The Grower August 2015

AUGUST 2015

CELEBRATING 136 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION

VOLUME 65 NUMBER 08

FAMILY FARMING

Surviving fire and ice without a meltdown

After a cold-busting winter and late frost, blueberry season is now in high gear at EZ Grow Farms near Langton, Ontario. Dusty Zamecnik, center, enjoys a taste test with father Darryl and mother Helen. Photos by Glenn Lowson.

INSIDE Push for PACA-like trust in Canada Page 6 New phosphorus targets for Lake Erie Page 10 Focus: Storage and containers Page 12

KAREN DAVIDSON Langton, Ontario – According to the Book of Horticulture, there are four horsemen of the apocalypse: winterkill, disease, insects and fire. The Zamecnik family at EZ Grow Farms Ltd has survived all of these in the last year.

The family home burned in a devastating fire January 7, ironically leaving century-old barns intact, says Darryl Zamecnik. While mourning the loss of photographs and heirlooms, he’s grateful for the legacy of the barns that house innumerable tools for running the farm. Six months later, he and his wife Helen view this barn as a stalwart reminder of a resilient

business that includes 25-year-old son Dusty.

If this is trial by fire, then Dusty Zamecnik has certainly risen to the demands of unexpected crisis. He returned to the family farm last year after a stint as a Labatt’s beer sales and merchandising representative. It was a plum job after graduating from Nova Scotia’s St. Francis Xavier University in 2013 with a business degree, minoring in economics. Enjoying the sociable life, he was a tiger in meeting the demands of weekly sales targets.

Why leave such a hip job?

“My friends said ‘are you serious?’” says Zamecnik. “But I couldn’t shake the itch.”

When Zamecnik was only 16, he had experienced the adrenalin

of managing a 120-acre cantaloupe operation, with all the stress of directing picking and wash crews. He gained a lot of confidence in that crucible.

The lifestyle change is 180 degrees from living in a city and moving back to the Norfolk County farm. He’s realized that the lure of the city won’t last forever and that it’s important to look at the farm as your personal center of the universe.

“In the corporate world, I had to ask what am I fighting for, who am I fighting for and why,” says Zamecnik. “If I’m going to live my life, then I’ll take my talents and realize them for me.

There are very few situations where I can get the opportunity to be my own boss.”

Blueberries will always be the flagship of the operation. This summer, 33 acres will be either hand-picked or mechanically harvested, having survived their own test of winterkill.

“This was by far the worst winter we’ve had and we’re expecting it will take another three years to recover to 100 per cent yields,” says Dusty. “On May 24, we faced another hurdle with late frost, irrigating all blueberry acres for 12 hours during the night. We made it through.”

The disease of mummy berry also stalks the farm. Shrivelled fruit – or mummies – drop to the ground and seem inconsequential during the summer.

Continued on page 3 y! . da e d to it e r lim s t is gi g Re atin Se

“If it wereen’t for the messag ges from some of thee leaders I connected with, I wouldn n’t have this clear vission nor the motivation to go aftter it. I can’t thank you eno ough for that.”

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PAGE 2 –– AUGUST 2015 THE GROWER

NEWSMAKERS

AT PRESS TIME… Tampering with potatoes a “despicable” act As the federal and provincial agriculture ministers closed their annual meeting in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on July 17, federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz commented on the unsolved mystery of sewing needles found in Maritime potatoes.

Loblaw to close stores

On July 23, Loblaw Companies Ltd. announced plans to close 52 unprofitable stores in Canada. The closures include all of its banners

Federal agricultural minister Gerry Ritz, sixth from the left, is flanked by provincial counterparts.

“Food and farm tampering is a despicable and deplorable act and anyone found responsible will feel the full force of the law,” he told Canadian Press. The Prince Edward Island potato industry increased its reward to $500,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whomever is responsible for inserting metal objects into potatoes. The industry is suffering financial losses for the instalment of metal detection equipment to protect the safety reputation of potatoes.

and formats, including gas bars, Joe Fresh stand-alone stores, select pharmacies and grocery stores.

Canada’s largest grocer has more than 2,300 stores including Loblaw, Provigo and Extra Foods. It also owns Shoppers Drug Mart.

The retailer indicated that annual sales will be shaved by about $300 million annually, but the closures will result in $35 to $40 million improvements to its operating income.

“Unfortunately, store closures are a reality for retailers as they react to shifts in the marketplace,”

commented Peter Chapman, GPS Business Solutions. “The annual volume per store for these locations is low compared to the average. It is never easy for the employees in the stores impacted. The most important things for growers to follow are the top line growth for the total business and the overall profitability.”

NDP supports PACA-like trust On July 22, Thomas Mulcair announced the NDP’s support for a PACA-like deemed trust in Canada. Canada’s preferential access to the USDA’s Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) Trust was revoked on October 1, 2014 due to the lack of a similar trust in Canada. In the months prior to the 2015 federal election, the Canadian Horticultural Council has been working with the Canadian Produce Marketing Association to lobby all parties to make financial protection for Canadian fruit and vegetable growers and sellers part of their election platform.

The NDP is the first party to come forward with a plan that will help protect growers and sellers against buyer insolvency. “Under the NDP plan, those selling fresh produce would be given a ‘deemed trust’ in the produce – which the NDP says “would ensure that proceeds from the sales are used first to pay the seller.”

Avia Eek is the new chair of the Greater Toronto Area Agricultural Action Committee (GTA AAC).

Along with her husband Bill, she is an onion and carrot grower in the Holland Marsh as well as a municipal councillor for King Township.

Established in 2005, GTA AAC is a unique partnership involving the four regional municipalities of Avia Eek Halton, Peel, York and Durham, the four Greater Toronto Area Federations of Agriculture (Halton, Peel, York and Durham), the City of Toronto, Toronto Food Policy Council, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the food sector.

The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) has announced its class 16 members. Of the 27 current and emerging leaders starting in September, 2015, several are from horticulture.

They include: Adrienne House, Prince Albert, Wilmot Orchards; Colleen McKay, vegetable producer and market gardener, Woodstock; Emily Morrison, Morrison Berries Country Market, Lucknow; Dylan Wiens, Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Lawrence Buhler is moving from Colio Estate Winery in Ontario to become director of winemaking for Encore Vineyards in British Columbia’s Okanagan. In the past, he has worked with Peller Estates and Angels Gate in Ontario as well as Cape Mentelle in Australia.

He’ll be in place August 1 to oversee the 2015 vintage.

The Ontario Agricultural College and School of Environmental Sciences have announced the creation and appointment of a new research chair in sustainable pest management, Cynthia ScottDupree. Named the Bayer CropScience Chair in Sustainable Pest Management in honour of financial and collaborative support, the position is an important step in facilitating pollinator conservation and production agriculture.

Scott-Dupree’s lab and field research focuses on determining the potential risks that flowering crops grown from neonicotinoid treated seed, such as canola, pose to bees. She is currently developing standardized effective risk assessment methods for non-Apis bee species such as bumble bees and leaf cutter bees; developing pest management regimes for indigenous and alien invasive insect pests and devising methods for minimizing non-target pesticide effects.

INTERNATIONAL PANAMA CANAL

Transport patterns could change Expansion of the Panama Canal

by April 1, 2016 will create a new lane of sea traffic for more and larger ships.

Produce shippers which traditionally rely on west coast ports and rail service will likely shift to a more segmented approach according to a study by C.H. Robinson and the Boston Consulting Group.

They estimate that up to 10 per cent of container traffic from East Asia to the U.S. could move to east coast ports by 2020. This means that availability and logistics of ground transportation will change how fresh produce is transported inland from ports on both coasts.

Makers of consumer goods could save four per cent or more by freighting through the Panama Canal, although the trip would take 11 days longer than to reach the western coast. This route is not attractive to fresh produce shippers, however competition for trucks and rail service will tighten from ports to the U.S. heartland. Cities such as Chicago, Detroit and Memphis could be battlegrounds as shippers seek the best delivery times from eastern ports.

Source: ThePacker.com

AUGUST 2015 –– PAGE 3 THE GROWER

COVER STORY

Surviving fire and ice without a meltdown

Thirty-three acres of blueberries are hand-picked or mechanically harvested at EZ Grow Farms Ltd.

Continued from page 1 However, the spores of the fungus spring to life in the new year infecting buds and causing branches to die. A wet spring, as experienced in Ontario this year, can intensify the spread. Diligent and timely pruning curbs the disease.

Eleven blueberry varieties carry the farm from July through to September starting with Blue Jay and ending with Elliot. By the end of the season, they expect to market about 18,000 flats of blueberries (12 lb per flat) to major grocers and the Ontario Food Terminal. To meet the standards of those buyers, the fruit is grown and packed under the CanadaGAP food safety program.

They are constantly on guard for new pests such as Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD). Insect traps are strategically placed in the fields and the crop is sprayed when threshold levels are triggered. Zamecnik pays heed

Darryl Zamecnik invented the WAKI pint (What a Krazy Idea!) to protect the fruit, improve air flow and stand out on the grocer's shelf.

Strawberry tips are set in trays. When well established, they will be shipped in October to customers near Plant City, Florida.

to the advice of Pam Fisher, Ontario’s berry specialist, who warned in mid-July that the adult SWD fly had been identified at almost 80 per cent of the province’s trap sites.

While blueberries are a high-value, high-risk crop, the Zamecnik family is growing an alternative business: strawberry nursery stock. They supply both bare root and plugs to the burgeoning strawberry industry in Florida. In July, they were taking tips from 56 acres of strawberries and setting into trays. These tender plants have no roots, so they are misted until they are established as plugs. By October, about seven to eight million day-neutral strawberry plants will be sent to customers in the Plant City, Florida area.

This is a relatively new business for EZ Grow Farms.

Just five years ago, they were growing rose bushes for greenhouses in the Greater Toronto Area as well as grape tomatoes. But they saw an opportunity where drought-stricken California is at risk with its $2.6 billion crop of strawberries. The California Strawberry

Commission reports that 40,000 acres are grown in the Pacific climate, with about 16 per cent of the crop exported, mainly to Canada. The ongoing drought could change that equation.

“The California situation is scary,” says Zamecnik.

“More pressure will be put on Mexico and Florida to produce strawberries. The market is shifting to different climates and areas. We’re trying to stay ahead of the curve by offering plants that require less water to set roots.”

Zamecnik’s marketing instincts are razor-sharp. As hard as the physical and mental work is on the farm, it’s his generation of marketers that will take family farms to the next level.

“There’s a great window now where we can push in many directions,” says Zamecnik. “Everyone is in overdrive. And that’s after coming through some serious hard times.”

INTERNATIONAL UNITED KINGDOM

UNITED STATES

EUROPE

FRANCE

CHINA

Pick-your-own strawberries in-store

Broccoli transformed into snacks

New global identity for Lamb Weston

Bonduelle eyes Green Giant

Global wine brand to expand

U.K.-based Marks & Spencer is trialling the concept of pickyour-own strawberries – in store.

The strawberries would be grown in baskets under LED lights to ensure year-round availability. Hydroponically grown, these strawberries would be the freshest and most nutritious possible.

The idea is that shoppers would be able to try the strawberries before buying.

British Summer Fruits, the industry body that represents most of the berries supplied to the U.K.’s supermarkets, commissioned the prototype display. However, selecting a superstar berry for this use may take a decade to perfect.

At the recent Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City, broccoli turned up as crunchy dehydrated treats, crispy chips or even as an ingredient in juices.

Creative Snacks Co. is getting consumer rave reviews for its Super Veggie Chips which are baked rather than fried. Broccoli with white cheddar is its bestselling brand. Another company, Brad’s Raw Foods, is selling broccoli florets in pop-able form.

Air crisped under low heat to preserve bioavailability of nutrients, these snacks are described as a healthier form of popcorn.

Rhythm Superfoods has launched Broccoli Bites in comfortable flavours such as Garden Ranch, Zesty Nacho and Asian Citrus. Foragers produces vegetable-forward juices that are less sweet. Long live broccoli.

Lamb Weston has launched a new global brand identity expressed by the tagline "Seeing Possibilities in Potatoes."

After conducting research in more than seven countries, the company found that inventiveness was a common theme. The new tagline embodies the premise that the company is moving forward with inventive solutions.

Global processor Bonduelle SCA is looking to team up with an investment bank in a bid to acquire General Mills’ Green Giant frozen and canned vegetable business.

