DECEMBER 2017 CELEBRATING 138 YEARS AS ’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION THEGROWER.ORG

HARD TRUTHS ABOUT LOCAL FOOD Brussels sprouts: a vegetable crop competing in a global marketplace

Only a handful of growers specialize in Brussels sprouts. Near Pain Court, , Dave VanSegbrook (L) and Jean Marie Laprise are the largest Brussels sprout producers in Canada. The plumpest sprouts go to the fresh market -- Ippolito Produce in Burlington -- and the remainder is destined for the Bonduelle processing plant in Tecumseh. However, storm clouds are on the horizon to keep competitive in a global market while operating in Ontario’s unfriendly business environment. Photos by Rosemary Chaput.

vulnerable to disease such as packing line to clean, sort and that several million dollars have marketplace. We have driven KAREN DAVIDSON Alternaria and to such as pack for two end users: the been invested over the years to costs out of our system for the aphids, diamondback moth, fresh market at Ippolito keep competitive. The business last 25 years, and now I don’t Brussels sprouts, common cabbage loopers and imported Produce in Burlington and has significant risk with very know where to turn. Extra fare for holiday dinners, are cabbage worm. The cruciferous freezer processor Bonduelle in limited market opportunities. labour costs will negatively uncommonly difficult to grow. vegetable is also vulnerable to Tecumseh. Not every Brussels The crop contract is not impact our profit margins.” That’s why Dave VanSegbrook other lower-cost, temperate- sprout is destined for prime negotiated under the umbrella As much as the newspaper and partner Jean Marie Laprise climate jurisdictions in time, nestled beside the festive of the Ontario Processing headlines have focussed on have combined their resources California, the Netherlands and turkey. Take a closer look at the Vegetable Growers but directly minimum wage increases, to grow the specialty Brassica Belgium where harvesting can buds which form between the with buyers. Brussels sprouts Laprise is more worried about crop. take place over months rather stems of the stalk. The growth are not carrots, potatoes or the Pest Management “Brussels sprouts are a very than the nine-week period in habit of the plant is such that broccoli where there is higher Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and labour-intensive crop,” explains Ontario. The partners invested only 20 per cent of the sprouts consumer demand and volumes. its re-evaluation of critical crop Laprise, during a field tour near in another state-of-the-art meet the 1 1/8 inch to 1 3/8 inch “Our capital costs per unit protection products such as Pain Court, Ontario. “The crop harvester this year, but as the size requirements of the fresh are much higher than Bravo, Admire and is planted May 1 and doesn’t behemoth rolls efficiently market. The marble-sized competitors,” says Laprise. others affecting production of get harvested until late October through the crop, remember remainders must find a home in “The increase in Ontario’s Brussels sprouts and other and November, so that’s six that the iron is unproductive in the processing sector. minimum wage ($14/hour as of vegetable crops. months of scouting for disease, storage for 10 months of the As Laprise inspects the January 1) is going to affect our insects and fertility year. end-of-season packing line, competitiveness and I don’t requirements. Altogether, 115 staff are searching for efficiency think we will be able to The cold-season crop is needed from the field to improvements, he points out recapture the money from the Continued on page 3

Manitoba’s carbon tax PG 5 Profile: apple juice industry PG 16 Focus: food safety PG 18

Volume 67 Number 12 P.M. 40012319 $3.00 CDN PAGE 2 –– DECEMBER 2017 THE GROWER AT PRESS TIME… NEWSMAKERS

Major spike in cost of helpful to growers in helping scheduling, overtime pay and SunSelect Produce, Inc. has them compete in a changing hours worked. named Len Krahn to its top doing business business climate,” says Jan “All agricultural exemptions leadership role of chief need to be maintained,” says executive officer. He will VanderHout. “We need all hands manage 70 greenhouse acres on deck when it’s time to plant, in Delta and Aldergrove, time to harvest. We can’t forecast British Columbia and 64 acres a heat wave that causes a surge of in Tehachapi, California. production. We can’t schedule in Krahn has held various posi- advance.” tions at SunSelect since 1993. Len Krahn In the lobbying efforts in In 2014, SunSelect’s Canadian recent months, the OFVGA and greenhouses became the first produce-growing operation in LICC have been drilling down to earn Fair Trade certification. He is one of four into these related issues. “Our siblings who manage the pepper, tomato and cucumber industry is at the tipping point greenhouse company. After months of intense lobbying, VanderHout, chair of the Ontario and only time will tell how fast Ontario’s agriculture industry Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ our industry can restructure,” The BC Blueberry Council learned that not much will budge Association (OFVGA). “The new says Forth. has announced that Anju Gill in Bill 148: Fair Workplaces, reality is cap and trade, rising The cumulative effects of is the new executive director. Better Jobs Act. On November energy costs and minimum wage legislative changes are wearing Her 12 years of experience in 15, Charles Sousa, Ontario’s increases.” heavily on growers. government and public minister of finance, issued a fall Those growers who are most “In the next six months as we relations along with her economic statement that affected by these rising costs are head into the June 2018 Ontario education uniquely position committed to a minimum wage those who are heavy users of election, we will have a non- her in supporting the diverse increase from $11.60/hour to electricity, natural gas and labour. partisan approach, making sure needs of the highbush $14/hour on January 1. blueberry industry. Based in As Ken Forth points out, $400 that all provincial parties are Anju Gill This unprecedented increase million of Ontario investment has aware of agriculture’s role in the Abbotsford, BC, she will be is expected to cost Ontario already left the province to build economy and the factors managing an association with 700 members. horticulture an extra $165 million state-of-the-art greenhouses in impacting our success,” says next year, says broccoli grower the more business-friendly U.S. VanderHout. The Dow-DuPont merger is resulting in divestitures and moves Ken Forth, chair of the Labour As growers measure harvest of personnel. Sylvain Legault, for example, has been with Issues Coordinating Committee results and look towards the 2018 Strike at Ippolito ends DuPont for 15 years, but announced his move to FMC (LICC). If all Ontario agriculture planning cycle, OFVGA leaders Agricultural Solutions as sales representative, Eastern Canada. is included, then the dent is $297 will be meeting with Ontario About 20 workers at Ippolito million. With these added ministry of agriculture officials Produce picketed the Ontario The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers held their annual burdens, growers will be looking the week of November 20 to Food Terminal in mid- general meeting October 24. Kevin Safrance and Hilco to the marketplace to help absorb discuss how the funds will be November, disrupting business Tamminga were elected for a second term. Bill Heeg, Marco these extra costs. managed and distributed. It’s for a week, in their bid for better Hoogenboom and James Neven acclaimed their seats. The 2017- In its economic forecast, the expected the funding mechanism wages and job security. 2018 board of directors for district 1 are: Paul Mastronardi, Hazel government did acknowledge the will hinge on Allowable Net Sales "Ippolito Produce and the Farms; Jason Whitcher, Cecelia Acres; Peter Quiring, vulnerability of the edible as part of a Self-Directed Risk Teamsters union representing NatureFresh Farms; Kevin Safrance, EnviroFresh Farms; Hilco horticulture sector by earmarking Management-like program. It our employees were able to reach Tamminga, Truly Green. $60 million for a competitiveness could be spring 2018 before a tentative agreement on Directors for district 2 are: fund over two years, citing the funds are available. November 17,” reported Dave Jan VanderHout, Beverly sector’s unique position as a Just as important are other Shepherd, director human Greenhouses; Mike price-taker in the global market. important labour issues contained resources for Ippolito Produce. Vanderzwet, St. David’s “The $60 million will be within Bill 148. They concern Hydroponics; Bill Heeg, Sunchoice Greenhouses; Marco Hoogenboom, Hoogenboom Family Farms; James Neven, Foothill Greenhouses. The recipient of The Industry Builder Award was Don Taylor, chair of the board from 2010 to 2015. Don Taylor

At the recent Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, the National Apple Competition attracted just under 100 entries from British Columbia, Ontario and . The Canadian Horticultural Council Trophy for Grand Champion of new varieties was won by Steve Brown, Happy Valley Harvest, Summerland, BC for his Ambrosia variety entry. The Ontario Apple Growers Trophy was awarded to Wheelbarrow Orchards, Milton, Ontario as premier exhibitor of commercial varieties. The Tyrell Trophy also went to Wheelbarrow Orchards as winner of the best collection of apples. For all winners, go to: https://assistexpo.ca/results/ 2017-rawf/6/820

Also at the Royal, the Giant Vegetable Competition always attracts the curious. This year’s winner for the Potato by Weight category was a 4.4 pound entry by Pat Tupling from Tupling Farms, Melancthon, Ontario. For those interested, the variety is Colomba.

Fore more Newsmakers, see page 8. DECEMBER 2017 –– PAGE 3 THE GROWER COVER STORY Brussels sprouts: a vegetable competing in a global marketplace

The increase in Ontario’s“ minimum wage

($14/hour as of January 1) is going to affect our competitiveness and I don’t think we will be able to recapture the money from “ the marketplace. ~ JEAN MARIE LAPRISE

Continued from page 1

“We are extremely concerned that we will lose access to important pesticides for disease and control,” says Laprise. “It’s crucial for us to produce quality product for the market, otherwise our customers will buy from the U.S. and . The PMRA is now at a point where it will sell out Canadian agriculture if it’s not Trucks haul tons at a time to the nearby packing line for washing, sorting and packing. careful and Canadian consumers will be getting its produce from China, Mexico and the U.S. where they can use the same pesticides that we may not. Quite seriously, PMRA could kill the vegetable industry.” Dave VanSegbrook brings perspective from a recently completed trip to the Netherlands. “Admire (imidacloprid) was removed from registered usage three years ago in the Netherlands. Since the loss, growers have witnessed reduced quality from increased and uncontrolled insect pressure. This has led to higher costs and more discards from the packing shed. A neighbouring country still has registration of imidacloprid, not having to bear the increased costs and reduction in revenue that the growers in the Netherlands now suffer.” The law of unintended consequences is at play. One of the key themes in the produce industry is how to reduce food waste. By banning specific crop protection products, regulators may not have realized the consequence of increased waste in the field and on the packing line as growers try to meet customer demands for quality produce. This is more evidence of the complexity of growing specialty crops.

Specialists in a Altogether, 115 staff are required for the Brussels sprouts operation from field to packing line. The operation is CanadaGAP-certified. specialty commodity Ippolito Inc has been marketing Brussels sprouts since the 1970s, a track record that makes the firm a specialist in a specialty commodity. In fact, the company is one of the major suppliers to North America. “Canadians at that time consumed more Brussels sprouts than our neighbours to the south,” recalls Steve Dimen, co-chief operating officer, Ippolito Inc., Burlington, Ontario. “In order to create a 12-month program for Canada, Joel Ippolito travelled to the Baja peninsula of Mexico in 2001 when he started test plots. The success of this program has positioned us well for the healthy eating trend in the last 15 years.” With growth in the retail market, the company has spent time and dollars on research and development for value-added sprouts. The result is a microwaveable bag for whole and half sprouts in addition to a line of shredded sprouts. All of these items are washed and dried prior to packaging. “Laprise Farms represent a very important piece of our local Brussels sprouts program,” says Dimen. “They have been growing partners with the Ippolito’s for more than 25 years. Unfortunately, the local season only lasts a couple months every year. To ensure we have a good supply for 12 months, we diversify our program Dave VanSegbrook (L) Derek Louzon and Jean Marie Laprise are proud of their fresh product throughout the southwestern and Mexico.” destined for Ippolito Produce in Burlington, Ontario.

NOTICE OF MEETING NEW is hereby given that the159th Annual Members and Directors’ Meeting of the DATE ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION NEW will be held at the HILTON HOTELS & SUITES NIAGARA FALLS/FALLSVIEW LOCATION 6361 Fallsview Boulevard | Niagara Falls ON L2G 3V9 February 20, 2018 Election of Directors of the Association will take place as well as dealing with resolutions and any other business that may arise. PAGE 4 –– DECEMBER 2017 THE GROWER CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST Scotian Gold Cooperative installs high-efficiency apple production lines Celebrating its 60th year, have grown from 1.8 million kg Gold Cooperative Ltd. “Over Scotian Gold Cooperative Ltd. to almost 4.0 million kg in 2016. the next number of years, the has invested $5.5 million in two The value has also doubled to apple volume will increase for high-efficiency production lines $15 million. The top three varieties such as Honeycrisp, for its Coldbrook, Nova Scotia varieties now are Honeycrisp Ambrosia and SweeTango. This facility. If there are no traffic (325,000 bushels), Cortland facility will have the capability jams, each line can process (260,000 bushels) and McIntosh to supply expanding markets in about 30 bins an hour. (200,000) bushels. a timely and efficient manner." The federal government Honeycrisp is a finicky There are 33 producers who made a $1.75 million repayable variety to grow, harvest and own the tree fruit cooperative loan through the Growing store. For example, each apple which is the largest apple Forward 2, AgriInnovation needs to be stem-clipped to packing and storage operation in Program. The expansion has the prevent a puncture in the skin. Eastern Canada. potential to double packaging "The new facility is an capacity over the next decade. example of Scotian Gold's Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food The optimism is based on willingness to invest in the Canada October 27, 2017 news the doubling of Nova Scotia future of our growers, our release, files from Halifax apple exports since 2014. employees and the apple Chronicle-Herald. Provincial statistics show that industry,” says David Parrish, SweeTango is one of the varieties grown at Lutz Family Farms, exports, mostly to the U.S., president and CEO, Scotian Rockland, Nova Scotia.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND PEI Potato Board takes to the airwaves

For the first time, the Prince potato farms.” written by Furrow Creative, Edward Island Potato Board has Although the $1 billion based in Charlottetown. The filmed and produced a 30-sec- industry is central to PEI’s project was filmed over the ond TV ad that’s set to air in economy, the TV ad is summer and early fall of 2017 at Ontario and all Atlantic considered an important different field locations all over provinces. It will air primarily in outreach to those in the region. the island. local markets on Hockey Night The launch timing coincides “We have so much to be in Canada and other digital with the end of the 2017 harvest proud of and thankful for in our channels. and the start of the main potato industry here on PEI,” “We wanted to connect with shipping season. The media says Rodney Dingwell, chair of people not connected with schedule will take the ad into the PEI Potato Board. “It’s the farming and show the passion mid-December. backbone of our economy, it’s a for what we do,” says Kendra What does it take to grow a major part of our culture and Mills, marketing director, PEI quality potato? It takes an PEI wouldn’t be the same Potato Board. “This ad island. without it.” showcases real farmers and real The catchy introduction was The province of PEI

provided some funding for the www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn project. To see the ad, go here: LHJ5MwER8

