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CELEBRATING 134 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION
JANUARY 2014
VOLUME 64 NUMBER 01
LEADERSHIP
How to break bread with politicians? Become one
KAREN DAVIDSON
Where politics is involved, it
would be easy to let Laz-Y-Boy
cynicism take over. That’s not
what three horticultural farmers
have done in the face of increasing regulatory burdens and land
use issues. Rather than accept
crumbs, they ran for a slice at the
political table.
The first example is Mark
Wales. The garlic and vegetable
grower is best known as president
of the Ontario Federation of
Agriculture (OFA). But he also
relishes his role as municipal
councillor for Malahide Township
near Alymer, Ontario. In that
position, he comes face to face
with taxpayers, and he’s quick to
say there’s only one taxpayer to
support all levels of government.
This local perspective offers the
real rub on urban-rural issues.
Consider that Canada’s population topped 35 million last fall.
According to the last census, 81
per cent of our population is now
considered urban. Less than
300,00 citizens call themselves
farmers. It’s becoming more
difficult for agriculture’s voice to
be heard by public policy makers.
“One of the biggest
challenges numerically is that
farmers represent such a small
slice of the population – about
one per cent in Canada -- and in
the horticultural sector, it’s even
smaller,” says Wales. Speaking
INSIDE
Marketing trends
for 2014
Page 4
Direct marketers
visit California
Page 7
Focus: Food safety
Page 14
www.thegrower.org
P.M. 40012319
$3.00 CDN
Of Canada’s 35 million people, less than one per cent or 300,000 are farmers. Few agricultural voices sit at political tables these days,
whether it’s municipal, provincial or federal. Since becoming a municipal councillor three years ago, Avia Eek is making a difference in the
conversation between agricultural, rural and urban citizens. Along with her husband Bill, she farms carrots and onions in Ontario’s Holland
Marsh, a sensitive area governed by multiple layers of legislation. Photo by Glenn Lowson.
from his OFA perch, he says:
“All of agriculture has to come to
the table with one voice. When
you fracture the voice, it offers
government the opportunity to do
nothing or to do something to
us.”
During his many years in farm
politics, Wales says that the
winds are more favourable for
being heard right now, certainly
at the provincial level. Consumers
are more aware of locally
produced food, and the recently
passed Local Food Act will be
important in strengthening that
bond. With a premier who also
wears the ag minister’s hat,
there’s more receptivity to
proposals such as natural gas
infrastructure for rural areas. He’s
also encouraged that all
provincial parties are backing off
a minimum wage increase.
Avia Eek is discovering the
same political trends in the
Holland Marsh, where she has
farmed carrots and onions with
husband Bill for 25 years. Three
years ago, she traded her boots
for heels as the elected
representative of ward six in King
Township.
“I used to be one of those
status quo people,” says Eek, who
started her career as a legal
secretary. “I was never vocal.”
But the seeds of activism took
root as she started writing letters
to the editor. Through that
exercise, she also found her
public voice. Eek has never
looked back, embracing social
media in her new role as an
elected politician. With almost
3,000 followers on Twitter, she
keeps everyone grounded on
whether it’s raining or shining on
agricultural politics.
“To keep the integrity of the
Holland Marsh, we need proper
planning tools,” she says. One
accomplishment is that the
first-ever economic development
strategy has been developed for
the township. It’s part of
sensitizing administrators to
simple needs such as keeping key
roads open during harvest, rather
than closing them entirely for
construction.
Increasingly known as a
passionate advocate for
agriculture, Eek has found herself
participating in groups beyond
her municipal duties. She’s now
vice-chair of the Greater Toronto
Area Agricultural Action
Committee (GTAAAC). This
makes sense as her deepening
understanding of land, water and
transportation issues go far
beyond her patch of muck soil.
Food and Farming: An Action
Plan 2021, developed by
GTAAAC has been endorsed by
the cities of Toronto and
Hamilton and all five regional
municipalities in the Golden
Horseshoe: York, Halton,
Durham, Peel and Niagara. This
plan lays out action items that can
be integrated by economic
development officers, often
pivotal in that urban-rural balance. As she eventually moves
into the chair, she will continue to
leverage the trust that the public
has in farmers.
Newly minted at the political
table is John Lohr. Along with his
wife Heather, they run a herb
business on their Canning-area
farm. He was just elected to the
Nova Scotia House of Assembly
in last October’s provincial
election and as a Progressive
Conservative for the riding of
Kings North, sits as the
opposition agriculture critic.
“The public is interested in
food, but they tend to look at
agriculture through rose-coloured
glasses,” says Lohr. “I hope to
inject some vision and inspiration
to the debate.”
His Annapolis Valley riding
has a long history of electing
farmers. This is a potent tool for
keeping agriculture’s voice at the
political table. He’s the only
farmer sitting in the assembly.
Part of his election platform cited
the need to strengthen agriculture
in the province. He’s concerned
about the twin trends of a declining and aging population that now
numbers 922,000 in Nova Scotia.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
PAGE 2 –– JANUARY 2014
THE GROWER
AT PRESS TIME…
Marginal increases
expected for retail
food prices
University of Guelph
researchers have issued the latest
Food Price Index (FPI), an annual
report that examines Canadian
retail food prices, including
restaurant prices. The researchers
predict general food expenditures
to increase by between 0.3 and
2.6 per cent in 2014.
where the Canadian Food
Strategy will be launched. The
agenda promises international
best practices in food strategy
implementation from Scotland,
Australia, the U.K. and other
leading countries.
Delegates will be engaged on
how to collaborate and implement
the strategy, and help define a
future Conference Board of
Canada indicators report that will
measure progress. With the
Ontario Fruit and Vegetable
Growers’ Association as a
marketing partner, registration
has been reduced to $695 for
members to attend. To register,
visit: www.conferenceboard.ca.
Popular show
postponed a year
The report predicts that fruit
and nuts will be up 0.6 to 1.2 percent and vegetables will be up 1.4
to 2.1 percent. Restaurant food
prices are expected to increase by
no more than two per cent.
Greater competition is the
main reason says Sylvain
Charlebois, a professor and the
report’s lead author. “The
Canadian retail market saw very
significant changes in 2013.”
Researchers underestimated
the impact on the Canadian market with the opening of Target
stores and Walmart’s addition of
37 supercentres. Future pressures
will come with Loblaw
Companies’ acquisition of
Shoppers Drug Mart.
Sign up for food
summit
Don’t miss this year’s 3rd
Canadian Food Summit, March
18 and 19 in Toronto. That’s
The Canadian International
Farm Show, traditionally held the
first week of February, is taking a
hiatus for 2014 as organizers
restructure the event.
“Since we purchased the
event, we have been compiling
data and information from both
our supporting industry members
and participating audience on
how to improve the event, so as
to be more of a factor in the
Canadian farming industry,” says
Wendell Howes, president.
A two-year cycle would present a better opportunity to showcase more technology and educational possibilities. Howes says
this move would reduce expenses
and provide a fresher show.
N.S. strawberry
growers replant
NEWSMAKERS
strawberry crops.
Strawberry production in Nova
Scotia accounts for seven per cent
of Canada’s overall strawberry
output and is a major source of
nursery plants for the rest of
Canada. The AgriRecovery funds
will help to stabilize the industry
which is worth $19 million annually.
Ontario greenhouse
growers welcome
CHP program
The Ontario government has
announced a new combined heat
and power (CHP) program targeting greenhouse operations, agrifood and district energy. Jan
VanderHout, a greenhouse vegetable producer and chair of The
Ontario Greenhouse Alliance
(TOGA), a $1.4 billion annual
economic engine in rural Ontario,
welcomed the news from the
Ministry of Energy’s Long Term
Energy Plan.
“This announcement is a positive step forward for Ontario's
economy and environment by
contributing to the recovery of
carbon dioxide and heat, both coproducts from the generation of
electricity from natural gas, and
directing them into beneficial
uses in greenhouse operations,”
said VanderHout.
“Greenhouses recover the carbon dioxide released when natural gas is burned and provide it to
the plants in order to promote
their growth. Greenhouse CHP is
among the most efficient and
cleanest applications of natural
gas combustion in the world.”
Condolences to the family of Dean Tiessen, president of New
Energy Farms, Leamington, Ontario who was killed in a car-jacking
gone awry on a business trip near Sao Paulo, Brazil. The 46-yearold was an innovator in the field of bio-mass, growing miscanthus
and other crops that could generate heat for the agricultural
industry.
Potato Growers of Alberta recently elected process grower John
Bareman, Grassy Lake as chairman. He is the association’s voting
representative on the Canadian Potato Council. Other new directors
include Albert Ypma, Lacombe; Jake Schutter, Bow Island. New
directors to the seed committee include Peter Kamper, Lethbridge
and Ben Meyer, Rolling Hills.
Charles Stevens of Newcastle is the new chair of the Ontario Apple
Growers (OAG), replacing Brian Gilroy, Meaford, in the chair since
2008. Cathy McKay of Port Perry is the new vice-chair. Other
directors include: Keith Wright, Peter Geerts, Brett Schuyler,
Bob Hepburn, Shane Ardiel, Art Moyer and Richard Feenstra.
Congratulations to Ernie
Medel, Essex County
Associated Growers’
Award Winner. He was
recently honoured for
his lifetime achievements as an apple grower near Olinda, Ontario.
Right: Ernie Medel and
representative from
Taras Natyshak’s office,
MPP for Essex. Photo
by Herb Sherwood.
Congratulations to Farm & Food Care Ontario. The organization
was honoured at the Best of CAMA (Canadian Agri-Marketing
Association) awards in Quebec City with Best of Show in Public
Relations Campaigns for their inaugural “Breakfast on the Farm”
event.
Lorie Jocius won the 2013 CAMA “Agri-Marketer of the Year”
award, a timely honour for the co-founder of Canada’s Outdoor
Farm Show in its 20th anniversary year. The award recognizes innovative leadership and exceptional performance in facing challenges
presented by marketing in today’s constantly changing agricultural
world.
MORE NEWSMAKERS ON PAGE 9
The Canada-Nova Scotia
Strawberry Assistance Initiative
will provide $2.3 million to
remove plants struck by a virus
complex and to replace with
healthy plants. Producers will be
eligible for a payment depending
on the production system in use
on their farm. AgriRecovery
payments will be made once
producers begin replanting their
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JANUARY 2014 –– PAGE 3
THE GROWER
LEADERSHIP
How to break bread with politicians? Become one
Mark Wales, president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture
shares a speaking platform with Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
At the same time, there is land
suitable for agriculture that’s not
farmed. Harking back to his roots
in Holland, he sees an opportunity
for immigrants to come,
supported by an apprenticeship
program.
At a time when many are cynical about the political process,
Lohr holds hope. A few months
ago, he went to Africa with the
Maritime program, Farmers
Helping Farmers. Working with
Kenyan women on the basics of
agriculture – seeds, compost
Community life has always been central for Heather and John Lohr who operate Farmer John’s Herbs at
Canning, Nova Scotia. For John, it was a natural bridge to run for political office in the recent provincial
election. As a Progressive Conservative, he sits on the opposition benches as agriculture critic.
piles, rainwater storage tanks – he
absorbed their optimism for the
future. He came back motivated
to make a difference in the
democratic process.
Thanks to these growers,
horticulture’s voice is at the table.
UNITED KINGDOM
OREGON
Babyleaf kale
popularized
Is a blueberry tree
viable?
Thanks to
its superfood
status, kale is
now making
its mark in
the U.K.
with its
miniature
Jagello Nero
sister.
Babyleaf kale
has two key selling points:
sweet taste and a two-minute
blanching time.
CN Seeds is now offering
Jagallo Nero, a babyleaf kale
with unusual serrated leaves that
has proved successful in the U.S.
market.
Babyleaf kale will be on display in CN Seeds’ booth at the
upcoming Fruit Logistica 2014
trade exhibition which is hosted
in Berlin, Germany from
February 5 – 8. CN Seeds is represented by Norseco in Canada.
Source: FreshPlaza.com
Researchers are testing a
grafted blueberry ‘tree’ that
grows on a single stem. Oregon
State University horticulture
professor Wei Qiang Yang anticipates that the first commercially
available rootstock will significantly change how blueberries
are produced and harvested.
Blueberry bushes have multiple stems, making it difficult to
harvest all the bounty. Currently,
catch plates can’t fully encircle
each stem of the bush. A
blueberry bush in tree form
would eliminate losses of up to
25 per cent.
Yang is now analyzing
first-year results on fruit quality
factors such as firmness, size and
total acidity. If successful with
harvest parameters, commercial
release could be just five years
away.
INTERNATIONAL
MICHIGAN
AUSTRALIA
Beets made easy
Baby beetroot – peeled,
cooked fresh in its own juices
and vacuum- packed – is now
marketed in
the fresh
food section
at more than
1400 supermarkets
across
Australia.
One Harvest, a family-owned
and operated business headquartered in Queensland, has
introduced the product in packs
of 250 grams.
With no sugar, salt or additives, the purple root vegetable is
expected to attract new fans.
The convenient format removes
the barrier of messy preparation.
One Harvest, with factories in
Brisbane, Perth and Bairnsdale,
is known for its variety of salad
bags, kits and bowls, and
value-added vegetables.
Research levy proposed
Growers may be voting in
early 2014 on a new Michigan
Tree Fruit Commission.
Separate from commodity-based
boards that support production
and promotion research, this new
body would levy fees specifically
to fund dwindling operating
budgets of research stations and
extension services. Industry
comments are currently under
review by the director of
Michigan’s department of agriculture and rural development.
If the plan proceeds, dollars
would be collected on yields of
fresh and processed cherries,
apples, plums and peaches. The
intent would be to earn matching
funds from the Michigan
legislature.
Growers would be assessed on
a sliding scale up to recommended maximum rates:
Apples: up to $0.04/CWT –
$0.0004 per pound
Cherries: up to $2.50/TON –
$0.00125 per pound
Peaches: up to $2.00/TON –
$0.001 per pound
Plums: up to $4.5/TON –
$0.00225 per pound
A board comprised of
growers representing all fruitgrowing regions of Michigan
would allocate funds based on
prioritizing state, regional and
local needs. One of the
motivators is to keep competitive
with Washington state.
Source: Freshplaza.com
Source: FreshPlaza.com
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PAGE 4 –– JANUARY 2014
THE GROWER
FOOD INDUSTRY TRENDS
What the tea leaves say about fruits and vegetables in 2014
KAREN DAVIDSON
It could take more than a cup
of tea to distill the food industry
trends for 2014. Food waste
awareness is leading to cookbooks such as Tara Duggan’s
“Root to Stalk Cooking.” It’s the
equivalent of nose-to-tail for
vegetarians and flexitarians. Use
those edible scraps – celery
leaves and beet greens – for a
soup or stew.
