT

Chairs: Wayne Du and Sarah Martz, OMAFRA

Chair: Elizabeth Best, Niagara College Research & Innovation

Chair: Dr. Melanie Filotas, OMAFRA

9:30 Safe Food for Canadians Regulations Jeremias Cull, CFIA

9:30–10:30 Panel: Where to Find and Engage Expertise to Help You with Your Food Product Idea Dr. Ana Cristina Vega-Lugo, Niagara College; Dr. Angela Tellez, Synthesis Food Consulting; and Trissia Mellor, Northumberland County

9:30 Biopesticides for Disease Management in Organic Vegetables Dr. Sally Miller, Ohio State University, USA

10:00 Lessons for Late Blight Management in Tomato Dr. Cheryl Trueman, University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus

10:00 Agri-Tourism and Food Safety!

Connie Kehler, Herb, Spice and Specialty Agriculture Assn.

10:30 Predicting and Managing Sclerotinia in Carrots and Tomatoes Dr. Mary Ruth McDonald, University of Guelph

10:30 The Canadian Agricultural Partnership: Overview of Food Safety CostShare Funding for Horticulture Christine Card, OMAFRA

11:00 Integrated Approaches to Managing Bacterial Diseases of Tomatoes Dr. Sally Miller, Ohio State University, USA

11:00 Food Safety Culture in Agriculture Dr. Brita Ball, Brita Ball & Associates

SESSION SPONSORED BY:

Moderator: Dr. Rob Lencki, University of Guelph 10:30–11:30 Panel: Shared Experiences by Farmers Who Have Successfully Created a Secondary Revenue Stream with ‘Seconds’ Paul Harber, Ravine Vineyard; Sharon Judd, Meadow Lynn Farms; Jammie Underhill and Donya Litowitz, CanAm Peppers; and Kevin Martin, Martin’s Family Fruit Farm

ROOM 206

CEU

CEU TENDER FRUIT

Chair: Sarah Marshall, OTFG 9:30 How to Manage Hard to Control Weeds in Tender Fruit Kristen Obeid, OMAFRA

10:00 Insect Control Strategies in Organic Crops Liette Lambert, MAPAQ 10:30 Organic Weed Management: Many Little Hammers Hugh Martin, Hugh Martin Agricultural Consulting 11:00 A Grower’s Experience Managing Pests Organically Wolfgang Pfenning, Pfenning’s Organic Farm

10:00 Are We There Yet? The Road Map to Dwarfing Peach Rootstocks Dr. Greg Lang, Michigan State University, USA 10:30 Optimizing Performance Attributes of Insecticides to Control Plum Curculio in Stone Fruits Dr. John Wise, Michigan State University, USA 11:00 Chemical Updates Chemical Representatives SESSION SPONSORED BY:

SESSION SPONSORED BY:

Moderator: Jessica Kelly, OMAFRA

AFTERNOON ROOM 201 & 202

ROOM 203

GARLIC

BUSINESS

CEU

CEU

Chair: Travis Cranmer, OMAFRA

Chair: Robb Wagner, OMAFRA

2:00 Producing Clean Seed for Ontario Garlic Growers Candy Keith, New Liskeard SPUD Unit

2:00 Financial and NonFinancial Reports Erich Weber, OMAFRA

2:30 An Integrated Pest Management Strategy for Leek Moth, an Alien Invader Kathy Makela, AAFC 3:00 Transitioning a Budding Garlic Industry Jackie Rowe, The Garlic Box 3:30 Cropping Systems to Maximize Garlic Yield John Zandstra, University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus SESSION SPONSORED BY:

2:30 Energy – Fixing the Leaks Phil Dick, OMAFRA 3:00 Business Planning Mark Ferguson, OMAFRA 3:30 Growing Your Business Through Exports Phil Lynn, OMAFRA

ROOM 204

CEU

LAVENDER: PLANNING FOR PROFITS

Chair: Dr. Sean Westerveld, OMAFRA 2:00 Creating a Lavender Business Plan Lee Anne Downey, Stonewell Farm 2:30 Lavender Economics: Is Your Purple Flower $Green$?

John Molenhuis, OMAFRA 3:00 How to Manage the Risks of Operating a Lavender Farm Business Connie Kehler, Herb, Spice and Specialty Agriculture Association 3:30 Panel: Grower Experiences Planning a Lavender Farm Lee Anne Downey, Stonewell Farm; Melissa Schooley, Apple Hill Lavender and Raging Bowl Pottery; Anita Buehner, Bonnieheath Lavender and Winery; Christel von Engelbrechten, Christel Lake Lavender

ROOM 205

CEU

HAZELNUT PRODUCTION

Chair: Todd Leuty, OMAFRA 2:00 Bud Mites in Hazelnuts and Other Economic Pests / AAFC Research Dr. Julia Mlynarek, AAFC 2:30 A Market Assessment for Hazelnuts – Opportunities and Potential Prices for Growers Douglas Hart, Hart & Associates Management Consultants Ltd. 3:00 Grower Panel: Weeds in Hazelnuts Martin Hodgson, Butternut Farms Machine Harvesting for Hazelnuts Les High, Highview Orchards 3:30 What Does it Cost to Grow Hazelnuts Commercially?

John Molenhuis, OMAFRA

ROOM 206

CEU

SPRAYERS: DOING MORE WITH LESS

Chair: Dr. Jason Deveau, OMAFRA 2:00 Crop-Adapted Spraying in Blueberry Saves Money and Pesticide Brandon Falcon, Falcon Blueberries 2:30 More Where you Want it, Less Where You Don’t: Best Practices for Horticultural Sprays Mark Ledebuhr, Application Insight, LLC 3:00 Orchard Spraying, German Style: Quicker, Better, & Cheaper: Das Sprühgerät!

Vincent Philion, Institut de Recherche et de Développement en Agroenvironnement (IRDA) 3:30 Continuous Rinsing – A Better Way to Clean Your Sprayer Dr. Jason Deveau, OMAFRA

TRADESHOW & POSTER DISPLAY 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

CEU = CEU Credits *Video Conference

MORNING ROOM 207 & 208

BALLROOM C

CEU PRECISION AGRICULTURE

BALLROOM A

CEU GRAPE

Chair: James Dyck, OMAFRA 9:30 Re-Think Your Farm James Dyck, OMAFRA 10:00 The Future is Here!

Automation and Sensing in Specialty Crops Jeff Legault, National Robotics Engineering Center, Carnegie Mellon University, USA 10:30–11:00 Grower Panel: Putting Data to Work: Soil Moisture Sensors Dave Hipple, Hipple Farms Drones and Imagery Jennifer Thompson, Bonduelle Variable Fertilizer and Soil Maps Brett Schuyler, Schuyler Farms NDVI and Soil Sampling Dean Stoyka, Stratus Vineyards

BALLROOM B

CEU APPLE

BALLROOM D

CEU OFFMA SUMMIT

CEU FMO NETWORKING SYMPOSIUM

Chair: Andréanne Hébert-Haché, CCOVI

Chair: Kristy Grigg-McGuffin, OMAFRA

Chair: Kristen Ego, Ego’s Garden Centre and Farm Market

Kim Feere, Kitchener Farmers’ Market

9:30 Does Your Soil Have What it Takes?

Kathryn Carter, OMAFRA

9:30 The Impact of Leaf Growth and Fungicide Wash-Off for the Control of Apple Scab Vincent Philion, Institut de Recherche et de Développement en Agroenvironnement (IRDA)

9:30 The Adventures of Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch Brian Hugli, Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch

9:30–10:30 Collecting and Using Farmers’ Market Data to Help your Market Colleen Donovan, Washington State Farmers’ Markets Association, USA

10:00 Spotted Wing Drosophila Risks: What Grape Growers Need to Know Jody Timer, Penn State University, USA 10:30 Vineyard Mechanization and the Drive to Precision Management Dr. Kaan Kurtural, University of California-Davis, USA 11:00 Improving Labour Efficiency and Reducing Production Costs in Vineyards Grower Panel Chris Van de Laar, Van de Laar Vineyards Inc.; Matthias Oppenlander, Huebel Grape Estates; and Matt Speck, Henry of Pelham

10:00 Understanding the Role of Orchard Dwelling Flies in the Fire Blight (Erwinia amylovora) Disease Cycle Matt Boucher, Cornell University, USA 10:30 Honeycrisp: Keeping Smiles for 8 months?

Dr. Jennifer DeEll, OMAFRA 11:00 Panel: Grower Experiences with Newer Rootstocks Chris Hedges, Hedges Apples; Kyle Ardiel, Apple Springs Orchards; and Ian Parker, Wilmot Orchards

10:00 Why Your Farm Needs an AED Carly Jackson, Action First Aid 10:30–11:30 The Top 7 Practices Successful Farm Managers Do and How They Do it Ashley Honsberger, AMI 11:30–12:30 How to Channel Your Stress to Help You Succeed* Heidi Hanna, Synergy, USA PORT COLBOURNE LOUNGE Meet The Buyer 11:45–1:30

SESSION SPONSORED BY:

10:30–11:30 How to Maximize Returns from Market Products Gail Hayden, California Farmers’ Market Association, USA 11:30–12:00 When Community Shapes a Farmers’ Market Henry Bakker, Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market ROOM 221 Women in Ag Breakfast 8:00–9:15

Young Farmer Forum 11:45–1:00

AFTERNOON ROOM 207 & 208

BALLROOM C

BIOSTIMULANTS

GRAPE

CEU

CEU

Chair: Christoph Kessel, OMAFRA Chair: Kathryn Carter, OMAFRA 2:00 Best Practices to Effectively Utilize Biostimulant Technology* Dr. Patrick Brown, University of California-Davis, USA

2:00 Canopy Management Efficiencies are Highly Modulated by Weather Conditions Dr. Paolo Sabatini, Michigan 2:30 Humic Products: Potential State University, USA 2:30 Clone and Rootstock Benefits and Research Challenges Selection to Reduce Cold Dr. Dan Olk, USDA-Agriculture Damage Research Service, USA Andréanne Hébert-Haché, CCOVI 3:00 Using Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Vegetable Crops Dr. Joann Whalen, McGill University

3:00 Viticultural and Enology Performance of New Disease Resistant Cultivars Dr. Enrico Peterlunger, University of Udine, Italy

BALLROOM A

CEU

APPLES

BALLROOM B

BALLROOM D

OFFMA SUMMIT

FMO NETWORKING SYMPOSIUM

Chair: Kristy Grigg-McGuffin, OMAFRA

Chairs: Kristen Ego, Ego’s Garden Centre and Farm Market

Chair: Kim Feere, Kitchener Farmers’ Market

2:00 Optimizing Scab Control with Possible Limitations of Fungicide Availability Suzanne Slack, Michigan State University, USA

2:00 Have Irish On-Farm Markets Found the Elusive Pots of Gold Erin McLean, McLean’s Berry Farm

2:30 Consumer Research Defines the Sweet Spot for Apples Dr. Amy Bowen, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

2:30–3:30 When Social Media Becomes Your Foe Bruce Kelly, Farm and Food Care

2:00–3:00 Transparency and Integrity at Farmers’ Markets – Lessons from Washington State Colleen Donovan, Washington State Farmers’ Markets Association, USA 3:00–3:30 How to Translate Vendors into Market Success Erin McLean, McLean Berry Farm

3:00 Efficient Orchard Systems: New Training Systems and Optimization of Fruit Quality Dr. Stefano Musacchi, 3:30 The Science Behind 3:30 A Clean Plant Program for Washington State University, USA Using Seaweed Products for Canadian Grapevines 3:30 Efficient Orchard Jill Page, Canadian Grapevine Horticulture Crops Systems: Mechanization and Robin Ross, Acadian Plant Health Certification Network Labour Cost Reductions Division, Acadian Seaplants Dr. Stefano Musacchi, SESSION SPONSORED BY: Limited Washington State University, USA SESSION SPONSORED BY:

SESSION SPONSORED BY:

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SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES JOHN ARDIEL John is a partner in Ardiel Cider House/Georgian Hills Vineyards and third generation apple grower.

He has been producing apples in the Beaver Valley for 42 years since he succeeded his father in 1976. Along with his sons Greg and Liam, he operates approximately 300 acres of apples, pears and grapes. John is also a director of the Georgian Bay Peeler Group, responsible for marketing the members’ peeler grade spy apples to large and small processors in Canada and the USA. For the last two years John has been a director on the quickly growing Ontario Craft Cider Association.

KYLE ARDIEL Kyle grew up on our apple orchard and was born into the fourth generation family farm in Clarksburg, Ontario. Together with his father Shane Ardiel, they currently operate a 150 acre farm with 90 acres planted in apple orchard. Their orchard is a mix of high density and older M26 size trees with approximately 70% in higher densities with more growing yearly as the farm retools. Kyle uses his business degree and a CPA designation for analysis of the farm planning. In the winter months, he works with BDO on farm clients on tax planning and analysis of farms from the financial perspective. Every year, Kyle attempts to implement new changes to the farm from new rootstocks trails to new technologies to find the right balance that works in their climate.

HENRY BAKKER Henry co-founded Field Sparrow Farms in 2007. He and his family produce grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chicken, turkey, and pork on their farm near Bobcaygeon, Ontario. Farmers’ Markets have always been a core feature of their business model, and they attend three per week during the summer season. Henry also coordinates the Alternative Land Use Services program for the Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes region on behalf of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, and he was the founding coordinator of the Sustainable Agriculture program at Fleming College. He currently serves as a director for the Peterborough

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Regional Farmers Network and the National Farmers Union Local 345.

