the grower july 2014

KAREN DAVIDSON

WATERFORD, Ontario --Delroy didn’t leave on a jet planethis year to work on an Ontariofruit farm. The Jamaican veteranof the Seasonal AgriculturalWorker Program (SAWP) wasdigitally fingerprinted and thenmatched to his home country’scitizenship files. The system discovered a glitch in his records:a minor police charge in his lateteens. After 14 years of blemish-free service in Canada,he was no longer eligible tocome.

Biometrics, now used by theCanadian government to screenvisitors from 30 countries, is hav-ing its intended – and unintended-- consequences. Officiallylaunched in 2013, the program iskeeping those with criminalrecords out of the country. Butit’s also tripping up dozens ofDelroys with minor infractionswho have sought-after, Canadian

farm experience. “Quite a few people were

found through screening,” saysMurray Porteous, chair of theHuman Resources Committee,Canadian Horticultural Council.“I lost Delroy – not his real name– one of my best workers. Whilethat’s good for national security,it’s been horrendous for farmersgetting the paperwork processed.”

The more intense level ofscrutiny means that farmers mustfile requests for workers 14weeks in advance, often beforethey can estimate crop yields andprecise needs for harvest labour.That’s an extra two weeks compared to usual practice.

For example, Charles Keddy, astrawberry grower in Kentville,Nova Scotia, must first advertisefor local workers in December. Ifno one applies or is suitable forthe work, he then receives alabour market opinion that allowshim to search for foreign workersto arrive by the first of April.

“I totally agree with a

Canadian-first employment program, but after 40 years, weknow that locals won’t waitaround for another three monthsto start trimming strawberryplants at minimum wage,” saysKeddy. “I believe that the processfor hiring temporary foreignworkers is going to become moredifficult.”

In Quebec, this season’s hurdles have been particularlyonerous with up to 200 workersdelayed from Guatamala. Thelong waits have been worsenedby an extra layer of bureaucracybetween the federal and provin-cial governments.

“It’s similar to the Jamaicaissue but multiplied by 10,” saysDenis Hamel, executive directorof FERME, the Fondation desEnterprises en Recrutement deMain-Oevre agricole etrangere.Stocky Guatamalan workers arewell suited for hand-picking inthe strawberry and lettuceindustries. But the requirements

for seven extra documents has

stymied many Guatamalans fromfiling on-line applications.

FERME has hired extra clerical staff of its own to helpprocess applications but nowthere’s a domino effect inGuatamala. The embassy there isoverwhelmed with hundreds ofapplications, stamped ‘urgent.’

The lack of workers hasalready affected Quebec’s asparagus industry which reportsunpicked produce. Now the pressure is critical for pickingfield strawberries.

It’s an untimely dilemma foran organization that’s celebratingits 25th anniversary. Despiteyears of expertise, the crisisunderscores how the landscapefor labour continues to change.Indeed, media attention on foreign workers, especially in therestaurant industry, has brought alevel of political scrutiny thatextends to federal minister ofemployment and social development, Jason Kenney. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

JULY 2014 CELEBRATING 134 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION VOLUME 64 NUMBER 07

LABOUR

Help! How to strengthen relationships with seasonal workers

INSIDECanada’s Fruit & Veg TechX-Change sold Page 2

Tabletop lettuce excites retailers Page 6

Berry news 6

www.thegrower.org

P.M. 40012319

$3.00 CDN

This Jamaican crew takes a breather from picking cherries on a 33°C July day. Murray Por teous, in red, says that Ontario’sincrease in minimum wage to $11 per hour has forced him to trim his labour force from 57 to 43 workers this year.Maintaining good working relationships is key to productivity. Photo by Glenn Lowson.

Trade show to moveto Hamilton

Canada’s Fruit & Veg Tech X-Change has been sold to 20/20Show Productions Inc. based inBelle River, Ontario. This willrepresent the second agriculturetrade event managed by presidentStuart Galloway who launchedthe Chatham-Kent Farm Showlast year.

“We’re really not trying to bea conference-based show butrather a trade-based show,” saysGalloway.

The format is moving from anoutdoor, demonstration-focussedevent to an indoor event with70,000 square feet of exhibitorspace at the Careport Centre inHamilton, Ontario. The event isslated for November 19 and 20,2014.

The origins of the horticulturalshow go back to 2011 and 2012at the site of Blueberry HillEstates in Norfolk County.

“We knew the event had to bescaled down and regionalized toserve Ontario companies andOntario producers,” said JordonUnderhill, president of ROI EventManagement. “This is exactlywhat 20/20 Show Productions hasmastered as their craft and we areconfident in our decision to trans-fer the event to their guidance.”

To reflect the new regionalpositioning, the trade show willbe renamed Ontario Fruit andVeg Growers’ Show. Exhibitorenquiries can be directed towww.ontariotradeshows.com orStuart Galloway at 226-363-0550.

Launch of WaterMeter Pilot Program

The Water AdaptationManagement and QualityInitiative (WAMQI) and Farm &Food Care Ontario have launched

a pilot program to encourage theinstallation of water meters forirrigators and vegetable washwater facilities. A 50 per centincentive -- up to $750 per farm -- is available to purchase watermeter equipment.

“You can’t manage what youdon’t measure,” says BruceKelly, environmental programlead, Farm & Food Care Ontario.“Installing a water meter to monitor the water flow to onespecific zone or section of youroperation will help evaluate newschedules and plan equipmentchanges or upgrades.”

A water meter provides aninstantaneous reading of the flowfor the application (e.g. irrigationsystem) and helps to diagnose ifthe system is operating asdesigned.

Applications will be processedon a first-come, first-served basiswith a program maximum of$7,000. All installations must becompleted by December 31,2014. Recipients must completea survey about lessons learnedfrom the pilot. For more information, contact MicahShearer-Kudel at [email protected].

À la cart has arrived

The Grower’s retail columnistPeter Chapman has just publishedhis first book: à la cart. This isan excellent primer for under-standing how Canada’s retail grocers make decisions.

Chapman points out that customers and consumers are notthe same. The customer pays abusiness for a good or service.The consumer purchases a prod-uct for personal consumption.

“I have seen many great prod-ucts that do not succeed becausethe supplier has only focused onthe consumer,” writes Chapman.“It’s critical to understand who

your customer is and that they arefocused on today and into thefuture.”

Selling product to the retailtrade includes challenges such as:

• Large retailers can exert influence over suppliers• Selling product to large retailerscan be intimidating to smallersuppliers• A small number of categorymanagers can have a significantinfluence over the success or failure of a producer or processor• The retailer has made theinvestment in the store so theycontrol what goes in• Product specifications and standards are often challengingfor producers and processors tomeet• Central distribution is difficultfor some producers and processors to accept• Central procurement oftenrequires travel and developingrelationships with people in different regions• Retailers have their own lan-guage and they expect suppliersto understand the terms andwords they use

For insight on how to meetthese challenges, the book can bepurchased on www.amazon.com.

NEWSMAKERSThe board of directors of the OntarioFruit and Vegetable Growers’Association (OFVGA) has announcedJohn Kelly will be the new executivevice-president effective July 1. He suc-ceeds Art Smith, who has retired after12 years with OFVGA.

For the last four and a half years, Kellywas vice-president of Erie Innovationand Commercialization, driving diversification initiatives in the for-mer tobacco belt of southwestern Ontario. He has held executivepositions with various companies including KeliRo Company Inc.,MaRS Landing, Land O’ Lakes, Ralston Purina, Rhone-PoulencCanada Inc. and Aventis CropSciences Inc. as well as the OntarioMinistry of Agriculture and Food. He holds a Bachelor of Science(Agr) and Ph.D. from the University of Guelph and a Master ofScience from the University of Alberta.

Members of McLean Berry Farms,Lakefield, Ontario are seen posingon this year’s cover of HarvestOntario 2014. The directory to on-farm retail markets, farmers’ markets and farm attractions isavailable free through local OntarioHome Hardware, Home BuildingCentres, Home Furniture locationsand select Ontario Tourism Centres.Pictured L-R: Sam McLean, Lukeand Cyndi Leahy, Erin and BenMcLean.

The Ontario Produce Marketing Association recently elected itsboard for the upcoming year. Chair is Steve Bamford of FreshAdvancement. Directors include: Frank Bondi, Sobeys Ontario;Joe Didiano, Tomato King; Houman Madani, Metro Ontario Inc.;Greg Maffey, Walmart; Virginia Zimm, Faye ClackCommunications Inc.; Frank Spagnuolo, Loblaw Inc.; ChrisCockle, POM Wonderful; Derrick Rayner, EarthFresh; DaveOverall, Windmill Farms. Total membership now stands at 248.

