The Grower June 2013

CELEBRATING 133 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION

JUNE 2013

VOLUME 63 NUMBER 06

Growers learn the ABCs of global crops: amaranth, bok choy, collard greens KAREN DAVIDSON Bradford, Ontario – Get ready for a new galaxy of variety names: Atomic red carrots, Red Star amaranth and Long White daikon radish. These are the emerging frontrunners identified by the University of Guelph’s Muck Crops Research Station and the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC).

The Holland Marsh has always been a salad bowl with its carrots, onions and celery, but its muck soils have also yielded tender Chinese vegetables. Experience is deepening with farmers such as Rex Sugrim who are growing vegetables not native to Ontario.

These are the comfort foods sought by new Canadians from as far afield as South Asia.

“Okra and long, round eggplant are in demand,” says Sugrim who came to Canada from Guyana in1989. Now that he owns five acres and rents another 10, he’s developed a loyal following for kale, collards, dandelion and other crops at local farmers’ markets. This business has been so successful that he got out of green onions, attracting the attention of Loblaw produce buyers with new herbs such as cilantro. The relationship has been profitable enough that Sugrim is now building a new barn with appropriate wash stations to meet Loblaw’s food

INSIDE Foreign worker reforms

Page 4

Are hazelnuts in your future?

Page 10

Focus: Green technology

Page 17

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On a sunny spring morning, Rex Sugrim is all smiles as he prepares to plant a dozen varieties of Asian vegetable seedlings. From kale to kohlrabi, he offers a tasty mix to local farmers’ markets. What’s global is sometimes already locally grown in the Holland Marsh near Bradford, Ontario. Photos by Glenn Lowson.

safety regulations.

“Holland Marsh growers have been leaders in following the market trends,” notes Jamie Reaume, executive director, Holland Marsh Growers’ Association. “There’s been a huge change in the demographics of the Greater Toronto Area to the point that more than half of the population consists of visible minorities. With those statistics, it’s meaningless to say visible minorities anymore.”

The demand for Asian greens is dramatic, a trend that’s readily apparent at the Ontario Food Terminal. “Every month, we see new crops arriving,” says Reaume. The terminal handled one million tons of produce last year, a new record.

The diversity and dynamics of the marketplace are drawing new business opportunities, with delegations arriving from China to tour both the Ontario Food Terminal and the Holland Marsh.

The Chinese are suffering from soil, water and air degradation so

are interested in how horticulture is practised here. Delegates from a Japanese farmers’ cooperative will be touring in June.

marketability, due to culls with splitting and forking. Would higher seeding rates or better germplasm yield better results?

“

Short-term, we want to expand commercial production of global crops from 53 to 200 acres this year. Okra, hot peppers, round long eggplant, bottle gourd and red carrots show the most promise.” ~ Ahmed Bilal All said, the target is to replace imports during the brief, four-month growing season.

That’s why the results of local trials are so important in identifying varieties that excel in specific soils and climates. The unvarnished agronomics were recently reported by Ahmed Bilal, research associate, VRIC. Red carrots fared poorly with anywhere from 33 to 62 per cent

That’s a question for 2013 trials.

More encouraging were the trials with amaranth, the leafy greens sought by the Asian community. All four cultivars grew well. With these results in hand, VRIC’s next step is to conduct research on consumer preferences for specific varieties.

This summer, trials continue with cooperating farmers elsewhere in southwestern Ontario. Some

greenhouses will be invited to try growing round eggplant.

“Short-term, we want to expand commercial production of global crops from 53 to 200 acres this year,” says Bilal. “Okra, hot peppers, round long eggplant, bottle gourd and red carrots show the most promise.” Longer term, the objective is to replace imports, taking over 10 per cent of the market during Ontario’s growing season. If realized, farmers would be snagging almost $25 million of business.

Those ambitious figures are based on cues from a growing network of distributors, importers and retailers. After assessing vegetable performance for three years, VRIC can now advise growers on both production and post-harvest storage, giving more confidence to the supply chain’s needs for quality that equals or improves on the imports.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

PAGE 2 –– JUNE 2013 THE GROWER

AT PRESS TIME… Lucky 13th edition of Harvest Ontario In early June, Home Hardware will be distributing its 13th edition of Harvest Ontario. This year’s booklet features the DeVries family from Fenwick, Ontario. It’s a comprehensive listing of Ontario farmers’ market and on-farm retail outlets.

centres across the country. We have developed strong partnerships through investments and collaborations, with universities that are helping the horticulture sector develop capacity to take on a greater role in setting their research and development priorities.

We have supported the horticulture sector in the past four years with over $16 million in research networks and industry-led projects (under the current Growing Forward agreement). The sector will have access to $3 billion in funding under the next Growing Forward framework, including a 50 per cent increase in costshared funding for innovation, market development and competitiveness.”

Ontario farmers pay full freight on crop protection

Government cuts bruise agriculture Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) was hit hard by layoff notices in early May, with about 700 employees affected.

The research community took the brunt, following the trend at the Environment and Fisheries departments, and news that the National Research Council is moving away from basic science to more of a business focus.

While AAFC would not comment directly on the cuts, the May 11 edition of Globe and Mail did provide insight quoting the president of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada. Gary Corbett’s worry is that without science and scientists, sound public policy can’t be developed.

“Irrigation and water engineers were really hit hard,” says Jamie Reaume, executive director, Holland Marsh Growers’ Association. “Nationally, they were all cut by about 50 per cent.

Everyone was given notice that they would have to compete for about half of the positions.”

No longer can AAFC be regarded as leaders in water infrastructure, says Reaume, whether it’s irrigation district management on the prairies or projects such as Leamington Area Drip Irrigation.

The private sector is increasingly saddled with bearing the costs of adhering to new regulations with major upgrades.

When The Grower asked AAFC for comment, Patrick Girard, senior media relations officer replied by email: “AAFC will continue to conduct horticulture research at

Ontario farmers are paying an estimated $22 million more every year for crop protection products than their competitors in the United States. This is according to analysis done by the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (OFVGA).

“Although product mix and volumes vary by crop and region, these numbers represent a disturbing amount of extra costs borne

by Ontario farmers compared to our competitors south of the border,” says Ray Duc, a grape grower and chair of the OFVGA. The analysis was completed using data from the 2012 University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus survey of averages prices for key agricultural inputs in the U.S. and Ontario, which includes fuel, fertilizer and 28 crop protection products. As well, results were included from the latest Pesticide Use Survey conducted by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF).

OFVGA analysis shows only three products of the 28 with a lower price in Ontario – RoundUp Weather Max, Guthion Solupac and Dithane DG Rainshield. All other products are more expensive in Ontario than for growers in the United States.

The 28 products surveyed by the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus represent approximately 85 per cent by volume of the total crop protection products used in Ontario.

The remaining 15 per cent is made up of more than 200 other products, including some with prices up to seven times higher in Canada than the United States, which means the total cost difference could be even higher if these were taken into account.

“Crop protection is a significant input cost for our growers and since we compete against global producers of fruits and vegetables, these are extra costs

NEWSMAKERS that we cannot recoup from the marketplace,” adds Duc. “We need a more level playing field if our industry is to remain competitive.”

Growing agritourism Believe it or not, Ripley, Ontario is the site of the new Bruce Botanical Food Garden. A Canadian first, it will display 250 varieties of endangered, heirloom and ethnocultural plants. In some ways, the setting will feel like a park until closer inspection reveals all the plants are edible.

The shrubs bear fruit, the leaves make tea, the trees hang with nuts or fruit. This agritourism attraction makes history with its official opening June 15.

Request to complete survey Industry members of the Energy Environment Working Group (EEWG) with cooperation from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada have developed a survey on the Environmental Performance of Canada's Horticulture Value Chain. The intent is to establish a baseline of the environmental performance of Canada's horticulture value chain.

By understanding the activities and priorities of the horticulture sector, tools can be developed to meet environmental demands.

The EEWG will later distribute the survey results and lessons learned to industry stakeholders.

The survey will take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Links to the survey are: English at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7PL5ZGS French at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/D68L6JD

Twight sessions planned Vineland Research and Innovation Centre will be holding a series of World Crop Twilight Grower Sessions slated for late July and early August. These ‘in the field’ information sessions will provide the ‘how-tos’ of ethnic vegetable production and insight into market opportunities.

For dates and locations visit www.vinelandresearch.com or contact info@vinelandresearch.com.

Right: Vineland and Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association 2011 world crop twilight grower session at Vineland’s campus

Asparagus Farmers of Ontario and Fox Seeds have hired a new general manager. Bernie Solymár comes to the position with 12 years of extension experience with OMAFRA and most recently, 12 years as a private consultant with EarthTramper Consulting Inc. For several years, he provided expertise to the Canadian Horticultural Council’s Apple Bernie Solymár Working Group in developing their Integrated Fruit Production project. He has also contracted to a number of other not-for-profit organizations, providing expertise in developing good governance, writing grant proposals and managing various projects. He’s also the founder and executive director of Nature’s Calling Environmental Education, a non-profit organization that reconnects kids with nature.

Rebecca Coates is the new full-time executive director of the Ontario Ginseng Growers’ Association. Besides having grown up on a Simcoe, Ontario area ginseng farm, she comes to the association with experience in a number of senior, progressive positions in manufacturing, most recently from Unilever Corporation. She is a graduate of Fanshawe College’s environmental technologist program and the executive development program at the Ivey School of Business.

The Ontario Ginseng Growers’ Association has recently elected their board of directors for 2013. They include: Ken Van Torre, chair; Carl Atkinson, vice-chair; Menno Van Es, treasurer/secretary; Remi Van De Slyke; James Lucas; Anthony Kowanetz; Glen Gilvesy.

Farm & Food Care has hired Micah Shearer-Kudel as environmental coordinator on a one-year contract. The University of Waterloo graduate will be assisting Bruce Kelly on the Water Resources Adaptation Management Initiative.

The University of Guelph Food Institute has received donations through the BetterPlanet project for teaching and research in food, environment, health and communities. Spanning all seven colleges at the university, the Food Institute is believed to be the first such group addressing global issues in all aspects of food production, safety and security, as well as the impact of food on culture, economies and the environment. A $500,000 gift will establish the Longo’s Food Retail Innovation Fund, supporting a research team to study grocery retailing and food service, technology, health and wellness. A $200,000 donation from Darcy and Cathy Rector is welcomed to the Food Institute’s Founder’s Fund.

Karen Poncelet has joined the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair as marketing and communications manager. She brings 15 years of experience working with clients ranging from Sifto salt to Nestle ice cream and Natrel milk. She earned a BAS degree from York University with a major in marketing.

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 3 THE GROWER

ALTERNATIVE CROPS

Growers learn the ABCs of global crops

Stumped as to what these seedlings are? Rex Sugrim gives The Grower a tour pointing out from left to right; red Swiss chard and kale in the foreground, purple and green basil; okra, anise and celery. subtropical crops are chilling sensitive. Physiological disorders are associated with low temperatures. Chilling injuries are cumulative and may start in the field prior to harvest.

For best management practices, he recommends harvesting in the morning when temperatures are cooler, keeping produce out of direct sunlight and moving

produce to a sorting facility quickly. Cooling as soon as possible is preferable to ensure storage longevity. A forced air cooling system is widely adaptable and is most suitable for small operations.

In a storage experiment with okra and eggplant, Goyette achieved the best results when produce was not subjected to

rough handling and when produce was sorted to remove damaged and diseased plants. For okra, he recorded no quality issues when stored for seven days at 8 degrees C at 95 per cent relative humidity.

For eggplant, he observed no quality issues when stored for 14 days at 11 degrees C at 90 per cent humidity.

Precise recommendations, on a

crop by crop basis, are forming a body of knowledge that can be trusted by growers. In turn, they are taking the business risks of growing and marketing these new crops. If all goes well this year, Rex Sugrim, for one, hopes to double his rental acres in 2014.

APPLES

RASPBERRIES

BERRIES

GREENHOUSE

POTATOES

GM apples in registration queue

Tunnels popular with Ohio growers

Profit dips on strawberries

LED lights boost vitamin C

Non-bruising spuds promise new era

U.S. regulatory agencies are currently reviewing the Arctic Granny Smith and Arctic Golden Delicious apple, genetically modified by silencing the gene that causes browning. If approved, the non-browning apple will be the second GM fruit to be launched in the U.S. The first was the Hawaian virusresistant papaya.

The apple has the potential to reduce food waste while offering better taste, texture and healthy vitamin C and antioxidants according to Joel Brooks, marketing specialist at Okanagan Specialty Fruits.