DR. BRITA BALL Dr. Ball helps firms improve their food safety culture so they have confidence that workers understand and follow procedures even when no one is looking. She has worked across the food sector from gate to plate, and has extensive experience in adult education and training. Dr. Ball coaches management to lead food safety so the whole organization follows. She also customizes and delivers training so employees know the “why” as well as the “what” and “how” of their jobs. Dr. Ball holds a PhD in behaviour-based food safety, Master’s degrees in food safety and rural extension, and a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Guelph. She also holds certifications in talent development and professional business coaching. Dr. Ball is chief consultant and coach at her own firm, and volunteers as chair of the Food Safety Education subcommittee for the International Association for Food Protection.

NICK BETTS Based in Guelph, Ontario, Nick represents SAI Platform across the Americas and leads cropbased projects around the world, currently in Russia, Italy, Turkey, the US and Canada. The Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform is an organization active on every crop-growing continent of the world, striving to harness the collaborative power of its members to accelerate widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Nick has managed projects in agriculture sustainability for 15 years, spending time with OSCIA, Grain Farmers of Ontario, OMAFRA, and currently through his own business, Blue Orenda. Nick is a trained ecologist with an MBA in Leadership & Sustainability. He also has a variety of certifications including Sustainability Reporting, Change Management and Farm Transition Management.

BRETT BLAAUW Originally from Southwest Michigan, Brett received his PhD from Michigan State University where he evaluated plant

composition and habitat size on the effectiveness of native plant conservation strips for sustainable enhancement of beneficial insect communities and their ecosystem services in agro-ecosystems.

He now is an assistant professor and extension specialist for the University of Georgia and Clemson University. As such, Brett is considered the regional peach entomologist for Georgia and South Carolina. Additionally, he has extension responsibilities for a variety of other fruits, including apples and grapes. Brett has over 10 years of experience working on pest management and insect conservation in fruit crops, focusing on integrating insect behavior and ecology to more effectively and sustainably manage insect pests.

WENDALL BOEHLJE Wendall manages U.S. Borax’s U.S. and Canada training, agricultural research, and some key accounts. He has more than 25 years of experience in the U.S. agriculture industry including broad engagement with digital agriculture. In addition, Wendall is a Certified Crop Advisor and has owned and managed his own farming operation in Iowa. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business from Iowa State University of Science and Technology.

MATT BOUCHER Matt is a 4th year PhD candidate at Cornell University. He earned his undergraduate degree in biology and anthropology with distinction from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in 2015. There, he studied biological control of winter moth (Operophtera brumata), an invasive forest pest of the Northeast USA and Canada. He also worked on diseases of honey bees (Apis mellifera), tracking the origin of these epizootics in wild bee species. Currently, he studies the role of orchard dwelling flies in the transmission of fire blight (Erwinia amylovora). He focuses on factors that affect successful acquisition and transmission as well as how diseased plant tissues change the behavior of flies to enhance transmission. Looking forward, his goal is to advance knowledge in agricultural pest systems to develop sustainable management practices.

DR. AMY BOWEN

Dr. Bowen joined the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in 2009 and was appointed Research Director, Consumer Insights in 2017. With a focus on understanding the consumer, Amy leads a team of researchers to create value-added results for horticulture. She oversees the operation of Vineland’s trained sensory and consumer research panels to understand the drivers that impact consumer preference and choice for horticultural products. Research results inform breeding programs, brand development, new variety introductions, and commercialization. Amy has a BSc H from the University of Guelph in Molecular Biology and Genetics and a PhD from Brock University in Biological Sciences with a specialization in Plant Science, Oenology and Viticulture. She is also a certified sommelier through the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers.

DAN BRAINARD Dan 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. His current primary research and extension interests include: 1) development of reduced-tillage cover crop intensive vegetable production systems to help growers improve soils and increase crop resilience to stress, and; 2) weed ecology and management in vegetable and field crops.

PATRICK H. BROWN Dr. Brown has been a Professor with the University of California, Department of Plant Sciences since 1988. He graduated with his BSc from the University of Adelaide, Australia (1974), and PhD, from Cornell University, USA (1988) in Agronomy and Plant Nutrition. His research and outreach program has focused on development and implementation of information on the function of plant nutrients and on the management of fertilizer resources with a focus on high value crops. Dr. Brown is recognized globally as a leader in both basic and applied

plant nutrition research and has made many important contributions to the Californian and Global industry with specific advances in the management of boron, potassium, nitrogen, zinc, foliar fertilization and salinity. Currently, he is at the forefront of developing management strategies for nitrogen in Californian Agriculture and is a key advisor to industry, water coalitions and water boards in the development of rational and effective strategies to manage nitrogen in Californian systems to achieve high productivity and system sustainability.

ANITA BUEHNER Anita was born and raised on the sandy-loam soils of Norfolk County. She and her husband Steve began experimenting with lavender production in 2003 and found it to grow very well in their well draining soils. As part of a farm diversification plan, they planted 12,000 lavender plants and 10 acres of wine grapes. The lavender gardens have been open to the public since 2011 and the winery opened late in 2013. Additionally, through the Norfolk Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS program), they planted tallgrass prairie, native wildflowers, and created a wetland. Together, these land-uses provide raw resources for Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery’s products ranging from wines and ciders to lavender and tourism. Anita serves on the boards of the Ontario Lavender Association, the Ontario South Coast Wineries & Growers Association, and the Norfolk Agricultural Advisory Board.

JUSTIN CANTAFIO Justin is anchored by a steadfast belief in the power of smallscale, community-based businesses to build truly sustainable social and economic development. It’s what drove him to spend his master’s degree living and working on ten organic farms from Quebec to the Pacific Coast. He’s since helped with managing Atlantic Canada’s first sustainable seafood subscription program through Off the Hook Community Supported Fishery, worked with the Ecology Action Centre to spearhead a Canada-wide program to promote locally-sourced food in schools, universities, and hospitals, and connected small-scale fishers and aquaculturalists with high-value markets across Nova Scotia and beyond with Halifax’s Afishionado Fishmongers.

CHRISTINE CARD Christine has a diverse food safety background working with both processors and producers.

She has numerous years’ experience working in the food processing industry, designing and implementing national/international food safety programs. She started with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) in 2006 and has held various leadership roles in food safety.

Christine is currently the Food Safety Team LeadAgriculture, where she focuses on strategic projects. Currently her attention is on the development of the provincial food safety programing in the Canadian Agricultural Partnership costshare funding and development and dissemination of the national federal livestock traceability regulations.

JENNA CHAMPAGNE Jenna is the Director of First Impressions at Murphy’s Farm Market in Alliston, Ontario. A graduate of Georgian College’s Graphic Design program, Jenna has worked in the design and marketing field for 17 years. An admirer of brilliant packaging, she has a passion for photography and vintage finds.

JED COLQUHOUN Jed Colquhoun is a Professor of commercial fruit and vegetable production and IPM Program Director at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His work is centered at the crossroads of productive agricultural systems and resilient natural resources. Jed has held several administrative roles for UWMadison and UW-Extension, most recently as Interim Program Leader for Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension and Associate Dean for the UW-Madison College of Agricultural & Life Sciences. Jed also serves as an advisor for a number of agriculture- and food-related organizations. He received his BS and MS degrees from Cornell University and his PhD from UW-Madison.

Prior to returning to UW-Madison, he was a faculty member at Oregon State University.

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DR. KATE CONGREVES Dr. Congreves is an Assistant Professor with the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan. She has a PhD in Land Resource Science from the University of Guelph. Her research program at University of Saskachewan is focused on the development of sustainable agricultural and horticultural systems. She conducts fundamental and applied research on soil health, nutrient cycling, and N2O emissions as influenced by cropping system management.

JEREMIAS CULL Jeremias is a Regional Program Officer for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). He provides regulatory and program guidance to frontline inspection staff, Supervisors and Inspection Managers.

Currently, Jeremias works with the Dairy, Processed Products, Maple, Honey and FFV programs. He also has experience with Shell Egg, Processed Egg and Meat processing. Jeremias started with the CFIA as an Inspector verifying compliance and working with Industry to ensure safe food practices. He continues to work with industry in his current role and is very dedicated to a food safety system that ensures safe food for consumers and for those manufacturing the food.

DOUGLAS DARLING Douglas has a Diploma in Culinary Management from Fanshawe Collage and an Associates Diploma in Agriculture from the University of Guelph. He has worked as a Director of Openings and Training for Wok Box BC and as a Systems Specialist for Four Walls Consulting. He is currently in his sixth season with a tender fruit operation as Farm Manager at Sunnydale Farms.

DR. JENNIFER DEELL Dr. DeEll is the Fresh Market Quality Specialist-Hort Crops with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), located in Simcoe. She is currently: studying the effects of anti-ethylene technologies on apple fruit ripening and physiological disorders during storage; developing optimum postharvest practices for new apple and pear cultivars, as well as to reduce mealiness and chilling injury in peaches; and investigating methods to improve handling and

storage of fresh fruits and vegetables. Dr. DeEll 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. She has published over 90 scientific papers, as well as review articles, book chapters and full books, on subjects pertaining to postharvest physiology and the quality of fresh fruits and vegetables. She is also on the editorial board for the international scientific journal Postharvest Biology and Technology.

DR. JASON DEVEAU Based in OMAFRA’s Simcoe Resource Centre since 2008, Jason develops educational materials for sprayer operators and researches practical methods to optimize spray effectiveness and reduce waste. Author of “Airblast101 – A Handbook of Best Practices in Airblast Spraying”, he also co-administers www.sprayers101.com.

PHIL DICK Phil is a Business Resource Specialist in the Business Analysis Unit of the Business Development Branch at OMAFRA where he works with Agri-food stakeholders on energy efficiency, water, logistics, organic waste and environment performance.

He is active across ministries on various files including stewardship, phosphorus recovery, green energy, energy efficiency, food waste and logistics. Phil is a member of the Performance Measurement Technical Working Group of the Provincial Wine and Grape Strategy. He is a regular participant on ministry industry attraction and retention projects.

COLLEEN DONOVAN Colleen is the Executive Director of the Washington State Farmers Market Association and coordinator of the Farmers’ Market Integrity Project. She has over 15 years of direct support and research, leading statewide farmers’ market surveys and data tracking, over 20 Rapid Market Assessments, projects with Latino farmers, and creating shopper promotions.

Colleen and colleague, Karen Kinney, curated their favorite tips and tools in the “Washington Farmers Market Management Toolkit” among many other publications. Originally from California’s Central Valley, Colleen lives in Ellensburg, WA. She has a BS from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and MA from the University of Washington.

BROOKE DOYLE Brooke was born and raised in Parkhill, North Middlesex. Her grandparents farmed beef cows, cash crop and standardbred racehorses. Brooke’s love for the farm and the agriculture community was noticed, as she became the 2013/2014 Parkhill Agricultural Society Ambassador. She then ventured into agricultural sales where she worked with farmers in both Canada and The Netherlands within the dairy industry. Brooke has paved a path for many young women in the equipment industry by being one of the only females selling large agriculture equipment for CASE IH in North America. Brooke has recently joined SouthPoint Equipment selling Kubota in Wyoming, Ontario.

JAMES DYCK James is the Engineering Specialist for Crop Systems and Environment with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), based in Vineland, Ontario. He was raised on a cash crop and hog farm in the Niagara region, and completed his Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Waterloo. James has past experience in HVAC system engineering (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) and building energy modeling. He has a particular interest in energy use and efficiency of farm production processes. His work at OMAFRA focuses on best practices, innovations and environmental impacts of grain drying and storage, field equipment, precision agriculture, and greenhouse gas reduction.

TOBAN DYCK Toban is a farmer, communicator and award-winning journalist, who is immersed in agriculture.

He is an agriculture columnist for the Financial Post, Grainews and Maclean’s. And his work has also appeared in the Globe and Mail and the Economist. He is the Director of Communications for Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers, a non-profit that allows him to practice what he preaches: quality, honest communication will always win. Toban is working towards taking over his family farm and is a tireless advocate for exposing consumers to the realities of farming and food production.

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DR. ABDEL ELHADRAMI

DR. MELANIE FILOTAS

Dr. ElHadrami is the CEO and R&D Director at OMEX Agriculture Inc. Abdel grew up on a mixed farm and has 15+ years of International experience in a variety of research and teaching positions including at the University of Manitoba. His field of expertise is in plant pathology, molecular biology, biochemistry, plant physiology, and agronomy.

During the last few years, Dr. ElHadrami’s research focused on the understanding of soil, seed and plant nutrition and the role of certain nutrients in triggering plant natural defenses. He is an internationally recognized scholar with numerous peer-reviewed grants, publications and edited books and chapters. He is currently leading numerous multidisciplinary projects co-funded by OMEX to develop nutrition-based solutions to reduce the impact of abiotic stress and diseases in many field crops, vegetables and trees.

Melanie is a Horticulture Pest Management Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in Simcoe, Ontario. She works with growers, industry, researchers and ministry colleagues to identify pests and pest management solutions for specialty crops in Ontario. Her current areas of focus include hazelnuts, hops, sweet potatoes, specialty berries and ginseng. Melanie has a PhD in Entomology from Cornell University where she studied biological control of forest insects. Prior to joining OMAFRA, she worked as a researcher with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, looking at use of biopesticides, natural enemies and other reduced risk products to control insects in commercial greenhouses.