At Canadian House & Home
Magazine, food editor Eric
Vellend is predicting in-house
vegetable butchers willing to slice
and dice, for a price. Don’t let the
upscale grocers hog the idea, if
your on-farm retail outlet has the
food safety certification and
proximity to urban markets.
For a broader basket of advice,
Canadian Food Insights offers a
compelling read. It’s a quarterly
published by the Canadian
Institute of Food Scientists and
Technology. Editor Nicholas
Heffernan has written about 10
trends facing the agri-food
industry, ranging from conscious
consumers to government/
industry compliance partnerships.
Here are two examples of
Canadian companies already
surfing his 2014 trends.
Refining products
If you can’t sell the cranberries, scramble for deep freezers so
you can sell them another day.
That was the harsh reality as
engineer David Ernst and his
high-school teacher wife Evelyn
cut their farming teeth with 12
acres of cranberries. That was just
over a decade ago. Today, their
Terra Beata business has been
made 2013 Taste of Nova Scotia
Producer of the Year.
Headquartered in Lunenburg,
Nova Scotia, Terra Beata exports
frozen berries to major industrial
customers in Europe while their
branded juices, sauces, and dried
fruit are sold through Sobeys and
Loblaw grocery chains and
David and Evelyn Ernst are proud owners of Terra Beata, based in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Standing in
their bog in November, 2013, they show some of their retail products, pure juice and preserves.
Photo by Doug Townsend.
independent stores in Atlantic
Canada and Ontario.
Clearly, their fresh perspective
on frozen product has worked.
They now market more than five
million pounds of Canadian
cranberries annually. They can
compete with the Wisconsin
cranberry crop because they are
close to the Halifax port to ship
overseas.
Evelyn Ernst says it also pays
to listen to customers. “In the
early days, we sold cranberry
sauce at farmers’ markets and
fairs,” she says. “But then people
starting asking for cranberry juice
with no sugar and after that, dried
cranberries with less sugar.”
By 2005, Terra Beata was
producing pure cranberry juice
and delivering directly to four
Loblaw Superstores. Lucky for
them, they convinced the category
manager to try placements in several parts of the stores. Traffic
number comparisons soon
showed that the regular juice aisle
was superior in sales.
“We think a lot of consumers
Gerry Loeters for
Royal LePage,
RCR Realty.
PH. 519-765-4217
Cell. 519-773-6460
148.55 acre farm with 85 acres planted in apple
orchard with 10 varieties of apples.
Great location in Simcoe area.More info availble.
Owner motivated to sell. Asking $1,150000.00
don’t walk the natural food aisle
because they don’t consider
themselves to be part of the
granola set,” says Evelyn.
After a successful launch with
Loblaw Superstores, they also got
into Sobeys which has a strong
regional focus in Atlantic Canada.
Their business grew quickly to 12
products.
Evelyn credits three reasons
for the success of their pure
juices. First, they packaged the
pure juice in 473 ml bottles. It’s a
pure juice that needs to be diluted
with three bottles of water.
Selling a one-litre bottle would
take too much room in the
consumer’s refrigerator. Next,
the label clearly instructs
consumers to dilute the drink with
water or sparkling water. And
lastly, category managers agreed
to stock the product in the juice
aisle.
“Pure cranberry juice has taken
off,” says Evelyn. Christmas
orders wiped out their label
inventory so they hustled to
replenish stock. And then
January’s healthy-eating
resolutions propel sales into the
New Year. “We’re putting a big
push into branded sales this year.”
The Producer of the Year
award recognizes Terra Beata’s
commitment to food safety (they
achieved BRC certification in
2013), their willingness to
support beginning producers, and
their success in both domestic and
the international markets.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
JANUARY 2014 –– PAGE 5
THE GROWER
FOOD INDUSTRY TRENDS
What the tea leaves say about fruits and vegetables in 2014
Conscious consumers
While today’s consumers are
more health-conscious, they’re
also driven by convenience.
Brussels sprouts are climbing the
vegetable ranks as more versatile
than they have been given credit
for.
“I think Brussels sprouts have
been given a bad reputation over
the years because they can quickly turn bitter and soggy if overcooked,” says Ashlee Mclean,
director of marketing at Ippolito
Fruit and Produce Limited.
“Sprouts are versatile
vegetables but it’s important not
to overprocess them.”
The company says that sales
growth of 30 per cent annually
has been recorded over the last
four years. In part, that’s driven
by chefs experimenting on
cooking shows and in restaurants.
“
Sprouts are
versatile vegetables
but it’s impor tant not
to overprocess them.”
~ Ashlee Mclean
The bite-sized vegetable can be
shredded into a salad, halved and
roasted with balsamic vinegar or
pureed into a soup. Another twist
is to add to stir fries or to an egg
omelette. The taste and texture
are transformed by the cooking
method.
The LCBO’s holiday 2013
issue of Food and Drink gave a
serious nod to the green vegetable
with a recipe for warm, shaved
Brussels sprouts salad with
Roquefort cheese and hazelnuts.
Move over kale. Brussels
sprouts have arrived.
Ippolito Fruit and Produce Limited, Burlington, Ontario presents Brussels sprouts in various package sizes
Global snacks arrive in Canada
Demographics are changing rapidly across Canada,
with about 31 per cent of consumers now representing rich
and diverse cultural cuisines. Terry Wong, vice-president
for authentic ethnic at Tree of Life Canada, was recently
interviewed by Canadian Grocer magazine.
Wong explains that the ethnic food category is about
much more than spices and condiments, ingredients that
have a long shelf life and slow turn-over. The snack
category is easy to overlook but shouldn’t be with its fast
turn-over. Canada’s snack-food imports, including chips,
popcorn, nuts, candy and cookies, have grown by US$316
million since 2006.
With these demographics and import statistics as
backdrop, the next step is to imagine how fruits and
vegetables might be transformed. Beet chips with cumin
spicing? Cookies with dried fruits?
Tree of Life Canada, Mississauga, Ontario has
branding, marketing and distribution expertise in several
categories including specialty grocery, Asian and Indian,
and natural and organic.
OFVGA welcomes guest speaker
Ontario Fruit and
Vegetable Growers’
Association
NEW REVISED
TWO DAY
FORMAT
DEREK EDWARDS
155th Annual
General Meeting
with meetings
Monday and
Tuesday, banquet
Monday night.
Stand-up comedian Derek
Edwards is proof positive: you
can take the boy out of the
country, but you can’t take the
country out of the boy. His
award-winning “rural” humour
has made him the hottest thing
in Canada.
Award-Winning
Comedian
January 13 & 14, 2014
Crowne Plaza
Niagara Falls, ON
1-800-519-9911
AWARD OF MERIT
NOMINATIONS
The award is our way of
recognizing the outstanding
contribution made by an
individual or organization to
our fruit and vegetable industry.
REGISTRATION FORM, AGENDA AND AWARD OF MERIT
NOMINATION FORM AVAILABLE AT
www.ofvga.org
Is there someone you
would like to nominate?
Deadline: Nov. 30, 2013
PAGE 6 –– JANUARY 2014
THE GROWER
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Book the early bird rate for
Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Convention
The early bird gets the worm
and a better rate! The 2014
edition of the Ontario Fruit and
Vegetable Convention (OFVC)
will be hosted at the Scotiabank
Convention Centre in Niagara
Falls on February 19 and 20.
Thanks to sponsorship, free parking is available. The early bird
rates are in effect until February
11. For a complete price list, go
to the website at www.ofvc.ca
and click on the “Attend” button.
If you register by February 11,
the two-day package for educational seminars and trade show
costs $95 + HST. After that, the
rate rises to $123.90+ HST. A
new price point has been added
for the trade show on Thursday:
$35.40 + HST.
Education
OFVC sessions feature some
of the leading horticultural
experts from across the continent,
appealing to a broad array of
growers.
Sessions include: Apiculture,
Apples, Berries, Biopesticides,
Direct Farm Marketing, Farmers'
Markets, Funding Programs,
Grapes, Irrigation, Maintaining
Good Relations with Neighbours,
Nematode Management, Organic,
Specialty Fruit, Tender Fruit,
Vegetables, Wash/Waste
Management and Winery.
Presentation (between 11:00 am
& 1:00 pm in trade show area)
Contact Info:
Submissions and questions can be
sent to Adrian Huisman at
huismanadrian@gmail.com or
fax 905.945.5386
Chair of Judging Committee,
OFVC Trade Innovations Awards
New competition
Photo by Denis Cahill
Workshops include: Apple Cider,
Drip Irrigation, Great OntarioHopped Craft Brew Competition.
OFVC Innovation Awards
OFVC is seeking applications
from exhibitor companies or
individuals offering new products
and services to horticulture during
the upcoming convention.
Winners will be announced on
February 19, 2014, opening day
of the show for Innovative
Product and Innovative Service.
Winners will receive a
personalized plaque and the use
of a special logo for marketing
purposes.
The guidelines for applicants
are as follows:
• the Product/Service must be
“NEW” (since last year's OFVC
February 23, 2013)
• the Product/Service does not
need to be your company’s
invention. Re-sellers/dealers may
submit as well as inventors/
developers.
• the Product/Service must be
available for acquisition by
customers at the time of the
current OFVC (for example –
don't submit for a pesticide that
isn't yet registered).
• the submitting company must be
a registered exhibitor at the 2014
OFVC and the Product/Service
must be displayed in their trade
show booth in some form.
A panel of four judges has
been selected based on their
knowledge and experience of the
Ontario horticulture sector and
innovation within it.
Important Dates:
January 10 – Submission deadline
for your product to be included in
the show guide.
January 31 – Submission deadline
for judging.
February 19 – Awards
A hard cider competition will
make its debut, supported by the
Ontario Craft Cider Association.
This fledgling group has 14 members who make an adult beverage
from fermented apple juice. The
alcohol rate ranges from about
four to seven per cent according
to the website, www.ontariocraftcider.com.
Hard cideries have been
springing up in the Niagara area,
as far north as Collingwood and
as far east as Prince Edward
County.
“It’s a sleeper commodity
that’s earning more attention,”
says Leslie Huffman, one of the
organizers for the sweet cider
competition. To encourage more
dialogue between growers, the
speaking program introduces Ben
Watson, a New Hampshire author
and amateur cider maker.
JANUARY 2014 –– PAGE 7
THE GROWER
COMPETITORS
Sunny California faces water and labour shortages
KAREN DAVIDSON
All that glitters is not gold.
California, the mecca of U.S. fruit
and vegetable production, is a
land of extremes reports Cathy
Bartolic, executive director,
Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing
Association (OFFMA).
“Huge operations co-exist with
small, organic farms, each finding
their own niche,” says Bartolic.
Those contrasts presented plenty
of fodder for the 55 direct
marketers who represented 24
farms from Ontario, Quebec and
Alberta. Every other year, the
group now flies to a destination.
They started in Los Angeles
November 11 and ended in San
Francisco November 15.
California was chosen because of
its innovation in promoting local
food and the related work of
world-renowned chefs.
Steve Martin was keen to visit
California for the first time. As a
seasoned marketer and retail sales
manager for Martin’s Family
Fruit Farm, in Waterloo, Ontario
he was expecting the latest in
innovation. Before boarding the
flight, he knew that the go-big-orgo-home approach wouldn’t be
for everyone.
What he observed was many
variations of success, depending
on how the owners deployed their
assets. “You can report a large
number in gross sales, but still be
losing money,” he says. “You still
need to pay yourself.”
Good growers don’t
necessarily translate into good
marketers. In successful cases, the
growers have hired the expertise
they need and given autonomy to
run that portion of the business.
“Direct marketing is not
something that comes naturally to
everyone,” says Martin. “It takes
time and money to be successful,
and it’s a process that takes more
than a year or two to build.”
Martin appreciated the
authenticity of one organic
grower of broccoli, celery and
strawberries. With under 1,000
acres in production – large by
Ontario’s terms – the grower said
he didn’t feel organic was the
only way to grow produce, just a
route that works for his business.
The grower recognized that this
method can’t feed the world.
In visiting a corporate organic
farm, Martin said the interpretive
centre glossed over the realities of
growing large volumes of
produce. Small garden plots were
geared to children, but didn’t
address the tough questions of
controlling pests. “The fact is that
200 growers are under contract to
meet the volumes required,” said
Martin.
California is currently under
two major stresses: lack of water
and labour. In some areas, it had
not rained since Easter Sunday.
Some growers were nervous
about dependence on politicians
for water rights. In this context,
Martin was surprised that gutter
irrigation was still the norm, and
that major investments have not
been made in drip irrigation that
would be more efficient with
water use.
California growers are also
experiencing a dearth of labour
due to tightened immigration
laws. “They have never had this
issue before of a dwindling labour
supply,” says Martin. Employers
are also facing a rise in minimum
wage. The California Farm
Bureau Federation confirms that
the current wage of $8.00 per
hour is moving to $9.00 per hour
effective July 1, 2014. Another
increase to $10 per hour is slated
for January 1, 2016.
Martin expected to see more
mechanization in California, but
admits that innovation in
harvesting can only go so far
without sacrificing quality. “I
think the era of cheap produce
from California is over.”
Steve Martin will be speaking
at the OFFMA Summit on
February 19, opening day of the
Ontario Fruit and Vegetable
Convention, Scotiabank
Convention Centre, Niagara Falls,
Ontario.
California produce by the numbers
California agriculture recorded a nearly three per cent increase in
the sales value of its products in 2012, tallying a record $44.7 billion.
The state produces nearly half of U.S.-grown fruits, nuts and
vegetables. Some of the top 10 are:
• Grapes — $4.449 billion
• Almonds — $4.347 billion
• Strawberries — $1.939 billion
• Lettuce — $1.448 billion
• Walnuts — $1.349 billion
• Tomatoes — $1.170 billion
Source: California Department of Food and Agriculture
PAGE 8 –– JANUARY 2014
THE GROWER
GRAPE AND WINE STRATEGY
Ontario broadens points-of-sale
for VQA wines
KAREN DAVIDSON
Corks popped early this year
for a pre-Christmas announcement by Ontario premier
Kathleen Wynne, renewing a $75
million, five-year Grape and
Wine Industry Strategy. Most
importantly, the program will
allow Ontario VQA wines to be
sold at farmers’ markets and
LCBO’s new “Our Wine
Country” destination boutiques
will be expanded.
Three boutiques were opened
last fall in Niagara Falls, St.