While Washington state growers oppose the enhanced fruit, citing genetic drift concerns for organic apples, the USDA is expected to issue its registration decision by year end.

Fresh raspberry consumption is up nearly 300 percent in the U.S. and blackberry crops have expanded worldwide notes Gary Gao, Ohio State University extension worker. Promise of expanded markets have encouraged growers to use high tunnels to grow these highly coveted fruits.

Gao is using high tunnels to grow both berry crops, extending the season in some cases through to December. The longer season is ideal for bramble growers who want to sell to local markets.

Raspberries in high tunnels can eventually yield 16,000 to 19,000 raspberries per acre – double to triple traditional harvests.

Growers are also finding that fewer fungicide sprays are required for disease control.

Strawberries, the most popular in the berry category, now comprise 4.4 per cent of U.S. produce department sales according to the Nielsen Perishables Group. That data was released for the 52 weeks ending in February.

The California Strawberry Commission supports those numbers, reporting that the state’s crop is poised for a record.

Between six and seven million trays of strawberries are shipped out of California every week according to the commission’s vice-president of marketing. And that number will be sustained into the summer months.

The large crop, however, will depress prices for growers.

Researchers are experimenting with LED lamps on tomatoes to boost levels of vitamin C. Wageningen University has proven the benefits in a joint facility opened with Philips in mid-May. Several tomato varieties were studied under various light intensities. Scientists used special LED modules that were suspended between the plants around the tomato clusters. Usually these tomatoes hang in the shade beneath the leaves, just below the top of the plant. The LEDs mimic ‘sunlight’ hours.

Potato processing giant J.R. Simplot Co. has applied for registration of five varieties of biotech potatoes that don’t bruise. Black spot bruise can affect up to five per cent of the potato crop.

The Innate-branded potatoes contain only potato genes unlike the transgenic varieties that Monsanto developed in the 1990s using genes from synthetic bacteria to kill insect pests.

Researchers have discovered how to silence the unwanted traits.

The Washington, D.C.-based National Potato Commission, representing 45,000 U.S. growers, supports scientific advancements but has also warned Simplot to take care in any potential launch.

Simplot is also seeking approval in Japan, as well as Canada, Mexico and South Korea.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 In a global crops seminar earlier this year, VRIC postharvest engineer Bernard Goyette shared his findings with okra and eggplant. Reducing the temperature as soon as possible after harvest is crucial to quality, he says. These tropical and

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PAGE 4 –– JUNE 2013 THE GROWER

LABOUR

Horticulture satisfied with foreign worker reforms In late April, reforms were announced for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The biggest change for agriculture is that the federal government can suspend and revoke work permits and Labour Market Opinions if the program is misused. “It’s a solid piece of protection for the ag industry,� says Ken Linington, Labour Issues Coordinating Committee. “If there’s fraudulent activity, then a specific employer will bear the brunt of the rules.�

“

It’s a solid piece of protection for the ag industry.� ~Ken Linington

Linington is confident that employers are well aware of the rules of the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program which falls under the TFWP. He applauded the balance of the news release issued jointly by Hon. Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Hon. Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.

The news release said: “However, they (agriculture) will be unaffected by the remaining reforms, as there are proven acute labour shortages in this industry and the unfilled jobs are truly temporary.�

With an increasing media spotlight on foreign workers, Linington reviews some key points for farm employers.

- Take a photocopy of the worker’s passport, SIN card and the work visa including authorization

by Canada Border Services Agency.

- Make sure that your worker is properly identified in your records and that the worker is doing the job specified on the application.

- With a work visa, make sure that your worker is within the dates of his/her allowable time in Canada.

- With non-citizens, the Canada Border Services Agency will place restrictions on the work visa. Find out if the worker needs to report back periodically to maintain a valid work permit.

Help your worker through that process with phone call, email or letter to the authorities.

These best management practices are particularly important when using third-party contractors. If a worker is on a two-year permit, for example, and has already worked for one employer, determine exactly how much time is left before the visa expires. If you’re the next employer, manage your risk by verifying the paperwork.

Photo by Denis Cahill

Reforms announced Reforms announced for foreign workers that do NOT affect agriculture follow: • effective immediately, require employers to pay temporary foreign workers at the prevailing wage by removing the existing wage flexibility; • effective immediately, temporarily suspend the Accelerated Labour Market Opinion process; • add questions to employer LMO applications to ensure that the TFWP is not used to facilitate the outsourcing of Canadian jobs; • ensure employers who rely on temporary foreign workers have a firm plan in place to transition to a Canadian workforce over time through the LMO process; • introduce fees for employers for the processing of LMOs and increase the fees for work permits so that the taxpayers are no longer subsidizing the costs; and • identify English and French as the only languages that can be used as a job requirement.

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JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 5 THE GROWER

100TH ANNIVERSARY

Vineland Growers’ Cooperative invests in future growth KAREN DAVIDSON Vineland Station, Ontario – Building strength is an interval exercise, characterized by successive waves of energy expenditure and renewal. The stress that comes with high demand isn’t the obstacle; the real obstacle is the lack of intermittent recovery.

Those wise words from Tony Schwartz, author of “Be Excellent at Anything” come to mind as the Vineland Growers’ Cooperative Limited celebrates 100 years of business. A review of its history’s timeline (www.vinelandgrowers.com) chronicles disappointment and growth, investment and disengagement, yet a rhythm that propels the business forward to its almost $40 million in annual revenue today.

“Our proudest moment is not the century of business, but that we will be celebrating our largest crop in history this year,” says Mike Ecker, president, Vineland Growers’ Cooperative Limited.

With close to one million tender fruit trees producing on 4500 acres in the Niagara peninsula, that prediction is a clarion call to retailers.

That’s a fact recognized by Canada’s dominant grocer, Loblaw Companies. The cooperative is listed as one of the grocer’s top 40 produce partners,

Mike Ecker, president, Vineland Growers Cooperative Limited predicts largest crop in history this summer.

Photos by Denis Cahill. production to 150,000 cases this year and double again to 300,000 cases for 2015,” says Ecker. “It’s taken 10 years of research to find the varieties that suit our climate.

And while I would say our nectarines are not as big as those from California, ours are juicier and have more flavour.”

In another sign of renewal, growers plan to replace sweet cherry acreage with 30,000

The cooperative is known for its loyal and long-serving staff. and only one of seven from Canada. Ecker is not shy about broadcasting that the cooperative’s 75 grower members can fill demand for local fruit in most of eastern Canada, displacing foreign imports with quality and flavour. Peaches are in huge demand, but so are pears, cherries, plums, table grapes and increasingly nectarines and apricots.

“We will double nectarine

apricot trees in the next two years. And in further attempts to gain more fruit shelf space, growers are betting on the Canadianbred, fireblight-resistant Harovin Sundown pear. Growers have planted 50,000 Sundown trees over the last three years on 75 acres, with hopes to renew the fortunes of the Ontario pear industry, now dwindling at less than one thousand acres.

The transition out of some

fruits to others mimics a similar trend in British Columbia. The drier Okanagan Valley environment is conducive to sweet cherries, and consequently, B.C. growers are shipping more to

eastern Canada. At the same time, the Niagara peninsula is trucking more tender fruit to western Canada, supplying Winnipeg through to Vancouver. More protective packaging and

smoother truck rides are guaranteeing that fruit arrives in top shape.

Playing on an increasingly larger stage, the cooperative must predict future fruit trends. To that end, the nearby Vineland Research and Innovation Centre provides support in global crops that might be grown in a temperate climate. Asian pears, for instance, have been shown to have more flavour than those imported.

Fifteen new varieties of pluots and apriums, crosses of plums and apricots, are currently undergoing virus testing in Summerland, British Columbia.

They are hybrids of the Prunus species. The push is for summer trials that would be approved by the Canadian Food and Inspection Agency.

Mike Honsberger, a grandson of original co-founder, Melvin, has been on the board for the last decade. Farming 150 acres of tender fruit at the homestead near Jordan Station, he’s proof of the strength and constant renewal of the growers’ cooperative. “My family has been proud to be part of the history.”

PAGE 6 –– JUNE 2013 THE GROWER

FORGOTTEN HARVEST

Food rescue has its own ambassador bridge KAREN DAVIDSON If Detroit has the largest food rescue operation in the United States, then it’s partly due to its articulate ambassador, Marilyn Beckham. She’s been affiliated with Forgotten Harvest for eight of their 23 years, now calling on food companies to divert their less-than-perfect goods from landfill sites towards charity.

“There’s so much produce – maybe 25 to 40 per cent – that doesn’t meet retailer requirements due to size, colour or shape,” says Beckham, now director, regional food rescue for Windsor, Ontario.

“But there’s nothing wrong with the healthiness of the produce or its nutritional value.”

Forgotten Harvest’s free-ofcharge service has 35 donated trucks to deploy in the Detroit area, ranging from large refrigerated commercial trucks to commercial vans. Volunteers repack the food at a central headquarters for distribution to emergency food providers. Farmers’ marketstyle mobile pantries visit neighbourhoods most in need, where seniors and students might not have ready access to perishable food.

The movement started on the U.S. side of the border, where socio-economic conditions in Detroit laid bare the need.

Officials there estimate that more

than 57 per cent of children under 18 live in poverty. But one of Beckham’s bright successes is reaching out to the blossoming greenhouse industry in Leamington, Ontario.

Fresh vegetables are prized amongst tinned food. And that’s where many greenhouses have helped including: Soave Agricultural Group, TopLine Produce, Mucci Farms, Mastronardi Sunset brand, Jem D Farms, Lakeside Produce, Erie James, Clifford Produce and

Nature Fresh. Not all of their tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers qualify for top grade. Millions of pounds of greenhouse vegetables have made their way to the bins of Forgotten Harvest.

The business model has worked so well in Detroit, Michigan that a Windsor, Ontario chapter opened two years ago. It’s a separately registered charity that has distributed one million pounds of food in Ontario since 2011. The need has been documented as 400,000 Ontarians turn

to food banks each month. In high-unemployment Windsor, city officials estimate one in 10 people are living at or below the poverty line despite living in a region rich in agricultural bounty.

“I always have a call to action,” admits Beckham. “We want to make it easier to donate than to dump. So we give every support to growers.”

Forgotten Harvest comes to the grower with a refrigerated truck at no charge. Donations are fully protected from criminal and legal

liability under the Donation of Food Act, 1994. By diverting produce from landfill sites, growers are cutting waste and disposal costs.

Whether growers give a little or a lot, every pound of produce is worthy. It goes to almost 50 Windsor-Essex agencies such as schools and churches. The school drop-offs make sense because students can be taught how to prepare healthier meals using fresh produce. In some cases, the students are introduced to fruits and vegetables they’ve never encountered at home.

Growers wishing to donate surplus may contact Forgotten Harvest in southwestern Ontario or Second Harvest in Toronto.

“Food rescues often collaborate, knowing that perishable food must be handled just-in-time,” says Beckham. “They network with other hunger relief programs in Ontario, and can make referrals to someone in their area who can pick up food donations.”

With the recent start-up of Forgotten Harvest in Windsor, Ontario, both the Ontario and Michigan locations share food with one another. Records show that in Detroit, almost half of the rescued food is fruits and vegetables: 11.4 million pounds of vegetables (26%) and 9.2 million pounds of fruit (21%). For more information, go to: www.forgottenharvest.ca.

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 7 THE GROWER

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by BASF at 1-877-371-BASF (2273) or visit www.agsolutions.ca Technical support provided by Zampro is a trade-mark of BASF SE, used with permission by BASF Canada Inc. AgSolutions is a registered trade-mark of BASF Corporation, used with permission by BASF Canada Inc. © 2013 BASF. Always read and follow label directions. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

PAGE 8 –– JUNE 2013 THE GROWER

CANADIAN HORTICULTURAL COUNCIL

$7 million granted for horticultural research Ag minister Gerry Ritz has announced $7 million in response to the science cluster proposal submitted by the CHC to the AgriInnovation Program under Growing Forward 2. While this amount is considerably less than the $12,114,000 sought, it is a significant contribution to the sector.

The $7 million dollars is comprised of $5.6 million in Contribution Agreement (CA) funding and $1.4 million in Collaborative Research and Development Agreement (CRDA) funding.