BRANDON FALCON Brandon is a self-described ‘simple farmer’ who grows 15 acres of blueberries in southern Ontario. Now in their fifth year, Falcon Blueberry’s crop protection practices have saved more than half their historic pesticide and water use and maintained yields of approximately 180,000 lbs per year.

MARK FERGUSON Mark works at OMAFRA’s Business Development Branch as a Business Management Specialist. His areas of focus include business planning, succession planning, farm safety and farm business human resources. Mark has a degree in geography and environmental studies from the University of Guelph, as well as a Diploma in Agricultural Business from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master of Science in Rural Planning and Development from the University of Guelph. Before joining OMAFRA, Mark was the Marketing and Business Development Coordinator with Engage Agro where he supported the company’s business, product and market development initiatives. Mark has worked with Synthesis Agri-Food Network as a Consulting and Education Project Coordinator on a number of business management related projects including the development and delivery of the Agri-food Management Institute’s (AMI) Advanced Farm Management Program and AgLean Master Class.

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FRANÇOIS FOURNIER François graduated in Biology at Laval University in 1986 and obtained his Master degree from McGill University in 1993. He worked for Agriculture Canada, Groupe Bio-Contrôle and Insecterra. Since 2004, he teaches biology at Collège Montmorency and pursue research in applied entomology. During his career, he contributed to the development and commercialization of trichogram use in sweet corn against the European Corn Borer. Since 2004, he has supervised a research program on Sterile Insect Technology (SIT) for Onion Maggot control. In 2018, 680 ha of onion crops have been commercially treated with sterile males in Québec. A new production facility has just been started by its longtime collaborator, Phytodata, a grower owned company. They have been awarded an International IPM Award of Recognition at the 9th International IPM Symposium for their achievement. He now collaborates on research projects for SIT use against Cabbage Maggot and Spotted-Wing Drosophila and conducts research on Seedcorn maggot.

ANNE FOWLIE Anne has worked in private sector agriculture in various capacities for nearly 40 years.

She led the Canadian Horticultural Council as Executive Vice-President from 1999-2016 where she championed and led a collaborative initiative that resulted in the 2002 establishment and launch of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Pest Management Centre (PMC). She also oversaw the team which developed and successfully

implemented the CanadaGAP® On-Farm-Food Safety Program for Fruits and Vegetables in Canada. Anne currently manages special projects for the Ottawa-based Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation.

CHARLES GRAY Charles is a diversified farmer at 4 Corners Farm in north-east Vermont. He farms about 50 acres of tillable land in the Connecticut river valley. Charles grows 8 acres of strawberries and other crops including corn, potatoes, greens, tomatoes, cucurbits and brassicas. In addition, he operates a functional dairy, beef and pig operation. Charles studied agriculture as well as aviation at Montana State University and has been a full-time farmer since 2012. As a second-generation farmer, the farm has been in operation since 1978 and recently celebrated their 40th year of operation.

DR. HEIDI HANNA Dr. Hanna is the Chief Energy Officer of Synergy, a company providing brain-based health and performance programs to individuals and organizations, the Executive Director of the American Institute of Stress, and a Founding Partner of the Academy for Brain Health and Performance. She is a NY Times bestselling author of several books, including The Sharp Solution, Stressaholic, and Recharge. Heidi has been featured at many global conferences including the Fortune Magazine Most Powerful Women in Business Summit, ESPN Leadership Summit and the Million Dollar Round Table. Her clients have included Google, Starbucks, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, and WD40 as well as the PGA Tour and the National Football League. Heidi is also a Certified Humor Professional with the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor although she won’t admit she’s funny.

PAUL HARBER Paul has molded Ravine into the quant family-feel winery that it is today. As the current CEO and Proprietor, Paul currently oversees all Sand and Gravel, Ravine Vineyard and Lowrey Brothers Brands. Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery is a family owned biodynamic and organic winery located on St. Davids Bench in Niagara-on-the-lake. Ravine opened in 2008 and has been recognized for producing VQA varietals on a farm that is steeped in history. Also

known as the Upper Lowrey Farm, the family has milled, farmed and canned fruit at Ravine for 5 generations. The farm is known to be one of the first commercial grape vineyards in the area with 500 vines planted in 1869.

DOUGLAS HART Doug is President of Hart & Associates Management Consultants, a firm with offices in Toronto and Vancouver that specializes in providing senior management advisory services to the Canadian agri-food industry. He has conducted projects for clients across Canada ranging from producers and growers to marketing boards, sector organizations, food processors, grocery retail as well agriculture and food government ministries at the provincial and federal level. Doug has over 32 years of experience in areas of market assessments, feasibility studies, business plans and increasing company value for clients. He has very detailed knowledge of the Canadian agri-food industry and focuses on helping his agri-food clients increase sales, profits and effectiveness.

His projects have ranged from agricultural studies such as bison farming, greenhouses, fish and grain to the processed food sector, food safety and food research and innovation centres. Doug holds a BA in economics from the University of Western Ontario, an MBA from the Schulich School of Business and is an active member of several agri-food industry associations across Canada.

DR. MARY HAUSBECK Dr. Hausbeck is a University Distinguished Professor and Extension Specialist of Plant Pathology in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU). She received her PhD in plant pathology from Pennsylvania State University. She joined the faculty at MSU in 1990, where she has statewide extension (60%) and research (40%) responsibilities in field and greenhouse vegetables, greenhouse ornamentals, hop, and ginseng. Her current research emphasis includes downy mildews and Phytophthora spp. Her overall program goal is to develop novel and integrated disease management strategies for growers and to train graduate students. She has served as major professor for 42 students who have received advanced degrees in Plant Pathology.

GAIL HAYDEN Gail holds a Bachelors of Science in Agricultural Economics and Business Management from the University of California, Davis and a Masters in Business Administration from California State University, Sacramento. She was a member of the State of California Department of Food & Agriculture’s original management team that developed the Certified Farmers’ Market system in California.

During her eight-year tenure (1979-1987) the system grew from 12 to 170 markets. Today, Gail serves as Executive Director of California Farmers’ Markets Association which oversees 15 certified farmers’ markets in the San Francisco Bay Area, grossing over $25 million annually for small family farmers located in the area. Gail focuses attention and resources on creating viable marketing outlets for family farmers. She has analyzed producer costs and benefits to more fully ensure that markets are serve the interests of farmers. Combining this work together with her collaborative market experience and her own entrepreneurial expertise, she has developed presentations that help farmers capitalize on their participation in farmers’ markets.

CHRIS HEDGES Chris currently farms 230 acres of orchard and CA storage in Norfolk County. He has planted much of his acreage in the last several years and is a leader in adopting modern planting systems. In addition to the orchard, Chris also operates an orchard supply company, Ontario Orchard Supply, providing the necessary support system supplies for modern orchards. In 2012, Chris was awarded Ontario’s Golden Apple Award and today sits as Treasurer of the Board of the International Fruit Tree Association.

LES HIGH Les and his wife Pat are using 8 acres of their agricultural land base to grow Hazelnuts.

Originally a hobby crop on their parents’ farms, Hazelnuts provide an interesting challenge for those skills after decades of tender fruit growing. It is their hope that hazelnuts in Ontario can contribute to horticultural diversity. Their benefits are many.

Management, environmental and economic benefits result in lower costs of spray, pruning and fertilizing application. Trees also have the ability

to clean our air and along with cover crops, provide best practice for crop culture in a highly organic way.

MARTIN HODGSON Martin graduated from the University of Guelph in 1974 with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree, specializing in Earth Science. He worked as a geological engineer with Golder Associates for 10 years traveling across all Canada plus overseas to Bolivia and Pakistan. Martin then worked for the rest of his career in sales for Williams Form Hardware and Rockbolt for 26 years, designing and anchoring systems for rock, soil and concrete.

He has lived on a 100 acre former tobacco farm for 30 years with wife operating as a “hobby farm”. During that time, they have tried growing different nut trees and other plants like garlic, blueberries and raspberries, luffas, grape kiwis, pawpaws and others. His early experiments with 5000 hazelnut seedlings have resulted in a focusing in on several dozen, cold tolerant, highly resistant varieties of hazelnuts that have survived the Eastern Filbert Blight for over 20 years. Some trees have the potential of becoming selected varieties for the burgeoning hazelnut industry in Ontario. Two varieties are registered with Plant Breeder’s Rights and are recognized as pollinators by the University of Guelph.

ASHLEY HONSBERGER Ashley is the Executive Director of the Agri-food Management Institute (AMI) and has been with AMI since 2011 in various capacities. She is a graduate from the University of Guelph with a Masters of Science in Capacity Development and Extension.

Ashley has experience working with 4-H Ontario, the Agricultural Adaptation Council, Syngenta Crop Protection and the University of Guelph as a teaching assistant and is an avid volunteer and driven by her passion to enact positive social change through building a career that leverages the capacity building process in Ontario agri-food businesses. Her work is dedicated to promoting new ways of thinking about agri-food business management for producers and processors.

BRIAN HUGLI Brian and his wife, Judy, own and operate Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch & Gift Store in Pembroke, Ontario. In 1978, Brian’s family

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started growing high-bush blueberries. Since then, the farm has diversified and now also grows pumpkins and Christmas trees. A retail store and bakery was added in 2001 and is now open from May until December. Their family fun activities change with the seasons and include summer, fall and Christmas experiences. They also host weddings, educational tours and other special events.

and BC. She and her husband, Thomas Wilson own and operate Spirit Tree Estate Cidery in Caledon, a wood-fired oven bakery, farm shop and cidery.

Spirit Tree has won numerous awards including a Premier’s Award for Agri-Innovation, Best Culinary Tourism Destination & Best Culinary Event for the Headwaters Region, Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association Outstanding Farm Market and Ontario’s Cider Champion.

CARLY JACKSON

MICHAEL KAUZLARIC

Carly is a former CPR and AED instructor whose MSc in Physiology and Pharmacology lead her to work as an AED (Defibrillator) Specialist with Action First Aid. Action First Aid is a WSIB approved, Ontario wide training organization that focuses on First Aid, CPR, and AED training for both individuals at their public training facilities and on site at various types of workplaces. Action First Aid has also become one of the largest AEDs distributors in Canada helping individual families, groups of cottagers, church organizations, schools, and businesses with their AED programs.

Their mission is to not only provide access to an AED, but to create the awareness that AEDs are safe and easy for everyone to use, training is not required, and that these lifesaving machines should be everywhere.

Michael joined the Business Development team at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in 2009 as Technology Scout and Grower Outreach. In this role, Michael scouts for new technologies, including various tree fruit varieties to fill gaps in the existing pipelines and to improve the overall profitability of the Canadian horticulture sector. He is also Vineland’s liaison to various grower networks across the country. Ultimately, Michael searches for new ways to reduce labour, increase yields and improve the profit picture for the horticulture industry. Michael is a graduate of the University of Guelph with a BSc (Horticulture Major) and is actively involved with his family tender fruit and grape operation in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

SHARON JUDD Sharon is a partner at Meadow Lynn Farms in Simcoe, Ontario.

The dairy, cash crop farm began producing strawberries when she married Fred and entered the partnership in 1984. The farm provides a pick-your-own operation and added a seasonal farm market in 2007. In 2016, Sharon received the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence for their strawberry juice. Sharon is also a 4-H leader and a Director of the Norfolk County Agricultural Society.

DR. NICOLE JUDGE Dr. Judge is a veterinarian and the co-owner of Spirit Tree Estate Cidery. Nicole is a 1995 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph. She worked as a small animal practitioner before joining Hill’s Pet Nutrition where she held various roles in sales and marketing. Nicole was the COO for the Ontario Veterinary Group for eight years prior to co-founding P3 Veterinary Partners, a group of veterinary hospitals in Ontario, Alberta

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CHARLES KEDDY Charles is a first generation farmer and operates Charles Keddy Farms Ltd., and C.O. Keddy Nursery Ltd., along with his wife Doris and his son Philip and family. He started farming in 1977, and has been in the strawberry plants and raspberry cane nursery for 41 years supplying plants to customers from Newfoundland to British Columbia, several north eastern and central states, Florida and internationally. Working with AAFA has helped commercialize six of the last seven variety releases. He is past president of the North American Strawberry Growers Association and Horticulture Nova Scotia, as well as the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture and is presently chairman of the board of Perennia, an agriculture development company supplying extension and research to the Nova Scotia Agriculture Industry.

CONNIE KEHLER The Canadian Herb and Spice Natural Health Products Coalition is a voluntary group that was instrumental in developing and implementing the internationally recognized Good Agriculture

Collection Practices (GACP) program for use by those in the specialty agriculture sector as well as those harvesting, processing and selling Specialty Agriculture products. The program was developed working with the World Health Organization, Health Canada, Agriculture Canada and key industry players throughout North America and Europe. The result is a comprehensive practice that helps industry (buyers, regulators, processors, and producers) ensure quality assurance including food safety practices from the ground to finished product. The GACPs are recognized internationally and have been approved by the Canadian Food and Inspection Agency (CFIA). Connie was one of six industry liaison members of the Natural Health Products Directorate where she led the development of the good manufacturing practices for natural health products.

CANDY KEITH Candy is the team lead at the SPUD Unit, established in 1983 as part of the New Liskeard Agricultural Research Station.

