KAREN DAVIDSON

Christmas is Thanksgiving forCheryl Peck and her family atThe Cider Keg. That’s becauseOctober to December is thebiggest sales season for this fifth-generation, 125-acre apple farmnear Vittoria, Ontario. With one-quarter of the apples destined fora value-added treat, the harvesttastes sweetest as sparkling cider,fruit spreads or pie in a jar.

“We always made apple cideras a fall tradition,” says Peck,general manager, “but the busi-ness started to grow with theretail store in 1990.” For starters,fresh cider was picked up in localstores in Simcoe, Paris andBrantford. Fortunately, this chainof independent stores was pur-chased by a leading chain andThe Cider Keg business contin-ued to grow.

Long before the buy-localmovement, Peck and her parents,Tom and Joan Haskett, weredeveloping The Cider Keg brandwith a loyal clientele of other on-farm markets. Their apples had aready market at the Norfolk FruitGrowers’ Association, but theyalso wanted to diversify from thestaple commodity. Sparklingciders offered a niche that sepa-rated The Cider Keg from othercider makers. Today, that strategystill works with their productssold in independent grocerychains, delis, cheese shops andother members of the OntarioFarm Fresh MarketingAssociation.

While the retail outlet inVittoria is well-known on thesouthern shores of Lake Erie,Peck concentrates on wholesalecustomers coast to coast, relyingon their website(www.ciderkeg.com) and morerecently, Facebook and Twitteraccounts. Peck uses a variety ofsocial media resources for fre-quent dialogue with wholesaleand retail customers on what’snew for upcoming gift basket sea-sons. Their processed productsmean that they can be bought forChristmas inventories with nofear of expired best-before dates.The sparkling ciders – which represent a majority percentage ofthe business –- are particularlygift-worthy for celebratory occa-sions. The non-alcoholic productoffers a champagne-type fizz.

To reach wholesalers, Peckexhibits at several shows includ-ing the Toronto Gift Show inAugust and the Ontario Fruit andVegetable Convention inFebruary. The preserves, higher

in fruit and lower in sugar,embrace health trends. Futuresteps are to strengthen presence inspecific Ontario markets such asOttawa, Windsor and eventuallythe apple of everyone’s eye:Toronto.

“We’ve looked at export markets in border states to LakeErie,” says Peck, “trying to duplicate our success in on-farmmarkets. And we’ve had interestfrom Asian countries and theMiddle East.”

To support these marketinginitiatives, Peck must maintain astellar food safety program. Itstarts with custom-made steelprocessing machinery made byher father Tom Haskett and brother Mike. All the processingis on-farm, so she runs a gamut offood safety audits every year,ranging from chain stores’ third-party audits to the Canadian FoodInspection Agency, local healthdepartment, global GAP andworkmen’s compensation.

“The food safety programs

require extensive resources andtime,” she says. “Our dedicationto these details ensure a safeproduct for our own families andour customers. We’ve written ourown food safety program,because if you don’t write yourown, you don’t own it. A tem-plate from a consultant just does-n’t fit our operation.”

Peck says that the success ofThe Cider Keg is being expert attheir own food safety, while find-ing time to innovate with newproducts and marketing.‘Pumpkin in a Jar’ has been themost recent addition to the familywith its savoury sauce used ontop of baked brie, in cheesecakesor over ice cream, waffles, toastor crepes.

It’s those innovative productsthat propel The Cider Keg to thetop of the invitation list whenCanada is showcasing localfoods. Her Sparkling AppleStrawberry Rhubarb Cider wasserved to leaders of the G20 summit last year.

We’ve written our ownfood safety program, becauseif you don’t writeyour own, youdon’t own it. Atemplate from aconsultant justdoesn’t fit ouroperation.

- Cheryl Peck

OCTOBER 2011 CELEBRATING 131 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION VOLUME 61 NUMBER 10

Thanksgiving is a time for traditional foods such as pumpkin pie and apple cider. At The Cider Keg, sparkling cider is added to the menu witha distinctly Canadian twist of berries, rhubarb and sometimes saskatoons. Cheryl Peck celebrates the 21st year of her retail store nearVittoria, Ontario where a quarter of the apple crop finds its way into a jar or bottle. Photos by Denis Cahill.