The following projects have been approved and will conclude on or before the March 31, 2018 program sunset: Apple Projects • Optimizing storage technologies to improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and extend the availability of Canadian apples for domestic and export markets (DeEll, OMAFRA) • Improving tree fruit storage management using weather-based predictions of fruit quality at harvest (Bourgeois, AAFC) • Performance of Honeycrisp on new size-controlling rootstocks (Cline, University of Guelph) • New biological control agents

for postharvest diseases of pome fruit (Nelson, University of BC) Potato Projects • Understanding of Potato virus Y complex in Canada and development of a comprehensive on-farm management strategy (Singh, Agricultural Certification Services Inc.) • Wireworm control in potatoes and strategic rotational crops in Canada (Vernon, AAFC) • Development of a rapid and sensitive triplex nested real-time PCR method for quantification of verticillium in soil (Tenuta, University of Manitoba) • Zebra chip and potato psyllid survey and monitoring (Johnson, University of Lethbridge) • Nitrogen management for improved yield, quality and profitability of potato (Tenuta, University of Manitoba) • Canadian potato variety evaluation program (Sonier, PEI Potato Board) Each of the projects for the greenhouse, small fruit and vegetable sectors will be resubmitted as Agri-Science Projects under the AgriInnovation Program. “We appreciate the commitment of $7 million dollars over the next five years to horticulture and the CHC will aggressively

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seek opportunities and alternatives for those commodities and viable projects brought forward to address their respective priorities,� notes Keith Kuhl, CHC president. “Over the coming months the Board of Directors will be discussing ways to take on a more strategic and proactive role regarding research and innovation for the sector and in so doing ensure that the sector advances.�

According to AAFC, the heaviest demand to the AgriInnovation Program, including agri-science clusters and agri-science projects, was from horticulture.

Discussions among the CHC’s Science Advisory Committee and various commodity groups are underway to formalize next steps for those projects which were approved as well as for those which are to be resubmitted as Agri-Science Projects under the AgriInnovation Program.

For further information regarding the Canadian Agri-Science Cluster for Horticulture 2, please contact Amy Argentino at aargentino@hortcouncil.ca or 613-226-4880 (ext. 208).

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 9 THE GROWER

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PAGE 10 –– JUNE 2013 THE GROWER

ALTERNATIVE CROPS

Ontario poised for large hazelnut growth JOHN KELLY Since the 2006 opening of the Ferrero S.P.A. confectionary plant in Brantford, where Nutella and Ferrero Rocher are produced, there have been high hopes to develop a local hazelnut industry.

Ferrero represents a significant “pull” market in that it is looking to increase production while at the same time diversifying its supply chain. Hazelnuts are sourced primarily from Turkey, the world’s top producer, but new suppliers also include the U.S., Italy, and more recently, Chile.

Close to completing a plant expansion in Brantford, this company will require thousands of tonnes of hazelnuts to meet global

demand. Company representatives have indicated their interest in Ontario growers as a local supplier. Estimates are that Ferrero will require more than 20,000 acres of hazelnuts to be grown in Ontario.

Growing hazelnuts in Ontario does have its challenges. The Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB), a fungal disease, has been the scourge of many hazelnut varieties, causing cankers, low productivity and even tree death.

Secondly, trees that are developed for Ontario must be cold tolerant, as the hazelnut has traditionally been grown in more Mediterranean-type climates.

And thirdly, hazelnuts destined for Ferrero must meet exacting standards for flavour, consistency and quality. Preliminary work has

identified varieties for the Ontario climate that meet the company’s market requirements.

Because this would be a new industry for Ontario, the value chain must be firmly established.

In this case, the value chain

participants include technology providers (in this case, the varieties), nurseries, growers, aggregators, manufacturers and retailers. The nursery business is also specialized. The ability for micro-propagation, a technology to rapidly expand the number of available trees, is not widely used. Harster’s Greenhouses out of Flamborough does have this capacity and can ramp up the number of trees fast. They can provide Ontario nurseries with trees that can be rapidly grown out and provided to growers.

Mori Nurseries, Grimo Nurseries, EarthGen and Krause Nurseries are all interested in providing these trees.

For growers, several questions must be answered before many

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acres are planted. Can hazelnuts actually survive and thrive in Ontario? Is there a business case which can be made for hazelnuts in Ontario? Growers have entered new markets in the past, only to have them dwindle away.

Are there any assurances that this won’t happen with hazelnuts?

Scientists have investigated whether these trees will perform well in Ontario, and indeed they will. Adam Dale and his Simcoe Research Station team have collaborated with Oregon State University and Rutgers University in testing varieties that are EFBresistant, and thrive in the Ontario climate. These are two key developments. The third is that there are at least two varieties now—Jefferson and Yamhill -that meet the requirements of Ferrero. These recommended varieties are available in a limited supply.

Professor Elliot Currie of the College of Management and Economics at the University of Guelph has completely analyzed costs of production and estimated potential returns. His work shows that the profitability of hazelnuts under a wide variety of conditions is really quite good, with conservative estimates for inputs, yields, and prices received for the hazelnuts. Growers could realize a net revenue in excess of $2,000 per acre. His break-even analysis obviously depends upon inputs, but returns could start as early as six years post-planting. With Ferrero investing so heavily in their Brantford plant, they are in Ontario for the long term.

Aggregators are those who will collect, size, grade, sort and allocate hazelnuts. The allocation will be done based upon the needs of the customer. Currently in Ontario, there are no aggregators of hazelnuts for this purpose, and this is one part of the value chain that needs to be developed.

Encouragingly, some companies have expressed interest in providing this service.

Limited numbers of trees will be available for planting in the fall of 2013, however as is the case with most orchard crops, trees need to be ordered well in advance. Substantially more trees will be available for 2014.

Success for the hazelnut industry in Ontario will be large-scale cultivation and harvest by 2020. We are encouraging growers to seriously consider this opportunity.

Over the past four years, many presentations and documents from hazelnut symposia have been posted online. If interested in the hazelnut opportunity, please visit www.erieinnovation.com.

John Kelly is vice president, Erie Innovation and Commercialization, Ontario Fruits & Vegetable Growers' Association

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 11 THE GROWER

COLLABORATION

People, produce and profits: enhancing relationships to maximize revenue SHAWN CASEMORE To say that the face of the produce supply chain is rapidly evolving is an understatement.

The combination of increasingly stringent consumer demands, radical fluctuations in commodity prices, and downward pressure on pricing from retailers is squeezing profits and reducing trust across the supply chain.

There are two obvious questions that result from these shifts.

First, what are the likely trends in consumer and retailer demands moving forward? Second, how can the produce supply chain better prepare for and manage these changes while maximizing revenue and retaining the quality and integrity of the food chain?

Fortunately there is a solution more reliable than peering into a crystal ball, but it requires an approach that challenges our perceptions of relationships across the produce supply chain.

The solution is to increase our collaboration.

Collaboration; really?

Let’s dispel the myth that “collaboration” is simply a marketing slogan. In fact it’s quite the opposite. The intent of true collaboration is to develop a participatory environment with various complementary groups or individuals to deliver outcomes that are mutually beneficial. This is not a win – win or win – lose proposition, but a process that provides enhanced value for all parties involved. From opportunities to reduce production and distribution costs, to new product development and innovation, the process of collaboration provides the underpinnings for overcoming the challenges that exist in today’s produce supply chain.

From concept to reality To begin with, the process of collaboration is the outcome of initiation. What I mean is, it is unlikely that all parties involved will want to pursue collaboration at the exact same time. Someone has to make the first move, and if done correctly (i.e. presenting what’s in this for “us”) mutual engagement can quickly be built.

The question then shifts from what should we do, to how can we make this work? Next to initiating collaboration there are several unique attributes that must be considered to ensure the collaboration is effective. Here are the top four: 1. Idea instigation It’s not enough to simply communicate outwards to suppliers; you must prompt suppliers to provide you with new and innovative

solutions continuously. More than that, you must have a means to collect, analyze, and implement these ideas. This concept has already been adopted by many in the retail sector. Proctor and Gamble, for example, are quite vocal about their expectation that supplier collaboration will deliver over 50 per cent of the innovation they will introduce in the coming years. How are you enticing, capturing, and analyzing supplier input and ideas to improve your products?

2. Discuss, decide, and deliver Sometimes regulations cause more headaches than they solve.

What’s critically important in highly regulated sectors such as produce is that discussions preclude decisions. In one instance we facilitated a session between two parties to resolve indifferences around produce quality requirements. Once the concerns had been flushed out, it became apparent that there were some regulatory requirements that hindered further improvement.

We contacted several associations to gain perspective and further escalate the issues in order to make improvements to the regulations and improve upon the unfavourable requirements.

It is only through these types of face-to-face forums that issues can be dissected and discussed, providing for reasonable conclusions and effective actions to bring about quick resolution.

Are you engaging in dialogue with your suppliers to resolve outstanding issues, or simply deciding where fault lies?

3. Challenges to Opportunities New challenges present new opportunities, and collaboration is the best means by which to brainstorm solutions to new challenges while ensuring they are feasible for everyone. Healthier food choices in many of today’s schools are a great example of collaboration towards new ideas.

Parents and school boards sought out healthier food choices, and the produce sector as a whole (associations, growers, distributors, retailers) collaborated together to form the solutions.

You can attempt to meet new challenges in solitude, or overcome them through effective collaboration. What challenges are you facing that require fresh ideas and outside-the-box thinking?

4. Driving Innovation Peter Drucker’s theory on innovation suggests that true innovation requires analysis and consideration of opportunities. Considering the significant impact that each element of the produce supply chain has on quality and costs,

reviewing distribution methods and processes collaboratively with suppliers can yield new ideas to reduce costs and maximize shelf life. When working with a distributor earlier this year, we identified opportunities to improve sales when we found that the processor was delaying shipments to maximize freight utilization. Through collaborative discussions we were able to mutually determine that the money saved in freight paled in comparison to the lost sales

resulting from the delayed shipments. Without understanding the supplier’s process, this opportunity would not have come to light.

Sounds good, so now what?

To achieve value from building collaborative relationships, focus on first identifying the most valuable suppliers and customers in your supply chain, making a concerted effort to transition from discussions to collaboration. The road may seem unfamiliar at first,

but the rewards for staying the course will pay dividends in the long run.

This article is a synopsis of the presentation Shawn Casemore gave to the Canadian Produce Marketing Association in April.

He is the president and founder of Casemore and Co Incorporated, a management consulting firm helping businesses improve their operational performance to maximize revenue.

For more information, visit www.casemoreandco.com.

PAGE 12 –– JUNE 2013 THE GROWER

Protecting 30,000 horticultural jobs in Ontario

ART SMITH CEO, OFVGA Over the past number of months we have made it known to the Premier and the other political leaders our concerns over any increase to the minimum wage rate and the impact that it would have on our farmers. Our concerns were heard and the government took no action to increase the rate at this time even though there are many at Queen’s Park who think the minimum

wage rate should be considerably higher.

Premier Kathleen Wynne needs to be commended for this, especially at this time as she is at the helm of a minority government and getting support for the budget is critical to the longevity of her government.

Our message was simple: some sectors can pass on additional costs while others cannot and that those who can’t are forced to absorb these additional expenses, cut jobs or simply go out of business.

Even though there was no mention of a minimum wage increase, we, as the saying goes, “are not out of the woods just yet.”

In fact, the whole question of minimum wage increases is very much on the Premier’s agenda as she attempts to combat poverty in Ontario. In the most recent provincial budget, the government announced that they are putting together an advisory

however is the difference between sectors -- some having the ability to pass on cost increases while other sectors such as horticulture, have no way to pass on extra expenses thus forcing the business owner to absorb these additional expenses or cut jobs.

I believe these differences have always been there but what has changed is this thing called globalization and free trade.

There is no longer protection at the border and there is more and more foreign product, both food and other on the store shelves.

There are no tariffs to protect the producer or manufacturer and the consolidation in the retail sector has given the few retailers that remain tremendous pricing power and pricing pressure on their suppliers. This problem is not going to go away any time soon so the advisory panel will need to consider these realities; failure to do so will cost a lot of jobs and any gain that some may receive will be taken from others through

panel with a time frame of six months to recommend how best to implement minimum wage increases in the future. This is a complex problem and the solutions will not be simple.

One of the basic laws of physics is that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The question that this panel will need to contend with is how to implement minimum wage increases to benefit low-income earners without jeopardizing or losing job opportunities.

I mentioned that the problem was complex and this is for several reasons. The disparity within the province between regions regarding the cost of housing and living is significant; it simply costs more to live in Toronto than in many other parts of the province. Addressing the problem in Toronto by increasing minimum wages may in fact jeopardize jobs in other parts of the province. A bigger concern

job loss.

We have asked the government that horticulture, the most labour intensive sector in all agriculture, have a representative on this advisory panel.

This panel, if it is to provide sound advice, must be well rounded, and in that mix there needs to be included people who understand our sector and the realities that we work with every day, who appreciate the significance of the 30,000 jobs that we provide here in Ontario. They will also need to understand the realities of trying to meet payroll.