This virus indexing, clean plant propagation program, has been administered by the University of Guelph since 1997. It is both a research and a production facility that addresses the needs of any crop that uses vegetative propagation. The enthusiastic team has adopted constant innovation to enhance client service, review yield performance, improve levels of productivity and evaluate the traceable systems of gene banks. Their expertise spans multiple crop management projects for extending the growing season, employing the laboratory, screenhouse, greenhouse, high tunnel and field facilities. Candy earned a BSc (Agr) and MSc at University of Guelph. She is passionate about embracing all opportunities, to further develop horticulture in rural ‘northern’ Canadian communities.

BRUCE KELLY Bruce is a University of Guelph graduate in wildlife biology and then spent more than 20 years as a Pork Producer in Wellington County. He has worked for the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association on Environmental Cost-Share funding programs including EFP, and for Fed-Dev on economic development. Since 2012, Bruce has worked for Farm & Food Care as Program Manager, working on a variety of Environmental and Animal welfare Issues impacting Ontario’s farmers. Currently his three largest files are: Peer-to-Peer Manure

Application Project, Barn Fire Awareness and Education, and various farm animal welfare issues.

DR. BELINDA KEMP Dr. Kemp gained her PhD at Lincoln University, New Zealand on the timing of leaf removal on Pinot noir tannin, flavour and sensory characteristics of wine.

She is Senior Staff Scientist in Oenology at CCOVI, Brock University. As well as a scientist, Kemp gained previous practical still and sparkling winemaking experience in commercial wineries in New Zealand and the UK. Her main research areas are wine flavour and aroma. Her research since joining CCOVI has included sparkling wine research projects investigating the effect of sugar and dosage solutions on Niagara sparkling wine flavour and influences of sparkling wine clones and soil type on flavour. She is currently investigating the timing and severity of leaf removal on red grape varieties for still and sparkling wines, and tannin management of Niagara red wine grape varieties. She currently organizes FIZZ Club for Ontario sparkling winemakers and serves on the VQA-O Standards Development Committee and the VQA-O sparkling wine rules committee.

CHRISTOPH KESSEL Christoph is the Soil Fertility Specialist (Horticulture) with OMAFRA. He works with industry associations, researchers and ministry colleagues to improve crop fertility management in horticultural crops through research projects, demonstrations and workshops. Christoph is also a member of OMAFRA’s dirtiest team, the Soil Team, and coordinates the OMAFRA Accredited Soil Testing Lab Program. After graduating from the University of Guelph, he worked in the nursery industry before joining OMAFRA as the Nursery Crops Specialist.

He is a Certified Crop Advisor and has the 4R Nutrient Management Specialist designation.

DAVID KYN-HESSELINK David along his with wife Christine, own and operate Fenwick Berry Farm, in the heart of the Niagara Peninsula. They are proud to operate a first generation farm, planting their first crop of strawberries in 1999. With the help of extended family and friends, their farm has expanded to include a variety of fruits and vegetables, specializing in

berries. They market their berries to one major retailer, road-side stands and farm market vendors. They also sell their berries and other produce at 12 farmers’ markets.

DR. KAAN KURTURAL Dr. Kurtural is a faculty member in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at University of California Davis. He is also the director of the Department’s Oakville Experiment Station in the heart of Napa Valley in California. His research focuses on three main parts with short and long-term outcomes:1) improving production efficiency in vineyards by applying principles of canopy and crop load management using vineyard mechanization, precision viticulture and applied water amounts; 2) identifying quality improvement traits in berry composition by translating fundamental research into applied production practices in vineyards and; 3) evaluating alternative methods of control invasive species in vineyards.

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LIETTE LAMBERT

DAVID LEMIRE

Liette is an agrologist since 1985, and holds a degree from Laval University in Plant Sciences. Since 1990, she has been working as a provincial greenhouse and berry crop specialist at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, located in the Montreal area. Her expertise is mainly focused on IPM, biopesticides and biological control, having investing herself in the sector since 1992. She has been responsible for the provincial plant pest-warning network in greenhouse crops for over 15 years. She is also the author of two posters on Biological Control in Greenhouse crops and two pocket guides on pests, diseases, beneficials, disorders, deficiencies and phytotoxicities in strawberry, raspberry and highbush blueberry. She has been organizing the annual Berry Conference in the province of Quebec for the past 22 years. Ms. Lambert wishes to share her expertise developed in the biocontrol of greenhouse vegetables for use in berry crops.

David is the owner of Ferme horticole Gagnon, a 130 acres berry and vegetable farm located in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. His farm specializes in the production of strawberry, raspberry and sweet corn, which are almost all sold directly on the farm’s kiosk. Since he bought the farm in 2004, David has invested time in research and development.

He has travelled to Holland, Netherlands, Spain, California, Florida, and more to improve the efficacity of his farm and find solutions to the recurrent problems in berry and vegetable production.

David is also the president of the Quebec Strawberry and Raspberry Grower Association, which makes him very close to the issues surrounding the small fruit production.

DR. GREGORY LANG Gregory earned his bachelors degree at University of Georgia and his masters and doctoral degrees at University of California-Davis, and has served on the horticulture faculties at Louisiana, Washington, and Michigan State Universities.

Greg conducts research in tree fruit production and physiology, variety and rootstock evaluation, and innovative fruit production systems, with special emphasis on stone fruits. His laboratory teams have been instrumental in advancing and adopting dwarfing precocious sweet cherry rootstocks and protective orchard covering technologies, as well as the development of new cherry varieties and innovative training systems. Greg has traveled to most continents to speak and consult on cherry research and protected fruit production, and has authored more than 175 research and industry articles on fruit culture.

MARK LEDEBUHR For 22 years, Mark’s work focuses on the development and understanding of spray hardware and methodology, and ways to help growers make more effective and sustainable sprays, especially in canopy and post-emerge spray applications. Mark works globally across all crops with a focus on fruit and vegetable applications.

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DR. ROBERT LENCKI After obtaining his BASc in Chemical Engineering at the University of Toronto, Dr. Lencki worked for two years at Proctor and Gamble developing bakery processes. Returning to academia, he obtained an MSc at the University of Waterloo and PhD at McGill University. After two years as a professor at Université Laval, Dr. Lencki came to the University of Guelph Food Science Department.

Over the next 24 years, he taught food processing, plant design, and food packaging courses. His research focuses on postharvest technology, membrane separation, and fat crystallization. In retirement, Dr. Lencki works part-time as a food industry consultant, and this year became a Research Lead at the Niagara College Canadian Food and Wine Institute where he supervises industry-sponsored student research and development projects.

DR. TRACY LESKEY Dr. Leskey holds a PhD degree in Entomology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, MA. She has been employed by the USDA-ARS, AFRS in Kearneysville, WV USA as a Research Entomologist since September 2000 and recently became Director of the Laboratory. Her research has focused on development of behaviorally-based management tools for invasive and native pests of fruit crops. She served as a liaison to the U.S. House Agricultural Appropriations Committee, providing numerous updates on the pest status of and research progress on the invasive brown marmorated stink bug. She has served as a

co-advisor or committee member for over 15 graduate students and post-docs.

PHIL LYNN Phil is the Export Marketing Officer (U.S. Geographic Specialist) for Ontario Food Exports (part of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs). His role is to assist Ontario food companies in building more U.S. market export opportunities. Prior to joining OFEX, Phil worked in food manufacturing across multiple food sectors and across a wide range of companies from small-medium size enterprises to multinationals.

In addition, Phil has worked throughout the U.S. with major U.S. accounts to grow export sales. He has expertise in foodservice and retail channels.

ANNA KATHARINE MANSFIELD Anna is an associate professor of enology at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, NY. She received a BA in English from Salem College and graduate degrees in Food Science at Virginia Tech and the University of Minnesota. Mansfield served as Enology Project Leader at the University of Minnesota from 20012008, where she developed a new enology extension program to serve the rapidly developing cold-climate wine industry in the Upper Midwest.

In 2007, she completed a sabbatical at l’Institut Universitaire de la Vigne et du Vin Jules Guyot at the University of Burgundy, investigating flavor absorption of natural cork closures. Mansfield has been a member of the Cornell Enology Extension Lab since 2009, where she strives to aid regional wineries through outreach and applied research on hybrid wine phenolics and colour, fermentation nutrition, and regional typicity.

MATTEO MARANGON Matteo holds a MSc in Agricultural Sciences (2004) and a PhD in Enology (2008), both from the University of Padova (Italy). In 2008, he joined the Australian Wine Research Institute as a Senior Research Scientist. In 2014, Matteo joined Plumpton College (UK) to lead a Master of Science in Viticulture & Oenology, and in 2016, Matteo returned to the University of Padova to work as a Researcher and Lecturer within the MSc in ‘Italian Food and Wine’. Prior experience includes seven vintages as assistant winemaker in wineries of north-east Italy. Matteo’s research is focussed on

the study of wine stability and wine colloids, and in particular on their effect on wine quality attributes.

HUGH MARTIN Hugh is an organic inspector and consultant working with organic farms for over 35 years. He is also chair of the National Standards Committee on Organic Agriculture. Hugh retired from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food, and Rural Affairs in 2011 after 34 years with OMAFRA.

MARGARET MAY Margaret is Regional Program Lead with OSCIA. She loves matching up producers and programs to achieve fabulous results! She is a skilled facilitator with extensive experience with Environmental Farm Plan workshops, Growing your Farm Profits workshops and Biosecurity workshops. She has the ability to condense complicated program jargon into common sense information and believes in the programs and their benefits to Ontario producers.

MARY RUTH MCDONALD Mary Ruth is a professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph. Her research focuses on plant diseases and integrated pest management for vegetable crops and some field crops such as canola. Prof. McDonald is the recipient of local, national and international awards for excellence in research, extension education, and integrated pest management. An integrated pest management program for vegetables is provided to growers in the Holland Marsh as part of Prof.

McDonald’s research program. Pest management programs need continual updating and the incorporation of new technologies. Her program has been evaluating aerial photography and drones for pest management and disease assessments.

DR. DARBY MCGRATH Dr. McGrath is the Program Lead for Greening the Canadian Landscape at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and is the Research Scientist for Nursery and Landscape. She has 15 years experience as a nursery apprentice and tender fruit farm producer and has also written management plans for various governmental organizations including

Parks Canada, Ontario Parks and Agriculture and Agri-food Canada. Her work integrates nursery production research with ecological restoration principles to address challenges of tree survival and performance. Current work in the McGrath lab aims to improve tree performance in the landscape and agricultural and settings by understanding soil and root interactions. She is also currently part of a team at Vineland that is evaluating new and old-world cider varieties for adaptation to Ontario’s production climate.

ERIN MCLEAN Erin grew up on her family’s farm, McLean Berry Farm, in Buckhorn, Ontario. After leaving the farm for school, work and travel, she came to realize how much she loved and missed the farm and farming.

In 2009, she returned to work full time with her family where they expanded to a second nearby farm. They grow a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that they sell directly from the farm, PYO, wholesale, at farmers’ markets as well as host two on-farm festivals. They are always working to find ways to grow, improve and work together on the farm and hope to continue to be able to provide their communities with fresh, healthy and local fruits and vegetables for years to come.

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Join us at t

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evening n receptio

pm 0th 5 – 7 2 y r a u r ay, Feb Wednesd ntion Trade Show nve at the Co Enjoy an assortment of Ontario inspired hors-d’oeuvres served throughout the floor space as well as featured Ontario wines, hard ciders, craft beer and roaming entertainment.

TH AN KS TO OU R EV EN T SPON S ORS

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TRISSIA MELLOR Trissia is the Agriculture Manager for Northumberland County.

Since joining the Economic Development and Tourism department as a Youth Intern in 2006, she has developed and implemented numerous initiatives to support and recognize the contributions agriculture makes to Northumberland’s economy. Beginning with an agricultural action plan based on an exceptional best practice model, she has built relationships with the agricultural community through industry partnerships. She led the province’s first ever Regional Local Food Business Retention and Expansion Study and is part of the leadership team for the Ontario AgriFood Innovation Centre, a municipally owned-and-operated value-adding food processing facility built as a direct outcome of the Local Food BR+E. Trissia is the County representative on the Board of the Northumberland Federation of Agriculture, and serves on the National Board for Habitat for Humanity Canada, an organization she’s volunteered with locally for over 10 years.

DR. SALLY A. MILLER Dr. Miller is a Professor of Plant Pathology and State Extension Specialist for Vegetable Pathology at The Ohio State University, Wooster. She received her BSc in Biology from The Ohio State University, and MS and PhD degrees in Plant Pathology from the University of WisconsinMadison. Dr. Miller’s research is focused on the development of sustainable disease management strategies for conventional and organic vegetable crops, in open field and protected production systems. Areas of research emphasis are bacterial diseases, downy and powdery mildews, and soilborne diseases. Dr. Miller maintains an active diagnostics lab and provides disease management advice to growers and Extension educators in person and through presentations, fact sheets, bulletin, articles and social media.

SHANNON MILLER Shannon learned to love the farming life early, while growing up on her family’s dairy and sheep operation in Eastern Ontario. After graduating from the University of Guelph with a BSc (Agr.), she married Robert and together, they took over his family farm, making them the 4th generation to operate Miller’s Bay Farm. They grow asparagus, strawberries, sweet corn, pumpkins and other

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mixed vegetables, along with field crops on 400 acres. Their main outlet for the produce is their long-established roadside stand, situated in Leeds County, right along the Rideau Waterway.