Catharines and Windsor featuring
a broad array of premium and
hard-to-find Ontario VQA wines.
It’s not known yet what cities
would be ripe for expansion.
“We believe consumer access
will improve knowledge,” said
Debbie Zimmerman, CEO, Grape
Growers of Ontario. “Most wine
regions around the world own
their domestic market before they
expand. We are happy to have
more consumer access to wine at
farmers’ markets because this
treats consumers as customers.”
Farmers’ Markets Ontario
(FMO) is eager to work on
logistics for selling VQA wines at
175 markets. “It’s critical that we
play a major role in consultations
and implementation,” says Bob
Chorney, executive director,
FMO. “We questioned why no
fruit wines before the announcement was made and we’ve again
made the case for fruit wines to
be included. You can be assured
that we will press hard on this in
early 2014.”
A Grape and Wine Secretariat
is to be led by the premier and
Jim Bradley, Minister of
Environment and MPP for St.
Catharines. It’s to be a onewindow point of discussion
between the province and
industry, reducing red tape and
helping to make growers and
wineries more competitive. The
announcement bolsters the profile
of these two politicians just prior
to an expected by-election in the
grape-growing region of Niagara
Falls.
For grape growers, an Ontario
Wine Fund is welcome news to
support key winery and vineyard
investments such as specialized
equipment and machinery. They
are also encouraged by funds to
enhance marketing locally and
globally.
“Ontario’s grape growers
appreciate the continued support
from our Premier and her
government,” said Bill George,
chair of the Grape Growers of
Ontario. “The renewal of this
program speaks volumes about
the economic value each grape
grower and winery brings to the
province of Ontario. More than
14,000 Ontario jobs are tied to
the continued success of 100 per
cent Ontario grown wines and the
15,000 acres of wine grape
vineyards that are now in place
across the province.”
Launched in 2009, the strategy
has supported significant growth
in the sector, including doubling
the number of VQA wineries,
creating 2,000 direct jobs, record
grape production, and the
development of prime tourist
destinations, from the Niagara
Peninsula to Prince Edward
County and Lake Erie North
Shore.
That said, the Ontario industry
is chafing for more radical
change to boost sales of VQA
wines. In 2012, the Liquor
Control Board of Ontario
returned $1.6 billion to the
provincial treasury or about $121
for every citizen. British
Columbia is doing far better with
its mixture of government and
privately-run shops that made
$900 million or $197 per capita.
VEGETABLE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
-
1 used 18’ potato truck, $6,500.
Thomas WR944 4-row windrower, field ready, $24,500.
Thomas C91 2-row harvester, field ready, TTT warranty. SOLD.
Thomas B2000 Air Vac harvester. Mint condition, $30,000.
2-row Spudnick potato harvester, $30,000.
4-row Spudnick potato windrower. New primary and secondary webs, used
one season, $24,000.
- 4-row mechanical transplanter with water tank, SOLD.
- Lockwood 5000 4-row, windrower, field ready, $20,000.
- Lockwood 2-row potato harvester, $12,000.
- Grimme GB1700 potato harvester, $16,000.
- Grimme DL1500 2-row windrower, $7,500.
- Grimme GL1700 potato harvester, $30,000.
- Grimme RL3600 4-row windrower. Full width primary, mint cond., $26,000
- NEW 16 ton fertilizer tender box, $19,500.
- NEW 1000 gallon, 66’ Farm King sprayer, $30,000.
- 12 row Stanhay seeder with microgranular boxes. Nearly new, $39,000
- 1000 gallon FarmKing sprayer, 66ft booms. 2012 model, $ 26,000
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR OUR
FULL LISTING OF USED EQUIPMENT!
3211 - 8th Line
Bradford, ON
L3Z 2A5
Ph: 905-960-0033
sales@agriveg.ca
www.agriveg.ca
JANUARY 2014 –– PAGE 9
THE GROWER
NEWSMAKERS
The Prince Edward Island Potato Board welcomes a new executive
under the continued chairmanship of Gary Linkletter. Alex
Docherty is the new vice-chair representing the seed sector. Two
new directors are David Francis representing seed growers and
Rodney Dingwall representing processing growers. Ian Drake
joins the board as Young Farmers Representative in ex-officio
capacity.
The Asparagus Farmers of Ontario announce the retirement of Paul
Banks from the University of Guelph. He’s spent 20 years as Dave
Wolyn’s technician, working on the asparagus breeding program.
However, he will be providing consultant services to Fox Seeds,
providing technical advice to distributors and growers, as well as
coordinating strip trials in Ontario, Michigan, Quebec and
Washington.
Paul’s replacement at the University of Guelph will be Richard
Grzesik, who will be responsible for continuing the technical
aspects of the breeding program. Additionally, Rob Grohs, located
in the Simcoe Research Station, will now manage the agronomy
aspects of the research program, including asparagus field trials,
irrigation trials and managing the harvest and students at the station.
Ontario’s Agricultural Adaptation Council has elected its 2014
board. Chair is Kristin Ego MacPhail and Judy Dirksen is
vice-chair. Fred Wagner is treasurer and Don McCabe is
secretary. Directors include: Arno Schober, Brenda Lammens,
Brian Wiley, Cor Kapteyn, Don Lobb, Doug Alexander, Gord
Surgeoner, John Kikkert, Kelly Duffy, Len Troup, Mark
Huston and Sid Atkinson. Provincial liaison is Annette Anderson
and federal liaison is Richard Seguin.
In next month’s Olympics, be sure to root for Heather Moyse and
Kaillie Humphries in women’s bobsled. They won their first
World Cup race in more than two years on November 30, setting a
new record of 55.89 seconds. A Summerside, PEI resident, Moyse
has become well-known in the produce industry as spokesperson for
PEI potatoes.
BITS AND BITES
Ontario Pesticide Survey now online
All Ontario field crop,
vegetable, fruit and specialty crop
farmers are asked to fill out a
confidential, anonymous on-line
survey of pesticide use for the
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture
and Food and the Ministry of
Rural Affairs. This year, the
survey is being conducted by
Farm & Food Care Ontario and is
available on line at
www.ontariopesticidesurvey.ca.
Surveys have been conducted
every five years since 1973 and
are used to track trends in
pesticide use. Government,
commodity boards and
researchers use the information to
help improve minor use pesticide
registration lists, work toward
safer use of pesticides and to
understand trends in use and the
types of pesticides used.
"Ontario growers have shown
leadership over the past 40 years
by sharing their pesticide use
records,” says Craig Hunter,
expert advisor with the Ontario
Fruit and Vegetable Growers’
Association. “These records have
been put to great use to help
justify such things as emergency
uses, adding products to the
GROU list for importation, and
for pesticide pricing impacts. I
urge growers to once again share
their data, in total confidentiality,
to continue this valuable
resource."
The survey will track all field
and horticulture crops and the
pesticides used, acres applied and
also acres where no pesticides are
used. All farmers and custom
spray applicators are encouraged
to help fill out the survey of products they used during the 2013
growing season.
With increasing interest in
seed treatments used in agriculture, this topic will also be added
to the 2013 pesticide use survey,
including the number of acres
planted with the treated seed and
the active ingredients in the seed
treatments.
The survey is anonymous.
Only a respondent’s county
information will be collected to
help determine pesticide usage in
different parts of the province.
New this year, data collection has
moved to an online program with
drop down menus for ease of use
and accuracy of data. The survey
is available online at www.ontariopesticidesurvey.ca. Farm &
Food Care will also accept
mail-in, fax or email returns of
the survey.
Data collection will continue
until February 15, 2014.
Training for farm assistants
The 2014 Farm Assistant Instructor Courses are
posted at the following link:
www.opep.ca/index.cfm/farm-assistants/
courseexam-schedule-dates/
Please share this link with anyone looking to
train their assistants on-farm this coming year and
need to complete this course. Farm assistants who
use class 2 or 3 pesticides in Ontario need to be
trained and renew this training every five years.
Assistants can be trained on-farm by a Certified
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Farmer who has completed the Farm Assistant
Instructor Course or they can attend a Grower
Pesticide Safety Course. They do not have to
complete the certification exam. GPSC dates are
located at www.opep.ca/index.cfm/farmers1/
courseexam-schedule-dates/
If Farm Assistant Instructor Course dates are
needed in other areas of Ontario, please contact
800-652-8573.
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PAGE 10 –– JANUARY 2014
THE GROWER
PERSPECTIVE
Thumbs up for local food prospects in 2014
OWEN ROBERTS
UNIVERSITY OF
GUELPH
Fruit and vegetable producers
who have a local food component
built into their management
strategy are on the right track
heading into the New Year,
according to the latest consumer
food price outlook from the
University of Guelph.
The outlook, produced
annually by a team led by Prof.
Sylvain Charlebois, shows
consumer interest in local food
could be a bright spot for 2014.
He says local food, along with
better nutrition, is likely to
increase the demand for premium
products from the farm, such as
functional foods, omega-3 eggs
and gluten-free items. And
increased demand could mean
higher prices for farmers.
Not that next year is forecast
to be gloomy for either farmers or
consumers. Prices at grocery
stores are projected to rise a
maximum of two per cent on
conventional items such as
vegetables.
In some cases, they’ll even fall
– Charlebois and his team say
dairy and egg prices could drop
up to 1.5 per cent.
Increased competition is said
to be moderating the forecasted
rise in prices. It would have been
greater if the likes of Target,
Costco, Walmart and the Loblaw
Companies group weren’t slugging it out for consumer dollars.
But this competition -- called
“intense” by Charlebois -- shows
no signs of abating.
In highly competitive markets,
processors, manufacturers and
retailers are watching their own
hind ends, not those of farmers.
So farmers have to do it themselves. And that’s where local
food – and, in fact, any kind of
differentiation -- comes in.
People don’t seem to mind
paying more for food they believe
carries extra benefits. Local food
fits that bill, with its aura of
support for local economies, local
STAFF
Publisher: Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association
Editor: Karen Davidson, 416-557-6413, kdavidson@ecomente.ca
Production: Carlie Robertson, ext. 221, production@thegrower.org
Advertising: Herb Sherwood, 519-380-0118, hsherwood@cogeco.ca
OFFICE
355 Elmira Road North, Unit 105
Guelph, Ontario N1K 1S5 CANADA
Tel. 519-763-8728 • Fax 519-763-6604
The Grower reserves the right to refuse any advertising.
Any errors that are the direct result of The Grower will be
compensated at our discretion with a correction notice in the next
issue. No compensation will be given after the first running of the ad.
Client signature is required before insertion.
The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association is the
sole owner of The Grower. All editorials and opinions expressed
in The Grower are those of the newspaper’s editorial staff and/or
contributor, and do not necessarily reflect the view of the association.
All rights reserved. The contents of this publication
may not be reproduced either whole or in part without the
prior written consent of the publisher.
P.M. 40012319
The Grower is printed 12 times a year and sent to all
members of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’
Association who have paid $30.00 (plus G.S.T.) per year for
the paper through their commodity group or container fees.
Others may subscribe as follows by writing to the office:
$30.00 (+ G.S.T.) /year in Canada
$40.00/year International
Subscribers must submit a claim for missing issues within
four months. If the issue is claimed within four months, but
not available, The Grower will extend the subscription by
one month. No refunds on subscriptions.
people and local values.
Local food does not have to be
seen as only the domain of small
farmers and part-time producers.
I know large grain farmers who
shake their heads when their
operations are not mentioned in
local food conversations. Why,
they wonder, is their wheat not
ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’
ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Chair
Vice-Chair
Fruit Director
Veg Director
Director
Ray Duc, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Jason Verkaik, Bradford
Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin
Jan Vander Hout, Waterdown
Brian Gilroy, Meaford
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Apples
Fresh Vegetable - Other
Tender Fruit
ON Asparagus Grws’. Mkg. Brd.
GGO/Fresh Grape Growers
Fresh Vegetable - Muck
ON. Potato Board
Small Fruit/Berries
ON. Ginseng Growers’
Greenhouse
Greenhouse
Brian Gilroy, Meaford
Mary Shabatura, Windham Centre
John Thwaites, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Jason Ryder, Delhi
Ray Duc, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Jason Verkaik, Bradford
Mac James, Leamington
Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin
Ken Van Torre, Burford
Jan Vander Hout, Waterdown
Don Taylor, Durham
considered local food, although
the loaf of bread it’s turned into
is?
It may be a matter of
marketing. At the Value Chain
Management Centre in Oakville,
Martin Gooch and his team have
been trying to help turn around
the image-poor Ontario potato
industry.
Part of the team includes
grocers, who would be quite
happy charging more for potatoes
if consumers saw value in paying
more – for example, if potatoes
were considered part of the local
food experience.
But mostly, consumers and
grocers see potatoes as a cheap
shopping cart item, Gooch says in
the last of a three-part study on
the industry, released in
December.
His advice to potato farmers is
to market what consumers want,
not what you want to sell.
And really, that pertains to
potatoes or any other commodity.
Ontario’s wine sector learned that
decades ago. Gooch says the
industry can take advantage of the
many parts and participants in its
value chain to turn a basic
commodity such as potatoes into
something more valuable.
Consumers want local food.
That’s what Ontario farmers produce. So making sure you have
some element of “local” built into
your farm management strategy
should help with profitability.
OFVGA SECTION CHAIRS
Crop Protection
Research
Property
Labour
Safety Nets
CHC
Charles Stevens, Newcastle
Harold Schooley, Simcoe
Brian Gilroy, Meaford
Ken Forth, Lynden
Mark Wales, Alymer
Murray Porteous, Simcoe
JANUARY 2014 –– PAGE 11
THE GROWER
ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION
Board briefs
Following are highlights from
the OFVGA board meeting held
December 13, 2013. The purpose
of this brief is to keep you up-todate on the issues that the
OFVGA is working on, as well as
projects and initiatives the
organization is involved in.
Financial review and budget
Representatives from Tonin &
Co. LLP reviewed their audit
report with the Board for the
OFVGA fiscal year ended
October 31, 2013. Final financial
statements will be presented to
the OFVGA membership at the
annual general meeting in January
in Niagara Falls.
The Board approved the budget for 2014, which this year
included $250,000 in funding for
the OFVGA Research and
Promotion Fund for its member
associations. The distribution of
these funds in 2014 will be based
on the percentage of container
and association membership fees
collected during 2012. More
information will be circulated
directly to the member groups.
plant propagators to continually
propagate clean plants for
growers to establish production
fields. Disease problems have
been affecting Ontario plant propagation which could potentially
jeopardize plant production in
Ontario. The Ontario Berry
Growers’ Association has written
to the Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture and Food seeking
assistance in addressing these disease and plant breeding challenges.