Failure to appoint a well-rounded advisory panel will have serious implications on the quality of the recommendations to be presented to the Premier and hence the actions to be taken by the government.

For what it’s worth, it’s the way I see it.

WEATHER VANE

Norfolk County is gaining a reputation where nature and agriculture can co-exist. In addition to being the most diverse region in Ontario for agricultural crops, it is also unique in that it still boasts over 28 per cent natural cover, much of it Carolinian forest. According to Bernie Solymar, president of the Norfolk Field Naturalists, there are more species of plants and animals found in Norfolk than anywhere else in Canada. “That includes the highest number of species at risk, including several turtle species such as the Spotted Turtle, Blanding’s Turtle and Spiny Softshell," he says. In an effort to protect these species, several organizations have boosted community awareness of the significance of these species and the habitats they live in. Signs have been installed at high density “turtle crossings,” particularly where roads bi-sect wetland areas, including the Causeway, a 3.7 km stretch of road leading onto the Long Point peninsula. Photo by Glenn Lowson.

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ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013 MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Chair Vice-Chair Fruit Director Veg Director Director

Ray Duc, Niagara-on-the-Lake Jason Verkaik, Bradford Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin Jan Vander Hout, Waterdown Brian Gilroy, Meaford

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

Brian Gilroy, Meaford Mary Shabatura, Windham Centre Fred Meyers, Niagara-on-the-Lake Jason Ryder, Delhi Ray Duc, Niagara-on-the-Lake Jason Verkaik, Bradford Mac James, Leamington Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin Ken Van Torre, Burford Jan Vander Hout, Waterdown Don Taylor, Durham

OFVGA SECTION CHAIRS Crop Protection Research Property Labour Safety Nets CHC

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

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 13 THE GROWER

PERSPECTIVE Growers need answers to ginseng production questions

OWEN ROBERTS UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH Ontario ginseng growers are in a bind, one that you wouldn’t expect.

There’s nothing wrong with their product – in fact, globally, it’s top class of its field.

American ginseng, the species grown on the sandy soil of the Norfolk plain, (versus Asian ginseng, the other popular variety) is the apple of ginseng exporters’ eye. Most of the crop is shipped to China where it’s highly regarded for its quality.

That reputation has made Ontario’s 140 ginseng farmers North America’s production leaders, exporting $130 million worth of product annually. The Simcoebased Ontario Ginseng Growers’ Association says farmers have enjoyed production increases over the last 25 years, particularly as support for tobacco has fallen.

But, as the growers’ association points out, ginseng has an unusual share of challenges for such a world-leading crop. It’s a capital-intensive crop, and a risky one -- there is no crop insurance, and no crop to harvest for the first three years.

Worse, once ginseng has been

grown on a field, it can never be grown on the same plot again.

And surprisingly, no one knows why. Even though Ontario leads the country in ginseng production, experts have been unable to figure out what makes the second planting of a ginseng crop fail. Fungus? Virus? Enzymes?

Nematodes? The culprit, or culprits, remain at large.

That mystery weighs heavily on ginseng farmers’ minds.

“We figure that in 10 years, we’re either going to have an answer to this problem, or we’re going to run out of good land on which to grow ginseng,” says local grower and University of Guelph graduate Remi Van De Slyke. “Right now, we don’t know what’s causing this, and if we don’t find out I’m worried about our future.”

That was an eye-opener for the 30 members of the Eastern Canada Farm Writers’ Association who visited the Van De Slyke farm in May as part of their annual meeting and farm tour. On the surface, things look great there – an apparently healthy crop growing in ideal conditions on commodity-perfect soil. But when Van De Slyke forecast that the industry was at risk, journalists perked up.

And it’s not because journalists salivate when they sense trouble. Rather, it’s because the situation Van De Slyke describes runs counter to every big-picture discussion we hear these days about agriculture.

As a sector, agriculture is regaled for having stayed the course during the recession. And with that unwavering performance (along with generally higher commodity prices), it’s heralded provincially and federal-

Ontario's ginseng harvest is highly prized in the Chinese market.

Photo by Glenn Lowson ly as having perhaps the greatest promise for leading the country’s economic recovery.

Part of that success comes from research, and the way it’s served farmers either facing chal-

lenges or on the cusp of opportunities. Both of these situations face ginseng growers: the very future of their industry could be in limbo, and the way China has embraced their product, they are

poised to make further inroads there and in other export markets.

But growers figure they’re not getting the support they need.

Ottawa closed down the nearby research station in Delhi, where they would have usually turned for help.

So they took matters into their own hands. Their research committee, now chaired by Van De Slyke, is working toward their own solutions with on-farm test plots. As well, they’re hoping for a research agreement with the province. And they’re hiring university students this summer to search out ginseng production research that’s taken place elsewhere, and hopefully start honing in on answers to the mystery they face in their fields.

Political agendas may be short and unstable, but research agendas must be clear and long. The region is still reeling over the loss of tobacco. Farmers don’t want ginseng to follow.

PAGE 14 –– JUNE 2013 THE GROWER

Young farmers reach out to consumers via social media LILIAN SCHAER A group of young farmers has taken to social media to share with Canadians how they produce food and two fruit and vegetable growers are right in the thick of it.

Erin McLean, whose family runs a pick-your-own berry operation near Peterborough and serves farmers’ markets and local grocers with fresh fruits and vegetables, and potato grower Stephanie Kowalski from the Alliston area are part of a recently launched initiative called Dinner Starts Here.

Central to the project is a website called dinnerstartshere.ca, which features blog posts by ten

young farmers as well as recipes, answers to frequently-asked farming questions and information about buying local. Social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest will be used to share information and bring visitors to the site.

“I love teaching people about farming and where their food comes from. So often these days the connection with the farm is lost,” says McLean, who farms with her parents and brother. “I’m hoping we'll be able to teach people more about the work that goes into getting food onto their table so they can better understand the process, be informed about farming practices and appreciate all of the hard work that each and every

farmer does to feed them every day.”

“It is especially crucial in the horticulture industry to connect with the consumers. I want them to think of my blog posts or tweets next time they walk into the supermarket and see potatoes,” adds Kowalski, a fourth year biology student at Wilfrid Laurier University. “I want to be a part of that trust-building relationship with consumers that I think is very critical for farmers.

Social media is where consumers are and it's where we need to be also. That's why I get so excited about this because it's us, the everyday farmers, getting our say to the consumer.”

The team members are taking turns posting on various social media outlets, as well as the project blog with a goal of posting twice monthly. A post consists of anything from a video to a simple discussion about what’s happening in the field that day, things that non-farmers can relate to.

“The biggest success with this project will be hearing that people learned something new and it added to their knowledge about farms and farming,” says McLean. “Reaching out to consumers to be able to show them first-hand where, how and why their food is grown, harvested and sold will help bridge the gap between the farming community

Willsie Equipment introduces new weeder A demonstration day will be held near Exeter, Ontario on June 19 and 20 to demonstrate a Robo-Crop weeder. As Keith Campbell, sales manager explains, this Garford-manufactured machine uses video image analysis to locate individual plants in order to mechanically remove weeds from the row as well as within the crop row between the plants. It’s ideally The inrow rotors cultivate between the plants and conventional hoe tines suited for use on transcomplete the job inter row. planted crops such as lettuce, cabbage and broccoli. It can be used heads, as well as better access to the inter-row on most crops that are planted at least eight inches weeding units when adjustments are required. The apart where plant foliage is clearly separated from latest software and operator systems speed up work the next plant. rates and offer improved operator information. The Campbell points out that weed control remains a unit offers working widths from 1.5 m to 6 m. persistent challenge, with pressure to reduce chemiLarger units can be placed on special order. cal spray. The Robo-Crop II in-row cultivator helps For directions to the demonstration days, please solve these problems. The new chassis design RSVP before June 14th by calling 1-800-561-3025 allows the operator a clear view of the working or emailing keith@willsie.com.

and the public and help demystify farming and local food and bring it back to a level that anyone can understand.”

“My personal goal is to get my non-farming friends interested in it,” says Kowalski. “If I can get even five of my friends, in their 20s, to follow it and read our posts I would be thrilled and consider it a success for me.”

The project was the brain child of dairy farmer and social media advocate Andrew Campbell of Appin, Ontario, who has lined up funding for the project from

Dairy Farmers of Canada, Gay Lea Foods Co-operative, Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency, Grayridge Egg Farms and Farm & Food Care. The group would welcome more sponsors and also encourages others to get involved in sharing the story of food and farming.

You can follow the team on Twitter at @HowDinnerStarts, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DinnerStartsHere or through their blog, www.dinnerstartshere.ca.

COMING EVENTS 2013 June 8

Garlic Growers of Ontario Field Day, hosted by Bob Romaniuk, Scotland, ON

June 12, 13 National Farm Business Management Innovation Roundtable, Ottawa, ON July 28 – 31 Potato Association of America Annual Meeting, Quebec City, QC July17-19

Federal-Provincial-Territorial Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, Halifax, NS

Aug 13, 14 North American Strawberry Growers Association Summer Tour, Vermont, U.S. info@nasga.org October 5

Soupfest, Ansnorveldt Park, Bradford, ON

October 5

75th Anniversary Asparagus Farmers of Ontario Dinner, Hungarian Hall, Delhi, ON

Oct 9, 10

Canadian Greenhouse Conference, Scotiabank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, ON

October 24 Ontario Harvest Gala, Guelph, ON Oct 28 – Nov 1 North American Plant Protection Organization Annual Meeting, Guelph, ON Nov 1 – 10 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, ON November 7 American Agri-Women Conference Canadian Tour, Holiday Inn & Suites, Parkway Conference Centre, St. Catharines, ON Nov 12 – 17 Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer Awards, Regina, SK Nov 14 – 24 European Farm Show & Tour, for info email admin@agriveg.ca Nov 19 – 21 Potato Growers of Alberta Conference and Trade Show, Calgary, AB Nov 22

Asparagus Farmers of Ontario Annual General Meeting, TBA

Dec 10 – 12 Great Lakes Expo, Michigan Dec 4 – 7

Joint North Carolina Strawberry Growers Association and North American Strawberry Growers Association Conference, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Durham, North Carolina. www.ncstrawberry.com

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 15 THE GROWER

OFVGA

Board briefs Following are highlights from the OFVGA board meeting held April 25, 2013. The purpose of this brief is to keep you up-todate on the issues that the OFVGA is working on, as well as projects and initiatives the organization is involved in.

Crop protection Section chair Charles Stevens reported that a meeting will take place in China in May to address Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). Canada will be represented by Richard Aucoin, Marion Law, and Dr. Peter Chan from the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA).

Regulatory Co-operation Council (RCC) harmonization: The Regulatory Co-operation Council (RCC) process to harmonize regulatory processes between Canada and the United States is ongoing. PMRA has defined harmonization of pesticide regulation not as a North American label but as an “aligned” label, which means there could still be differences in the labels between Canada and the United States that could impact grower access to products.

The OFVGA board adopted a revised definition for a North American label that it feels is more reflective of the intent of the RCC process: A common Canada-United States label on all new actives thereby giving growers of Canada and the USA equal access to all new registrations at the same time on the same crops with the same restrictions with the same MRLs and with Canada-United States access.

This definition will be forwarded to the Canadian Horticultural Council, which is participating in the RCC process, to use in their lobbying efforts.

Grower Requested Own Use: If the quest for a North American label is not successful, the Grower Requested Own Use (GROU) program will become increasingly important for Canadian growers to have access to product from the United States.

Based on OFVGA analysis, it is estimated that the cost to Ontario growers for crop protection products is approximately $22 to $44 million more than for farmers south of the border.

OFVGA has been working on getting a reciprocity agreement in place with New York (NY) to recognize the Ontario pesticide licence as equal to the one in their state. This would allow Ontario growers to buy restricted products in NY without having to take their certification course. NY officials have provided the agreement currently in place between New York and Pennsylvania and Ontario is hoping to piggyback onto that one. The next state being targeted will be Michigan.

Property

CHC

Wash water: Property section chair Brian Gilroy reported the provincial government is wrapping up a study on washwater for potatoes and other muck vegetable crops; results are expected by the end of the month. This is part of ongoing efforts to have horticulture regulated under the Nutrient Management Act, similar to other agricultural sectors in Ontario. Regulations are now being developed to address nutrient feedwater in the greenhouse sector, which encompasses any nutrient-containing solution that will not be used in a greenhouse operation.

Wildlife loss: A study examining wildlife loss in the horticulture sector is now complete. The monetary loss to horticulture farmers from wildlife predation is estimated to be $24,753,075 annually.