A case history for value-added horticultureThe Cider Keg adds sparkle to apples

INSIDEOntario election: hot buttons for hort Page 4

Focus: stewardship Page 10

Bullish on greenhouse vegetables Page 15

www.thegrower.org

P.M. 40012319

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PAGE 2 –– OCTOBER 2011THE GROWER

NEWSMAKERSCongratulations to Ed Hughes who has been named 2011 GrapeKing. He farms more than 20 acres of VQA premium qualityvinifera grapes near Beamsville, Ontario and also operates a busi-ness selling high-quality grapes to amateur wine makers and a num-ber of wine clubs in southern Ontario.

Ed Hughes, right, receives his Grape King chain of office from lastyear’s Grape King Debbie Inglis, his former professor from BrockUniversity and an area grape grower. Photo courtesy Grape Growers of Ontario.

K. Helen Fisher is the new tender fruit and grape specialist forOMAFRA. Based in Vineland, she will be working with growers,researchers and industry to provide best management practices forthese Ontario crops. She has enjoyed a long career as a plant physi-ologist and grape breeder, working with the Horticultural ResearchInstitute of Ontario before its transition to the University of Guelph.Her teaching credentials also include Brock University and NiagaraCollege.

The Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) has announced thatFred Webber will become its new president, succeeding StephenWhitney who is retiring at the end of the year. Webber has servedas vice-president of trading assistance since the organization wasestablished in 1999. Prior to that posting, he was employed by theProduce Reporter Company in a similar capacity and has also beena marketing specialist with the United States Department of Agri-culture’s Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act regulatorybranch.

In a related announcement, the DRC has hired Luc Mougeot asvice-president. Most recently, he served as senior advisor to theCanadian Destination Inspection Service and has served in variousmanagement capacities including assignments in the offices of theCanadian Food Inspection Agency’s president and Agriculture andAgri-Food Canada ‘s minister.

Jason Beer, a teacher at Eastview Secondary School in Barrie, wonthe Teacher Recognition Award at the opening ceremonies of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show. Presented by Ontario Agri-FoodEducation Inc., the award is based on four main criteria: creativityand utilization of agricultural information, an interdisciplinaryapproach, advancement of educational standards and studentimpact.

Kim Pham-Huy is the new communications officer for the Canadi-an Horticultural Council. She takes over from Katie McKimmie.

The Quebec Produce Marketing Association has elected a new slateof directors for 2011-2012. They are: Robert Beauregard, Agri-Mondo, president; George Pitsikoulis, Canadawide, past-president;Pat Calabretta, Sobeys Quebec, first vice-president; Marie Gos-selin, Serres du St-Laurent (Savoura), second vice-president;Sophie Perreault, QPMA executive director.

AT PRESS TIME…Voters go to the polls

October 3 PEI, NWTOctober 4 ManitobaOctober 6 OntarioOctober 11 NewfoundlandNovember 7 Saskatchewan

Driving awareness of farmersand farming issues in an urbanenvironment isn’t easy but theHolland Marsh Growers’ Associ-ation (HMGA) has been activelyinvolved with Sustain Ontario, anenvironmental group, this elec-tion season. Their logo (above) isa testament to their dedication.Other groups include the TorontoFood Policy Council and Farm-Start. A series of webinars areencouraging voters to learn moreabout how the different levels ofgovernment interact and why theOntario government plays a keyrole in food systems change.

All candidates are being askedabout their positions on land use,red-tape bureaucracy, energycosts and a long list of issues thatare making horticulture uncom-petitive with other jurisdictions. “We’re not interested in politi-cians’ colours, but rather theircharacters,” says Jamie Reaume,HMGA. “The key thing is to con-tact your candidates and be sureto vote October 6.”