General Mills wants to sell its frozen and canned vegetable business Green Giant, a brand which is well known in North America and Europe. The acquisition would make strategic sense since Bonduelle’s Canadian operations already supply the Green Giant group in the U.S. If the partnership of Bonduelle and Centerview is solidified, they would compete against other bidders for the asset. It’s too early to predict whether Bonduelle’s offer will be successful according to the Reuters news agency.

Constellation Brands has signed a long-term strategic deal with VATs Liquor to further develop the table wine brand of Robert Mondavi in China. VATS Liquor is a nine-year-old Hong Kong company specializing in brand building and distribution for authentic brands in China.

The agreement will further entrench the Robert Mondavi brand in a sector that’s been stung by wines of dubious provenance. It also grows the footprint of the American brand versus competitors from Australia.

China, with its burgeoning middle class, is now the world’s fifth-largest wine market.

Source: FoodNavigator.com

Source: FreshPlaza.com

Source: FreshPlaza.com

Examples of inventive products are homestyle Connoisseur Fries and potato dippers. The company also offers just-in-time deliveries that free up customers’ working capital.

Source: FreshPlaza.com

Source: BeverageDaily.com

PAGE 4 –– AUGUST 2015 THE GROWER

CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST MARITIMES

Thanks to Oxford Frozen Foods, kids receive safety training

St. Isidore, New Brunswick 2015: All set to receive the students

Tractor safety continues to be one of the staples of the Safety Day. Since the introduction of Oxford Frozen Foods’ first Progressive Agriculture Safety Day (PASD) in April 2011, this popular program has continued to

grow every year.

Originally begun in Oxford, Nova Scotia, PASDs are one-day educational events designed to teach children in grades four and

five about farm safety through fun, hands-on activities and live demonstrations. Because children often play or live on farms, PASDs are essential for teaching students to be aware of their surroundings and how to keep themselves and others around them safe. Plus, students at this age are able to understand and appreciate the information while still having a lot of enthusiasm for the day itself.

It’s been a formula that has worked well for five years. Due to popular demand, PASDs have since branched out to other communities that Oxford Frozen Foods works with in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick (including French-language PASD Sécurijour) and even across the border in Maine. Each event has introduced new and even more exciting activities such as the giant sprayer demonstration, a meet and greet with the Maine State Police K-9 unit’s search and rescue dogs, as well as a showcase of grain wagons, tractors and other emergency vehicles.

Estimated to reach more than 1,500 students in 2015 alone, this year is set to be a tremendous success – a testament to the impact that this program has had in the last four years.

PASDs are a true community effort. They rely on the dedication, support and enthusiasm of dozens of volunteers, presenters, sponsors and senior management team who

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work hard every year to make these events the success they have become. BASF continues to support this important program by providing all participating students with backpacks to help

facilitate their day. Look out for Oxford Frozen Foods’ sixth and last 2015 PASD to be held in Georgetown, Prince Edward Island in October.

COMING EVENTS 2015 August 1

Food Day Canada

August 4

Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association Summer Tour, Kentville, NS

August 7

Niagara-on-the-Lake Peach Festival, Niagara-on-theLake, ON

August 8 -9 Perth Lions Garlic Festival, Perth, ON August 9

EPIC Winegrowers’ Association 21st Annual Vintage Tasting, North 42 Degrees Estate Winery, Colchester, ON 1-5 pm

August 12

Elora Research Station Potato Day, Elora, ON

August 13

Peak of the Market 17th Annual Family Fun Day, Winnipeg, MB

Aug 19-20

Triggs International Premium Vinifera Lecture Series, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON RSVP to ccovi@brocku.ca by August 12

August 20

Ontario Potato Field Day, HJV Equipment, Alliston, ON

August 20

Processing Vegetable Field Day, New York State Agricultural Experimental Station, Geneva, NY

Aug 20-21

U.S. Apple Crop Outlook and Marketing Conference, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Chicago, IL

August 21

Plant Propagation Workshop, Horticulture Field Lab, Saskatoon, SK

August 22

8th Annual Garlic Fest Haliburton, Stanhope Community Centre, Stanhope, ON

Aug 22-23

Dunnville Fair, Dunnville, ON

Aug 23

Canadian Garlic Festival, Sudbury, ON

Aug 25-26

Triggs International Premium Vinifera Lecture Series, PARC, Summerland, BC RSVP bcwgc@shaw.ca by August 18

August 28

Winona Peach Festival, Winona, ON

Sept 3

Muck Crops Research Station Grower Day, Bradford, ON

Sept 12-13

Stratford Kiwanis Garlic Festival, Stratford, ON

Sept 15 – 17 Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, Woodstock, ON Sept 15 – 17 37th International Carrot Conference, Nottawasaga Inn, Alliston, ON Sept 16

OPMA’s Annual Produce Industry Golf Tournament, Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre, Brampton, ON

Sept 16

Grape Growers of Ontario Annual Celebrity Luncheon, Club Roma, St. Catharines, ON

Sept 20

Toronto Garlic Festival, Artscape Wychwood Barns, Toronto, ON

Sept 20-22

First Global Minor Use Priority Setting Conference Workshop, Chicago, IL

AUGUST 2015 –– PAGE 5 THE GROWER

POTATO STATISTICS

2015 Canadian potato plantings are close to last year Province

2011

2012

Newfoundland

2013

2014

2015

Change

500

500

500

476

338

-29.0%

86,600

89,500

89,000

90,500

89,500

-1.1%

2,000

1,900

1,900

1,725

1,624

-5.9%

New Brunswick

51,800

53,500

48,000

48,150

47,885

-0.6%

Quebec

42,500

42,007

42,255

42,996

42,749

-0.6%

Ontario

37,400

39,800

38,000

35,500

34,750

-2.1%

Manitoba

72,000

76,000

70,000

63,000

67,000

+6.3%

7,200

7,000

7,000

6,413

6,000

-6.4%

53,400

55,947

52,483

52,984

53,459

+0.9%

7,100

7,000

6,200

5,890

5,700

-3.2%

360,500

373,154

355,338

347,539

349,005

+0.4%

Prince Edward Island Nova Scotia

Saskatchewan Alberta British Columbia Total

Potato Plantings (Acres). Source: Statistics Canada CANSIM-001-0014 Planted acreage of potatoes in Canada is very close to last year, reports Kevin MacIsaac, general manager, United Potato Growers of Canada. The number is up 0.4 per cent or 1,466 acres in 2015.

The largest acreage change is in Manitoba: up 6.3 per cent or 4,000 acres. Manitoba’s acreage

had declined 13,000 acres in the last two years so this helps to better align themselves with contract volume increases. Prince Edward Island has a larger decrease in acres: down 1.1 per cent or 1,000 acres.

In the United States, total planted acreage for the fall crop is

up 2.0 per cent or 18,400 acres.

Minnesota has the largest increase at 16.3 per cent or 7,000 acres.

This statistic is surprising given that industry representatives had expected acreage to remain flat.

Washington’s increases are almost entirely grown for increased contract volume by

processors.

Acreage counts in Idaho indicate fresh acreage has declined about 1,700 acres. Their statewide acreage, says MacIsaac, is mostly on the processing side and observers feel that 5,000 acres have shifted from the Oregon side to be processed in an

Idaho facility.

The acreage increase in Wisconsin was unexpected as well, with neither fresh nor processing participants predicting increases. Michigan’s increase is almost entirely on the chip side as growers ensure their ability to fill the chip contract volume.

Get Starteed

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PAGE 6 –– AUGUST 2015 THE GROWER

OPINION EDITORIAL

To whom it may concern: deemed trust clarified

JASON VERKAIK CHAIR, OFVGA The issue of a deemed trust has been studied for more than two years as a file under the Harper/Obama-inspired Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC). At the files’ conclusion, many conventional tools had been examined to address insolvency losses. Factoring, pooling, checkoffs and insurance were all studied and dismissed as not feasible for horticulture. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) had hoped an insurance model could be developed. They referenced a model which was considered by the grain industry. That insurance model however has been abandoned by the grain industry as unworkable.

The insurance study done by

AAFC concluded that while insurance could be a partial solution, the government would need to invest approximately $25 million, industry would have to create an extensive credit rating agency, and many buyers would not qualify for any coverage due to the complexity of the produce business.

Among those complexities were perishability, unpredictable pricing, numerous types of fruits and vegetables and of course inconsistent yields. Insurance claims would be based on the buyer’s credit worthiness not actual indebtedness. The fruit and vegetable industry is one that has been built on cash flow, not net worth. A firm who might qualify for $100,000 worth of coverage by insurance analysis would likely owe ten times that amount at any given time. There was simply no interest in insurance by our industry and the solution offered by the insurance industry was expensive and not workable particularly for small- and medium-sized business.

The deemed trust we are seeking is very specific and limited in its reach. It only covers those liquid assets generated by the sale of produce. It only reaches to the accounts receivable, cash and inventory (if there is any)

generated by the sale of fresh fruits and vegetables. If those limited assets do not cover the trust claim filed, no other assets are touched. The produce seller would receive only a partial payment. This model has been successfully working in the United States since 1984. This is not a new concept to Canadian banks.

Most Canadian banks operate in the United States and are already subject to the legislation there.

It is important to acknowledge with regards to priorities in bankruptcy, we are asking for a limited one -- limited to the liquid assets generated by the sale of our products. The Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA) currently recognizes a priority for farmers in section 81.1 and 81.2. Both sections are based on recovery in a narrow time frame from the bankrupt business’ inventory. In produce there is no inventory as there is no shelf life and if there were products “on hand” they would be spoiled long before the trustee became involved. The products are also not unique or easily identified. Once out of a package, apples look like apples yet they could come from two different farms. These facts bar fruit and vegetable producers from any recovery under the current BIA regulations.

Additionally the Canadian Wage Earners Payment Protection Act (WEPPA) is a deemed trust which has priority under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. Like the deemed trust, we have proposed it draws on the liquid assets of the bankrupt firm.

Unlike WEPPA, however, we are not asking the Canadian government to guarantee any claims.

We are not asking for any tax dollars or other investment by the government.

A deemed trust keeps the farmer’s payment in the fruit and vegetable supply chain. By ensuring the funds flow down to the farmer it makes our industry stronger and more attractive for bank investment. When a bank loans money to a farmer, the bank has additional comfort knowing that if the farmer’s customer becomes insolvent, the farmer will still receive at least a portion of the payment.

I’ve tried to understand the rationale as to what appears to be the Department of Agriculture’s disinterest in a proven solution to this problem: the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) south of the border in which Canadian sellers had reciprocity and which has now been lost. What perplexes me the most is after a commitment in the

Regulatory Cooperation Council to develop a comparable Canadian-made solution, the government has chosen not to heed industry’s and our trading partners’ advice.

The solution outlined by industry for many years and now developed by the University of Saskatchewan Professor Cumming, has NO cost to the government, is Canadian-made and follows uniquely Canadian regulations and laws and is both supported by industry and our trading partner.

In doing the research I ran across something else interesting.

In 2006, there was a hearing before the Standing Committee on Agriculture regarding the Canada Grain Act. The committee asked the government to outline other security tools used in other sectors. I was amazed to see the response by the Department of Agriculture -- it was literally a cut-and-paste of what they presented to us during RCC as security-based, insurance-based, fund-based, and clearing-house models. What also caught my attention was a reference to PACA. The below excerpt from their report is completely wrong!

Continued on the next page

AUGUST 2015 –– PAGE 7 THE GROWER

To whom it may concern: deemed trust clarified Continued from last page This is where AAFC got the idea that there was a fund PACA wrote trust checks on and have contributed to the misinformation many have heard that the PACA deemed trust is maintained with government funding. While the report was written in relation to the grain industry, this looks like the root of the misinformation some in government have relied upon.

In addition to these mechanisms, a fund held by the U.S. Treasury receives all fees prescribed under PACA and interest earned on account balances. The fees deposited in the fund include licensing fees and complaint filing and handling fees, and penalty fees for non-compliance with related regulations or late payment of license fees. This fund is then used in cases of insolvency or bankruptcy where the bond and the regular bankruptcy proceedings do not cover the payment owed to a producer. An industry estimate of the likely payouts from the fund over the past ten years is approximately US$150 million.

As stated previously, the analysis by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is not true.