QUEBEC Metro expands click-and-collect service Metro, considered the third placed by midnight, customers largest grocer in Canada after can receive next-day delivery Loblaw and Sobeys, is expand- for a fee that ranges from $4 to ing its footprint in the online $8 depending on the day and marketplace. The grocer says 60 time. per cent of Quebec’s 8.2 million In-store staff has been population will have access to trained to select the freshest the delivery service by the end in-store products and to keep of 2017. them in-store in a dedicated Metro.ca is now serving tri-zones area -- temperate, Quebec City, enabling shoppers refrigerated and frozen -- until to place an order for pick-up at they are collected or delivered. the Metro Plus St-David The delivery trucks have been (Beauport) location or opt for outfitted with the same zones. home delivery within the The infrastructure is designed service area, from Lévis to to uphold Metro’s guaranteed L’Ancienne-Lorette, and from freshness promise. Quebec City to Saint-Augustin- Metro started testing online de-Desmaures. grocery delivery in Montreal, The company first gained Quebec, in late 2016. While success in the Greater Montreal plans are underway to expand Area, offering between 20,000 to Ontario, no launch date has and 25,000 SKUs. If orders are been announced. DECEMBER 2017 –– PAGE 5 THE GROWER CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST MANITOBA Exempting farmers, Manitoba takes middle road on carbon tax Manitoba’s premier Brian Pallister has announced a fixed carbon price of $25 per tonne while exempting farmers from a fuel tax. The price is more than the federal government’s demand of $10 per tonne by 2018 but less than the staged plan to reach $50 per tonne by 2022. The tax means another five cents a litre on the price of gasoline. “We’re quite pleased that the premier has taken the time to consult with growers,” says Dan Sawatsky, general manag- er, Keystone Potato Producers’ Association. “We understand fertilizer efficiency. and Green Plan is published for that climate change needs to be The 64-page plan is a citizen feedback by November addressed. The government has thoughtful, in-depth assessment 30. For more details, go to: found ways to address the issue of how to withstand, respond to http://bit.ly/2A6K0Ul limiting economic harm.” and recover from impacts of That’s good news for climate change. The Climate Manitoba’s potato growers who just had their “best year ever” according to Sawatsky. On average, growers harvested 359 CANADA’S PREMIER cwt/acre on 613,915 seeded HORTICULTURAL EVENT acres. That’s up considerably from 348 cwt/acre last year. The ability to irrigate, in the face of 50 per cent of normal rainfall, partially contributed to the banner year. Manitoba is unique in that the province must plan for both drought and floods. Its experience and perspective are useful to all Canadians. In a key document called “A Made-in- 2018 ONTARIO 16 Manitoba Climate and Green YEARS Plan,” the premier STRONG! acknowledges the importance of agriculture to the provincial economy. When all agriculture, fruit & food and beverage processing is accounted for, agriculture accounts for about 12 per cent of the province’s GDP. He cites the fact that farmers are price vegetable takers in the domestic and global economies which gives little room to manage rising costs such as fuel. CONVENTION Accordingly, the Made-in- Manitoba plan includes two important exemptions for FEBRUARY 21–22, 2018 farmers and agricultural SCOTIABANK CONVENTION CENTRE operations. First, farm NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO operations will be exempt from the application of the carbon levy for fuel use for their farming operations. Marked fuels will not increase due to any carbon pricing being applied on diesel or gasoline at FOOD the wholesale, distribution or FOR pump levels. Second, THOUGHT! agricultural emissions will not LEARN BROWSE ENJOY be targeted for direct sector reductions via the carbon price 120+ EDUCATIONAL 80,000 SQ. FT. FARMERS & FRIENDS or other aspects of this plan. SESSIONS OF EXHIBITS RECEPTION FREE PARKING While agriculture contributes 32 per cent of Manitoba’s FEATURING SAVE greenhouse emissions, there is MEET THE BUYER REGISTER ONLINE www.ofvc.ca recognition for the opportunity WHERE FARMERS MEET KEY TODAY FOR EARLY to sequester carbon. Many other INDUSTRY BUYERS 1 ON 1 BIRD SAVINGS @ofvc1 techniques and programs will be enhanced. For instance, precision farming can improve PAGE 6 –– DECEMBER 2017 THE GROWER STUDENT OUTREACH More than 500 Ontario schools raise funds through Fresh from the Farm

fundraising program was offered than $750,000 for their schools. continuous growth, the FFF Growers Association looks DAN TUKENDORF to Ontario schools. Not only does the FFF fundraising program has shown forward to the continued growth Eligible Ontario schools sell program provide a healthy there is demand for a healthy of the program and on behalf of The Ontario-based Fresh bundles of fresh Ontario-grown fundraising alternative for alternative in schools The FFF Ontario's fruit and vegetable from the Farm (FFF) school- root vegetables and apples with schools but at the same time it not only supports Ontario growers thanks the school fundraising program completed 40 per cent of all sales going increases the school communi- schools but also supports communities for supporting its largest and most successful back directly to each school. In ty’s awareness and consumption Ontario's economy by providing local food. campaign to date at the end of 2017, nearly 500 schools across of healthy Ontario fruit and Ontario fruit and vegetable November. 2017 marked the Ontario sold more than one vegetables while supporting farmers with additional markets Dan Tukendorf is program fifth year this healthy million pounds of fresh fruit local growers. for their healthy products. The manager, Ontario Fruit and alternative to traditional and vegetables raising more “After five years of Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Vegetable Growers’ Association. Teaching food skills to students

More than 30 classrooms learn is with a hands-on can be hosted with minimal across Canada hosted “Chef for experience,” says Ron Lemaire, funds. a Day” on November 21 to CPMA president. “We’re “It can be extremely encourage healthy eating habits hoping this event can provide challenging for teachers to and food skills development. awareness at the community execute one-off educational Established by the Canadian level as to the benefits of programs with limited funding Produce Marketing Association teaching children to cook and and resources. With the easy to (CPMA) as part of their Freggie sending them to school with follow blueprints and gift cards Children’s program, Chef for a more nutritious lunches.” to purchase ingredients, CPMA Day is a unique educational Participating teachers are has developed a winning opportunity where kids learn provided with a step-by-step combination to get more kids how to make an easy, healthy blueprint for the event, and are engaged in healthy eating while lunch from start to finish. They encouraged to enlist the help of respecting busy schedules,” then get to eat their creations, local chefs, dietitians, or keen added Kim Hickman, all while learning about how to parents. Each event focuses on Community Dietitian, Health make the healthiest choices to health, food safety and great Promotion Unit, Government of fuel their growing bodies. taste with the intention of Yukon. “This program is a “We know that the develop- including students at every wonderful way to get kids ment of proper food skills is an step. Piloted in 2015 in Nova engaged and excited to make essential foundation for healthy Scotia, the program has been healthy meals.” eating, and that the best way to tailored to a national level, and DECEMBER 2017 –– PAGE 7 THE GROWER CASE HISTORY Improving packing line efficiency and…reducing food waste

As part of the Ontario Produce Marketing Association’s (OPMA) food waste reduction initiative, Value Chain Management International (VCMI) worked with Gwillimdale Farms (GF) Bradford, Ontario to implement effective daily management systems for their carrot, beet, parsnip, and potato packing lines. Gwillimdale’s primary operation – established south of Lake Simcoe in the outskirts of the Holland Marsh – includes 1,000 acres of carrots, potatoes, , beets and parsnips. GF also recently commenced vegetable production in the New Liskeard area, to meet the exponential increase in demand that has occurred in recent years. This demand culminates from GF’s proven ability to consistently supply high-quality products and meet exacting customer demands on volume and format. Since the owners, John and Cristina Hambly, first invested equipment effectiveness (OEE) of carrots that forced both lines reporting incidences by weather, production practices in on-site vegetable packing was used to calculate how to stop entirely. Line stoppages operator, in a manner that could and soil type). equipment in 2007, GF’s closely Gwillimdale’s primary created waste and challenges be directly acted upon as part of packaging facilities have packing lines were operating that impact the wider business a continual improvement Conclusions expanded to three production compared to what is possible. — from front-line workers to process. In addition, the main lines that wash, bag and cut – if OEE provides a normalized senior management and operators did not tend to Establishing a more required – an average of 250,000 means to compare performance dispatch. proactively seek advice when an structured management pounds (five tractor trailer across packing lines and SKUs, Another issue related to the issue arose, which exacerbated hierarchy would involve holding loads) of vegetables each day. identifying improvement management of packaging the impact that misfires had on regular meetings between line While most of the vegetables opportunities and the root materials. The number of pack performance. operators and management. processed are grown on their causes of current issues. sizes, formats and designs – Reasons why the present Line meetings would primarily own farms, GF also purchases along with associated items, situation of operator take the form of a daily huddle Canadian, American and OEE is calculated by measuring such as clips to seal bags shut – effectiveness had arisen was before work commenced — to Mexican produce from the following three factors:% make managing the supply of largely due to the management share the prior day’s perfor- preferred partners to ensure a planned up time x % planned packaging materials a complex of staff having essentially mance and that day’s targets, constant year-round supply of run rate x % first time quality process. Order-to-delivery cycle remaining unchanged, while the and discuss any issues or excellent quality products for times and variations in quality scale and complexity of GF’s problems discussed. Senior their customers. Up time is the number of add further complexities to the packing line had evolved managers would meet weekly to The capital investment hours that the equipment is management of packaging markedly. Limited year-round discuss key performance required to establish and oper- planned to be in use. Run rate materials. access to local skilled workers indicators and pressing issues. ate these extended packaging is the maximum speed which has also played a role in shaping More detailed monthly facilities has been significant. the equipment can operate Misfires the current situation. The GF management meetings would The Growing Forward 2 funded effectively to produce the team determined that a sound involve a thorough review and project between GF and VCMI required output. First time The most common issue business case existed for hiring discuss both opportunities and looked to improve the quality is the actual production impacting the lines’ perfor- a full time mechanically- issues from operation and performance of packaging rate of products that meet mance was identified as bagging minded person who lived strategic perspectives. facilities by making minor intended quality and thus do equipment misfires. The OEE locally. The structure of daily improvements at multiple not require rework or are not identified that misfires most Other potential causes lying management interactions would points along the packing line rejected. A good target OEE is commonly occurred when the behind the baggers’ be supported by establishing: 1) and associated activities, such as 85 per cent – below 85 per cent weighing head incorrectly underperformance included the detailed job descriptions that procurement and marketing. equates to improvement grabbed a new bag ready for material from which bags were define individuals’ responsibili- opportunities; an above 85 per filling, or carrots protruded from constructed, bag design, and ties, the business operations for Identifying improvement cent equates to operational the top of the bag. The latter differences of ~1/8 inch (3 – which they are accountable, and opportunities excellence. was one of the factors that led 4mm) in the size of bags measurable targets against A number of issues were to the third most common contained within the same which their performance is Challenges faced by identified that impacted the cause: incorrectly closed bags. wicket. Light-weight plastic has measured; and 2) an organiza- Gwillimdale that can negatively performance of the packing Bags were also tearing during a greater tendency to tear or tional chart that graphically impact performance include 1) line, particularly when packing their filling, closing and packing break loose from the bagger shows to whom individuals the number of labels under carrots. Opportunities to into 50lb masters. head. Bags with a larger number report – along with the teams, which vegetables are packed, 2) improve GF’s OEE for carrots A key insight gained from of smaller ventilation holes than operations and functions for enormous variations in order by a third were identified the cause and effect analysis is traditional carrot bags were which they are directly size, 3) differing pack size, and against the targeted 85 per cent. that the bagger’s operation and found to reduce the incidence responsible and therefore 4) late receipt and/or ongoing Certain easily observable issues, function varied. This was due to of misfires, though the impact supervise. changes to orders. On any day, such as a single washing and tribal knowledge from of these non-traditional bags on Gwillimdale fulfills multiple polishing line feeding two individual operators that was carrots’ freshness and shelf life Editor’s note: This is an excerpt customer orders with a variety grading lines (each handling gained over time. During the had not been objectively from the case history. For the entire of products, packed in different differently sized carrots), would year, at least three separate evaluated. report, go here: sizes. Variations in the size, require considerable investment people operated the machine. Carrot variety and growing http://bit.ly/2B9UUIG quality, consistency and timing in capital. There were no written standard practices/conditions were also of vegetables received directly Other less obvious issues operating procedures based on identified as causing misfires. from the field or out of storage stemmed from the weighing experience for workers to Misshapen carrots can result can also impact performance. and packing equipment. At follow. Nor was there a process from differences by variety and A tool known as overall times, this issue led to a backup for monitoring performance or growing conditions (including PAGE 8 –– DECEMBER 2017 THE GROWER NEWSMAKERS Honouring individuals who lead teams

Vaughn, Ontario -- For 26 years now, the Ontario Produce Marketing Association has honoured the industry’s brightest lights, both early in their careers and after a life- time. This year’s Gala and Awards Ceremony was held November 17. “The feedback we received that night was extremely positive!” commented Virginia Matt Ecker, Vineland Growers’ Cooperative Zimm, president of the OPMA. “Every year, I am amazed by the camaraderie and friendship Dr. Martin Gooch, Value Chain Management International that exists in this industry con- sidering many are competitors. [under 40] who demonstrates a between produce sellers and This event demonstrates that fervent determination to buyers to ultimately increase no matter what part you play in improve the quality, distribu- the consumption of fresh fruits the value chain, we are all in tion or consumption of fruits and vegetables, was awarded to this industry to achieve one and vegetables, was awarded to Fred Webber from the Dispute common goal – increase Matt Ecker from Vineland Resolution Corporation. produce consumption! It’s an Growers Cooperative. The OPMA would like to opportunity to publicly • The Cory Clack-Streef congratulate all the award congratulate those who Produce Person of the Year recipients for their hard work demonstrate their commitment Award, presented to an individ- and dedication to improving the to the industry above and ual who has worked tirelessly to quality, distribution and beyond regular business, while increase the consumption of consumption of fresh fruits and enjoying great food, music and fruits and vegetables through vegetables both inside and reconnecting with friends and innovation, collaboration and outside of Ontario! Fred Webber, Dispute Resolution Corporation business associates.” hard work, was awarded to Dr. Every year, one lucky gala This year’s awards were Martin Gooch, CEO of Value attendee is eligible to win the spirit by preparing for their families across the GTA. If you presented to three deserving Chain Management grand prize - a $3,000 travel annual Food Share program. wish to volunteer or donate pro- individuals whose efforts have International. voucher towards a trip of their They will partner with the duce, please contact the OPMA made a significant impact in the • Lastly, the OPMA Lifetime dreams. Congratulations to Val Toronto Wholesale Produce to find out how to get involved. produce industry over the Achievement Award, presented Costa from the Ontario Food Association and Daily Bread course of the last year. to an individual who has Terminal Board. Food Bank to distribute more Source: Ontario Produce • The OPMA Fresh Award, dedicated their life to improv- Moving forward, the OPMA than two thousand 50 lbs. fresh Marketing Association November presented to a young individual ing the transaction process is getting into the Christmas produce boxes to deserving 22, 2017 news release.