New site for Royal’sHarvest Market

The Royal Agricultural WinterFair invites market gardeners andlocal food producers to exhibit atthe Royal Harvest Market. Build-ing on last year’s pilot, the Har-vest Market will be repositionedin Hall C, near the Family FunZone. This new location situatesthe market near other agriculturaldisplays such as honey andmaple, vegetables and preserves.

For more information and avendor application, please contactMelanie McDougall at 416-263-3430 ormmcdougall@royalfair.org.

Quarry proposalrequires environmentalassessment

On September 1, the Ontariominister of the environmentannounced that the HighlandCompanies’ quarry submissionwill be subject to an environmen-tal assessment. This is a majordevelopment since last month’scover story in The Grower detail-ing plans for a quarry on primepotato land.

In response, a company state-ment said: “The Highland Com-panies reconfirms its commitmentto pursue approval of the pro-posed Melancthon Quarry,despite (the) unprecedentedannouncement from the Ministerof the Environment (MOE) tosubject the project to the Environ-mental Assessment Act (EA).

Highland is proposing to build anaggregate quarry in Melancthon,Ontario, away from environmen-tally sensitive areas like the Nia-gara Escarpment, Greenbelt, andOak Ridges Moraine. This pro-ject will help meet the demandidentified by the government ofOntario for a reliable, secure andlong-term source of high qualityaggregates.

John Lowndes of The High-land Companies said, “We areconfident that a truly transparentand independent assessment ofthe proposed Melancthon Quarrywill demonstrate that we havetaken a responsible and balancedapproach to aggregate extractionthat provides a long-term supplyfor the province while also pro-tecting the community and theenvironment. We were surprisedby the recent announcement of anEA, especially since we werealready in talks with various gov-ernment ministries and were com-plying with the rigorous require-ments of the AggregateResources Act, the Planning Act,the Environmental ProtectionAct, and the Ontario WaterResources Act.”

For those protesting the quar-ry, fundraising activities continueunabated. A YouTube video,(google Mega Quarry Film]) wasreleased in Toronto on Sept 21.The Canadian Chefs Congresswill be at the centre of a majorevent, Foodstock, in MelancthonTownship on October 16.

www.Hot-Potatoes.ca

Hot-Potatoes.ca November 30, 2011

Make it a Point. Calling innovators

The Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence pro-gram is accepting applicationsuntil November 14, 2011. Theprogram recognizes innovatorswho contribute to the success ofOntario’s agri-food sector.

Program applications will bereviewed by two independentpanels made up of representativesfrom across Ontario's agri-food

industry. Submit your application post-

marked by 5 p.m. on Monday,November 14, 2011 to:Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,Food and Rural Affairs1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor Guelph, Ontario N1G 4Y2Attn: Premier's AwardOn-line at: www.ontario.ca/agri-foodinnovation E-mail: premiersagrifoodinnova-tionaward@ontario.ca

OCTOBER 2011 –– PAGE 3THE GROWER

INTERNATIONAL

IN TRANSIT

Turkey’s hazelnutsearn $1.78 B

Turkey, home to the world’slargest hazelnut production,earned $1.78 billion in its latestseason ending August 31, 2011.According to the Black SeaHazelnut & Products Exporters'Union, Turkey exports to 90countries including Canada.

With a Ferrero Rocher plantin Brantford, Ontario, the searchis underway for orchardists tostart hazelnut groves to provide alocal supply. It takes six years toobtain a marketable crop butonce mature, the trees can pro-duce for 40 years. The interna-tional company has exactingstandards for nut size. AnyOntario production would likelybe directed towards Nutellaspreads says John Kelly, vice-president, Erie Innovation andCommercialization. Source: FreshPlaza.com

IN DEVELOPMENT

Diagnostic test forpotato cyst nematodes

A U.S. Department of Agri-culture (USDA) scientist has cre-ated a diagnostic test that identi-fies the type of nematode infest-ing potato growers’ fields.

Xiaohong Wang, a molecularbiologist with the AgriculturalResearch Service (ARS) in Itha-ca, N.Y., has filed a patent appli-cation on the monitoring tool.