The new Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) Oversight Committee is up and running, reported OFVGA CHC representative Adrian Huisman, who is the committee’s chair. The group is currently addressing the organization’s finances, including redesigning policies and terms of reference for committees and the organization as a whole. It will also deal with governance issues.

Labour innovation study: The Horticulture Value Chain Round Table (HVCRT) labour sub-committee engaged the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre to conduct a benchmarking study on labour innovation in horticultural production. The report, which includes seven recommendations, has been completed and results will be available shortly.

Research OMAF-Guelph Agreement: Research section chair Harold Schooley reported that negotiations are underway to renew the research agreement between the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) and the University of Guelph.

Approximately $70 million is spent annually on agriculture and agri-food research through the agreement, which has been in place since 1996.

Growing Forward 2: Under Growing Forward 2, $20 million will be available over five years for research. Seventeen project proposals were submitted, which are currently under review. The Canadian Horticultural Council expects to receive funding decisions in May. Research priorities: The OFVGA/Vineland Research and Innovation Centre priority planning session for edible horticulture was held February 13. The goal was to bring together producer groups and representatives from across the value chain to define priority areas for research and innovation. The ultimate outcome will be a list of research needs for the sector; a committee met in April to review the priorities that were brought and narrowed into a few key areas.

Labour-saving devices and technologies to improve efficiencies are leading priorities across all horticultural sectors.

Reusable Plastic Containers

Association to reconvene its taskforce looking into the issue of Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs). A growing number of retailers are mandating the use of RPCs in place of corrugated cardboard packaging. Food safety and transportation are major concerns for growers across the country.

For the OFVGA, their increased use also means a decrease in container fee income to the organization. In April, the OFVGA board established a committee to look into funding issues affecting the OFVGA as a result of RPC use.

Committee members are Ray Duc, Jason Verkaik, Brian Gilroy, Art Smith, Don Taylor and Adrian Huisman.

Presentation to the Standing Committee

In response to a resolution passed at its recent annual meeting, the CHC has made a request to the Canadian Produce Marketing

On April 23, CEO Art Smith made a presentation to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food regarding the status of the juice industry, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. The presentation included a brief history of both the fruit and vegetable juice situation and how most processors

have disappeared over time, as well as wine labelling issues and restrictions facing the fruit wine sector. Recommendations to the committee included clarity in labelling, need to retain the Standard Containers Act, harmonization of crop protection materials and the need for a PACA-like trust in Canada to ensure sellers of produce receive payment for their product.

Annual General Meeting The next OFVGA annual meeting will take place January 13 and 14, 2014 in Niagara Falls. The event will follow a slightly different structure than in previous years with the AGM starting at 1 pm on the Monday afternoon, followed by the banquet. Day two of the meeting will include section meetings as well as resolutions.

Meeting details will be posted on the OFVGA website in the fall.

The next OFVGA board meeting will take place Thursday, June 13th, 2013 at the OFVGA office starting at 10:00 a.m.

PAGE 16 –– JUNE 2013 THE GROWER

RETAIL NAVIGATOR

Global foods are no longer exotic

PETER CHAPMAN Canada’s population growth is fuelled by immigration, with approximately 250,000 people arriving each year. That’s well over a million new consumers in the last five years, many from Asia with diverse cultures, tastes for food and economic standing.

It’s imperative that producers and processors explore these trends to understand what needs to be produced in the next decade, especially for the Greater Toronto and Vancouver areas.

Exposure to these new tastes, items and cooking methods is also impacting multi-generational

consumers. They are eager to experiment with a diverse array of new meal ideas, providing a significant opportunity for growing sales.

As these categories continue to evolve, there are challenges for the retailers. The consumer is more knowledgeable than the retailer. Employees at store level are also not comfortable working with items they do not understand. There is a need for retailers to invest in their employees to help them understand the items and be able to assist consumers.

The Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in Vineland Ontario is assisting primary producers who want to transition to these new crops. The following table illustrates the amount of product required for three items that would have been difficult to find in traditional food stores 10 years ago.

Sales estimates could be underestimated, researchers report, because at the present time consumers are unsatisfied with the quality they receive. If the product was closer to what they are looking for, sales could be even higher. Study results are

Crop

Ontario demand

Potential revenue

Okra

24,900,000lbs

$49,700,000

1,400-2,600 acres

Yard long beans

23,700,000lbs

$59,000,000

10,500 acres

Asian long purple eggplant

21,400,000lbs

$33,400,000

N/A

available at www.vinelandresearch.com.

As the population continues to change retailers are eager to build their expertise in this area. In 2009, Loblaw Companies purchased the T&T chain of supermarkets, an independent retailer originating in British Columbia.

The stores cater to the East Asian consumer and sell a diverse selection of items that are not available in traditional food stores.

These items are getting more exposure in store and in the weekly ads. This will drive execution at retail and more volume.

Suppliers who produce or process these items should be ready for the fluctuations of ad volume and be ready with inventory.

There is no doubt the listing base in grocery stores will continue to evolve as consumers change and

N IO T C A F O E D O NEW M CITED IN APHID DEATHS.

Okra become more demanding.

Retailers will scramble to catch up and there will be many opportunities for suppliers during this time. As the market gets more crowded with options for the retailers, there will be more pressure on costing. Producers and processors who can capitalize during the growth period will benefit. It is very important to conduct the research to understand the size of the opportunity and stay ahead of a changing market place.

A changing consumer at Costco Costco has a simple business model. They offer items in large sizes at a reduced category margin. The combination of membership fees and volume deliver a bottom line. They have a narrow listing base and duplication of skus is rare.

Last week, I took a second look at the spice section. There were four types of pepper and four types of salt. Our consumer is changing! In the past one salt and one pepper would have been the limit for Costco and now they are devoting shelf space to six additional skus. They do not stock the item if it does not sell.

More proof that consumers are becoming more knowledgeable and more diverse in their tastes.

Loblaw makes the news for right and wrong reasons

www.uap.ca Western Canada: Ontario & Maritimes: Quebec: British Columbia:

1-800-561-5444 1-800-265-5444 1-800-361-9369 1-604-534-8815

Acres required

Loblaw Companies have been in the news a lot in the past few weeks with some good news, some bad news and a new launch.

The good news was recent financial results: absolute retail sales growth of 3.4 per cent and same store sales growth of 2.8 per cent. Both are very strong numbers in Canadian retail and much better than recent Loblaw results.

Growth in margins increased for the quarter as well. These results will give Loblaw some breathing room in the “what have you done for me lately” environment of publicly traded companies. The combination of the recent announcement of the REIT and the financial results sent Loblaw stock to a 52-week high of $48.16.

The bad news was the tragedy in the collapsed Bangladesh factory where more than a thousand garment workers were killed.

The factory produced Joe Fresh and other clothing lines for Loblaw. The company was swift to address the issue, to dedicate resources to understanding the issue and to provide support for victims and victim’s families. No doubt a terrible situation, but Galen Weston was very credible in his remorse and the company appears committed to doing what they can to ensure this does not happen again.

The new launch was the PCPlus program. A new loyalty program is being rolled out in Ontario that awards points to Loblaw shoppers based on purchases. It is certainly a step beyond carrying a points card and getting a few cents off. It promises recipes and offers delivered right to your smart phone. It will be interesting to see how Loblaw merges this with the PC points program currently offered to PC MasterCard holders. You can learn more at www.pcplus.ca.

Peter Chapman, a retail food consultant and professional speaker, is principal of GPS Business Solutions, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Peter works with producers and processors to help them navigate through the retail environment with the ultimate goal of getting more items into the shopping cart. pchapman@gpsbusiness.ca.

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 17 THE GROWER

GREEN TECHNOLOGY

Ion filtration system permits water to be recirculated New water filtration technology is cutting water use and reducing the potential environmental impact of Ontario greenhouses.

Great Northern Hydroponics, a greenhouse tomato grower in the Leamington area, has installed a new ion filtration system to better reuse and re-circulate water in its production facility.

“In Ontario, greenhouse vegetables are grown hydroponically, which means without the use of soil, and get their nourishment from a nutrient solution,” explains Leanne Wilson, science coordinator with the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG).

“This new system allows a grower to filter the water so it can be re-used repeatedly in the greenhouse, cutting down on water and fertilizer use.”

With the help of the Farm Innovation Program (FIP), Great Northern Hydroponics initially installed a small-scale system suitable for five to 10 acres of production, sourced from a local company that supplies similar equipment to the dairy industry.

A larger unit for 15 acres was

Photo courtesy of Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers subsequently installed. Both systems were tested for their capability to extract sodium, sulphates and chlorides from the solution using semi-permeable membranes to make it suitable for

recirculation.

“This system is really good at extracting the components from the solution that we wanted,” says Guido van het Hof of Great Northern Hydroponics. “And we

discovered that the filtration is so good that it also filters out plant pathogens, bacteria, viruses and fungi. We currently disinfect all of our water through pasteurization but this will no longer be

necessary with this new system.”

For Great Northern Hydroponics, the overall impact has been very positive. Van het Hof’s goal is to make the system a complete closed loop, meaning all water and nutrients would be recycled. He currently spends $75 – $100 per day to run the water pasteurization system, which he would no longer need to keep pathogens at bay. If the system continues to perform as it has to date, van het Hof says he will invest to expand it to his entire 70-acre production area.

“This technology has the potential to be really beneficial to all greenhouse vegetable growers by reducing water use and fertilizer costs, as well as shrinking the environmental footprint of greenhouse vegetable production,” says Wilson.

Information is available from OGVG at www.ontariogreenhouse.com.

This article is courtesy of the Agricultural Adaptation Council.

Plasticulture is green when it’s biodegradable In the last five years, Recoltech’s Richard Caron has witnessed a wave of change as growers have converted to biodegradable black or green plastic to protect crops.

“Organic growers started first with plastic that guaranteed no GMOs in the content but now conventional growers want it too,” says Caron, owner of Quebec-based Recoltech Inc. The change has been driven by costs

Richard Caron, Recoltech. Photo by Denis Cahill.

Tunnel talk While plastic field tunnels are increasingly used to mitigate risks from weather, they are also providing environmental benefits. A recently published California handbook observes that fewer insects are harboured in tunnels and that alone, reduces pesticide use.

As Patrick Coppens, general manager, DeCloet Greenhouses points out, “These are passive solar-heated structures that fulfill a need for a multi-connected, low-cost system to withstand the climatic conditions in southwestern Ontario.”

In a new model introduced recently, the double roof rolls up to increase ventilation during warmer weather, simulating outdoor temperatures inside the structure. The double roof roll up also allows the growing environment to open up in cooler, non-dangerous weather.

For those growing organic produce, this system uses insect netting which eliminates the need for pesticides.

Natural ventilation means that electricity is not required. Use of manual crank openers on roof rollups eliminates the need for an electrical motor.

Augur posts stabilize the structure, leaving the soil undisturbed with no need for concrete. Growers are discovering that the high sidewalls accommodate field equipment inside the tunnels. A customized rollup locking extrusion system keeps the roof tight and secure when in the closed position.

of up to $1300 per container to dispose of plastic. For all the labour and gasoline that’s involved in removing plastic, growers now consider biodegradable plastic the best option.

Recoltech, which sources its product from France, offers different plastics depending on bestbefore dates. For example, vine crops such as squash or melon require plastic to degrade in three to four months whereas tomatoes,

peppers and eggplants require plastic to last five to six months.

Trials are now underway testing biodegradable plastic that will last two years for small bushes.

Green tinted films are now used for crops such as cucumbers, melons and cantaloupes. The technology has proven to deliver more uniform daytime temperatures.

For more information, go to www.recoltech.com.

PAGE 18 –– JUNE 2013 THE GROWER

GREEN TECHNOLOGY

A tomato greenhouse hooks up with an ethanol plant to save energy

The plume from the Greenfield Ethanol plant is evident behind the new construction for the Truly Green greenhouse in Chatham, Ontario.

KAREN DAVIDSON At first blush, the $21 million construction of a tomato greenhouse beside Chathambased Greenfield Ethanol would seem to be about energy savings.

But the benefits may be far rosier than the tomatoes themselves.

The Truly Green enterprise, the first in North America to hook

up to an ethanol plant, is owned by the Devries family along with the Tamminga and Bultje families. President of the company Greg Devries is predicting yield increases of three to five per cent due to pumped-in carbon dioxide on top of lowering heating costs by 50 per cent using the ethanol plant’s waste heat.

“We are designing a greenhouse with competitive

advantages,” says Devries. “The advantage is untethering the carbon dioxide from the heating source.”