The race to win e-commerce Loblaw to offer home delivery PETER CHAPMAN consumers in food heated up with the announcement from Loblaw on November 15 to partner with Instacart. Loblaw’s decision is no doubt driven by the threat of Amazon moving more aggressively into food. Positives for Loblaw include a solution for convenience- driven consumers in two of -- and the move is not perfect their most lucrative markets: from a Loblaw perspective. Toronto and Vancouver. These Consumers will shop online early adopters are important using Instacart, not Loblaw customers at Loblaw stores that websites. This means Loblaw the grocer cannot afford to lose. will not have direct contact with These are high-margin shoppers consumers. willing to pay a premium. How The second issue for Loblaw much of a premium? is that consumers using this Loblaw has not announced platform will not earn or be able Stokes Seeds Trial Evaluation Researching the best for our customers since 1881. its home delivery structure yet, to redeem PC points. Given the however Instacart’s delivery allure of PC Points, this could fees offer some insight. Their be a deterrent for some NEW prices range from a low of $3.99 consumers. Avid PC Point depending on the order size and collectors are probably the same delivery time, to a high of $9.99 early adopters who would want for a one-hour delivery of an online shopping and delivery. order less than $35. On top of Loblaw also announced it that, expect a service fee of 7.5 would be closing 22 stores, Aldrin Elle Aquarius Currier per cent of the value of the citing rising labour costs in 56 day, high quality dark 78 day, 7.5-8 in/19-20 cm 70 day, uniform, high 74 day, extra large, blocky order. Ontario and Alberta and other green 5.25 in/13.5 cm yellow with 16-18 row quality white with smooth, dark green to red four Loblaw probably expects competitive pressures. This is very straight pods. count and refi ned ear. fi rm, heavy curds. lobed high quality fruit. there is an opportunity to win nothing new as population some customers from others shifts, new stores are built and Henry Zomer Leah Erickson Bridget Visser Laura Caralampides Rob Hovius Paul Banks Marc André Laberge ON, MB, SK AB, BC ON, MB QC ON, PEI, NB ON, NS QC offering home delivery such as some locations just become 905-308-4396 604-957-2359 905-715-8595 514-984-0662 519-580-3231 905-688-4300 514-984-4589 Walmart, Grocery Gateway and unprofitable. With more food Vancouver’s service, Fresh St being sold in Shoppers Drug — Quality Seed Since 1881 — Market. Mart and the shift to online The pace of change is shopping for food, expect to see T: 1-800-263-7233 ŇF: 1-800-272-5560 Ňwww.StokeSeeds.com ŇBox 10 Thorold ON L2V 5E9 accelerating – note the more stores closing in the December 6 rollout in Toronto future. DECEMBER 2017 –– PAGE 9 THE GROWER GREENHOUSE PRODUCTION Mucci’s expands strawberry greenhouses Conference and Expo in New KAREN DAVIDSON Orleans, the company won the Kids’ Choice Award for its Mucci Farms, a pioneer in Smuccies Layered Strawberry growing strawberries under and Mango Dip. glass, is claiming top place in North America with its recently Photo right: Smuccies Sweet opened $12 million second Strawberries are in Ontario phase. The original investment grocery stores now, in time for of $24 million was so successful the holiday season. Photo by in terms of agronomics and Glenn Lowson. customer demand that expansion is moving swiftly. “Mucci Farms can proudly say we are putting Kingsville, Ontario, on the map for having the largest strawberry green- house not only in Canada but in North America,” says Joe Spano, a vice-president of sales and marketing. In 2018, the company Production Insurance expects to add 12 acres to the existing 24 acres of strawberries. The pristine white piping For fruit contributes to an other-worldly experience, especially when artificial lighting is turned on. Connecting producers with programs 1-888-247-499988 247 4999 | agricorp.com Negotiating a lower electricity price was key in expanding. The plan is to concentrate strawberry growing in Kingsville, and not to new Insure your fruit by December 20 facilities outside of Canada. For over 50 years, Production Insurance has proven to be a valuable and reliable The current phases also include risk management tool. Fruit growers whose crops have been impacted by things the use of diffused glass which like cold temperatures, frost and hail have been compensatedffoor loss and have reduces stress on the plants by ffoound some peace of mind through Production Insurance. providing even sunlight. High- pressure fogging systems cool down the greenhouse in the Not covered? Contact Agricorp today to sign up hotter months. A swing gutter Fruit growers who want to enrol in Production Insurance or add newly planted system allows for the amount of acres, orchards or vineyards should contact Agricorp today to establish coverage maximum plants per square by December 20. meter. The greenhouse-grown fruit Step 1: Contact Agricorp at 1-888-247-4999 is called Smuccies Sweet Step 2: Meet with an adjuster who will assess your fruit and trees or vines, and Strawberries. They are retailed provide you with an estimated liability. at a range of $4.99 to $5.99 for a 12-ounce clamshell. The Step 3: Pay your premium deposit. YYoour premium balance is due in the sprinng. competitive advantage is that no pesticides are used and Review before you renew flavour compares with field- grown. Furthermore, it’s a crop Review your renewal documents beffoore deciding on this year’s coverage and that can be grown year-round. ask yourself: Building expertise in greenhouse strawberries is a Ź What changes have you made to your business? new endeavor, expanding the Ź What risks does yourffaarmfface this yearr?? range of products from green- house tomatoes, cucumbers and Ź Will your current coverage protect you if you experience a severe, peppers. Since partnering with unexpected loss? Dutch growers Ton Bastiaansen Submit premium deposits, inventory reports and any coverage changes by and Joost van Oers in January December 20, 2017. 2016, Mucci Farms has seen accelerated growth and a greater demand for greenhouse-grown New last year for apples, tender fruit and grapes strawberries. "Overwhelming, is the best Ź TTeender fruit trees are now covered way I can describe how our Ź YYoounger trees and vines are eligibleffoor coverage Smuccies are being received,” says Spano. “Super sweet, Ź YYoou can choose additional tree or vine coverage clean, on the shelf within 24 TToo learn more about tree and vine coverage, call us or visit agricorp.com. hours of harvest and grown in an environment that is unaffected by inclement weather.” Applest Grapes t Strawberries The product has received Pears tPlums t Peaches and nectarines t Sweet cherries t Sour cherries accolades from multiple industry associations for best packaging, best new fruit and best kid-centric product. At the recent Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit PAGE 10 –– DECEMBER 2017 THE GROWER LOBBYING Canadian produce industry urges parliamentarians to consider important trade and health issues

On November 7 and 8, emerging markets to support sentatives also discussed labour healthy eating habits.” Half Your Plate Ambassador industry leaders representing industry, and advocated for the policy and the need for financial “Good health starts with Chef Michael Smith. This the Canadian Produce adoption of an integrated and protection for produce sellers. what we put in our bodies, and well-attended event featured a Marketing Association (CPMA) collaborative approach to “The fresh fruit and we know that the healthiest food demonstration with Chef and the Canadian Horticultural increasing fruit and vegetable vegetable industry plays a foods are fruits and vegetables,” Michael and Minister of Council (CHC) met with more consumption in a new Food significant role in supporting states Alvin Keenan, CHC pres- Agriculture and Agri-Food than 50 parliamentarians and Policy for Canada. Both issues Canada’s goals to provide safe, ident. “The federal government Lawrence MacAulay and civil servants in to are critical for the industry, and affordable, and accessible needs to assume a leadership provided representatives of the discuss key issues currently have severe implications on the product year round,” stated role in offering accessible fruit produce industry a more infor- affecting the Canadian fresh cost and quality of produce, the Rick Alcocer, CPMA chair. and vegetable options to all mal environment to network fruit and vegetable sector. health of Canadians, and “The produce supply chain had Canadians, from coast to coast and cement relationships with Notably, CPMA and CHC Canada’s potential for economic an estimated economic impact to coast.” parliamentarians and their staff. representatives addressed the growth, especially within the of $15.7 billion in real GDP and Following these productive need for continued free and fair context of current NAFTA supported 181,566 jobs in 2016, meetings, CPMA and CHC Source: CHC November 9, 2017 trade agreements with new and renegotiations. Industry repre- all the while encouraging hosted a reception featuring news release. DECEMBER 2017 –– PAGE 11 THE GROWER NEW FOOD SAFETY REGULATION The DRC rolls out Safe Food for Canadians Regulations outreach initiative The proposed Safe Food for Consumers “business-to-business private Canadians Regulations (SFCR) • Grower, Shipper, Packer commercial dispute resolution.” were published in Canada • Retail, Foodservice & In other words, DRC is a Gazette, Part I on January 21, (Certain) Restaurants referee between parties when 2017 and are expected to come • Wholesalers and Distributors the purchase and sale do not go into force in mid-2018. smoothly or according to plan. Although much of the To learn more about the The DRC provides the North content of the proposed initiative or to schedule a American produce trade with regulations concerns food safety presentation, contact the DRC the harmonized standards, and traceability, important trade at 613 234 0982 or procedures and services and commerce requirements [email protected]. necessary to avoid and resolve which pertain specifically to commercial disputes in a timely, buyers and sellers of fresh fruits About the DRC cost-effective manner. The long-term relationships. In management as membership and vegetables are also part of DRC is a partner in ensuring addition to fulfilling a regulatory benefits are extensive and the regulations. Specifically, The DRC is a member-based fair and problem-free requirement, DRC membership provide significant value and there is a requirement for organization whose core work is transactions and building is good business and good risk business protection. buyers and sellers of fresh fruits and vegetables to be members of the DRC unless exempt. A DRC membership is required to trade fresh fruits and vegetables (i.e.: buy, sell, import, export) unless otherwise exempted as per the proposed regulations. Some buyers and sellers of fresh fruits and veg- etables who were not previously subject to the requirements of the CFIA Licensing and Arbitration Regulations may be subject to the new requirement. To prepare for the coming into force of the proposed regulations and ensure increased and wide awareness of the requirement, the DRC has embarked on an education and outreach initiative to ensure, to the extent possible, that there are no surprises. This includes cross-country presentations, factsheets and a self-assessment to assist in determining if one is subject to the proposed requirement for a DRC membership. Presentations may be delivered in various formats and duration ranging from a high-level overview of the regulatory requirement with a focus on changes from the current regulation, to a 30- minute (or longer) presentation or seminar detailing DRC member’s rights and obligations and the dispute resolution process. To date presentations have taken place in PEI, Ontario and BC. “DRC team members are available to present at events and there is no cost for this thanks to financial support from AAFC Growing Forward,” notes DRC President & CEO Fred Webber. The following outreach materials are available in English, French, Spanish, Chinese and Punjabi:

Introduction and Backgrounder: Regulatory requirement for a membership in the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation

Self-assessment

• Agent, Grower’s Agent, Broker • Farm Markets & Direct to PAGE 12 –– DECEMBER 2017 THE GROWER Success, succession, successful, successor

am sure that you cannot take it Dad is also happy that there was farm, already it is likely that within tax laws. We must ensure with you when you die either. someone to take over the there will be a successor or that the tax burden on either of So how can we be successful in responsibility and headaches of successors coming up. The our deaths does not cripple our succession? running the farm, allowing him challenge now is that the farm successors. My brother and I Succession planning is not a to back out of the business at a has grown significantly in terms will also need to maintain some one-size-fits-all discussion but comfortable pace for him as well of the cost of building it up. It kind of income from the farm as rather every person or perhaps as us. would be difficult to sell the we grow older. every family must find a Without going into details I farm at its book value to our Children who do not custom-tailored solution that is will say that our arrangement children expecting them to participate in the farm should just the right fit for them. For was one that found a balance borrow the funds for the not be neglected, nor should some it may be passing the farm between paying a reasonable purchase. Borrowing that much they receive an inheritance on to their children. For others amount for our piece of the money would put them in a equal to their siblings who have without a family member farm while leaving Dad and very precarious position as made the family business their JAN VANDERHOUT interested in taking over the Mom enough to retire comfort- margins are currently far lower life’s work. Our farm’s viability CHAIR, OFVGA business, transitioning the ably and us with payments that than what would be required to hinges on all of the pieces business over to one or more of we could manage while still service that kind of debt. working together as one unit. their employees may be a good growing the business. I am Another option would be to This is certainly a delicate Every person who is in option. For others it is simply a thankful because I know that if retain ownership till death and balance especially since we do business has a goal to be matter of selling the business on we had to go to the bank and have some life insurance to not know the number of our successful in financial terms, the open market either as a borrow the full value of the offset the taxes allowing them days. How does one plan for the but at some point they will going concern or simply through farm we would not be able to to carry on the business. We will wide variety of possible out- need to answer what (or who) is the sale of the assets. These are make the payments. I am also need to consider what advan- comes and unknown timelines? it all for. Who will be their all valid options for farm or thankful that we were able to tage should be given to those As the average age of farmers successor when they retire or business succession. begin this process at a young who choose to make the farm in Ontario becomes more and pass on from life on this earth? My brother and I are now the age and participate in the their life’s work as opposed to more senior we all need to think Is good succession a measure of third generation running our growth of the business. Our making a career in some other about how we can encourage success? family farm so I have some first- parents were happy too because profession. We will need to someone to continue on the As farm business owners we hand experience at how this can they were able to slowly hand make an incentive for the next work that we have made our often have a relatively high net work. I am extremely thankful over responsibilities and ease generation to grow the farm and life’s passion. We need to worth and from time to time we that our father saw the value in into retirement at a pace they to keep it sustainable. They somehow encourage and might feel pretty successful. allowing us to become part of were comfortable with. Our need to benefit themselves as incentivize successors to take Some people say there is no the farm business at a relatively family has been successful at they take on more and more the torch from us and continue money in farming but this is young age allowing us to grow succession so far. responsibility in the business. the honourable work of food actually not true. There is into the business as it grew and With eight children between We certainly must work with production. We need to give plenty of money in farming. to share in its profits in a very my brother and me, with one of accounting and legal profession- them the opportunity to You just can’t get any of it out. I timely manner. I am sure that them working full time on the als to find solutions that work succeed. SEASON’S GREETINGS