The money collected by PACA

from fees is to run the PACA organization not for industry payouts. The PACA is a self-funded government agency without taxpayer support. The “fund” referenced by AAFC simply exists for them to deposit the licensing and other fees into where they can be held and spent on operations as needed. It allows them to operate like a business carrying forward revenue from year to year if needed, something most government agencies funded by tax dollars cannot do. There is no government fund set up to pay producers, and again there is no cost to government on this.

Again the money available under the PACA Trust for the producer comes from the receivables, cash and inventory (if there is any left) from the debtors’ bankruptcy assets that are directly related to the sale of the produce.

We have a licensing organization in the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Regulation Corporation (DRC) that already exists and would support a similar trust in Canada. The welcomed move from the government to have single licensing under the DRC, rather that two licensing bodies (CFIA and DRC) is the first step to reconciling this issue, however to have fruits and vegetables in a deemed trust completes the winwin-win solution for all involved, government, our trading partner

and their industry and our Canadian industry. Not only would it offer reciprocity with the U.S., but financial protection for interprovincial and withinprovince trade – an important fact not often mentioned.

It was stated in the House of Commons during question period that not much money is at stake in relation to horticulture.

However, a lot of the loss numbers go unreported. For example, close to $30 million has been lost in my riding over the past 20 years. It is an important issue. I personally know farmers who have had to walk away from half a million dollars.

One other item that cannot be

measured is non-payment or reduced payment due to threats of bankruptcy. This is a real and dark side of our business. Having a deemed trust with single licensing would almost eliminate this practice. Currently you can spend money taking the customer to court, but that action can be avoided by their filing bankruptcy. Bankruptcy insures the farmer will receive nothing as the federal bankruptcy legislation trumps court or provincial tools available for collecting.

In conclusion, this is a vital file to have completed for our industry. It keeps the hard-earned money flowing to the primary producers, the family farms and

businesses which are the backbone of our industry. Federal legislation creating a deemed trust is essential. It is the foundation of not only collecting a fair share from a bankrupt customer but will play an important role in collecting from firms who have not filed for bankruptcy. As I am writing this, the election talk has begun and it seems the deemed trust file has been spotlighted. We welcome the support from all parties. How can you debate whether or not farmers should have security in payment for their toils? How can you debate a file where industry has done the work and has offered a solution at no cost to the government?

Advocacy campaign launched The Canadian Horticultural Council has created a campaign asking people from across Canada’s horticulture community to speak out by writing letters to their MPs and local newspapers telling how this issue affects them. “We’re looking to our members to help us raise our voices together to be heard on this issue from coast to coast,” says Anne Fowlie, CHC executive vice-president.

“Together, we can have an impact.”

Gett Mov ving e

s Sign up NOW. Visit onttariosoilcro op.org for workshop p schedules and additional information.

See GF2 Pr

PAGE 8 –– AUGUST 2015 THE GROWER

Election time is coming. Ask the right questions

JOHN KELLY EXECUTIVE VP, OFVGA It does not seem long ago that Ontario was in the throes of a provincial election, but the current government under Premier Kathleen Wynne has been in power now for more than a year.

They have been very busy and many of the policies that they have enacted have direct impacts on edible horticultural producers.

Did the electorate know about the positions on climate change, water, pension plans, labour and so on? For the most part, these policies were laid out in the preelection campaigns.

It is no secret that this is about to happen again at the federal level and the political parties are ramping up into campaign mode.

We as tax-payers and voters must learn the issues that affect us,

provide some judgment on how their responses will impact our lives and our businesses, and then provide a final decision on how we feel.

After we go through this evaluation process, we MUST vote to have a voice. Some people think that a non-vote sends a message to the government. It doesn’t. A non-vote just increases the power of those that do vote.

There are things that you can ask your current or prospective member of parliament to find out their positions on issues that affect the competitiveness of the sector. How do the three parties vying for power at the federal level feel about Canada’s response to the United States Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), research and innovation, agri-support programs, trade (for example, the Trans-Pacific Partnership – TPP and the Canada European Trade Agreement – CETA, or border issues), labour and other important issues. In Ontario, how can the federal relationship with the provincial government be enhanced to favourably impact the farming community?

Some issues appear to be large and seemingly not under the influence of individual producers.

Farmers may ask themselves is it worth getting involved in agendas

like the TPP? How does the individual farmer impact national trade agreements between diverse, multi-national governments? The PACA discussions are front and centre for fruit and vegetable farmers who export to the U.S. Grower associations can play a major role with these trade talks and these are run by growers. Talk to your association, tell them what you think of these larger issues, and get involved to try to influence the positioning.

Many of the things that government influences in rural communities is a result of co-operation between the federal and provincial departments. Under Growing Forward 2, the cost share agreement is a 60:40 split between Canada and Ontario. In the new government, Growing Forward 3 will be developed by the new government in Ottawa with required cooperation from all of the provinces. Growing Forward 2 (GF2) was designed to encourage competitiveness, innovation and market development in all agriculture and food sectors.

This includes risk business risk management programs such as agri-insurance managed through Agricorp.

Shared responsibilities in some areas are somewhat aligned between both levels of government. The GF2 agreement is

complex, required many consultations, and when implemented initially seemed to be going in the right direction. It was late being implemented however, and the challenges that growers faced with rejected applications and long timelines for agreements necessitate improving the design and processes associated with meeting the goals of the program.

The recent divisive crop protection legislation concerning neonicotinoid policy in Ontario has blurred the federal provincial responsibilities.

Individually, some programs will hit right at the farm level.

Agri-Stability is designed to provide support to growers when there is a large decline in margin.

When your margin falls below 70 per cent of your reference margin, you can trigger an Agri-Stability payment (note that this is an “Olympic” average over the most recent five years, where the highest and lowest are dropped from the calculation). In 2013, this was reduced from 85 per cent making it much more difficult to qualify. This in turn would mean that fewer people would be taking advantage of the program and possibly putting the program at risk. What are the candidate positions on Agri-Stability?

Another issue that has been bandied about throughout indus-

try and government is the absolute essential requirement for investment in infrastructure. For Canada to remain internationally competitive, we must have the right capacity to support profitable businesses. But what infrastructure is required? Is it roads and bridges, power (electricity, natural gas, pipelines), information technology (IT) capacity, food processing, enhanced border crossings, port development, academics or other priorities? And how does this investment in infrastructure meld with the requirement for enhanced environmental responsibility from Canada?

Canadians want to see positive contributions to the environment and also want to increase competitiveness. What is the right balance?

The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) encourages horticultural farmers to speak with their local candidates, find out what the positions of each party are, and to critically evaluate the impact of policy being brought forward. We also encourage farmers to make your thoughts known through the OFVGA and the Canadian Horticultural Council. And most of all, when it comes time for the election, make sure your voice is heard by getting out to vote!

CANADIAN HORTICULTURAL COUNCIL

Summer tour highlights greenhouse vegetables, broccoli and tree fruits in the Niagara area

Top left: Jan VanderHout, Beverly Greenhouses, plays host to the board of directors of the Canadian Horticultural Council and industry guests on the July 9 summer tour of the Niagara region. Also joining the tour was MP Bev Shipley (Lambton-Kent-Middlesex) chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.

Bottom left: CHC president Keith Kuhl asks questions of Dr. Jay Subramanian, associate professor, University of Guelph Tree Fruit Breeding and Biotechnology.

Above: At Ken Forth’s farm near Lynden, Ontario, workers pack broccoli into RPCs. STAFF Publisher: Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association Editor: Karen Davidson, 416-557-6413, kdavidson@ecomente.ca Production: Carlie Robertson, ext. 221, production@thegrower.org Advertising: Herb Sherwood, 519-380-0118, advertising@thegrower.org The Grower reserves the right to refuse any advertising. Any errors that are the direct result of The Grower will be compensated at our discretion with a correction notice in the next issue.

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The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association is the sole owner of The Grower. All editorials and opinions expressed in The Grower are those of the newspaper’s editorial staff and/or contributor, and do not necessarily reflect the view of the association.

All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced either whole or in part without the prior written consent of the publisher.

OFFICE 355 Elmira Road North, Unit 105 Guelph, Ontario N1K 1S5 CANADA Tel. 519-763-8728 • Fax 519-763-6604 The Grower is printed 12 times a year and sent to all members of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association who have paid $30.00 (plus G.S.T.) per year for the paper through their commodity group or container fees.

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P.M. 40012319

ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015

OFVGA SECTION CHAIRS

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Crop Protection Research Property Labour Safety Nets CHC

Chair Vice-Chair Fruit Director Veg Director Director

Jason Verkaik, Bradford Jan Vander Hout, Waterdown Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin Mac James, Leamington John Thwaites, Niagara-on-the-Lake

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Apples Fresh Vegetable - Other Tender Fruit ON Asparagus Grws’. Mkg. Brd. GGO/Fresh Grape Growers Fresh Vegetable - Muck ON. Potato Board Small Fruit/Berries ON. Ginseng Growers’ Greenhouse Greenhouse

Charles Stevens, Newcastle Kenny Forth, Lynden John Thwaites, Niagara-on-the-Lake Neil Reimer, Vienna Bill George Jr., Beamsville Jason Verkaik, Bradford Mac James, Leamington Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin Ken Van Torre, Burford Jan Vander Hout, Waterdown Don Taylor, Durham

Charles Stevens, Newcastle Harold Schooley, Simcoe Brian Gilroy, Meaford Ken Forth, Lynden Mark Wales, Alymer Murray Porteous, Simcoe

AUGUST 2015 –– PAGE 9 THE GROWER

PERSPECTIVE Premier: Capitalize on innovation and new opportunities

OWEN ROBERTS U OF GUELPH On a rare warm and sunny afternoon this summer, I was fortunate to be part of a very small entourage featuring Premier Kathleen Wynne, visiting Koskamp Family Farms near Stratford.

Brothers Henry and Fred and their families operate a unique water buffalo dairy there.

They’ve taken Ontario’s buffalo mozzarella market by storm with their homegrown cheese, marketed as Bella Casara, by Quality Cheese in Vaughan.

By being innovative and research-driven, they’ve captured

half of the province’s market in just a few short years — a market once dominated by imports.

And that’s why the premier wanted to visit, as part of the first leg of her southwestern Ontario tour.

“I’m impressed with the way the Koskamps found a niche,” she said, after a relaxed half-hour tour of the buffalo milking parlour, and some friendly photos with the farm family.

“This is the way we’ll grow the agri-food sector in Ontario.

We need to be smarter than others, we need to innovate.”

Agriculturally, she’d been from one extreme to the other that day, having earlier visited the Frito Lay plant in Cambridge.

There, she announced $3 million in support to the company, through Ontario’s Rural Economic Development program, to help owner PepsiCo Foods Canada modernize the plant and keep 550 jobs in Cambridge.

She’d taken some grief online for that announcement, from critics who said she was subsidizing junk food. But she wouldn’t bite.

“The company buys local

potatoes that get turned into food eaten by Ontarians,” she said.

Indeed, most of the potatoes that become Lay’s chips in Ontario come from Alliston and Leamington.

And in the words of former University of Guelph food scientist Rickey Yada, there’s no such thing as junk food, but overindulgence is a reality. It’s OK to snack on chips; just don’t eat a huge bag all in one sitting.

Back to the premier. She’s looking for companies big and small, from Frito Lay to Koskamp Farms, to answer the challenge she issued two years ago to the agri-food sector. Back then, she called for a doubling of the sector’s annual growth rate and the creation of 120,000 new jobs by 2020.

Progress is being made. Food and Beverage Ontario reported just prior to its annual meeting in June that exports from the province’s 3,000 processors have risen 12 per cent over the past two years. Those now total $7.6 billion, the organization said.

The province’s food sector believes a lot of opportunities exists domestically to replace

imports. Over the same two-year period that exports have risen, imports have jumped a whopping 20 per cent.

But circling back to the purpose of the premier’s visit, import replacement is what companies such as Koskamp and Frito Lay have both done, in different ways. Koskamp is directly replacing imports, while Frito-Lay is making sure imports stay at bay.

Countrywide, though, processors can hardly replace imports with homegrown products if interprovincial trade is tied up in red tape and crushing regulations.

Earlier this summer in Toronto, provincial internal trade ministers gathered to proclaim they were going to work together to enhance and modernize the 20-year-old framework that over-

sees trade in Canada.