Being an hour away from the Ottawa, the Millers depend on seasonal and year-round residents to shop at the farm each season. Shannon’s primary responsibilities include staffing, accounting, communications, marketing, and record-keeping while Robert manages the production side of things.

ELIZABETH MITCHAM Elizabeth has been on the faculty of the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of California, Davis since 1992. She received her Masters from North Carolina State University and her PhD from the University of Maryland, both degrees in Horticulture. She works closely with the fruit industries in California, especially the pear industry.

She was instrumental in developing protocols for conditioning of Bartlett pears, improving postharvest handling and storage practices, exploring the benefits of 1-MCP, and investigating the regulation of ripening in European pears. Dr. Mitcham served as Director of the UC Davis Postharvest Technology Center from 2009 to 2016. The center focuses on maintaining the quality and safety of fruits and vegetables after harvest. Dr. Mitcham was selected Outstanding International Horticulturist by the American Society for Horticultural Sciences (ASHS) in 2015 and elected Vice-President of the International Division of ASHS in 2016.

DR. JULIA MLYNAREK Dr. Mlynarek is the field entomology research scientist at the Harrow research and development centre of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Her research specializes in documenting insect biodiversity and developing integrated pest management strategies in tree nut orchards and field grown crops.

She has a BSC in wildlife biology and a MSc in Entomology from McGill University, a PhD in Biology from Carleton University and was postdoctoral researcher at University of New Brunswick. She has described new species, surveyed biodiversity, documented parasitism, tested plant-insect associations and developed new methods of molecular identification of insects.

JOHN MOLENHUIS John has been the Business Analysis and Cost of Production Specialist with OMAFRA for the past 18 years. He leads financial benchmarking projects and develops crop and livestock cost of production budgeting tools. He has been involved with several ‘cost of production’ studies for horticulture crops such as grapes, tender fruit, apples and recently hazelnuts. John has a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business from the University of Guelph.

ANGELA MURTAGH Angela started the agri-tourism side of their business along with her siblings in 1998 offering educational visits to school groups on their family farm, during early summer. What started as a tiny seasonal enterprise to earn some extra income has now grown to a very successful year-round business with over 120,000 visitors and a growth rate in the double digits. It is a family-run venture with a brother and two sisters and between each sibling, they cover the various management roles.

Angela’s main responsibilities are day-to-day operations, staffing and some marketing, particularly on the international tourism side of the business. Their biggest successes are their Halloween experience called Farmaphobia and their Causey Christmas Experience welcoming over 35,000 visitors each annually and employ up to 250 people seasonally.

STEFANO MUSACCHI Stefano is a Professor and Endowed Chair of Tree Fruit Physiology and Management at WSU. Dr. Musacchi’s academic training is in Pomology (PhD). He taught for 13 years at University of Bologna, Italy and 6 years at the University of Bolzano. He joined Washington State University 5 years ago. Dr. Musacchi’s expertise is mainly on apple, pear, and cherry horticulture and fruit quality. In his brief time at WSU, he has already attracted in total over $2.47M. He is currently supervising the ‘Pear Breeding Rootstocks and Cultivars’ project based in Bologna (€350,000). In 2014, Dr. Musacchi patented 4 new pear cultivars. He serves in the editorial board of several publications including Journal: Agronomy, eJHS (European Journal of Horticultural Science), AIMS Agriculture Journal and Asian Journal of Life Sciences.

CAROLYN O’GRADY-GOLD As Vice President, Merchandising at LCBO, Carolyn’s job, along with her team of more than 80 people, is to guide and oversee the strategic direction, business planning, and category management activities of the LCBO Wines, Spirits, Beer, and Vintages business units in the Merchandising Division. She is responsible for developing, planning and executing all product sales and merchandising strategies along with the space planning, merchandise financial planning, pricing administration and category management teams in partnership with suppliers and agents. Carolyn’s career in beverage alcohol spans 15 years, including time with Molson Canada and Prime Restaurants, giving her the perspective of both supplier and licensee. She joined the LCBO in 2004 as the Category Manager for Brown Spirits, and then worked on both New World Wines and Vintages.

KRISTEN OBEID Kristen has a master’s degree in weed science from the University of Manitoba and an honors bachelor of science degree in agriculture from the University of Guelph. As OMAFRA’s Weed Management Specialist for Horticulture crops, she leads the development, coordination and implementation of programs related to weed management issues in Ontario. Kristen is a past recipient of the Deputy Minister’s Award for her work as a provincial vegetable specialist and the recent recipient of the Excellence in Weed Science Extension Award from the Canadian Weed Science Society (CWSS) for her current work. Kristen previously spent several years with the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers and in the private sector coordinating research trials in support of new product registrations.

DAN OLK Dan is a soil biochemist with the U.S. Department of AgricultureAgricultural Research Service and works at the National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment in Ames, Iowa. He is a PhD graduate (1993) of the University of California, Davis and worked for eight years at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines before his employment with the USDAARS (2001-present). Since 2009, Dr. Olk has conducted field evaluations of humic products in corn-soybean rotations of the U.S. Midwest,

studying the efficacy of humic products for improving crop growth as influenced by environmental variables, including annual weather patterns and soil type. Field research has also addressed responses by corn structural biochemistry and root growth to humic products, and more recently has studied long-term benefits to soil physical properties.

MATTHIAS OPPENLAENDER Matthias was born in Germany where he studied agriculture and viticulture before immigrating to Canada in 1984. Matthias and his family live in Niagara-onthe-Lake and own Country Tyme Vineyards and Hubel Grape Estates. In 2006, he was elected Grape King by fellow grape growers. The following year Matthias was elected to the Grape Growers of Ontario’s (GGO) Growers’ Committee and to the Board of Directors. In 2009, Matthias was elected Vice Chair of the Board and he held this position until he was elected Chair in 2016. In addition to the GGO Board of Directors, Matthias is the Chair of Ontario Grape and Wine Research Inc. (OGWRI), a joint Board of growers and processors, was established in 2007 to determine, guide and fund the research priorities of Ontario’s grape and wine industry. Making great wine starts in the vineyard, and Matthias focuses on growing the best quality of grapes on his 300+ acres of Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Sauvignon Blanc, Baco Noir and Vidal.

JILL PAGE The Canadian Grapevine Certification Network (CGCNRCCV) was incorporated in February 2017 with a mandate to advance the Canadian grape and wine industry by ensuring a sustainable domestic supply of clean-certified grapevine material. Along with that, in early 2018, CGCN-RCCV became the lead for the Canadian Grape and Wine Science Cluster administered through Agriculture and Agri Food Canada. Over the next five years, $11 million in research will be done across Canada building on past research with main priorities being grapevine virus diseases, cold hardiness, sustainable management of soil, water and crop quality and improvements to the quality of Canadian wines. Jill started working with CGCN in January 2018. She obtained her BBA from Brock University and travelled abroad to attend Dijon’s School of Wine & Spirits Business for their Masters of Wine Management program,

along with a background working within the Ontario Wine industry.

IAN PARKER Ian started at Wilmot Orchards in April 2012 after graduating from Guelph with a double degree in Physics and Music. With no background in agriculture, it was the kindness of the owners of Wilmot Orchards (Charles & Judi Stevens) to hire Ian onto the farm and teach him about the horticulture industry. Ian is now responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the farm, and the growing of the crops, along with managers Robbie Montgomery and Ian Martin. Ian is part of a succession plan to continue the operations of Wilmot Orchards into the next generation of farmers along with Courtney Stevens and Adrienne Houle. Wilmot Orchards is a high quality producer of 136 acres of commercial apples and 24 acres of u-pick highbush blueberries.

ENRICO PETERLUNGER Enrico is a professor of Viticulture at the University of Udine, Italy. He graduated in Agricultural Sciences at the University of Padova (1979).

Since 1985, he is working at the University of Udine. His research interests are grapevine physiology, plant-water relationship and metabolic effects of water deficit, canopy management and quality of grapes and wine, local grapevine germplasm rescue and study, grapevine breeding for disease resistance and high quality. He is coordinator of Viticulture and Enology curriculum (bachelor and master), and is a member of the Steering Committee of European Master in Viticulture and Enology EMaVE-Vinifera.

WOLFGANG PFENNING Wolfgang is the second generation to farm organically at Pfenning’s Organic Farm, a grower/packer/ shipper of certified organic produce. The Pfenning’s have been farming in Canada near Kitchener since 1981, and currently operate 700 acres of certified organic vegetable crops, employing up to 150 people.

Pfenning’s is also a wholesaler of organic food in Ontario. With a motto: ‘Healthy Soil, Healthy Plants, Healthy People’, Pfenning’s organic vegetables takes a holistic approach to sustainability in farming and business.

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VINCENT PHILION Vincent is a plant pathologist at IRDA (Québec) involved in applied research on apple diseases. His involvement with European growers led him to his work the RIMpro simulation software (eg. Apple scab, Fire blight) and his focus on spraying technology.

DEREK PLOTKOWSKI Derek is a PhD Candidate in Plant Agriculture (Pomology) at the University of Guelph. He has studied and worked on cider in France, Spain, Michigan, New York, and Ontario and has presented at CiderCon and the American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Meeting. Derek has a bachelor’s degree in Plant Biology from Cornell University in the United States and a Master’s Degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Wine Business, and Terroir Management from l’Ecole Supérieure d’Agriculture d’Angers in France. He has been working with the Cline Lab at the University of Guelph on cider apple cultivar trials in collaboration with the Ontario Craft Cider Association since 2016. His other research work revolves around the development of nitrogenous compounds in apple juice and their use in fermentation.

RACHELLE RICHARDCOLLETTE Rachelle is an Economic Development Consultant with over 25 years of practical experience and active involvement in many areas of business, economic, community and tourism development. She has a strong passion for the farmers’ market movement and is co-founder of the Bouctouche Farmers’ Market. She has been at the forefront of leading organizational change and the re-construction project of the market during the past year.

NOELLA RINALDO Noella is the Executive Director of the Downtown Timmins BIA. She is the Market Manager of the Urban Park Market, a successful market run in the downtown area during the summer and fall months. As a board member of Farmers’ Market Ontario®, she is also interested in the growth of the north in the agricultural opportunities. Noella is a three-term councillor in the municipality of Timmins and

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recipient of the Influential Women of Northern Ontario influential Community Trailblazer award.

She strongly believes that agricultural growth has the potential to diverse the economic picture in Northern Ontario.

ROBIN ROSS

Robin is a Market Development Scientist, Plant Science Division, at Acadian Seaplants Limited. In this capacity, she is responsible for field research on row and vegetable crops in the United States. Robin actively conducts and coordinates research with universities and private research and development groups to develop marine-plant products as fertilizers and biostimulants in agriculture. In addition, she has a key role of taking very complicated science and distilling it into useful grower friendly information. Robin holds a Master’s degree in plant pathology with a minor in experimental statistics from Clemson University and a bachelor’s in biology from Mars Hill College. Robin has an agricultural background, having grown up living and working on her family’s farm in Unionville, North Carolina. She enjoys conducting research that is beneficial to production agriculture.

JACKIE ROWE Jackie is the founder and owner of The Garlic Box Inc. She manages all aspects of production, sales, marketing and farm-gate sales. Established in 1998, Jackie has navigated her company’s growth through the ups and downs of Ontario’s evolving garlic industry. The Garlic Box has been recognized for its’ pioneering efforts to transition local garlic into a premium value-added food product including the Premier’s Agri-Innovation Award. Her greatest asset and driving passion is rooted in Ontario’s budding garlic industry.

PAOLO SABBATINI Paolo is the Associate Professor of Viticulture in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University with Research (50%), Extension (40%) and Teaching (10%) responsibilities. Research focus is on vine physiology with emphasis on cultural factors limiting vine production and fruit quality and their interaction with biotic and abiotic stress. Carbon assimilation, storage and partitioning are tools for his studies to understand vine productivity and fruit quality. He has state responsibilities for

evaluation of wine cultivar of Vitis vinifera and mixed species with several ongoing research projects funded by MGWIC (Michigan Grape Wine and industry Council), MDA (Michigan Department of Agriculture), USDA, NSF and MSU Project GREEEN on crop load balance for achieving highest sustainable yields in juice grapes, canopy management in wine grapes to improve fruit quality, determination of action thresholds of pest and diseases in common Michigan wine grape cultivars and viticultural approaches to reduce bunch rot in wine grapes.

JASMINE SAUVÉ Jasmine with a Bachelor of Science in Agroeconomy from University Laval, is manager of a berry and vegetable farm located in Quebec. She coordinates the integration and the day-to-day work of the foreign workers on the farm and takes part in the production cost studies of the farm. Jasmine specialises in labour management, especially in temporary foreign worker motivation and efficiency in the small fruit production sector. She has given two presentations in 2018 at Laval University and at the Quebec Strawberry and Raspberry Grower Association research day and also writes a blog about labour in the agricultural sector on the Agri-Réseau platform.

NICHOLAS SCHAUT Nicholas is the owner-operator of Bighead Hops, a certified organic hop farm and processing facility in operation for the past 10 years.