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 2017 Editor: Karen Davidson, 416-557-6413, [email protected] Guelph, Ontario N1K 1S5 CANADA Crop Protection Charles Stevens, Newcastle Advertising: Carlie Melara 519-763-8728, [email protected] MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Tel. 519-763-8728 • Fax 519-763-6604 Chair Jan VanderHout, Waterdown Research Harold Schooley, Simcoe Digital marketing: Amanda Brodhagen, [email protected] The Grower is printed 12 times a year and sent to all Vice-Chair Bill George Jr., Beamsville 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 Mike Chromczak, Brownsville 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: No compensation will be given after the first running of the ad. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Client signature is required before insertion. Apples Charles Stevens, Newcastle $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 ON Asparagus Grws’. Mkg. Brd. Mike Chromczak, Brownsville The Grower are those of the newspaper’s editorial staff and/or Subscribers must submit a claim for missing issues within GGO/Fresh Grape Growers Bill George Jr., Beamsville contributor, and do not necessarily reflect the view of the associa- four months. If the issue is claimed within four months, but Fresh Vegetable - Muck Jason Verkaik, Bradford tion. not available, The Grower will extend the subscription by ON. Potato Board Mac James, Leamington All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may one month. No refunds on subscriptions. Small Fruit/Berries Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin ON. Ginseng Growers’ Remi Van De Slyke, Straffordville not be reproduced either whole or in part without the prior Greenhouse Jan VanderHout, Waterdown written consent of the publisher. P.M. 40012319 Greenhouse George Gilvesy, Tillsonburg DECEMBER 2017 –– PAGE 13 THE GROWER

PERSPECTIVE Get ready for field-level DNA identification

from a sample is placed in a tabaci developed back in 2014 tube with the molecular probe by his graduate student Andrew and other reagents that allow Frewin is the kind of species copying of a specific section of identification that could be DNA, using cycles of heating discovered by the Biomeme and cooling. If DNA from a device. specific target (in this case, a “Knowing which biotype is specific species) is present in a present can help inform sample, that section of DNA is management decisions in copied. The probe generates commercial greenhouses to fluorescence during this copying balance the use of pesticides process. If that DNA is absent, and biocontrol agents most no fluorescence is generated efficiently,” says Hanner. He’s OWEN ROBERTS because no DNA is copied. inviting collaboration to address U OF GUELPH The app contains species- any early detection and specific test information related identification issues faced by Researchers are a step closer to heating and cooling cycles the fruit and vegetable industry. to having a portable, hand-held needed to copy the target DNA. device and an array of tests that Naaum designs probes using Photo right: Amanda Naaum can positively identify species sequences from BOLD as a holds a portable DNA in the field, by their DNA. reference that search for a identification device. Photo by This approach is already specific region of DNA -- an Alaina Osborne. being used to try to reduce food even smaller portion of the fraud with species such as fish, DNA barcode -- that is unique which costs consumers millions to the target species. of dollars a year and can In this way, samples can be compromise their health. rapidly screened in under two Researchers at the University hours. of Guelph, where the initial Naaum says food retailers specific tests used with this could use the device onsite in device were developed, think it their distribution warehouses to will have many applications in make sure the food shipments the fruit and vegetable sector they receive are authentic, too, particularly for identifying before they’re packaged for the and verifying pests. public. Or, in the case of species Dr. Amanda Naaum is a like fish, which are currently the senior research scientist with focus of her work, inspectors the university’s new spin-off could take it dockside to test if company, TRU-ID. At the initial labelling is accurate, Building Canada sesquicenten- before imports get repackaged nial lecture series in Guelph in and shipped widely. early November, she demon- Naaum says portable species strated how the portable device identification could be she’s working with can give particularly helpful to find and users a yes-or-no reading for differentiate apple aphid POLICY ANALYST POSITION AVAILABLE samples of species whose DNA species. Two of these species, sequences have been recorded the green apple aphid (Aphis in the university’s Barcode Of pomi) and the spirea aphid Policy Analyst, Edible Horticulture Life Database (BOLD). (Aphis spiraecola), look almost The database contains the identical, but respond different- (Energy, Property, Infrastructure, Environment barcodes or gene sequences for ly to pesticides and have 500,000 species. It’s been different life cycles that may and Climate Change) assembled over the past 15 require spraying at different years as part of an international times. “It can be critical to effort to barcode all species on differentiate which of the two The Policy Analyst is responsible for providing policy research, the planet, led by the species are present for effective monitoring and analysis on assigned research topics. This position groundbreaking research and management,” she says. development of Guelph’s Prof. Rapid species-ID tests using provides staff support to internal OFVGA committees and the Paul Hebert. DNA barcoding real-time PCR are only going to OFVGA Board of Directors. The Policy Analyst also represents the uses a very short genetic allow screening for a specific OFVGA by participating on industry and government committees sequence from a standard part target species. “You have to of the genome, the way a already know what you are and working groups with the goal to influence policy and program supermarket scanner looking for,” she says. But, she changes for the benefit of OFVGA’s members. For full job posting distinguishes products using the adds, in many cases, confirma- visit: black stripes of the Universal tion of a species is what’s really Product Code. needed, and it’s possible to Naaum says onsite analysis quickly screen for a few of them www.agcareers.com/ontario-fruit--vegetable-growers-39- with portable technology such if there's more than one as the BioMeme two3 molecular important target. association/policy-analyst-job-634195.cfm diagnostic device she’s using These tests can be run easily holds great promise. With just by non-experts, using simple one swab from a sample, she kits that have all of the can collect enough cells to run materials and instructions for Application deadline: December 31/2017 what’s called a real-time PCR identifying a specific species analysis onsite, using a smart from DNA extraction to phone app as an interface. interpret results. Real-time PCR uses a molecular Naaum’s colleague Prof. Bob probe to detect the presence of Hanner, of the specific target DNA. Institute of Ontario, says a test Here's how it works. DNA for a poinsettia pest Bemisia PAGE 14 –– DECEMBER 2017 THE GROWER under the existing stable rules to tariffs on goods the United these days. under NAFTA. States imports and exports — For more information on The U.S. does not like to be all of which would be painful environmental or welfare told what to do or how to for all three countries. projects at Farm & Food Care interpret trade disputes. As such Let’s face it. Food Ontario, contact Bruce Kelly at they are calling for an end to production and distribution are [email protected] Chapter 19 which governs the not what Trump is after. It’s dispute settlement process. As American manufacturing of cars. Bruce Kelly is programs manager, an example, there is the U.S. Agricultural trade would be Farm & Food Care Ontario. Musings about NAFTA commerce department practice collateral damage or an of “zeroing” out the non-dump- “unintended consequence” of American and Canadian fruit ing margins when calculating the demise of NAFTA. BRUCE KELLY and vegetable companies, for whether dumping occurred over Agriculture seems to be the most part, have united in the course of an investigation. impacted by just too many There is an old joke about their support for modernizing The World Trade Organization “unintended consequences” the sales guy that comes home and improving NAFTA. The (WTO) has repeatedly found from a sales call and announces: Produce Coalition for NAFTA this interpretation inconsistent I have good news and bad news. believes that important issues with international trade rules, The good news is that I got such as border procedures, yet the commerce department COMING EVENTS 2017 Walmart as a new customer, and harmonization of regulation becomes duplicit in using this the bad news is that I got brings opportunities for as a trade delay tactic. The Walmart as a new customer. improvements in free trade, but department knows that it will Dec 1 Ontario Apple Growers District 5 meeting, Holiday Canadian trade with the U.S. is is concerned that the current take several years to be Inn, Bowmanville, ON a little like having Walmart as a negotiations are fixed on overturned, blocking access to customer; it’s so big that it is an imposing new trade barriers markets in the meantime. Dec 2 Prairie Fruit Growers of Manitoba Annual General irresistible market. But it is so instead of eliminating them. The proposed changes would Meeting, Winnipeg, MB powerful that you may lose Proposals to make it easier to be a huge step backwards as control of your product and your impose anti-dumping duties on they open the doors for frivo- Dec 4 Ontario Apple Growers District 3 meeting, Grace company in the process. produce threatens the dynamic lous and trade blocking tactics, United Church, Thornbury, ON The North American Free nature of in-season trade of a time honoured tradition which Trade Agreement (NAFTA) perishable fruits and vegetables. act as non- tariff barriers to Dec 5-7 Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market (1994) has brought 25 years of In a letter to Canadian trade trade. Just look at Country of Expo, Grand Rapids, MI stability and growth to trade officials the OFVGA agrees that Origin Labelling (COOL) that across North America but that the proposed new cost Canadian pork producers Dec 6 CanadaGAP Annual General Meeting, Ottawa, ON stability and almost free trade in perishable/seasonal trade millions of dollars and years of goods and services are in remedy provisions would open blocked access to U.S. markets Dec 6 Ontario Potato Board Annual General Meeting, jeopardy in the current round of the door for frivolous and that allowed the American pork Cambridge Holiday Inn, Hall C, Cambridge, ON NAFTA renegotiations. harassing investigations based industry to grow while the Repeated threats by U.S. on narrow and regionalized Canadian industry languished Dec 12 Fresh Vegetable Growers of Ontario Annual President Trump to abandon circumstances and ignores the because of uncertainty. General Meeting, OMAFRA office boardroom, NAFTA in favour of separate seasonality of growing regions President Trump does not Woodstock, ON bi-national trade agreements is and differing maturity and have the final say on NAFTA. causing huge uncertainty in availability of fruits and Rather it would require an act Dec 12 Keystone Potato Producers’ Association Annual North American trade and vegetables from south to north of Congress, but that has not General Meeting, Canad Inn, Portage la Prairie, business development in during the growing season. stopped him from setting the MB Canada this year. Trump Allowing trade remedy powers negotiation agenda which assumes that separate bi- to be triggered by a small group apparently gets more and more 2018 national deals can be made of regional producers might demanding with each round. more U.S.-centric as Canada or disrupt supply chain networks, Dismantling the pact would Jan 10-12 National Potato Council Potato Expo, Rosen Mexico alone would lose some distribution networks and require rebuilding global supply Shingle Creek Resort, Orlando, FL of their bargaining power. retailers that have grown trade chains and would mean a return Jan 16 Les Producteurs de Pommes du Quebec (Apple Growers of Quebec) Annual General Meeting, L’Espace Rive-Sud, La Prairie, QC

Jan 16-18 Empire State Producers’ Expo, Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena & Events Center, Syracuse, NY

Jan 21-24 North American Strawberry Growers’ Association Annual General Meeting, New Orleans, LA

Jan 23-24 Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association Annual General Meeting and Convention, Old Orchard Inn, Greenwich, NS

Jan 23-24 Ontario Apple Academy Conference, Nottawasaga Inn, Alliston, ON

Jan 23-25 Manitoba Potato Production Days, Keystone Agriculture Centre, Brandon, MB AgExpert Analyst is accounting software Make sense built for agriculture Jan 24 BC Agricultural Council Gala, Quality Hotel and Keep your bu siness on track and on budget Conference Centre, Abbotsford, BC of your with AgExpert Analyst. It’s easier to use than money you think. Just ask your accountant. Jan 25-27 20th Annual Pacific Agriculture Show, Tradex fccsoftware.ca | 1-800-667-7893 Exhibition Centre, Abbotsford, BC Jan 31-Feb 1 Ontario Processing Vegetable Industry Conference, Four Points by Sheraton, London, ON

Feb 7-9 Fruit Logistica, Berlin, Germany

Feb 13 Canada Ag Day

Feb 15-16 British Columbia Fruit Growers’ Association AGM, Coast Capri, Kelowna, BC DECEMBER 2017 –– PAGE 15 THE GROWER RETAIL NAVIGATOR Large stores are growing