With the first planting of tomatoes expected in early July, the construction timetable is under pressure to complete in time for a hookup to Greenfield Ethanol in September. That’s when the ethanol plant shuts down for two weeks of mainte-

nance and when the underground connection for carbon dioxide can be made physically to the new greenhouse.

If all goes to plan, produce from 22.5 acres could be ready to market by September. Devries plans to analyze results from the first test crop, clean out the greenhouse and start with new crop next January. Eventually, the greenhouse will market 22 million kilograms of tomatoes annually, with a goal of building a complex of 90 acres during the next decade.

That’s a carbon-neutral story that can be taken straight to consumers. With a marketing agreement with Mastronardi Produce, Devries says that their tomatoes-on-the-vine and grape tomatoes are slated to qualify for a premium under the Mastronardi’s Eco-label brand.

That third-party accreditation might be possible by 2014.

For Greenfield Ethanol, the advantages are also quantifiable.

Angelo Ligori, Greenfield’s ethanol plant manager, supports the partnership to harness the CO2 released in the ethanol process. Greenfield will update its older technology to include waste heat recovery and a thermal oxidizer. The new technology will condense stack heat through a series of exchanger systems, allowing the ethanol plant to supply hot water to the greenhouse.

The water will then be returned to the ethanol plant through an expanded cooling water loop.

The changes will mean there’s no longer a visible plume from the ethanol plant.

Two years in the making, an expansion of this scope is not for the faint of heart. The Devries family has built on a relatively new entry into the greenhouse business. While they have been farming grains and oilseeds since 1948, they built their first sweet bell pepper greenhouse in 2003 which has grown to 16 acres today. In that case, natural gas boilers produce hot water and CO2 is captured from the boiler

exhaust. However, they discovered that of any greenhousegrown vegetable, tomatoes are the biggest users of C02 and that demand is greatest in the summer.

The challenge is that summertime represents the least demand for heat. The bridge to the ethanol plant solves those inequities, supplying heat and CO2 on demand.

The farming operations are becoming more synergistic all the time. The Devries family grows corn, part of which is sold to the ethanol plant. At the same time, they buy the ethanol plant’s byproduct – distiller’s grains – for their feedlot, while buying the waste heat and C02 for their tomato greenhouse.

Indoor piping “It’s an amazing story,” he says, adding that it’s beneficial for the local economy, the farming operation, the greenhouse and the ethanol plant.

Thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Agricultural Adaptation Council and a $3.2 million grant from the Rural Economic Development Agency, Devries says these monies help make the business risk more tolerable. The Chatham region has been hard hit by the downturn in the automobile sector, so he points out that green technology is rejuvenating the area. The Truly Green operation requires 50 jobs alone for startup of phase one.

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 19 THE GROWER

PREDATION SURVEY

Almost $25 million lost to wildlife predators The horticulture sector has not previously consolidated information on the extent and type of wildlife damage.

The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association with financial support from the Agriculture-Wildlife Conflict Strategic Funding has a project underway to: • quantify wildlife damage; • research effective mitigation measures; • review horticulture wildlife damage prevention programs/ systems in other jurisdictions; • develop a set of Best Management Practices for the prevention of wildlife damage to horticulture; and, • produce a final report with results and recommendations for next steps.

When asked if they felt predation was increasing, 100 per cent of the associations whose growers experienced crop predation replied in the affirmative, citing an increase in the number of predators and a decrease in hunting. For those reporting deer damage, respondents felt there was a direct link between less hunting and expanding population.

For the commodities reporting predation losses1, all farmers experienced some level of loss.

Berry growers deal with the highest levels of crop loss or damage at 35 per cent. The total losses of our seven sample groups alone amount to $24,753,075!

Wildlife damage is occurring over the course of the growing season. However, winter browsing of trees was a significant issue for apples, tender fruit and nursery stock growers.

The top six ranked predators, in descending order of damage, were: 1. Deer 2. Wild birds (other than those listed below) 3. Wild turkeys 4. Canada geese 5. Raccoons 6. Mice/voles/rabbits Deer was the top ranked predator for apple growers and other wild birds topped the list for tender fruit growers. They were ranked significantly higher than any of the other predators.

Visual devices were the most commonly used predator prevention tool used by growers followed by chemical deterrents.

Virtually every fruit grower was using some type of predation prevention. However, the effectiveness of these tools to stop crop damage was generally listed as not sufficiently effective. Fencing was related to the non-avian predators, primarily deer, and was noted as being satisfactory in the majority of cases but extremely expensive to install. Deterrent chemicals were noted to be effective only for a short time after application; they have to be

applied frequently and after a rainfall. All predator species quickly habituate to anti-predator measures rendering them ineffective after a relatively short period of time.

Growers were asked what types of programs or predation assistance would be of benefit to them. There were five main comments listed below in order of importance based on frequency of response. Financial assistance for fencing and netting was a unanimous response across the fruit crop sectors.

1. Financial assistance for (deer) fencing and netting.

2. Hunting (including issuing more deer tags), trapping, removal of problem animals.

3. Financial compensation for damage.

4. Assistance in retrofitting propane cannons with electronic automatic timers to help reduce neighbour complaints.

5. Research on effective deterrents.

Respondents felt that wildlife compensation damage could be assessed in crops using a similar process to that employed by crop insurance. Having grower documentation of historical yields and an on-the-ground evaluation of the impact on yield loss and crop damage could work equally well for predation losses as for weather related events.

Next steps for this project include: • Conduct a scan of wildlife damage prevention programs and systems in other areas, summarize their results and assess whether they are applicable to Ontario.

• Based on the information gathered, develop a set of Best Management Practices for the prevention of wildlife damage on horticultural farming operations.

• A limited number of print copies of the BMP document will be produced. The information will also be posted on the OFVGA website, the on-line version of The Grower, and electronic versions will be provided to our member organizations.

• A final report will be prepared which summarizes the project findings and any recommendations for next steps to address identified gaps.

Nine OFVGA member associations plus nursery stock growers responded to the survey however asparagus, ginseng and greenhouse vegetable growers did not report predation concerns.

1

This survey was prepared by Susan Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald & Co for the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association.

The 'AQUA Wetland System' “A new breed of constructed wetland” AQUA Treatment Technologies Inc. designs and installs the 'AQUA Wetland System' (AWS) for tertiary treatment of many types of waste water including sanitary sewage, landfill leachate, dairy farm & abattoir wastewater, greenhouse irrigation leachate water & mushroom farm leachate water (i.e. manure pile leachate) and high strength winery washwater.

The 'AQUA Wetland System' is operated out of doors and can achieve year-round tertiary treatment of wastewater. This sub-surface, vertical flow constructed wetland consists of sand & gravel beds planted with moisture tolerant plant species. Water is pumped vertically from cell to cell. There is no open or standing water.

Treatment occurs through physical filtration & biological degradation. Plants shade & insulate the cells, cycling nutrients while preventing algae growth. There is no production of sludge.

The AWS has been approved for use by the Ontario Ministry of Environment through over 40 Environmental Compliance Approvals. Recently the Region of Niagara began approving the AWS for treatment of 'small flow' winery washwater I.e. < 10,000 liters per day. Other agencies who have issued approvals include Health Canada, USEPA and OMAFRA. Recent projects include: 1) treatment of cider mill washwater at Bennett's Apple and Cider in Ancaster 2) treatment of winery washwater at DiProfio Wines and Lincoln Farm Winery in Niagara 3) treatment of pond water at Hihojo Farms for supply of hog drinking water

For additional information please Contact Lloyd Rozema at: cell. 905-327-4571 email. lrozema@aqua-tt.com

PAGE 20 –– JUNE 2013 THE GROWER

A new disease of celery: leaf curl (anthracnose) MICHAEL CELETTI, ONTARIO MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD AND MINISTRY OF RURAL AFFAIRS, PLANT PATHOLOGIST HORTICULTURE CROPS PROGRAM LEAD Leaf curl is a serious disease on celery caused by the fungus Colletotrichum acutatum that was observed for the first time in several locations throughout Ontario during 2012. In Australia, the disease caused significant crop losses during the 1990s. The disease has recently been observed in celery fields for the first time in Michigan and Pennsylvania during 2010 and 2011. Infected celery plants are unmarketable due to leaf malformation and lesion development on the stalks (petiole). The recent discovery of celery leaf curl could have a serious negative impact on celery production in Ontario. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food together with the University of Guelph will be conducting a survey for leaf curl in celery fields during 2013.

Growers should become familiar with the symptoms of this disease. Symptoms are sometimes mistaken for early symptoms of Aster yellows however the two

diseases look quite different.

Celery plants can be infected at any age with the leaf curl pathogen. Infected plants appear stunted with small malformed cupped leaves but remain green unlike the bleached or yellow plants infected with Aster yellow.

Older leaves on infected plants often appear fan-like and curl downward (Figure 1). Brown lesions may develop on the leaf margins of infected plants and occasionally yellow translucent spots appear scattered on the upper leaf surface. Symptomatic leaves eventually become brittle and crack along their length which may extend into the stalk.

The stalks of infected plants eventually become twisted with reddish to light brown lesions that can develop on either the outside or inside of the stalks or inside the crown at the base of the infected plants (Figure 2). Spores of the fungus are produced in the lesions that develop along the stalk and in the crowns and are easily disseminated by water splashing during overhead irrigation or rainy and windy weather.

The fungus has been isolated from many non-celery host plants including strawberry, pepper, apple and numerous weeds. It is not known if strains of the fungus infecting the different alternative hosts can infect celery and vice

versa.

Currently there are no fungicides registered for the control of leaf curl on celery in Ontario, however, it is probable that some fungicides registered for the control of early and late blight of celery may have activity on leaf curl but more research is required to identify which ones are most efficacious as well as their timing and rate of application prior to obtaining registration for use for leaf curl control. Since the pathogen can overwinter in undecomposed plant residue of infected celery, growers should not plant celery in fields that have infested plant residue and a three to four-year crop rotation with non-host crops should be followed. Deep ploughing or cultivating of infested residue of infected plants immediately after harvest will encourage decomposition of the residue and lower the population of the pathogen in the field. A few resistant cultivars have been identified in Australia but may not be suitable for Ontario growing conditions.

Regardless, growers should grow resistant varieties when identified that are suitable for the region. If possible and practical, diseased plants should be rogued, placed in a plastic garbage bag and removed from the field or buried before the disease can spread.

Figure 1. Leaf curl on infected celery plants appear stunted with small malformed cupped leaves. Older leaves on infected plants often appear fan-like and curl downward.

Figure 2. Twisted stalks of celery plants develop reddish to light brown lesions that contain spores of the leaf curl pathogen.

Reality check: herbicide-resistant weeds KRISTEN CALLOW, OMAF AND MRA WEED MANAGEMENT PROGRAM LEAD – HORTICULTURE So, which camp are you in?

Have you conceded and admitted to yourself that you have a resistance problem on your farm? Or are you still in denial? No one ever wants to admit that they have a problem that can potentially spread to others. However, it is always best to admit it now, because it will catch up with you later and usually at a big expense.

For example: Jack who grows 8000 acres of soybeans in the southern U.S. He didn’t admit that he had a problem until it was much too late. Jack had glyphosate resistant palmer amaranth infesting his 8000 acres.

The problem was so bad that Jack went bankrupt because he could no longer grow soybeans economically.

Reality check. Once you dis-

cover a herbicide resistant weed problem, it has likely been there for more than three years.

Reality check. If you didn’t know you had a problem until three years later, you have likely spread the problem around your farm without even knowing it.

When it comes to the health of your farm, you should think about it as seriously as your own health.

Resistant weeds, once present are there for good and you will continue to manage them for your lifetime. They are like cancer cells multiplying rapidly once they are present.

Reality check. On average there are 100,000,000 weed seeds per acre and only 1,000,000 emerge each year. Therefore, resistant weed seeds can remain in the soil for many years (Giant ragweed produces up to 5,000 seeds per plant with an average dormancy of two years; Canada fleabane produces up to 200,000 seeds per plant with minimal dormancy (86 per cent of seeds can germinate immediately); Redroot pigweed produces up to 100,000 seeds per plant and has a seed dormancy of up to 40 years).

It is true that new management

strategies are being developed to help manage resistant weeds in various cropping systems. Most of these strategies use multiple methods (Integrated Weed Management) to control the resistant weeds, such as: crop rotation, shallow cultivation (to prevent bringing weed seeds to the soil surface from deeper soil depths, tank-mixing herbicides with different modes of action that have activity on the resistant weed, using preemergence herbicides followed by postemergence herbicides, etc). These are all strategies that were used in the past,

100,000,000

There are

weed seeds per acre and only 100,000 emerge each year.

prior to the introduction of herbicide-tolerant crops. It is now time to bring these management tools back. Remember when weed control was an art?