He is also the founding member/ past president of the Ontario Hop Growers Association. Nicholas has organized educational seminars for growers and coordinated research into Ontario hops cultural practices and post harvest processing. He has liaised with other hop grower groups, co-ops and associations throughout Eastern North America. Bighead Hops was awarded the Premier’s Award for Agri-Excellence in Innovation 2015 and The Greenbelt Innovation Farm of the Year in 2015. He is a full member of the American Organic Hop Growers Association.

MELISSA SCHOOLEY Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Emily Carr University in Vancouver, Melissa returned to the family farm in Norfolk County in 2002 where she set up a pottery studio. She has been running a successful, award-winning pottery business,

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The Raging Bowl, ever since. In 2012, she began working with her parents, Harold and Janice Schooley, on their lavender business, Apple Hill Lavender. Melissa is the retail shop manager and wholesale accounts manager, helping to grow the family business and get their small-batch culinary and aromatherapy products in gift shops across the country.

BRETT SCHUYLER Brett is an owner of a family farm operation in Norfolk County.

They produce apples, sour cherries, cash crops, and lamb. Brett is passionate about precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices.

CYNTHIA SCOTT-DUPREE Cynthia is a Professor and Bayer Chair in Sustainable Pest Management at the School of Environmental SciencesUniversity of Guelph and has been a faculty member there since 1986. She received her Master of Pest Management (1983) and PhD (1986) from Simon Fraser University. Her current research includes sustainable management of insect crop pests using environmentally compatible control methods including reduced-risk insecticides, conservation biological control, novel technologies such as RNAi and sterile insect technique; management of invasive insects; impact of agro-ecosystems on beneficial insects such as bees and natural enemies; and development of standardized pesticide risk assessment methods for non-Apis bees. Born and raised in western Canada, Cynthia became acquainted with apiculture and agriculture through family beekeeping and farming operations. She is keenly aware of the importance of IPM, entomology/apiculture, and agriculture to the Canadian economy and endeavors to relay this to others through her research, teaching and outreach activities.

REBECCA SHORTT Rebecca Shortt 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 also co-author of many OMAFRA irrigation publications including the Irrigation Best Management Practices book. Most recently,

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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, she develops solutions for other agricultural water uses such as fruit and vegetable washing. Rebecca holds a MSc and BSc from McGill University in Agricultural Engineering and has been active in water and irrigation associations across Canada and the U.S.

SUZANNE SLACK Suzanne is a 3rd year Plant Pathology PhD student at Michigan State University. She has worked for Dr. George Sundin, the tree fruit pathologist at Michigan State, since 2012. Her research focuses mainly on fire blight and apple scab. Some of her research projects include monitoring for antimicrobial resistance in tree fruit diseases, improving weather predictions for antibiotic use, population dynamics, and biological control effectiveness.

CHARLOTTE SMITH Charlotte founded 3Cow Marketing.com, an online marketing training company helping farmers in the U.S. and Canada learn the most current online marketing techniques to grow a successful business. She teaches her marketing course twice per year and published a book by the same name, ‘Farm Marketing from the Heart’ as an intro to the concepts and techniques she teaches. Charlotte also owns Champoeg Creamery, a raw milk micro-dairy located in St. Paul, Oregon, producing raw milk, eggs, and poultry. Additionally, she hosts ‘The Profitable Farm with Charlotte Smith’ private Facebook group, a community of farmers focused on connecting with others to learn, share and gain support. Due to her dedication to improving the soil, animals and the people who eat their products, in 2016 Charlotte was named one of the Top 25 Most Influential Women in the World in Food and Agriculture by the non-profit, Food Tank.

MATTHEW SPECK Matt and his brothers Paul and Daniel planted the original vineyards and began the business development of Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery with their father in 1984. In 1992, Matt assumed the role of Viticultural Manager and Vice President and has continued to develop Henry of Pelham into one of

the leading national growers and producers of fine wines from Niagara. His viticultural work was recognized when he was named Grape King at the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival of 2000-2001.

Matt currently manages the winery’s production that includes 275 acres of estate owned vineyards in the Short Hills Bench sub appellation. He also purchases grapes from many of the finest independent grower-owned vineyards throughout Niagara. The winery specializes exclusively in VQA wines producing an extensive and highly regarded portfolio of wine styles. Matt was educated at St. John’s College, Annapolis, Maryland (BA, Philosophy and Mathematics double major) and Annex Village Campus in Toronto, Ontario.

DEAN STOYKA Dean was born and raised in Niagara Falls. Growing up with a father in the wine industry, he was inspired to study wine and viticulture at Niagara College in 2009. In his nine- year career at Stratus, Dean previously held the positions of Lab Technician, Winemaking Supervisor, and Vineyard Manager before assuming his current role as Assistant Winemaker. Dean is also an instructor in Viticulture and Farm equipment operations at Niagara College. His passion for sustainability can be seen in his winemaking and his farming.

NICK SUTCLIFFE After 20 years of working in sales, Nick found his true passion in 2010, when he co-founded Pommies Cider Co. with his wife Lindsay. Nick has been a relentless advocate for local cider and takes great pride in being the founding chair of the Ontario Craft Cider Association.

DR. CLARENCE SWANTON Dr. Swanton obtained his BSc in Botany from the University of Toronto, his MSc in Agrometerology from the University of Guelph, and a PhD in Plant Ecology from the University of Western Ontario. During the years between earning his MSc and his PhD, he was employed as a field agronomist with the Campbell Soup Company of Canada and later as a weed biologist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. In 1985, he joined the University of Guelph as a faculty member in the Department of Crop Science. In 1996, he was promoted to full professor. From

1998 to 2004, Clarence served as the first Chair of the Department of Plant Agriculture that included the Departments of Crop Science, Horticulture and the Horticulture Research Institute of Ontario.

From 2007 to 2008 he served as President of the Canadian Weed Science Society. He has won numerous awards for his research including the Outstanding Canadian in the area of Crop Protection from Bayer CropScience for exceptional contributions to science and innovation. His research is focused on weed ecology and the development of integrated weed management systems for field and horticultural crops.

JODY TIMER For the last 15 years, Jody has been an entomologist with Penn State University stationed at Penn State’s Lake Erie Grape Research and Extension Center in North East PA. This area is home to over 800 growers and an excess of 30,000 acres of grapes.

Providing entomology advice and extension support for these growers, her research has concentrated on applied grape entomology with expertise in grape insect management including both indigenous and newly invasive species. Jody does research for both the Pennsylvania Wine and Marketing and the New York Wine and Grape research boards and cooperates with entomologists from many institutions on projects including: the spotted lanternfly research group, brown marmorated stink bug working group, the grape berry moth summit, and spotted wing drosophila. Her projects have included the development of a brown marmorated stink bug diet, the NEWA phenology model for grape berry moth, investigating taste from brown marmorated stink bug in grape juice, pheromone and insecticide efficacy against grape berry moth, leafhopper, and Japanese beetle, effective spray timing for multivoltine insects, and economic sustainability of the Lake Erie regional grape juice industry. She also works as a member of the Penn State and Cornell Lake Erie Grape Program to educate eastern grape growers on current research findings in grape insect management.

DR. CHERYL TRUEMAN Cheryl is a College Research Professor at the University of Guelph at Ridgetown. Her research interests focus on integrated management of insect and disease pests of vegetable crops in Ontario.

She is interested in applied research for adoption by growers to improve pest management, reduce

yield and quality losses, and delay the development of pesticide resistance. Cheryl earned a BSc (Agriculture), MSc (Horticulture), and PhD (Environmental Biology) from the University of Guelph. In addition to research responsibilities, Cheryl teaches courses in vegetable production and pest management in Agriculture and Horticulture diploma programs at Ridgetown.

camera through which to investigate issues and engage with multiple actors and ideas to focus on seeking solutions. Tess currently lives in Toronto with her partner and dog. When not working on her undergrad in Environment and Urban Sustainability at Ryerson University, she manages her local Junction Farmers’ Market and volunteers with a vermiculture operation called Microbe Hub.

CHRIS VAN DE LAAR

DR. ANA CRISTINA VEGA-LUGO

Chris is a third generation grower with more than 110 acres of grapes in Niagara-on-the-Lake in addition to various tender fruit and a fruit market that has been in operation for more than 66 years. He earned a BSc (Ag Economics) from the University of Guelph and graduated on the Dean’s Honour Roll. Following graduation, he enjoyed a successful 14 year career with Scotiabank, initially in Ag lending and then promoted to various senior management positions in commercial banking.

When his father retired in 2005, Chris decided to return to his roots and left the bank and purchased the family farm. Since purchasing the farm, Chris has nearly doubled the size of the operation and was recently crowned as the 2018 Grape King, following in the footsteps of his father, Peter, the 1985 Grape King.

DAVID VANDEVELDE David owns and operates Wholesome Pickins Market and Bakery in Delhi, ON. The business includes two farm market locations, a scratch bakery and produces over 20 acres of berries, 2 acres of asparagus, 75 acres of tobacco and cash crops.

David is the past treasurer of the Ontario Berry Growers and the current Chair of the Flue-Cured Tobacco Marketing Board.

TESS VAN DEN BOSCH A sticky note above her desk reads “evaluation as a tool for change.” Tess is continually fascinated by the simplicity of this statement, though it packs so much power. For it is through her pursuits and continued education, that she has discovered her passion for analysis and critical systems thinking; necessary ingredients to discover the change our world needs. She has extensive administrative and managerial experience working in various settings including retail, energy, manufacturing, and community non-profit. Beyond the skills that she has learned, this diversity has gifted her a multi-lens

Dr. Vega-Lugo is the Senior Food Scientist for the Canadian Food and Wine Institution Innovation Centre, part of the Research and Innovation Division at the College. Ana Cristina is responsible for managing the research/student team and resources required for all product and process innovation, food safety, analytical lab and label compliance services, and other technical service and applied research activities. A trained food engineer and scientist with a PhD degree in food science, she has 10 years’ experience in food science and commercialization, including in development, troubleshooting and applicable packaging science and technology. Her most recent position was with Hela Spice Canada as a senior product developer.

ANNE VERHALLEN Anne is a Soil Science graduate from the University of Guelph.

She has worked for OMAFRA since 1988, starting as a Soil Conservation Advisor working in Essex and Kent. Currently, Anne works in the area of horticultural soil management with projects in a wide variety of soil management areas such as erosion, compaction and water management.

Promoting the use of cover crops and supporting better soil health are her passion.

CHRISTEL VON ENGELBRECHTEN Christel, with her husband Gert, has been involved in growing lavender and developing lavender products since 2013. Their lavender farm, Christel Lake Lavender, is located north-east of Toronto and carries over 2,000 plants in 16 varieties. Their focus in growing lavender is to provide a pleasing and memorable lavender experience for visitors.

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ERICH WEBER Erich is the Business Finance Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs. In this role, he provides information related to financial management, taxation, and business structures for farmers and agri-food processors.

Prior to working with OMAFRA, Erich worked in a local accounting firm where he focused on farm accounting and taxation, and obtained his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. Erich attended the University of Guelph, where he studied Agricultural Business. He and his parents own a beef cow/calf, feeder and cash crop farm in Grey County.

DR. JOANN WHALEN Dr. Whalen received her BSc (Agr.) in agricultural chemistry from Dalhousie University and MSc in soil biochemistry from McGill University. She joined the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at McGill University in 2000, after completing her PhD at The Ohio State University and working as a postdoctoral fellow at Oregon State University and a research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. She is a Full Professor and a William Dawson Scholar (research chair) at McGill, an Adjunct Professor at Gansu Agricultural University, Key Lab of Aridland Crop Sciences (Lanzhou, China) and a Fellow of the Soil Science Society of America. Joann is a soil ecologist with expertise in soil biology and fertility in cropping systems. She is a professional agronomist in Quebec and the Past President of the Canadian Society of Soil Science.

DR. JIM WILLWERTH Dr. Willwerth is the Senior Scientist in Viticulture at the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) at Brock University. His responsibilities are to perform research and outreach services in the field of viticulture and to address the research priorities of the Canadian grape and wine industry. His current research program is focused on grapevine cold hardiness and understanding how to maximize cold hardiness in V. vinifera including the use of better V.vinifera plant material. He also has numerous applied research projects ranging from new freeze protection methods to use of new bird deterrent methods. He spearheads large outreach initiatives including

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the VineAlert Grapevine Cold Hardiness Database and the Grape Preharvest Monitoring program for the Ontario Grape and Wine Industry. Jim works closely with the Ontario grape and wine industry on various technical committees and is a member of the Vintner Quality Alliance of Ontario (VQA-O) Standards Development Committee. He is also Chair of the Animal Care Committee at Brock University and serves as Treasurer on the Board of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture, Eastern Section.

JOHN C. WISE Dr. Wise is a professor in the Michigan State University Department of Entomology, and Research and Extension Coordinator of the MSU Trevor Nichols Research Center in Fennville, MI. He is also the North Central Regional Director of the IR-4 project, which serves as the primary avenue that new reduced-risk pesticides are registered with the EPA for specialty crops in the USA. His primary research interest is studying the performance characteristics of new insecticide chemistries for control of fruit insect pests. He also investigates alternative delivery systems for crop protection materials in fruit agroecosystems. John runs the Applied Insecticide Toxicology lab on the MSU campus, conducting research on the performance mechanisms and plant penetration attributes of pesticides, pesticide environmental fate and arthropod resistance. Dr. Wise is a member of the Entomological Society of America, and serves as Section Editor for both ESA’s Arthropod Management Tests, and for the Canadian Entomologist journal.