approximately 36 million people, Canada is smaller than California so you can under- stand why they see Canada as a market. discount stores, they do not give me a call at (902) 489-2900 begin the process of developing Each retailer is different and have a lot. You will be success- or send me an email at relationships with these people. if you are going to sell to them, ful if your items ‘sell them- [email protected]. Next If you know them, great; if not value is key but so are other selves’ and require minimal month we will explore discount you have to understand where considerations. handling. stores. you are starting. Do not assume Costco will expect a different Although every market is your previous category manager pack size and they are looking different we do see large RETAIL NEWS will take the time to explain for low labour options with portions of shelf space devoted every supplier. Despite the best pallet-ready displays. You will to foods of the world. The Sobeys’ new structure plans, they are either on to a need to meet shipping for many stores have the space and they new job or left with no job. PETER CHAPMAN warehouses, which is exciting merchandise items that appeal We are learning more about After going through this at and difficult. You will also be to consumers looking for large Sobeys’ new structure. They Loblaw I can tell you it really is expected to sell a certain quantities of these products. have announced the fresh the supplier’s responsibility to Selling food is changing and amount of product in a certain Walmart, Loblaw and Save merchandising functions will be move forward. it is changing fast. Food is a time period to earn your space. on Foods publish a weekly flyer in Toronto and grocery great draw and many mass- Costco merchants are looking which accounts for a significant merchandising functions will be Peter Chapman is a retail market retailers are using it. for fewer SKUS and they know portion of their volume. You in Stellarton, N.S. Directors for consultant, professional speaker This is challenging for the what they are selling where. If will need to be in the ad game, each functional area have been and the author of A la Cart-A traditional food distributors. you are selling to Costco watch aggressively, to be successful. announced. We have not suppliers’ guide to retailer’s Every dollar is important and your pricing because other The resources at the office learned who the category priorities. Peter is based in Halifax the more fragmented the retailers know their margin and are similar to the resources at managers will be but it should N.S. where he is the principal at market, the tougher it is. One of they will work it back to the store. They cannot afford a be announced shortly. Once GPS Business Solutions and a the segments that has been compare to what you are lot of people so if you plan to these people are in their partner in SKUfood.com, an on growing in recent years are what charging them. sell to these retailers do not positions the real work of line resource for food producers. I call large stores. They have Walmart continues its expect a lot of personal contact getting back to operating the Peter works with producers and different offerings and different relentless pursuit of value, from the office. They have a lot business will begin. It is very processors to help them navigate pricing platforms but they all expecting volume growth to to do and they do not have difficult as people are not sure through the retail environment with deliver great value. deliver economies of scale and much time for the ‘extras.’ where they will be working, if the ultimate goal to get more of their better costs. The company is If you have any questions at all. items in the shopping cart. Growing for different reasons very good at execution and sys- about selling your products in Once the new people are [email protected] tems are integral to its business. traditional food stores please announced suppliers should These large stores have been Decisions are made in Canada growing with significant but we have to remember increases of square footage in Walmart is the largest retailer in the last 10 years. We have the world. The company prefers experienced the growth of fewer listings to deliver the Walmart Super Centre and same sales. There is more Costco is now operating in control label in Walmart than markets that would have been we used to see. The company considered ‘too small.’ In continues to improve in the western Canada Save On Foods, perishable departments. have been opening a lot of Real Canadian and Atlantic stores and now have a presence Superstore at Loblaw have the from B.C. to Manitoba. Loblaw highest penetration of control have their Real Canadian label and they do have the Superstores in western Canada Canadian buying power and and Ontario and some Atlantic fresh expertise of Loblaw. The Superstores in Atlantic Canada stores have evolved from large would qualify. The challenge impersonal stores to smaller for suppliers working with fresh segments with a broad Loblaw is that discount grocery offering. Overall, in merchants are responsible for perishable departments, they Real Canadian Superstore and are strong where they have good the market division look after operators. Atlantic Superstore. Save On Foods have increased their number of stores Selling to large stores in Western Canada with a strong perishable presence, Large stores deliver value in specials and a focus on local the market. They are not always products. It will be interesting the lowest price; this is the to see how the organization can territory of the discount stores. support the recent growth. Their size and listing base give Retailers can usually rally to get them economies of scale that stores open; it is the ongoing allows these stores to operate operation after the support with lower margins than the leaves that can be a challenge. traditional food stores. It is a tough segment of the If you are selling to them market and they are the only most operate national programs. regional player trying to You will find a very similar compete. offering in Walmart, Costco and Real Canadian Superstore, Opportunities regardless of the market you are in. Walmart and Costco defi- You can move volume in this nitely see Canada as a market. segment of the market. They It is interesting to note that in are interested in volume and the large store segment of the delivering great value. Large Canadian market, U.S. retailers sizes are important and although have the largest share. With they have more labour than PAGE 16 –– DECEMBER 2017 THE GROWER VALUE-ADDED PROCESSING Hard pressed to craft a more profitable Canadian apple juice market

labour costs go up?” KAREN DAVIDSON As Schuyler points out, Canadian consumers may not One of Canada’s fast-food realize that their apple juice is chains has been hiding its coming from China, or success story under a bushel Chile. He suggests looking for basket. For competitive reasons, brands such as Tropicana with the company doesn’t want to be labeling that touts “Never from named, but repeat orders are for concentrate.” This product is thousands of bins of Ontario labelled “100% fresh-pressed apples to be pressed into apple Canadian apple juice with no Brett Schuyler juice. Rather than source water or sugar added.” No Chinese-made apple juice wonder, the taste is so bright. Canadian top 5 agri-food imports from China (CDN$ million) concentrate, the company has For Schuyler and other apple found profit in local product. growers, the juice industry is a That’s the kind of hard news marketing dilemma. Since the which encourages apple grower 1990s, the Canadian apple juice Brett Schuyler to get out of bed industry has soured with the each morning. He’s also the flows of Chinese apple concen- point man for the Ontario Apple trate at rock-bottom prices. As Growers when it comes time to recently as 2016, Canada’s negotiate apple juice prices with second highest-valued the province’s key processor: agricultural import from China Lassonde’s Golden Town is apple concentrate worth $44.6 Apple Products Ltd in million. (see chart) Admittedly, Clarksburg. some of that concentrate is “The older generation may processed and redirected to the laugh at me and I understand U.S. But it’s a big number and they’ve been burned by the still doesn’t include concentrate juice industry, but there’s noth- coming from other jurisdictions. ing but growth potential,” says For the last decade or more, producing apples for a few cents Canadian fresh-pressed apple products in the LCBO in 2011,” Schuyler. “The concentrate there hasn’t been much to per pound. It’s a challenge to juice, the Canadian product recalls Sutcliffe. “Now there juice market relies on cheap negotiate on apple juice prices. cover picking costs. would win hands down, are 27 SKUs of Ontario craft labour and low shipping costs to The ‘grounders’ that don’t go to If Canadian consumers were Schuyler argues. cider in the LCBO.” be more competitive than the fresh market have been to search for a home-grown Currently, about 30 per cent By its own rules, the Ontario fresh-pressed juice. Is it so almost worthless at a nickel per apple juice, they would likely of Ontario’s apples find their Craft Cider Association unrealistic to think that this can pound. The 2017 Ontario price find it in jugs at national way to the processing channel: produces hard cider with 100 change? Will places such as is 6.3 cents per pound! With the retailers. And if they were to apple sauce, apple chips, slices, per cent Ontario apples and China be able to economically huge investment in high- have a side-by-side taste juice. That may seem like a juice, never with concentrate. produce concentrate as its density orchards and increased comparison of apple juice with high number, but consider that The industry has grown expo- economy strengthens and labour costs, growers can’t be Chinese concentrate and the industry standard of an 80 nentially to the point that cider per cent packout leaves a lot of makers are concerned about apples with no other home. enough supply of high-acid, Algoma Orchards, Newcastle, high-sugar varieties such as Spy Ontario offers perspective, and Ida Red. Demand for having operated an apple juice Russets, for example, has facility since 2009. The factory resulted in a price increase to 30 wholesales and copacks “single- cents per pound. strength” juice or cider in jugs If mechanical harvesting for major retailers. That means comes into its own, then the apples are squeezed and growers can afford to grow cider juiced, then pasteurized with no apples, especially if demand preservatives. raises the price to more “It’s a steady business,” profitable levels. acknowledges Kirk Kemp, “The real opportunity is to co-owner Algoma Orchards. grow our own market,” says “But when you look at what’s Sutcliffe. “If the provincial happened to the juice category government supported us as in the last decade, it’s become they do craft brewers, then you very crowded. The consumer would see a massive increase in can get combinations of cideries and demand for Ontario strawberry, banana and mango apples.” juice. The consumer can get Ontario cider sales topped carrot juice. It’s no longer just a $85 million at LCBO stores in choice between orange, apple 2016. However, imports and tomato juice. So I don’t see comprise 70 per cent of cider a big growth opportunity. Apple sales, echoing the situation that juice is a sideline for us.” grape growers face. Parallel to these develop- Cider makers are excelling in ments is the growth of the local the category and challenging craft cider movement and what constitutes a hard cider. association. Nick and Lindsay Some are barrel-aging cider and Sutcliffe started Pommies Cider infusing it with hops. Others are in 2011, producing 15,000 litres. adding wild yeast strains. “We This year, the Caledon, are straddling the worlds of Ontario-based business pumped wine and cider,” says Sutcliffe. out 650,000 litres. “There were very few growers, just three with Continued on next page DECEMBER 2017 –– PAGE 17 THE GROWER VALUE-ADDED PROCESSING Hard pressed to craft a more profitable Canadian apple juice market looking for co-pack opportuni- take a lot of pressure off the Continued from last page ties and unique packaging. grower. In Europe, cider They are also looking for orchards exist that rely on Jay Johnson, director of year-round supplies. Plastic mechanical harvest. If Ontario operations, for Golden Town bottles as well as glass bottles develops a reliable, higher-pay- Apple Products, has witnessed are in demand to portray a café ing juice market, then growers the same explosive growth in image. could take a hard look at apple juice. As Schuyler reviews this producing juice apples using “In the last five years, juice dynamic landscape, he sees mechanical harvesters.” for craft cider has gone from room for a rejuvenated apple “If you don’t have to grow a five to 25 per cent of the juice industry. 100 per cent perfect apple,” volume of our business,” says “When you’re at rock Schuyler points out, “if there’s Johnson, based in Clarksburg. bottom, it can only go up,” says some fruit that’s dinged up with “Sales used to be stagnant, but Schuyler. “Right now, we have hail for example, then this no more. There is more to the to produce a perfect apple for scenario changes the grower’s juice industry than ground our market, adding lots of costs thinking.” fruit.” to production. If the market for Processing customers are processing apples grew, it would Ginseng growers pursue opportunity in China and Vietnam

global player,” says Van De With more volume, prices have Van De Slyke. There are Slyke. He says that more than dropped 20 per cent in the last domestic opportunities such as 2.63 million kilograms are now year. Chinese tourists visiting exported, with a farmgate value This year’s harvest yields are Vancouver, wanting to take of $239 million. variable, says Van De Slyke, back Canadian-quality ginseng. Broadening markets is with averages of 3,000 pounds And in Toronto, the association important for the Ontario per acre. had a presence at the industry that has witnessed “Demand is still strong and Dragonboat Festival earlier this acreage increases and falling the hope is to get trade issues year. prices in the last three years. with the U.S. ironed out,” says

Remi Van De Slyke. Photos by Glenn Lowson.

It wouldn’t be surprising if distributors. Air Canada has added another As Remi Van De Slyke, flight from Toronto and OGGA chair, explains, trade Vancouver to Shanghai to shows are a good start but the accommodate the numerous Canadian presence must be trade missions to China. The constant. A social media federal agriculture minister campaign on Facebook in Hong Lawrence MacAulay is home Kong has been successful in from a mid-November trade raising awareness of the top mission to China while quality of Canadian-grown Ontario’s premier Kathleen ginseng. Wynne left on November 24. For Vietnam, the thinking Destination: Nanjing (pop. 22 goes that almost 93 million million), Chongqing (pop. 18 people might be interested in million), Shenzhen (pop. 11 mil- transitioning from Korean lion). From December 3-6, the ginseng to Canadian ginseng. premier will take the mission to While India is not on this Vietnam (pop. 92.7 million). current trade mission, there are China is a familiar destina- plans to target consumers there tion to the Ontario Ginseng with a message of the Growers’ Association (OGGA) nutraceutical values of Canadian whose trade missions have ginseng in soups, teas and cos- benefitted from federal metics. government funding of “The federal AgriMarketing $420,000 over several years. program has transformed the Attendance at trade shows is ginseng industry in Ontario key to meeting potential from an unknown entity to a PAGE 18 –– DECEMBER 2017 THE GROWER FOCUS: FOOD SAFETY IN THE VALUE CHAIN CanadaGap commits to unannounced audits

process will continue into the HEATHER GALE winter of 2018. An on-site assessment at the CanadaGAP Over the course of 2017, office will be part of the growth in participation has updated GFSI benchmarking continued at a steady and stable process. pace. The number of participating companies now • Unannounced Audits: As part exceeds 3,100 across Canada of new GFSI benchmarking and the United States. The requirements, Unannounced program enjoys strong support Audits were introduced by from Canada’s retail, processing CanadaGAP on April 1, 2017. and food service sectors, as well Under this new element of the as international recognition program, 5% of CanadaGAP- across the range of export certified companies are selected markets in the U.S., Latin each year by their certification America, Europe and Asia. body to undergo an audit “unannounced” – i.e., with only Key Achievements 2 to 5 business days’ notice. Logistically, this can be 2017 has been a very busy challenging for the certification and productive year for bodies and program CanadaGAP. Highlights include participants, since it is already the following: difficult to schedule audits for weather-dependent situations • Government Recognition: and activities like harvesting, CanadaGAP achieved full and some crops experience Government Recognition in seasonal fluctuations. Despite 2017 under the Canadian these challenges, CanadaGAP is Government Food Safety committed to rolling out the Recognition Program. Please unannounced audit program to see the section below to read continue to drive integrity and more about what this means for credibility for its certification. the program and for CanadaGAP-certified • Food Fraud: Also within the companies. context of GFSI re-benchmark- ing, CanadaGAP introduced • Re-benchmarking of the new requirements to the 2017 CanadaGAP program to GFSI standard relative to assessing (Global Food Safety Initiative) and managing risks related to requirements Version 7 got Food Fraud. Food Fraud is underway this summer. The defined as economically

The ‘AQUA Wetland System’ motivated intentional in Spanish, in response to a adulteration of product that growing number of requests. “A new breed of constructed wetland” could impact consumer health. To assist with implementation • FSMA Resources: Also in AQUA Treatment Technologies Inc. designs and installs the ‘AQUA Wetland System’ (AWS) for tertiary and auditing of the new response to requests from users, treatment of many types of waste water including sanitary sewage, landfill leachate, dairy farm & abattoir record-keeping requirement for CanadaGAP developed and wastewater, greenhouse irrigation leachate water & mushroom farm leachate water (i.e. manure pile Food Fraud, earlier this year published a series of resources leachate) and high strength winery washwater. CanadaGAP issued a note to help CanadaGAP-certified providing further guidance to companies understand the The ‘AQUA Wetland System’ is operated out of program participants, impact of the U.S. Food Safety doors and can achieve year-round tertiary treat- certification bodies and auditors Modernization Act on their ment of wastewater. This sub-surface, vertical flow regarding completion of the export or U.S.-based business. constructed wetland consists of sand & gravel beds new Form U. The resources include the planted with moisture tolerant plant species. Water following documents, which are is pumped vertically from cell to cell. There is no • Growth in Option D: Interest available on the CanadaGAP open or standing water. Treatment occurs through in CanadaGAP certification for website under “Food Safety physical filtration & biological degradation. Plants repacking, wholesaling and Links”: shade & insulate the cells, cycling nutrients while brokerage operations continued • Information for Canadian preventing algae growth. There is no production of growing at a steady pace in exporters to the United States sludge. 2017. Option D for repacking about the Foreign Supplier and wholesaling activities was Verification Program (FSVP) The AWS has been approved for use by the successfully benchmarked by • Comparison of CanadaGAP Ontario Ministry of Environment through over 40 Environmental Compliance Approvals. Recently the Region GFSI (Global Food Safety requirements with the U.S. of Niagara began approving the AWS for treatment of ‘small flow’ winery washwater I.e. < 10,000 liters Initiative) in 2016. Seventy-nine Produce Safety Rule per day. Other agencies who have issued approvals include Health Canada, USEPA and OMAFRA. Recent repacking, wholesaling or • Guidance on whether the projects include: brokerage operations are now U.S. Preventive Controls Rule 1) treatment & re-use of greenhouse irrigation leach water at CanadaGAP-certified. Customer applies to your business greenhouses in Niagara & Haldimand demands for supply chain • Links to external sources 2) treatment of winery wastewater at Greenlane Estates Winery & numerous other in Niagara certification continue to drive containing useful information 3) treatment of landfill leachate at sites in Pembroke, Niagara uptake of Option D. about implementation and Alabama timeframes, exemptions and • Spanish Manuals: For the first exclusions, flow charts, etc. For additional information please time, CanadaGAP made contact Lloyd Rozema at 905-327-4571 available a translation of the Greenhouse and Fruit and or email [email protected] Vegetable food safety manuals Continued on next page DECEMBER 2017 –– PAGE 19 THE GROWER FOCUS: FOOD SAFETY IN THE VALUE CHAIN CanadaGap commits to unannounced audits Year-over-Year Increase in CanadaGAP Participation Year Number of Increase Growth Rate (Sept – Aug) producers 2008-2009 537 537 100%