Bill C-18
The federal government
introduced Bill C-18, Agricultural
Growth Act, in mid-December.
The bill includes a number of
legislative changes that will have
an impact on a large number of
areas in the agricultural sector
from plant protection and
breeding to farm financials and
feed. It includes changes to the
Agricultural Marketing Products
Act and the Plant Breeders Rights
Act.
Waste Reduction Act
OFVGA had been part of the
Ontario Agriculture Waste
Management Partnership which
worked on an industry response
to the Ministry of the
Environment’s proposed Waste
Reduction Act. The Act is
currently still in second reading.
The group also included Ontario
Federation of Agriculture,
Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable
Three-year-old miscanthus
Growers, Flowers Canada
(Ontario), Farm & Food Care,
Canadian Animal Health
Initiative, Dairy Farmers of
Ontario, Ontario Agri-Business
Association, Clean Farms and the
Canadian Fertilizer Institute.
Annual General Meeting
The 155th annual general
meeting of the OFVGA will be
held January 13 and 14, 2014 at
the Crowne Plaza Hotel in
Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Registration and hotel information, as well as the event agenda,
are available at www.ofvga.org/
events.php.
Crop protection
Section chair Charles Stevens
and the Crop Protection Advisory
Committee (CPAC) met with the
Pest Management Regulatory
Agency (PMRA) to discuss
current crop protection issues.
This included how to move
forward with full harmonization
of crop protection products
between Canada and the United
States, as well as addressing
challenges like Post-harvest and
Re-entry intervals (PHI and REI).
OFVGA also supported a CPAC
presentation to PMRA concerning
the re-evaluation of Mancozeb,
which is currently underway.
Research
OFVGA research section chair
Harold Schooley, who is also
Chair of Ontario Agri-Food
Technologies (OAFT), attended
the Bioeconomy Research
Highlights day at the end of
November. Presentations were
given on trends in the
bioeconomy and on the industrial
demand for agricultural feedstocks for biocomposites, biomaterials, biochemicals and bioenergy from alternative resources,
bioproducts discovery and
advanced polymer processing.
The industry is still in its infancy
but Ontario is home to more than
1200 chemical manufacturers and
eight of the top 10 global chemical companies, accounting for
$21.5 billion in sales and employing more than 41,000 people.
INTRODUCING
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With a unique mode of action, pests can’t escape the
crosshairs of Closer™ SC insecticide. And not only does it
control aphids in vegetable, fruit and potato crops but other
sap-feeding insects, as well. Try it and see how quickly
Closer SC zeros in on and takes out unwanted pests.
Berry propagation
In Ontario, berry plants have a
short usable lifespan, continually
requiring plantings to be renewed.
This means the industry needs
® TM
Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company
(“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow.
02/13-19846 TGWR
PAGE 12 –– JANUARY 2014
THE GROWER
Year in review
KELLY DAYNARD
It has now been two years
since the amalgamation of
AGCare (Agricultural Groups
Concerned about Resources and
the Environment) and the Ontario
Farm Animal Council to become
Farm & Food Care Ontario.
Farm & Food Care is the first
coalition of its type in Canada,
bringing together tens of thousands of livestock, crop and
horticulture farmers and related
businesses with a mandate to
provide credible information on
food and farming in Ontario.
Here are some highlights from
the past year that are of interest to
the province’s fruit and vegetable
growers.
In 2013, Farm & Food Care
has significantly increased its
activities related to environmental
initiatives. Three contract
employees now work on
environmental projects on behalf
of Farm & Food Care’s members.
Here are some of their initiatives.
Water Resource Adaptation
and Management Initiative
(WRAMI)
The Water Resource
Adaptation and Management
Initiative (WRAMI) is providing
funding for demonstration and
research projects that showcase
innovative technologies and
solutions to water conservation
and water use efficiency problems
within agriculture and
demonstrate strategies for drought
preparedness and activities related
to adapting to climate change.
A total of 17 projects were
selected by an expert review
panel from 38 eligible applications for WRAMI funding. This
research and demonstration
initiative has allocated
approximately $900,000 to
encourage demonstration and
pilot projects that showcase water
conservation or efficiency
equipment, technologies or tools
by farm groups and organizations.
A WRAMI meeting to present
the results of all projects will be
held on March 6, 2014 at the
Holiday Inn in Guelph. Funding
for this initiative has been provided by the federal and Ontario
governments through the
Agricultural Flexibility Fund, as
part of Canada’s Economic
Action Plan.
Ontario Pesticide Survey
All Ontario field crop, vegetable, fruit and specialty crop
farmers are asked to fill out a
confidential, anonymous on-line
survey of pesticide use for the
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture
and Food and the Ministry of
Rural Affairs.
New this year, data collection
has moved to an online program
with drop down menus for ease of
use and accuracy of data. The
survey is available online at
www.ontariopesticidesurvey.ca
Farm & Food Care will also
accept mail-in, fax or email
returns of the survey.
Surveys have been conducted
every five years since 1973 and
are used to track trends in
pesticide use. Government,
commodity boards and
researchers use the information to
help improve minor use pesticide
registration lists, work toward
safer use of pesticides and to
understand trends in use and the
types of pesticides used.
• Regulatory changes that will
bring greenhouse effluent under
the Nutrient Management Act;
• Obsolete pesticide collection
programs;
• Bee health;
• Introduction of the Community
Collaborative Rain, Hail and
Snow Network, (CoCoRaHS) a
volunteer weather reporting system to Canada;
• Updates on committee members’ work on the Source Water
Legislation
Farm & Food Care welcomes
suggestions from its membership
and the broader agricultural
community on environmental
initiatives that the council and
organization should become
involved in. Suggestions can be
sent to Bruce Kelly,
Environmental Coordinator at
bruce@farmfoodcare.org
These are just a few of the
initiatives undertaken by Farm &
Food Care in 2013. As always,
we welcome new ideas of
initiatives we can and should
undertake on behalf of Ontario’s
farmers.
Kelly Daynard is
communications manager for
Farm & Food Care.
COMING EVENTS 2013
Environmental Council
January 7, 8 Southwest Agricultural Conference, Ridgetown, ON
The Farm & Food Care Board
of Directors has designated a
Farm Environmental Council.
This council is designed to play a
pivotal role with the organization,
providing a forum for proactive
dialogue and direction with many
stakeholders.
The council’s membership
consists of representatives from
Farm & Food Care’s platinum,
gold and silver level members,
including the OFVGA. Members
of the Environment Council met
in April, September and
December. Les Nichols,
representing the Ontario Soil and
Crop Improvement Association,
was elected as chair of the
council.
Some of the issues discussed
by the council have included:
January 13
Ontario Apple Growers Annual General Meeting,
Elizabeth Room, Crowne Plaza, Niagara Falls, ON
Jan 13, 14
Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Annual
General Meeting, Crowne Plaza, Niagara Falls, ON
January 16
Quebec Apple Growers Annual General Meeting,
Club de golf de la Prairie, La Prairie, QC
Jan 20 – 23 Empire State Producers’ Expo, ON Center,
Syracuse, NY
Jan 27, 28
Scotia Horticultural Congress 2014, Old Orchard
Inn, NS
Jan 27 – 29 North American Raspberry and Blackberry
Conference, Hershey, PA
Jan 28, 29
Ontario Processing Vegetable Industry Conference,
Hilton Hotel, London, ON
Jan 29, 30
Chatham-Kent Farm Show, Chatham-Kent
Convention Centre, Chatham, ON
Jan 30- Feb 1
16th Annual Pacific Agriculture Show, Tradex
Exhibition Centre, Abbotsford, BC
Jan 30 – Feb 2 Guelph 2014 Organic Conference & Expo,
University Centre, Guelph, ON
Feb 5 – 8
Fruit Logistica, Berlin, Germany
Feb 11 - 13 La Semaine Horticole, Hotel Mortagne, Boucherville,
QC
Feb 18
Ontario Berry Growers’ Association Annual General
Meeting, Niagara Falls, ON
Feb 19, 20
Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Scotiabank
Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, ON
Feb 20
Great Ontario-Hopped Craft Brewing Competition,
Scotiabank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, ON
Feb 22 – 26 57th International Fruit Tree Association Annual
Conference & Intensive Workshop, Kelowna, BC
Febr 25, 26 Agricultural Management Institute Conference: “Take
a new approach: creating agribusiness linkages,”
Delta Hotel, Guelph, ON
March 4-6
Canadian Horticultural Council Annual General
Meeting, The Grand Hotel, Kelowna, BC
March 6
Ontario Potato Conference, Delta Hotel, Guelph, ON
Mar 18, 19 3rd Canadian Food Summit, “From Strategy to
Action,” Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto,
ON
JANUARY 2014 –– PAGE 13
THE GROWER
RETAIL NAVIGATOR
Sobeys polishes food image with U.K. chef Jamie Oliver
PETER CHAPMAN
Sobeys' roots are in Stellarton,
Nova Scotia where the Sobey
family started with one store.
They grew into a regional chain
across Atlantic Canada by 1980.
The company moved to the
national stage with the acquisition
of Oshawa Group in the ‘90s and
subsequently added Thrifty Foods
and Safeway to give them sales in
every province. The family continues to have controlling interest
in the holding company (Empire)
more than 100 years after the
business was started.
Years ago Sobeys declared
they were going to improve their
food expertise and that would
differentiate their stores from the
one stop shop across the street.
This strategy has been reinforced
recently through the company’s
partnership with Jamie Oliver.
They are investing a lot in store
and in the media to promote
healthier eating and good food.
The recent change in
leadership from Bill McEwan to
Marc Poulin will impact Sobeys'
offering. The company had
embarked on a consolidation
program called Sobeys One. They
were in the process of reviewing
many programs and standards to
find common ground. The goal
was to determine which is the
best solution to implement across
the different regions. There is
more influence from the Quebec
region now, which is driven by
their strong results and the change
in leadership.
Sobeys is the only national
retailer to maintain a regional
structure. The regions operate
independently and working with
each one can be very different.
They do not communicate with
each other and the top priority of
Sobeys stores in Ontario can be
different than the West or
Atlantic.
Here are my top 10
considerations when developing
relationships with Sobeys:
1. Treat each region as a
specific entity. Understand what
their priorities are and develop
strategies to meet their
expectations.
2. Sobeys do want to talk about
food. They are looking for strong
opportunities to reinforce their
food focus. The new Jamie Oliver
program is an opportunity for
suppliers who have some unique
food offerings.
3. The control label program at
Sobeys is there to deliver sales
and profit. The focus on unique
items is not as strong. They
compete within the categories but
they do not strive to lead the
categories.
4. Sobey’s merchandisers have
access to solid retail information. They lived through the pain
of the SAP conversion a number
of years ago so they now benefit
from reliable point-of-sale data.
Category managers will share
some information about product
performance and the system
allows them to do category
analysis.
5. You must be prepared to
travel to the different regions if
you want your product listed in
them. Item numbers are identical
across regions, however the
decision to list products and
procurement is regional for most
items.
6. Sobeys is focused on getting
Safeway stores integrated into
Sobey’s supply chain systems.
Vendors servicing Sobeys and/or
Safeway should be in tune with
Western
Canada
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this transition.
7. IGA stores in Quebec are
very good stores. If possible,
visit these stores to explore the
program. There is a possibility
these programs will be
implemented across different
regions as they work through
consolidation.
8. It is important to follow the
evolution of Sobeys. They are
committed to trying new formats
and changing the offering. Just
recently they opened a new
Sobeys Extra store in Burlington,
Ontario. Their allocation of shelf
space and new programs could
impact the listing base in other
stores.
9. Remember, Sobeys are
distributing food for Target.
They will learn from Target and
you might see some different
strategies coming to Sobeys from
Target - most likely in supply
chain where they would have the
most contact.
10. Sobeys is one of the retailers
with the best commitment to
sourcing and merchandising
locally produced products.
Their regional approach makes
this more realistic and their
merchandisers do believe regional
products are an important point of
differentiation for them.
Peter Chapman, a retail food
consultant and professional
speaker, is principal of GPS
Business Solutions, based in
Halifax, Nova Scotia. Peter works
with producers and processors to
help them navigate through the
retail environment with the ultimate goal of getting more items
into the shopping cart.
pchapman@gpsbusiness.ca.
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PAGE 14 –– JANUARY 2014
THE GROWER
FOOD SAFETY
‘No real scientific evidence that plastic or corrugated containers
are superior ’: University of Guelph food safety professor
KAREN DAVIDSON
If the produce container industry is serious, science should
guide the food safety debate
about Reusable Plastic Containers
(RPC). According to Keith
Warriner, a University of Guelph
food safety professor, there’s still
not enough science in North
America determining the standards for sanitizing RPCs, now
mandated by several retailers for
use in transporting produce from
growers.
“As an academic, it’s my job
to state what the results are,” says
Warriner, who assessed the
microbiological standards of
RPCs used in different fresh produce packing stations in Canada.
In a study commissioned by the
Canadian Corrugated and
Containerboard Association
(CCCA) last summer, financial
parameters limited Warriner’s
examination to 10 RPCs from
each of five growers in Ontario
and Quebec. He also noted that
few growers wanted to participate
in the study for fear of the
perception of criticizing their
retail customers. To put this
sample in context, an estimated
30 million RPCs are now
circulated in Canada.
Once at the farms in Hamilton,
Leamington and Montreal,
Warriner observed broken crates
and those with multiple labels
which had not been removed
from previous farm visits.
Ironically, some growers were
Corrugated containers and Reusable Plastic Containers (RPC) are found side by side in packing sheds. About 30 million RPCs are now
circulated in Canada.
“
Among this sample, there is no food safety issue here.. There is no standard that the
Canadian Food Inspection Agency would take issue with.” ~ Keith Warriner
using paper liners in their RPCs
to enhance cleanliness. In the
laboratory, there were failing
grades writes David Andrews,
executive director, CCCA, in a
recent opinion editorial.
“Collectively, 64 per cent of
all RPCs failed in terms of sanitary standards and 56 per cent of
trays had a higher aerobic count
than expected on a cleaned
surface,” he writes, adding that
the full study is posted at
www.cccabox.org.
But in the end, Warriner did
not confirm the presence of E.coli
or Salmonella, common culprits
of food-borne illness. What’s
contentious is who determines the
appropriate cleanliness standard
for RPCs. They need not be up to
surgical standards.
“Among this sample, there is
no food safety issue here,”
W
Thunderhead
W
Cronus
NE
NE
Approx. 82 days to
maturity, uniform
blue-green round
head.