RICK WISMER Rick is a Partner in MNP’s St. Catharines office and Leader of the Agri-food and Beverage team for Southwest Ontario. Rick delivers a broad range of services to businesses in the primary agriculture and food and beverage industries, such as wineries, craft breweries, cideries and distilleries, greenhouses and viticulture and horticulture operations. For 35 years, Rick has owned and operated commercial farm operations specializing in viticulture, cash crops, fruit and farm management services. This has given him real-life understanding of the challenges his clients face and the opportunities that can help them thrive. His clients benefit from his knowledge and assistance in areas such as strategic planning, succession and financial turnarounds, as well as from traditional accounting and audit services. Rick has a Bachelor of Science

in Agriculture from the University of Guelph, where he majored in business and economics and graduated on the Dean’s Honour Roll. He is a Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) and a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (CA). Rick is also a member of the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors (CAFA) and a Licenced Public Accountant (LPA).

JOHN ZANDSTRA John grew up on the family livestock and cash crop farm in Haldimand County and completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Guelph. Since 1994, he has worked at the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus where he conducts research on cropping systems in fruit and vegetable crops. Research interests include season extension, environmental sustainability, and new crop development. John teaches courses in fruit and vegetable crop management as well a tour course that includes a trip to the US Midwest. He is the Coordinator of the Agriculture and Horticulture Diploma Programs at the Ridgetown Campus and manages the University of Guelph’s Cedar Springs Fruit Research Station.

MARION ZUEFLE Marion is a vegetable extension educator with the New York State IPM Program at Cornell University. She has coordinated the Sweet corn pheromone trapping network for NYS for the last 6 years. This network has been in place for 25 years and monitors the flights of 5 major sweet corn pests (European corn borer E and Z, Corn earworm, Fall armyworm and Western bean cutworm) at 40 locations throughout NY. She also conducts research on novel techniques to reduce wildlife damage in vegetable crops including sweet corn, holds workshops to help growers identify pests and determine best management options and is finalizing a sweet corn scouting app to help growers identify sweet corn pests.

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SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON

WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE

BY COUR TNE Y D EN A RD

Whether it’s in the field or behind a desk, women have long been an integral part of Ontario’s agriculture industry.

The sector is filled with countless examples of females who lead even if the spotlight has traditionally shone elsewhere.

The four women showcased here exemplify what it means to be a successful player in agriculture in 2019.

Individually they are running organizations or are experts in their field and collectively they’re all members of the OFVC committee, which organizes the annual convention.

We hope you enjoy this feature on women in Ontario agriculture and if you’d like to keep the conversation going, join us for the Women in Ag Networking Breakfast on Feb. 21, 2019 from 8:00 am to 9:15 am in room 221 (advanced registration required).

Cathy Bartolic EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ONTARIO FARM FRESH MARKETING ASSOCIATION

Cathy Bartolic was born in Toronto but moved to a farm when she was 12 years old.

Along with her three sisters, Cathy loved working on the family farm. After high school, she attended the University of Guelph and graduated with a degree in agriculture.

Cathy said she’s worked in some form of agriculture her entire life but it’s her current position with OFFMA that allows her to focus on agri-tourism, one of her biggest passions.

Part of Cathy’s job is organizing OFFMA’s annual bus tour, which has taken association members all over the world to places like England and Ireland.

“The bus tours are great because people spend time with each other and develop amazing friendships,” Cathy said.

Cathy sees an evolution happening in Ontario agriculture.

An industry once dominated by men, has more and more women climbing the corporate ladder.

Her advice to her fellow women in ag is to find a role model.

“Study that person and how they handle things. I think that really helps.”

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Kelly Ciceran GENERAL MANAGER, ONTARIO APPLE GROWERS

Kelly Ciceran didn’t grow up on a farm but that didn’t stop her from pursuing a career in agriculture.

The wife and mother of one has worked in the food sector since she graduated from the University of Waterloo with a degree in anthropology.

Kelly’s tie to agriculture grew stronger in 1999 when she was hired as marketing director for the Ontario Apple Marketing Commission (the predecessor of OAG).

Today, Kelly is OAG’s general manager and it’s a job she said, she thoroughly enjoys.

“My favourite part about my job is working for farmers. I really love it; they’re such good people,” Kelly said.

Promoting Ontario apples to consumers is another task Kelly is particularly proud of, as is the online record keeping system she orchestrated for growers.

Amanda Green

According to the general manager, building partnerships and relationships with other projects and organizations is key to OAG’s success.

At 31, Amanda Green is the youngest of our women in agriculture profiles.

Kelly’s advice to women considering a career in agriculture is enthusiastic.

“I say just go for it. There are so many opportunities in so many different areas. You don’t have to be a farmer to have a great career in agriculture.”

TREE FRUIT SPECIALIST, OMAFRA

Amanda grew up on a dairy farm in Oxford County and graduated with two degrees from the University of Guelph — a Bachelor of Arts in agriculture and a Master of Science in weed science.

After working in Labrador as an agriculture development officer, Amanda came home and found contract work at OMAFRA. The temporary positions evolved into something permanent when Amanda was hired as a tree fruit specialist in 2015.

It’s the job she has today and one that finds her behind a desk and in the field working with farmers.

“My favourite part of my job is that I get to provide unbiased information,” Amanda said. “I like to put on events and grower tours to have a venue to discuss relevant issues.”

Amanda is the youngest of three in her family with two older brothers. Growing up, she said, expectations for girls on the farm were different than they were for boys.

She learned young that girls in agriculture have to prove themselves slightly more than boys do especially in primary production.

Her advice to women working in ag, or those working back home on the farm, is solid.

“You have the knowledge so be confident and don’t be afraid to break down stereotypes.”

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CONTINUED

B

AT S 09 U 5 T H SI T V I OO

Shining a Spotlight on Women in Agriculture

Catherine Clark EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FARMERS’ MARKETS ONTARIO

Catherine Clark, a self-proclaimed graduate of the school of hard knocks, began her career, as she says, at the bottom.

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Catherine started in office administration working for the Ontario government but after years of hard work, she is now the executive director of a provincial organization.

That organization is Farmers’ Markets Ontario and it represents 180 farmers’ markets across the province.

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As executive director, Catherine is a one-woman show. She single-handedly administers FMO’s MyPick® verification program, does all the financials and is the face of the board of directors.

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Catherine also helps organizations start their own farmers’ markets, a role she said is rewarding and challenging.

“Many think it’s easy to organize a farmers’ market, but it takes months of meetings with volunteers. They need extra guidance and that’s where I offer my expertise,” Catherine said.

When it comes to lending her knowledge to women in ag, Catherine said it’s a matter of putting in your time.

“I don’t have a university education and frankly, I don’t think that means very much if you don’t have the passion and drive to work hard.”

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE THROUGH DEDICATION AND A SMILE

BY COUR TNE Y D EN A RD

After 25 years of working with the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention, dedicated volunteer Tony Sgambelluri is saying goodbye.

Sgambelluri will step down as OFVC chair after this year’s convention; a decision, he said, was made to spend more time with his family and his growing businesses.

Sgambelluri’s involvement with the convention dates back to the early 1990s when his friend, Kevin Buis, who was president of the Niagara Peninsula Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association (NPF&VGA) at the time, asked him to come to a meeting.

“They were on the hunt for some new blood,” said Sgambelluri, who admits he barely said a word for the first two years he volunteered.

As part of his new role, Sgambelluri was asked to help out with the convention. It was a job he happily took on and one that stuck.

Sgambelluri was instrumental in making the OFVC the success it is today. He was one of the key players who merged two industry shows into one in the late 1990s.

During that time, Horticultural Crops Ontario was running an annual show and so was the NPF&VGA but Sgambelluri had a vision of joining forces and making one big show.

“The number of peach and grape growers was dwindling, and attendance was starting to drop each year. We needed to do something,” Sgambelluri said.

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But not everybody was on board.

Sgambelluri said he faced major resistance from many in the industry who wanted to do things the way they’d always been done.

In an attempt to move ahead, Sgambelluri met with Tom Greenside and Gary Ireland, two “pioneers for the industry” as he calls them.

The threesome spent an afternoon talking at a Tim Horton’s coffee shop and what came out of that meeting would change the trajectory of the convention.

The idea of a merged show was presented and although not everyone was convinced, the associations agreed to go along.

“I was definitely in the hot seat for the first few years,” Sgambelluri said. “It was by far the biggest challenge I faced throughout my tenure.”

It didn’t take long for the doubters to see Sgambelluri had been right. In its newly amalgamated form, the convention thrived and continues to do so today.

Numbers on the tradeshow side and on the attendee side go up annually, as do the number of speakers.

The vegetable program has grown over time to become an important part of the convention, while organics and sweet corn have also joined the line-up.

Government officials now see the convention as a major technology transfer delivery outlet, perhaps their biggest all year.

And the social events, which run alongside the convention, are a hit with everyone attending.

There’s been a lot of progress in the past 25 years. It’s impressive and it’s what Sgambelluri will leave as his OFVC legacy.

“Going from the basement of the Parkway hotel to occupying the Scotiabank Convention Centre and almost outgrowing it, that’s the success I will hang my hat on the most,” Sgambelluri said.

The committed volunteer won’t take all the credit though.

Sgambelluri said he’s had a fantastic group of people to work with and that’s what moved the convention forward.

At the risk of leaving someone out, Sgambelluri said he wants to especially thank Glenna Cairnie, Bob Chorney, the late Tom Greenside and the late Gary Ireland.

An even bigger thank you goes out to his family.

“I couldn’t have done any of this without the love and support I get from my wife Patrizia and our children Joseph, Sarah, Victoria and Michael,” Sgambelluri said.

Sgambelluri will officially resign from the OFVC at the close of this year’s convention but he knows the show is in good hands.

His advice for those he’s leaving behind is actually quite simple: keep the convention for the grower.

“Don’t make it about the researcher or about the bank account. Keep the grower experience at the forefront and you’ll continue to attract more people.”

With that in mind, Sgambelluri said he’s looking forward to attending the convention as a grower himself. It’ll be a different experience for sure but different in a good way, he said.

Sgambelluri is also excited to spend some time travelling with his family, running the family farm and garden centre, and dedicating more time to his favourite hobby, gardening.

35

GET READY FOR CANNABIS FARMING IN ONTARIO

BY COUR TNE Y D EN A RD

On October 17, 2018, Canada became the second country in the world, after Uruguay, to legalize recreational cannabis use nationwide.

It was a precedent setting move for the Canadian government and with legalization comes new opportunities for a number of industries, including agriculture.

48North Cannabis Corp., a Toronto-based cannabis company, is a shining example of this.

The company is working to become the first grower in Canada to produce cannabis outdoors.

Jeanette VanderMarel, co-CEO of 48North, spoke to the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention about her company’s plans and what legalization means for Ontario farmers.

Q: What is the cannabis plant’s growth cycle like?

A: Cannabis is indigenous to the Hindu mountains in Nepal as well as some areas in Africa. It’s an annual plant that doesn’t like wet heat but prefers moderate humidity. It needs water but thrives in a fairly aired environment.

The plant grows similar to a field tomato and has a 15week cycle. It’s planted in the spring and we’ll use plastic, ground mulch and drip line irrigation in production.

Q: Tell me about your plans to become the first company in Canada to grow cannabis outdoors.

A: Cannabis is a plant that was only moved indoors because of its illegalities but it grows well outdoors in our Southern Ontario climate.

The farmer in me has always thought that cannabis should be grown outdoors. We don’t grow corn indoors for alcohol or ethanol purposes so there’s no reason to grow cannabis indoors for extract purposes. The Cannabis Act now allows us to grow it where it belongs, outside.

48North Cannabis Corp. has asked for Health Canada’s approval to plant 100 acres of cannabis near Brantford and we hope to have our first crop in the ground by June 1 or earlier.

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JEANNETTE VANDERMAREL (LEFT) ALONGSIDE ALISON GORDON, CO-CEOS OF 48NORTH CANNABIS CORP.

Here’s to

WEARING OUT YOUR WORK GLOVES We’re proud to finance the people, the dreams, and the future of Canadian agriculture.

Here’s to Canadian agriculture. Here’s to you. fcc.ca

Cannabis has a high essential oil content so it’s fairly pest resistant. Spider mites can be a challenge and so can white flies but in general, it’s a pretty hardy plant.

Our crop will be organic because that’s the consumer preference.

Q: How is cannabis harvested?

A: There is no real harvesting technology so it’s a lot of manual labour. After harvest, our product will be dried in our indoor facility in Brantford where it will be processed and packaged.

Q: What kind of impact will cannabis have on the farming sector?

A: Canada is the only G7 country in the world where cannabis can grow legally so there is huge potential for Canadian farmers. The legal market is hugely undersupplied so it’s an opportunity for farmers to have a great quality product to export around the world.

There’s definitely still a stigma around growing cannabis but I think once we can show it’s a revenue producing crop, it will make money and lots of it.

Q: Is 48North working with Ontario farmers?

A: Yes, we’re working with local, large-scale cash croppers and we’ve hired a farm manager.

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs recognizes cannabis as a crop under the category for agriculture, so we qualify for programs like the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP).

It’s a new product in Ontario and one that could be very helpful for farmers in the province.

Q: Where do you see the cannabis industry going in the next five to 10 years?