There are two types of potatocyst nematode (PCN): the goldenand the pale. Distinguishingbetween the two is importantbecause breeders have developedgolden nematode-resistant pota-toes but have yet to develop vari-eties that resist the pale cystnematode. If the pale cyst nema-tode is found in a field, potatoescannot be grown there.Source: potatobusiness.com

IN COMPETITION

Berries top apples inBritain

Berries have overtaken apples,by a stem, as the most popularfruit in Britain. In the past 12months, berry sales increased by13.3 per cent, and now make up18.4 per cent of Britain’s £4,160million fruit market. Applesaccounted for 18 per cent. Citrusfruits are third at 14.8 per cent,according to a survey of fruitgrowers.

Many favourite berries havebeen dubbed ‘superfoods’ byhealth experts. Blueberries, inparticular, are attributed withanthocyanin antioxidants whichtreat a wide range of medicalconditions.

In the U.K., covered plantinghas assisted in extending thegrowing season while investmentin research and development hasincreased the quality, volume andappearance of the crops grown. Source: FreshPlaza.com

IN NEGOTIATIONS

Veggies grown onsupermarket’s roof

Bright Farms, a New York-based firm is negotiating with 10supermarket chains to build andoperate hydroponic greenhouseson their rooftops. The firmwould put up $1.5 million to $2million to build and operate thegreenhouse, selling 500,000pounds of produce to the super-market for a 10-year contract.

The company says it has letters of intent with 10 super-market chains in the United

States with the first of the green-houses expected to open in 2012.

Benjamin Linsley, vice presi-dent of business developmentand public affairs for the compa-ny, said they are also exploringoptions in Canada, but those conversations are private and toopremature to announce.

For a head of lettuce in NewYork, up to 50 per cent of itsvalue goes to the cost of trans-portation. According to BrightFarms, each greenhouse willgenerate $1 to $1.5 million inrevenue per year; will mitigatearound 740 tons of Co2 emissions per year from eachgreenhouse and will use up to

nine times less water,saving around five million gallons a year.Bright Farms has beenconsulting on a demon-stration greenhouse atWhole Foods in NewJersey.Source: Toronto Star

How to irrigate business growth

Growth is hard under circumstances of drought: lack oflabour, lack of financing, lack of strategic partners in mar-keting, packaging and distribution. The hardest step is towater the business beyond $500,000 to a million and then

to double it again. In the quest for success, it’s easy toforget an exit strategy. Once that business is built, how doyou take the money out of it rather than just guaranteeyourself a job for life.

There are many Cheryl Peck’s who are striving for thenext level. David Sparling, professor and chair, Agri-FoodInnovation and Regulation, Ivey School of Business, pro-vides some insight.

“This is a point that many entrepreneurs reach and thendecide to stop,” says Sparling. “Up to here, they are run-ning a very successful family business and adding signifi-cant value to their crop. The next step brings changes thatmany farmers and small business people aren’t interestedin: a major scale-up.”

Growth means more investment, more staff and mostimportantly, the challenge of managing more complexrelationships with suppliers, customers and investors.Building more scale certainly justifies investment in equip-ment and food safety. At that point, the next hurdle is tomaximize use of the upgraded facilities and several ques-tions arise. Does that mean a wider range of products fromdifferent crops? Can some raw materials be imported atslow times of the year?

Some businesses have made the jump such as OrganicMeadow, eastern Canada’s leading organic dairy andRowe Farms, an Ontario-based butcher and local foodretailer. They did it through Investeco Capital Corpora-tion, a Toronto-based private equity group that is lookingto invest in agriculture and health. Investeco is launchinga $40 million fund this fall with a view to investing insmall and medium-sized food companies with at least $2million in annual revenue.

“Investeco is picking up on two key growth trends,organic and health,” says Sparling. “Farmers should under-stand that investors have expectations and they’re usuallynot looking for 10 per cent but 30 per cent returns. Invest-

ments are usually based on a number of years, contingenton milestones. If those objectives are met, then moremoney is invested. These are complex relationships tomanage and entrepreneurs must recognize that venturecapitalists usually need an exit strategy, either through aninitial public offering or through the sale of the company.”