2009-2010 781 244 31%

2010-2011 1879 1098 58%

2011-2012 2204 202 10%

2012-2013 2440 236 9%

2013-2014 2526 86 3%

2014-2015 2927 401 14%

2015-2016 3042 115 4%

2016-2017 3127 89 3%

Board Chair and Vice-Chair Management Review • internal audit results • auditor training undertaken and its outcomes The Board Chair and Vice-Chair are elected An annual management review of the program is • provision of resources annually. Currently serving as Chair is Jack Bates, and held each June with senior management and represen- • policies related to conflict of interest and Hugh Bowman as Vice-Chair. The Board meets face- tatives from the Board. The management review confidentiality, among others. to-face twice annually and holds regular conference encompasses a review of: calls. The full list of directors and their biographies are • requests for modifications to the program posted at: • performance of CanadaGAP certification bodies http://www.canadagap.ca/about-us/governance/ • complaints and their handling

Continued from last page aged out of their operations. all participating producers in • Updates to 2018 Manuals – CanadaGAP inside and outside However, the growth in 2016. publication in January, revisions of Canada • Sustainability: Last year, enrolments continues to offset effective for audits starting CanadaGAP entered into a those leaving the program. • Participation in the four-year April 1 Heather Gale is executive director, partnership with the North audit cycle has leveled off, with CanadaGAP Program, CanAgPlus American Potato Sustainability • For the first time, the fastest very little change in the number • Continued promotion of Initiative (PSI) to offer growing participation rate across of Option A1 and A2 verification audits for potato the provinces was in Alberta, participants since last year. growers. thanks to the entry of several Approximately 25% of Grower Pesticide Safety Course & The first Potato new haskap growers. Ontario CanadaGAP-certified farms Sustainability audits occurred in has the next greatest increase in participate in these certification Pesticide Safety for Farmer Assistants late 2016 and early 2017 in enrolments, made up mostly of options. conjunction with the processing potato growers enrolling in Farmers must be certified to buy and use potato shipping season. Nine Option C, and repacking and • Enrolments in Option C Class 2 or 3 pesticides on farms. CanadaGAP auditors have been wholesaling operations. Modest (annual audit) have exceeded cross-trained on the PSI increases were also seen in half of all program participants requirements. segments of the Quebec and for the first time, representing Farm workers who assist with pesticide British Columbia industries, as 52% of all certified companies application under the supervision of a Program Participation packers and processors this year. Certified Farmer must be trained. increasingly seek to source their Over 3,100 producers are supply of product from certified • Group certifications have seen For a list of opportunities, visit now participating in producers. a modest decline, standing at CanadaGAP. The table below 21% of all enrolments, which is www.opep.ca shows year-over-year growth in • Growth in Option D down from 24% last year. the number of producers enrolments for repacking, participating in the program. wholesaling, and brokerage • For the purposes of analyzing The growth rates below are net operations continues to participation trends, enrolment of departures from the program, increase, up nearly 20% over figures are broken down by five which may be due to changes in last year. crop groupings: a farming operation, retirement, o Tree and Vine Fruit voluntary termination of • U.S. grower participation in o Field Vegetables certification, etc. the program also continues to o Potatoes rise. CanadaGAP is attracting o Small Fruit Participation Trends American farmers who are o Greenhouse Sign up online or call us at organizing in groups to pursue 1-800-652-8573 to register for the The following participation food safety certification. What’s Ahead for 2018? trends are significant for 2017: Ontario Pesticide Education Program • The rate of growth in • BC maintains the highest • GFSI Re-benchmarking to CanadaGAP participation has enrolment levels overall, Version 7 slowed over the past year, to representing 37% of all • Implementation of GFSI 3%. There were a significant CanadaGAP-certified Auditor Competency program number of retirements and farm companies. This number has • Coming into force of the Safe sales in 2016-17, as growers dropped from its peak of 42% of Food for Canadians Regulations PAGE 20 –– DECEMBER 2017 THE GROWER FOCUS: FOOD SAFETY IN THE VALUE CHAIN Made-in-Canada technology keeps Listeria at bay in candied apples

In the ensuing years, the company’s turn-around is credited to three factors. “We know apples,” says Moyer. “None of our competitors have an agricultural background. Our apples are the key ingredient in addition to the caramel coating.” Secondly, the company earned SQF Level 2 status accredited by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) in 2014. The timing was serendipitous as they told their story in countless face-to-face L-R: Paul Moyer, Dr. Keith Warriner, Amber Gulbis meetings with clients. Thirdly, their manufacturing partner Court Holdings

invested in a new protocol and

Now it’s the food safety scientists who are the first equipment developed with “ University of Guelph food to determine who to buy from. Fresh produce is “ safety researcher Dr. Keith operating in different times now. Warriner and Kayla Murray. The new protocol is to ~ PAUL MOYER combine a forced-air ozone reactor with a sequential advanced oxidative process Example of the candied apples offered by Moyer Apple Products Bad news can affect entire treatment. The treatment Ltd., Lincoln, Ontario. KAREN DAVIDSON industries. In October 2014, effectively decontaminates that’s what happened when apples as a more effective Listeria-contaminated caramel approach than simply washing. apples in the U.S. broadsided The research describing the an innocent bystander in treatments is scheduled to be Canada. Moyer Apple Products published in the Journal of Food near Lincoln, Ontario had a Protection. clear bill of health but had to “This has been an expensive watch all candied apples pulled venture,” says Moyer. “The from American retailer shelves proof of concept was at the in the run-up to Christmas. University of Guelph, but we “How they reacted is a good had to make this into a case study,” says Dr. Keith commercial scale process.” Warriner, associate professor, As Amber Gulbis, Moyer Department of Food Science, Apple Products points out, University of Guelph. “They limiting any contact with water had no connection with the is a good step because water crisis in the U.S., but they did near caramel or chocolate causes not let the tide go by in hopes the coating to seize. The story that the business situation has gained traction. would return to normal. Instead “We have visited the food they were proactive and devel- safety teams of every oped a new system to enhance customer,” says Gulbis. “We’re food safety in their product.” happy that we’ve managed to BRINGING FOOD SAFETY SAAFETY OUT OF Business for Moyer Apple keep and gain market share due Products was still stable for to implementing the new THE BINDER AND INTO THE FIELD Canadian retailers such as technology.” CanadaGAP F S Fetafood orms ary no Fe Iw e and Otivacertnully n-Line Loblaw, Sobeys and Costco, In these three years, and as however it was a staggering other food safety stories have blow to lose sales from Maine to emerged, food companies and Miami. Sales were off by 50 per retailers are on the front lines of GAP APP FEAATTURES INCLUDE: cent due to drop in demand ensuring food safety. once candy apples produced in “In the past, buyers told the California were identified as the food safety people what they • Electronic • No more searching for documents source of the Listeria outbreak. wanted,” remembers Moyer. • All forms in one space at audit time Retailers and consumers viewed “Now it’s the food safety all candy apples in the same scientists who are the first to • Forms are intuitive and fully • Access forms from anywhere on light despite only one company determine who to buy from. being implicated. Fresh produce is operating in searchable your operation “After the recall in October different times now.” • Easy access via tablet 2014, we were the only produc- In a curious twist to this • Forms are updated automatically er to have product,” says Paul apple story, an American when CanadaGAP publishes new • More inclusive - provide multiple Moyer, Moyer Apple Products calamity has led to a Canadian Inc. “We ship a lot of product invention. Moreover, it ffoorms (annually) user access to any form as needed to the U.S. and everything was illustrated that thinking outside taken off the shelves before the box can speed up recovery Christmas. We had a hard time of a sector damaged by convincing our customers to foodborne illness outbreaks. carry product the following year Visit us at: www.gapapp.ca for Valentine’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day.” DECEMBER 2017 –– PAGE 21 THE GROWER FOCUS: FOOD SAFETY IN THE VALUE CHAIN Hyperspectral imaging shines a light on foreign objects and reduces food waste

KAREN DAVIDSON

Leafy greens are tender to eat but tough to handle. The perennial problem is about to get easier with hyperspectral imaging that will help processing plants extract foreign material and save hundreds of thousands of dollars per year in food waste. In the next five years, processors expect to share more precise information with growers on which genetics and field practices lead to the tastiest greens. That’s a gargantuan promise explained by Doug Alexander started a pilot project Hyperspectral imaging, like other spectral imaging, collects and processes Alexander, director of two years ago. information from across the electromagnetic spectrum. The goal of engineering for Ippolito P&P Optica has a 20-year hyperspectral imaging is to obtain the spectrum for each pixel in the image Produce Inc, Burlington, track record enabling world- Ontario. The company that class life sciences and of a scene, with the purpose of finding objects, identifying materials, or specializes in a range of environmental research. In detecting processes. vegetables and ships all over 2014, its researchers pivoted to North America has a big agriculture. With federal appetite to innovate. funding from Growing Forward “Leafy greens such as 2, the company patented a shelf life or better taste. hyperspectral imaging will “This is Star Trek spinach, kale and arugula are hyperspectral imaging The next step will be to become a management tool. technology,” Alexander hard to inspect,” says technology that sees the create a database of plant Beyond grading and sorting concludes. Alexander. “They all have low chemistry of food. signals whereby Ippolito field produce at higher accuracy, the densities compared to their “This is a process that representatives will be able to processor plans to optimize its Editor’s note: To view a video on weight. Imagine your front lawn measures absorbed and communicate what spinach knowledge with contracted hyperspectral imaging, go to: with plant material blowing all reflected light to analyze the varieties and perhaps what field growers. In the next five years, http://biotalk.ca/pp-optica/ over.” chemical makeup of a practices result in the tastiest perhaps drones will be able to The variability of leafy specific food product,” explains eating experience. fly over fields and photograph greens is in colour, size and Kevin Turnbull, vice president As Alexander explains, the chemistry of the field. species. Baby spinach, for of sales, P&P Optica. example, is the size of a loonie Simply put, PPO Smart whereas curly spinach can be Imaging shines light across the the size of your palm. electromagnetic spectrum and A leopard frog in your identifies chemical differences spinach? Easily detected and that identify foreign materials rejected. But the optical sorters such as twigs, metal or paper. must distinguish between But more than that, data collect- various shades of green, slight ed at super speeds, indicate the gradations similar to a paint chip quality of leafy material. sample. Even with today’s This is where physics and technology, optical sorters don’t chemistry meet. Remember spot foreign material very well. that plants are made of What happens is that the chlorophyll to convert sunlight machines over-inspect, into energy. In fact, there are discarding a lot of leaves that two types of chlorophyll – A and are perfectly edible. B – that absorb light energy. “In the studies in our plant, The engineers at P&P Optica we discovered that 93 per cent have harnessed that knowledge of the discards were good,” says with their hyperspectral Alexander. “That was a huge imaging, developing algorithms amount of food waste.” that can distinguish between Global suppliers of optical chlorophyll A and B. In fact, sorters are challenged to meet they can look at other Ippolito’s more exacting needs health-related chemicals such as because they are in the business flavonoids. of increasing processing speed Beyond the benefits of in industrial settings. Alexander identifying foreign objects and was determined to find a made- reducing food waste, this in-Canada solution. Lucky for technology moves the food him, about an hour’s drive away chain to an “aha” moment. in Waterloo is a world-class Once software experts can com- company called P&P Optica. pare chemical signals – a plant’s Through a fortunate confluence respiration rate for example – of meetings with P&P Optica at then that information can be Conestoga College Institute of monetized into identifying Food Processing Technology, plants that will have longer PAGE 22 –– DECEMBER 2017 THE GROWER FOCUS: FOOD SAFETY IN THE VALUE CHAIN Building closer relationships with frontline researchers on food safety

KAREN DAVIDSON

With food safety at the forefront of issues in the value chain, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) created a full-time position earlier this year. Jeff Hall, food safety specialist, has been attending conferences and committees of the following: Global Food Safety Initiative, International Association of Food Protection, Canadian Jeff Hall, CPMA food safety Food Research Institute, specialist Photo by Glenn Lowson Canadian Research Institute in Food Safety, Global Food Canada and around the world,” education in a Canadian ship, CPMA will be running a January 2018 with stops to Safety Initiative, Centre for says Ron Lemaire CPMA context. number of Food Safety Forums follow January through March Produce Safety, Fresh Produce president. “We will be working with across Canada, and in the U.S., in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Association of the Americas, “The goal is to ensure academia, researchers, industry in advance of the new Safe Vancouver, Salinas and possibly International Federation of CPMA’s members have access and government to leverage the Food for Canadians Regulations the U.S. northwest. Produce Standards. to the latest scientific, dollars through various (SFCR) and the U.S. Food Once the dates are finalized, “The CPMA board has regulatory and educational collaborations,” says Hall. “We Safety Modernization Act expect the agenda to focus on invested the necessary information so they can make are hoping to have the first (FSMA). These will be day- licensing requirements, resources to support domestic sound, science-based food project initiated early in 2018. long seminars with participation preventative controls and and global food safety efforts in safety decisions for their We are encouraging all of our from government and industry traceability. Look for future a manner that does not businesses,” says Hall. members, whether based in to help prepare members for communications about Listeria duplicate existing efforts but Part of the CPMA strategy is Canada or involved in cross- the regulatory changes which monocytogenes and whole genome supports and enables our to create a member-supported border trade, to support this are coming. Expect a kick-off sequencing. For updates, go to members to produce and sell food safety fund that will be exciting opportunity.” announcement at the Nova www.cpma.ca. safe and nutritious products in earmarked for research and In support of the member- Scotia Horticultural Congress in

