NOVEMBER 2016 CELEBRATING 137 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION THEGROWER.ORG

PARTNERSHIPS Apple growers learn to love terroir and tourists

Why are these apple growers working with a grape press? Greg (foreground) and his brother Liam are partners with father John Ardiel in Georgian Hills Vineyards near The Blue Mountains, Ontario. The Georgian Bay area is apple country, in fact the largest apple-growing region in Ontario. But it’s also a second home to thousands of skiers in winter and cottagers in summer. Their venture into grapes – which have no history in the area – is a calculated business move to take advantage of terroir and tourists. Photos by Glenn Lowson.

KAREN DAVIDSON marketer and promoter of wines experiment in grape growing. with a new reality of year-round INSIDE in New Zealand and Canada, First, the Grey Roots Museum tourism that’s flowed from the John Ardiel has been growing Robert Ketchin, was so has archives chronicling the Blue Mountain Resort. Alberta potato growers mark apples for 40 years, so when his convincing of the possibilities of successful harvest of tomatoes The table was set for the 50th anniversary pg 6 wife suggested branching out to the Georgian Bay area, that and tender fruit from a century venture which has evolved with a hobby, she never imagined a Ardiel became a partner. What ago. Secondly, longtime apple the wine-making expertise of a Electricity prices vineyard and winery. What was appears to be a wild gamble farmers are well acquainted Niagara grape grower, Murray examined pg 8 he thinking to plant 18 acres of dating back to 2010 is now well with the microclimate that Puddicombe. Until this year, grapes, adding Marechal Foch along in its business plan. moderates temperatures he was a grape and wine partner Focus: Seed and grapes to his vocabulary of “It’s uncanny but we’re just throughout the year. And most who provided expertise on rootstock pg 12 McIntosh apples? $200 off our target this year,” importantly, the famed Niagara planting, pruning and harvest- “A stranger drove into my says Ardiel. “We plan to break escarpment runs through the ing while his daughter Lindsay yard and asked if I had ever even in 2018.” valley, its limestone soil Puddicombe continues as head considered a trial block of A few agronomic facts make providing a good base for winemaker. grapes,” recalls Ardiel. A this area worthy of an grapes. These facts intersect Continued on page 3

Volume 66 Number 11 P.M. 40012319 $3.00 CDN PAGE 2 –– NOVEMBER 2016 THE GROWER AT PRESS TIME… NEWSMAKERS

Ontario premier listens The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) to horticulture’s has named Alison Robertson as its concerns new executive director, effective October 17. “The OFVGA is On October 11, the Vineland active on a number of files Research and Innovation ranging from energy to labour to Centre hosted Ontario’s nutrition,” said Jason Verkaik, premier Kathleen Wynne for a chair of the board of directors. facility tour and roundtable. “We believe that Alison Vineland’s CEO, Dr. Jim Robertson, with her previous 11 Brandle chaired the roundtable years of service to the association, will move with confidence and which included the following Alison Robertson representatives: Ontario Fruit clarity on these issues while and Vegetable Growers’ providing leadership to our staff.” Association (Jason Verkaik, Jan Pictured (L-R) Jim Bradley, MPP St. Catharines: Dr. Jim Brandle, Most recently, she’s been executive director of the Agri-Food VanderHout, George Gilvesy), Vineland’s CEO; Hon. Kathleen Wynne, Ontario premier; Jan VanderHout, Management Institute and also serves as chair of the board of Grape Growers of Ontario, vice-chair, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association. directors of the Ontario Food Terminal. (Debbie Zimmerman) Flowers Canada Ontario; The Ontario BC Tree Fruits, based in Kelowna, has terminated the contract of Greenhouse Alliance; the Wine yet not have access to enough member associations are CEO Alan Tyabji. He has held the position since November Council of Ontario and Ontario water when needed.” providing the fruit and 2012, leading the 500 family-farm members of the cooperative. Produce Marketing Association The grape sector brought vegetables to be used for The (Virgina Zimm) and others. forward its issues of narrow Royal’s High School Chef Vineland Research and Innovation Centre has appointed three In the premier’s opening margins on wine products and Competition and the Girl new directors to its board: Karen Belaire, president and CEO, remarks, she reassured the the need to look at taxation Guides’ cooking badge event.” Shared Services West; Christy McMullen, store manager, industry that natural gas would issues. If you’re attending the Summerhill Market; Ray Price, president, Sunterra Group of still remain a vital component of As this was the premier’s first Royal, here’s who to expect in Companies. They join: Paul-Andre Bosc, president of Chateau Ontario’s energy mix, while visit to Vineland, it was a the booth space: des Charmes; Dr. Jim Brandle, CEO, Vineland; Greg Devries, outlining the province’s future chance to showcase president of Truly Green and Cedarline Greenhouses; Rory direction for cap-and-trade. The horticulture’s innovation and to Nov 4 -- Apple Marketers’ Francis, executive director of Prince Edward Island BioAlliance; greenhouse industry, highly explore both threats and Association of Ontario Dr. Warren Jestin, former chief economist at Scotiabank; Marilyn energy-dependent, voiced opportunities for future Nov 5-6 – Ontario Apple Knox, president of Trillium Health Partners Institute for Better concerns about its ability to sustainability. Growers Health; William Stensson, CEO, Sheridan Nurseries; Phil transition to a cap-and-trade Nov 7-8 – OFVGA Tregunno, owner of Tregunno Fruit Farms; Allan Visser, environment. Royal time is here Nov 9 – Ontario Potato Board president of Visco Holdings Limited. Another horticultural concern Nov 10 – Vineland Growers is access to water in a timely The Ontario Fruit and Cooperative/Cold Snap pears The Sunset brand of greenhouse way. Vegetable Growers’ Association Nov 11-12 – Ontario vegetables continued its winning ways “After a summer of drought, (OFVGA) is coordinating a Greenhouse Vegetable Growers with two awards at the Produce it became obvious that the booth for the duration of the Nov 13 – Fresh from the Farm Marketing Association (PMA) event Oct infrastructure to access water for Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, – healthy school fundraising to 14-16 in Orlando, Florida. The Dill It crops, particularly in the November 4-13. “We will be more than 4,000 Ontario schools Yourself Pickle Kit, a convenient at-home Niagara region, needs to be back in the Love of Food For more information, go to: pickling experience with greenhouse- upgraded,” said Brandle. “It’s a Pavilion booth #1023,” says Dan www.royalfair.org/foodlifestyle. grown cucumbers, won the PMA Impact conundrum to be within a Tukendorf, OFVGA program html Award as well as a Best of Show award for stone’s throw of Lake Ontario manager. “OFVGA and Best Product Promo. The PMA Impact award is based on marketing, food safety, supply chain efficien- cy/functionality, sustainability, and consumer convenience. “The beauty is its simplicity,” said CEO Paul Mastronardi, Kingsville, Ontario.

Key players in Ontario’s agri-food sector have joined the new 2016/2017 board of directors of the newly branded AgScape, formerly Ontario Agri-Food Education Inc. New chair is Keith Currie, farmer and vice-president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. Vice-chair is Audrie Bouwmeester, currently dairy education program manager with Dairy Farmers of Ontario. Treasurer is Carolyn Hill, financial administrator of Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg & Chick Commission. Past chair is Lorie Jocius who has served for four years. Two advisers are Catherine Mahler, Ministry of Education and Helen Scutt, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Community seats on the board are held by Heather Blackwell, Western Fair District, Deb Campbell, Agronomy Advantage and Natalie Walt, Ceres Global Ag Corporation. Five additional corporate seats are filled by Kathryn Doan, AgCareers.com, Peter Hohenadel, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Mark Kerry, Monsanto Canada Inc., Jennifer Peart, Farm Credit Canada and Meaghan Ryersee, Syngenta Canada Inc. Colleen Smith serves as executive director of AgScape which is celebrating 25 years of delivering education programming about food, farming and agriculture in Ontario.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement to Marilyn Sewell, marketing analyst with the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission, who retired October 31. She has been responsible for apples, greenhouse vegetables and potatoes.

Becky Hughes, manager Superior Plant Upgrading and Distribution (SPUD) Unit, New Liskeard, Ontario, retires on November 30 after 32 years in this role. For more on her contributions, see page 14. NOVEMBER 2016 –– PAGE 3 THE GROWER COVER STORY Apple growers learn to love terroir and tourists

Assistant winemaker Vanessa McKeen supervises the transfer of a Seyval Blanc grape must into the press to make juice.

It’s very expensive to grow grapes here,“ but it’s the proximity to a year-round tourism area that allows us to do this. “ ~ JOHN ARDIEL A lineup of Georgian Hill wines also includes new canned products such as Big John hop cider and Ardiel Cider House dry cider. Marketing partner Robert Ketchin is banking on a continued consumer love affair with local ciders.

Continued from page 1 shaky ground. Prince Edward County growers do,” says farmland is under development pressure, “It’s very expensive to grow grapes Ardiel. with many properties sold for weekend “For us, the biggest challenge has here, but it’s the proximity to a year- These vagaries in vineyard practices homes. For farmers, the dilemma is to been adopting the horticultural practices round tourism area that allows us to do are background to the winemaking and earn enough income to maintain and of grapes,” says Ardiel. “One of the this,” says Ardiel. “We have a captive marketing. The charms of a local expand current farms. Value-added oddities is understanding the difference audience as one of three wineries in the vineyard and tasting room aren’t lost on enterprises, such as Georgian Hills between apples and grapes. Apples set area. We’re able to buy grapes from two Philly Markowitz, economic develop- vineyard, demonstrate how the balance their buds in the summer before harvest, other local growers to supplement our ment officer (local food) for Grey can be achieved between commodity whereas grapes are pruned back to a harvest. That said, we have found that County. She has a mandate to promote apples and branded spirits. skeleton in the spring and it’s the new wine purchasers are very knowledgeable Georgian Hills wine as part of its Saints As the 2016 harvest of grapes is shoots that produce flowers and the and we can’t dupe them. Good grapes go & Sinners Trail, a map that identifies 17 crushed, the marketing plans are already fruit.” into making good wine.” beer, wine and cider producers across baked for 2017. Local cideries are taking He also points out that managing crop Ketchin’s marketing expertise has three counties. off and Georgian Hills will be part of load in wine grapes to achieve proper been invaluable in making inroads with “We are marketing all of these assets that growth with a new canned product: sugar levels is totally different from the Liquor Control Board of Ontario – vineyards, apple cider producers and Big John hop cider. The Baked Apple apples. Adjusting to the weather patterns (LCBO) which retails Georgian Hills several breweries – under one initiative,” Frozen to the Core product is just one each year is challenge enough with wines in area stores as well as three says Markowitz. “In 2016, we added a more example in their inventive lineup. apples, but it’s a different mindset to downtown Toronto locations. Local Growler Passport program by which “Cider will be a big push for next manage grapes in the daily schedule. restaurants also support the brand, tourists could buy a 1.89 litre jug and year,” says Ardiel. “Six years ago, cider Sons Greg and Liam are very involved linking locally-grown produce with have it filled with beer or cider at each of was not a big thing but our own business in the day-to-day management. “The locally-vinted wines. 12 participating stops.” plan has fortunately been parallel to the biggest challenges would be time in an Some comparisons with Ontario’s The season’s statistics haven’t been craft movement which is growing already busy schedule,” says Greg Prince Edward County are obvious such tabulated yet, but anecdotal response exponentially.” Ardiel, “but these challenges are as the limestone terroir. Whereas from the trail’s participants signal an In their own circular way, Georgian outweighed by the opportunity of growth growers in Prince Edward County face increase in traffic compared to a year Hills’ new products are paying respect in our vineyards and winery.” Lake Ontario and hill their vines in ago. The cluster of stops is a lure for towards the area’s apple history dating If the Ardiel family didn’t have 300 winter, the Ardiel family counts on using tourists exploring the farmland outside of back to 1846. Hard cider? Old-fashioned acres of high-density and conventional the four feet of snow blowing off the nearby towns of Collingwood and is on trend. apple orchards as their mainstay, the Georgian Bay to protect their vines. Thornbury. grape enterprise would be on “We don’t bury the vines in earth like Markowitz points out that local OUR EXPERTS ARE HERE TO HELP!