Food and Beverage Ontario is the new name of the organization formerly known as the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors.Executive director is Steve Peters.

Niki Bennett has joined the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growersin the capacity of interim science coordinator until January 2015when Leanne Wilson will return. Niki will be responsible for coordinating research, pest management and education initiativesduring this time.

Mastronardi Produce received top honours for their newest product Y.E.L.O. Youth Energy Life Om at last month’s UnitedFresh trade show in Chicago. The yellow cocktail tomato took homethe title for 2014’s Best New Vegetable.

Michael Hoffort has been appointed the president and chief executive officer of Farm Credit Canada for a five-year term effective July 1. The 26-year veteran of the lending agency leads aportfolio of more than $26 billion. The board of directors is appointed by the Canadian government upon the recommendation ofthe minister of agriculture and agri-food.

Congratulations to Gord Surgeoner, recent-ly inducted into Ontario’s Agricultural Hallof Fame. Since 1998, he’s been president of Ontario Agri-FoodTechnologies, an organization that supportsemerging technologies. Along his storiedcareer, he’s been a University of Guelphenvironmental biology professor. He’stouched every segment of agriculture, mostsignificantly chairing the Ontario FarmEnvironmental Coalition and serving as anadvisor for Guelph-based AgCare. It mergedwith the Ontario Farm Animal Council in2011.

THE GROWER

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Horticultural leaders are quick to point outthat these problems are in other industries andthat the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programis working well.

“The strength of the program is that wereview it annually,” says Ken Forth, president ofForeign Agricultural Resource ManagementServices (FARMS). “Any small problems getfixed immediately. Plus we have a liaison servicewith the arriving workers.”

Rhonda Driediger, co-chair of the BritishColumbia Agriculture Council’s labour committee agrees: “Horticulture has not been anissue. We have had no labour market opinionsdeclined.” Driediger manages 160 acres of blue-berries, strawberries, blackberries and red cur-rants in the Fraser Valley.

For those seasonal workers who surmount thebureaucratic hurdles, there may be cultural hur-dles upon arrival. That’s where a communica-tions service by Margarita Caropresi is bridgingthe gap. A former employee of the Mexican con-sulate, she is publishing AtocTli, a print andonline magazine for Spanish-speaking farmmigrant workers and English- or French-speakingfarmers.

The free publication, www.atoctli.com, is asmuch for farmers as workers. For instance,farmers may be frustrated when employees don’tperform to directions after they’ve been asked‘Do you understand?’ Workers will give anobligatory nod because that’s part of LatinAmerican culture – to agree and not challenge

the supervisor. Caropresi suggests that one bilingual worker is necessary to translate andmake sure that messages are clear. This isextremely important to ensure safety.

Part of the cultural divide is also attributed todifferences in food. Caropresi has identifiedrecipes that are nutritious and familiar yet withingredients that can be sourced in Canadian grocery stores. For example, sardines with tomatoes, are demonstrated in a video, completewith the can’s brand labels and cooking instructions.

These are some of the simpler issues toresolve, but as Caropresi explains in her magazine, it’s tougher to address loneliness orhealth ailments. That’s why she’s published apictogram showing all the body parts and translations. For farmers, it’s important to knowthe basic words for “my stomach hurts” or “Ifeel dizzy.” Having a printout makes it easier forworkers to point to the specific area of concern.

These are some of the tools thatCaropresi offers in both her magazine aswell as seminars. She was invited by theNova Scotia and Prince Edward Island federations of agriculture to speak this pastspring about how communication affectsfarm safety and worker well-being. Hercoaching as well as practical tools are welcomed as the horticultural industryadapts to higher wage rates and is pressedto work as efficiently as possible with seasonal workers.

As Caropresi would say to both parties:No estás solo. You are not alone.

EUROPE

Greenhouse sectorcools down midstlosses

Rabobank, a key agriculturallender in Europe, is warning ofoversupply in the greenhousevegetable sector. The problem isnot just in the Netherlands butelsewhere in Europe according toCor Hendriks, sector manager ofhorticulture, Rabobank.

Greenhouse technology hasexceeded market demand, producing yields ahead of multi-year averages. In addition,Hendriks says there are too manysuppliers in the same assortment.He calls for collaboration amonggrowers to provide more diversity in market segments.

In 2012-2013, peppers rackedup their fourth year of losses.Tomatoes, with larger segmenta-tion, did better, but still sufferedlosses in 2009, 2011 and 2013.Cucumbers are holding theirown. Source: Hortidaily.com

JULY 2014 –– PAGE 3

THE GROWER

LABOUR

INTERNATIONAL

MICHIGAN

Labour rate rises

Michigan’s minimum wagesare set to increase to $8.15 anhour on September 1. New lawsset a gradual increase in theyears ahead to $8.50 on January1, 2016, $8.90 on January 1,2017 and $9.25 an hour byJanuary 1, 2018.

From that point forward, thewage will adjust annually basedon a five-year rolling average ofinflation for the Midwest.Annual increases would takeeffect April 1 in each year after2018, but no more than 3.5 percent. No increase would occurif the state’s unemployment ratefor the preceding year was 8.5percent or higher.

In contrast, Ontario’s mini-mum wage increased to $11 anhour June 1.

Source: HortiDaily.com

CHILE

Blueberry exportsdrop 15%

Shipments of Chilean blueberries (74,033 tons) fell by15 per cent compared to the previous season reports the FruitExporters Association of Chile.Four factors contributed to thedecline says president RonaldBrown.

Last September, frosts severely affected about 14 percent of the crop. Secondly, theU.S. imposed restrictions on several regions due to Lobesiabotrana. Next, untimely rainfalland high summer temperaturesaffected yields. Finally, a portstrike in San Antonio curbedshipments.

Chile’s main market is stillthe U.S. and Canada whichbought 50,660 tons, 25 per centless than the previous season.Europe, South Korea and Chinapurchased the remaining crop.

Source: FreshPlaza.com

CALIFORNIA

Field tomatoes up10% this season

Where there are more securewater supplies, field tomatogrowers have secured contractsfor 14 million tons of processingtomatoes in California.According to the USDA, acreageis up 10 per cent to 285,000acres. The short crop in 2013 isspurring processors to rebuildinventories.

Fresno County remains thetop county for processing tomatoacreage, but its contracted

acreage of 90,000 acres reflects anine percent decrease from thenumber of acres planted last year.

Yolo County ranks second intomato acreage at 36,000, upthree percent from last year. The32,000 acres of processing tomatoes planned for SanJoaquin County would representa 52 percent increase from a yearago; Kings County, also at32,000 acres, would see a 19 percent increase. Acreage rose 62percent in Merced County, to21,000 acres, and increased 45percent in Colusa County, to16,000.

Source: FreshPlaza.com

Source: AtocTli

Help! How to strengthen relationships with seasonal workers

Me duele la rodilla (or anypart of the body that hurts)

My knee hurts (o la partedel cuerpo que duela)

Me duelen las rodillas…

My knees hurt

Me duele el estómago… My stomach hurts Me duelen los dedos My fingers hurt

A él/ella le duele la rodilla(or body part that hurts)

His/her knee hurts (o laparte del cuerpo queduela)

A él/ella le duelen lasrodillas (or bodyparts that hurt)

His/her knees hurt(o las partes delcuerpo que duelan)

No me siento bien I don’t feel well Me siento mareado(a) I feel dizzy

Quiero vomitar I want to throw up Necesito ir al doctor I need to go to the doctor

Necesito ayuda I need help Tuve un accidente I had an accident

– JULY 2014THE GROWER

The “I love 5 to 10 servings a day”campaign welcomes two new partners tohelp promote consumption of fruits andvegetables in Quebec: the Syndicat desproducteurs d’oignons du Québec and theFédération québécoise des producteurs defruits et légumes de transformation. Thetotal number of partners is now 10.

Every campaign partner brings addition-al financial support and specific expertiseon their product or products to expand promotion of fruits and vegetables. The “ILove” campaign, which was launched 10years ago, encourages consumers to eatbetter, one serving at a time, by providingreal-life tips about simple ways to addmore fruit and vegetable servings to theirdiet.

“We’re really enthusiastic about work-ing with the Syndicat des producteursd’oignons du Québec,” says QuebecProduce Marketing Association (QPMA)executive director Sophie Perreault. “Wewant to help people find out more aboutyellow and red onions, which are deliciousvegetables and every cook’s best friends inthe kitchen. Among other things, we’vealready published a food guide, “Coup decœur pour les oignons du Québec,” whichhas been a real success. We’re equallydelighted to have the support of theFédération québécoise des producteurs defruits et légumes de transformation, thatbrings together hundreds of producers, aswell as large Québec companies leadingthe processing sector.Together, we want to

show people that frozen, preserved orcanned vegetables are practical solutions tohelp consumers enjoy great flavour andhealthy ingredients at mealtimes.”