Reality check. Integrated weed management is the future of weed control. There are no new herbicide modes of action coming any time soon. Crop protection companies are working on new herbicide tolerant corn and soybean cropping systems. There are no new technologies for horticulture producers.

It is not all doom and gloom … just reality… If you have resistance get on it now, spend the extra money to prevent a situation like what happened to Jack.

If you are not sure if you have a problem (yet) get your weeds tested (it is free: www.plant.uoguelph.ca/resistantweeds/) and for heaven’s sake, do not let those ‘maybe resistant weeds’ go to seed.

JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 21 THE GROWER

VEG FOCUS

Postharvest storage rots in Ontario sweet potatoes BRIAN COLLINS, MSC STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH MELANIE FILOTAS, SPECIALTY CROPS IPM SPECIALIST/OMAF AND MRA

Sweet potatoes are susceptible to a variety of postharvest storage rots. While a number of different bacterial and fungal pathogens can cause storage rots in sweet potatoes, over the last several

years fungal pathogens in the genus Rhizopus and Fusarium have been the most common causes of postharvest storage losses in Ontario sweet potatoes.

Rhizopus soft rot

Figure 1 - Sweet potato with symptoms of Rhizopus soft rot. Note the distinctive “whiskery” growth.

Figure 2 - Close up of black spores associated with Rhizopus soft rot.

Rhizopus soft rot, caused by the fungus Rhizopus stolonifer, is one of the most common postharvest diseases of sweet potatoes in North America. R. stolinfer is extremely common in air and soils, and enters sweet potato tissues through wounds, such as those occurring during harvest and packing. Sweet potatoes with Rhizopus soft rot develop a white, hairy fungal growth (Figure 1) which produces very large quantities of dusty black spores (Figure 2). A ring rot can also occur when the fungus infects the middle portion of the root. Infected tissue often has a pronounced, sweet odour, which often attracts fruit flies. This fungus can spread rapidly, and a soft wet decay can spread over the entire root within three days under storage conditions (13°C).

Wet, cool soil at harvest can make sweet potatoes more susceptible to this disease. Sweet potato cultivars can vary considerably in susceptibility to Rhizopus soft rots, with the white-fleshed cultivars like O’Henry often being more susceptible than orange-fleshed cultivars. However, even resistant cultivars like Beauregard can suffer losses to Rhizopus under the right conditions (e.g. cool, wet weather at harvest and injury to roots during harvest or packing).

Fusarium root and surface rots

Figure 3 - Cross section of a storage root infected with Fusarium root rot.

Figure 4 – White fungal growth developing on outer surface of sweet potato infected with Fusarium root rot. This can develop when infected roots are exposed to humid conditions.

Sweet potatoes are susceptible to several different diseases caused by Fusarium species, including Fusarium root rot, surface rot and stem canker. While Fusarium stem canker affects plants in the field, root rot and surface rot are predominately post-harvest diseases and are significant storage diseases of sweet potatoes in many sweet potato growing regions.

Fusarium root rot, caused by the fungus Fusarium solani, causes light and dark brown circular concentric lesions on the skin of sweet potatoes, which may coalesce and overlap over time.

Fusarium root rot is generally dry and infected roots remain firm.

Symptoms often originate from the end of the root and thus this disease has also been referred to as Fusarium end rot. Upon crosssection of severely infected roots, discolouration varies from light to dark brown (Figure 3) with lensshaped cavities that often have white fungal mycelium growing inside. If infected sweet potatoes are stored in a humid environment, a white fungal growth can develop on the exterior of the

roots near the infection site (Figure 4).

Fusarium surface rot is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum and by some strains of F. solani. Symptoms appear as circular light brown, firm dry lesions. Lesions are generally superficial and often occur at points of injury to the root. Early symptoms of root rot can be easily confused with surface rot, as external symptoms are very similar. The differentiating feature is that surface rot does not colonize the inner tissue of the root and symptoms are restricted to the outer layers of tissue.

Both species of Fusarium are persistent soilborne pathogens, and require wounds in the fleshy roots of sweet potatoes for infection to occur. These wounds are most often caused by mechanical harvesting, leading to the more common storage rots. However rots can occasionally occur in the field through wounds caused by insects, nematodes or rodents, and through growth cracks. This pathogen will not spread between roots in storage unless new wounds occur. However, F. solani can spread from seed roots to sprouts, leading to Fusarium stem canker in the resulting slips.

Sweet potatoes with minor F. solani infection can appear healthy but if used as parent material the pathogen can be transferred to the sprouts.

Management: All of the fungi discussed here are widespread in the environment, and are likely present in all sweet potato fields. However since they can only enter sweet potatoes through wounds in the skin, the best way to manage these diseases is through sanitation and proper handling of roots to minimize entry points for these pathogens. Specific management

techniques include: • Careful handling of roots at harvest to minimize injuries to the skin.

• Completing harvest early to avoid chilling temperatures (prolonged exposure to 10-12°C or less), which can predispose roots to storage rot pathogens.

• If possible, avoid harvesting from wet soil. Extremely dry conditions can also affect disease incidence by increasing the rate of skinning, thus creating more sites for infection.

• Properly cure roots as soon as possible after harvest to heal any wounds that do occur during harvest.

• Ensure the entire storage facility has adequate air flow to maintain appropriate temperatures (1316°C) and humidity levels throughout. In some cases, the storage rots have been reported to be more severe at the bottom of solid containers or along outer walls, where there is inadequate heating or air flow.

• Remember that wounding of roots at the packing stage can also lead to development of Rhizopus soft rot after sweet potatoes have left the storage facility. Gentle handling during packing and minimizing/cushioning any drops along the packing line can help reduce incidence of the disease.

• The fungicides Scholar (fludioxonil) and Bio-Save (the biofungicide Pseudomonas syringae) are registered for the control of Rhizopus soft rot on sweet potatoes in Ontario. There are no fungicides registered for control of postharvest Fusarium diseases in sweet potatoes in Canada.

•

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PAGE 22 –– JUNE 2013 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

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POTATO FARM RETIREMENT AUCTION WINDY MOUNTAIN FARM/THE EDGLEY FAMILY HIGHLY RESPECTED SEED POTATO GROWERS LOW HOUR—OWNER OPERATED EQUIPMENT! MON. JUNE 24 @ 10:30 A.M. SARANAC LAKE, NEW YORK 12983 (Lake Placid Area—Adirondack Region) Selling complete farming line such as: JD 8220 MFWD, loaded, front suspension, 3 remotes, 46 in. tires and duals, 34 in. front tires and duals, 500 original owner hours!!; JD 7430 Premium MFWD, road gear, 46 in. tires, 1100 hrs.; JD 7520 MFWD; JD 7600 MFWD; JD 7710 2WD; ALSO original owner JD 160C LC wide track excavator; Thomas 175 turbo “High Lift” skid steer; Two (2) Toyota LP forklifts; Full Line of tillage including: 2011 Landoll 23 ft. disk; Sunflower disk chisel; Krauss 21 ft. single pass tillage tool; 2011 RJ 23 ft. crowfoot roller/packer; Six (6) potato body trucks and potato equip. such as: 1995 Mack R series ten wheeler with Haines 22 ft. belt conveyor; Air Tech 90 ft. air boom sprayer; Thomas 2 and 4 row windrowers; Thomas B88 harvester with JD diesel air head; Better Built 2-3-4-6 cut model 2963 seed cutter; Kverneland UN3200 4 row pick planter; Warehouse line such as: Haines 49 ft. telescoping piler; Haines 48 in. and 36 in. portable grading lines; Haines computerized double tote bag filler; Haines single tote filler; box dumper; etc.!! It all goes on June 24th.

ALSO NOTE: Open House same day before and after auction at Cornell University-Uihlein Research Farm just 10 minutes from auction site!

SEE FULL LIST AND DETAILS: www.pirrunginc.com Ron and Beth Edgley Owners PIRRUNG AUCTIONEERS, INC.

Follow our editor: @karenthegrower 15 May Farmers busy in #HollandMarsh today, dodging early am hail, transplanting onions, monitoring irrigation. Thanks for photo tour!

CLASSIFIEDS Greenhouses for Sale - 1 Double Poly Gutter Connect – approx. 30,000 sq. ft., 14 ft. gutter height with gutter venting and unit heaters - 1 Double Poly Gutter Connect approx. 50,000 sq. ft., 14 ft. gutter height with gutter venting and boiler heating - Both can be viewed still standing - For pictures, click on Marketplace at www.westlandgreenhousesupplies.com - If interested, call 1-877-384-1242 Used: Univerco carrot harvester, Industrial G2 model. Power points, full auto controls, mint condition. Stored inside. For information call 519-243-2268 Irrigation equipment - 110-300D Bauer traveller - 2003 OCMIS 58 MR traveller - 40ft x 2” aluminum pipe with sprinklers for frost protection - 3” x 40ft pipes - 4” x 30ft pipes - 5” x 30ft pipes - Hale pump, 1000 PTO, 1000 GPH - Strawberry round bail buster - Strawberry master container for clanshhell or pints Call Eric, Fergus, ON, 519-993-4437

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NEW IRRIGATION PUMP UNITS ON TRAILER • Cummin 4 cyl, 80 HP • Cummin 4 cyl turbo, 105 HP • John Deere, 4 cyl, 80 HP • Cummin 6 cyl, 165 HP-5.9L • Iveco/Cummins, 4cyl, 105HP • Iveco/Cummins, 6cyl, 173HP Etc., Etc. Rovatti Pumps Berkeley Pumps, etc.

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JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 23 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

IRRIGATION

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FOR SALE 49 ACRE FRUIT FARM 7 acres table grapes, 7 acres dwarf & semi dwarf apples, 1 acre dwarf pears, 2 acres blue plums & prunes, a few tart cherries. 20 acxres bare land.

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PAGE 24 –– JUNE 2013 THE GROWER

MARKETPLACE

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

Alpine Nurseries (Niagara) Limited

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JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 25 THE GROWER

MINOR USE

Label expansion granted for Nova 40W fungicide JIM CHAPUT, OMAFRA, MINOR USE COORDINATOR, GUELPH The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of a minor use label expansion for Nova 40 W fungicide for control of powdery mildew on crop group 9, cucurbits; crop subgroup 13A, caneberries; and crop subgroup 13B, bushberries in Canada. Nova 40W fungicide was already labeled in Canada for management of a number of diseases on apples, pears, grapes, cherries, peaches, Saskatoon berries, strawberries, greenhouse tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, asparagus and ornamentals.

These minor use projects sponsored by Agriculture & AgriFood Canada, Pest Management Centre (AAFC-PMC) were originally submitted in 2001 and 2003 in response to minor use priorities identified by producers and extension personnel in Canada.

These registrations will pro-

Engage Agro plans to market Grandevo Engage Agro Corporation of Canada has reached a long-term agreement with Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. to be the exclusive marketer and distributor of Grandevo bioinsecticide for Canada. Engage will launch Grandevo once registration is received in Canada, and will work to further expand the registered uses for this product for advanced, broad-spectrum insect and mite control.

Grandevo is a bioinsecticide that offers complex modes of action to control a broad spectrum of chewing and sucking insects and mites.

It is naturally derived from a newly discovered bacterium, commonly known as Achromacil, which produces a number of compounds that contribute to the mode of action, resulting in a potent biopesticide that is highly active against insects and mites. Control of pests is achieved by unique combinations of repellency, oral toxicity, reduced egg hatch, and reduced fecundity (ability of pest to reproduce). Grandevo has also been shown to maintain populations of most beneficials and introduced biological controls.

The product is currently submitted for registration with the Pest Management Regulatory Agency.

In the U.S. it is certified for use in organic production.

Source: Engage Agro news release

vide producers with another pest management tool to help manage this common disease problem of these crops in Canada.

The following is provided as a general, abbreviated outline only.

Users should consult the complete label before using Nova 40W fungicide.

Nova 40W fungicide should be used in an integrated pest management program and in rotation with other management strategies.

This product is hazardous to fish.

Do not contaminate any body of water by direct application, cleaning of equipment or disposal of wastes. Do not apply directly to water or wetlands. Do not apply when weather conditions favour drift or run-off from areas treated.