It’s frustrating to think how much opportunity has been lost because we protect provincial borders against each other. It’s nonsensical to simultaneously lecture other countries that their food exports are unwelcomed, when we don’t have our own act together.

The provincial trade ministers say they’ll have some resolve to their situation by March. Is that soon enough, given how trade talks are swirling all around us? I don’t think so.

Interprovincial trade barriers prevent Canadians from enjoying local food from other provinces.

Plus, they stall innovation and new opportunities of all sizes — from buffalo mozzarella to barbecue chips.

PAGE 10 –– AUGUST 2015 THE GROWER

Government of Canada launches consultations on phosphorus targets to protect Lake Erie BRUCE KELLY “The Great Lakes are a vast shared resource containing a significant portion of the world’s fresh water. They provide the foundation for billions of dollars in economic activity, and they are a direct source of drinking water for millions of Canadians. The phosphorus reduction targets being proposed for Lake Erie are an important step toward further protecting the Great Lakes and build on our Government’s significant efforts to improve water quality and safeguard the health of Canadians.” ~ The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council.

Environment Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) have announced a 40 per cent reduction target by 2020 for total phosphorus entering the Western Basin and Central Basin of Lake Erie from Canada. This aligns with the 40 per cent reduction proposed for contributions from the American side.

What does this mean for agriculture in southwestern Ontario? How can we reduce

nutrient loss by 40 per cent?

At a recent meeting hosted by Farm & Food Care, staff from Environment Canada and OMAFRA shared how the reduction targets were developed and proposed, and how they are designed to bring the phosphorus loading into Lake Erie to 40 per cent of the 2008 total phosphorus loading into Lake Erie. This will help to reduce the frequency and severity of algal bloom events.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Lake Erie experienced many algal blooms attributed to excess nutrients with phosphorus appearing to be the nutrient that is most directly related to the algal blooms. Millions of dollars were spent to upgrade sewage treatment plants around the Great Lakes; phosphates were removed from household detergents and cleaning products and the agricultural industry implemented programs to address soil erosion and nutrient management. These efforts had the desired impact and reduced phosphorus loading from 20,000 metric tons in the 1970s to about 10,000 tons annually in the last decade. Recently filamentous algae and cyano-bacteria blooms are once again cause for concern after huge blooms were recorded in summer 2011 and 2014. As a result, beaches were closed and health risks were implied. During a major bloom event in August of 2014, the city of Toledo, Ohio banned residents from drinking

municipal water for three days, even if boiled, because of toxins produced by cyano-bacteria that are lethal to humans.

The governments’ call to action presents a multi-point plan to address phosphorus from all sources because it also addresses urban fertilizer, sewage treatment and dredging.

In Ontario, the only watershed that drains directly into the eastern basin is from Leamington.

However, the Thames River (which drains into Lake St. Clair) is also in the target area because its water eventually makes its way to Lake Erie. These watersheds can expect extra scrutiny of land use practices including manure and fertilizer application.

So what does agriculture need to do? Somehow it needs to reduce the amount of nutrients that run off Ontario fields. No one is suggesting that the amount of fertilizer used needs to be reduced by 40 per cent. Instead, the small amount that runs off the field during major storm events and spring thaw needs to be reduced by 40 per cent - there is a real difference between the two.

Farmers do not waste fertilizer due to its cost, but are there ways to use it more effectively? The 4R program from the International Plant Nutrition Institute is an industry-driven education and certification program for nutrient use planning. This program is one way that we can review our fertilizer needs and application

methods.

Consider these issues: • Each sector must ask itself if it can use less fertilizer – either less overall or less by selective placement using banding, strip or side-dressing.

• How can a production system adapt so plants receive nutrients when they need them? Can a greater percentage of nutrients be applied to growing crops in the spring?

• How can a production system adapt to be protected from soil erosion during spring thaw or by severe storms? This could include implementing practices such as cover cropping, conservation tillage, no-till, etc.

• Many farms require tile to properly drain fields. How can a tiled farm drain its fields and still minimize the amount of nutrients that leach?

• Is it recognized by farmers and industry associations that a 40 per cent reduction is possible for agriculture to achieve?

Farmers are encouraged to visit www.binational.net for background information about binational phosphorus targets.

Comments are being accepted until August 31, 2015 at www.nutrientsbinational.net/intro For more information about nutrient targets and how they could impact your operation, talk to your CCA, crop consultant or fertilizer supplier.

For more information about how these targets will impact your sector contact Bruce Kelly at Farm & Food Care (bruce@farmfoodcare.org) Bruce Kelly is environmental program manager, Farm & Food Care.

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AUGUST 2015 –– PAGE 11 THE GROWER

RETAIL NAVIGATOR

Increase your chance of success with a new item

PETER CHAPMAN Developing and introducing a new item is one of the most exciting opportunities in the food industry. It continues to amaze me as we see new innovative items all the time. Just when you think you have seen it all, there is something new. This can also be one of the most challenging things for an organization. This can put a tremendous strain on different resources including your people, your finances and your ability to execute what you have always done.

You have two masters to satisfy As you contemplate a new item remember to assess the needs of your customer (the retailer) and the consumer. Your best chance of success will be if your item will resonate with both of these tough audiences.

The lead-time is longer than you think Developing or growing a new item is a complicated task. I have a great respect for organizations that can accomplish this successfully. When I was working at Loblaw we would take it for granted that suppliers would bring new items or innovation to the category. Since I have had the opportunity to work with suppliers in different categories I see the complexity of the task.

Building the plan and creating the timelines are difficult. There are many unknowns and they all have an impact on your ability to deliver on the timeline you set.

Be aggressive but realistic with your deadlines. Make sure you celebrate success along the journey to keep your employees motivated. Motivated employees contribute more which will save you time in the end.

When to bring the retailer into the process The first question you have to answer is; what level of trust do we have with the customer? You cannot afford to lay all of your cards on the table if they are going to share your idea with someone else. The more trust you have in the individual, the earlier you should bring them into the development process.

You must assess their level of interest and determine the size of the market. Keep in mind they have nothing invested in the process until the item gets to the shelf. If they are very excited ask them for some commitments on volume. This will give you a more realistic answer if they have to commit to move some of the product with you.

Retailers are trying to plan earlier all the time to improve their level of execution. Your new item needs to fit into these timelines. Many items are seasonal or they have significant swings in sales. You must get your customer on side early enough in the process to launch the item at the right time. You might not want to coincide your launch with the peak sales period. The timelines might be too tight and if you miss it you could be shut out for 10 months. You also need to know the plan-o-gram updates that are planned. You can have a great item but if they are not reviewing a specific section for 10 months, you will sit on the sidelines.

When you bring the retailer into the process you must educate them on the timing that impacts you for equipment delivery, land use, ingredient purchases, packaging orders and any other factors.

Discuss the timeline with them and touch base each time you have important decisions to make.

Purchasing raw material ingredients can tie up a lot of money, especially if the availability is seasonal. Communicate with the retailer when you are approaching these milestones.

The level of engagement and commitment you get from the retailer is a good barometer of your relationship. Category managers who make real suggestions and improve the end result should be identified as a solid relationship with your business. If the result is lack of interest and no commitment you either have a bad idea or the relationship needs work.

Be ready for the questions When you choose to bring a retailer into the development process there are two questions you need to be prepared for.

1) Will you give us exclusivity?

2) Can we do this as a control label product?

There is no right or wrong answer to these questions. Every situation is unique. The most important thing is to be prepared to answer the question.

No surprises In the food value chain there are very few customers. You should always share new items with them before you launch it to the market. They should never see your product at a trade show before you introduce it to them. It

“

Retailers are trying to plan earlier all the time to improve their level of execution. Your new item needs to fit into these timelines.”

is fine to launch a new item at a show but it should never be the first time for your existing customers to see the item.

RETAIL NEWS

The right timing

Labour is an integral part of successful grocery stores. In early July, Loblaw was able to reach an agreement with employees in a number of Ontario stores. It was reported they were heading for a strike but they were able to reach an agreement.

It is encouraging to see the two sides come together. The employees need to be compensated fairly for what they are doing and the company needs the flexibility and cost structure to grow the business. These are obvious statements but they get lost when emotions run high.

Labour stability is a good indicator of a successful business.

If there is animosity or no willingness to cooperate, the customer will sense it. Labour stability is also important for suppliers. If these stores had been forced to close or operate with limited departments and hours, the sales decrease and suppliers lose volume too.

It is important to identify when you need to bring the customer into the development process and get feedback. Review your timeline to assess when you should be sharing the product with the retailer. They can provide valuable insights on products, packaging and always agree on the merchandising plan for the product.

For a seasonal item where you need to plan in advance and grow the product, my recommendation is to share your intentions with the retailer the first year you have successful trials. For a packaged goods item you need to balance the risk on your investment with the timing of the conversation.

Assuming you have the proper level of trust, review the project with the retailer when you have a product that resembles a production run. It does not have to be off the actual line and it can be mock-ups of packaging, but you need to be close to where you are planning to go.

If you have any stories about product launches with your customers it would be great to learn more. You can send them to me at pchapman@gpsbusiness.ca.

Loblaw labour disruption ends early

WHAT’S IN STORE Tell them up front We know consumers want to understand more about where their food comes from.

Traceability is a word that resonates and it could influence consumers from one brand to another.

Recently at Food Pro West, the packaging on this 2% milk caught my attention. Vitala dairy from Abbotsford B.C. has put the word traceable front and center on the label. If you are doing it you might as well say it.

For a certain segment of the market this would influence consumers to pick up the product.

Peter Chapman is a retail consultant, professional speaker and the author of A la cart-A suppliers’ guide to retailers’ priorities. Peter is based in Halifax NS, where he is the principal at GPS Business Solutions. Peter works with producers and processors to help them navigate through the retail environment with the ultimate goal to get more of their items in the shopping cart. pchapman@gpsbusiness.ca.

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PAGE 12 –– AUGUST 2015 THE GROWER

FOCUS: STORAGE AND CONTAINERS

Beware of CO 2 accumulation in ‘Empire’ apple storage rooms during loading JENNIFER DeELL The objective of this study was to investigate the development of external CO2 injury in ‘Empire’ apples during storage room loading. Effects of cooling rate and SmartFresh were also studied.

‘Empire’ apples were harvested from an orchard near Simcoe (ON) during the commercial harvest period. Fruit were transported to the Apple Research Storage Lab in Simcoe within one hour of harvest. Half of the apples were rapidly cooled to 3ºC, while the others were slowly cooled from ~22ºC down to 14-16ºC overnight. Half of the ‘Empire’ at each temperature were also treated with SmartFresh (1 ppm, 1-MCP) overnight.

After 24 hours, all apples were held in ~17% O2 + 4% CO2 at 3ºC for one, two or four weeks.

These scenarios were intended to mimic the build-up of CO2 during commercial room loading before the establishment of controlled atmosphere. Upon removal from storage, fruit were allowed to warm to room temperature and then evaluated for quality that day.

Results ‘Empire’ fruit started to exhibit external CO2 injury after only one week of storage and there were significant increases after two and four weeks (Table 1). Slow cooling increased the incidence of CO2 injury and the disorder appeared sooner, compared to fruit cooled rapidly.

As expected, SmartFresh also increased incidence of CO2 injury.

Previous work showed ‘McIntosh’ developed little exter-

Table 1: Quality of ‘Empire’ treated with or without SmartFresh, cooled rapidly or slowly, and held for 1, 2, or 4 weeks in air at 3ºC with ~4% CO2.

External CO2 injury in ‘Empire’ apple. nal CO2 injury before four weeks of storage with 4% CO2 (data not presented). Furthermore, Summerland ‘McIntosh’ was more susceptible to CO2 injury than Pioneer, suggesting that there is different sensitivity among strains.

These results indicate that storage operators should be cognizant of CO2 accumulating during the loading of storage rooms, especially with ‘Empire’ apples. This cultivar is extremely sensitive to CO2. The use of diphenylamine (DPA) will reduce the development of external CO2 injury.

This project is part of the

Apples during loading of a commercial storage room. Photos courtesy of Jennifer DeEll, OMAFRA. Canadian Agri-Science Cluster for Horticulture 2 program, supported by Growing Forward 2 with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Horticultural Council. Thanks to the Ontario Apple Growers, Apple Marketers’ Association of Ontario, Les producteurs de pommes du Québec, BC Fruit Growers’ Association, AgroFresh Inc., Storage Control Systems Inc., GRB Ag. Technologies Inc.,

and Decco US Post-Harvest Inc. for their financial support; as well as to Behrouz EhsaniMoghaddam and Lorie Walker for their technical assistance; and Norfolk Fruit Growers’ Association and Jeff Cassidy for their direct collaboration.