The Ivey School of Business offers an executive devel-opment program to entrepreneurs called “Quantum Shift.”The five-day developmental program is designed preciselyfor business people contemplating the next jump and help-ing them to calculate how to structure their businesses.Only 40 business entrepreneurs are accepted annuallythrough a nomination process conducted by KPMG Enter-prise. The next session is slated for May 6 – 11, 2012 inLondon, Ontario.

phillipsfs.ca 1-800-811-6238 info@phillipsfs.ca

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Quality starts in the orchard with Cheryl Peck checkingthe hand-harvested apples.

Sparkling ciders are showcased in the on-farm retail storeat The Cider Keg at Vittoria, ON.

PAGE 4 –– OCTOBER 2011THE GROWER

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The entire issues platform, as outlined bythe Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’Association, can be found atwww.ofvga.org. Here is a summary.

ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLESECTOR FACTS AND FIGURES

• The fruit and vegetable sector supports30,000 on-farm jobs in rural Ontario, aswell as a further 8,700 jobs specific to hor-ticulture and specialty crops. • More than 125 different fruit and veg-etable crops are grown in Ontario with anestimated annual farm gate value of $1.5billion.• In dollar terms, the largest sector of theindustry is greenhouse vegetables, with anestimated annual farm gate value of $550million.

An investment in agriculture is good forthe economy, the environment and is asmart, perhaps lowest cost way of preserv-ing jobs and local services in rural commu-nities.

Issue: Federal involvement in provincialsafety net programming

There are distinct differences betweenthe agricultural sectors of the Canadianprovinces. These are differences in climate,production, markets, legislation and pro-gramming. The federal government mustrespect these regional differences whendeveloping safety net programming,including allowing for federal participationin provincially or regionally specific initia-tives.

Ask:• Continued efforts by the Ontario govern-ment to lobby for federal support ofprovincial safety net programs.

Issue: Establishment of a PACA-liketrust – fair and ethical trading practices

Canadian growers selling into the U.S.are protected under the Perishable Agricul-tural Commodities Act (PACA), but U.S.growers selling into the Canadian marketdo not have the same protection. Theindustry needs the support and willingnessof the government to provide the regulato-ry framework necessary to make this pro-gram a reality. This falls mostly under fed-eral jurisdiction but will require provincialgovernment support to move forward.

Ask• Provincial government to work withOntario farmers to help secure federal gov-ernment implementation of a PACA-liketrust

Issue: government downloading of pro-gram costs with societal benefit

Ask:• Government to work collaboratively withfarmers in advance of implementing newprograms or changes to existing initiatives.• Government to be respectful of additionalcosts being downloaded onto farmers andprovide offset programming to compen-sate.

Issue: Consistent taxation for on-farmvalue-adding businesses

Ask:• Government and agriculture to developan acceptable definition of farming for tax-ation issues so that consistent taxationpractices can be implemented.• Government to recognize on-farm value-adding activities as normal on-farm prac-tices

Issue: Regulation reduction

Ask:• Streamlining of regulatory approvalprocesses and better co-ordination betweengovernment departments and other agen-cies involved in regulator processes.

Issue: Investment in research programs

Ask:• Continued financial support of importantshort-term research initiatives like ORD,FIP etc., as well as for core research activi-ties, like pest management and resistance. • Implementation of longer-term researchprogramming that takes into account thatsome research can take many years to com-plete successfully, due to its complexity.• Maintain Ontario’s research capacity

Issue: Continued support for theOntario Market Investment Fund pro-gram

Ask:• Continuation of the OMIF programbeyond its original four year mandate,which ends in 2012, to provide marketing

and promotion support to commodity, farmand food organizations.

Issue: Sufficient financial support foron-farm environmental and food safetyprograms

Ask:• Increased funding levels for on-farm foodsafety and environmental cost-share pro-grams to allow more farms the opportunityto participate in these initiatives.

Issue: Support for heat and power co-generation projects

Ask:• Policy change to enable the implementa-tion of co-gen projects in areas beyond thefive urban centers selected by OntarioPower Generation, to boost the productionof green energy.