“We want to help peoplefind out more about yellowand red onions, which aredelicious vegetables andevery cook’s best friends inthe kitchen.”

~ Sophie Perreault

CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST

QUEBEC

Two new partners spread the news about fruits and vegetables

Haskaps are attracting muchattention for their nutraceuticalvalue. The University ofSaskatchewan’s fruit breeder BobBors will be leading a haskapfield day on July 18. The tourincludes seven haskap fields aswell as other fruit crops, with anopportunity to taste and samplemany of the university’s seedlinghaskap plants. A mechanical har-vesting and pruning demonstra-tion will be helpful to potential growers. For a full agenda, go to www.fruit.usask.ca.

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July 5, 6 Prince Edward County Lavender Festival, Hillier, ON

July 12, 13 Taste of Niagara Lavender, Great Mountain Centre, Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

July 13 – 15 Potato Marketing Association of North America Summer Meeting, Delta Prince Edward, Charlottetown, PE

July 17 Ridgetown Vegetable Open House, Ridgetown, ON

July 18 University of Saskatchewan Haskap Day, Saskatoon, SK

July 19, 20 International Herb Association, “Savory Sagas – Herbs for Life,” Eaton Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, ON

July 29 Ontario Apple Tour, Georgian Bay area, ON

July 30 What’s Growin’On Twilight Tour, 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Victoria farm, Vineland, ON

August 2 Food Day Canada

Aug 9, 10 Perth Garlic Festival, Perth, ON

Aug 12, 13 Introduction to CanadaGAP Seminar, Guelph, ON [email protected]

Aug 17 Newmarket Garlic Festival, Newmarket, ON

COMING EVENTS 2014

THE GROWER


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KAREN DAVIDSON

Garden-variety lettuce just took a pedestal position inthe produce department. Tabletop lettuce is differentbecause of how it’s grown and consumed. It’s rooted inrockwool, a natural and compostable product, then pack-aged and sold in a plastic sleeve. Requiring no refrigera-tion because it’s still in its growing medium, the lettuce isretailing in the range of $2.99 to $3.99 per head.

“This hydroponically grown plant stays on yourcounter, table or windowsill,” says Jodi Roelands,Roelands Plant Farms, Lambton Shores, Ontario. “It’scared for like a houseplant – just add a little water -- untilyou’re ready to eat it which can be right away or a monthafter purchase.”

Adrian and Jodi Roelands pioneered the growing tech-nique in their southwestern Ontario greenhouse. Their four

acres are at a premium during the winter months propagat-ing pepper, cucumber and tomato seedlings. But they won-dered how to utilize the space in the summer months.Their water is already sterilized in a secure irrigationroom, passing food safety requirements. With ebb-and-flood concrete floors, grow lights and energy/shade cur-tains, they began experimenting with lettuce varieties.They settled on Boston lettuce and a salad mix consistingof red, green and red oak leaf.

“It’s a win-win product for everyone,” says AdrianRoelands. “It’s great for store owners because there’s norefrigeration required and has outstanding shelf-life.We’ve worked closely with Will Willemsen, owner ofSunripe Marketplace grocery stores in London and Sarnia,to develop the product so we’ve had a lot of input fromthe retail end.”

This product is different from living lettuces which areharvested with bare and exposed roots. “Ours is

the first to be sold in a growing medium of this size,”explains Roelands. “Other companies grow on a floatingraft system or a gutter system where the roots grow onlyin water. Ours are still in their growing medium so theydon’t need to be put in cold storage at the grocery store orin the refrigerator at home.”

As Willemsen explains, this product offers more valuethan lettuces traditionally sold in clamshells. Because it’sshipped in its sponge-like medium, the lettuce is stillgrowing. With the open sleeve, this product appears morenatural and fresher. At the end of its lifecycle, the rock-wool block is simply composted.

“It’s very exciting to have a new Ontario-grown green-house product to offer,” says Fred Koornneef, exclusivedistributor at the Ontario Food Terminal. “It has lowshrinkage. All the specialty stores have picked up thisproduct and the major grocery chains are quite interested.”

Tabletop lettuce is newest greenhouse product INNOVATION

THE GROWER


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THE GROWER


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Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act consultations underway

CANADIAN HORTICULTURAL COUNCILTHE GROWER


Industry Canada has launched consultations on theBankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Companies’Creditors Arrangement Act to make sure that the legislation remains effective, efficient, fosters

competitiveness, supports entrepreneurial activity andinstills investor and business confidence. The CHC,through the Fresh Produce Alliance, will be submittingcomments and reaching out to members to comment. This

is an important step in addressing Financial Protection forProduce Sellers. The comment period ends July 15.

Private insurance models for fresh produce industry

A recently completed report on the feasibility of privateinsurance models for Canada’s fresh produce industry hasbeen released. It was conducted by IAO ActuarialConsulting Services Inc. at the direction of Agricultureand Agri-Food Canada.

The purpose was to assist AAFC in evaluating the feasibility of establishing private insurance models under apayment protection scheme which would ensure paymentto sellers of fresh produce in the event of buyer insolvencyor bankruptcy. This is part of the efforts under thePresident Obama-Prime Minister Harper RegulatoryCooperation Council agreement to examine the potentialfor financial protection for U.S. shippers to Canada, that isafforded Canadian shippers to the U.S.

AON was asked to analyze the frequency and severityof bankruptcies of buyers, to estimate the risk of buyer

insolvency and bankruptcy among Canadian buyers offresh product and to examine potential solutions in theCanadian credit insurance market. More specifically,AON was asked to look at the feasibility and cost ofimplementing buyer or seller-funded models with focus onthe buyer model.

The report validates the horticulture sector’s belief thatan industry-wide insurance model is not a viable solutionto sellers of fresh produce in the event of buyer insolvencyor bankruptcy. The CHC, CPMA and DRC continue towork with allied partners to ensure government adopts asimilar model the PACA-framework available in the U.S.For a copy of the report, contact Anne Fowlie [email protected]

CFIA and USDA adopt revised potato cystnematode guidelines

Effective immediately, seed potato growers are eligibleto export three crops without additional soil sampling andtesting if fields have been tested twice and determined notto be infested with potato cyst nematode (PCN). In thepast, seed potato growers were required to undergo sampling and testing for every crop of seed potatoes destined for the

U.S. Small potato tuber samples may now be exported

to the U.S. without any additional soil sampling if thetested field is negative for PCN. Overall, the revised

PCN guidelines will help farmers take advantage of tradeopportunities with less paperwork and lower costs. While PCN does not pose a risk to human health, it is recognized internationally as a destructive plant pest ofeconomic importance, and therefore, a quarantine pest forthe United States and Canada. Growers who intend to

ship seed potatoes to the U.S. are encouraged to contacttheir local CFIA office for more information and to schedule any soil sampling and testing that may berequired.

Enter horticulture photo contest!The CHC is looking to substantially

enhance its library of photos to reflectevery facet of Canada’s horticulture industry, including all commodities and allseasons. Photos including people are of

particular interest. Those submitting photoson or before November 30, 2014 will beeligible to win a complimentary 2015AGM registration. The winning photo willbe revealed during the 2015 AGM and the

winner will be awarded an iPad. Photos should be in high-resolution

format for use in CHC publications andwebsite. Please send questions and entriesto [email protected]. If your

photo is too large to email, please contactus for upload information.

New site for CHC offices Staff members of CHC are looking forwardto new quarters at 2200 Prince of WalesDrive in Ottawa. The move is tentativelyscheduled for November 2014.

Photo by Glenn Lowson

1 Peck Size“Pick your own” bags

New Size“String bag”

Premier Containers (1983) [email protected] 9054586565

Two new items this year!

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The ‘AQUA Wetland System’“A new breed of constructed wetland”

AQUA Treatment Technologies Inc. designs and installsthe ‘AQUA Wetland System’ (AWS) for tertiary treatment of many types of waste water including sani-tary sewage, landfill leachate, dairy farm & abattoirwastewater, greenhouse irrigation leachate water &mushroom farm leachate water (i.e. manure pileleachate) and high strength winery washwater.

The ‘AQUA Wetland System’ is operated out of doorsand can achieve year-round tertiary treatment of waste-water. This sub-surface, vertical flow constructed wetlandconsists of sand & gravel beds planted with moisture tolerant plant species. Water is pumped vertically from cell to cell. There is no open or standing water.Treatment occurs through physical filtration & biological degradation. Plants shade & insulate the cells,cycling nutrients while preventing algae growth. There is no production of sludge.