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Paul Banks Laura Leah Erickson Rob Hovius Marc André Jim Robinson Henry Zomer F: 1-800-272-5560 (ON/NS) Caralampides (QC) (BC/AB) (ON/PEI/NB) Laberge (QC) (ON/MB) (ON/MB/SK) 905-688-4300 514-984-0662 604-957-2359 519-580-3231 514-984-4589 905-715-8595 905-308-4396 www.StokeSeeds.com PAGE 4 –– NOVEMBER 2016 THE GROWER CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST BRITISH COLUMBIA Advice for fall planting of apple trees

Fall is a good time to take a for digging. the label rate and soil firmly breath, look forward and get a Hardier varieties of apples do boot-packed around the roots. jump on the busy spring work- well in the fall and more tender The more trees planted in the load says Nick Ibuki, operations varieties, such as the Prunus fall, the less work there is come manager, Summerland Varieties species (cherries, peaches, spring. Corporation. In a recent plums, etc), should be left until Summerland Varieties newsletter from the BC Fruit spring. Typically, planting in Corporation will be showcasing Growers’ Association, he advises the Okanagan can take place some exciting new selections waiting until the first of until the ground starts to freeze. for the very first time, until November to assess home Depending on the year, December 2. Plan a visit nursery trees to see if the leaves there may be a two-week Monday through Friday, by are starting to change colour window to plant. Trees should emailing Nick Ibuki at Sunrise and drop. If so, they are ready be watered in with 10-52-10 at [email protected].

NEW BRUNSWICK Wild blueberries could be on the menu in China Canadian premiers are October 21 news release, merchants to sell more goods to chalking up air miles to Beijing JD.com works with 100,000 the Chinese marketplace. and Shanghai as the trading suppliers and has 188 million David Hoffman, co-CEO of environment brightens after return customers. JD Fresh and Oxford Frozen Foods, is excited Prime Minister Trudeau’s visit JD Worldwide divisions about future prospects for to the Middle Kingdom earlier expressed interest in selling frozen wild blueberries, with this fall. New Brunswick’s Brian New Brunswick products to three expressions of interest Gallant is the latest premier to Chinese consumers. Alibaba, from prospective clients. Oxford lead a business delegation in the world’s largest e-commerce Frozen Foods is the world’s mid-October. Importantly, he retailer, has a website connect- largest grower and supplier of led meetings with executives ing Chinese manufacturers with wild blueberries. It also owns from China’s leading overseas buyers, and has 80 per the Acadian Wild Blueberry supermarket chain, China cent of the e-commerce market Company which recently Resources Vanguard which has in China. During Prime opened a state-of-the-art 4,400 stores nation-wide. They Minister Trudeau’s visit to processing facility in northern also met with representatives of China, he and Alibaba founder New Brunswick. two major e-commerce portals: Jack Ma announced the launch New Brunswick’s Economic Alibaba and JD.com. of a new online storefront that Growth Plan has identified wild According to the premier’s would allow Canadian blueberries as a key opportunity.

QUEBEC Fireblight menaces apple orchards in the Laurentians

North of Montreal, apple cut back. growers had a tough summer Many growers are not fighting the bacterial infection insured so that’s why the known as fireblight. Quebec’s Quebec Apple Producers are Minister of Agriculture, asking for emergency financial Fisheries and Food, Pierre aid. Talks are underway with Paradis, ordered inspections of federal agriculture minister all area orchards as growers Lawrence MacAulay for relief struggled to keep up with compensation under the pruning infected branches. AgriRecovery program. Apple While the quality of this growers have noted that $2.69 year’s harvest will be unaffect- million was advanced to Nova ed, growers worry about the Scotia producers in the wake of health of their orchards in the fireblight infection brought to future. Newly planted trees the Annapolis Valley after probably won’t survive and Hurricane Arthur landed in older trees have been severely 2014. NOVEMBER 2016 –– PAGE 5 THE GROWER INTERNATIONAL

FLORIDA UNITED STATES CHINA INDIA Robotics hold promise in strawberry fields Stemilt to introduce ChemChina is buying Inferior apples due to Rave apples Adama old orchards

Mergers and acquisitions At a National Apple Festival Stemilt Growers, well- continue in the world of in Dehradun, farmers learned known fruit growers based in agricultural pesticides as big that more than 60 per cent of Washington State, hold the companies get bigger. Adama India’s orchards need to be license to grow, pack and Agricultural Solutions, formerly replaced. The Apple Growers’ market the next big thing in known as Makhteshim Agan Association of India estimates Naturipe Berry Growers has joined an impressive list of U.S. apples: Rave. The name has Industries Ltd., is an Israeli almost 400,000 hectares out of berry investors to support development of Harvest CROO been announced by the manufacturer and distributor of 650,000 hectares are redundant. Robotics. More than 20 per cent of the American berry industry University of Minnestoa for branded off-patent crop Many orchards are more than has invested in the technology which enters a new phase in their numbered MN55 variety, protection products including 50 years old. November. a cross between Honeycrisp herbicides, insecticides and Government incentives for Improvements include harvest speed and the development of and MonArk. fungicides. It is being merged replanting are considered too an autonomous mobile platform that will carry the robotic pickers Stemilt’s marketing director into a Chinese company for low to uproot trees. Growers through the field. After strawberries are picked, they will be expects small volumes of Rave eventual purchase by don’t have enough money to transferred overhead to the platform level for inspecting and apples in summer of 2017, ChemChina. survive until new trees start packing into consumer units by delta robots. anticipating the new variety The deal is expected to be fruiting in their third year. “We were at commercial speed, last March, at a rate of eight will reinvent the month of completed by June 2017. This year’s domestic crop has seconds to pick a plant,” says Bob Pitzer, cofounder and chief August for the apple category. Adama's management, fallen severely from 120 to 150 technology officer of Harvest CROO. “Now, by using embedded He says the apple has similar headed by Chen Lichtenstein, million boxes (20 kg/box) to processors and a streamlined picking head design, we expect to qualities to the Honeycrisp but will continue leading the 100 to 130 million boxes. easily cut that time in half.” inherits MonArk’s ability to merged company which will Erratic weather is also blamed Harvest CROO is seeking to raise $3 million to build the next ripen early, colour well and become the world's only global for the decrease. version, the Alpha unit, which will be a predecessor to a maintain a crisp, juicy texture Chinese agrochemical production model. throughout the summer heat. company. Source: The Times of India

Source: Harvest Croo Robotics news release Source: FreshPlaza.com Source: FreshPlaza.com PAGE 6 –– NOVEMBER 2016 THE GROWER POTATO GROWERS OF ALBERTA 50TH ANNIVERSARY Big machinery, bigger future for Alberta potato growers

This is one of two binning sites at Triple M Farms near Taber, Alberta. The 2016 potato harvest is underway at Boston Farms, Coaldale.

the swath, part of their 7,000 holds promise. It requires fewer gain traction with consumers. industry is that we’re a bunch of KAREN DAVIDSON acres of rotation crops. inputs, needing only about 70 Taste is paramount. tight-knit growers. Information Sunnycrest Seed Potatoes per cent of the normal amount “For our farm, the challenge flows freely.” When about 500 growers and Inc. has been growing seed of nitrogen. is keeping up exports to the That’s heartening news for associates gather for the 50th potatoes since 2000, drawn to “No variety is ever perfect United States,” says Ekkel. Ed Vandenberg, chair of the anniversary celebrations of growth opportunities when under so many weather “About 60 to 65 per cent of our Potato Growers of Alberta. He Potato Growers of Alberta on Lamb Weston built a $130 conditions,” says Ekkel. “Some seed potatoes go there.” farms tablestock and processing Nov 21-23 in Banff, Alberta, million plant in Taber in 1999 will set well one year, and then Potato cyst nematode closed potatoes near Enchant under their main question will run followed by a $94 million not another under too much the border for a number of the name of Sun Vista Farms something like this: How did McCain Foods plant near heat or too much rain.” years, but that issue has been Ltd. As a first-generation potato you make out with the harvest? Coaldale in 2000. Those two The challenge for the future, resolved and Sunnycrest Seed farmer, he got into the business In seed potato country, Jeff plants spawned a new chapter says Ekkel, is predicting what Potatoes are back up to 500 when the new plants put down Ekkel, his father and siblings, in Alberta’s potato industry. the market will look like in five acres. roots in southern Alberta. from Lacombe were dealing Not much has changed for years. At present, Alberta has Mark Miyanaga, Triple M “The potato varieties are with snow to get the final French fry potato varieties – 10,000 acres in seed production. Farms, is similarly optimistic dictated by our customers,” says harvest in the bin. With 500 Russet Burbank is still the The white-fleshed potato has about the future of his farm Vandenberg. “McDonalds has a acres of seed potatoes safely standby. But Ekkel says a reigned supreme for many near Taber. He contracts 1,800 major influence on which stored in late October, they newer variety out of the Pacific years, but the European acres of potatoes to three varieties we grow from the were still coping with canola in Northwest breeding program yellow-fleshed potatoes may processors: Cavendish in perspective of storability, colour Lethbridge, McCain Canada in and specific gravity.” Coaldale and Lamb-Weston in The challenge in the future The ‘AQUA Wetland System’ Taber. His grandfather started is to grow in an environmentally the business which switched sustainable way. The Alberta “A new breed of constructed wetland” into processing potatoes in the industry has been progressive late 1950s. from a food safety perspective, AQUA Treatment Technologies Inc. designs and installs the ‘AQUA Wetland System’ (AWS) for tertiary For him, the biggest change but now the challenge is to use treatment of many types of waste water including sanitary sewage, landfill leachate, dairy farm & abattoir has been in technology. GPS- even fewer inputs than is wastewater, greenhouse irrigation leachate water & mushroom farm leachate water (i.e. manure pile directed tractors and irrigation already the case. leachate) and high strength winery washwater. equipment that’s controlled by From Vandenberg’s smartphones make it possible to perspective, the future will be The ‘AQUA Wetland System’ is operated out of farm large acreages. The size of growth in processing potatoes. doors and can achieve year-round tertiary treat- machinery has evolved from There are 40,000 acres at ment of wastewater. This sub-surface, vertical flow two-row harvesters to some that present. constructed wetland consists of sand & gravel beds are self-propelled. “The advantage we have is planted with moisture tolerant plant species. Water “In 1986, I can remember my access to irrigated land in is pumped vertically from cell to cell. There is no uncle running a harvest crew southern Alberta,” says open or standing water. Treatment occurs through and thinking that 50 loads was a Vandenberg. The industry is physical filtration & biological degradation. Plants good day,” recalls Miyanaga. well positioned. His own shade & insulate the cells, cycling nutrients while “Today, we’re doing 180 to 190 one-in-four rotation consists of preventing algae growth. There is no production of loads per day.” potatoes, followed by hybrid sludge. Going forward, the biggest canola, dry beans and finally challenge is the uncertainty of wheat, but he says some farms The AWS has been approved for use by the Ontario Ministry of Environment through over 40 Environmental Alberta’s provincial government have longer rotations. Compliance Approvals. Recently the Region of Niagara began approving the AWS for treatment of ‘small in terms of labour regulations In the latest Potato Growers flow’ winery washwater I.e. < 10,000 liters per day. Other agencies who have issued approvals include and carbon taxes. “We’ll see of Alberta newsletter Terence Health Canada, USEPA and OMAFRA. Recent projects include: how that goes January 1,” says Hochstein, executive director, 1) treatment & re-use of greenhouse irrigation leach water at Miyanaga. “Farmers may be says that most seed growers had greenhouses in Niagara & Haldimand 2) treatment of winery wastewater at Greenlane Estates Winery exempt from carbon taxes but a excellent quality and yields in & numerous other in Niagara fuel tax will still impact 2016. However russet growers in 3) treatment of landfill leachate at sites in Pembroke, Niagara suppliers and shipping. And a southern Alberta fared about and Alabama $1 per gigajoule increase in average: “The russet crop in natural gas will affect urea many cases experienced some For additional information please production.” early dying or in some cases, contact Lloyd Rozema at 905-327-4571 “I’m optimistic about the just plain ran out of groceries.” future,” says Miyanaga. “One of or email [email protected] the strengths of the Alberta Continued on next page NOVEMBER 2016 –– PAGE 7 THE GROWER POTATO GROWERS OF ALBERTA 50TH ANNIVERSARY Big machinery, bigger future for Alberta potato growers

The old and the new. At left, this seeder has a place of honour outside the offices of the Potato Growers of Alberta in Taber. Meanwhile, Wade Oshust shares a photo of his spring planting at West Edmonton Seed Potatoes, April, 2015.