Issue: Continued support for FoodlandOntario and Buy Local initiatives

Ask:• Continued financial support by theprovincial government of Foodland Ontarioand Buy Local programs

Issue: Promoting Healthy eating throughfruits and vegetables

Ask:• Recognition of the key role fruits andvegetables play in healthy eating. • Expansion of the northern Ontario schoolsnack program into a province-wide initia-tive

What’s at stake in Ontario’s October 6 election

Dean Tiessen, president, Pyra-mid Farms Ltd, had a dramaticbackdrop of miscanthus to showglobal reporters, explaining how28,000 tonnes of “elephantgrass” and wood are pelleted andused for fuel to heat 37 acres ofhis family’s Leamington, Ontariogreenhouse. Besides sequesteringcarbon, the 1,000 acres of billow-ing grass is ground cover forpheasants. During the mediascrum, a deer made a guestappearance, underlining his message of sustainability.

Mike Tiessen (right) of PrismFarms answers questions fromAmerican journalist Paul Queckon the life cycle of Camparitomatoes under 10.5 acres of dou-ble poly film and 7.2 acres underglass. He also showed a test trialof miscanthus chips which arebeing used as a growing mediafor tomato vines. They are verypromising for greenhouse cucumbers as well.

Look way up! That’s ArtSchaafsma, director of Universityof Guelph Ridgetown Campus,talking about the benefits of thenew anaerobic bio-digester. At afarm-scale size of 250 kW, it’sdesigned to convert agriculturaland food industry biomass to biogas. Greenhouse wastes arecontemplated as one potentialsource. The biodigester is locatedat the Centre for AgriculturalRenewable Energy and Sustain-ability (CARES).

Look into the distance! That’sfield tomatoes that reach almostall the way to the Sun-Brite andH. J. Heinz tomato paste andjuice plant in Leamington. Harvest is expected to be 90 to 95per cent of the contract at 42 tonsper acre according to John Mumford, Ontario ProcessingVegetable Growers. A late springdampened tonnage targets.

Dust did not deter farm jour-nalists from snapping photos offield tomato harvesting. Reliableyields and quality are needed tokeep food processors in the area.A new water “lifeline” built byLeamington Area Drip IrrigationInc. draws water directly fromLake Erie. Built by 13 farmers,the 36 kilometres of pipelinenow waters 2,500 acres. In thefuture, greenhouses may be addedto the water network to fulfillyear-round capacity.

THE GROWER

OCTOBER 2011 –– PAGE 5

The Olympians of farm journalists visit Canada

WWW.GLEXPO.COM

One registration fee covers both conferences and the trade show!

Online registration starts Sept. 27. Register by Nov. 11 to save

on registration fees.

Visit GLEXPO.com for registration, program and other information.

Call 734-677-0503 for registration questions or to receive registration

and program information by mail.Call 616-794-0492 for information

on exhibiting in the trade show.

DEC. 6-8, 2011DEVOS PLACE CONVENTION CENTER

AND THE AMWAY GRAND PLAZA HOTEL

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

4,200 people from 34 states and 5 Canadian provinces attended in 2010

Informative education program for growers and farm marketers – 56 education sessions and workshops over three days

Large trade show – 380-plus exhibitors covering four acres of exhibit space

Pre-conference bus tour for farm marketers on Monday, Dec. 5

The PREMIER show for fruit and vegetable growers, greenhouse growers and farm marketers!

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KAREN DAVIDSON

Guess who’s coming to dinner? For a week? Connoisseurs of farming and food flew from around the globe to savour Ontario’s

harvest for a few brief days in mid-September. The Canadian Farm Writers Federation(CFWF) played host to 250 colleagues from 34 countries in a choice of tours to LakeHuron, Lake Erie or Lake Ontario. Owen Roberts and Lilian Schaer, congress co-chairs

and well-known to our readers as columnists in The Grower, led many volunteers whoorganized tours that started in Guelph and ended with a rendez-vous in Niagara Falls.