The AWS has been approved for use by the Ontario Ministry of Environment through over 40 EnvironmentalCompliance Approvals. Recently the Region of Niagara began approving the AWS for treatment of ‘smallflow’ winery washwater I.e. < 10,000 liters per day. Other agencies who have issued approvals includeHealth Canada, USEPA and OMAFRA. Recent projects include:1) treatment of cider mill washwater at Bennett’s Apple and Cider in Ancaster2) treatment of winery washwater at DiProfio Wines and Lincoln Farm

Winery in Niagara3) treatment of pond water at Hihojo Farms for supply of hog drinking waterFor additional information please Contact LloydRozema at: cell. 905-327-4571email. [email protected]

THE GROWER


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THE GROWER


STAFFPublisher: Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ AssociationEditor: Karen Davidson, 416-557-6413, [email protected]: Carlie Robertson, ext. 221, [email protected]: Herb Sherwood, 519-380-0118, [email protected] Grower reserves the right to refuse any advertising. Anyerrors that are the direct result of The Grower will be compen-sated 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 soleowner of The Grower. All editorials and opinions expressed inThe Grower are those of the newspaper’s editorial staff and/orcontributor, and do not necessarily reflect the view of the associa-tion.

All rights reserved. The contents of this publication maynot be reproduced either whole or in part without the priorwritten consent of the publisher.

OFFICE355 Elmira Road North, Unit 105Guelph, Ontario N1K 1S5 CANADATel. 519-763-8728 • Fax 519-763-6604The Grower is printed 12 times a year and sent to allmembers of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association who have paid $30.00 (plus G.S.T.) per year forthe paper through their commodity group or container fees.Others may subscribe as follows by writing to the office:

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ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEEChair Ray Duc, Niagara-on-the-LakeVice-Chair Jason Verkaik, BradfordFruit Director Norm Charbonneau, Port ElginVeg Director Jan Vander Hout, WaterdownDirector Charles Stevens, Newcastle

BOARD OF DIRECTORSApples Charles Stevens, NewcastleFresh Vegetable - Other Mary Shabatura, Windham CentreTender Fruit John Thwaites, Niagara-on-the-LakeON Asparagus Grws’. Mkg. Brd. Jason Ryder, DelhiGGO/Fresh Grape Growers Ray Duc, Niagara-on-the-LakeFresh Vegetable - Muck Jason Verkaik, BradfordON. Potato Board Mac James, LeamingtonSmall Fruit/Berries Norm Charbonneau, Port ElginON. Ginseng Growers’ Ken Van Torre, BurfordGreenhouse Jan Vander Hout, WaterdownGreenhouse Don Taylor, Durham

OFVGA SECTION CHAIRS

Crop Protection Charles Stevens, NewcastleResearch Harold Schooley, SimcoeProperty Brian Gilroy, MeafordLabour Ken Forth, LyndenSafety Nets Mark Wales, AlymerCHC Murray Porteous, Simcoe

On behalf of the Board ofDirectors, I would like to wel-come John Kelly as the executivevice-president of the Ontario Fruitand Vegetable Growers’Association. After a lengthysearch and interview process Johnstood out as a leader with vastexperience in the Ontario horticultural industry.

Much of John’s career hasbeen focused on innovation andits implementation, an area that

will be critical to the future success of the fruit and vegetableindustry in Ontario. Through hispast work experience at ErieInnovation andCommercialization, GuelphPartnership for Innovation andMars Landing (to name a few),John has made many contacts inboth the provincial and federalgovernments. Most recently hewas asked to sit on PremierKathleen Wynne’s Strategic Agri-Food Advisory Committee.Since we are a lobby-focusedorganization, these contacts willbe invaluable to the OFVGA.John also has a long history ofleadership having led manyboards of both public and privately held institutions.

Family and community arealso a high priority in John’s life.Together with his wife Cathy, hehas four children Allannah,Rebecca, Jacqueline andShannon. John has been recognized by his community for his volunteer work.

I strongly believe John has the

experience and work ethic to pickup where Art has left off and takethe Ontario fruit and vegetable

industry to the next level. I lookforward to working closely withJohn over the next few months

and am excited about the opportunities he brings.

Welcome John Kelly

Best wishes to Art Smith for a happy retirement!

RAY DUCCHAIR, OFVGA

Harold Schooley (L), chair of the OFVGA research section, is shown withJohn Kelly examining lavender cuttings at the Simcoe Research Station.Photo by Denis Cahill.

THE GROWER


I believe the sweeping changestaking place in crop protection --especially when it comes totraditional chemicals -- are for thebest. But they’re going to take asmuch explaining to consumers asto farmers.

Here’s an example of what’shappening. At the BASF mediasummit in North Carolina earlierthis summer, the company

announced it was introducing aneye-popping 20 new crop protection products this year andinto 2015.

One of those new products isPylon miticide-insecticide,brought on this spring to theCanadian greenhouse market.Pylon is a new class of chemistry,the first and only Group 13 insecticide registered for controlof a broad spectrum of insect andmite pests, including populationswith increased tolerance to otherchemistries in both greenhouseornamentals and greenhouse vegetables. It’s one of a numberof new horticulture productsBASF plans to introduce over thenext few years.

New classes of chemistry areamong the alternatives to traditional chemicals for crop protection. Several reasons existfor this, including pressure fromconsumers. University of Guelphalumnus and Simcoe native NevinMcDougall, who is now the company’s senior vice president

of crop protection for NorthAmerica, says consumers’ voicesare “more prevalent in thedynamics of our industry.”

For ages, at least for non-organic farmers, the alternative tochemicals has mostly been otherchemicals. That works for awhile,until weeds develop resistance tothem, too.

So BASF and other leadingseed and crop protection compa-nies are diversifying theirapproaches.

In BASF’s case, it’s createdwhat it calls a “functional cropcare” division. Under this headingis an array of alternatives thatcomplement the company’s con-ventional approaches, includingso-called biological treatmentsthat make seeds and plantsstronger and more able to toleratedisease and tough conditions.

To me, key to this new direc-tion is the way BASF is offeringmanagement help to farmers.Since 2010, the company hashired 150 field staff, including

nearly 50 just in the last year, tovisit farmers and not sell prod-ucts, but rather, help optimizeproduction and profitability.

This is a great story. Effortsmust now be made to helpexplain terms such as biologicaltreatments to farmers, let aloneconsumers. There’s no questiondiversified crop protection is agood-news message. But so wasthe introduction of agriculturalbiotechnology two decades or soago – and the industry blew it bynot telling consumers what wasgoing on.

At the time, some said it waswrong to confuse or worry con-sumers about things they couldn’tsee, such as molecular-levelgenetic modification. Historyshows this was an epic fail – anti-technology activists had a heydaywith it, scaring the daylights outof consumers and making farminglook like some nasty corporate-controlled activity. To this day, apercentage of consumers don’tknow what GMOs are, but thanksto the industry’s silence early on,there’s no question they thinkthey’re bad.

At the BASF summit, company officials noted howfarmers as well as consumers arecraving information about newtechnology. They want to knowwhat’s available, how to use itand how it works – not only fortheir own benefit, but so theyhave the ability to explain it toothers too, such as the public.Farming is getting more compli-cated, a point which gives farmersthe need and the license toexplain advances such as methodic biological controls toconsumers – once, of course,technology developers explainthese advances to farmers.

Transparency is essential. Theage of social media, as well asurban sprawl and the local foodmovement, puts farmers and consumers closer than ever. Thespotlight is on farming, and thereare superb stories to show and tellabout feeding people near and far-- stories about sophisticated, sustainable and responsible foodproduction. The enlightenmentand dialogue will be welcomed,and the timing is perfect for beating activists to the punch.

Transparency must accompany new technology and products

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Student becomes the teacher. BASF technology development specialistRob Miller (left) and Grower columnist Owen Roberts – formerlyMiller’s communications professor at the University of Guelph – getreacquainted during a field trip at the company’s Holly Springs, NorthCarolina research farm. Photo credit: BASF

THE GROWER


LILLIAN SCHAER

Ontario’s fruit, vegetable andfield crop growers are beingasked to record their crop protec-tion use this season through theconfidential and anonymousOntario Pesticide Survey.

The results are important todemonstrate responsible use andsupport education efforts regard-ing future pesticide policy deci-sions. This includes minor useregistrations, the Grower

Requested Own Use (GROU)program and product re-evalua-tions.

Supporting crop protection reg-istrations, GROU program

“The information gatheredthrough this survey clearly showswhat products we’re using andwhat we’re not. This helps uswhen we are lobbying forchanges, like new registrations orkeeping existing products avail-able to growers,” says Craig

Hunter, the Ontario Fruit andVegetable Growers Association’s(OFVGA) expert advisor on pes-ticide issues. “Having a handle onwhat products are being used, forexample, helps us evaluate thepotential impacts of product pos-sibly being taken off the marketand look at the ramifications ofpesticide pricing policies inCanada.”