Follow all other precautions and

Crop group Cucurbit vegetables, CG9

Pest(s)

Rate (g per ha)

Powdery mildews

Comments**

PHI

175

Max. 2 applications per season/ 10 - 14 day application interval

3 days

Bushberries, CG13-07B

340

Max. 3 applications per season/ 7 - 14 day application interval

6 days (hand harvest except lowbush blueberry) 4 days (hand harvest lowbush blueberry) 1 day (mechanical harvest)

Caneberries, CG13-07A

340

Max. 3 applications per season/ 7 - 14 day application interval

6 days (hand harvest) 1 day (mechanical harvest)

** consult label for details regarding appropriate water volumes, REIs and timing of applications. directions for use on the Nova 40W fungicide label.

For copies of the new supplemental label contact Pam Fisher,

OMAF & MRA, Simcoe (519) 426-2238 [berries], Mike Celetti, OMAF & MRA, Guelph (519) 824-4120 ext. 58910 [cucurbits],

Jim Chaput, OMAF & MRA, Guelph (519) 826-3539 or visit the Dow Agrosciences website at http://www.dowagro.com/ca

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PAGE 26 –– JUNE 2013 THE GROWER

MINOR USE CRAIG’S COMMENTS

Science or pseudo-science: how are the decisions made?

CRAIG HUNTER OFVGA For many years we have been insisting that science should be the determining factor when pesticides get registered, or get ‘de-registered.’ Good science is unassailable, or so we would like to think.

In the past few years there has been a decided (and unhealthy) shift to non-scientific approaches used to look at pesticides. In early May I happened to come across three such references in a single morning, thus prompting this column. It is a telling situation when our society abandons good science and hops on a band-wagon with little more than hyperbole, prognostication, innuendo and well stoked fear mongering by groups with an agenda. Society does know better some of the time, but is easily led astray by well financed groups who wish for nothing more than to damn the use of pesticides to further their own gains.

The first such reference came when I saw an update on “the dirty dozen.” Using data from the US EPA food basket pesticide residue monitoring study, the commodities with the most pesticide residues (by number regardless of amounts) are enumerated. The FACT that none of these residues exceeds the allowable amounts that already have additional safety factors of orders of magnitude is not mentioned. Nor is the FACT that these levels may be in parts per billion. In FACT, it is only the sophistication of the diagnostic equipment that we can now report such findings.

Furthermore, these lists have

been debunked annually by competent scientists. Nonetheless, it gets reported widely in the media by reporters only looking for a ‘sensational’ story, regardless of the facts. In some circles, such deliberate misleading information could be considered to undermine the public confidence in their food supply. One suspicion is that those who happen to be in the ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ food business could use this to propel their market share. Another thought would be that such an undermining of public confidence is a form of terrorism, and those who promulgate it should be subject to the provisions of law.

The sad part remains that those who ‘promote’ such tactics remain behind their cloistered walls, waiting for the fallout. The work of the science community to de-bunk such stories is made that much harder when their rebuttals are on page 17 three weeks later as compared to page one for the original! In fact, these findings show that the pesticides were used according to the label, that the growers obviously produced high quality produce (for it to be offered for sale), that the public had a wide array of choice in healthy produce to consume, and that the public is well served by the agriculture infrastructure as it exists today. The denigration of perfectly safe food by such articles is contemptible, in my opinion.

The second such story came about as a result of the significant bee kill incidents of last spring, and a report that the European Union had voted recently to ban the use of neonicotinoid insecticides for two years (at least). Isn’t it alarming when politicians can overturn the registrations that were based on sound science, even in the absence of good science to justify themselves? The apparent intent of the reporting here in Canada appears to be an attempt to try and use this action as a lever to emulate such action here. This in spite of an acknowledged absence of sound science! Furthermore, there seems to be a lack of understanding of why such

products are used, and accepted in the farming community. These products have been used effectively here since 1989. The ‘perfect storm’ of conditions in 2012 did contribute to serious losses. These are being dealt with by the joint actions of government, growers, beekeepers, and the pesticide industry. Even amongst the bee research community there is no consensus on cause and effect, nor on solutions to the issue.

The use of these products as seed treatments came about as the direct result of the government action following the re-evaluation of the previously used productslindane and diazinon. These had been used successfully as insecticidal seed treatments for many years, and it was not their seed treatment uses that were the primary factor for their demise. Our growers do not have fallback product(s) ready to be used for seed treatments if such a ban on neo-nics occurred here. The insect damage and the crop loss from seed corn maggot, wireworm and other pests would be substantial.

It is hoped that such a loss would not be overlooked in any decision-making down the road.

Furthermore, it is hoped that sound scientific studies would underpin any decisions, not just speculation, or worse, pseudoscience. Not all ‘science’ that gets referenced is from reputable sources!

The third story that came my way was about the City of Toronto authorizing the aerial spraying of large areas (many are well-to-do neighbourhoods) for the control of Gypsy Moth. This spraying was allowed because ‘natural’ means of control would not do the job! Isn’t it ironic, (if not at least two-faced) that the self-same folks who foisted upon all Ontario citizens a ‘cosmetic’ pesticide ban, would revert to using a registered pesticide as soon as they felt ‘threatened’ by a cosmetic pest outbreak?! While the rest of Ontario has had to deal with much worse pests such as white grub, Japanese beetle, European chafer, Emerald Ash Borer and cinch bugs, ‘Toronto’ has smugly denied the use of effective controls for ‘us’ to deal with these pests. It also seems disingenuous that they will suggest that the product they have chosen to use is ‘safe.’ In fact, when Health Canada registers

ALL products they are deemed ‘safe’ (meaning they will not cause any unacceptable effect) if used according to the label. In fact, some of the newest ones registered are indeed less toxic that the one being used in this aerial spray! However, a very small group of people decide what we can and cannot access for use. If it means that the rest of Ontario does without effective control for their pests- that is just too bad. However, when Toronto needs something, it is immediately cleared for use. A few years ago, when this same pest was in Muskoka and the same pesticide was to be applied by air and some property owners objected, the aerial applicator was forced to spray around such properties. For Toronto, no such option was available. Those who have ‘concerns’ are advised to just stay indoors!

How is it that such hypocrisy is allowed? Only in Toronto? The product that they choose to use is not the issue. It is the fact that when Toronto has a pest control issue it is dealt with, whereas the rest of the province must deal with their problems without effective tools to do so. These tools are denied because pseudo-science or downright mistruths were allowed to win the day leading to the ban. When will those responsible for this situation awaken their conscience and have a sober second thought. Is the Toronto environment so stifling that they cannot see the situation from the eyes of those outside the big smoke? Shame, shame.

Science is a tool to help make sound judgments. The mis-use of science or the absence of science will doom such decisions. This becomes more evident when looked back upon after many years. The abandonment of the use of science by trained scientists is the biggest shame of all.

Some of us already have looked back, and it is not pretty!

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JUNE 2013 –– PAGE 27 THE GROWER

MINOR USE

Label expansion granted for Movento 240 SC insecticide JIM CHAPUT, OMAFRA, MINOR USE COORDINATOR, GUELPH The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of a minor use label expansion for Movento 240 SC insecticide (spirotetramat) for control and/or suppression of several insect pests on bulb vegetables, sweet corn, artichokes, bushberries, cranberries and outdoor grown firs in Canada. Movento 240 SC insecticide was already labeled for management of a variety of insect pests on a range of crops in Canada.

Crop / crop group

Pest(s)

Rate (mL per ha)

Comments** Max. 2 applications per season/ minimum 7 day application interval

PHI

Bulb vegetables, CG3-07

Thrips (larvae)

365

3 days (dry bulb subgroup); 7 days (green onion subgroup)

Bushberries, CG13-07B, Cranberries

Aphids, blueberry maggot, blueberry gall midge/ cranberry tipworm, lecanium scale

220 – 365 (aphids); Max. 1.833 L/ha allowed per season/ 365 – 435 (maggot, minimum 7 day application interval gall midge/ tipworm); 365 – 585 (scale)

7 days

Sweet corn

Aphids

220 - 365

Max. 1.1 L/ha allowed per season/ minimum 7 day application interval

7 days (50 days if being harvested for silage)

Artichokes

Aphids

220 - 365

Max. 1.833 L/ha allowed per season/ minimum 7 day application interval

3 days

** consult label for details regarding appropriate water volumes and timing of applications.

Information Meetings Les séances d’information

These minor use submissions were sponsored by Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Pest Management Centre (AAFCPMC) in response to minor use priorities identified by producers and extension personnel in Canada. Several of the projects were jointly sponsored in collaboration with the U.S. IR-4 program.

Management of these insect pests with Movento has been a high priority for producers of bulb vegetables, bushberries, cranberries, artichokes, sweet corn and firs and these registrations will provide producers with another insect management and resistance management tool.

The following is provided as a general, abbreviated outline only.

Users should consult the complete label before using Movento 240 SC insecticide.

Movento insecticide should be used in an integrated pest management program and in rotation with other management strategies.

This product is toxic to pollinators through direct contamination of pollen and nectar; follow buffer zones and do not apply this product during crop flowering period or when flowering weeds are present in the field or orchard.

Take all possible measures to reduce spray drift. Follow all other precautions and directions for use on the Movento insecticide label.

For copies of the new supplemental label contact Jim Chaput, OMAF & MRA, Guelph (519) 826-3539 or visit the Bayer CropScience Canada website at www.bayercropscience.ca

Date and Time Le date et l’heure

Location Endroit

Thursday, May 30, 2013 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. jeudi 30 mai 2013 13 h 30

Sudbury

Ambassador Hotel\Hôtel Ambassador - Empress Room\Salle Empress, 225 Falconbridge Road\225, chemin Falconbridge, Sudbury, Ontario P3A 5K4

Friday, May 31, 2013 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. vendredi 31 mai 2013 09 h 30

Barrie

Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Centre Ballroom Hôtel Holiday Inn et Salle de bal du Centre de conférence 20 Fairview Rd, Barrie, Ontario L4N 4P3

Friday, May 31, 2013 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. vendredi 31 mai 2013 09 h 30

Barrie WebEx (Offered in English only\offerte en anglais seulement)

When registering on-line, email confirmation contains instructions for joining the WebEx teleconference.

Monday, June 3, 2013 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. lundi 3 juin 2013 13 h 30

London

Four Points Sheraton\Hôtel Four Points Sheraton - Bristol A\Salle Bristol A, 1150 Wellington Road South, London, Ontario N6E 1M3

Monday, June 3, 2013 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. lundi 3 juin 2013 19 h

London

Four Points Sheraton\Hôtel Four Points Sheraton - Bristol A\Salle Bristol A, 1150 Wellington Road South, London, Ontario N6E 1M3

Tuesday, June 4, 2013 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. mardi 4 juin 2013 13 h 30

on gistrati e R Guelph ll Now Fu

Holiday Inn Guelph\Hôtel Holiday Inn - Oakwood Ballroom B\Salle de bal Oakwood B, 601 Scottsdale Drive, Guelph, Ontario N1G 3E7

Tuesday, June 4, 2013 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. mardi 4 juin 2013 13 h 30

Guelph WebEx (Offered in English only\offerte en anglais seulement)

When registering on-line, email confirmation contains instructions for joining the WebEx teleconference.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. mardi 4 juin 2013 19 h

Guelph

Holiday Inn Guelph\Hôtel Holiday Inn - Oakwood Ballroom B\Salle de bal Oakwood B, 601 Scottsdale Drive, Guelph, Ontario N1G 3E7

Wednesday, June 5, 2013 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. mercredi 5 juin 2013 13 h 30

Kemptville

Kemptville College\Collège Kemptville – W.B. George Gymnasium\Gymnase W.B. George, 830 Prescott Street\830, rue Prescott, Kemptville, Ontario K0G 1J0

Thursday, June 6, 2013 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. jeudi 6 juin 2013 09 h 30

Trenton

Ramada Inn\Hôtel Ramada Inn – Harvest Ballroom\Salle de bal Harvest, 99 Glen Miller Road, Trenton, Ontario K8V 5P8

Friday, June 7, 2013 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. vendredi 7 juin 2013 09 h 30

Alfred (offerte en français seulement\ offered in French only)

Collège Alfred\Alfred College, J.A. Demers - Salle\Room 224 31, rue St. Paul\31 Saint Paul St., Alfred Ontario K0B 1A0

Friday, June 7, 2013 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. vendredi 7 juin 2013 09 h 30

Alfred WebEx (offerte en français seulement\ offered in French only)

Upon registering on-line, email confirmation contains instructions for joining the WebEx teleconference.

Lors de votre inscription en ligne, le courriel de confirmation aura les instructions pour assister à la téléconférence WebEx.

Register online at www.ontariosoilcrop.org or contact OSCIA at 1-800-265-9751

PAGE 28 –– JUNE 2013 THE GROWER

Grapes worth celebrating PURE PROTECTION LEADS TO PURE PERFECTION

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