Extra-large,
excellent yields,
dark orange,
well-defined ribs,
large dark-green
handle.
Bowie
Uniform dark
green, easy to
harvest, straight
pods.
W
NE
Currier
Very consistent,
uniform blocky
shape, smooth
glossy deep green
color. High yield.
— Quality Seed Since 1881 —
T: 1-800-263-7233 Ň F: 1-800-272-5560 Ňwww.StokeSeeds.com Ň Box 10 Thorold ON L2V 5E9
Warriner concluded. “There is no
standard that the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency would take
issue with.”
That’s not to say Warriner
doesn’t have concerns. Since
RPCs must be sent to Chicago,
Illinois for sanitizing, it’s possible
that plant pathogens such as
Erwinia, Pseudomonas,
Xanthomonas or Ascomycetes
could cross the border.
It’s these invisible plant
pathogens that worry many growers, particularly those who export
to the United States. For the 224
producers who belong to the
Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable
Growers (OGVG), this is a phytosanitary issue with serious trade
implications.
“We cannot comment on the
validity of the microbiological
tests reported in Dr. Warriner’s
study,” says Don Taylor, OGVG
chair. “However his observations
on the visual inspections are
similar to what we are hearing
from a number of farmers, with
respect to the presence of plant
material, stickers and other foreign material in some of the
returning containers. It appears
that at least some of the containers are escaping adequate cleaning and decontamination.”
“Given the relatively low level
of sampling carried out, we feel
that this study should be treated
as preliminary. It should lead to a
more comprehensive study that
should be expanded to include the
potential for the spread of plant
pathogens that are of potential
economic importance to farmers.
It could also result in the development of realistic standards that
could be used to monitor
performance of the RPC supplier
going forward. We are certainly
not opposed to RPCs, but we do
feel that it is important to ensure
that the potential risks have been
studied scientifically to ensure
that the right management
practices are put in place.”
Currently, an RPC Working
Group, including industry and
government representatives, is
expected to report progress to the
CPMA’s issues management
industry committee. “The
Working Group will next focus
on developing best practices for
RPCs which will, of course,
include guidance to ensure the
continued focus on delivering
safe and nutritious produce to
Canadians regardless of the
commodity or packaging type
used,” says Jane Proctor, vice
president policy and issue
management, Canadian Produce
Marketing Association (CPMA).
As that process takes its
course, the corrugated industry is
vigorously defending its business.
“While we obviously have a
natural opposition to the commercial growth of the RPC industry
in Canada, we also have a firm
belief that using this particular
system to ship food may be
problematic for retailers,” writes
Andrews. “Together with fruit
and vegetable growers across the
country, we want to ensure that
all produce reaches its final
destination safely.”
Any visit to the packing sheds
of growers reveals that corrugated
boxes and RPCs are side by side.
Growers are looking to their
industry associations to use
science-based evidence on setting
and refining food safety standards
that allay current concerns.
JANUARY 2014 –– PAGE 15
THE GROWER
FOOD SAFETY
Like yogurt, a culture of food safety must multiply every day
“
0 Pathogens do not
know the size of an
operation. The total
food supply chain
must be strong in
ever y link.”
KAREN DAVIDSON
What’s the number one threat
to the produce industry? A food
recall is the likely answer, but not
far behind is fear of not being
compliant with multiple food
safety regimes.
While the U.S. is undergoing
massive change with its Food
Safety Modernization Act,
Canada is also updating requirements under the Safe Food for
Canadians Act. From a process
perspective, all the heavy lifting
is right now for stakeholders to
analyse proposals and submit
comments for review. The dual
modernization process is placing
unprecedented pressure on growers and shipper-packers.
“Staying compliant with both
customer-demanded Global Food
Safety Initiative audits in addition
to government-regulated and legislated changes is challenging,”
says Stephanie Lariviere, regulatory manager for Erie James
Limited and Sunsation Acres Inc.,
Leamington, Ontario.
“Multiple audits are costly and
put heavy pressure on recordkeeping. We are optimistic that
harmonization of best practices is
possible but collaboration and
feedback between stakeholders
and government are key.”
Stateside, one of the most
contentious provisions – the
Tester Amendment – could
exempt small owner-operators
from full requirements. Freedom
from compliance is not sitting
well with the industry at large
whose reputation and investment
in food safety compliance could
be shattered with a single food
recall. The Canadian Produce
Marketing Association (CPMA)
did not support this exemption.
“Pathogens do not know the
size of an operation,” says
Lariviere who sits on CPMA’s
food safety committee and participates in the regulatory modernization working group. “The total
food supply chain must be strong
in every link.”
Lariviere is someone who
knows. She has been on the front
line for 19 years, starting with
grading, packing and sorting on
the warehouse floor. She quickly
moved into office administration,
accounting and inventory control.
By virtue of hands-on experience
in most elements of the integrated
business, she’s a natural to oversee food safety and traceability.
She has participated in the voluntary Customs-Trade Partnership
Against Terrorism Program since
2003 and became a certified Safe
Quality Food (SQF) practitioner
in 2008.
She serves actively on the
Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable
Growers’ Food Safety Committee
and was recently re-appointed for
her third term on the
Stakeholders’ Advisory
Committee for CanadaGAP. She
participated in the first
~ Stephanie Lariviere
Stephanie Lariviere, regulatory manager for Erie James Ltd and Sunsation Acres Inc., Leamington,
Ontario is on the frontline of food safety changes in the U.S. and Canada. Photo by Glenn Lowson.
HAND WASHING
LAVADO DE MANOS
1
4
2
3
5
6
Agricultural Chapter of Safety
Groups and most recently,
became a director of CanAgPlus
which operates the CanadaGAP
program.
“It is paramount to have your
front-line employees involved in
the process,” says Lariviere.
“Our motto is: If you see something, say something.”
A culture of food safety is like
yogurt – a starter batch must be
replaced regularly. Here are some
of the tools that Lariviere uses in
the plant every day.
• Internal Responsibility System
which encourages every employee to report food safety/health and
safety or security concerns immediately
• Good Manufacturing
Practices/Good Agricultural
Practices posters are displayed
prominently in all employee traffic areas to remind staff of food
safety compliance before they
enter the production areas.
• Food safety/security training
reviews are conducted to include
both new and existing employees.
Management meeting reviews
reinforce our commitment to food
safety from the top down and
identify opportunities for
continuous improvement.
PAGE 16 –– JANUARY 2014
THE GROWER
FOOD SAFETY
CanadaGAP 2013: a year of change and transformation
HEATHER GALE
CanadaGAP is a food safety
program for companies that produce, pack and store fruits and
vegetables. It is designed to help
implement effective food safety
procedures within fresh produce
operations. Audit and certification
services for the program are
delivered by third party,
accredited Certification Bodies.
The program has been benchmarked and officially recognized
by the Global Food Safety
Initiative (GFSI).
Two manuals, one specific to
Greenhouse operations, the second for other fruit and vegetable
operations, have been developed
by the horticultural industry and
reviewed for technical soundness
by Canadian government officials. The manuals are designed
for companies implementing
Good Agricultural Practices
(GAPs) and maintaining an
effective food safety program.
The manuals are based on a
rigorous hazard analysis applying
the seven principles of the internationally-recognized HACCP
(Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Point) approach.
2012-13 is the fifth complete
season of operation for the
CanadaGAP Program.
CanadaGAP has seen another
action-packed year, but what sets
it apart is the degree of change
and transformation. Among the
many activities successfully
undertaken this year, the following include the major highlights
and milestones achieved.
program. Work has continued
throughout 2013, with plans to
roll out the integrated program
by 2014. Stay tuned for an
upcoming announcement regarding the availability of
CanadaGAP certification
Option D for repackers and
wholesalers.
GFSI Recognition
Incorporation
In September 2012,
CanadaGAP became an independently operated program under a
new not-for-profit corporation
called CanAgPlus. All participants enrolled in the CanadaGAP
Program became eligible for
membership in CanAgPlus as of
November 1, 2012. An interim
Board of Directors was appointed
by the two founding organizations, the Canadian Horticultural
Council (CHC) and the Canadian
Produce Marketing Association
(CPMA). Communication
activities last fall were numerous
and included a revamp of the
website and rebranding to reflect
the new corporate governance
structure, etc.
Board of Directors
Since CanAgPlus’ incorporation last September (2012), an
appointed group of volunteers has
served as the Board of Directors
for CanadaGAP. Heartfelt appreciation and gratitude are extended
to this group of six dedicated professionals who have provided
guidance, support and strategic
direction to management over
the course over CanAgPlus’ first
year of operation. I wish to personally thank Board Chair Tom
Byttynen, Vice-Chair Jack Bates,
and directors Hugh Bowman,
Beth Pattillo, Grant Hackman and
Claude Laniel for their leadership,
commitment and vision.
An elected Board of Directors
will be chosen by members during CanAgPlus’s first Annual
General Meeting.
First Annual General Meeting
Significant effort this year has
gone into planning and preparing
for the first Annual General
Meeting of the new corporation.
This has entailed:
• Review of the original set of
By-laws to ensure they will work
for CanAgPlus and are consistent
in all respects with the Canadian
Not-for-Profit Corporations Act.
• Establishment of the nominations Committee by the Board of
Directors
• Call for Nominations in June
2013, with a deadline of August
2013
• Refinement of Voting Policy
and Procedures and Mailed-in
Ballot process
• Sponsorship drive
• Communication with members
about the AGM, registration, candidates for the Board, voting, etc.
Integration of CPMA
Repacking and Wholesale Food
Safety Program
Discussion began in 2009
between the CHC and CPMA
about the potential to
consolidate CanadaGAP and the
CPMA’s Repacking and
Wholesale Food Safety Program
(RWFSP). A formal study was
undertaken in 2010 on the feasibility of merging CanadaGAP and
RWFSP to create a single
integrated standard and a
standalone not-for-profit corporation. The study concluded this
was a feasible initiative and in
2012 members of both organizations made a final decision to proceed with merging the two programs. This course of action was
recommended to limit potential
exposure to liability associated
with administering a food safety
CanadaGAP became the first
Canadian food safety program to
be officially recognized by the
Global Food Safety Initiative
(GFSI) in January 2010.
Re-benchmarking was required to
the new version (6) of the GFSI
requirements in 2012. This was
successfully achieved with formal
re-recognition by GFSI in January
2013 for CanadaGAP certification
options B and C.
Participation Trends
Approximately 2,400 producers are now CanadaGAP-certified,
representing an increase of 17 per
cent since November 1, 2012.
More than 2,000 applications for
program enrollment have been
processed by CanadaGAP staff
since the program was launched
in 2008.
The following participation
trends are of particular note for
2013:
• The first enrollees from
Newfoundland and Labrador
joined the program this season
• In the past year, CanadaGAP
also saw the first enrollment from
the Yukon Territory
• There has been a surge in farm
level participation, as certified
packinghouses request food safety
compliance from growers in
response to new requirements
from retail/food service
• Noticeable rise in enrollments
among certain sectors (BC
blueberry, ON greenhouse, etc.)
• Increasing rates of participation
by producers in the U.S.
• Proportional increase in individuals choosing Option C (annual
audit), now comprising 40 per
cent of all certified companies
• The trend is away from the fouryear audit cycle options (A1 and
A2), which now stand at 30 per
cent of all CanadaGAP
enrollments
• 30% of participating producers
are enrolled in a group certification option. This rate has
remained stable for the past few
years
• 2013 marks the five-year
anniversary for initial program
participants who enrolled when
CanadaGAP
was first launched. These growers
have now successfully completed
their first four-year audit cycle.
• The Tree Fruit industry continues to lead enrollment figures
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
JANUARY 2014 –– PAGE 17
THE GROWER
FOOD SAFETY
CanadaGAP 2013: a year of change and transformation
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
# audits
reported
2013
1031
2012
771
2011
557
Number of CanadaGAP Audits
reporting period from September
1 to August 31, 2013
Audit Trends
Audit scores remain consistently high. This has been a
steady trend over the years, across
provinces and commodities. This
trend shows a general consistency
in audit results and in the
implementation and interpretation
of requirements.
work of more than 1,500 offices
and laboratories around the world.
SGS joined QMI-SAI Global,
NSF-GFTC and Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) in
the list of available certification
bodies for CanadaGAP. See
www.canadagap.ca for further
information about all four
CanadaGAP-approved certification bodies.
Other Certification Body News
• Guelph Food Technology
Centre (GFTC) was acquired by
NSF International, a leading
global certifier. The transition
continues into 2014 as systems
and processes for managing audit
and certification services are
merged.
• QMI-SAI GLOBAL completed
its corporate rebranding and is
now officially known as “SAI
GLOBAL.”
Electronic Versions of Manuals
Auditors
#
Percentage
auditors
West
12
31%
Ontario
12
31%
Quebec
Atlantic
U.S.
10
4
1
26%
10%
3%
Auditors by region
• The auditor pool consists of 39
active and qualified CanadaGAP
auditors (currently working for a
Certification Body). This represents 27 per cent of those who
have taken the CanadaGAP auditor training course and 37 per
cent of those who passed the
course.
New Certification Body
SGS Canada was licensed by
CanAgPlus in April 2013 as the
newest certification body offering
CanadaGAP audits. SGS is a
leading inspection, verification,
testing and certification company
with more than 75,000 employees
worldwide. SGS operates a net-
CanadaGAP has collaborated
with developers on a number of
initiatives to automate the
CanadaGAP Food Safety
Manuals. These efforts are aimed
at increasing the functionality and
availability of the manuals, and
at facilitating implementation of
CanadaGAP.
A longstanding partnership
with Farm Credit Canada continues, as do several other cooperative alliances undertaken over the
past year:
• CanadaGAP Forms in Field
Manager Pro software available
from Farm Credit Canada
• Inputtable versions of the
manuals in Microsoft Word
available through the Conseil
québécois de l’horticulture
website, www.cqh.ca
• BC Vegetable Marketing
Commission offers the
CanadaGAP Forms in Excel
format from its website,
www.bcveg.com, in bilingual
versions (English-Spanish/
Chinese/ Punjabi)
• JRS Virtual Studio is developing “Just Grow,” a web-based
version of the CanadaGAP
Manuals
• CanadaGAP has been
approached by software developers regarding a mobile app
version of the Forms.