Continued from last page areas that have grown potatoes for many years, even Starting January 2016 funds from Potato Growers of areas that are on a four- or five-year rotation. Along Alberta, McCain Foods, ConAgra Lamb Weston and If there’s one research challenge ahead it’s “early die” with Phtophthora infestans – late blight – Verticillium Cavendish Farms established a chair in potato science. or verticillium wilt. “This disease is something that has Dahliae continue to be the two most common disease Dr. Dmytro Yevtushenko is now in that position. kept our research community and chemical companies pressures facing our industry across the country.” Research under local conditions has always proven to at bay for many years,” he writes. “Short rotations have Fortunately, research capacity in Alberta’s potato be a winner. Expect to hear more from the Potato often been thought to be a contributing factor to this industry has been significantly boosted with a $1 Growers of Alberta in the years to come. disease, but it is becoming more and more prevalent in million investment in the University of Lethbridge.

Discover the many paths to innovation at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.

The 2016-2017 Innovation Report is now available. Check out vinelandresearch.com/publications/innovation-reports

905.562.0320 [email protected]

4890 Victoria Avenue North, Box 4000, Vineland Station, ON L0R 2E0 PAGE 8 –– NOVEMBER 2016 THE GROWER Electricity: the true cost

application. Wind turbines are constant as off-peak. If you pay in real time while the small- farm is located. also installed under contract and want to see a graph of this go to er electricity users will have it the rates are between 11 and this web site www.ontario- added to their rate in May or Debt reduction is an extra fee 13.5 cents. It is important to hydro.com/current-rates and see November. collected to pay down the debt understand that this is the price more information. acquired from building the for the actual energy and not Delivery is another part of your nuclear power plants etc. some the delivered price to the point Global Adjustment: Time of bill which varies depending on years ago. It amounts to about 1 of use. This is the Energy Price. use meter prices and some other your location in the province as cent per kWh. Residential cus- types of meters are based on the well as the profile of your load. tomers do not pay this anymore Energy Price: The price we all average HOEP plus the Global If you have high demand for a and it will be eliminated from pay for electricity (the energy Adjustment which will add up short time each month your business bills after March 31st portion) on our bills is the to the similar 11 cents per kWh. price can be very high. On our 2018, so there is some good average of the HOEP (Hourly If Hydro One is not making farm we have one meter which news in this column after all. JAN VANDERHOUT Ontario Electricity Price) for the enough money the Ontario has a fairly variable load and VICE-CHAIR, OFVGA billing month. If this is Energy Board will authorize an although it is not extreme some Regulatory Charges according to separated on your bill you will increase by adding to the rate. months we pay as much as 30 the Hydro One website “helps see that it is around 2 cents per The rate can be changed every cents a kWh for delivery alone. maintain Ontario’s electricity Controversy around the kWh. If you have a time of use May and November. Global I am also aware of as much as 4 system so we’re able to get your electricity file is not new, but meter you are charged different Adjustment is basically the cents per kWh delivery differ- home or business the reliable, there has certainly been many rates for different periods of the utility’s balancing system for ence between Leamington and affordable electricity you need.” issues in the news lately that are day and this includes global cost of generation and Hamilton. This seems to me Let’s hope this means raising everyone’s awareness of adjustment but the price you purchasing and sales of like they are rewarding those increasingly dependable service. the issues around electricity pay for the actual electrical electricity in the province when who live close to the point of pricing. A big push towards energy is still about two cents. it is different from the commod- generation or whose local lines To sum up the true cost of renewables began about seven Currently time of use rates are ity price as electricity is traded are more optimally configured electricity I want to say that it is years ago when the micro-FIT 8.7 cents for off peak, 13.2 cents with neighbouring provinces and utilized. This would not be a very complex calculation program was initiated and 20- for mid peak, and 18 cents for and states. Generally speaking, an issue if there was not so involving meter types, size of year contracts were awarded for on-peak rate. This should work as the price of electricity goes much 13 cent electricity service, load, and use pattern 10 kW solar-generating projects out to 11 cents per kWh for the down the Global Adjustment generated in the Essex area which seems to have metamor- with a contract payment of 80.2 average household. If the load goes up ensuring the profitabili- which we subsidized through phosed over the years into what cents per kWh. Some larger can be diverted to off peak ty of the utility provider. Global Adjustment only so the I consider a confusing billing contracts were also offered hours you can save a little. If Global Adjustment allows the local consumer could save on system. We have four meter under the Feed In Tariff (FIT) you find that simple you should utility to cover the cost of delivery. Maybe this is a bit of a sites associated with our farm program. Some time later, as the know that from May through renewable generation, specifi- payoff for having all those wind with each having a different rate cost of systems declined, the October on-peak time is 11:00 cally wind and solar, allowing turbines in their area. I structure. Each customer must contract offering was also am till 5 :00 pm, mid peak time them to pay the 54 or 80 cents sincerely hope that the utility is work out for themselves what reduced to about 54 cents per is 7:00 am till 11:00 am as well to the contracts mentioned using the extra revenue in the their true cost is. This of course kWh. More recent contracts for as 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. From earlier. For larger meters the more populated areas to build begs the question “What do I solar generation are in the mid November through April these Global Adjustment is changed better, newer and higher do now?” That is another story 20-cent range with a bidding periods are exchanged with 7:00 monthly so those of us who capacity infrastructure in areas for another time. component attached to the pm to 7:00 am remaining have this type of meter get to like Flamborough where our

Somewhere over the horizon, there has to be a simpler way to understand electricity pricing. Photo by Glenn Lowson.

STAFF OFFICE ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ OFVGA SECTION CHAIRS Publisher: Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association 355 Elmira Road North, Unit 105 ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2016 Editor: Karen Davidson, 416-557-6413, [email protected] Guelph, Ontario N1K 1S5 CANADA Crop Protection Charles Stevens, Newcastle Production: Carlie Melara, ext. 221, [email protected] MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Tel. 519-763-8728 • Fax 519-763-6604 Chair Jason Verkaik, Bradford Research Harold Schooley, Simcoe Advertising: 519-763-8728 x 218, [email protected] The Grower is printed 12 times a year and sent to all Vice-Chair Jan Vander Hout, Waterdown Property Brian Gilroy, Meaford members of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Fruit Director Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin Labour Ken Forth, Lynden The Grower reserves the right to refuse any advertising. Any Association who have paid $30.00 (plus G.S.T.) per year for Veg Director Mac James, Leamington Safety Nets Mark Wales, Alymer Director John Thwaites, Niagara-on-the-Lake errors that are the direct result of The Grower will be compen- the paper through their commodity group or container fees. CHC Adrian Huisman, St. Catharines sated at our discretion with a correction notice in the next issue. Others may subscribe as follows by writing to the office: BOARD OF DIRECTORS No compensation will be given after the first running of the ad. Apples Charles Stevens, Newcastle Client signature is required before insertion. $30.00 (+ HST) /year in Canada Fresh Vegetable - Other Kenny Forth, Lynden The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association is the sole $40.00/year International Tender Fruit John Thwaites, Niagara-on-the-Lake owner of The Grower. All editorials and opinions expressed in Subscribers must submit a claim for missing issues within ON Asparagus Grws’. Mkg. Brd. Mike Chromczak, Brownsville The Grower are those of the newspaper’s editorial staff and/or GGO/Fresh Grape Growers Bill George Jr., Beamsville four months. If the issue is claimed within four months, but Fresh Vegetable - Muck Jason Verkaik, Bradford contributor, and do not necessarily reflect the view of the associa- not available, The Grower will extend the subscription by tion. ON. Potato Board Mac James, Leamington one month. No refunds on subscriptions. Small Fruit/Berries Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may ON. Ginseng Growers’ Remi Van De Slyke, Straffordville not be reproduced either whole or in part without the prior Greenhouse Jan Vander Hout, Waterdown written consent of the publisher. P.M. 40012319 Greenhouse George Gilvesy, Tillsonburg NOVEMBER 2016 –– PAGE 9 THE GROWER

PERSPECTIVE

Planting the seeds of free expression present local products, if for no Cuba’s favourable climate, the reason other than consumer produce industry, however demand. But I also recognize primitive, has developed. availability and cost (true to the There has also been little company’s name) factor in to money for inputs. So, many consumer response. farmers did without. And in The experience, however doing so, they backed into small, added another dimension Cuba’s version of organic to my thoughts about Cuba, a production. Many wear it as a relatively nearby country that’s badge now, and you’ll hear also capable of producing dreamy tales of Cuba being an appreciable fruit and vegetables. organic agriculture mecca. Cuba still has a ways to go before it starts flexing its muscles in our I’m tempted to say Cuba’s But from what I could tell, produce aisles. OWEN ROBERTS on the verge of being a it’s not by choice. Many farmers U OF GUELPH meaningful source of produce, crave modern technology, and independent newspapers have tists than for farmers. given its proximity to the U.S. the main reason they don’t have operated since Fidel Castro To me, this is limiting. Cuban and Canada, and the liberalized it is because they can’t afford it. took control of the country. farmers would certainly benefit Homemade soup was on the trade talks between it and the Our group, representing some of Reporters Without Borders from greater accessibility to menu after Thanksgiving week- U.S. These talks might signal the biggest U.S. farm ranks Cuba 171st out of 180 information, let alone end, and we were desperate for the end of what Cubans call the publications, visiting Cuba for countries for press freedom. It technology. some carrots to add to it. So, at American trade blockade. the first time in 60 years, were doesn’t get much worse. Some government and agri- the Guelph Costco, we snagged But having travelled to Cuba repeatedly implored to write Yet it’s well established in the culture officials say agriculture, the first ones we found, not far earlier this fall on an agricultural stories that underlined how free world that an unbridled like the press, should remain from Martin’s apples, assuming press tour, it’s clear Cuba still much the country wanted the agricultural press is helpful to aligned with what they call the they were Ontario-grown. After has a ways to go before it starts blockade to end so farmers farmers, mobilizing and sharing socialistic state. And that’s fine. all, these carrots were clean, flexing its muscles in our could get access to credit, production knowledge, opinions But a freer flow of information well packaged and fresh produce aisles. technology and the U.S. market. and news. could still help improve looking. Not that farmers there don’t From my perch as president At Havana’s agricultural uni- production, regardless of the Later, though, reading the know how to grow fruit and of the International Federation versity, the Universidad Agraria state’s ideology. small print, it turns out they vegetables. They do, in part, of Agricultural Journalists, I was de la Habana, I was told farmers And based on the agriculture were from Guatemala. because their economy has been intrigued about the status of mainly get information from I saw there on an organic farm – And while I’m all for so wracked by the blockade and freedom of the press in Cuba, other farmers, and from regional hand-plowing with cattle, supporting farmers regardless of then later, the fall of the Soviet and whether it too was hubs throughout the country. primitive mechanization and where they till their soil, Union, from which they had becoming more liberalized. That information includes bits intensive manual labour -- naturally, my first allegiance is received so much support. Democratic societies and and pieces from the university’s farmers need help, if indeed to locally produced fruit and Livestock is expensive to raise free-press organizations roundly technical journal, Ciencoas Cuban carrots are ever going to vegetables. I assume Costco also and maintain, compared to fruit agree that Cubans do not have Technicas Agropecuarias, which join those from Guatemala on feels some duty to support and and vegetables. And given freedom of the press. No is written more for other scien- Costco shelves.