Results also help OFVGA andother farm groups push for newproduct and minor useregistrations, which is especially

important for growers of smallerhorticulture crops. The survey hasbeen conducted every five yearsin Ontario since 1973.

“As a result of these studiesover the years, we have recordsthat are our proof that we’re usingthese products responsibly andusing newer, safer chemistries,”

he adds. “It alsomeans thatwhen we have aregulatory action looming, like apossible de-registration, we have recent evidence to show who is usingwhat, which is especially important in the horticulture sector.”

Confidential, anonymous anduser-friendly

The online survey was firstlaunched in 2013 and has beenextended to include the 2014growing season. It is managed byFarm & Food Care and althoughit is being conducted on behalf ofthe Ontario Ministry ofAgriculture and Food, only thefinal collated results are beingshared with government, says

project manager Bruce Kelly.“All information is submitted

online anonymously and categorized only at the countylevel, so what growers provide isconfidential,” he says, adding thatgrowers are asked to provideinformation on their use of allcrop protection products, including herbicides, pesticides,insecticides and fungicides.

Submitting the information iseasy with simple pull-downmenus that are pre-populated withproduct information from the PestManagement Regulatory Agencydatabase, and growers can recordtheir use at any time during theseason, including on their smart-phone while they’re in the tractor,says Kelly.

“Growers only have to enterhow many acres they sprayed,how many times and at what rate.The products themselves can beselected from pull-down menusand the site will add the appropri-ate PCP number as well as calcu-late and tabulate everythingbehind the scenes,” he explains.

Survey results support groweraccess, proper regulation

Apple and blueberry growerCharles Stevens is chair of boththe OFVGA and CanadianHorticultural Council crop protection committees and firmlybelieves in the need for this typeof data to ensure growers contin-ue to have access to the crop pro-tection materials they need.

“In horticulture, we use a farwider variety of products than incash crops as we have so manydifferent diseases and insects,” hesays. “The survey informationhelps us make sure that all growers get the right crop protection materials for theircrops and are able to have themregulated correctly so we can usethem properly.”

For example, it is importantfor products to have proper Pre-Harvest Intervals (PHI) andReturn Entry Intervals (REI).These are the restrictions on howsoon after application people can re-enter a field to work with acrop, and are of particular impor-tance in fruit and vegetable pro-duction where most farmers andtheir employees come into directcontact with their trees and plantsin their fields and greenhouses.

The survey is at www.ontariopesticidesurvey.com.Those without the Internet or whoare not comfortable with comput-ers can receive a hard copy fromFarm & Food Care at 519-837-1326, ext 292. Surveys areaccepted by fax, email or postalmail. Lillian Schaer for Farm & FoodCare.

Pesticide use data will help education effortsGrowers asked to complete confidential, anonymous survey

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THE GROWER


In 2013, Target launched theirambitious entry into the Canadianmarketplace. Target is a player inthe Canadian food business, currently operating 127 stores inCanada. It has 1,797 stores in theU.S. and Target.com.

In my opinion there are fourkey issues that have led to thedisappointing launch in Canada:

1. The monumental challenge ofopening 127 stores across Canadais huge. The reality is that newstaff, renovated stores, new markets and a different consumerwere more challenging thanexpected. Target should havebeen asking consumers to be realistic and exceededexpectations as opposed to

disappointing consumers.

2. Consumers expected theTarget they saw on their lastcross-border shopping trip.Canada is a different market withdifferent costs and competitors.Pricing will not be identical. Wehave a different currency, different taxes and a marketplacethat has been created to satisfy adifferent consumer. If Target wasnaïve enough to think thatCanadian consumers would notnotice the difference that is a biggap in their strategy. It is interesting that we do not hear thesame comparisons to Walmart inthe U.S. Price leadership has itsprivileges.

3. It was surprising how fewemployees from the U.S. were inthe stores when they opened inCanada. These are the people whounderstand systems and process-es. Target should have relied ontheir U.S. employees more.

4. The lead-time for Target tomake changes in Canada is verylong, partially due to the longlead-time in many general merchandise categories and thecomplication of using Sobeys forfood distribution. Most of the2013 store orders for theCanadian stores would have been

completed in 2012, by peoplewho did not understand the market. There were holes andover stocks, which needed to bereduced to sell.

Total Target sales in Q1 (endedMay 3, 2014) - $17 billionTarget Canada sales in Q1(ended May 3, 2014) - $393 million Online target.com (est 5% total)- $852.5 million

Using these figures, the average sales per store in Canadaare $238,037 per week and theyare $676,533 in the U.S. Very different numbers to operate abusiness! If 15 per cent of TargetCanada’s sales are food this willgenerate approximately $236 million per year or a market shareof 2.5 per cent of the $90 billionfood business.

Here are my top considerationswhen developing relationshipswith Target:

1. Target needs some success inCanada. If you have opportunitiesthat will generate traffic, salesand profit they will be listening.

2. Understand their consumer. a. Median age 40b. Median household income

$64,000

c. Approximately 43 per centhave children at home

d. About 54 per cent havecompleted college

3. Learn about the Target cultureat www.target.ca and www.tar-get.com. Consumers are guestsand their overall philosophy isExpect more. Pay less. Makesure as a supplier you hold upyour end. Code dates and flawlessexecution. They need to focus onsales, not fighting with suppliers.

4. You need to travel to theTarget office in Ontario, close tothe Toronto airport for your con-venience!

5. The control label program atTarget does not get a lot of attention but they do have a solidpresence. Understand the items

and where you fit.

6. They have a lot of new staff.Provide guidance about the marketplace and sales trendswhere possible.

7. When there are changes at thetop, the pressure is on. Respectthat the people working at Targetwill be under intense scrutiny todeliver results.

Peter Chapman, a retail foodconsultant and professionalspeaker, is principal of GPSBusiness Solutions, based inHalifax, Nova Scotia. Peter workswith producers and processors tohelp them navigate through theretail environment with the ulti-mate goal of getting more itemsinto the shopping cart. [email protected].

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THE GROWER


NEW CROPS

KAREN DAVIDSON

Calendar-worthy photos may bein short supply this month as theOntario lavender crop is recover-ing from a harsh winter. Manylavender-themed festivals will bechallenged to be in full bloom.

“Damage to lavender is signif-icant, especially on thelavandins,” says Sean Westerveld,OMAF & MRA medicinal herbsspecialist. The amount of damagedepends on location and amountof snow cover last winter, one ofthe coldest in the last two decadesin southern Ontario.

Trials evaluating 27 cultivars

including both angustifolia andlavandin types are now provinginvaluable as growers seek tobuild an agri-tourism industry.For all four years of the trial, theangustifolia ‘Folgate’ had theleast damage of all cultivars.Others have also earned consis-tently high ratings includingRoyal Purple, Royal Velvet,French Fields, Dark Supreme andImperial Gem.

In 2013, Simcoe ResearchStation trials proved that row cov-ers are a good option to reducedamage to sensitive cultivars, thatis most of the lavandins and a fewangustifolias. The survival ofGrosso lavender was significantly

improved under both row covers.Straw resulted in complete plantdeath across the entire trial forboth cultivars and is not recom-mended for winter protection.

“As last winter proved, it’s soimportant that the OntarioLavender Association has workedcollaboratively with theUniversity of Guelph and OMAFand MRA staff on this research,”says Anita Buehner, BonnieheathLavender, Waterford, Ontario.“If we hadn’t done those trials,we wouldn’t know which culti-vars are winter-hardy.”

Steve and Anita Buehner’sshowcase field -- photographedin July 2013 -- suffered almostcomplete damage. They plan toaggressively prune later this sum-mer and then replant winter-hardycultivars. Expect two years ofgrowth before this field returns toits former beauty.

As Westerveld points out,many growers rely on lavandinsfor sachets, dried bundles andessential oil production. However,lavandins aren’t fully hardy insouthern Ontario and will benefitfrom winter protection. Growersare encouraged to compare costsof row covers versus loss ofplants. If cost is an issue, considerprotecting enough plants for coreproducts and agri-tourism events.Also keep in mind that winterkillcan result from other factors suchas disease, ice around the crownof the plant and flooding. Inthese instances, row covers willnot help.

Expect staggered bloom for lavender

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This roadside field at Bonnieheath Lavender, Waterford, Ontario was photographed at its floral peak in mid-July 2013. Unfor tunately, it was destroyedby winterkill. Owners Steve and Anita Buehner plan to aggressively prune and replant, anticipating a full recovery in two years. With a renovated winery and lavender boutique ready to open, they will be forging ahead with LavenderFest 2014 on July 5 and 6. Photo by Glenn Lowson.