Paper labels allow traceability, sustainably Small things count in to apply lot codes to an entire traceability of fresh produce. carton of fresh produce. Those ubiquitous labels with “We’re more than just a product lookup (PLU) codes are labeling company,” says Joe what keep the industry moving Sleiman, president of with confidence. Accu-Label Inc. near Windsor, Applying computer- Ontario. A sister company generated labels is no small task called Ag-Tronic Control with dozens of individual Systems provides the commodities and millions of equipment needed for laser-fast individual pieces. Since 2001, application. A new tray labeler Accu-Label International Inc was launched at the recent has been meeting the needs of Produce Marketing Association an industry hungry for the Fresh Summit in New Orleans. means to track produce cost “With Ag-Tronic Control effectively. Systems spear-heading innova- From a food safety tion and product development, perspective, the labels are made we are able to customize of paper, not plastic, and the labelling solutions to suit the code is printed with water- industry’s requirements. We Terri Michienzi, designer of the FLEX-TL and Joe Sleiman. based inks. The print-and-apply realize the fruit and vegetable system has been the most PLU labelling industry is not a fully-modular tray labeler new FLEX-TL will allow the upgraded constantly with new successful solution in operation one-size fits all. Our customers designed to suit the customer's customer to choose his or her features. The latest is a print for almost a decade. What’s new range from mom & pop re- unique and individual require- options to build a system with vision verification that validates is the ability to apply lot codes packers to some of the largest ments. the features they absolutely the quality of the printed which can be most helpful in fruit and vegetable growers in “We’re seeing customers need and add on the features information before the label is the case of food recall. Let’s say North America. Our latest settle for low-quality products they want, for a reasonable applied to the product. This a major retailer needs to recall product was developed in based on price point alone,” price, while offering the solution allows the customer to potatoes, but those potatoes response to the trends we’re said Sleiman. “Sadly, they end customer the peace of mind of control the quality of the were supplied by a dozen seeing overseas and what is up paying more in the long term having the reputable ORB-it product upstream before farmers. A lot code can identify starting to be mandated by the to rectify low label percentages, brand.” reaching the retailer. the grower and packer. retailer,” Sleiman said. or pay additional service costs Accu-Label patented a It costs fractions of a penny The new FLEX-TL is a for unreliable equipment. The print-and-apply system that is

@growernews @thegrowernews www.thegrower.org DECEMBER 2017 –– PAGE 23 THE GROWER CYBER SECURITY Protection required against cyber bandits

and you’re looking to cover KAREN DAVIDSON extortion costs, stand alone Cyber Security/Privacy Breach Not so long ago, western coverage is the answer. movies had a stock phrase for Premiums start at about $1,500 cowboys committing extortion: per year. As a client, your cost Stick ‘em up. In today’s lexicon, of insurance will be based on the new demand is from the merits of exposure. invisible raiders: Show me your Insurance coverage exten- bitcoin. sions can include: Today’s computer hackers have an equal opportunity • Network extortion threat – outlook. Whether the victim is coverage for expenses incurred male or female, big or small, it’s to respond to an extortion threat really not about high-profile names per se. • Breach event services and Cyber attacks on companies expenses – coverage for a such as Target, Sony and variety of costs incurred such as Canadian Tire have generated breach management expenses, national headlines, raising breach notification expenses, Cyber security attacks are not personal. The hackers are simply running awareness of the growing threat credit monitoring expenses and “ of cyber crime. Surprisingly, forensic expenses through tons of data looking for a weakness“ in your network. despite these significant security breaches, 85 per cent of • Corporate brand ~ GLENDA JOHNSTON small business owners believe protection/crisis management their company is safe from expenses – coverage to provide hackers, viruses, malware and/or public relations services to data breaches. This disconnect repair reputational damage information is extracted, even calculate the time it would take against paying the ransom. is largely due to the widespread, by fraudulent means, the to rebuild the day’s entries. When looking for insurance albeit mistaken, belief that • Business interruption – company is still responsible and Storing backup at off-site, against malicious ransomware, small businesses are unlikely provides reimbursement for loss may be subject to fines by the secure locations is a good idea. see what first responders are targets for cyber attacks. In of income while restoring privacy commissioner of Don’t think a filing cabinet in listed on the policy. More reality, data thieves are simply operations as a result of a Ontario. your office will suffice. A filing insurance companies are looking for the path of least security breach “If you collect it, you’re cabinet won’t survive in the contracting experts to mitigate resistance. As more and more responsible,” says Johnston. case of fire. And finally, be sure damage in the first minutes or large companies strengthen • Data protection and system “It’s not enough to say a to test your backup system. hours of hacking. their data security, small restoration – coverage for third-party is responsible for “In the last couple years, As businesses plan for 2018, businesses are becoming expenses incurred to restore payroll or that your information cyber security has become more it’s a good time to review increasingly attractive targets – systems as a result of a security is stored in the cloud.” top of mind for Canadian insurance policies. Forward and the results are often breach Her advice is to ensure a business,” says Johnston. In thinking and planning could devastating for small business good backup system is in place. 2015, Canadians were affected prevent an unwanted and costly owners. • Reward expenses – coverage Backing up data every week by 1,600 ransomware attacks per cyber attack on your business. “Most companies think for expenses that lead to the may not be enough. Every day day. In a year, those numbers they’ve been a specific target,” arrest and conviction of a person may be necessary if you doubled. Experts recommend explains Glenda Johnston, responsible for attack, extortion commercial marketing director threat or unauthorized access for Dalton Timmis Insurance The level of coverage for based in Ancaster, Ontario. your business is based on your “But cyber security attacks are specific operations and range of not personal. The hackers are exposure. It’s important to work simply running through tons of with a broker who can identify data looking for a weakness in your areas of risk so a policy can your network.” be tailored to fit your unique A recent case was San situation. Miguel, an Argentine citrus If your business is hit by company, which lost $15US ransomware, take the following million due to the hacking that steps: hit shipping giant Maersk. The breach in Maersk’s obligations • Don’t do anything further on resulted in merchandise losses your computer systems. Consult of up to 70 days in lost contain- your IT department or supplier. Stokes Seeds Trial Evaluation Researching the best for our customers since 1881. ers and sales cancellations. Think this situation can’t • Immediately contact the NEW NEW NEW NEW happen to you? Johnston cites a Canadian Cyber Incident recent Ontario-based manufac- Response Centre to report the turer which received malware incident. Staff can assist your embedded in an invoice. The business to mitigate further company controller opened the damage invoice and within 20 minutes, 120,000 files were encrypted • Report the incident to the Affirmed Pocono Playmaker (w/ X10R®) Catskill with an unknown password. Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. 56 day, straight medium 110 day, extra large First commercial variety with 105 day, large medium Before your business is green pods, high yield uniform round bulb with dark resistance to ALL races of dark brown storage onion crippled, call your insurance • Contact your insurance broker potential and resistances. skin and very small necks. BLS and Phytophthora. with good skin retention. broker. Many of the mainstream to discuss next steps. Henry Zomer Leah Erickson Bridget Visser Laura Caralampides Rob Hovius Paul Banks Marc André Laberge insurers include some basic Every company, every ON, MB, SK AB, BC ON, MB QC ON, PEI, NB ON, NS QC expense mitigation coverage in employer is required to safe- 905-308-4396 604-957-2359 905-715-8595 514-984-0662 519-580-3231 905-688-4300 514-984-4589 their policies. The cost is guard the data of its employees usually about $100 for the year, and clients. That means the — Quality Seed Since 1881 — but be aware that you get what names and addresses of employ- T: 1-800-263-7233 ŇF: 1-800-272-5560 Ňwww.StokeSeeds.com ŇBox 10 Thorold ON L2V 5E9 you pay for. If your company ees, banking information and needs more robust insurance social insurance numbers. If this PAGE 24 –– DECEMBER 2017 THE GROWER

Tracking the march of moth in Ontario yellowish-green in colour, and days starts one week following TRAVIS CRANMER & up to 14 mm at maturity. They peak flight of male moths cap- HANNAH FRASER produce copious amounts of tured in pheromone traps, and Figure 1. Leek moth larvae. Photo by of A.M. Brauner, AAFC pale frass as they feed, which is reset to zero for each genera- Leek moth ( becomes evident when leaves tion. Generation times shorten assectella) is an invasive pest of are pulled apart. Mature larvae in warmer weather, and can be European and Asian origin. exit the leaves to pupate, either as little as three to four weeks. The first North American on the outside of the plant or on Precise timing is required for detection occurred near the other nearby plants. Pupae are successful management strate- National Capital Region enclosed in a mesh-like-cocoon, gies such as application of insec- (Ottawa) in 1993. Since then, very similar to that of the ticides (applied around peak the leek moth has spread west diamond-back moth. The adult egg-laying) and / or the use of through Ontario, east towards moth is small (5-7 mm), reddish exclusion barriers (in place prior the maritime region (Québéc, brown, and with a white to flight of generation). New Brunswick, Prince Edward triangle-shaped spot that is The timing of an insecticide Island), and south into the visible when the wings are at application is often most United States ( and rest. effective seven days after the Vermont). Long-range dispersal There are multiple genera- peak pheromone trap capture. If may occur through wind tions of leek moth, the number flight activity in a generation is currents and by movement of of which varies by region. In extended, additional sprays may Figure 2. bulb damage with leek moth frass. Photo by of infested plant material. Most eastern Ontario, where most be required (following label A.M. Brauner, AAFC injury in Ontario has occurred in research has been conducted, recommendations). Pheromone leek and garlic, generally on there are usually two to three traps must be set up in late small, diversified farms. generations per year; we expect winter (early April), before the The leek moth is an up to four in the southwest expected overwintering adults specialist, attacking both wild parts of the province. Adult become active. Place at least and cultivated species. When moths overwinter in protected two traps per field, near perime- left unmanaged, larvae can areas (windrows, buildings and ters, as this is where the highest cause significant damage to plant debris), with activity in leek moth numbers are usually garlic, , onions (dry bulb, the spring occurring in mid- observed. Pest pressure and green), and . April to mid-May. Once mated, crop risk increase as the season Leaves, stems, flower stalks, overwintering females begin to progresses. While management scapes, and bulbs may all be lay eggs when night early in the season may help to affected. Feeding injury varies temperatures are above 10°C. reduce subsequent generations, depending on leaf architecture Eggs hatch several days later, sporadic spring activity may of the crop. On flat-leafed and neonate larvae move make timing difficult. A num- such as garlic and leek, quickly into the plant, where ber of products are registered larvae mine through folded they are protected from for leek moth suppression Figure 3. Garlic scape with leek moth exit hole and frass – Hannah leaves, creating pinholes and pesticides and most natural however only Matador is Fraser, OMAFRA longitudinal grooves. In onions, enemies. This leaves a very registered for control on garlic, shallots and chives, larvae feed small window of opportunity for leek, dry bulb onion, green will also reduce pupae and lar- We are conducting a survey inside the hollow leaves, targeting insecticide onion and . Floating row vae populations that remain in in 2018 to determine the creating a “windowpaning” applications. covers are often the most the field after harvest. current range of leek moth in effect. Damage to the leaf Researchers at Agriculture effective pest management Potential biological control Ontario. If you observe leek causes a reduction in plant and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC, strategy, but they are not agents have been screened for moth damage please contact growth and creates entry points Dr. Peter Mason’s lab) have generally implemented over effectiveness as a natural enemy Travis Cranmer at travis.cran- for fungi or bacteria. In garlic, developed decision support large acreages, likely due to fea- against leek moth in several [email protected] or (519) 826- the leek moth larvae have the tools to facilitate management sibility concerns. As mentioned parts of the world. Diadromus 4963. For more information and potential to bore into the scapes of leek moth, including previously, these must be pulchellus, a parasitic wasp visuals of leek moth damage and cloves. Infested bulbs may optimizing the use of applied prior to adult activity in naturally found in Europe, was and life stages, see OMAFRA have decreased storage life. pheromone traps and refine- each generation. released in 2010 within the factsheet 08-009, Leek Moth – Damage to leeks and green ment of a degree-day model to If possible, observe a three- Ottawa Valley following A Pest of Allium Crops. Follow onion render these crops track development and predict year crop rotation and avoid extensive screening for non- ONVegetables.com for up to unmarketable. Leek is at high generation time for leek moth planting near infested areas target impacts (AAFC and date information about leek risk for injury because it is a in eastern Canada. At a thresh- from the previous season. In CABI Switzerland). Early moth and other vegetable news. preference host plant and old of 7 °C, leek moth requires garlic at scape removal, collect research shows that D. pulchellus because it is harvested later in approximately 445 day-degrees and destroy scapes that show overwinters in Ontario, but its Travis Cranmer is vegetable crops the season, when leek moth to develop from egg to adult any sign of leek moth damage. impact in reducing leek moth specialist and Hannah Fraser is populations are at their highest. ((Max Temp + Min Temp)/2) – Burying and/or destroying plant populations needs further entomologist for horticulture, Larvae are slender, 7°C). Accumulation of degree debris at the end of the season evaluation. OMAFRA. OUR EXPERTS ARE HERE TO HELP!

~ Quality Seed Since 1881 ~ T: 1-800-263-7233

Paul Banks Laura Leah Erickson Rob Hovius Marc André Bridget Visser 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 DECEMBER 2017 –– PAGE 25 THE GROWER ONTARIO VEGETABLE NEWS A few of my favourite things

ELAINE RODDY

As a vegetable crops specialist with a few summers under my belt, I have seen more than my fair share of problem fields. Typically the summer months will find me walking fields, count- ing insects, observing lesions and various stages of decay, and diag- nosing any range of different pest, soil, environment or nutritional issues. Many growers joke that they only call me when they have a problem, which is actually quite true. But, I have also had the privilege over the years to have unbelievable access to the back roads of Ontario. I always feel a sense of home-grown pride when I see a familiar name on the totes at the grocery store. Ontario’s vegetable growers are an innovative, dynamic, highly competitive Figure 1. Once, while visiting group of people. In addition to the thousands of pest and disease an asparagus farm in Michigan, pictures I have collected through the years, I often stop to take the grower asked me if the pictures that celebrate the beauty of growing a crop. Here are a Ontario growers practise no-till. Figure 2. Each year, I get more and more inquiries about no-till few of my favourites. Before I could answer, their pumpkins. Like any no-till system, it requires tweaks and adjust- asparagus specialist, Norm ments to make it work, but the advantages include better weed Elaine Roddy is vegetable crops specialist for OMAFRA, based in Myers, interrupted “practise it, control, and a higher quality, cleaner product at harvest. Not to Ridgetown, Ontario. Ontario invented it!” mention improved soil quality.