The Manuals (PDF and
Microsoft Word versions) and
Forms (PDF and Excel format)
can be downloaded directly from
the CanadaGAP website at
www.canadagap.ca
Relocation of CanadaGAP
Office
In September 2013
CanadaGAP found a new office
space in Ottawa’s west end,
allowing staff to consolidate all
program administration functions
into a single, centrally-located
space. The move meant a busy
summer working to coordinate
the installation of a new phone
system and communication lines
(with new phone and fax numbers), the rewiring and relocation
of the server, negotiation of a new
lease and equipment rentals,
changes to insurance, and
communication efforts to advise
members and other stakeholders
of the change.
Editor’s note: These are highlights of the CanadaGAP 2013
Annual Report.
Heather Gale is the executive
director, CanadaGAP Program,
CanAgPlus.
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PAGE 18 –– JANUARY 2014
THE GROWER
FOOD SAFETY
Foreign suppliers to be verified under U.S. import laws
Canadian produce exports to
the United States are big
business. Almost $1.2 billion –
primarily tomatoes, mushrooms,
peppers, onions and carrots –
were shipped in 2010, according
to Statistics Canada.
All of that business is subject
to the Food Safety Modernization
Act (FSMA), a law that moves
the produce industry into the 21st
century from emergency triage to
prevention. The legislation
responds to the tragedy of 34
deaths and 14,000 illnesses that
have resulted from food-borne
illness in the U.S. between 1996
and 2010. Signed into law just
two years ago this month, FSMA
rules are still being hammered out
by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA).
The proposed Produce Rule
and the Preventive Control Rule
have been published. Public comment closed on November 22,
2013. The proposed rules for the
Foreign Supplier Verification
Program (FSVP) and the
Accreditation of Third-Party
Auditors are currently open for
comments until January 27. A
key change is that food importers
would now, unless exempt or
subject to modified requirements,
be responsible for ensuring the
food they bring into the U.S.
meets the FDA standards. For
each food imported, they will be
required to develop FSVPs that
comply with U.S. standards
including the Preventive Control
and Produce Safety rules if
applicable. In general importers
will be required to conduct the
following activities: compliance
status review of food and
suppliers, hazard analysis,
supplier verification activities,
complaint reviews, investigations
and corrective actions if
necessary, Periodic reassessment
of the FSVP, importer identification at entry, and recordkeeping.
There are modified requirements for foods from countries
whose food safety systems are
recognized by FDA as
comparable to that of the U.S.
“So far, only New Zealand has
received comparable system
status,” says Sally Blackman,
manager, food safety and
nutrition for the Canadian
Produce Marketing Association,
although FDA has initiated a
systems recognition assessment
with Canada.”
For those who export to the
U.S., it’s expected that the
Voluntary Qualified Importer
Program (VQIP) will be of
interest. Certifications issued by
accredited Third Party Auditors
could be used by FDA to
determine eligibility of an
importer for VQIP status. Draft
guidelines are yet to come, says
Blackman, however the intent is
to expedite review and entry of
produce from certified facilities.
The Accreditation of Third
Party Auditor proposed rule
contains requirements for
third-party auditors seeking
accreditation and accreditation
bodies seeking recognition by the
FDA, with the intent to help
ensure the competence and
independence of the accreditation
bodies and third-party auditors
participating in the program.
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Feb. 1-2, free public 2-day Expo/Tasting Fair, 160 booths
+ The Jan. 31st Organic Food & Wine Dinner $50
EXPO GUESTS: meet organic ag. suppliers, certifiers, organic
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Full brochure & exhibitor list:
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“
So far, only New Zealand has received
comparable system status.”
~ Sally Blackman
The proposed rule defines
eligibility requirements for
recognition as an accreditation
body and accreditation as a third
party. They could be a foreign
government or government
agency, a foreign cooperative or
other private third party that meet
requirements as to authority,
competency, capacity, conflict of
interest, quality assurance and
records.
The following are among
FDA’s key new import authorities
and mandates. Specific
implementation dates specified in
the law are noted in parentheses:
• Importer accountability: For
the first time, U.S. importers have
an explicit responsibility to verify
that foreign suppliers have
adequate preventive controls in
place to ensure that the food they
produce is safe. (Final regulation
and guidance due one year
following enactment)
• Third Party Certification: The
FSMA establishes a program
through which qualified third
parties can certify that foreign
food facilities comply with U.S.
food safety standards. This
certification may be used to facilitate the entry of imports.
(Establishment of a system for
FDA to recognize accreditation
bodies is due two years after
enactment)
• Certification for high risk
foods: FDA has the authority to
require that high-risk imported
foods be accompanied by a credible third party certification or
other assurance of compliance as
a condition of entry into the U.S.
• Voluntary qualified importer
program: FDA must establish a
voluntary program for importers
that provides for expedited review
and entry of foods from
participating importers. Eligibility
is limited to, among other things,
importers offering food from certified facilities. (Implementation
due 18 months after enactment)
• Authority to deny entry: FDA
can refuse entry into the U.S. of
food from a foreign facility if
FDA is denied access by the
facility or the country in which
the facility is located.
Stateside, the Produce
Marketing Association’s Bob
Whitaker, chief science and
technology officer, recorded a
YouTube video in mid-November
that summarizes the key concerns
going forward. On the Produce
Rule, the PMA is not comfortable
that it lacks provision for risk
assessment. PMA also argues that
quality of irrigation water is a
thorny issue.
“Testing has a role,” says
Whitaker, “but current metrics are
not appropriate for every crop.”
As the process grinds on,
watch for more detail as the final
rules are expected by May 15,
2014. However, phase-in periods
are allowed for up to six years in
some facilities. Full implementation is still years away.
JANUARY 2014 –– PAGE 19
THE GROWER
FOOD SAFETY
Choosing the right cleaning and sanitizing products
WAYNE DU, ON-FARM FOOD
SAFETY SPECIALIST
Food safety programs are
becoming a requirement of doing
business in Ontario. The Ontario
Ministry of Agriculture and Food
(OMAF) and the Ministry of
Rural Affairs (MRA) are here to
help you keep up to date on the
latest food safety practices. An
effective food safety program
helps you meet your buyer
requirements, expand your market
opportunity and continue to keep
Ontario’s food safe.
Cleaning and sanitizing are
critical steps in ensuring the food
you produce is safe. If done
improperly food can be contaminated. All surfaces that may contact the food product directly or
indirectly, such as utensils,
knives, tables, cutting boards,
conveyor belts, bins, hands,
aprons, floors, walls and many
others must be properly cleaned
and sanitized. Cleaning and sanitizing are two different processes
and achieve different outcomes,
although the terms are often used
interchangeably. Cleaning is a
process to remove visible dirt,
organic matters (e.g. organic soil),
chemical residues and microorganisms from surfaces or objects.
Cleaning doesn’t kill those
microorganisms but only removes
them or lower their numbers.
Sanitizing is a process where
clean surfaces or objects undergo
a treatment that reduces or kills
microorganisms to a safe level.
Cleaning and sanitizing often go
hand in hand. Sanitizing won’t
work effectively without a thorough cleaning first.
Good cleaning and sanitizing
practices start with the right
cleaning and sanitizing products.
• Ensure products are approved
for the intended use in Canada.
Products used should remove dirt
and kill microorganisms but not
contaminate food. Ask your suppliers for approved and appropriate cleaning and sanitizing products, or refer to the “Reference
Listing of Accepted Construction
Materials and packaging materials
and Non-Food Chemical
Products” from the Canadian
Food Inspection Agency
www.inspection.gc.ca (Search>
reference listing of accepted
materials)
Chemical
Advantages
Disadvantages
Rates for use (ppm)
Submerged in
Solution
In spray bottle
Chlorine
- Kill most
microorganisms
- Effective at low
temperature
- Inexpensive
- Corrode metal and
weaken rubber
- Unstable at high
temperature
- Not effective with
organic matters
100
200
Quats
(Quaternary
Ammonium
Compounds)
- Non corrosive
- Residual activity if
not rinsed
- Less affected by
organic materials
- Ineffective for
certain microorganisms
- Inactivated by most
detergents
- May be inactivated by
hard water
200
200-400
(May need
final rinse-refer to label)
Iodine
- Kill most
microorganisms
- Less affected by
organic materials
- Colour indicates
activity
- May stain plastic and
porous materials
- In activated above 49ºC
10025
20-50
(Follow label)
Table 1. Examples of sanitizers for common equipment and surfaces
• Select the right product for the
right job. Not all sanitizers work
the same. Here are some examples.
• It is important to select the
products that are safe for use on
your surface or equipment. If the
products cause the surface or
equipment that is being cleaned
and sanitized to deteriorate, it will
be much more difficult to keep
them clean. Choose products that
are effective and get the job done,
but cause no or minimum damage
to your equipment or facility.
• Different surface materials have
different reactions to different
cleaners and sanitizers. For example, some products such as caustic
alkaline or acidic cleaners may be
effective in removing dirt and
food residues but they can also be
corrosive to softer metals such as
aluminum, coppers or lower
grades of steel. The best source
for product use information is the
manufacturer’s label.
Factors such as product unique
attributes (e.g. odour and colour),
storage and mixing requirements
for water pH, water hardness and
temperature, presence of organic
matters, cost and even environmental impact should be considered when choosing the right
product as these factors can also
affect the effectiveness of the
products and consequently food
safety and quality.
For further information on
effective cleaning and sanitizing
procedures see
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/fruitveg/sanitation_guide/cs-guidebook.htm
Food safety is everyone’s
responsibility. Make food safety
training your priority! To attend
one of our free online workshops
on Cleaning and Sanitizing and
other important food safety topics, visit us at:
www.ontario.ca/foodsafety or
call: 1-877-424-1300. Food safety
practices keep agri-food businesses competitive, productive and
sustainable.
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PAGE 20 –– JANUARY 2014
THE GROWER
All about blueberry maggot
Introduction
HANNA FRASER, OMAF AND
MRA
Blueberry maggot (BM) is a
direct pest of both highbush and
lowbush blueberries. Infested
berries are considered unmarketable, as there is no tolerance
for larvae in either fresh market
or processed fruit. While BM is
native to eastern North America,
including New Brunswick, Nova
Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and
the eastern United States, it has
spread westward to parts of
Insect pest
Head (other)
Blueberry maggot
1). Their bodies are “carrotshaped”: tapered or pointed at one
end and blunt at the other. Two
black mouth-hooks are visible on
the pointed end, while six distinct
brown breathing holes (spiracles)
are found on the blunt end; these
features are difficult to see without magnification. Small BM larvae are easily confused with the
invasive spotted wing drosophila
larvae (SWD), except these
appear more tapered at both ends.
There are several other larvae that
can be found in blueberries
(Table 1). There is usually only
one BM larva per berry versus
several larvae per berry with
Legs (other)
week period. Due to extended
emergence, egg laying activity
can continue until early
September. Eggs are deposited
under the skin of ripening blueberries that have begun to colour.
The developing maggot consumes
the pulp of the berry, causing it to
collapse. Larvae remain in the
ripening fruit for several weeks,
and may be present at the time of
harvest. Infested fruit may ripen
and soften prematurely. Mature
larvae exit the fruit and drop to
the soil, where they pupate at
depths up to five cm. A small percentage of pupae will remain in
the soil for more than one year.
Colour
Size of mature larva
No head capsule (black No legs
mouth hooks)
Cream
8 mm, pointed at one
end, blunt at the other
Cranberry
fruitworm
Brown head capsule
3 pairs legs (plus
abdominal prolegs)
Light green 9-10 mm
Plum curculio
Brown head capsule
No legs
Cream
7-9 mm, C-shaped
Spotted wing
drosophila
No head capsule (black No legs
mouth hooks)
Cream
5-6 mm, tapered at
both ends
Figure 1: Blueberry maggot larva in fruit. Photo credit: Rufus Isaacs,
Michigan State University
Figure 2: Female blueberry maggot female. Photo credit: Rufus
Isaacs, MSU
Table 1: Distinguishing Insect Larvae Found in Blueberry Fruit
southwestern Quebec (1993) and
parts of southwestern Ontario
(1996).
The Canadian Food Inspection
Agency (CFIA) has developed
regulations to prevent the spread
to non-infested areas. D-02-04:
Phytosanitary Requirements for
the Importation from the
Continental United States and for
Domestic Movement of
Commodities Regulated for
Blueberry Maggot outlines what
growers must do when they are
producing blueberries in infested
areas or on infested farms. The
regulation is outlined at
http://inspection.gc.ca/plants/plant
-protection/directives/horticulture/d-02-04/eng/1320046578973/
1320046655958.
Despite these restrictions, BM
has continued to spread.
Blueberry maggot has now been
detected at 23 sites across Ontario
and 30% of sites in the southwestern region. Eight new sites
were identified in 2013 and three
in 2012. All infestations of BM
must be reported to the Canadian
Food Inspection Agency.
Identification
The BM has 4 life stages: egg,
larva (“maggot”), pupa and adult
fly. Monitoring generally
involves checking for larvae in
fruit and adults in traps, as other
life stages are difficult to detect.
Mature larvae are lightcoloured, 8mm in length and with
no obvious head capsule (Figure
SWD.
The adult BM is a fly that is
slightly smaller than a housefly,
about four-five mm in length.
The body is shiny black with a
white dot on the thorax. Females
are slightly larger than males,
with four white pale lines on the
abdomen (versus three in males)
and a needle-like ovipositor that
is visible when extended (Figure
2). The most characteristic feature
is the dark brown F-shaped pattern on their wings, which can be
used to distinguish it from several
other fruit flies (Figure 3 – inset
photos). Note that the wing pattern of BM flies is very similar in
appearance to that of apple maggot (AM) flies. Other distinguishing features between BM and AM
adults include the length of the
female’s ovipositor and colour
patterns on the legs. These
characteristics may be difficult to
observe on a sticky card, and so
confirmation by a taxonomic
specialist is required.
Period of activity
There is one generation per year
(Figure 3). Adults emerge from
overwintering pupae in the soil
from late June through early July,
depending on local weather conditions and soil moisture. Newly
emerged adults are sexually
immature. Prior to mating and
egg-laying, adults must feed on
nectar, honeydew and organic
matter for seven-10 days. Females
lay up to 100 eggs over a three-
Fly emergence is enhanced where
soils are moist.
Blueberry maggot is a regulated
pest
How are regulated areas
determined?
The CFIA conducts detection
surveys for BM every year to
identify new positive sites or
townships outside of regulated
areas. In Ontario, areas are regulated by township or at the level
of individual growers. A township
is regulated if there is at least one
infested natural (wild) site within
the township OR there are host
plants growing within 500 metres
of an infested grower site.
Natural sites are not managed,
and therefore they represent a
continuous source for re-infestation of nearby grower sites. If
there are no host plants located
within 500 metres of the infested
grower site then only that site will
be regulated, not the entire township.