Type and Rank 2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014

Angustifolia

#1 Folgate Folgate Folgate Folgate

#2 Betty’s Blue Royal Velvet Dark Supreme Royal Purple

#3 French Fields RoyalPurple/Melissa

Imperial Gem Royal Velvet

Lavandin

#1 Fat Spike Grosso Fat Spike Grosso Grosso Impress Purple

#2 Edelweiss Grosso Super Edelweiss

#3 Hidcote Giant Edelweiss Fat Spike Grosso/Edelweiss/GrosBleu

Gros Bleu

Typical damage to a Lavandula x intermedia (lavandin) cultivar‘Grosso’ showing only one patch of new growth on the side of theplant.

Row cover trial at the Simcoe Research Station. The treatments fromleft to right were uncovered, thin white row cover (Agryl P40), strawcover, and thick white row cover (Hibertex Pro). Photos by Universityof Guelph

THE GROWER


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EXPORTS

KEVIN MacISAAC

On May 19, Mexico’s border openedbeyond the 16-mile radius which has beenin place since 2000, for importation ofpotatoes from the U.S. The United PotatoGrowers of America has watched thisdevelopment unfold with great interestover the past several months. Many wereskeptical that the agreement would evercome to pass due to pressure internallyfrom the Mexican grower organization.Today, however it is a reality, if it cankeep from being derailed.

Mexico is a large market. With a percapita consumption of 37 lbs. per capitaand a population of 120 million people, itrepresents a home for a lot of spuds. Witha lower consumption rate than the U.S.,there is also room to grow demand.Mexico imported about 1.8 million hun-dred last year into the area represented inthe border zone, and yet only seven percent of the country’s population lives with-in that area. Potatoes command high pricesin Mexico. However their consumer tastesare very different, recognizing only a mini-mum amount of russets with the bulk beingin the long white (Alpha being the mostpopular), yellow, and red categories.

These new rules allow potatoes to beshipped into cities with 100,000 or moreoccupants. Walmart currently has about2,700 retail outlets in Mexico. Althoughthe preferred venue of Mexican shoppersfor purchasing potatoes is in bulk displays,the new rules state that fresh potatoes must

be packaged in 20 lb. bags or less. Chippotatoes being imported can however betransported in bulk, as long as the contain-er or trailer is not unsealed before it reach-es the processing plant. The other greatwindow of opportunity is for the Frenchfry trade. For the year ending March 2014,Mexico imported 111,377 tonnes(245,029,400 pounds) of fries from theUnited States.

Currently many view the Canadianopportunity as one of backfilling a marketinto the U.S. as that country moves productto their southern neighbor. However withthe proven expertise of Canadian exporters,

it may be an opening to export directly intothe country of Mexico. Protocol will befairly strict. Although the Mexican govern-ment is interested in increasing exporttrade from the country, they also do notwant to introduce pests and have createdphytosanitary requirements and specifica-tions for control of quarantinable diseases.

It is hoped that initially Mexico couldallow Canada to use import permits similarto the protocol currently used for com-merce between countries without a bilateraltrade agreement. Other requirements suchas washing, applying sprout inhibitor (chippotatoes do not have this requirement),

traceback, and labelling of Country ofOrigin, are all standard practices ofCanadian packers, which should allowthem to be approved for shipping toMexico. Currently U.S. packers must beinspected and approved by APHIS. Inaddition many Canadian fields in potatoproduction have undergone extensive fieldtesting for potato cyst nematode to satisfyU.S. trade requirements.

The freight advantage that Canadamight have into the Mexican port of entrywould be by water. Potatoes currentlyshipped into the Caribbean market enjoythat shipping route now, via Halifax, SaintJohn and Montreal. It would be imperativeto maintain a pricing initiative similar tothe U.S., or at least not below productioncosts, so that Mexico could not be consid-ered a dumping ground triggering tariffrepercussions. Likewise, any evidence thatour potatoes introduced quarantine pests toMexico could also add restrictions to theimport rules. It has been more than 20years since NAFTA was signed (at whichtime all tariffs were taken off the table), soit has been a long time in coming. TheUnited Potato Growers of Canada will bewatching intently to see if this marketopportunity comes to fruition. Its signifi-cance is important in that trade to thatcountry could result in imports between12-20 million cwt. in the next few years.

Kevin MacIsaac is general manager,United Potato Growers of Canada.

Mexican market represents opportunity for Canadian potatoes

Photo by Glenn Lowson

ERIC HANSON,DEPARTMENT OFHORTICULTURE, MICHIGANSTATE UNIVERSITY

We started a project in 2009 todevelop production recommenda-tions for organic raspberry andsweet cherry production underhigh tunnels. The cherry work isheaded by Greg Lang. Othersinvolved in the project are JohnBiernbaum, Dan Brainard andAdam Montri (Horticulture),Rufus Isaacs and Matt Grieshop(Entomology), AnnemiekSchilder (Plant, Soil andMicrobial Science) and VickiMorrone (CommunitySustainability). The work is beingconducted on the MSU campus ina 1.1 acre range of nine 26 x 200foot interconnected tunnels(Haygrove Tunnels Ltd.) on aSpinks sandy loam soil. Threebays each are devoted to raspber-ries, sweet cherries, and mixedplantings of raspberries and sweetcherries. The raspberry bays wereplanted in 2010, each with a rowof the varieties Himbo Top, JoanJ, and Polka. Tunnels are coveredeach year with Luminence THBpoly from May through October.Initial efforts in raspberries tar-geted fertility managementapproaches. We compared earlyspring applications of dairymanure-based compost andMcGeary Organics 8-1-1 fertiliz-er, each applied at two rates.Products were incorporated in therow before planting in 2010, andapplied to the surface in 2011 and2012. Incorporated compostcaused some salt damage to theraspberries. However, soil saltlevels had declined to backgroundlevels by the following spring,indicating that tunnel soils can beeasily leached by off-season pre-cipitation when tunnels areuncovered during the winter.Both compost and fertilizerappeared to supply adequatenitrogen early in the season, butleaf levels were marginally defi-cient later in the season. Once thetunnel plastic is installed in May,the soil profile begins drying outexcept under the trickle irrigationline. Nutrient materials on the soilsurface dry out and contribute lit-tle available N late in the season.Potassium and sulfur levels werealso deficient after three years. In2013, we began supplementingsolid nutrient sources by fertigat-ing weekly during the growingseason with liquid fish (2-2-0).

This worked well and did notresult in emitter plugging.Berry yields in 2011 and 2012were unaffected by fertilizationtreatments, but varieties differedin 2011 and 2012 (Table 1). ‘JoanJ’ was the highest yielding in2011, and ‘Himbo Top’ was themost productive in 2012.Varieties produced statisticallysimilar yields in 2013. Overallyields have been lower than typi-cal for conventional raspberries

under tunnels, which can exceed18,000 lb per acre. Several fac-tors likely limited yields. Nutrientdeficiencies and insect pests like-ly reduced yields to some degree.The 2012 season was very hotand yields may have beenreduced by heat stress. The 2013season was cooler. Plants beganfruiting in early August, but volumes diminished by mid-September even though temperatures appeared ideal.

THE GROWER


Organic raspberry production underhigh tunnels

Registrations* for Spotted Wing Drosophila, 2014 Product* Crops** Rate Preharvest Interval Re-entry period Max #

applications/year

Re-treatment

interval

Delegate spinetoram 25% Group 5 Reg. #28778

Bushberries 315-420 g/ha 3 days 12 hours 3 7 days

Caneberries 315-420 g/ha 1 day

Grapes 350 g/ha 4 days

Strawberries 280 g/ha 1 day

Stone fruit 420 g/ha 3 days except 5 days for cherries

Entrust spinosad 240g/L Group 5 Reg. #30382

Bushberries 333-444 mL/ha 3 days When dried except 8 days for hand labour in grapes (check the label) and 4 days for

mechanical harvesting

3

5 days

Caneberries 333-444 mL/ha 1 day

Stone fruit 364 mL/ha 3 days except 5 days for cherries

Strawberries 292-364 mL/ha 1 day

Grapes 364 mL/ha 4 days mechanical harvesting

8 days hand harvesting

Exirel cyantraniliprole 100 g/L Group 28 Reg. # 30895

Stone fruit 1-1.5 L/ha 3 days 12 hours 4 7 days

Bushberries 1-1.5 L/ha 3 days 12 hours 4 5 days

Malathion 25W malathion 25% Group 1B Reg #14656

Sweet cherries 2.5-3.75 kg/ 1000 L water Use a maximum of 1000 L water per ha

3 days 12 hours 3 7-10 days

Malathion 85E malathion 85% Group 1B Reg. #8372

Blueberries 1 L/1000 L water 2 days 12 hours 3 7-10 days Currants, Gooseberries

1 L/1000 L water 3 days 2

Raspberries, Blackberries

1 L/1000 L water 1 day 2

Stone fruit 610-855 mL /1000 L water

3 days 2

Strawberries 1 L/1000 L water 3 days 2

Grapes

880 mL/1000 L water

3 days 12 hours except 2 days for training,

tying and leaf pulling

1 n/a

Ripcord cypermethrin 407 g/L Group 3 For suppression only Reg. #30316

Bushberries 150 mL/ha 4 days 12 hours except for 2 days for hand thinning

on stone fruit; 10 days for hand labour on grapes

1 N/A

Caneberries Stone fruit Strawberries

150 mL/ha

2 days

Grapes 150 mL/ha 7 days

Please note: this is a reference sheet and does not replace the labels. Continue to check the product labels for more specific instructions and uses. * All products (except Exirel) are emergency use registrations valid to November 30, 2014. Exirel is fully registered. **Crop groups: 13-07A Caneberries includes raspberries and blackberries and other brambles. 13-07B Bushberries includes blueberries, currants, gooseberries, saskatoon berries, sea buckthorn, elderberries, etc. 12-09 Stone fruit includes apricot, sweet and sour cherry, nectarine, peach, plum