A: As I’ve already said, the legal market is undersupplied and there are a lot of people and patients in need. Now that we have a tightly regulated industry, I believe cannabis will be in our health and wellness goods, vitamins, and more.

It’s so interesting to be living in a time at the end of prohibition and it’s so nice to see that times are changing.

I’ve often said that future cannabis consumers don’t even know they’re going to use it.

I am really passionate and excited about the future of the cannabis industry in Canada. It’s one of the most valuable crops out there.

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ROUNDUP 2018 GARY IRELAND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

BY C OUR TNE Y D E N A RD

GREAT ONTARIO-HOPPED CRAFT BEER COMPETITION MAKING A DIFFERENCE

BY CO U R TN EY D EN AR D

Mary Lasenko is the recipient of the 2018 Gary Ireland Memorial Scholarship, an award handed out by the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention and the University of Guelph.

Originally from Richmond Hill, Lasenko is working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture at U of G. She will graduate this spring.

Growing up in an urban setting didn’t stop Lasenko from being on farms and that’s where her passion for agriculture began. She was an avid gardener from a young age and her love for “getting her hands dirty” continues today.

Lasenko has worked as an integrated pest management crop scout at the Crops Research Station in Holland Centre and more recently at the Sharon Temple in East Gwillimbury creating an accessible garden for seniors.

Post-graduation, Lasenko hopes to find a job working in the Ontario horticulture sector. A little further down the road she would love to own a farm.

“I’ll be slowly but surely working towards purchasing my own piece of land so I can pursue my dream of being a farmer,” Lasenko said.

The scholarship winner said she is “very, very excited and humbled” to be selected as the 2018 recipient. She plans on putting the money towards her school debt.

After taking first place in the Great Ontario-Hopped Craft Beer Competition in 2017, New Limburg Brewing Co. made the winning beer a permanent member of its line-up.

Jo Geven, who co-owns the brewery with his wife Yvonne, said the prized Belgian IPA was an instant hit with customers thanks to its “nice full flavour taste.”

In designing the IPA, the brewery sought to craft a well-balanced “big” beer that would deliver ample bitterness but not overwhelm the palate.

The brewer aimed for high alcohol content and a slight malty sweetness that would act as a counterpoint to some heavy-handed hopping.

The beer’s bitterness comes out at the lower end of the IPA bitterness scale and was achieved using a generous dose of locally-sourced hops.

Dry hopping showcases the floral, herbal and citrus flavours of the hops and this compliments the signature spicy and fruity notes produced by the Belgian yeast.

Geven said making the Belgian IPA a permanent offering was a no brainer.

“We saw that people liked it and thought, why wouldn’t we put it on the menu,” he said.

The first place Belgian IPA is available on draught and in the retail section of the New Limburg Brewing Co. in Simcoe.

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FLOWERS THAT ARE ALSO FOOD

BY CO U R TN EY D EN AR D

2018–2019 GRAPE KING: CHRIS VAN DE LAAR

BY COUR TNE Y D E N A R D

Chris Van de Laar of Niagara-on-the-Lake has been chosen by his peers as the new Grape King.

The designation, handed out by the Grape Growers of Ontario and Farm Credit Canada, is based upon superior vineyard management and knowledge of the industry.

Chris comes from a long tradition of grape growing and family farming.

His Dutch immigrant grandparents purchased the original Van de Laar farm on the Niagara Parkway in 1952. His mother and father, Peter and Cathy, were the second generation on the farm.

Peter was a pioneer in the grape industry having planted some of the first vinifera varietals in the area. He also held the title of Grape King in 1985.

Customers have been buying high-quality, local produce from the Van de Laar’s well-known fruit market for the past 66 years.

Chris bought the family farm 14 years ago and expanded the operation by purchasing three additional properties that now grow 110 acres of premium grapes for Arterra Wines Canada.

According to an article on AgInnovation Ontario’s website, new research is underway on what consumers prefer when it comes to edible flowers.

The Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, and Freeman Herbs of Beamsville are partnering on the project, which is being led by Dr. Alexandra Grygorczyk.

Grygorczyk is quoted in the article saying edible flowers are used as a garnish in many foods including salads, ravioli, sushi and baked goods.

The researcher said consumers typically fall into two preference groups: bold flavour fans that like strong aromas and spicy tastes and smooth texture lovers that like more faintly flavoured flowers.

Nasturtium and candy pop mint would fall into that first category, while impatiens and dianthus are milder, with a smooth texture.

Other edible varieties include some marigolds, pansies and petunias.

Not all flowers are edible, though, so consumers are encouraged to stay away from eating plants that are grown for ornamental use.

Research on this budding market is still underway but the article said several varieties of edible flowers will be released into the U.S. market this year and eventually launch into Canada.

Based on an article from AgInnovation Ontario, written by Lilian Schaer.

The grower is married to his high school sweet heart Laura and together they are parents to Erica and Nathan, as well as Andrew who passed away in 2000.

As Grape King, Chris will act as Ontario’s grape and wine industry ambassador at events across the country.

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FARMERS’ MARKETS ONTARIO® CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE 2018

BY COUR TNE Y D EN A RD

Farmers’ Markets Ontario® (FMO) is THE 2018 FARMERS’ excited to announce the inaugural MARKET OF THE YEAR winners of their new awards of excellence. WHO: The North Bay Farmers’ Market, represented For the first time, FMO will recognize an outstanding farmers’ market and a farm market manager that are exemplary in adding value to their communities and to the Ontario farmers’ market sector.

This year’s winners are the North Bay Farmers’ Market and Tess Van Den Bosch, manager of Junction Farmers’ Market in Toronto.

by Mitch Deschatelets, chairman of the board and fruit and vegetable farmer.

THE MARKET: Started in 2001 with six vendors.

Has grown to an average of 100 vendors per year to become the busiest farmers’ market in Northern Ontario, servicing up to 6,000 customers during peak season.

STANDING OUT: The market is MyPick® certified and goods must be produced within a 100-kilometre radius to support the community’s desire to ‘buy local.’ Even though North Bay isn’t the largest city in Northern Ontario, it has the most diverse farmers’ market.

WINNING THOUGHTS: “It’s a big thank-you for the vendors, the volunteers and all those who attend the market. It makes me feel like all the effort that goes into the market is worth it and I’m very proud to receive this award.”

HAPPY SHOPPERS AT THE NORTH BAY FARMERS’ MARKET

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THE 2018 FARMERS’

MARKET MANAGER OF THE YEAR

WHO: Tess Van Den Bosch, manager of Junction Farmers’ Market in Toronto. Grew up in rural Manitoba, currently studying environmental and urban sustainability at Ryerson University.

THE MARKET: Started in 2012 and has grown to 48 unique vendors that service an average of 400 customers on a Saturday. Small-scale farmers who focus on organic or ecological practices grow the market’s most popular item, fresh produce.

STANDING OUT: During her time as market manager, Van Den Bosch has implemented The Go Green campaign, which changed the way waste was diverted at the market. Then there’s the Market Voucher Program that distributes market vouchers to those in need. And don’t forget the agreement that any leftover produce is dropped off at a local ‘pay what you can’ grocery store.

WINNING THOUGHTS: “I am so humbled and honoured to hear the kind things being said about the work I’ve done, particularly when you’ve poured your heart and soul into it and especially coming from people you work with.”

MARKET TESS AT THE

Congratulations to the North Bay Farmers’ Market and Tess Van Den Bosch for being this year’s FMO awards recipients.

E MARKET IENDS AT TH TESS AND FR TESS VAN DE N BOSCH, JUNCTION FA RMERS’ MAR KET

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LINDA, AND CO

YOUNG FARMERS GROWING STRONG HOW DAN

BY CO U R TN EY D EN AR D

ELL

MELI

OW SSA H

ELL

42 JEN HOWELL

HOWELL N, DAN , JAY, JE MELISSA DOG THE OOPER

Jen, Melissa and Dan Howell are eighth generation farmers on their family farm in St. George, Ontario.

The Howell siblings are young, they’re smart and they’re excited to move agriculture to the next level with the work they’re doing at Brantview Apples & Cider.

Brantview’s roots can be traced back to 1821, making it an impressive 198 years old. The farm currently grows 25 acres of orchard, produces cider through Howell Road Cider Co., and hosts events at its beautiful on-farm pavilion.

Over time, Brantview has evolved and seen many changes as each generation makes it mark on the family business, something Jen, Melissa and Dan are doing right now.

Each of the siblings has their own role on the farm and contributes to the success of the operation.

Individually, Jen is a full-time farmer and the cider maker at Brantview.

Melissa works as an elementary school teacher but spends her summers working on the farm and is in charge of all social media.

Meanwhile, Dan, who is studying to be an architect, calls himself a floater and sees his role as a helping hand at this stage.

“Farming today is definitely different than how we traditionally farmed in the past, but it keeps the profession interesting and fun.”

Information sharing and technology adoption are important to these young farmers, as is connecting with their consumers in person and online.

According to Jen, switching things up allows the farm to stay relevant.

“Farming today is definitely different than how we traditionally farmed in the past, but it keeps the profession interesting and fun,” Jen said.

In 2021, Brantview Apples & Cider will celebrate its 200th anniversary, making it among the oldest family farms in the province.

The Howell siblings are excited for the future and hope to continue their shared contribution to the family business and the agriculture industry at large.

They’re not alone. The future is bright for Ontario’s young growers who bring a new skill set and enthusiasm to the farming sector.

If you’d like to learn more about Ontario’s next generation of growers, make sure to join us for the Young Growers Forum on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2019 from 11:45 am to 1:30 pm in room 221.

The feature speaker will be Toban Dyck, a young producer from Manitoba who is bridging the farming and urban gap through his writing and Instagram account, @tobandyck.

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OFFMA Outstanding Farm Market of the Year:

HUGLI’S BLUEBERRY RANCH

BY COUR TNE Y D EN A RD

It’s a year of double celebration for the Pembroke-based Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch.

The farm is not only celebrating 40 years in business, it’s also the recipient of the Outstanding Farm Market of the Year handed out by the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association.

Being an accessible agri-tourism attraction sets Hugli’s apart from all the rest.

Owned and operated by Brian and Judy Hugli, Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch is the perfect example of diversity working well.

The farm has made it a priority to have ramps into buildings, wheel chair accessible parking, and a designated picking area for people with disabilities.

The farm grows 15 acres of high bush blueberries, as well as pumpkins, low bush blueberries, Christmas trees, blackberries and corn for the 6-acre corn maze.

There’s also an on-farm country gift store, a unique wedding venue, and a spread of family fun activities for visitors to enjoy.

JUDY HUGLI TAKING A FR ESH BATC OF BLUEBERR Y CRUMBLE PI ES OU OF THE OVEN

According to Brian, marketing is “tremendously important” to Hugli’s longevity. It’s helped put the farm on the map and continues to attract new customers each year.

Owner Brian Hugli said expanding over time has been an integral part of the business.

“We’re trying to create a place that everyone enjoys as well as establish a level of risk management for the farm,” Brian said.

“To be recognized by people who understand what goes into an operation like ours is very humbling.”

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Come see us at booth number 1103!

JUDY, W ILL, BR IAN, HE IDI AND FINLEY

THE DO G

CH UT

A FARM D BRIAN AT I, WILL, AN MERCER. JUDY, HEID CK RI T WITH FALL EVEN

“Never assume that everyone knows about your business even if they are your neighbour. A coupon or a flyer can go a long way and we use Facebook a lot,” Brian said.

When it comes to being chosen as this year’s Outstanding Farm Market of the Year, Brian said he is grateful.

“To be recognized by people who understand what goes into an operation like ours is very humbling.”

The farmer said he would like to take this opportunity to thank his parents, wife and children for their enduring support. A special nod also goes out to Hugli’s staff and surrounding community.

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NPF & VGA AWARD OF MERIT

BY COUR TNE Y D ENA RD

Mike Ecker, president of Vineland Growers Co-operative and long-time industry volunteer, is the 2018 recipient of the NPF & VGA Industry Award of Merit.

8

For more than four decades, Ecker has been working for Vineland Growers in a variety of positions.

He started as a truck driver; then worked in shipping and receiving, and eventually took on a sales role before becoming president in 2013.

“The greatest satisfaction I take from my years at Vineland Growers is seeing how our industry has come together under the Vineland umbrella,” Ecker told OFVC. “Our members see the value of working together and learning from each other so we collectively can put the best product on retailer’s shelves across Canada.”

Ecker’s impressive body of volunteer work is too long to list but a few highlights include past-president of the Ontario Produce Marketing Association; chair of the Government Issue Management Industry Committee; and past-director of the Agricultural Adaptation Council.

He was the Ontario Produce Person of the Year in 2007 and received the distinguished Senate 150 Canada Medal.

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“I have made it a priority to be heavily involved in the industry because I believe it is important for our industry in Niagara to be heard on the national and international stage,” Ecker said.

Receiving the Industry Award of Merit is a “humbling experience” one that is a “testament to the success of Vineland Growers,” the recipient said.

That success, he adds, “would not be possible without the commitment of our growers and our grower leaders.”

The Industry Award of Merit is presented by the Niagara Peninsula Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association.

Each year since 1957, the association has chosen a receiver who demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the agriculture community.

Picky produce people pick boxes.

Learn more at howlifeunfolds.com/protect.

TM, Š 2018 Paper and Packaging Board.

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See us at Booth 929-933