dumping slip does not validate certificate” is a federal inspec- needed to provide evidence that Jaime Bustamante is trading Dumping that the product dumped has no tion indicating the percentage the product has no commercial assistant manager with the Dispute commercial value. The shipper of condition defects in the value as well as the actual Resolution Corporation, Ottawa, was notified in a timely way of a product to be disposed of is disposition of the product. Ontario. product after problem with the mangoes on arrival and you secured a repacking repacking agreement without the need for a federal inspec- tion. So far, you have covered JAIME BUSTAMANTE your tracks. However, without an inspection, you have no The Dispute Resolution indication of the extent of the Corporation offers a question- damage of the product. When and-answer scenario as follows. disposing of more than five per If both the shipper and receiver cent of the product received, an agree that an inspection is not official certificate is required needed, do we still need to get demonstrating that the product an inspection when more than has no commercial value. 5% of the product is dumped? Section 9 of the DRC Trading Standards state: “Reasonable Q. We are an importer from cause for destroying or Vancouver. We recently disposing of any produce exists received 4000 cartons of when the commodity has no mangoes from Mexico in poor commercial value ... The term condition. We immediately “commercial value” means any emailed some pictures of the value that a commodity may load to the shipper and we have for any purpose that can agreed to have the mangoes be ascertained by the exercise repacked without obtaining a of due diligence without federal inspection. During the unreasonable expense or loss of re-packing we lost 1000 cartons. time. When produce is being After providing our repacking handled for or on behalf of accounting to the shipper they another person, proof as to the rejected our liquidation and quantities of produce destroyed claimed they needed proof the or discarded in excess of five lost cartons had no value. We per cent of the shipment shall have a dump slip indicating be provided by procuring an 1000 cartons were dumped. Is official certificate regarding the this enough to prove the actual disposition of the dumped mangoes had no value? discarded produce…” A. The answer is no. A In most cases the “official PAGE 10 –– NOVEMBER 2016 THE GROWER

microbes are also defending it blight. Doing the math, he from pathogens. estimates that 435 pounds of Lazarovits, also headlining compost saved $600 worth of the compost conference, pesticides on each acre. “So emphasizes compost as a what is the value of compost disease suppressant as well, here?” Lazarovits challenges. giving examples of high-value The Compost Council of crops around the world and at Canada will be offering courses what cost farmers are using for Ontario farmers on soil Taking a microscopic look chemical fumigation or health and microbes, including steaming to control soil-borne hands-on experience with at soil disease. He has demonstrated microscopes. It is being offered that the beneficial microbes with support from the discovered that the microbial residue to build organic matter, present in many types of Agricultural Adaptation Council MEL LUYMES communities between the farms work to sequester carbon, cycle compost are able to control and Growing Forward 2 were dramatically different. “In nutrients, and suppress diseases. disease, and more cost funding. Information will be When it comes to new Glenney’s corn field there were For a farmer, the best way to effectively. posted at www.compost.org in technology in horticulture, the more microbes but less understand this biology is under He cites a turf grass trial in early 2017. Stay tuned! biggest developments are diversity, as if they had reached a microscope, says Mike Dorian which 10 pounds of compost for actually very small; in fact, they a critical mass in order to create of Living Soil Solutions in every 1000 square feet replaced Mel Luymes is environmental are practically invisible. Soil a function for the plant,” he Alberta. Dorian took the stage the need for pesticides to coordinator, Farm & Food Care microbes are so tiny that it explains. at the Compost Council of control dollar spot and Pythium Ontario. would take more than a The project has now scaled Canada’s 26th annual thousand of them lined up in a up to more than 40 corn fields conference in Niagara Falls in row to stretch across the period across Southwestern Ontario. September and explained how at the end of this sentence. Just The team flies drones to get manure, compost and other COMING EVENTS 2016 a teaspoon of soil can contain maps and compares samples organic amendments are also billions of bacteria and metres between the highest and lowest important for feeding this Nov 1 Paper and Paperboard Packaging Environmental of fungal hyphae strands, and yielding areas of each field. “We invisible web of life. Council “How Green is your customer” seminar, they play an integral role in soil determine which species are Even with a $300 microscope Islington Golf Club, Toronto, ON health and plant growth. present, but what we really care at 400x magnification, farmers Nov 2-3 Ag 4.0 The Next Big Thing Summit + Innovation This microscopic world has about is what functions are can see the ratio of fungi to Tour, Meaford Hall, Meaford, ON been relatively unknown to us being amplified in that soil,” bacteria, and this ratio is but, in the last decades, genetic explains Lazarovits. “We ask important for plant growth. Nov 4-13 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Enercare Centre, sequencing has opened up a how many nitrogen-fixing genes “Bacterial-dominated soils are Toronto, ON new frontier of exploration. are present or how many weedy,” says Dorian; whereas, DNA barcoding can identify phosphate-solubilizing genes, fungi thrive in soils with higher Nov 11 Ontario Produce Marketing Association Gala nearly every species in a soil for example.” carbon and less disturbance. Dinner and Awards Ceremony, Universal Event sample, and now researchers are Research is revealing the Fungi can drastically increase Space, Vaughan, ON getting a better understanding complexity of interactions plant growth by acting as an of which microbes are doing within this invisible ecosystem. extension of the roots, finding Nov 17 Atlantic Soils – Digging into Soil Health what. Lazarovits points to a Japanese nutrients and moisture. Conference, Moncton, NB Dr. George Lazarovits, study, which determined that Dorian emphasizes the Nov 18 Prince Edward Island Potato Board Annual General research director at A&L millet inhibits the ability of importance of the whole soil Meeting, Delta Prince Edward, Charlottetown, PE Biologicals, is doing just that. A bacteria to convert ammonium food web: bacteria, fungi, few years ago, his team com- to nitrate. His own research at protozoa, and nematodes, as Nov 21 Ontario Food Tourism Summit, Ottawa, ON pared two management systems Glenney’s farm found a cover well as the beetles and earth- near Dunnville, Ontario. Dean crop of Austrian winter peas worms we can see. They are Nov 21-23 50th Annual Alberta Potato Conference and Trade Glenney used no-till, controlled gave a 15 per cent yield bump working together and eating Show, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, AB traffic, alternating strips of corn in the corn over the test strip, each other, to break down Nov 21-23 CHC/CPMA Fall Harvest Event, Ottawa, ON and soybeans, and relatively low averaging 345 bushels. organic matter and make it into inputs for his 300-bushel corn Microbes are crucial to soil plant available nutrients, he Nov 23 Asparagus Farmers of Ontario Annual General yields. By comparing with a and plant health in horticulture explains. And by colonizing a Meeting, Hungarian Hall, Delhi, ON neighbouring field, Lazarovits as well. They decompose plant’s root zone, these Nov 29-Dec 4 Outstanding Young Farmers Event, Niagara Falls, ON

Dec 4-6 North American Strawberry Growers, Raspberry Growers and Blackberry Growers, Grand Rapids, MI [email protected]

Dec 6-8 Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo, Devos Place Convention Center, Grand Rapids, MI NOTICE OF MEETING Dec 6-8 GrowCanada Conference, Westin Ottawa, Ottawa, ON

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Dec 7 Ontario Potato Board Annual General Meeting, FRESH VEGETABLE GROWERS OF ONTARIO Holiday Inn, Cambridge, ON Dec 8 CanadaGAP Annual General Meeting, Canadian will be held in the Town of Woodstock, Ontario at the Federation of Agriculture Boardroom, Ottawa, ON

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Dec 13 Fresh Vegetable Growers of Ontario Annual December 13, 2016 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m General Meeting, OMAFRA office, Woodstock, ON In the large boardroom 2017 Jan 4-6 Potato Expo, San Francisco, CA

Election of Directors of the Association, discussion of financial reports and any other business that may Jan 10 Ontario Apple Growers’ Annual General Meeting, arise will take place. Lunch will be provided. Meeting details will be posted to the FVGO website as they Holiday Inn Toronto International Airport, Toronto, ON become available. Jan 10-11 Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association Annual General Meeting, Holiday Inn Toronto www.freshvegetablesontario.com International Airport, Toronto, ON

To register for the meeting please call the FVGO office, 519-674-1500 ext 63592 Jan 17-19 Empire State Producers Expo, Oncenter, Syracuse, or email [email protected] NY NOVEMBER 2016 –– PAGE 11 THE GROWER RETAIL NAVIGATOR Why retailers do plan-o-grams

The how of plan-o-grams can tree, but money talks! influence your sales Suppliers should always follow up in stores to ensure Most retailers follow a plan-o-grams are changed. You schedule of category reviews. need to find a way to check Suppliers need to know this every market and you should schedule and if you don’t have follow up if execution is it, ask for it. This is the practice lacking. in produce for packaged The final thing suppliers products. should work towards is getting The category team will start outside the plan-o-gram. The with the current plan-o-gram shelf is where 80 per cent of and assess any new items or line volume is sold but the incre- extensions. They will also have a big impact on sales. mental sales are often off-shelf is a huge gap and the retailer PETER CHAPMAN determine if the current line-up Obviously there are a number so make sure you focus on both must believe the consumer is is delivering the sales and profit of factors that will impact your places. willing to pay it. targets they need. This is place in the plan-o-gram: This illustrates the differ- Plan-o-grams are a combina- where the science and the art 1. The power of your brand Plan-o-grams can be your friend ence in return to the producer tion of science and art, designed come together. It would be nice 2. The profit you deliver and the retailer for the new to influence the consumer at if every item was the same size relative to the category average Become part of the process items consumers want. Only the point of purchase. The most and shape but they aren’t so the 3. The strength of the control and if possible be a resource. the producer knows if the important objectives when plan-o-gram team will fit them label items Consumers are influenced at retails are reflective of the dif- developing the line-up for the into the four-foot sections of 4. Support vendors (you or the shelf so make sure your ference in costs. Something to shelf are to maximize sales and most shelving. someone else) will get product is in the best possible think about for apple producers. profits. Retailers usually have a In produce the categories to preferential treatment spot. Get to know the people I appreciate there are big separate group devoted to the be merchandised on each table 5. Your relationship with the working on this at the customer investments required to change design and implementation of are planned but the line-up of retailer level and provide valuable facts varieties but it might be the the shelf line-up. the fresh items is still created 6. Listing fees you paid to influence the decision. only option to stay in the Fresh produce departments by the employee in the store. If you have some examples of market. still encourage stores to use Once the plan-o-grams are You should always negotiate plan-o-grams that have influ- creativity but in the salad dress- complete they will be sent to placement if you are paying enced your sales please give me Peter Chapman is a retail consul- ings, juice and salads plan-o- stores for the shelf to be listing fees. You can also a call at (902) 489-2900 or send tant, professional speaker and the grams are used. We will see this re-lined. In theory this happens provide input to plan-o-grams me an email at pchapman@ author of A la Cart-A suppliers’ in more categories as the in a timely manner but stores do but keep in mind you need to gpsbusiness.ca. guide to retailer’s priorities. Peter is technology gets better and get busy and once they get approach it from the retailer’s based in Halifax N.S. where he is people working in fresh behind on re-lines it is very perspective -- it is their shelf. WHAT’S IN STORE the principal at GPS Business departments see the benefits. hard to get caught up, they just Walk the store to understand The old and the new Solutions and a partner in Plan-o-grams are an impor- keep coming. their philosophy. Some put SKUfood.com, an on line resource tant tool in the category brands together, others put like I was surprised to see the for food producers. Peter works manager’s arsenal to influence The supplier’s role in items together, regardless of huge gap in retails for two with producers and processors to the consumer to buy the items plan-o-grams brand. Your suggestions should varieties of apples on the shelf. help them navigate through the they want them to buy and get be based on facts and take their Mac, an older variety, is pegged retail environment with the ulti- more money out of suppliers. Suppliers should always be strategy into account. Originally at $1.99 per pound whereas mate goal to get more of their items With consistent execution thinking of where their product plan-o-grams were designed Honey Crisp, a new variety, is in the shopping cart. across all stores the category will go on the shelf as it can based on the consumer decision priced at $4.99 per pound.This [email protected] manager can make a commit- ment to a supplier and charge money for the placement of the products on the shelf. This works as long as the stores execute the plan. Execution is also important in order for the category management team to make decisions based on the sales data. They are looking at sales Innovation is and profits based on the plan-o- gram that has been created. a lot llike familyy: Items will have a chance to succeed based on a certain shelf placement and if success isn’t there, they might be delisted. It’s all about Plan-o-grams influence private label sales. Some the fuuture. retailers will put their private label product beside the top selling brand. The idea is that they make more cents per unit profit on their own private label and if the consumer likes it they will come back for it. Heinz ketchup will be the recognized brand the consumer will look for but if the President’s Choice or Compliments brand is right beside it at a cheaper price, the consumer might pick up the We’vee provided advanced solutions for horticulture private label. They can’t charge the private label for the space growers since 1950. And we’re just getting started. but the theory is to deliver more For more info go to agsolutions.ca/hoorticulture. profit than they would generate in the fees charged to suppliers. AgSolutions is a registered trade-mark of BASF Corporation; used with permission by BASF Canada Inc. © 2016 BASF Canada Inc. PAGE 12 –– NOVEMBER 2016 THE GROWER FOCUS: SEED AND ROOTSTOCK On-farm potato variety trial exceeded expectations in a droughty summer