At locations where BM has not
been detected previously, the
detection if a single fly on a trap
can result in a stop shipment
order from the CFIA, regardless
of a grower’s spray program. If
BM is detected at a new site –
just one fly on a trap - growers
are ordered to stop all movement
of blueberry fruit off the farm.
This can happen right in the middle of harvest.
Blueberry Certification Program
Figure 3: Blueberry maggot life cycle. Wing patterns of similar
species are shown. Photo credit: Adapted from MAPAQ
Where BM has been detected,
either at the township or the individual site level, growers can
apply to be on a Blueberry
Certification Program (BCP) so
that they can move regulated
commodities outside of the area.
Before the beginning of the growing season and prior to approval
into the BCP, first time participants growers need to be trained
by the CFIA on the components
of the program including: biology
and identification, field monitoring, cultural and chemical control
measures, fruit sampling and testing and product grading to identify suspect fruit. Applications
must be submitted at least two
weeks prior to the expected emergence of the adults, and the
approval must be renewed each
year.
Monitoring for adult flies is
the foundation for managing BM
and is a key component in the
BCP. Traps must be monitored at
least twice a week until all the
fruit has been harvested. Growers
on the BCP can choose to control
BM using an IPM program or an
approved calendar spray program.
They can choose to have CFIA do
the monitoring or they can do
their own. In either situation, they
are required to apply insecticides
if and when BM is caught on
traps and can continue to ship
fruit unless it is found to be
infested with larvae. Fruit sampling is generally conducted by
the CFIA.
There are several insecticides
registered for control of BM.
Most commercial growers are
now spraying to control spotted
wing drosophila (SWD) through
the berry ripening period, and
some (but not all) of the products
used for control should also keep
BM in check.
Cultural practices such as
sanitation, pruning, and weed
management can help reduce
blueberry maggot infestations on
the farm. All unharvested berries
should be removed from the field.
Clean picking and destruction of
fallen berries or cull piles help to
destroy any larvae present in fruit
and thus reduce re-infestation.
JANUARY 2014 –– PAGE 21
THE GROWER
BERRY FOCUS
New products for berry crops
PAM FISHER, BERRY CROP
SPECIALIST, OMAF AND
MRA
OMAF staff are busy updating
publication #360, Guide to Fruit
Production. Many, many changes
have taken place since the last
edition was published in 2012.
Here is a quick update on new
products for berry crops, more
detail will be provided in the new
publication. Check the label for
rates, preharvest intervals and
specific precautions.
INSECTICIDES (product name
is followed by registration number, active ingredient, insecticide
group and registrant)
Mesh Bagging
and Weighing
systems
Actara 25 WG (# 28408, thiamethoxam, Group 4, Syngenta).
Registered for brown marmorated
stink bug suppression on blueberry, elderberry, saskatoon berry
and other bushberries. Registered
for control of black vine weevil
adults on raspberries, bushberries
and strawberries.
Japanese beetle.
Altacor (# 28981, chlorantraniliprole, Group 28, DuPont).
Recently registered for leafroller
control on strawberries. Existing
registrations include control of
many different caterpillars on
bushberries (Crop Group 13-07B
and raspberries and blackberries.
Although it works best on
Lepidoptera (caterpillar pests),
Altacor will also suppress
Clutch 50 WDG (# 29382, clothianidin, Group 4, Valent).
Registered for tarnished plant bug
control in strawberries, but must
be used well before bloom
because it is very toxic to bees.
This is not the best timing for tarnished plant bug.
BioProtec CAF (#26854,
Bacillus thuringiensis, Group 11,
AEF Global). The label of this
product has been expanded to
include all the berry crop group
(13-07) for leafroller and fruitworm control.
Exirel (#30895, cyantraniliprole,
Group 28, DuPont). Registered on
bushberries (Crop Group 13-07B)
for blueberry maggot, plum curculio, Japanese beetle, cranberry
fruitworm, leafrollers, and blueberry aphid.
Intrepid 240 F (#27786,
methoxyfenozide, Group 18,
Dow). Controls spanworms,
obliquebanded leafroller and
cranberry fruitworm in blueberries and other bushberries in Crop
Group 13 07-B. An insect growth
regulator, Intrepid is the first
product in Group 18 to be registered on berry crops.
Bag Closing
Systems, Sales,
Service, Parts
Kanemite 15 SC (#28641, acequinocyl, Group 20B, Arysta).
Registered for two-spotted mite
control on raspberries and blackberries.
Malathion 85E (# 8372,
malathion, Group 1B, Loveland).
Registered for brown marmorated
Early
summer Rally
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vigor and high yield potential.
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EMAIL: alloy.thompson@seminova.ca
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stink bug (BMSB) suppression in
blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. So far
BMSB is not a problem in
Ontario berry crops.
Movento (#28953, spirotetramat,
Group 23, Bayer). Registered for
control of blueberry maggot and
blueberry aphid and suppression
of lecanium scale on blueberries
and other bushberries in Crop
Group 13—07H and 13-07B. For
use after bloom.
Pyrinex 480 EC (#23705, chlorpyrifos, Group 1B, MANA) and
Warhawk 480 EC (#29984, chlorpyrifos, Group 1B, Loveland).
This active ingredient was formerly registered as Lorsban and
is now registered on strawberries
for cutworm and strawberry
crown borer control.
FUNGICIDES (product name is
followed by registration number,
active ingredient, fungicide group
and registrant)
Confine Extra (#3064, monoand di-potassium salts of phosphoric acid, Group 33, Agronomy
Co. of Canada). Registered for
suppression of anthracnose fruit
rot on blueberries and leather rot
on strawberries.
Granuflo-T (#30548, thiram,
Group M, Engage Agro) and
Thiram 75 WP (#27556, thiram,
Group M, Chemtura). Registered
for Botrytis grey mould control
on strawberries. This broadspectrum fungicide is useful for
rotation with other groups in a
resistance management program.
Proline 480 SC (#28359,
prothioconazole, Group 3, Bayer).
This is another group 3 product,
registered for mummyberry control and suppression of leaf rust
on blueberries. It is also registered on bushberries for some
other minor diseases; see the
label.
Quash (#30402, metconazole,
Group 3, Valent). Another group
3 fungicide, registered in highbush blueberries for control of
mummyberry and anthracnose
and suppression of phomopsis.
Scala (#28011, pyrimethanil,
Group 9, Bayer). Registered for
Botrytis on blueberries, raspberries, and gooseberries. Probably
most useful for fall-bearing raspberries, where Botrytis can be a
serious problem and products
with short preharvest intervals are
needed.
Senator 70WP (#25343, thiophante-methyl, Group 1, Engage
Agro). This fungicide can be
used for common leaf spot control in strawberries and powdery
mildew control in raspberries. Be
aware that although Senator is
labelled for Botrytis grey mould,
Botrytis is resistant to thiophanate-methyl in many regions,
including Ontario.
Scholar 230 SC (# 29528, fludioxonil, Group 12, Syngenta).
Registered for black root rot suppression in new and established
strawberries. Can be applied as a
high-volume spray to the soil or
through drip irrigation systems.
PAGE 22 –– JANUARY 2014
THE GROWER
MARKETPLACE
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Jersey Supreme
Millennium
Exclusive grower of select grafted nut trees and minor fruits.
Cultivars are tested in our own experimental orchards.
Wrightland Farm
Choose from Persian and black walnut, heartnut, butternut,
chestnut, hazel, pecan, hickory, gingko, pine nut, mulberry,
persimmon, pawpaw, fig & more.
RR 1 • 1000 Ridge Rd.
Harrow, ON N0R 1G0
Proprietor Ernie Grimo
Keith: 519-738-6120
Fax: 519-738-3358
979 Lakeshore Rd, RR 3, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON Canada L0S 1J0
Tel.: (905) YEH-NUTS (934-6887)
E-mail: nuttrees@grimonut.com
Fax: (905) YEL-NUTS (935-6887) Catalogue Site: www.grimonut.com
QUALITY
FRUIT TREES
• APPLE on M9, B9 and M26
• Peach on Bailey
• PEAR on Quince
ORDER NOW FOR
BEST SELECTION
ORCHARD SUPPLIES
WARWICK
ORCHARDS & NURSERY LTD
7056 Egremont Rd. R.R. #8
Watford, Ontario
N0M 2S0
warwickorchards@brktel.on.ca
Tel: (519) 849-6730
Toll free: 877-550-7412
Fax: (519) 849-6731
Providing quality
apple trees for 40 years.
Blueberry plants from rooted cuttings. Virus and
disease tested. In 1 gal, 5 gal and 7 gal pots. Over ten
different varieties. Price discount on large order.
Bleuetiere & Pepiniere de Parisville.
Parisville Blueberry Farm & Nursery
819-287-5707
www.bleuetsparisville.ca
LOUTH & NIAGARA ORCHARDS
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Bench graft
Sleeping budded eye
9 month bench
1 year old whip
1 year old feathered
KNIP tree
2 year old tall feathered
(instant orchard)
Brian Van Brenk
31760 Erin Line
Fingal ON, Canada N0L 1K0
519-902-6353
www.vanbrenk.ca
brian@vanbrenk.ca
Are you receiving
more then one issue
of The Grower?
Call 866-898-8488
x 221
P.O. Box 43 • Virgil, Ontario • L0S 1T0 • 905-468-3297
4000 Jordan Road • Jordan Station, ON • 905-562-8825
Supplying Fruit and Vegetable Growers with:
• Baskets
• Masters
• Fertilizer
• Vineyard Trellis Supplies
• Berry Boxes
• Waxed Cartons
• Crop Protection Material
FLOWER BULBS
GLADIOLUS BULBS
Wide variety selection for retail sales and
commercial cut flower production
Catalogue available upon request or
visit our website at www.lmbolle.com
L.M.Bolle & Sons
813083 Baseline Norwich, ON
(519) 468-2090 Fax 468-2099
email: lmbolle@execulink.com
JANUARY 2014 –– PAGE 23
THE GROWER
MARKETPLACE
To advertise phone: 519-380-0118 • 866-898-8488 x 218 • Fax: 519-380-0011
SEED AND ROOTSTOCK
C.O.
KEDDY
• Certified Strawberry Plants & Raspberry Canes
• All popular varieties available
• Grown under the Nova Scotia Certification program.
Plants shipped across North America.
Contact us for a FREE brochure!
982 North Bishop Road, Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada B4N 3V7
Ph: (902) 678-4497 Fax: (902) 678-0067
Email: keddynursery@xcountry.tv
STRAWBERRY PLANTS
***CERTIFIED***
RASPBERRY CANES
Producers of Quality stock for 46 years. Grown under the
Nova Scotia Certification Program. Shipping across North America.
Contact us for more information and a free brochure
G.W. ALLEN NURSERY LTD.
7295 Hwy 221
Centreville, N.S. B0P 1J0
ph. 902-678-7519 fax: 902-678-5924
Email: sales@gwallennursery.com
PRUNING
Good Reasons to
Contract Your Pruning:
• Experienced crew
• Exact costing
• Free estimates
• Job completion on time
• No additional costs
associated with general labour
• Improved quality
• reduced harvesting and
maintenance costs
Available anywhere
in Ontario!
Simply the best approach to
this important factor of fruit
production
Call Dave (519) 372-0604
jdtnmaxwell@gmail.com
www.gwallennursery.com
ASPARAGUS
Established 1939
Millennium
Mary Washington
Sandy Shore Farms Ltd.
(519) 875-3382
www.sandyshorefarms.ca
ken@sandyshore.ca
FEBRUARY
2013
Strawber
Str
Stra
r awber
wber r y &
R
aspber r y
Raspber
Plants
Pl
l ants
ASPARAGUS
CROWNS
Available for
Spring 2014
AD BOOKING
DEADLINE
JANUARY 15
HERB SHERWOOD
519-380-0118
PAGE 24 –– JANUARY 2014
THE GROWER
MARKETPLACE
To advertise phone: 519-380-0118 • 866-898-8488 x 218 • Fax: 519-380-0011
EQUIPMENT
ABOUT 20
NEW AND USED
SPRAYERS IN STOCK
WARWICK
ALL STAINLESS STEEL
Made in
Canada
** LOW DRIFT SPRAY TOWERS TO FIT ANY TURBO-MIST --- IN STOCK NOW **
Swanson 50 gal, stainless steel, very clean, A-1 condition
COMING
OCLL 300 gal, mint condition - you will not believe it
$5,500
Turbo-Mist 400 gal, 30” fan, hydraulic controls, nice clean
$11,950
Turbo-Mist 400 gal, stainless steel Tall Spray Tower (new)
$14,500
Turbo-Mist 500, electric controls, centrifugal pump
$8,900
Turbo-Mist 500, centrifugal pump, hydraulic, almost new
$16,900
Turbo-Mist 500, centrifugal, low-drift Tall Spray Tower (new)
$19,700
Turbo-Mist 600, centrifugal pump, hydraulic, very nice
$10,500
Turbo-Mist 600, Myers, hydraulic, used only 3 seasons, A-1
$16,500
Turbo-Mist 600, Myers, hydraulic, almost new
$15,900
Turbo-Mist 600, Myers, hydr., Tall Spray Tower, low, low hrs
$18,750
Seppi SMO 200 flail mower, 6 1/2 ft, nice cond, new hammers $5,250
Perfect KG-220 Flail mower, (2011) A-1 condition
$6,900
Perfect KG-220 Flail, good solid condition
$5,500
** All Turbo-Mist Parts in stock
** Seppi Flail Mulchers for Grass and Prunings
** Perfect Rotary Mowers & Heavy Duty Flail Mowers
PHILLIPS FARM
SUPPLIES
D O N A RT H U R O R C H A R D E Q U I P M E N T
(519) 599-3058 donarthur3@gmail.com Clarksburg, ON
ORCHARDS & NURSERY LTD.
R.R. #8 Watford, Ontario N0M 2S0
Tel: (519) 849-6730 Toll free: 877-550-7412
Fax: (519) 849-6731
Email: warwickorchards@brktel.on.ca
Munckhof Orchard Sprayers
Votex Shredders and Mowers
Orchard Equipment and Supplies
Pruning Tools
RJ or Cheechi &
Magli planting units.
18’ or 20’ wide
frame with 4 or more
planting units.
(we will be planting
6 rows@ 36”)
CONTAINERS
SPRAYING EQUIPMENT
OUR SPECIALITY
have been
For further information contact
Joe Bairos
E: jbairos@bctree.com
P: 250.470.4289 C: 250.498-9119
F: 250.470.4541
BC Tree Fruits Cooperative
1473 Water Street
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1J6
TRANSPLANTER
WANTED
1-800-811-6238
pfs@reach.net
YOU to the rest,
call the
NOW BEST!!