Dr. Jennifer DeEll is fresh market quality program lead for horticultural crops, OMAFRA, based in Simcoe, Ontario.

AUGUST 2015 –– PAGE 13 THE GROWER

FOCUS: STORAGE AND CONTAINERS

Test for the ideal oxygen level of stored produce, by variety There’s a new way to test the efficacy of your storage developed by Storage Control Systems Inc. The Michiganbased company calls the patented system SafePod. The chamber is comprised of representative samples of fruit inside a larger controlled atmosphere (CA) storage, allowing the operator to test for the lowest possible oxygen level of the stored produce without the potential risk of damaging the entire CA store.

“We are in a new frontier that has a few years to go,” says Jim Schaefer, president, Storage Control Systems Inc. “Dynamic controlled atmosphere makes sense since not just a variety could need a specific controlled atmosphere O2 and CO2 regime, but even the same variety, year to year, depending on degree days in that growing season.”

Here’s how the unit works. Each unit has a highresolution, built-in analyzer and an automatic RQ (respiration quotient) measuring system, all of which tie back to a remotely-located 6000 controller. A variant of the system is called LabPod, which adds the ability of the unit to regulate its own O2/CO2 with or without being inside the larger CA room.

“The process is simple,” says Dan Boozer, installation and production manager, Storage Control Systems. When loading a room, pull a few samples of fruit from each bin as you load, filling the totes inside the SafePod. The SafePod is then placed inside a bin or left separate from the bin stacked inside the CA storage. The built-in, remotely operated SCS Electric Slide Valve on the bottom of the SafePod is opened and the fan is turned on. The fruit inside the SafePod automatically pulls down with the rest of the room.

When desired, the SafePod valve can be closed, creating an air-tight and completely independent chamber within the larger CA store, free of any outside influences.

This leaves the storage operator the opportunity to experiment on samples of the exact fruit in the larger storage without risking the investment of the entire room.

This freedom from risk allows the operator to push the Ultra Low Oxygen (ULO) limits to find the best balance

“

The biggest advantage of SafePod is that we can test the reaction of the fruit inside the SafePod before we stress the entire room.”

The SafePod chamber contains representative samples of fruit inside a larger controlled atmosphere storage. then opened, marrying the SafePod and larger CA storage atmosphere. The operator can then repeat the entire process later in the storage period to test for additional stresses and possible lower level as the fruit matures.

Jennifer DeEll, fresh market quality program lead with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, started evaluating the SafePod technology last season on some major Canadian apple varieties. Low O2 limits varied among varieties and the stress level was lower than anticipated.

“The biggest advantage of SafePod is that we can test the reaction of the fruit inside the SafePod before we stress the entire room,” says Schaefer.

~ Jim Schaefer, Storage Control Systems Inc. for the fruit. ULO levels can be achieved easily, then controlled and indicated by simple mathematics of CO2 produced and O2 consumed. An indication of stress on the fruit represents the level of O2 the fruit cannot tolerate.

Knowing this low limit allows for confidence in storing the fruit at slightly higher O2 levels.

Once safe levels are dialed in using the SafePod, the entire storage can then be pulled down to match these safe, predetermined ULO levels. The valve on the SafePod is

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PAGE 14 –– AUGUST 2015 THE GROWER

FOCUS: STORAGE AND CONTAINERS

Match the right container with the right cooling system for added efficiency and postharvest specialist. When he retired in June 2015, he left a large legacy after many years of service, but certainly one of his most recent is a factsheet on forced air cooling systems. For any fruit or vegetable grower across the country, this document thoroughly investigates the pros and cons of three types of cooling: tunnel, column and serpentine.

“Cold air is very lazy so you have to force it to go where you want it to go,” says Fraser.

Tunnel systems, where air is moved horizontally, are more popular than column systems where air is moved vertically.

The serpentine system is a combination of both.

“The serpentine system is not better per se but it does work better with some types of containers,” says Fraser. “It works well with plastic bins that are stackable and have slotted floors.”

For growers who want to trim labour costs and harvest straight into bulk bins, then serpentine cooling works well with stacked bins. This system is also flexible for growers with more than one commodity, a range of tender fruits for example. Fruits and vegetables that work well for harvesting and serpentine cooling in plastic bins range from apples to peaches, pears and nectarines and cabbage and cauliflower.

“Pulling heat out quickly always

has a cost,” says Fraser. “There should be a reward system for those who do a better job.”

As retail grocers continue their sustainability initiatives, in terms of transportation logistics and warehouse refrigeration, there may be more focus on measuring the attributes of cooled produce in the future. As Fraser has demonstrated, there are benefits to thinking through how choice of containers affects storage efficiency which then affects shelf life for the retailer and eating quality for the consumer.

For more details, Google “Forced-Air Cooling Systems for Fresh Ontario Fruits and Vegetables.”

This serpentine horizontal/vertical airflow system has centrifugal fans inside metal housings above a plywood plenum. These fans pull refrigerated air through “hot” tree fruit in plastic bins. Each stack of six bins is independent. Three forklift openings across from wall slots are closed off with coverings. This compels cold air to enter through the remaining three open forklift openings and travel up or down through the fruit via slots in the bin floor. As the air warms (purple arrows) it is directed back into the storage room (red arrows) towards the evaporator coils to be re-cooled.

Bins are tightly stacked so no air can short-circuit through the bins’ side vents. If stacks are missing, a tarp is installed to prevent short-circuiting. This tarp can be seen covering the sides of the right column of bins. The system shown here is under construction as foam packing around the slots is to be installed. Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs © Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2014. Reproduced with permission.

KAREN DAVIDSON A one-hour delay in cooling reduces the shelf life of produce by one day. That maxim holds true with highly perishable crops in hot weather.

While that rule of thumb is well-known by growers, it’s an objective that’s always hard to

meet while managing work crews and weather. But if produce can reach coolers promptly after harvest, then the rate of ethylene production is reduced as well as moisture loss. Even better for food safety, microorganisms have more difficulty spreading.

Driving heat out of produce has been one of the specialties of Hugh Fraser, OMAFRA engineer

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AUGUST 2015 –– PAGE 15 THE GROWER

FOCUS: STORAGE AND CONTAINERS

Block-style pallets with four-way access by forklifts prove efficient KAREN DAVIDSON Ralph Waldo Emerson had a point. The 19th-century innovator

said if you build a better mousetrap, the world would beat a path to your door. That’s what is happening with pallets, the ubiquitous wooden crates for

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moving fresh produce. As simple as they may seem, the configuration of pallets may help forced-air cooling systems work better. See the companion story on the opposite page.

PECO Pallet Canada Inc. is aggressively pursuing the Canadian produce market with their distinctive red, block-style pallet. In 2010, Costco for example, required the block-style pallet that allows four-way access by forklifts in its distribution centres. Other major retailers such as Loblaw, Metro, Sobeys and Walmart require that growers use either CHEP-manufactured pallets (stringer-style or block-style) or PECO pallets (block-style).

Since then, the block-style pallets are gradually becoming a standard over the traditional stringer-style pallet. That’s because industry desires standardization to drive down costs in the supply chain. They work much better in automated environments.

They weigh less and are more efficient to handle with four-way entry.

The PECO pallet is built to the specific measurement of 40 inches by 48 inches. It weighs less than a stringer, about 65 pounds, which is a consideration

Block vs. Stringer

for transporting goods.

“For every renter of our pallets, we develop a supply chain profile,” says Lisa Vegso, general manager for PECO Pallet Canada Inc. “Our rental rates depend on the grower’s volume, location and dwell times.” Dwell times refer to the number of days that pallets reside in the renter’s inventory prior to shipping.

For growers wishing to rent PECO pallets, an order must be placed 72 hours in advance for delivery from the nearest depot.

There are now depots in five locations across Canada including Toronto, Ontario; Montreal, Quebec; Vancouver, British Columbia; Albany, Prince Edward Island; and as recently as June, in Calgary, Alberta. These pallets are used throughout Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

Empty pallets are retrieved and returned to one of PECO’s depots for inspection, cleaning and repairs as needed before recirculating.

“The pallet market -- relative to retail foodservice -- is one that saw little change for 30 years,” says Vegso. “But since 2010, it’s been in transition towardsblockstyle pallets. The ISPM-15 rules will eventually kick in, requiring

transborder shipments to and from the U.S. to have heat-treated wood pallets. We are actively preparing for that change.”

The International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures Number 15 (ISPM-15) refers to import requirements employed under the Canada-U.S. Perimeter Approach to Plant Protection. The new rules are driven by the threat of invasive alien species and unintentional introduction of pests through increased trade.

At a U.S.-Canada Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) stakeholder briefing which took place at the end of June, a timeline was proposed for the removal of the exemption. As reported by Packaging Revolution, one U.S.based official suggested that a Federal Register notice could be published prior to the end of the year, then commencing phased-in implementation steps, combined with education and outreach efforts. Full enforcement could require up to two additional years. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has posted its transition plan. Go to: http://ow.ly/PnS6S. Growers can expect heattreated wooden pallets to cost more.

PAGE 16 –– AUGUST 2015 THE GROWER

FOCUS: STORAGE AND CONTAINERS

Rennie Estate Winery purchases chamber for perfect Appassimento results NATHALIE DREIFELDS

Graham Rennie of Rennie Estate Winery in Beamsville, Ontario has purchased one of the

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first commercialized Appassimento chambers in North America. This method of drying grapes for the wine industry has been developed and delivered to market through a partnership between Ontario manufacturer MTX Postharvest and Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland).

“I am delighted to be the first winery to order MTX Postharvest’s commercial grape drying chamber, as my collaboration with Vineland helped develop this proprietary Appassimento methodology,” said Rennie. “The chamber will allow me to customize specific settings such as airflow speed, temperature and humidity to produce our ultra-premium Appassimento wines – Scarpata and “G” Assemblage. The ability to control these settings in an optimal fashion within a secure, airtight, portable chamber will ensure a perfect Appassimento result each harvest for years to come.”

The Appassimento process allows for enhanced development of flavours, concentration of sugars and contributes to more complex aromas in wines made from high quality grapes harvested in cool climate areas with shorter growing seasons. Rennie’s Appassimento-style wines have been recognized for years by the wine industry, winning several awards along the way.

“We are excited to have one of

MTX Postharvest booth at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention. Photo by Denis Cahill Vineland's original partners in the Appassimento research program buying one of our first production units,” said Ethan Strawbridge, Business Development/ Engineering at MTX Postharvest.

“Graham (Rennie Estates Winery) has had a great deal of success with his Appassimento offerings.

We're confident this new technology will give him even further control over his process.”

The 7.2-ton grape capacity Appassimento chamber is a modular, self-contained, controlled environment featuring a proprietary ventilation technology for slow uniform grape drying (80 to 120 days) and wireless controls for temperature, humidity and air flow. The

system offers a payback of two years or less based on a premium price charged per bottle of final product. It allows winemakers flexibility in their product offering, from 100 per cent Appassimento-style wines to back-blended wines with other varieties to create consistent vintages year-after-year. Visit mtxpostharvest.com/ appassimento.html for additional information.

To learn more about this Appassimento technology, please contact Ethan Strawbridge, Business Development/ Engineering, MTX Postharvest info@mtxpostharvest.com or call 519-787-2072.

Harvest totes and push-back racking – simple ideas that work in automated systems

Ryan Tregunno

KAREN DAVIDSON In early July, the Canadian Horticultural Council board of directors met in Ontario’s Niagara region and toured local farms. One of the stops was at Niagara-on-the-Lake where Phil Tregunno and sons Ryan and Jourdan explained their packing system.

“These harvest totes, sourced from California, enable us to harvest higher quality, tree-ripened fruit. There is reduced handling, increased food safety and they fit automated systems,” says Ryan Tregunno.

The push-back racking was sourced locally from Dynrack Inc., Stoney Creek. The integration of Fruit Tracker software, along with the organization of the racking, helps the Tregunno family keep much tighter control over inventory. “This is critical with the constant turnover and handling of tree-ripened fruit,” says Ryan Tregunno. “It also offers faster cooling times with the increased airflow around the pallets. They are not jammed tight together or stacked tight like bins.”