Whitney is resistant to potato scab, a trait extremely important for potato growers worldwide.

product concept development, summer. Such extreme conditions EUGENIA BANKS sponsored an on-farm variety trial promote the development of in Ontario. Many commercial problems such as second growth, Selecting suitable varieties is HZPC varieties are grown in the heat necrosis, Pythium leak, to the first step in any successful province. Examples are Adora, name a few. potato operation. Not only must Vivaldi, Colomba, Innovator, A total of 100 new varieties suit the intended Fabula, Ambra, Smart and varieties/clones plus standards for market, but they must be well Whitney. I organized the trial and comparison were evaluated. Fresh adapted to local growing hand planted the varieties at market yellows, whites, reds, conditions. Potato breeders are Dorsey Farms near Alliston, blues, purples, fingerlings, russets HZPC variety, Ambra, is ready to “take a shower” at the Ontario continuously releasing new Ontario. Plot maintenance – and also processing potatoes were Potato Distributing plant in Alliston before packing. Ambra is a varieties, but varieties that per- weekly irrigation, application of included in the trial. medium early, yellow-fleshed variety. form well in one region may not crop protection products when Among the new yellow- do well in neighbouring areas. needed and top-killing – was fleshed varieties, Salinero, Thus, new varieties must be done by Brad Dorsey and his son Primabelle, Noblesse, Panamera, evaluated to determine local Adam. Orlena and Jennifer performed adaptation. This trial was a real test for very well. The standard for In 2016, the Dutch company new varieties because of the yellows was Colomba, a beautiful HZPC, a world leader in potato extremely high temperatures and smooth-skinned, high-yielding breeding, seed potato trade and drought that prevailed all variety that is being grown

Colomba is a smooth-skinned, high-yielding variety.

commercially in Ontario. potatoes for the gourmet market. A red, yellow-fleshed entry, Prince of Orange has outstanding Clone #46, produced a high yield culinary traits. Mozart was, as of attractive round tubers with usual, a winner in the specialty smooth, deep red skin. It has category: beautiful, smooth pink- excellent culinary traits. Probably ish skin, high yield, very tasty. this clone will be named in the After yield was recorded, a Stokes Seeds Trial Evaluation Researching the best for our customers since 1881. near future. Fenway Red, an sample of each of the 100 entries early-maturing red with round, was put in storage to determine attractive white-fleshed tubers their dry matter content, culinary NEW NEW got good scores. Sunred was traits, susceptibility to silver scurf noticeable for its high yield. and Fusarium dry rot. The entries In the white flesh table with the highest scores will be category, the recently released displayed at growers’ meetings. Whitney was hard to beat due to This on-farm trial exceeded its high tolerance to common expectations: no heat-related Aldrin Rosie Aquarius Currier scab, beautiful smooth skin and problems were detected, yield High quality dark green 74 day, large 8.25 in/ Uniform high Extra large blocky dark no culls. The white-fleshed Ivory was above average and several 5.25 in/13.5 cm very 21 cm bicolor ear, nice quality white, smooth, green to red 4 lobed high Russet performed very well. entries look promising for the straight pods. blunt tips, very sweet. firm heavy curds. quality fruit. Pomerelle Russet, a standard for Ontario market. On-farm variety

Henry Zomer LLhEieah Erickson Jim Ro binson LClLaura Caralampides RRbHob Hovius PaulBl Ban kkss Marrcc André Laberrgge russets, produced a good crop of trials provide invaluable ON, MB, SK AB, BC ON, MB QC ON, PEI, NB ON, NS QC long, heavy-russeted tubers of information for potato growers 905-308-4396 604-957-2359 905-715-8595 514-984-0662 519-580-3231 905-688-4300 514-984-4589 medium yield, but no culls. and are an important component In the specialty category, the of technology transfer. — Quality Seed Since 1881 — red-skinned Prince of Orange has the darkest yellow flesh of any of Eugenia Banks is a consultant to the T: 1-800-263-7233 ŇF: 1-800-272-5560 Ňwww.StokeSeeds.com Ň Booxx 10 Thorold ON L2V 5E9 the current varieties. It will be of Ontario Potato Board. interest to growers producing NOVEMBER 2016 –– PAGE 13 THE GROWER FOCUS: SEED AND ROOTSTOCK The business model for asparagus seed is paying dividends opportunities. growers are experiencing tighter KAREN DAVIDSON Meanwhile, sales are robust in markets for second-grade North America with both Guelph asparagus because Michigan’s Members of the Asparagus Millennium and the newest 2016 processing industry has shrunk. Farmers of Ontario (AFO) will release of Guelph Eclipse. Despite these challenges, receive a distribution at year’s Exhibiting thicker spears than Ontario’s asparagus acres have end, thanks to the growing Guelph Millennium and increased from 2700 to 3200 acres success of Fox Seeds, a for-profit excellent tip quality, Guelph in the last two years. corporation established as an Eclipse is commanding a 10 per arm’s length trust. Seed sales are cent premium seed price of $1100 Photo right: These asparagus up 15 to 20 per cent from a year U.S. for 20,000 seeds. bunches exhibit tight spears, a ago. The University of Guelph’s The seed business is a bright quality trait for Guelph asparagus breeder Dave Wolyn is spot in the dynamic asparagus Millennium. Photo by Glenn supported financially by the industry. Ontario’s asparagus Lowson. association to identify new cultivars that are superior yield producers while being resistant to foliar diseases. “This is a very strong pro- gram,” says Bernie Solymár, AFO executive director. “We’ve just named Guelph Equinox, a new cultivar that in early trials is producing yields that are 50 to 100 per cent more than our standard Guelph Millennium.” While seed of Guelph Equinox won’t be widely available for another three to four years, the research findings are astounding in that Guelph Millennium has been a standard bearer for more than a decade. Yields of 7,000 to 8,000 pounds/acre are commonly achieved with Guelph Millennium. “Guelph Millennium tends to be a variety that puts up a lot of spears in the first four weeks of the season then tapers off,” explains Solymár. “We’re looking for production strength in the mid to late season.” The results of the breeding program have caught the attention of asparagus growers in the states of Michigan and Washington where the majority of acreage has been planted to Guelph Millennium in the last few years. But perhaps the biggest source of pride for AFO is selling asparagus seed to Europe, particularly Germany where asparagus is the king of vegeta- bles. White asparagus is prized in their culinary culture. However, the younger generation is not fussy about peeling the vegetable and is turning to green asparagus because of its taste and health benefits. Every year, there is about five per cent growth in the green asparagus market in Germany, a significant statistic given that 20,000 acres are under cultivation. AFO is negotiating a deal with a European distributor to have “boots on the ground” for sales in Germany, Portugal, Russia, Poland and the United Kingdom as well as other E.U. countries. Two of the association directors, with the support of Ontario Agri-Food Technologies’ Rapid Response Program, are travelling to a major German trade show in November 2016 to forge new relationships and assess further PAGE 14 –– NOVEMBER 2016 THE GROWER FOCUS: SEED AND ROOTSTOCK Providing quality Smooth transition expected of major fruit apple trees for 40 tree nursery to Upper Canada Growers years. • Bench graft • Sleeping budded eye KAREN DAVIDSON • 9 month bench • 1 year old whip • 1 year old feathered • KNIP tree Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON -- • 2 year old tall feathered (instant orchard) Upper Canada Growers sounds Brian Van Brenk like a company enshrined in 31760 Erin Line Fingal ON, Canada N0L 1K0 history. It is, sort of. Just months 519-902-6353 www.vanbrenk.ca [email protected] old, this is the new brand of a company that’s been around for 40 years. The Haynes family has fruit growing expertise in utilizing rootstock from multiple sources to bud and graft a wide variety of fruit varieties onto them. The former general manager of Mori Essex Nurseries, Robert Haynes and his twin progeny, Jason and Megan, have created a company with the goal of producing affordable fruit trees to Canadian farmers. “It’s important to have a stable source of fruit trees for an industry that’s seeing Robert Haynes, president of Upper Canada Growers, examines a positive uptrend,” said Robert apple rootstocks. Photo by Glenn Lowson. Haynes at a recent open house. The company is rapidly produce well-rooted trees within tree order. Growers are becoming well-known as one of a year. Tissue-cultured rootstocks encouraged to place orders for the country’s major developers of have a very low mortality rate and 2018 and 2019. Some apple fruit trees for Canadian farmers. are the most resistant to diseases varieties are available for 2017. Haynes also underlines that affecting fruit trees. For more information, visit new propagation techniques such A $2.50 per tree deposit will www.uppercanadagrowers.ca. as tissue culture are helping to be required for a minimum 1,000- Thanks to virus testing, the vigour of Canada’s seedstock has improved Exclusive grower of select grafted nut trees and minor fruits. KAREN DAVIDSON Cultivars are tested in our own An era is coming to an end, experimental orchards. but the mission will continue. Choose from hazelnut, sweet chestnut, Becky Hughes, manager of the Persian and black walnut, heartnut, Superior Plant Upgrading and butternut, pecan, hickory, gingko, pine nut, Distribution (SPUD) Unit will be mulberry, persimmon, pawpaw, fig & more. retiring November 30. She’s headed the team for 32 years, Proprietor Ernie Grimo since it was originally established 979 Lakeshore Rd, RR 3, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON Canada L0S 1J0 in 1984 to supply the first P: (905) YEH-NUTS (934-6887) E: [email protected] generation of seed potatoes for F: (905) YEL-NUTS (935-6887) www.grimonut.com Ontario growers. They now contribute expertise to a wide variety of crops: potatoes, straw- GLADIOLUS BULBS berries, raspberries, garlic, aspara- gus, sweet potatoes and haskaps. Wide variety selection for retail sales and Hughes and her staff have commercial cut flower production. played an important role in virus- NEW! Order online at www.lmbolle.com testing plants for propagation in Canadian horticulture. She’s The staff of the Superior Plant Upgrading and Distribution 813083 Base Line Norwich, ON observed major changes in the (SPUD) Unit is pictured at the official opening of the Ontario T: 519-468-2090 F: 468-2099 industry. Berry Growers’ Association strawberry and raspberry plant program E: [email protected] “The Unit originally produced on November 8, 2004. L-R: Becky Hughes and technicians only seed potatoes, however Wanda Cook, Sandra Seed and Candy Keith who are continuing demand from the horticultural the work in New Liskeard, Ontario. industry in Ontario led to expan- sion to produce clean plants or being propagated. Similar efforts Located in New Liskeard, seed for a variety of crops,” are underway in Canada, Ontario for its isolated geography STRAWBERRY PLANTS Hughes says. “The industry has encouraged by the berry industry. and early winters, the SPUD ***CERTIFIED*** realized that virus-tested material Here’s another example of the Unit provides a crucial service to RASPBERRY CANES is necessary to produce healthy value of the SPUD Unit. It is many in horticulture. Producers of Quality stock for 46 years. Grown under the crops.” considered vital to the garlic Strawberries, for instance, require Nova Scotia Certification Program. Shipping across North America. Without industry support, the industry which requires specific cold temperatures for dormancy Contact us for more information and a free brochure efforts for “clean plant material” pathogen testing for bulb and before they are wakened in G.W. ALLEN NURSERY LTD. would not have happened. stem nematode. January for laboratory work that Currently, the United States is “We have discovered that can be completed in time for 7295 Hwy 221 pushing for a National Clean Centreville, N.S. B0P 1J0 each variety of garlic reacts spring planting. ph. 902-678-7519 fax: 902-678-5924 Plant Initiative where all differently in micropropagation The Unit is currently under Email: [email protected] www.gwallennursery.com vegetatively-propagated crops and bulb formation, requiring the auspices of the University of would be virus-tested before careful testing,” says Hughes. Guelph. NOVEMBER 2016 –– PAGE 15 THE GROWER PAGE 16 –– NOVEMBER 2016 THE GROWER FOCUS: SEED AND ROOTSTOCK Stokes Seeds highlights its new variety recommendations

Kickoff XR is a new early-maturing Gourmet Sweet American Dream is a new taste leader in the Gourmet Aldrin Bean is a new high-quality green bean that is a Bicolour Corn, a 69-day variety with excellent cold soil Sweet Corn Brand, a 77-day variety with especially good great option to consider for those looking for a new dark vigour and a high-quality eight-inch ear. taste and excellent ear and plant habit. green bean with great potential.