FOR SALE
2003 MAF POMONE II SIZER
OPTISCAN II SOFTWARE, COLOR
SORTING, 8 LANE 33 DROP SIZER
WITH COMPLETE FRONT END
NEW . . USED . . SERVICE
Call 519-877-2372
YOUR SOURCE FOR
JOHN BEAN AND
DURAND-WAYLAND
CONTAINERS
propagation trays
with results
Are you getting
duplicate issues of
The Grower?
Call 866-898-8488
x 221
LABELS
REFRIGERATION
KOOL JET
®
Reliable Refrigeration Systems
P: 519-326-8200 F: 1-888-567-1297
www.madleyglobal.com
1-866-748-7786 www.kooljet.com
Visit our website to view our complete line
One-Piece and Portable Skid-Mount Systems, HydroCoolers, Medical and Process Chillers, Blast Freezers,
Vacuum Coolers, Refrigerated Dehumidifiers.
Custom Built Designs • Domestic and International Markets
JANUARY 2014 –– PAGE 25
THE GROWER
MARKETPLACE
To advertise phone: 519-380-0118 • 866-898-8488 x 218 • Fax: 519-380-0011
IRRIGATION
ALTERNATIVE CROPS
Oriental Vegetable Seeds
Korea Green - F1
Spring White
Greenhouse
Ground Cover
Drip Irrigation
Frost Protection
Plastic Mulch
Imperial Jade
Super Mama
AgroHaitai Ltd.
Ph: 519-647-2280 • Fax: 519-647-3188
seed@agrohaitai.com• www.AgroHaitai.com
FUMIGATION
hear tnutgrove.com
Email : info@heartnutgrove.com
Office : 519-264-2708
Mount Brydges, On
Canada, N0L 1W0
Pipe
& Fittings
for Water Systems
Greenhouse and Field Soil Fumigation
Custom made equipment for bedding, fumigation,
mulch laying, planting, solid tarp applicators and
equipment rentals
Black mulch plastic . . . Embossed and U.V. treated
Perforated Tunnels . . . Clear & white
Wire hoops, row cover, mesh cloth field cover
& drip irrigation.
1738 Seacliff Drive Kingsville, ON N9Y 2M6
519-919-1738 (cell)
FROST PROTECTION
• PVC, ABS, Poly, Copper
• Stainless, Brass, Steel
Product Lines
• Drip & Micro Irrigation
• Septic & Sewer
• Drainage & Culverts
• Berkeley Water Pumps
Winona Concrete
& Pipe Products Ltd.
489 Main St. W., Grimsby, ON. L3M 1T4
info@WinonaConcrete.com
Phone (905) 945-8515
Fax: (905) 945-1149
or call toll-free
1-800-361-8515
Interested in
advertising in the
grower? Call Herb
Sherwood.
519-380-0118
REAL ESTATE
ONTARIO FARM FOR SALE
99 acres of Very
productive land
North of wind turbine
free Leamington.
1700 sq. ft. home with
many structural and
cosmetic renovations.
Municipal water and
good well and natural
gas. 5 year old 48 x 80
pole barn with 20 x 48 livestock lean to, grain storage.
Bring your tractor and your animals and your desire to
live on a quiet country road. The possibilities are endless.
Call 519-322-8065 or farmerdave@3dgathome.com
WWW.THEGROWER.ORG
PAGE 26 –– JANUARY 2014
THE GROWER
MINOR USE
CRAIG’S COMMENTS
Processing is being ‘Buffetted’ in Ontario
CRAIG HUNTER
OFVGA
Who is going to be the next
casualty?
Canada keeps losing
agricultural processors at an
inordinate pace, and there is not
enough understanding about why.
Until those in a position to alter
the formula are willing to act, we
will continue to see more erosion
of the processing base, and
inevitably the production base
that our farmers supply.
Back in the early days of my
career, we had many processors
of fruit and vegetables across
Ontario. There were even
‘start-ups’ happening like
Produce Processors of Trenton,
and the ill-fated SOTCA tomato
operation in St. Thomas. There
were still several relatively small
processing plants operating in
small towns in both eastern and
southwestern Ontario. There were
even a few still going in Niagara.
In total about 35 plants on the
ground.
Today there are less than half a
dozen left.
At first it was the lack of justification for the small-sized plants
and the need to ‘modernize,’
while the costs were too high.
Production moved to other nearby
plants and growers could keep
their production contracts going
with a longer drive for deliveries.
Then it was the final closures in a
region and the shift of all
production to one or two Ontario
plants in the name of ‘efficiency.’
Many growers lost their contracts
and others got an increase so they
too were more efficient.
Production was still based in
Ontario.
Things changed again. It
started with tobacco when
Imperial closed its Guelph plant
and began to manufacture only in
Mexico. Local production of raw
tobacco nose-dived and more leaf
was sourced from outside Canada,
at a much lower cost. Others have
followed.
When the Bicks operations
were shut down, first in
Scarborough and then in
Dunnville, the production base
went off-shore as well. The plant
remains idle, and there is a
reason!
Jobs are a hot political button,
and it is not unfathomable to
guess that moving jobs from
anywhere back to the U.S. could
result in significant largesse. It
could be tax savings or credits, it
could be tax-free locations, job
incentives, or whatever one might
dream up. Canada does it too -just not as well, or as often, or to
the same degree. Nonetheless, the
jobs are gone and so too is the
production base. When the former
Nabisco cannery in St. David’s
(Niagara) closed down, it was the
last significant such operation in
Canada. The production base for
that plant (cling-stone peaches)
was ripped from the ground
immediately, and is now fulfilled
with imported produce. Gone too
was a big pear market, but fortunately those Bartlett pears could
find a home in the fresh market as
they are a rare dual-use variety.
In mid-November, the Heinz
closure took many by surprise.
The fall-out is yet to be calculated, but it is enormous. Growers of
many processing vegetable crops
will look elsewhere for a home
for some of them, but the vast
majority of the land will flip to
another crop and Canadians will
eat more imported product.
The downward spiral of the
Canadian dietary source of
processed fruit and vegetables
will continue. It is no coincidence
that high value and in many cases
higher users of farm labour face
the biggest losses. They are not
alone however. Just a month ago,
Kelloggs announced closure of its
London Ontario facility. Some
years back the Cadbury
Schweppes Powell grape
processing plant in St. Catharines
was closed, and the vast majority
of grapes is now crushed in the
The Heinz plant, owned by Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway, is slated to close in Leamington next June.
U.S. These are mostly
mechanized crops but their
production too has been lost due
to ‘efficiencies.’
Canadian shoppers vote with
their dollars, and they consistently
vote to buy what is cheaper
regardless of source. They do not
have allegiance to local production for processed commodities -often they do not know where it
was grown as labels are not
forthcoming. There is support for
fresh, but on storable commodities like apples, potatoes, carrots
and cabbage, the support wanes
soon after harvest.
When a large ‘old’ factory
closes for any length of time, it is
almost impossible to re-start.
Many of the old employees who
know how to ‘make it work’
disappear. Equipment gets
cannibalized, or falls apart due to
neglect. The old plant likely costs
more for fixing than the cost of a
brand new rules-compliant plant
would be. The location is likely
all wrong now due to restrictions
on noise, odour and infrastructure
needs. Just like a church is just a
building, so too is an old plant. It
is the people in both cases that
give it meaning and purpose.
I suspect other plants will also
be lost. Too often people look at
the bricks and mortar and try to
save that, and miss the point (and
the mark!). If anyone truly wants
to put a halt to such demises, they
need to think way ahead.
There is a lesson to be (re)learned here. After WWII,
factories in Great Britain were on
their knees. Rapid expansion had
thrown up shoddy and quick-fix
facilities, and most were only
worth tearing down. They had
served their purpose. Retrenching
of production volumes meant
many factories were already
obsolete. The re-tooling back to
peacetime production of consumer goods was expensive, and
equipment was at a premium.
Many machines on ‘lend-lease’
had to be pulled out and sent back
to the U.S. or be destroyed.
Industry lanquished. Meanwhile,
under the Marshall Plan,
Germany and later Japan were
able to access new modern
factories and equipment at zero or
close to zero cost. Soon, the
victors were falling behind the
vanquished in the marketplace as
they could not compete. Industry
in Britain fell on tough times for
many years, and only slowly
reversed the trend with strong
government action.
So too here, we are faced with
losing our competitive advantages. It will do little or nothing
to keep tired old plants going if
the owners cannot pencil in a
profit. If the competition
elsewhere can get new factories,
tax breaks, and other incentives,
then we have to do better! Plus,
we have to do it sooner! What we
need is a “(Fill in the name) Plan”
similar to the Marshall Plan to
completely restructure our food
processing industry to put it on a
par with those competing against
us. We have shown we can be
efficient (The Heinz plant was
their #2 in efficiency of all their
operations). Our growers have
proven they can grow top quality
and deliver on their contracts. It
just takes someone with gumption
and a vision to ‘make it happen.’
Canada has lost auto
production plants too. However,
governments have stepped up to
the plate with huge incentives to
modernize plants, to provide
training facilities, to assist the
supply chain companies with
incentives to locate here, and
other assistance programs. To be
fair, governments have tried to
stave off plant loss in agriculture
with millions of dollars as well,
but too little too late seems to
describe it. ‘We’ need to be going
to every plant owner well in
advance and probably quite
routinely to seek their needs.
‘We’ need to foster a relationship
that makes this a destination to
come to build new facilities, not a
place to take them away! We
have crop production advantages
that other locations would die to
have. We have a huge potential
market within a day’s truck ride.
We have willing towns and
willing workers. What is missing
is the ‘connect’ between our
governments and the owners of
such industries.
Without that, we will have
more casualties.
Just like in war, an estimate of
casualties is made before every
battle. Many will die, but if the
number is lower than the
estimate, somehow the planners
feel good.
No one should feel good about
ANY further losses in our sector.
The industry cannot sustain this
in the long term. The time to act
is now. We may not catch-up (no
pun intended) right away, but we
can start right now to reverse the
trend.
To paraphrase a famous
statesman, ‘Never might so much
be owed by so many to so few, if
they would just get it done!’
The best offense is a good defense.
So switch on your crops’ natural defenses and
protect them from disease with Regalia Maxx.
engageagro.com
Regalia is a registered trademark of Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. © 2013 Engage Agro Corporation.
JANUARY 2014 –– PAGE 27
THE GROWER
MINOR USE
Pesticide industry pushes for broader look at bee health
CropLife Canada responded to the Pest Management
Regulatory Agency's (PMRA) request for public input on
its Notice of Intent regarding bees and neonicotinoid pesticides. The national trade association supports the concrete
steps PMRA has outlined for the 2014 planting season, but
has underscored the importance of finding science-based
solutions rather than capitulating to pressure created by
activist groups with known anti-farm agendas.
"Neonicotinoid pesticides help farmers protect their
crops from insect attacks at the vulnerable seed and
seedling stages," said Pierre Petelle, vice president of
chemistry at CropLife Canada.
"Coating the seed means less pesticide is used and beneficial insects like bees are less much less likely to come
into contact with the insecticide."
The CropLife Canada submission, which is available
for review at www.croplife.ca, builds on the industry's
ongoing commitment to work collaboratively to find ways
of reducing unintended exposure to neonicotinoid dust.
Other examples of the industry's actions include:
• Improved labeling of treated seeds
• Introduction of best management practices designed to
help farmers reduce the amount of dust created during
planting
• Development of a dust-reducing lubricant and commitment to work with agriculture partners to make sure that
the new product is used in 2014 seeding operations
Photo by Glenn Lowson
• Improved information-sharing with farmers and beekeepers
• Support for research initiatives, including a five-year
national bee disease study
"We remain supportive of the efforts being undertaken
to reduce unintended exposure of bees to neonicotinoids,
but we are gravely concerned about the fact that the various other threats to bee health are being overlooked,"
Petelle said.
Also being overlooked are the many facts that paint a
more detailed picture of the true state of bee health in
Canada.
For example, bee health in Western Canada is strong
despite the fact that there is approximately 20 million
acres of canola planted every year, the majority of which
has been treated with neonicotinoids. Additionally, honeybee colony numbers in both Ontario and Quebec have
steadily increased since neonicotinoids were introduced
approximately 10 years ago.
"Bee health is complex and there are several other factors can contribute to the kinds of unusual losses that a
small number of beekeepers in very specific regions have
experienced," Petelle said. "Getting to the bottom of this
situation is of paramount importance, but we have to look
for solutions that are rooted in science if we expect them
to have a meaningful impact."
SOURCE: CropLife Canada
Website launched for airblast spraying advice
America.
The website will serve as a
one-stop shop for airblast sprayer
information and provide
Ontario’s airblast sprayer operators regularly apply pesticides to
ensure the health and marketability of their tree fruit, nursery,
berry and vine crops. Their success relies on three things: an
understanding of safe pesticide
handling, criteria for what and
when to spray, and having the
requisite skill to apply pesticides
effectively and efficiently. Until
recently, operators had few if any
resources to address the final
point.
Airblast 101 is a four hour
classroom-based course designed
to provide participants with practical tools to allow them to apply
pesticides, plant growth modifiers
and foliar nutrients in an effective, economic and environmentally-responsible manner.
Developed by the Ontario
Ministry of Agriculture and Food
and the Ministry of Rural Affairs
(OMAF/MRA) and funded by
Croplife Canada, this course was
created to introduce a new operator to spraying, or to refresh a
seasoned veteran.
Since its introduction in 2011,
hundreds of operators have
received a solid grounding in the
basics of airblast sprayer operation, as well as advanced techniques. Those that have made
changes to their spray programs
report significant improvement in
the effectiveness of the application (i.e. improved crop quality
and/or yield) and greater application efficiency (e.g. pesticide
inputs reduced by ~10 per cent or
more per annum and reduced
environmental impact such as
drift and runoff).
Thanks to the continuing
financial support of Croplife
Canada, Airblast 101 goes live at
www.sprayers101.com and
www.sprayers101.ca on January
1st, 2014. The website hosts all
the content in the participant’s
handbook, but also includes a
library of additional resources
such as:
• factsheets,
• a series of sprayer-related
PowerPoint presentations,
• instructional videos, and
• articles submitted by extension
and university staff across North
information about where Airblast
101 courses are being taught. The
website is free to anyone
interested in improving their
spray programs.
For more information contact
jason.deveau@ontario.ca
PAGE 28 –– JANUARY 2014
THE GROWER