AUGUST 2015 –– PAGE 17 THE GROWER

FOCUS: STORAGE AND CONTAINERS

Sulphur dioxide protects table grapes from postharvest fungal decay Producetech, a Quebec-based company, is now distributing a new technology in Canada called Proteku Laminated Grape Guards

by Infruta S.A. It is a pad that generates sulphur dioxide gas (SO2) and helps to protect table grapes from postharvest fungal decay caused primarily by Botrytis cinerea. It can extend the shelf life of grapes up to five weeks. It is a technology that’s very affordable and efficient, and widely used in South America, the U.S. and Mexico, says Ontario sales representative Vincent Nicoletis.

Until now, the storage life of Ontario-grown ‘Sovereign Coronation’ table grapes has been about two weeks, explains Kimberley Cathline, a member of the postharvest team at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland). “As Coronation grapes lose water, the stems brown and Botrytis, commonly called grey mould, develops, causing the fruit to rot. The fungus can survive at almost 0°C, so it can grow even on grapes housed in cold storage.”

Sodium metabisulfite is the active ingredient contained in the pads and upon exposure to humidity in storage SO2 gas is generated. The pad is

The SO2 pad is shown above packed in the final master. Here’s a sample of Sovereign Coronation grapes packed in the field.

Photo by Glenn Lowson. recommended to be used in combination with a micro-perforated liner, also distributed by Producetech.

For handling, the microperforated liner needs to be placed inside the crate. Then, the crate is filled with clamshells and the pad is placed on top of them.

At the end, the liner is folded so that the pad is confined inside the liner with the grapes to maxi-

mize efficiency. The micro-perforated liner has also another benefit -- it reduces water loss from dehydration.

Two types of SO2-generating pads were tested on ‘Sovereign Coronation’ grapes at Vineland last fall. Results showed five weeks of successful storage life using the dual release pads with six grams of active ingredient.

“With less mechanical damage

combined with forced-air cooling, we could have achieved even better results,” reports Cathline.

“We are now distributing the liners needed to wrap the grapes along with the SO2-generating pads,” says Vincent Nicoletis.

Producetech is a global supplier of orchard, greenhouse and vineyard equipment across Canada, specializing in postharvest solutions, such as

controlled atmosphere rooms and ethylene scrubber systems.

For more information, contact Producetech at its Granby, Quebec office at 450-994-4567 or call Vincent Nicoletis, authorized sales agent for Ontario and British Columbia at 519-8306472. Email service@producetech.com

PAGE 18 –– AUGUST 2015 THE GROWER

FOCUS: STORAGE AND CONTAINERS

Freshline Foods Ltd. launches Juicing Kit line Freshline Foods, one of Canada’s premier processors of fresh-cut, value-added fruits and vegetables, has launched its new Juicing Kit line to offer consumers an easy and convenient way to incorporate more nutrientrich fruits and vegetables into their routine meal planning.

“Consumers today are more focused on being healthy but also want quick and easy meal solutions that fit in with their busy lifestyle,” says Noel Brigido, vice president of Freshline Foods.

“Juicing has grown over the years to the point where it has become a mainstream meal replacement for many consumers. Adding the convenience of ready-to-go solutions will further promote this into the future.”

The Juicing Kits are packed with healthy, fresh, pre-cut and prewashed fruits and vegetables such as beets, kale, apples and carrots which are packaged in perfect ingredient combinations to provide the consumer with a satisfying experience. With the Juicing Kit, busy and on-the-go consumers can create their own nutritious juices and smoothies right at home, work or school.

The first product to be launched is the Kale Boost kit, which is now available on grocery store shelves in North America. The Kale Boost kit includes fresh-cut kale, carrot, apples, celery, beets and ginger and is packaged in a 340g (12oz) pouch. This is the first of a complete family of recipes that

will be available in this line, which will also include certified organic offerings.

The high graphics stand-up pouch also provides the retailer with a perfect merchandising vessel for the item. Being able to stand up freely on the shelf, the high colour graphics draw in the consumer while still displaying the freshness of the products in the package.

The Juice Kit line is a continuation of Freshline Foods’ focus on delivering innovative fresh-cut products that provide consumers with more options to enjoy healthy fruits and vegetables.

Source: FreshLine Foods Ltd. news release

United Fresh announces Innovation Award for Best New Packaging The annual United Fresh Innovation Award for Best New Packaging offers a perspective on leading-edge trends. Maglio Companies, based in Glendale, Wisconsin, took this year’s award in Chicago for its readyripe watermelon.

Maglio Companies’ innovative readyripe watermelons consist of two gusset bag designs customsized for ¼ cut and ½ cut sliced watermelon, which have a large viewing area to allow consumers easy view of the fruit quality before purchasing. The patented design, which is exclusively used

by Maglio Companies, keeps the

fruit fresh for an extended period of time -- up to 11 days from the date of production -- as compared to conventional plastic overwrap methods.

“We’re very excited to have been honoured with the United Fresh Innovation Award for Best New Packaging, as this gives us the opportunity to increase exposure of Maglio Companies products through innovative design,” said Joe Delgadillo, product innovation manager at Maglio Companies. “We hope to continue to drive innovation in the category of fresh produce by providing new ways for

consumers to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables with a longer shelf life.”

Aside from the extended shelf-life, the benefits for consumers include a convenient carry handle, a compact, resealable storage design, and the ability to purchase only the amount of watermelon they need.

This product has already been successful in a test market of more than 600 stores across the U.S. with plans to roll out in additional markets this year.

Source: United Fresh news release

The ReadyRipe watermelon pouch contains a Fresh-R-Pax absorbent pad which is sealed to the base of each container and has tamper-evident, easy peal-able lidding film.

AUGUST 2015 –– PAGE 19 THE GROWER

FOCUS: STORAGE AND CONTAINERS

Optimum harvest maturity of ‘Ambrosia’ apples for storage JENNIFER DeELL ‘Ambrosia’ produces very little ethylene during maturation on the tree (Plate 1). As starch is degraded and colour changes, there continues to be only trace amounts of internal ethylene present (<1 ppm). This makes internal ethylene a difficult indicator of fruit maturity for ‘Ambrosia.’

Overall, the starch index has been the most consistent indicator for ‘Ambrosia’ fruit maturity. Starch values of 2.5 – 4.0 at harvest time are optimum for the storage of ‘Ambrosia.’

It is important not to wait until the background colour is yellow to start harvest, as the fruit will be over-mature for storage. Background colour has more to do with nitrogen levels in the fruit than maturity and background colour usually changes in storage.

Optimum harvest of ‘Ambrosia’ tends to be around the same time as ‘Empire.’ At the time of harvest, fruit firmness has averaged ~17-19 lb, starch index ~2 to 4, and ground colour yellow 2 to 3 on the BC colour chart (Plate 2). Apples harvested later tend to soften more rapidly and develop more disorders and greasiness during storage.

‘Ambrosia’ apples treated with SmartFresh are firmer after storage and have less internal ethylene than those not

Plate 1: ‘Ambrosia’ apples ready for harvest.

Plate 2: BC colour chart for ‘Ambrosia’ apples.

treated, as well as higher malic acid content and reduced greasiness after an additional seven days at room temperature.

Controlled atmosphere (CA) storage also improves fruit firmness and acidity retention, with no peel greasiness development. Current CA regimes suggested for ‘Ambrosia’ in Ontario are: 1) 2.5% O2 + 2% CO2, or 2) 1.7% + 1% CO2 at 1°C.

Thanks to the Ontario Apple Growers, Norfolk Fruit Growers’ Association, AgroFresh Inc., and Storage Control Systems Inc. for their support.

Dr. Jennifer DeEll is fresh market quality program lead for horticultural crops, OMAFRA, in Simcoe, Ontario.

Most Canadian boxes, cartons now 100% recycled content Most boxes and cartons manufactured in Canada are now 100 per cent recycled content, made completely from old boxes and other used paper material

collected from the back of factories, supermarkets, office buildings, or from residential Blue Box programs.

“We have 13 mills across

Canada producing nothing but 100 per cent recycled content board,” explains John Mullinder, executive director of the industry’s environmental council,

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PPEC. The council surveys the industry every two years and has been tracking recycled content since 1990.

“There has been a significant increase in average recycled content over the years,” he says, “from 47 per cent back in 1990 to almost 80 per cent today. Most Canadian packaging mills, in fact, now make a 100 per cent recycled content product, that’s the way they were built. A few mills blend recycled material with wood residues (chips, shavings and sawdust left over from lumber operations), and three mills use wood residues or freshly-cut trees. When you add it up,” he says, “the Canadian industry hardly uses any freshly-cut trees to make packaging at all.”

Any fresh trees that are harvested for packaging purposes all come from commercial forests that have been independently certified as sustainably managed.

And under provincial law, these forest areas must be successfully regenerated through tree planting and direct seeding or naturally.

The harvest and regrowth of Canada’s commercial forest is currently in balance, according to Natural Resources Canada.

For more information on how recycled content is defined and measured, how it differs between packaging types, and its relationship to virgin material, see PPEC’s background report Understanding Recycled Content.

PAGE 20 –– AUGUST 2015 THE GROWER

Watch out for stem and bulb nematode symptoms in garlic MICHAEL CELETTI The cool wet weather experienced last fall (2014) and the recent rains in June 2015 were ideal for stem and bulb nematode (Ditylenchus dipsacci) to multiply and spread this growing season.

This pest can cause significant damage to garlic crops. Obvious symptoms in garlic often appear around the time when scapes emerge in late June or early July.

Stem and bulb nematodes are often introduced into a field by planting infested garlic cloves.

One stage (4th juvenile) of the nematode is particularly adapted to resist desiccation and freezing and can persist for many years under dry or cold conditions.

Young juvenile nematodes within the infested cloves develop into adults during the fall and spring.

When the nematodes have reached maturity, they mate and the females lay eggs. The nematodes can live from 45 to 75 days, depending upon the condition, and a single female can lay up to 500 eggs within her life span. It only takes 19 days after hatching from eggs to develop into mature adults when temperatures average around 15°C. The short period of

time between egg hatch and maturity together with the frequency of reproduction during the life span of a female often results in an explosion of this pest population under cool wet conditions.

Stem and bulb nematodes feed on cells near the root plate of the garlic plant. As they feed they inject enzymes into the cells which break down cell walls resulting in a rotting around the root plate. During wet weather the nematodes leave the infested garlic and swim to neighbouring healthy garlic plants. They enter the neighbouring garlic by getting in between the scales of the garlic bulb near the soil line. Under wet conditions, the nematodes can swim a short distance up leaves of small emerging plants in the spring and then move down between the leaves in films of water left from rain or dew.

Occasionally a small yellow spot or pimple is left on leaves where the nematodes were feeding as they moved down between the leaves towards the bulb. If the garlic plants become infested late in the summer or close to harvest, the nematodes may not cause noticeable damage to the mature bulbs and cloves and growers may select the infested bulb and

cloves to plant in the fall which starts the cycle all over.

Often symptom development accelerates after scapes are removed. Severely infected plants appear stunted with lower leaves turning yellow and brown prematurely. Sometimes infested plants will have thicker leaves and necks, but this is not a reliable symptom in infested garlic.

Infested plants can easily be pulled from the soil with a slight tug. The basal plate (the region of the bulb where the roots attach) of severely infested bulbs may also appear to be rotten which can be separated easily from the bulbs. Bacteria, fungi and sometimes onion maggots will often invade nematode-infested bulbs causing them to become mushy with soft rot and decay. Severely infested garlic bulbs tend to be soft, shriveled, discoloured and lighter in weight. Often symptoms of bulb and stem nematode in garlic look very similar to symptoms of Fusarium basal plate rot.

Rogueing out plants with obvious symptoms at this time of the season will help reduce the potential of the nematodes moving to neighbouring plants. If symptoms are observed in a garlic

Stem and bulb nematode damage

field, cloves from bulbs designated as next year’s seed should be tested for nematodes at a qualified pest diagnostic lab prior to planting this fall.

Michael Celetti is plant pathologist, horticulture crops for OMAFRA, Guelph, Ontario.

What’s new in precision ag and soils?