Pocono is a new 110-day yellow onion vari- SV4128DL Carrot is a new Cello-slice car- Golden Nugget is a new Nantes carrot Rosie is a 74-day bicolour corn with large ety with a large round bulb and offers rot that produces very smooth 10-12 inch with good uniformity and great golden 8.25 inch ears that are cylindrical with nice long- term storage. roots especially on mineral soils. yellow colour. blunt tips. Tender refined sweet kernels offer a superior eating quality.

Stokes Seeds Trial Evaluation Researching the best for our customers since 1881.

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Pocono SV4128DL Turnpike Sybaris 110 day, extra large A very smooth carrot with Large green to red four Straight medium size uniform round bulbs with strong tops with good lobed bell with strong deep green pods, uniform dark skin and small necks. disease tolerance. disease tolerance. high quality bean.

Henry Zomer Leah Erickson Jim Robinson Laura Caralampides Rob Hovius Paul Banks Marc André Laberge ON, MB, SK AB, BC ON, MB QC ON, PEI, NB ON, NS QC 905-308-4396 604-957-2359 905-715-8595 514-984-0662 519-580-3231 905-688-4300 514-984-4589

— Quality Seed Since 1881 — T: 1-800-263-7233 ŇF: 1-800-272-5560 Ňwww.StokeSeeds.com ŇBox 10 Thorold ON L2V 5E9 NOVEMBER 2016 –– PAGE 17 THE GROWER FOCUS: SEED AND ROOTSTOCK The best of Seminova’s line-up for 2017

Flexima cabbage Majestic Red pepper Enchanted sweet corn This cabbage variety has a dual purpose for fresh market This blocky-shaped pepper will turn a uniform bright red This is an exquisite 78 days bicolour Sh2 sweet corn, with box or storage cabbage. Great head quality with nice in a relatively short time. Will offer mostly large and both fresh market and shipping potential. Great flavour, wrapper leaves. Outstanding field uniformity. Will keep heavy fruits, outstanding firmness and an excellent shelf 18-20 row count. Nice long ear with small kernels on a tall nicely in storage for over four to five months, with the life. Strong plant and good leaf cover. Intermediate resis- plant. Intermediate resistance to common rust. head still remaining green. 2.5 to 2.8 kg, matures in 115 tance to Phytophthora. days. Highly resistant to fusarium yellows.

Hades onion Garfield pepper Infinite Gold melon High yielding onion variety with large-sized, globe- Mid-season hybrid, with a lovely bright orange colour. Infinite Gold is a uniform melon with great flavour, brix shaped bulbs. Strong root system and medium to long The fruit is large and blocky in shape with thick walls. and firmness. It's a long shift life (LSL) melon with high storage. Matures in 103 days. HR: TMV. yield potential and strong vines that gives a large percent- age of size 9 fruits. HR: Fom 0-2; sf:2.

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FRUIT TREES Apples NNectarines Plums Pears Cherries Apricots Peaches Currants Gooseberriees Fruitinr ng Quince Small F ruitsr

1380 Centtrre Rd, Box 180, C arlisleli l , ON LL0R 1H0 Tel:e 9055-689-4022 • Fax: 905-689-88080 www.krausnurseries.com PAGE 18 –– NOVEMBER 2016 THE GROWER FOCUS: SEED AND ROOTSTOCK Seedway acquires assets of Reed’s Seeds

Seedway, based in Hall, New York, is acquiring some of the

assets of Reed’s Seeds Vegetable The objective of hot water“ seed treatment is to Seed and Hot Water Seed cleanse seed of bacterial and fungal diseases. Treatment Business in Cortland, New York. Brassica seed, for example, is“ susceptible to Thank you Growers! The company’s October 18 blackrot. We thank you for your business in news release stated that Reed’s is 2016 and look forward to working a multi-generation seed business ~ DEAN COTTON with you in 2017. started in 1909. The current Look for the 2017 Commercial owner/operator Donald Reed will Catalog in the December issue of retire at the end of the year. seed treatment is to cleanse seed The Grower! Seedway will commence seed of bacterial and fungal diseases,” sales and service to former cus- Cotton says. “Brassica seed, for tomers on January 2, 2017. example, is susceptible to black- Reed’s Seeds proprietary vari- rot.” eties as well as Seedway’s exten- “Most companies don’t like to sive offering of commercial veg- inventory hot water-treated seed Quality Seeds, Quality Service SEEDWAY Vegetable Seeds www.seedway.com 800‐952‐7333 etable varieties will be available because shelf life is reduced,” he QUALITY Brian Tregunno 416‐505‐0853 Frank Jonkman 519‐801‐5882 to commercial vegetable growers adds. Lower germination rates FRUIT TREES through the company’s sales and vigour may result. However, • APPLE on M9, B9 and M26 staff, Commercial Vegetable having a bacterial disease in a Catalog or by calling the greenhouse can be devastating. • Peach on Bailey Elizabethtown vegetable seed “Very few seed companies are • PEAR on Quince office at 800-952-7333. offering this service, so it’s there ORDER NOW FOR The Hot Water Seed for those who want it,” Cotton BEST SELECTION Treatment service will be con- concludes. ducted at Seedway’s facility in Seedway employs 23 sales WARWICK Hall, New York under the super- representatives, six product ORCHARDS & NURSERY LTD vision of Seedway’s registered development specialists and 7056 Egremont Rd. R.R. #8 seed technologist, Jason Perrault. research stations in Pennsylvania Watford, Ontario This is a valuable custom service and Florida. The company con- N0M 2S0 for growers who wish to have a ducts extensive trials in the east- [email protected] little extra insurance, explains ern half of the U.S. and Canada. Tel: (519) 849-6730 Dean Cotton, Seedway vegetable For more information, visit Toll free: 877-550-7412 seed manager. www.seedway.com. Fax: (519) 849-6731 “The objective of hot water NOVEMBER 2016 –– PAGE 19 THE GROWER FOCUS: SEED AND ROOTSTOCK Breeding for greenhouse conditions intensifies as companies study lighting regimes fertigation as well as crop and KAREN DAVIDSON pest management,” he said. “There’s a large cultivar At the recent Canadian difference in response to lighting Greenhouse Conference, keynote in sweet peppers, for example.” speaker Dr. Silke Hemming start- These days, the debate is about ed her presentation simply. the benefits of high “Light is – almost – never too pressure sodium (HPS) lighting much,” said the lighting expert versus light-emitting diode from Wageningen University and (LED) lighting. Hao points out Research Centre. Not too much that there’s more radiation heat attention has been paid to diffuse and higher canopy temperatures light until now. From all angles of with HPS lighting. There’s less incidence, even on a cloudy day, radiation heat and lower canopy greenhouse coverings can be temperatures with LED light, beneficial for all crops.” however more heating is required Hemming showed graphs under this production regime. where yields were four to 10 per Factors determining optimum cent higher in cucumber daily light integration are: yield production with high diffuse light and quality increase, market price compared to low diffuse light. of produce, price of electricity Tomato Results were even better in and natural gas, light fixture tomatoes, with eight to 10 per installation and maintenance • De Ruiter Touche is a large cent more yield. costs and interest rates on capital. beefsteak tomato product offer- Agriculture and Agri-Food Robbert Biemans, crop leader, ing with high yield potential, Robbert Biemans, crop leader, De Ruiters. Canada researcher Xiuming Hao, De Ruiters, based in The powdery mildew resistance and followed her presentation with Netherlands, is following all of unique fruit quality. Touche is Cucumber great performer for spring and his results of lighting trials at these research trials closely. He the newest beefsteak tomato summer due to the open plant Harrow, Ontario. Suitable light was at the trade show to talk offering and was developed in • De Ruiter Avaya is a long habit, high production opportuni- sources and lighting strategies are about the seed company’s Ontario to better withstand tough English cucumber product ty, and a strong disease resistance needed to optimize greenhouse offerings for 2017 and interesting- summer conditions. The average offering that is ideal for Canadian package of the variety. Avaya is vegetable systems. And it’s not ly, underlined that future fruit weight for Touche is 270 summers since it maintains high also known for its delicious taste easy to tease out all the variables. breeding efforts are focused on grams and is a unique variety due resistance from PM and in the English cucumber “There’s a need to adjust different lighting regimes. to improved quality under harsh CGMMV. Avaya offers excellent category. cultivars, climate control, summer conditions. product shape and colour and is a PAGE 20 –– NOVEMBER 2016 THE GROWER FOCUS: SEED AND ROOTSTOCK The novelty of nuts is for the patient grower

his walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds Ottawa and Toronto. Europeans KAREN DAVIDSON and chestnuts. are keen for them.” “My walnut trees have been Fortunately, drip irrigation Just a handful of growers are planted for 10 years and finally helped his acre of nut trees to in the nut niche but they are came into production this year,” withstand the summer’s avid about their calling. Torrie says Warner. “I have a very drought. That said, his walnut Warner, Beamsville, Ontario is loyal following for fresh nuts at trees will yield about one one of them, happy to showcase the farmers’ markets I attend in bushel per tree. Peak production will be several years away at five bushels per tree. C.O. Fresh, hand-picked walnuts will retail for $6 per quart at farmers’ KEDDY markets. Certified Strawberry Plants Clearly, growing nuts & Raspberry Canes requires patience, so why go to the trouble? Warner’s • All popular varieties available • Grown under the Nova Scotia Certification program grandmother planted two • Plants shipped across North America. walnut trees back in the 1930s Contact us for a FREE brochure so he was aware that they could 982 Charles Keddy RD, Lakeville, NS, Canada B4N 3V7 survive in the microclimate of Ph: (902) 678-4497 Fax: (902) 678-0067 the Niagara peninsula. Over the Email: [email protected] years, both of those trees succumbed to weather events: extreme cold, extreme wind. Torrie Warner showcases his walnut orchard near Beamsville, ON. Undeterred, Warner decided to In this picture, look above his head to see walnuts maturing inside plant new walnut trees that their casings in September. Photos by Glenn Lowson. were grafted onto cold-hardy walnut rootstock from nearby Grimo Nut Nursery at Niagara- on-the-Lake. After planting, maintenance includes weed control and pruning. Every three years, spraying for Japanese beetle and husk maggot keeps these pests at bay. One of the considerations in growing nuts is that pests or disease can play havoc with “nut fill” and the farmer won’t know there’s a problem until harvest. Imagine the heartbreak of opening husks to find a shriveled or damaged nut. As the accompanying photos show, Almond casings split open gradually. Warner will have a good crop of several varieties this year. Several tree nurseries specialize in nuts. Grimo Nut Nursery, Niagara-on-the-Lake specializes in grafted and layered cold-hardy trees for growers in Canada and the United States. Manager Linda Grimo reports that the business is sold out of grafted and layered trees for heartnuts, hazelnuts and walnuts. As president of the Ontario Hazelnut Association, she is enthusiastic for the future of this nascent industry. Six growers planted 10 acres each of hazelnuts in 2016, most of them originating along the north Chestnuts have a very prickly outer coat, protecting the smooth- shore of Lake Erie. Currently, skinned nut inside. there are estimates of more than 200 acres of hazelnuts planted in Ontario. “Hundreds more acres of hazelnuts are planned for 2017 and 2018,” Grimo says. In British Columbia, Naturetech Nursery, based in Langley, is a source for seven hazelnut cultivars with attributes such as high yields, early harvest, and better nut fill, and smaller stature along with Eastern filbert blight resistance. Photographed on September 21, this hazelnut is a week away from hand harvesting. The hazelnut clusters are dried first to allow the Continued on next page mature nuts to slide out easily. NOVEMBER 2016 –– PAGE 21 THE GROWER FOCUS: SEED AND ROOTSTOCK The novelty of nuts is for the patient grower Continued from last page propagating trees through a proprietary early maturity inducing Thom O’Dell explains on his web- plant process. This process site that two varieties are needed combines air pruning techniques, for pollination and nut production use of natural symbiotic and not all varieties are compatible relationships and well planned with each other. transplanting which induces rapid “The female, nut-bearing flower growth in trees and root mass to must also be receptive at the same expedite their maturity. time that pollen is released by the Based in Dunnville, Ontario, he catkin (male flower or tassel). Since sold 10,000 hazelnut seedlings in pollen release and receptivity occur 2016, and expects more demand at different times for different next year. “The future is looking varieties, genetic compatiblity very good for nut trees,” says alone isn't enough to ensure nut Koziol. production. That's why commercial orchards use two or three Photo right: Hazelnuts are compatible pollinizer varieties for cocooned inside, ready for each select nut variety. harvest in late September and early Adam Koziol of Earthgen October. International is another nursery BITS AND BITES DRC issues expulsion notices Please be advised that the connected party: Aaron when the claimant ought effective September 26, 2016, relationships with individuals membership of Pier 27 Produce Noordhuis (President) reasonably to have known of its for not meeting its debts as they who have been responsibly Group Inc., 272 King St., Barrie, This expulsion does not alter existence. came due. Responsibly connected to members who ON, Canada, L4N 6L2, was the obligations of Pier 27 Please be advised that ES connected parties: Imraan have been terminated or expelled from the Dispute Produce Group Inc. to settle HOLDINGS INC. (Also d/b/a Esmile (President) and Baksho expelled from the DRC. Resolution Corporation (DRC) disputes under the DRC rules Country Herbs), 309 Middleton (Lalli) Singh (Vice-President) on October 20, 2016 for should another member file a N., Walsingham Towline Rd. Members should always Source: Dispute Resolution suspending operations without claim within nine (9) months R.R. #2, Courtland, ON, check with the DRC office Corporation fulfilling its financial from when the claim arose or Canada N0J 1E0, was expelled about any potential implications obligations. Responsibly within nine (9) months from from the DRC membership of possible business Vineland: the hort hub hums Now in its ninth year, the Vineland and enough to start shipping into to see if a scale-up can work in Research and Innovation Centre is Quebec. The “winter” pear will be commercial settings. home to 75 horticultural scientists available in bulk and clamshells at • An apple scout is scouring the world working on a multitude of issues. The major Ontario grocers this fall, with – New Zealand, Australia, the U.S and annually published 2016-2017 enough controlled atmosphere storage Europe - for new varieties that might Innovation Report makes for to keep supplies through the winter do well under Canadian conditions and compelling reading. As CEO Jim season. appeal to Canadian consumers. Brandle explains, “We’re very bullish • Ontario’s craft cider industry is • Word choices matter when explain- on working at the intersection points growing exponentially with a target of ing science to consumers. Consumer between engineering science, seven million litres by 2020. To insights research has discovered that horticultural science and social science. achieve that goal, 16,500 tonnes of using human relationships as That’s where innovation happens. apples will be required. Hurdles metaphors is not recommended. When When those disparate research areas remain, such as taxation and fee plants are referred to as mother, father come together, that’s where the big structure for cider makers, access to or baby, consumers are skittish about opportunities lie.” markets, consumer awareness, breeding methods. innovation and apple/juice supplies. To read the complete report, go to: Did you know? • The chance discovery of a predatory www.vinelandresearch.com/ mite in a nearby forest may prove to be publications/innovation-reports/2016- • Cold Snap pear volumes will be up a winner in biological control of 2017-innovation-report this fall with 75,000 trees in the ground greenhouse pests. Trials are underway Register early for the Great Lakes Expo This annual expo, hosted in NOTICE of MEETING Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a horticultural mecca for 4,000 is hereby given that the attendees from across North 158th Annual Members and Directors’ Meeting America. One of the keynote of the speakers is Kevin Folta, Horticultural Sciences Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Department, University of Florida on “The Future of Growers’ Association Genetic Improvement in will be held in Horticultural Crops.” This year’s December 6-8 Toronto, Ontario at event is preceded by the North The Holiday Inn Toronto American Berry Conference. Some topics of interest: International Airport • exclusive netting and harvest January 10th and 11th, 2017 frequency for spotted wing strawberries registration fees, pre-register by drosophila management in • potential effects of tunnel November 16 at Election of Directors of the Association will raspberries plastics on pesticides and pest www.glexpo.com. On-site take place as well as dealing with resolutions • biofungicides and organic management registration costs $95 US. and any other business that may arise. options for disease control in To save $15US on PAGE 22 –– OCTOBER 2016 THE GROWER

Revisiting raspberry crown borer control

PAM FISHER Figure 2 Raspberry crown borer larvae tunnelling into crown tissue. The arrow points at frass associated with larval feeding. Raspberry crown borer (RCB) is a sneaky pest that attacks raspberry crowns. Larvae tunnel and feed in the crown for up to two years. As a result, fruiting canes are weak- ened, and primocanes become scarce and spindly over time (Figure 1). Because these symptoms could have a variety of causes, raspberry crown borer Figure 1 Raspberry crown borer damage to field is often overlooked. In the past, growers have expect raspberry crown borer watch for wilting or dying managed this pest with a will be making a comeback. primocanes and areas of weak Figure 3 Raspberry crown borer adult on raspberry leaf measuring well-timed spray of an Growers will be using new growth. By early summer, about 25mm in length. organophosphate insecticide methods to control this pest. affected canes will pull out directed to the base of the cane `The first step in control is to easily from the crown with a in late fall or early spring. recognize raspberry crown borer sharp tug. In late summer and However, due to the phase-out damage before it causes early spring you might see canes of diazinon in 2016, we can significant damage. In spring, with CN-tower shaped swellings near the base of the cane. But to accurately diag- nose raspberry crown borer you need some gloves, a spade, and a pair of clippers. Dig up the crown, clip off the canes and cut Figure 4 Raspberry crown borer egg. Photo credit Carolyn through the crown to look for Teasdale, BCAGRI. frass, larvae and tunnelling (Figure 2). publication in the 1960s. ground and control weeds in the In late summer, watch for Altacor insecticide is regis- row to help discourage further RCB adults (Figure 3) and eggs tered for raspberry crown borer. crown borer attack. In future, (Figure 4) to help optimize This product will control hatch- degree day models, control. Researchers have been ing eggs and young larvae. pheromones, mating disruption, unsuccessful in developing a Apply the first spray in late and biocontrols could be devel- stable pheromone for field use. August or early September, oped for crown borer manage- However adult RCB are active when eggs are hatching, ensur- ment. However, this pest will on sunny days and can be found ing good coverage of the whole likely make a resurgence before on foliage in August and plant. Follow this with a sec- research dollars are directed September. Eggs are also visible ond application in early to mid- towards improved control. on the underside of leaves. October, using a high volume Figure 5 shows the raspberry spray which includes the base of Pam Fisher is berry specialist for crown borer life cycle, depicted the cane to target young larvae. the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, in an Agriculture Canada Prune old canes close to the Food and Rural Affairs.

Figure 5 Raspberry crown borer life cycle - credit - Agriculture Canada NOVEMBER 2016 –– PAGE 23 THE GROWER BERRY FOCUS Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) in the spotlight at symposium PAM FISHER regardless of field sanitation. management in Switzerland where there Miet Boonen, PC Fruit, in Belgium, are only two active ingredients registered reported on behalf of a large team of Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is a Vaughn Walton, Oregon State for SWD control in berry crops. Growers researchers , about the toxic and new pest worldwide, causing University, discussed the environments use sanitation, mass trapping, and exclu- repellent effects of erythritol on SWD in unprecedented losses to berry crops in where SWD is found and showed it is sion netting to supplement SWD control the lab. Erythritol, a sugar alcohol and North and South America, Europe and highly adaptable to harsh climates. The in some crops. For sanitation, growers food additive, had a repellent effect on Asia. Researchers from four different availability of early nectar sources, such destroy infested fruit in a huge sealed egg-laying SWD females, and was toxic regions reported on this pest at the 2016 as honeydew on conifer trees, may vat where it is left to ferment before to adult flies and larval stages when International Strawberry Symposium, in increase survival rates of this pest in the disposal. Raspberry growers improved ingested. Although these initial lab Quebec City. landscape. Dr. Walton demonstrated control by shortening harvest intervals studies are promising, field studies will that open pruning of blueberry bushes from four days to two days. Mass be needed to clarify the conditions Justin Renkema, Gulf Coast Research would reduce SWD populations substan- trapping, using an attractant developed where this might be useful for SWD and Education Center, in Florida, is tially due to differences in humidity and in Switzerland, is promising for berry management. looking at factors affecting survival of temperature in the canopy of open crops, but not for tree fruit. However, immature stages of SWD in strawberry pruned vs poorly pruned bushes. mass trapping requires very high Summary – Researchers around the fields. Typically, SWD larvae emerge Another way to make the microclimate numbers of traps throughout the season, world are working to find ways to from fruit, drop or crawl to the soil and less favourable for SWD is the use of focussing first on winter trapping in the manage SWD in berry crops. In the pupate in the upper few mm of soil. Dr. weed mat or landscape fabric as a ground woods, then adding traps every two future, low-risk repellents, combined Renkema found that sandy soils with cover. This forms a barrier to the soil metres around the crop perimeter just as with mass trapping and natural enemies normal (10%) or high levels (15%) of soil where SWD pupate and reduces the fruit begins to turn colour. Dr. Baroffio is will be used in an SWD management moisture favoured the successful survival of SWD due to lower humidity also interested on the potential for program. Most researchers agree, pupation of larvae, however, when soils and higher temperatures at the soil food-grade lime applied to fruit to however, that a combination of strategies were very dry (0% soil moisture) very surface. Dr. Walton also shared some discourage SWD from laying eggs. A will be necessary for SWD control. Don’t few SWD survived to form the next long term studies on parasitic wasps in great deal of information on Dr. expect a silver bullet. generation. In hot dry sandy soils of Korea that could be potentially used for Baroffio’s research program can be found Florida, there was no benefit to biocontrol of SWD in North America. at : www.drosophilasuzukii.agroscope.ch. Pam Fisher is berry crop specialist for the removing unmarketable fruit from Growers typically spend 5,000-15,000 Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and between the rows - the number of SWD Catherine Baroffio, Agroscope IPS in euros per ha on SWD control! Rural Affairs. in marketable fruit was the same Switzerland, discussed SWD North American Berry Conference to be held along with Great Lakes Expo This year, growers can take • Choosing Tunnel Plastics to within the Great Lakes Fruit, tration workshops, “Getting “Create a Food Safety Plan for advantage of a berry special Meet Your Needs Vegetable and Farm Market Started in Raspberry & Your Farm – right here and opportunity from December 4- • Potential Effects of Tunnel EXPO itself. Two limited-regis- Blackberry Production” and now” will also be offered. 6. The North American Plastics on Pesticides and Pest Strawberry Growers Association Management (NASGA) and the North • Approaches for Blackberry American Raspberry and Production in High Tunnels Blackberry Association (NARBA) come together to Session 2 (2 P.M. – 3:30) hold the North American Berry Caneberry Conference in association with • The Expansion of Primocane- the Great Lakes EXPO. Fruiting Blackberry Production The registration fee for the – From Idea to Reality conference is $75/member and • Wholesale Production: What $125/non-members if registered are Caneberry before Nov. 16, $90/member Shipper/Marketers Looking for? and $145/non-members if after - Panel Discussion Nov. 16 which includes lunch. Strawberry Pre-registration through the • Managing Spotted Wing Great Lakes EXPO is encour- Drosophila in Strawberries – aged. It is possible to register at What Works - Rufus Isaacs the door, but lunch is not guar- • Sprayer Technology anteed for those who do not • Strawberry Varieties - Grower pre-register. It is not necessary Panel to register for the Great Lakes Mostly Tunnels EXPO to attend the North • Grower Experiences with American Berry Conference High Tunnels Summary of the berry confer- ence Session 3 (3:45 P.M. – 5 P.M.) Sunday, December 4: Opening Caneberry Reception (7 P.M. - 9 P.M.) • Intensive Trellising Improved our Bottom Line Monday, December 5: • Getting two crops from your Continental Breakfast & Raspberries: Does it Make General Sessions (7:30 A.M. - Economic Sense? 10:30 A.M.) Strawberry • What Facebook has Done for Session 1 (10:45 A.M. – Noon) our Farm Caneberry • Technology/Smart Phone • Exclusion Netting and Apps: Growers Share What Harvest Frequency for SWD Works for Them Mostly Management Tunnels • Sustainable Options for • Using High Tunnels for Disease Management in Organic Raspberry Production Caneberries in Humid Regions Strawberry • Organic Berry Production: • Biofungicides and Organic Grower Panel Options for Disease Control in Strawberries On Tuesday the Berry • Tackling Tough Weeds in Conference continues with full Strawberries tracks of strawberry and Mostly Tunnels caneberry educational sessions PAGE 24 –– NOVEMBER 2016 THE GROWER MARKETPLACE [email protected] 866-898-8488 x 218