Table 1. Organic raspberry yields (lb/acre) in high tunnels, eastLansing, MI.

Variety 2011* 2012* 2013

Himbo Top 9,000b 7,500a 7,200

Joan J 11,500a 6,800b 6,700

Polka 9,500b 6,600b 6,200

(*numbers followed by the same letter are not significantly different)

Organic raspberries in high tunnels at Michigan State University.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE


THE GROWER

BERRY FOCUS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

The most important insect pests have beenspotted winged drosophila (SWD) and spider mites. Fruit infestation from SWDbegan in early September, 2011 and earlyAugust, 2012 and 2013. We applied alternating sprays of Entrust and Pyganicin 2011 and 2012. These treatments suppressed populations but timely harvesthas also been critical. All fruit need to beharvested as they ripen and fruit that areover-ripe and drop must also be collectedand discarded. Overripe or dropped fruitserve as breeding sites. These treatmentssuppressed populations. Spider mites were

a severe problem in 2012, due in part toour SWD spray program (which likelyreduced predatory mite populations) andthe hot and dry season. Predatory miteswere introduced in 2010 and 2013, buttheir efficacy is not known. Costs and potential returns have been compiled in a spreadsheet([email protected] to request a copy).Capital investments to establish one acre ofraspberries under tunnels were paid off inthe second year. Annual net profit afteryear one was estimated to be about$12,000. The primary drawback to this system, and the reason it cannot be recommended currently is the uncertaintyregarding SWD management.

Organic raspberry production under high tunnels

The North American Strawberry Growers’ Associationholds a summer tour on August 20 and 21 in BritishColumbia. For more information, go to www.nasga.org.

The Ontario Berry Growers’ Association holds itsannual twilight tour and season wrap-up on September 10.Location to be announced. Contact

www.ontarioberries.com or 613-258-4587 or kevinschooley@bellnet.

Berry growers’ networking events

Growers are invited to the 8th North AmericanStrawberry Symposium to be held Feb. 3-6, 2015 inVentura, California, U.S. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Thismeeting of strawberry scientists and producers fromaround the globe promises to be remarkable. California,where nearly 90 per cent of U.S. strawberries are grown,features a unique coastal environment with its westernocean exposure, moderate temperatures, warm sunny days,and cool foggy nights – perfect for growing strawberries

year-round. Please reserve the dates of February 3-6, 2015 for the

8th North American Strawberry Symposium (NASS) –two and a half days of workshops, research presentations,poster sessions, a banquet, and other special events. TheSymposium will be followed by a post-conference tour onFebruary 7, which will encompass strawberry productionin the region and opportunities to visit other horticulturaloperations. The Program Committee is committed to

making this a world-class research symposium for growersand scientists, and we eagerly look forward to seeing youin Ventura.

Look for a mail-in registration form and more programdetails (abstract deadlines, keynote speakers, etc.) andopportunities for industry, organization and agency spon-sorship on the NASGA website: http://www.nasga.org/ inJuly 2014. On-line registration will become available inSeptember.

Coming event: North American Strawberry Growers Association

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A comparison of organic raspberries in high tunnels

THE GROWER


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THE GROWER



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THE GROWER


NOTE: The following columnwas written before I had a call-back from PMRA to discussthe issue. They are in fact stillworking on this document.Nonetheless, the followingexpresses the very concerns Igave to them, in the hope thatpositive changes can be madebefore it is irrevocably too late.(CLH)

Last year I had an opportunityto review a preliminary report onthe re-registration of Captan. Itchallenged my good humour andled me, at least initially, to question the scientific integrity ofthose who had prepared thereport. In the U.S., when the EPA(Environmental ProtectionAgency) create a similar reportthey provide all the names ofthose involved. In Canada, thePMRA staff remains anonymous -- something that I believe shouldbe changed to provide transparen-cy and accountability.

This report ranks right up therein terms of poor scientific rigour,in my opinion.

If I didn’t know better I wouldsuspect it had been created by apolitical speechwriter who takesmany words, few if any solidfacts, and high “interpretive”license to pad out a ministerialrelease. There were literallydozens of examples where aresort was made to a ‘model’ inlieu of real data. There wereequally dozens of cases where‘worst case’ numbers were multi-plied together, to in turn create aneven worse case scenario. Therewas a liberal use of additionalsafety factors applied to theextremely conservative estimates,leading to a social protection

level that in the end effectivelyprecludes the use of the product.In fact it was acknowledged upfront that neither the U.S. EPAnor the European Union reviewshad reached the same conclusions.

I find it highly repugnant as aCanadian citizen that such a doc-ument could have been created bystaff members who are supposedto be ‘neutral,’ of high scientificqualification, and who also haveaccess to the full EPA reviewdecisions and rationales whichreached such different conclusions. It offends my senseof fair play and my confidence in‘the system’ to see such workalso being approved by managerswith the final say.

In a nutshell, I am appalledthat in 2014 we see such docu-ments at all!

Back in 1996 when the U.S.announced the Food QualityProtection Act that led to com-plete reviews of all registeredpesticides, there was great angstamongst growers and registrants.The cost to meet the data development came right out ofgrowers’ pockets. The loss ofmany actives hurt us (and inmany cases continues to hurt us)due to lack of suitable replacement technologies. It cameas no surprise that Canada fol-lowed suit in 1998 with their ‘Re-Evaluation’ program. Therewere over 400 actives to bereviewed over 15 years, and weare still waiting for the last onesto be done, including Captan.There have been many activesreviewed for which we simplyaccepted the reports, in spite ofsome issues that were not pivotalenough to pursue. For some oth-ers, most of them more recent, wehave had issue and have providedour comments and concerns.None of these, however, comesclose to how poorly this reviewwas done, nor to the impact therecommendation proposals couldhave on Canadian Growers’ abili-ty to continue to protect theircrops!

In short, the proposals wouldeffectively eliminate almost allimportant uses of Captan, in spiteof the fact that it has been usedsuccessfully and safely here since

the mid-fifties. It continues to bean extremely important part ofmost disease control programsbecause of its many valuableproperties. Used alone it has awide spectrum of control onmany fungi. It is also used extensively as a tank-mix partnerto broaden the spectrum of con-trol and to avert or prevent resis-tance development when the otherpartner has a very narrow controlmechanism in a fungus. Captan isone of our key ‘broad spectrum’mode-of-action fungicides, andone that should be rightfully credited with ‘saving’ the use ofmany other actives. These wouldsoon be lost due to resistancedevelopment without Captanbeing available for use.

I have to admit I was flabber-gasted when I first perused thisdocument since I knew that ourgovernment had already done afull review in 1980 (I sat throughmost of it) and its conclusionsthen were complete vindication ofcontinued use. I looked in vainfor mention of this report in theappendices and found none. Thiscould be taken as an indication ofthe shallowness of the attempts ofthe review staff to search for thedata. After all, the report is available in their own govern-ment’s library! (I checked)

The document has other suchomissions. Is it possible that thiswas done deliberately so as to be

able to simply rely on generic‘models’ or to cross utilize otherstudies that, while not readilyapplicable, ‘would have to do’ toreach a pre-determined conclu-sion? It does seem to be disingen-uous, for example, to omit healthstudies of actual Captan produc-tion/packaging plant workers thatshow a higher health level thanthe office workers at the samelocation. It also seems odd thatactual growers’ health data from60 years of use were also notaccessed. That includes use whenmost of the current training in theuse of safeguards and protectiveequipment gear were absent. Itwould include use patterns andrates no longer even on labels.Instead, ‘models’ of worst casescenarios were used to reachconclusions that defy commonsense.