NICOLE RABE Across Ontario, many soil sensing and mapping services are beginning to appear as a way to quantify soil type and textural variability for precision agriculture strategies (e.g. variable rate population or fertilizer recommendations). In many cases these soil mapping and sensing devices offer anywhere from 10 to 40 different surface and sub-surface soil property maps (e.g. pH, P, K, CEC, OM%, Hydraulic Saturated Capacity, plant available water etc.). Typically the mapping begins by collecting elevation (topographic) data using a high quality RTK-GPS which is connected to a continuous soil sensing

device (e.g. Dual EMTM geophysical device). This defines soil textural differences by landscape position and identifies areas which should be investigated further using a variety of instruments: • soil probes: differentiates surface soil horizon (plow layer) from subsurface soil horizons • soil augers: extracting cores approximately 1 m deep • soil samples: extracted from various depths for further laboratory analysis It is necessary to distinguish between mapping physical soil characteristics (e.g. soil texture or horizon thickness) and mapping a soil property. Soil property maps are quite often modelled from both physical sensing or in-field measurements

and discrete soil sampling with accompanying laboratory analysis (e.g. example of soil property maps are risk of compaction, leakability, drainage potential etc). Most soil sensing and mapping services may be quite a substantial investment (e.g. up to $100 per acre -- depends on the level of detail in the end product). However, this would only have to be done once on a field provided there are no severe erosion issues.

Additional monitoring for changes in soil nutrient levels would still be required due to crop rotation practices. Once the soil sensing is done, directed soil sampling could be performed thereafter using the soil sensor maps as a spatial guide.

OMAFRA recently awarded a New Directions grant to Dr. Viacheslav

Adamchuck (McGill University) who is an engineer with expertise in proximal soil sensing (http://adamchukpa.mcgill.ca/). He will compare and contrast several soil sensing and mapping devices on a variety of agricultural soil landscapes in Ontario.

OMAFRA New Direction grants were awarded to support a number of precision agriculture research projects that will contribute toward further understanding of sensors and site-specific crop input management.

Nicole Rabe is OMAFRA’s land resource specialist.

TOMcast and other crop management tools available on website RISHI R. BURLAKOTI Weather INnovations is currently providing several crop management tools for Ontario vegetable growers at www.vegtools.ca. The website provides fungicide timing advisories including TOMcast for early blight, Septoria, and Anthracnose and late blight advisory for

tomato growers.

Fungicide timing advisories are also available to manage foliar blights of carrot and celery as well as purple blotch of asparagus. The website also provides growing degree day-based scouting advisories for 12 different pests of several vegetable crops including cole crops, tomatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, leafy vegetables, snap beans and cucurbits.

Without login, growers can get information on the available crop management tools as well as a short description of diseases and pests. To get site-specific advisories, growers are required to login and register their fields. All these site-specific tools can be accessed without subscription fee.

If you have further questions regarding the information on the website and accessing crop management advisories,

feel free to contact me at Weather Innovations. Email rburlakoti@weatherinnovations.com or phone: 519-352-5334, x 225.

Dr. Rishi R. Burlakoti is research lead and plant pathologist for Weather INnovations Consulting LP.

AUGUST 2015 –– PAGE 21 THE GROWER

BITS AND BITES

Potato market information now published The Horticulture and Cross Sectoral Division of the Sector Development and Analysis Directorate, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has published the latest report: “2013-2014 Potato Market Information Review.

The report, prepared by Jean Mukezangango, provides a comprehensive summary of potato market information and data in one document. It contains tables and charts about Canadian potato production, revenues, prices, consumption and trade as well as U.S. and world production of potatoes.

Some highlights from the report are: • The potato is the largest vegetable crop in Canada, accounting for 30%

for all vegetable Farm Cash Receipts (FCR).

• In 2013, potato’s FCR amounted to $1.04 billion, up 4% from 2012.

• The 2014 potato production was estimated at 4.7 million tonnes, down 1% from 2013.

• The major producing provinces were Prince Edward Island (26%), Manitoba (19%), Alberta (18%), New Brunswick (14%), Quebec (12%) and Ontario (8%).

• Canada has been a world leader in the production of seed potatoes for more than 90 years and it is the fifth largest seed potato exporter in the world. About 150 potato varieties are registered in Canada for the production of seed.

• In the 2013–2014 crop year, exports of Canadian potatoes and potato products were estimated at $1.29 billion, up 12% from 2012–2013. Exports to U.S. accounted for 85% of total Canadian potato exports.

• Canada imported a total of $342 million in potatoes and potato products in 2013-2014.

The key resources used in the preparation of this document are Statistics Canada, Infohort (AAFC), Global Trade Atlas and FAOSTAT. Photo right: This year's Ontario Potato Field Day is slated for August 20 at HJV Equipment, Alliston, Ontario.

Grain Farmers of Ontario pursues ‘absurdity test’ on neonic regs As of late June, Grain Farmers of Ontario commenced legal proceedings against the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

“Late last week, Grain Farmers of Ontario filed a request to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to provide an interpretation of the neonicotinoid treated seed regulations,” says Mark Brock, Chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario. “There are numerous areas of serious concern for farmers and the grain industry within the

regulations and we believe it is critical that the regulations be thoroughly reviewed by the Court.”

The regulations are scheduled to come into force on July 1, 2015. Grain Farmers of Ontario is also asking the Superior Court to delay the implementation of the proposed regulations until May 1, 2016 or ‘such time as the requirements of the Regulation can reasonably be met.’ If the Court provides a stay against the regulations, farmers will be able to plant

next year under the same rules followed this planting season.

With just days until the July 1, 2015 implementation date for the Government of Ontario’s regulations, Grain Farmers of Ontario is advising farmers to continue to monitor the case, as it is hoped relief from the regulations will come in the month of July, prior to seed orders for 2016.

“The decision to seek legal action against the Government of Ontario was not easy and is unprecedented in the history of

our organization, but it is necessary and the outcome of our multi-step legal strategy will be critical to the livelihood of grain farmers across the province,” says Barry Senft, CEO of Grain Farmers of Ontario.

“We are asking farmers and our agriculture partners for their patience in allowing the first steps of this request for a stay — to delay implementation of the regulations — to be heard, before the agricultural community responds to the regulations.”

PAGE 22 –– AUGUST 2015 THE GROWER

MINOR USE

Gowan adds spotted wing drosophila to Canadian Imidan label Gowan Agro Canada announces that Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) has been added to the Imidan 70WP Instapak Canadian label. This new registration allows apple, blueberry, tart cherry, grape, peach, pear and plum growers to maintain their fruit quality by protecting against SWD damage. Damage is caused when SWD females lay their eggs inside intact fruit before it can be harvested. SWD larvae hatch, begin to feed and the affected fruit becomes soft and unmarketable.

Gowan Company has had SWD on its U.S. Imidan label for the past few seasons and it’s proven to be a valuable tool in the fight against SWD. “Spotted Wing Drosophila is a new pest in Canada and even though Imidan is a mature product, fruit growers asked us to add SWD to the

label because they needed help to control this insect,” said Garth Render, general manager of Gowan Agro Canada. “Staying true to its roots, the Gowan Company responded to customer needs, investing resources to add SWD to the Canadian label for this relatively small market.

Gowan is a small, family-owned company and we think of growers as extended family. That’s the Gowan culture.”

Imidan 70WP is a broad-spectrum organophosphate and contains a Group 1B insecticide. It controls a number of different insects in many fruit crops.

Photo right: A trap for Spotted Wing Drosophila in blueberries. Photo by Glenn Lowson.

Source: Gowen news release

Expansion of regulated area for blueberry maggot The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has expanded the geographic boundaries of the regulated area for blueberry maggot in the province of Ontario.

Following consultations with blueberry producers and stakeholders, the CFIA has amalgamated and expanded the regulated areas in Ontario. The new regulated area now includes all of Southern Ontario.

The amalgamated regulated area will allow producers to move their fruit within this area without certification while preventing the spread of the blueberry maggot into unregulated areas. Fresh blueberries moving out of the regulated area will continue to require a movement certificate issued by the CFIA. Any person who fails to adhere to the movement restrictions may be subject to a

fine, prosecution or both.

In addition to the updated regulated area, the following changes have been made to D-02-04, the phytosanitary requirements for blueberry maggot: • New and revised treatment options for rooted blueberry plants and used blueberry fruit containers • Updated requirements for participants in the Blueberry Certification Program (BCP) and • Clearer requirements for CFIA-approved processing plants.

As well, import requirements for commodities regulated for blueberry maggot from the United States have been removed from D-02-04 and transferred so they can be found with the import requirements for blueberry products

from other countries. A complete summary of the changes can be found on the CFIA website.

Blueberry maggot is a regulated pest under the Plant Protection Act and poses a serious threat to the fresh fruit industry in Canada. Since its discovery in the Maritimes in the 1930s, the blueberry maggot has become established in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, southern Quebec (1996) and southern Ontario (1999).

Blueberry maggot has not been found in other areas of Canada.

For more information, go to http://ow.ly/PKpT4 Source: ONfruit

AUGUST 2015 –– PAGE 23 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

To advertise phone: 519-380-0118 • 866-898-8488 x 218 • Fax: 519-380-0011 CONTAINERS

IRRIAGTION

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PAGE 24 –– AUGUST 2015 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

To advertise phone: 519-380-0118 • 866-898-8488 x 218 • Fax: 519-380-0011 REAL ESTATE

EQUIPMENT

BIN CARRIER FOR FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

JOSLING FARMS FARM ITEMS FOR SALE

• 48 INCH HAINES POTATO WASHER • 48 INCH PRE WASHER • CASE I.H. 7500 AUTO RE SET PLOUGH (EUROPEAN BOTTOMS)

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RAMSEY FIELD PACKING HARVESTOR

Gerry Loeters for Royal LePage, RCR Realty.

PH. 519-765-4217 Cell. 519-773-6460

FOR SALE: Orchard in Simcoe area with total of 148 acres. 85 acres planted in apple trees. Many varieties. Home renovated recently. 3 mobiles for seasonal labour. 3 gaswells. One producing well supplying own use. Owner motivated to sell. Asking $1,450.000.

FOR SALE: Certified Organic Farm. Close to London. 100 acres with 60 acres workable, all certified for over 20 years.

Growing vegetables, grains and soybeans.

Established clientele. Owner retiring.

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EMPLOYMENT

Bay Growers Inc., an apple packing and storage facility located in the Georgian Triangle area is seeking a

Full Time Salesperson Description: This position will be responsible for marketing Apples to Retail Customers and Processors.

NEW IRRIGATION PUMP UNITS ON TRAILER • Cummin 4 cyl & 6 cyl • John Deere, 4 cyl & 6 cyl • Iveco/Cummins, 4 cyl & 6 cyl • Kubota & Deutz etc, etc.

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Duties: • Services existing accounts, obtains new orders, and establishes new accounts by planning and organizing daily work schedule to call on existing and potential sales customers • Keeps management informed by submitting activity and results reports, such as daily call reports and monthly sales volumes.

• Resolves customer complaints by investigating problems, as well as working with Quality Control, to meet customer specifications.

• Works with Production Manager to help facilitate scheduled delivery, correct packaging and delivery.

• Requires some travel on a regional basis Education/Background: • College diploma • 3-4 years outside sales experience • Must be results-orientated and able to work both independently and within a team environment.

• Computer knowledge with proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel • Strong verbal and written communication skills • Strong organizational skills Contact: Please respond by email to ddelaere@baygrowers.com.

No later than August 17th.

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AUGUST 2015 –– PAGE 25 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

To advertise phone: 519-380-0118 • 866-898-8488 x 218 • Fax: 519-380-0011 SEED AND ROOTSTOCK

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PAGE 26 –– AUGUST 2015 THE GROWER

MINOR USE CRAIG’S COMMENTS

Lessons learned need to be remembered

CRAIG HUNTER OFVGA Long ago I had the ‘opportunity’ to adjudicate conflicts that arose from a piece of provincial regulation. It soon became apparent that the most furor occurred when one neighbour tried to use the legislation as a club on his fellow neighbour. It occasionally became heated, and at times the provincial police had to be called in. The solutions usually cost far more than what they were intended to resolve, and nobody was left completely happy. In more recent times I continue to see situations arising where a relatively small group is exerting undue pressure on a much larger group, to achieve what an outsider might characterize as selfish one-upmanship.