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MINOR USE

CRAIG’S COMMENTS APF musings work done at the Pest Agriculture in Canada is everyone’s business -- growers and the general public Management Centre. Without both get impacted by changes in policy and programs. these uses, Canadians would not have the variety of home- grown produce of top quality to put on their tables. Growers to get into certain markets. Of would have had to rely on much course, we lose the potential older technology- much of benefits of those uses too. That which has now been taken from was fine when there were their hands as a result of alternatives available. This is modernization of registrations not always the case today. done by Health Canada. In So, we need the APF to gear some cases there would be NO up and create a “Beyond CRAIG HUNTER controls for key plant diseases Pesticide Registration Program” OFVGA and insect pests. Not only to allow Canadian growers to would crop quality suffer, so too get a better deal for trading The ‘Agriculture Policy would yields and farm their treated commodities. It Framework’ or APF for short profitability. will need input from the various has been the suite of programs So, any thought of cutting affected farm sectors, it will from within Agriculture and back on that program should be need seasoned agricultural trade Called the salad bowl, Ontario’s Holland Marsh is located within Agri-Food Canada in smothered at the onset. negotiators, it will need an hour of millions of consumers. Photo by Glenn Lowson. conjunction with the provinces This program’s success on enhanced input from Health and territories, to deliver pro- the other hand has exacerbated Canada (Pest Management day for any given commodity. substantially for access to a grams across Canada for the past another problem that needs Regulatory Agency), and it will There is of course responsibility private service that is very 10 years. The current version is more attention than it has been need adequate budget to back for users whose actions could limited in terms of user soon ending, and the curtain getting. Simply put, the up a greatly increased ‘Team imperil trade due to selfish use numbers (for cost reasons.) call for APF 3 is next year. As registrations have given growers Canada’ of trained toxicologists and unsegregated sale of Large traders and chemical always, government will look for the tools they need to produce to help clear the backlog at residue-bearing produce into companies currently pay for the ways to cut costs and growers the crops, but the trade of CODEX. (Volunteer groups of the marketplace. The service, but growers cannot will seek to improve program treated commodities is toxicologists work at the Joint registrants of the products also afford it on their own. This is a value, improve delivery, and imperiled due to the slowness Meeting on Pesticide Residues have a big role to play in the vital trade tool, and should be expand its reach into new areas. of the international pesticide (JMPR) to do the grunt work of timely requests for international re-instated as one means of These directions are not neces- residue limit process. Many if looking at real data and tolerances concomitant with ensuring the knowledge is there sarily at odds with each other. not almost all our recent deciding on the actual residue Canadian (and/or U.S.) to make informed decisions on Trade-offs may be necessary, registrations are shared with our limits to impose. Canada registration. Only registrants can pesticide use vis-a-vis the but the impact statements will biggest trading partner- -- the currently supplies four of the 60 petition for residue limits! market demands. need to be well versed before USA. Few trade issues arise or so but many, many more are We need the financial For those who are being, or any cuts are made to ensure with them over residues since needed to deal with the wherewithal from the APF put will be, asked to provide their everyone knows and expects virtually all of them are backlog) They may need to also into this new endeavour to input into the next version of what will arise down the road. ‘harmonized.’ Not so for many work closely with emerging assure foreign trade of our the APF, we strongly suggest Agriculture in Canada is every- other nations around the world. nations as they struggle with commodities. It is even more that this item be considered. one’s business -- growers and The CODEX process for set- their own versions of residue important as new trade Canada’s trade in crop com- the general public both get ting internationally used residue limit setting, to ensure Canada’s agreements are signed in the modities depends upon it. The impacted by changes in policy limits is slow, getting slower, trade is unimpeded. hope of increased trade. It just continued success of the Minor and programs. Benefits can be and it is impeding trade. So This is not to say that no cur- won’t happen to the extent Use program hinges upon it. enjoyed by both -- usually at much so that increasing rent effort has been underway. possible unless we work The value to the public is the same time. Unfortunately, numbers of nations are setting AAFC and PMRA have been together to resolve this issue. obvious -- foreign trade helps negative impacts tend to come up their own residue limit active on this file for some time. One of the tools necessary to our deficit and ultimately to individual growers at huge schemes. Every time we get a An industry-led team was put growers and exporters is the reduces the tax burden. Closer cost, whereas positive financial new registration here we have together by Pulse Canada to knowledge base of what the to home, we will continue to impacts to a member of the to track the residue limit status work on parts of the problem international pesticide residue have abundant supplies of top- public (from the program cuts around the world to know the from growers’ perspectives. limits are at any trade quality fruits and vegetables. that harm growers) are almost acceptability of our treated Pulse, cereals, canola and destination at any moment in Many other nations can only impossible to discern. crops. Of course, the grain, horticulture are represented on time. In the past, the wish for what we have. That is The Minor Use and Reduced canola, and pulse industries ship this team, along with CropLife government had a subscription worth protecting, in my book. Risk Pesticides Programs have far more of their crops off-shore Canada and representatives to a service that provided that to On November 11th, please been funded with APF money. and get impacted more from PMRA and AAFC. the public at large. take a moment from your busy By any measurement they have noticeably than does However, what is needed now Unfortunately, that subscription lives to remember those who been successful in giving horticulture. On the other hand, is a well-funded comprehensive was cancelled, with the gave their lives so you can enjoy growers of small acreage crops we have dealt with the issue approach with everyone justification that a free service the freedoms you have today. the tools they need for Pest longer due to the sheer dedicated to resolving the was available (then), so no All that is possible today Management Programs. numbers of different pesticides problem, not just managing it, impact would arise. The ‘free’ depends on the sacrifices they Literally hundreds of new uses used on our vast array of crops. or trying to keep a lid on the service ended three years ago! made for you when it counted. per year can be attributed to the We learned to avoid certain uses volcano that could erupt any Now growers have had to pay That is worth protecting, too.

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ENGAGEG AGRO www.engageagro.com Regalia Maxx is a registered trademark of Marrone Bio Innovata ions NOVEMBER 2016 –– PAGE 27 THE GROWER MINOR USE How to assess spray coverage in vegetable crops conditions affect pesticide momentum leads some JASON DEVEAU efficacy, but the mode of action operators to use higher plays a big role. A contact pressures to “fog them in”. Sprayer operators recognize product must hit the target, Higher pressures are generally the importance of matching while a locally systemic offers not advisable because they their sprayer settings to the crop more latitude and can withstand increase the potential for drift to optimize efficacy. For less coverage. and often result in less spray example, spraying a protective available to the crop. fungicide in field tomato should 2. Use IPM to determine where • Consider the droplets’ point require a different approach the pest is, whether it’s at a of view. Look along the from spraying a locally systemic stage of development where it droplets potential path from insecticide in staked peppers. is susceptible to the spray, and nozzle to target. If there’s Knowing this, many operators where the spray needs to be to something in the way, consider make ad hoc changes and then affect it. For example, if the re-orienting the nozzle using sprayer until coverage is not necessarily mean improve wait to “see if it worked”. A pest is deep in the canopy, or drop-arms, or a nozzle body that improved. Sometimes, improv- efficacy. Further, know that a process is required that under a leaf, or in the flower, can be adjusted to change the ing spray efficiency means systematic approach requires empowers the operator to make this is where spray coverage spray direction. maintaining coverage while time and effort, and should only systematic changes to their should be targeted and using less spray. be performed in weather program and assess coverage assessed. 4. Understand the impact of • Understand how much is conditions the operator would immediately. water volume and travel speed. enough. Knowing whether to spray in. Such a process would require 3. Understand droplet Higher volumes improve spray drench the target, or be satisfied Read about how a similar some fundamental understand- behaviour. coverage by increasing the with a low droplet density process was used to assess ing of how droplets behave, the • Coarser droplets move in number of droplets. Slower depends on how the pesticide coverage in field tomato and in location of the target, and the straight lines and are prone to speeds give more opportunity works and whether or not the staked pepper. It may take time physical structure of the crop. runoff (especially on waxy and for spray to penetrate the pest is mobile. As a general rule out of an already busy schedule, This would be tempered by vertical targets). They rarely canopy and reduce the potential for foliar insecticides and but performing this assessment broader concerns such as provide acceptable canopy for drift, leaving more spray fungicides, 85 drops per square is always worth it. weather (e.g. wind, rain and penetration in dense, broadleaf available to cover the crop. centimeter and 10-15 per cent For more information, go to inversions as they affect canopies and do not give surface coverage should be www.sprayers101.com. coverage and spray drift), pest under-leaf or panoramic stem 5. Use water-and-oil sensitive sufficient. staging, and sprayer capacity coverage. The Coarser the paper to assess spray coverage. Now, a few caveats: Know Dr. Jason Deveau is application (i.e. the sprayer’s ability to droplet, the fewer the sprayer The operator should pin or clip that under-leaf coverage is technology specialist, OMAFRA. cover the crop in the window of produces, reducing droplet papers in the crop, in locations VERY difficult to achieve and @spray_guy time available). Finally, there density. However, they are not and orientations representing that improved coverage does has to be a mechanism for the prone to drift and can tolerate the desired target. Wire flags operator to make a single higher winds. and flagging tape mark their change, then assess the impact • Finer droplets slow quickly locations: in a quick, convenient, and yet and tend to move in random • Spray using water to establish quantitative manner. directions without some form of baseline coverage. There are always exceptions entrainment (e.g. air-assist). • Retrieve the papers and to a rule, but an operator look- While they are not prone to replace them with a new set in ing to assess spray coverage runoff, they can get caught up the same locations and might consider the following on trichomes (leaf hairs) and orientation. process: may not reach the leaf surface. • Make one change to the They provide improved canopy sprayer set-up and determine 1. Understand how the pesti- penetration and some whether or not coverage was cide works. Not only do certain under-leaf and panoramic stem improved. tank mixes and weather coverage, but their lack of • Continue to tweak the Europe accounts for a quarter of pesticide market Europe accounts for almost a quarter of the growing global pesticide market, with the vast majority of products applied in the agricultural sector. This shows that Europe still relies strongly on plant-protection products, despite complex pressure. Norway both introduced target- regulations. Introduced in the 1940s, ed tax schemes in the 1980s, The three main classes – synthetic pesticides have been followed by France and herbicides, fungicides and evolving ever since. In the early Denmark in the late 2000s, insecticides – are used to ‘90s, new EU regulations led to though with limited effective- protect plants from weeds, fungi the withdrawal of various ness. Belgium, Switzerland, the and insects. Their application compounds, some of which Netherlands and Germany have rates vary depending on a were replaced by more effective recently discussed similar farmer’s training and on the products used at lower dosages, measures. Another rival to crops’ characteristics. Grapes, leading in some countries to a pesticides’ success, organic for example, are a fungicide- slight reduction in the volume agriculture, amounted to 5.4 per intensive crop, and tulips – of pesticide used. cent of the total agricultural area widespread in the Netherlands Across Europe, various in 2014, an increase of 2.3 per – are pesticide-intensive, due to incentives encourage low- cent from the previous year. their value and high pest pesticide farming: Sweden and Source: www.technologist.eu PAGE 28 –– NOVEMBER 2016 THE GROWER