This is the first time that the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists(IFAJ) congress has been hosted in Canada since 1967. Thanks are owed to many farmorganizations, including the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association, for helping to sponsor this once-in-a-career tour.

THE GROWER

PAGE 6 –– OCTOBER 2011

By now, the Self-DirectedRisk Management (SDRM)deposit and withdrawal noticesshould have been sent out. If youare an Ontario fruit and vegetable,mushroom, maple syrup or honeyproducer and have not yetreceived your notice then I urgeyou to contact Agricorp at 1-888-247-4999 and have them sendyou an application form.

It’s a good program and I urgeall of you to participate in it ifyou are eligible and for that youneed to have a minimum $5000Allowable Net Sales (ANS) andproduce edible horticulture cropshere in Ontario.

Two points of interest for the2011 crop year ONLY: 1) you donot need to participate in Agri-Stability this year and 2) you donot need to make a deposit. Next year you will have to doboth.

During the recently held infor-mation sessions a number ofrecurring questions came up that Iwill attempt to answer.

The first and foremost ques-tion related to the linkage to Agri-Stability and since SDRM will beconsidered a prepayment to Agri-Stability then why should I botherto participate?

For this year and this yearonly, one will not have to partici-pate in Agri-Stability. If you dohave an Agri-Stability accountand you trigger a payment thenthe provincial government contri-bution to your SDRM accountwill be considered a prepaymentto the provincial government por-tion of your Agri-Stability pay-ment only. Remember all Agri-Stability payments are 40 per centfrom the provincial governmentand 60 per cent from the federalgovernment. We are talking aboutthe provincial portion only!

So what does this mean in dollars and cents?

Let’s assume you have aSDRM account in 2011 of$10,000. Now let’s assume youtrigger an Agri-Stability paymentof $20,000 of which $12,000comes from the federal govern-ment and $8,000 from the provin-cial government (traditional 60:40split). In this case you would keepthe $10,000 SDRM payment andthe $12,000 federal portion of theAgri-Stability payment but wouldnot receive the $8,000 provincialportion of the Agri-Stability pay-ment. You are still $2,000 betteroff with SDRM. Only if theprovincial portion of the Agri-Stability payment is equal to orlarger than the provincial contri-bution to your SDRM accountwill you not come out ahead.

For this year if you don’t havean Agri-Stability account thenyou would keep the $10,000SDRM payment, in future yearsyou will need to be enrolled inAgri-Stability to participate inSDRM.

An important fact to rememberis that when we analyzed theAgri-Stability numbers we sawthat, on average, fewer than 30per cent of the farmers in our sec-tor triggered a payment in Agri-Stability in any given year. This

means that a farmer in our sectorcould expect to trigger Agri-Stability once every three to fouryears.

Two other points on this: 1) only the provincial contribu-tion to your SDRM account, notYOUR contribution in 2012 andbeyond will be used as a prepay-ment to Agri-Stability. Yourmoney will never be used as aprepayment to Agri-Stability. 2) Should you have more thanone year of contribution(s) inyour SDRM account only theprovincial government’s contribu-tion from the current programyear can be used as a prepaymentto Agri-Stability.

The combination of the 1.5 percent ANS maximum contributionto Agri-Invest and the caps in thisprogram means there may well bea short-fall in available dollars tocover off the top 15 per cent lossof margin in any given year.SDRM will help to cover thisshort-fall, as such this program isextremely important to our sector,so please use it.

Another question that repeat-edly came up was with regards totax liability. In short, the govern-ment contribution to SDRM willbe treated as taxable income in

the year that it is goes into youraccount, not when you take it out.

Another question that came uprepeatedly was when are thedeadlines for the current programyear?

If you want to take advantageof this program in 2011 then youmust submit your withdrawalrequest by October 31st, if youwant to postpone it until early inthe new year then you will haveto submit your withdrawal requestform by February 1st 2012.Remember the deposit will betreated as taxable income the yearin which it goes into your SDRMaccount.