If one goes back in time, there are many instances where a major good development for mankind forever after, ensued in spite of what some may have called ‘dangerous.’ Take the first powered flight of an airplane by the Wright Brothers. They knew it was relatively dangerous, but went ahead anyway. Wilbur Wright flew to his death just a dozen years later, but that was an accepted hazard on the way to success. In the 110+ years since that first flight, the world of aviation has come a long way.

Just think where we might be if busybodies had decried flying as being all too dangerous back in 1903?

Using another aviation example, when Charles Lindberg flew solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927, it should be noted that he was the first ‘successful’ attempt.

Others had tried and failed -many at the cost of their lives. It was only 13 years later that

Canada led the way in developing trans-ocean delivery of airplanes to Britain. It was still considered dangerous due to poor navigation equipment, few intermediate emergency landing strips (Greenland had none until the U.S. built four of them; Iceland had two but resented the British from past fishing war issues; the Azores was neutral Portuguese land) and for the southern routes, Bermuda and Ascension Island were the only options. That was it!

Nonetheless, mostly civilian pilots undertook the challenge and delivered thousands of bombers during the war. (Fighters had no fuel capacity to do the trip, and even the bombers had to have spare tanks put into the bomb-bays). Yes, there were losses, but they were deemed acceptable as compared to the alternative. The bottom line is that this contribution was vital to the war effort, especially at the rate of U-boat depredation of merchant ships carrying crated planes as deck cargo. Tens of thousands of such planes lie at 10,000 feet below the North Atlantic today.

The danger these pilots were willing to undertake was considered in proportion to the benefits.

All of them were volunteers.

Nowadays society wants to coddle us regardless of what we may want to try. They also seem to want to over-control ‘normal’ activities that have a long history of safe practice. In agriculture it seems that we are becoming increasingly hemmed in and overcome by regulations. Almost none of these achieve any discernible benefit to the farmers! In most instances, they appear to be sledgehammers to deal with small perceived problems that could have been resolved with better enforcement of an existing regulation. Perhaps even a good mediated discussion that outlined the concerns of all could resolve the problem then and there. It is obvious that the drafters of some current regulations never dealt with ‘the problem’ on a personal basis, nor did they invite learned help for counsel before drafting the new regulations. That they had legal training is abundantly

apparent, but common sense cannot be taught, even in a law school! In addition, ‘normal’ farm practice is NOT static. Changes are made daily and annually to farm operations that may have already mitigated what someone perceived to be a problem, but such change is not acknowledged in a piece of ‘fixed’ legislation.

My best guess is that 1000 hours are spent drafting new legislation for every hour spent fixing or eliminating outdated or effectively improper existing legislation.

This has to be reversed!

Farmers continue to try to be innovative to make a decent living in spite of the regulations lined up against them. It seems that at every turn, society tries to screw down any advantage farmers may have found in their quest to get ahead. Society does not try to figure out why a farmer does something, they just feel that if it ‘might’ affect them it should not be allowed. In these cases, society may have been led down the garden path, wearing rose-coloured glasses, hand in hand with a vested interest group masking themselves as a salvation for mankind.

They are much better organized than in the Wright Brothers’ time since they are allowed to canvass and collect tax deductible funds to underwrite such campaigns (and pay themselves handsomely to boot!). Farmers’ groups on the other hand cannot do so, and are assailed if they do get funds from other supporters with loud clamour from their antagonists, and claims are made that they are just puppets (or worse).

Nowhere has any one of these groups acknowledged the efforts of farmers to better the environment. It was farmers who insisted on pesticide container collections (at their own cost with no public subsidies!). It was farmers who insisted on waste pesticide collections, and helped to staff the first collection sites along with others -- all volunteers. It was farmers in Ontario that helped develop the Grower Pesticide Safety Courses, and insisted that they be made mandatory! Nowadays, farmers are recycling seed bags, plastic bale covers, mulch and twine. No public subsidies needed! Compare that with public programs for

urban recycling- highly subsidized and far less utilization that those of farmers!

Farmers have been quick to make changes to corn planters when it was found that escaping dust was contributing to bee kills.

New fluency agents and dust diverters have helped to reduce complaints by 80 per cent in two years. Even more interestingly, the number of complainants is down to merely 22 out of more than 3,000 beekeepers! Last summer the in-season complaints were tabulated and a whopping 72 per cent came from just three people. A thinking man would at least begin to question things. If all the rest of the beekeepers did not have a problem, what are these 22 folks doing differently (wrong)? What practices could THEY change to reduce or eliminate their problem? After all, it is THEY who have the problem!

Somehow the tail now wags the dog on this issue. A calm cold look at the current reality would remove the mis-guided legislation altogether, and allow suitable time to develop an actual IPM program tailored to Ontario pests and corn production systems and with Ontario growers fully willing to participate! In the meantime, the use of an effective set of federally registered insecticides is being distorted and effectively prevented. Furthermore, future development and use of other new products could be imperiled just by the concern about what possible new regulations could do to change or eliminate their use.

Why would anyone spend the time and money on new developments when they could be affected by whim and not fact?

Instead, 28,000 corn and soybean farmers are burdened with a problem! The new legislation was drafted in Toronto, by city lawyers, without any meaningful input by those familiar with farming and IPM practices, and it is unworkable and quite frankly will not resolve the real problem! That problem remains to modify bee keeping and bee keepers’ management systems to allow bees to prosper under current realities.

(Most keepers are already there as evidenced by the statistics) Those include the loss of millions of

SENATOR 70WP ®

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acres of hayfields, fencerows, and formerly undeveloped suburban areas which provided diversity and food for bees. None of that is going to change. New approaches are needed such as a move to new areas of concentration for bee keeping. It may require beekeepers to actually own land to control the succession of crops/vegetation necessary for their bees to prosper (and survive). It may take public policy changes to plant bee friendly species on the thousands of miles of roadsides or another similar scheme. It is the bee keeping industry that needs some Wright Brothers’ types to go ahead in spite of the dangers.

They should not expect 28,000 to change (and accept monetary losses) for the benefit of the 22 out of 3,000 that appear to continue to have a problem!

Ontario does have a piece of legislation called the Normal Farm Practices Protection Act (NFPPA) which should be invoked to protect the farmers who choose to use federally registered pesticides according to the label. It should trump the attempts of outsiders to subvert a farmer’s right to make a living.

Furthermore, it should allow farmers to do a host of other things that they are being squeezed on such as water-taking permits. This was the rationale when the NFPPA legislation was put together WITH farmer input!

No other ministry should be interfering with normal legal farming practice. If farmers are indeed doing things that imperil the activities of others, they should face that music. If practices need to be changed upon finding harm is being done, so be it. Cooperative and sensible co-existence wins every time over confrontation -- especially when that involves lawyers!

It will take a lot of hard position-changing to resolve the current miasma. It will take brave new leadership that is willing to find solutions good for all. It will take volunteers willing to take risks of change as they forge a better future with little thought of personal gain.

Lessons learned in war are seldom wasted on those who choose to remember them.

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AUGUST 2015 –– PAGE 27 THE GROWER

MINOR USE

Blueberries added to Confirm 240F insecticide label Gowan Canada announces that the Confirm 240F insecticide label has been expanded to include bushberries (crop subgroup 13-07B) (including blueberries, currants, cranberries, etc.) for the control of key insect pests such as cherry fruitworm, obliquebanded leafroller, cranberry fruitworm, redbanded leafroller, variegated leafroller, spanworm, armyworm and cutworm.

“Confirm 240F was first registered in 1996 as a reduced risk pesticide in Canada.

This is an important designation which reflects a pesticide’s favourable environmental and toxicological profile,” said Julie Butcher, product manager for Gowan Company. “It does not harm beneficial insects such as bees, predatory mites, beetles, wasps and spiders making it ideal for Integrated Pest Management systems.”

Confirm 240F is an insect growth regulator offering effective control of many species of Lepidopteran insects in many crops including apples, pears, cranberries, greenhouse vegetables, greenhouse ornamentals, and bushberries.

Gowan Company, based in Yuma, Arizona, U.S., is a family-owned registrant and marketer of crop protection products and champions technology for agriculture and horticulture through innovative product development, public advocacy and quality production.

Learn more at www.gowanco.com.

Source: Gowan Canada news release Photo by Glenn Lowson

Parasol fungicide delivers blight protection in vegetables Parasol Flowable fungicide offers the only flowable copper hydroxide available for Canadian growers to protect vegetable crops from blight. The new formulation stays in suspension to deliver better coverage than other copper hydroxide products on the market.

Parasol Flowable is a Group M1 fungicide approved for use in edible beans, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes and potatoes.

Applied as a protective spray, Parasol Flowable controls bacterial spot, Cercospora leaf blight, common bacterial blight, early and late blight, and halo bacterial blight.

“Protecting high value vegetable crops from blight requires consistent coverage in a fungicide,” says James Ferrier, eastern technical manager with Nufarm Agriculture Inc. “And the small particle size in the new formulation means Parasol flowable stays in solution for better plant coverage.”

Parasol Flowable was formulated with the smallest and most consistent size of copper particles available in Canada. The product quickly disperses in water, stays stable in liquid formulation and provides better plant coverage for superior blight protection. Parasol Flowable does not require any additional surfactants, and can be used in a high- or low-volume spray with all types of spray equipment.

Parasol WG is a granular formulation of copper hydroxide that’s also available from Nufarm and is compliant with Canadian Organic Standards for use in vegetable production. For more information on Parasol Flowable and Parasol WG, visit www.nufarm.ca Source: Nufarm Agriculture Inc. news release

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PAGE 28 –– AUGUST 2015 THE GROWER

MINOR USE

Entrust and Success insecticide to control spotted wing drosophila on berry crops in Canada Crop(s)

JIM CHAPUT The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of URMULE registrations for Entrust and Success insecticide (spinosad) for control of spotted wing drosophila (SWD) on caneberries (crop subgroup 1307A), bushberries (crop subgroup 13-07B, except highbush cranberries and lingonberries) and low growing berries (crop subgroup 13-07G, except lowbush blueberries and cranberries) in Canada. Entrust and Success insecticide were already labeled for use on a number of crops in Canada for control of insects.

These minor use projects were submitted by Quebec in collaboration with other provinces in 2014 as a result of minor use priorities established by growers and extension personnel.

The following chart is provided as an abbreviated, general outline only. Users should be making pest management decisions within a robust IPM program and should consult the complete label before using Entrust or Success Insecticides.

Entrust and Success insecticide are highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment, drift or residues on flowering crops or weeds. Do not apply this product to flowering crops or weeds when bees are present. Entrust and Success insecticide are highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates and harmful to parasitoids and predatory mites. Do not apply this product or allow drift to other crops or non-target areas. Do not contaminate off-target areas or aquatic habitats when spraying or when cleaning and rinsing spray equipment or containers.

Follow all other precautions and directions for use on the Entrust and Success labels carefully.

For a copy of the new minor use label contact your local crop specialist, regional supply outlet

or visit the PMRA label site www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pest/

Target

Rate ENTRUST (mL/ha)

Rate SUCCESS (mL/ha)

Caneberries (raspberries, Spotted winged blackberries) drosophila (SWD)

334 - 440

165 - 220

1

Bushberries (blueberries, SWD saskatoons, currants, elderberries, goose-berries, edible honeysuckle, sea buckthorn, etc)

334 - 440

165 - 220

3

Low growing berries (strawberries, bearberries, bilberries, cloudberries, etc) not including cranberries, lowbush blueberries

292 - 364

Minimum of 3

SWD

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This 2-man electric orchard platform will allow you to prune, thin, train, hang phermones, hang hail net, and pick without the use of inefficient ladders!

Designed with High Density orchards in mind, this platform can be used in 9-15’ row widths with it’s easy to use width and height adjustment. Easy to operate, costs next to nothing to charge, affordable.

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Applications PHI (days)

145 - 182

1

Jim Chaput is minor use coordinator, OMAFRA, Guelph

3-cylinder Kubota diesel. Auto levels both ways to 6 . Ultra sonic sensors for auto steer.

Hydrostatic drive with speeds between 0 and 15km/h. The levelling is designed with flexibility in mind and can be optioned to accommodate many different row widths and tasks. It’s Built to Last.

Custom manufacturing

3-cylinder Kubota diesel. auto levels by altering the height of the wheels independently of each other. capable of working safely on up to 46% slopes. It is a great fit for those growing on slopes that have previously been unable to integrate platform technology.

We also carry a full line of harvest aids including ladders. Picking bags, buckets and grading rings.

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