Figure 3. Over the past two summers I have seen many a sunrise over a pumpkin patch. We have been surveying Figure 4. The Hoary Squash Squash Bee populations across Bee. Note her extremely hairy SW Ontario. Not only do we back legs. They are perfectly Figure 6. When I first started scouting sweet corn, we relied upon beat the heat, we also get to adapted to collect the sticky broad-spectrum insecticides to manage corn borer and earworm. I observe this fascinating insect pumpkin/squash pollen which Figure 5. It never ceases to rarely ever came across spiders or beneficial insects in corn fields. hard at work, long before the she will then form into a pollen amaze me that it all starts with Today, due to more targeted chemistries, I regularly find a huge better-known honey bees wake ball to feed her larvae. one seed. variety of “good guys” in the field, including this tunnel spider. up. Soil health MONEY DOES GROW ON TREES... Ontario’s Draft Agricultural Soil Health and Conservation Strategy builds on the extensive soil health efforts of agricultural organizations and OMAFRA. Your input will help guide the HAZELNUT TREES! development of a final Soil Health and Conservation Strategy for Ontario which will be released in spring 2018. • trees produce for 60­100 years • Ontario has ideal growing conditions How to participate • mechanized harvest Access the strategy at: ontario.ca/soil • highly profitable crop Access the draft survey and comment by December 31st, 2017. • increasing demand for sales within You may submit comments a number of ways: Ontario and for export • Submit your comment through the Environmental Bill of Rights • contracts arranged for growers in zone 6b/7a Registry at Ontario.ca/ebr registry number 013-1373 • Fill out this feedback form found at ontario.ca/soil. Hazelnuts are a profitable crop with low inputs • Email: [email protected] • Fax: 519-826-3492 and light management . . . call us today to learn • Mail: Agricultural Soil Health and Conservation Strategy more. Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs 1 Stone Road West, 2nd floor Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2

Open Houses

Three open houses were held in November in St. Isidore, Woodstock and Chatham. But you can still participate at one of Grimo Nut Nursery provides high quality nut trees that will get your the public open houses being held in December. Pre-registration is not required at these drop-in events. Participating in an open orchard growing strong. Honest, hardworking family business for 45 years. house will give you the opportunity to talk with OMAFRA soil staff, ask questions and provide input: Ernie and Linda 1. December 14, Codrington Community Centre, 2992 Rd 30, 905­934­6887 Codrington, ON, K0K 1R0(3-6pm) [email protected] 2. December 15, Flesherton KinPlex, 2 Highland Dr., Flesherton www.Grimonut.com N0C 1E0 (3:15-5:30 pm) PAGE 26 –– DECEMBER 2017 THE GROWER FOREIGN MISSIONS The pace of trade with China quickens

When Agriculture and International signed a Agri-Food Minister Lawrence collaborative agreement to MacAulay opened the Royal strengthen product Agricultural Winter Fair, he was development, market promotion swarmed with Toronto’s urban and health research. media. The surprise? All of their questions were about the • The Government of Canada upcoming trade mission to signed a new arrangement and China. memorandum of understanding MacAulay ended the trade with China, including: mission November 21, with a - the 2017-18 Cooperative multitude of new deals in Arrangement between the Shanghai and Guangzhou. Canadian Food Inspection These efforts will help Canada Agency (CFIA) and China’s Federal ag minister Lawrence MacAulay was peppered with questions about the trade mission to reach its goals of doubling bilat- counterparts, the General China at the opening of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. eral trade with China and grow- Administration of Quality ing global agri-food exports to Supervision, Inspection and Pavilion, meeting many of the showcased the safe, high-quality businesses through the Atlantic $75 billion by 2025. Shanghai Quarantine (AQSIQ) to set a 82 Canadian exhibitors in Canadian food products Growth Strategy. In Shanghai, and Guangzhou are key eco- path for continued stable trade attendance. In terms of sales, available on Chinese Minister MacAulay also helped nomic centres, presenting an of agricultural products, industry representatives report- e-commerce platforms. launch the promotion of opportunity to increase sales of including canola and expanded ed some $10.3 million in on-site The Minister participated in “Canada Food Week” at food products. meat access. sales, and $42.7 million in antic- cooking demonstrations for well-known grocery retail chain ipated sales over the next year. Chinese stakeholders organized CitySuper to highlight Canadian Highlights were: • Renewed the MoU on While supermarkets remain by Canada Beef Inc., the Canola food products. Biotechnology between the the main distribution channels Council of Canada, and the China has become the • Vancouver’s Sinova Foods CFIA and China’s Ministry of for packaged food in China, e- Atlantic Canada Opportunities world’s largest e-commerce International and its partner, an Agriculture. commerce sites are increasingly Agency (ACOA), with the latter market with online retail sales importer of Canadian wine and The marquee event during taking over, thanks to a growing project supported by the exceeding C$980 billion in 2016 icewine, China’s Legend Wine Minister MacAulay’s visit to middle class and more smart- governments of Canada, Nova – 39.2 percent of the world total Group. Industry expects the Shanghai was Food and phone and Internet users. Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince – and is expected to reach deal will boost sales to China by Hospitality China, the largest Seizing on this trend while in Edward Island, and C$1.3 trillion by 2019. $15 million over three years. food trade show in China specif- Guangzhou, the minister met Newfoundland and Labrador as ically targeting international with VIP.COM, one of the part of pan-Atlantic efforts to Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food • The Wild Blueberry food and beverage suppliers for country’s top-three developers grow trade and investment Canada Nov 20, 2017 news Association of North America the Chinese market. He of e-commerce platforms, and opportunities for Atlantic release. and China’s Jin Jiang received a tour of the Canada DECEMBER 2017 –– PAGE 27 THE GROWER MARKETPLACE [email protected] 866-898-8488 x 221

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MINOR USE

CRAIG’S COMMENTS Using history to fix the problem disease control programs. In to avoid both flak (anti-aircraft spite of the many letters, the fire) and night fighters. They lengthy explanations, the learned techniques to deal with interventions with politicians, emergencies like being coned in and the passionate pleas around searchlights, and for when many tables, there has been engines failed. Just like the little apparent change in the athletes of today, those who severe restrictions or full loss of practised the most seemed to use of eight fungicides and have the best results. three insecticides. We need to remember those If growers knew and lessons. The approach to these believed that these actually reviews must include being posed an unsolvable danger, engaged from day one or even they would be the first to act. before that. It must include CRAIG HUNTER However, we know that neither sharing our use knowledge, our OFVGA the U.S. EPA nor the EU on-farm practices, and especial- Pesticides ‘directorate’ have ly the potential impacts of any in Canadian Agriculture. We During the war, the authori- During WII, there were announced any such actions! change from the status quo. It could lose the ability to produce ties were very concerned about many tough jobs. The losses in Furthermore, we know from our must include being involved at many fruits and vegetables in an the loss of morale, and the bomber command were 55,000 own practice that the basis of every stage to provide help, economical way without these effects of crew members who plus tens of thousands more much of the exposure guidance and data wherever and tools. In fact, we are not simply ‘broke’ and would not fly. injured. Many folks agreed calculations was not applicable whenever possible to ‘Get it talking about the loss of some These were handled swiftly, however, that the toughest job here. Even if these ‘calcula- right the first time.’ When I fungicides; we are facing the and many will say callously. went to the ones responsible for tions’ had been valid, there has suggest ‘we,’ I actually mean all loss of our ability to grow However, there were 255,000 sending out the crews night not been enough done to the players. Everyone must step several crops in Canada at all! others to be considered, so hard after night knowing full well determine mitigation steps that up to get the best possible Would the consumer even justice was handed out. We are that many would never return. could be taken to minimize the outcome. know or care? The produce the 255,000 in this scenario. We After the war, many of these calculated exposure. It is simply The powers that be made counters would still be full. need the ones who came up brave men were vilified, not acceptable to be told: ‘we sure that the experienced crews There would be many fewer with and somehow justified the castigated, and called many don’t know what type of gloves stayed put in a squadron to help ‘Local Produce’ signs however proposed cancellations to take things including heartless. The to recommend workers should teach their skills to the new as this produce would be ownership of their decisions. head of bomber command was wear,’ or ‘we cannot be sure ‘sprog’ crews. The highest coming from other countries We need them to look back on even nick-named ‘Butcher’ workers will be informed as losses came on a new crew’s that still get to use all these what they did, how they did it, Harris. they do not see the label’ or first or second trip. That is not fungicides and insecticides. what data they used, whom What very few knew was that ‘gloves might even increase the to say that a crew approaching Processed goods would also be they consulted (if anyone) and he felt that every one of his exposure!’ their 30th trip (end of a tour) sourced from away, and con- agree to start over again. We crew members was like a Whose fault is that? It is the could not be shot down. ‘It’ sumers would mostly not know absolutely expect they will do member of his own family. He fault of everyone -- growers, happened. We too may not win the place of origin. It would be whatever it takes to reach an felt the grief of their loss like registrants, regulators and ‘The every debate in re-evaluation. It too late by then to think about acceptable outcome. The every family did when they lost System’ that has not worked in is not even about ‘winning’ --it Buy Local, Carbon Footprint, current proposals are not to be a son, husband, brother or anyone’s favour. is about survival of the active and Product of Canada. It considered an option! father. How do we ‘fix’ it in time? ingredient to keep us would be too late to convince Growers, registrants and The losses and frustrations Everyone has to step up. competitive. growers to go back to an old regulators must learn to do this that we in horticulture feel Everyone needs to take a deep Growers need an arsenal of commodity once they give it up. re-evaluation job better. History today are in no way to the same breath, admit that until they are crop protection products that It would be too costly and tells us that if we do things extent as those faced back in part of the solution, they remain can do the job with the non-competitive to try to grow better, we will achieve better the war. However, they can be part of the problem. If studies minimum of applications, these crops with the very outcomes. If any of us are not devastating to a family, to a are needed, everyone should minimum of product, and in an expensive and likely short-lived part of a better solution for region, to an industry and have been told, and asked to do economical way. We want to alternatives currently available. these and any future re- ultimately to the country. them. If data is seen to be maintain the efficacy of these In spite of all of this, there is evaluations, then we must These are no different than inapplicable here, that comment products as long as possible too. in fact an even bigger issue that consider ourselves culpable, and those faced by the should be taken to heart rather Most of those that are threat- we face. If registrants see that part of the problem! Newfoundland cod fishing than tossed aside. Everyone and ened with loss are the multi-site Canada can and does cancel There will be no need to industry. They are very similar someone needs to stand up and mode of action products that, in uses for ‘reasons’ such as these, castigate, or assign nasty nick- to those who worked in thermal take responsibility to get it addition to their efficacy against then why would they risk fur- names later on if we are all part electricity plants when they right. many fungi, are also the basis of ther entry of new products of one team trying to do a good were closed. It is much like In WWII, the successful managing resistance to the here? If their confidence in ‘the job. I for one do not want a when BSE devastated the crews were the ones who newer single-site mode of action system’ is shattered, they will legacy of the loss of these key western Canadian beef industry practised on days off instead of products that are quite vote to stay away. Then we not products to dog me later on. Or with spillover to beef producers lounging about. They resistance-prone. Loss of the only have no present, we have to wear a nickname I cannot everywhere else. developed well managed and multi-site products is a double no future either. This is not laugh about! Simply put, we are currently understood bombing runs with whammy. That is why our over-reach. I have heard these In memory of those brave faced with the loss of the virtually no straight lines right potential loss of use is so very sentiments being airmen who were lost, so we underpinning of our many plant up to the final 10 seconds so as comparable to other tragic losses expressed! could be here today. DECEMBER 2017 –– PAGE 31 THE GROWER INTERNATIONAL

MAINE ITALY MICHIGAN NETHERLANDS Searching for solutions Winter pears stamped Seasonal workers hard Asparagas robot launched for blackleg disease with edible inks to source

International researchers Michigan’s apple growers are gathered in Bangor, Maine in increasingly worried about early November for the 2017 sourcing seasonal workers to Dickeya and Pectobacterium harvest a crop worth $293 Summit. The blackleg disease At the recent Futurpera million in 2016. The state holds Dutch start-up company Cerescon presented the first asparagus threatens the potato industry, world pear expo in Ferrara fifth place in the U.S. for robot at ‘Spargelmesse’, the largest asparagus fair in the world, on not just in the United States Italy, native company registered migrant and seasonal November 22. According to the expo’s website, the company has but everywhere. Lesepidado intrigued buyers farm workers. developed a selective asparagus harvesting machine that can "This is not an emerging with its equipment to impress a The H-2A visa program has harvest crops in parallel over three rows. problem,” said Steven Johnson, logo on pears with an edible been a lifeline, responsible for The patented underground detection method is based on cooperative extension profes- ink. The concept has been used 6,500 workers in the state in proximity sensor technology, which detects the asparagus under sor, University of Maine. “This with cakes and confectionaries, 2017. Almost a decade ago, the soil. The coordinates of the stem are forwarded to a picking is an existing one we are trying but is now being extended to there were only 440 workers robot, which picks the asparagus without requiring the machine to to get ahead of." the produce industry. under the program. While stop. The hole which is formed by the picking action in the bed is At the heart of the problem? The idea is attractive to farmers complain about the then re-filled to ensure uniformity of the bed and to prevent The pathogen will rot the seed, organic growers who want to bureaucratic process of paper- following asparagus stems from growing bent or crooked. so that the plant does not take replace conventional stickers. work, having to predict their The three-row version of the machine can be best used during root and produces nothing. The machines can be expected crop and forecasting the season for up to 50 hectares of crops, promising to replace 60 to Growers are warned to be integrated into a packing line as the number of workers needed, 75 seasonal workers. According to Cerescon, underground vigilant in sourcing seed for a series to keep up with they are grateful for the quality detection on the film insert can be dispensed with. The next year’s crop. packagers. of workers, many from Mexico. amortisation period is two to four years.

Source: FreshPlaza.com Source: FreshPlaza.com Source: FreshPlaza.com Source: HortiDaily.com PAGE 32 –– DECEMBER 2017 THE GROWER

UNEARTH THE SECRET TO POWERFUL SOIL

THE POWER OF OUR SCIENCE LIES IN OUR ABILITTY TO USE ADVANA CED MICROBIOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES TO ENRICH SOIL FROM THE BOTTOM UP.

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