Growers have long had ahealthy ‘fear’ about certain pesti-cides. Rightfully so. On the otherhand, they have held up Captan asa model of ‘safer’ chemistry. I seeNO factual evidence of any rea-son to change this from thereport. I DO see a reason tochange my opinion of the qualityof work being produced at PMRAif this report goes ahead as written.

It is time that Health Canadalook at what is being done in itsname if such ‘work’ is representa-tive of their values and goals. It

may just be happenstance that thepoorest (in my opinion) reportshave only arisen over the pastfive years. Has there been aninsidious change in who is creat-ing them, and how the work isdone? Are there a few ‘hands ofthe devil’ at work to underminethe solid efforts of the vast majority at PMRA who I knowdo good work? It would beinteresting to find out anony-

mously how other PMRA stafffeel about these reports.

In all conscience, this reportshould be shredded and a newstart made. Anything less is unacceptable!

In addition, they obviouslyneed a completely different set ofhands at the wheel to do thisreview again. It would behoovethem to start first by consultingwith the users and the manufac-turers for information and usepatterns/scenarios to avoid someof the systemic errors around usepatterns. It would also make senseto consult closely with their EPAcolleagues about their reviewsand conclusions. In everyinstance where a ‘model’ wasused, it should be replaced withreal life data. Barring that, aduplicate set of models should beused, populating them with datafrom the most conservative andthe most liberal approaches.Somewhere in between may bethe ‘truth.’

Perhaps the PMRA needs toalso include the names of allthose who work on the report sosome sense can be made of wherecontinuing ‘poised’ decision-mak-ing is coming from. Fair is fair!No doubt some may assail mytake on this, but I am not afraid tohave my name attached to it. Arethey afraid to stand behind deci-sions over their names?

If we are to be truly‘harmonized’ it includes both the

initial registration AND all futurere-evaluations. Anything less is asham.POSTSCRIPT: I look forward tothe next iteration of this report,and will remain steadfast in thedefense of the continued (safe)use of Captan in CanadianAgriculture.

CRAIG HUNTEROFVGA

MINOR USE

CRAIG’S COMMENTS

Science integrity at the crossroads

engageagro.com 1-866-613-3336 Assail is a registered trade-mark of Nippon Soda Co., Ltd. © 2013 Engage Agro Corporation.

Trusted, proven control.

Fungicides such as Captan are impor tant intreating apple bitter rot.

FMC has announced it hasreceived registration for bifenthrin, the active ingredient inCapture insecticide which willinitially be available for potatoand raspberry growers.

Wireworms have become oneof the major pests in potatoes fornumerous growing regions ofCanada. Wireworm damage candowngrade the quality of potatocrops significantly, creating scarson the surface of and boring holeswithin daughter tubers. Theselesions can make it difficult forprocessors to cut potatoes intofrench fries or potato chips, andreduce the marketability of tablestock potatoes.

“In potatoes, Capture insecticide is to be used as an in-furrow spray application

at-planting,” states MarkMcMillan, business manager forEastern Canada with FMC. “Thisspray application creates a ‘zoneof protection’ around the mothertuber and developing daughtertubers later in the season. Theunique characteristics of bifenthrin allow for extendedactivity, reducing the wirewormdamage on the potatoes.”

For raspberry growers, the registration of bifenthrin will provide control of black vineweevil and obscure root weevil.The B.C. raspberry growers haverequired this product throughemergency use registrations in thepast two seasons.

“We are a diverse agriculturalchemical company with multipleproducts that have not been

available to growers in this country,” says David Strilchuk,Canadian manager with FMC.“Bifenthrin is used on millions of

acres in the United States andother countries and it’s great thatwe are now able to launch ithere.”

Capture will be distributed byUAP.

Source: FMC news release

THE GROWER


MINOR USE

Capture insecticide now available in Canada

Bayer CropScience Canadahas announced the label expan-sion of Proline, a group 3 fungi-cide that uses the active ingredi-ent prothioconazole to providebroad-spectrum leaf disease pro-tection. Proline is now registeredto protect cucurbit vegetables,bushberries, low-growing berriesexcluding strawberries and smallacreage grains.

Important especially for blue-berry growers, Proline can nowbe applied to lowbush blueberriesin both the sprout and fruitingyears and to highbush blueberriesfor protection against septorialeaf spot, blueberry leaf rust,valdensinia leaf spot andmonilinia blight. This systemic,foliar fungicide has demonstratedincreased floral bud numbers andfruit yield over untreated blue-berries. According to recent trialresults, Proline increases yield inlowbush blueberries by 24 percent in comparison to leadingcompetitor products.

In cucurbits Proline providessystemic protection against fusar-ium wilt, gummy stem blight andpowdery mildew.

“Proline has been used foryears by canola and cereal grow-ers and now protects againstsome of the most concerning dis-eases for horticultural crops,”said David Kikkert, portfoliomanager, horticulture, BayerCropScience. “This foliar fungi-cide is a cost-effective tool thatoffers growers excellent diseasecontrol and provides a new modeof action in many horticulturecrops.”

For more information regard-ing Proline visit:BayerCropScience.ca/ProlineSource: Bayer CropSciencenews release

Cropsbenefit fromProlinefungicide

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THE GROWER


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New measure to battle Spotted Wing Drosophila this season Ripcord, a group 3 insecticide, has received PMRA’semergency registration for the suppression of Spotted

Wing Drosophila on berries, grapes and stone fruit. Theuse is effective from June 1 until November 30, 2014.

The product is available through Engage AgroCorporation.

Facts onCanadiancorrugatedboxes

The Canadian paper packag-ing industry’s environmentalcouncil is launching a new web-site specifically focused on cor-rugated boxes: www.corrugated-boxescanada.org.

“There is information -- and alot of misinformation -- aboutcorrugated boxes scattered allover the place,” said PPEC exec-utive director, John Mullinder.

The website has sections onthe different types of corrugatedboxes and what they are madefrom; the renewability ofCanada’s forest resource; boxdesign successes; the mills’ highuse of recycled content; and thewidespread recyclability andrecovery of old corrugated con-tainers (OCC). There is a sectionon public policy issues such aslandfill bans and responsiblesourcing, and life cycle analysis.There’s even a quiz and a “Factand Fiction” section.

“Unlike most packaging mate-rials,” said Mullinder, “corrugat-ed boxes are made from a renew-able resource that is continuouslyregenerated. The forest industryplants more than a thousand newtree seedlings per minute, andmeets all provincial regulationson sustainable forestry.” Headded that all council membermills were certified by indepen-dent third parties for the rawmaterials they used to makeboxes, and that most of the corru-gated boxes made in Canadawere already 100 per cent recy-cled content.

Most Canadians (96%) wereable to recycle the boxes afteruse, and the national recyclingrate was estimated to be 85 percent. The council is urgingprovinces to ban old corrugatedfrom landfills so that more couldbe recovered for recycling.

Source: Paper & PaperboardPackaging EnvironmentalCouncil news release

Quadris fungicide 90-day PHI changed to one daySyngenta Canada Inc. has announced

that the Pest Management RegulatoryAgency (PMRA) has removed the 90-daypre-harvest interval (PHI) requirementfrom the Quadris flowable fungicide labelfor use on potato crops. This label changedoes not affect the established Canadianmaximum residue limit (MRL) for azoxys-trobin, the active ingredient in Quadris, onpotatoes.

"The label change allows producers touse Quadris in-furrow on their short-seasonvarieties for added protection against some

of the most damaging soil-borne potatodiseases," said Eric Phillips, product lead,fungicides and insecticides for SyngentaCanada.

Quadris is a Group 11, broad-spectrum,preventative fungicide with systemic prop-erties. The popular potato fungicide is theonly product on the market that can beused as an in-furrow treatment for protec-tion against soil-borne pathogens ofRhizoctonia and silver scurf.

Soil-borne Rhizoctonia attacks tubers,underground stems and stolons, resulting in

poor stands, stunted plants and reducedtuber size. Silver scurf, on the other hand,targets tuber skin. As the infection spreads,white, silvery lesions form on the tuberskin, which increases water loss, resultingin a reduction in marketable quality.Quadris provides overall protection againstthese diseases, reducing set loss and mis-shapen tubers while enhancing skin finish,leading to higher marketable yields at har-vest.

"Maintaining marketable yield is a vitalgoal of potato production. Quadris can now

be used as part of an integrated diseasemanagement program on short-season vari-eties to achieve this result," concludedPhillips.

For more information about Quadrisfungicide, please contact your localSyngenta Representative, visitSyngentaFarm.ca or contact our CustomerResource Centre at 1-87-SYNGENTA(1-877-964-3682).Source: Syngenta news release