I realize that you probably willhave many other questions aswell and that this column is tooshort so I urge you to read the2011 SDRM handbook that Agri-corp has or will send out. Youshould be able to find the answersto your questions there. If youhave not received a SDRM pack-age then call Agricorp at 1-888-247-4999 and have them send itto you. It’s a good program. It’sthere for you so please use it.

For what it is worth, it’s theway I see it.

ART SMITHCEO, OFVGA

STAFFPublisher: Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ AssociationEditor: Karen Davidson, 416-252-7337, kdavidson@ecomente.caProduction: Carlie Robertson, ext. 221, production@thegrower.orgAdvertising: Herb Sherwood, 519-380-0118, hsherwood@cogeco.ca

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 nextissue. 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 thesole owner of The Grower. All editorials and opinions expressedin The Grower are those of the newspaper’s editorial staff and/orcontributor, and do not necessarily reflect the view of the association.

All rights reserved. The contents of this publicationmay not be reproduced either whole or in part without theprior written consent of the publisher.

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ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2011

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEEChair Brian Gilroy, MeafordVice-Chair Mac James, LeamingtonFruit Director Ray Duc, Niagara-on-the-LakeVeg Director Jason Ryder, DelhiDirector Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin

BOARD OF DIRECTORSApples Brian Gilroy, MeafordFresh Vegetable - Other Mary Shabatura, Windham CentreTender Fruit Fred Meyers, 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’ Doug Bradley, TillsonburgGreenhouse Jan Vander Hout, WaterdownGreenhouse Don Taylor, Durham

OFVGA SECTION CHAIRS

Crop Protection Charles Stevens, NewcastleResearch Harold Schooley, SimcoeProperty David Lambert, Niagara-on-the-LakeLabour Ken Forth, LyndenSafety Nets Mark Wales, AlymerCHC Murray Porteous, SimcoeAGCare/Nutrient Man. Charles Stevens, Newcastle

SDRM . . . It’s bankable

There was a great article in therecent issue of Food InstituteNews from the CEO of Delhaize,

Pierre-Olivier Beckers, on therecent sales success of U.S. retail-er Food Lion. A few excerpts areas follows:

Pricing strategies alone canbackfire

These days, a growing numberof retailers are trying to delivergreater value through lowerprices. Whether these are offeredon the shelf or reflecting in spe-cials and promotions, there’s agood chance that by themselves,lower prices will be slow toincrease sales. In some cases,they may even deflate sales belowwhat they would have been hadthere been no pricing initiative.

How can this happen? Lowerprices need to be weaved into a

pattern that changes the retailer’sprice reputation with shoppers inorder to change those shoppers’buying habits.

Pricing is only one dimension ofvalue

Pricing is important, but itisn’t the only source of value thatinfluences where shoppers decideto shop. These include quality,service, assortment, location andfacility. The equation would looklike this:

Value = (Price x Quality xService x Assortment x Locationx Facility)

Retailers who generate strongsales typically execute wellagainst a sharply defined shoppervalue equation – one that allows

them to win the business of theirtarget shopper by:• Dominating on a dimension ofvalue that’s important to the tar-get shoppers• Maintaining parity on all otherimportant dimensions whichrequires:

o Identifying all the dimen-sions that are important to targetshoppers

o Executing on every one ofthem so that shoppers don’t havea reason to go elsewhere.

There is more information inthe article but I think you get thepicture by now. Conclusion – Doall aspects of the Value Equationright and price becomes less of afactor? Customers can be trainedto not just look through the flyers

for the best deal that week andconcentrate more on where theycan get the best overall valueweek after week.

This shift in focus can helpretailers as well as their suppliers.Remember, if price is the majorissue and a lower retail price isthe driver then that can only beachieved by driving down theprice paid to producers. No onewins accept maybe the consumerand if price is achieved at the costof quality then no one wins. Ibelieve consumers are prepared topay a reasonable price for consis-tent, high quality produce.

Delivering value beyond price

ADRIAN HUISMANONTARIO TENDERFRUIT PRODUCERS

“Indian Summer”Along the line of smoky hillsThe crimson forest stands,And all the day the blue-jay callsThroughout the autumn lands.

Now by the brook the maple leans, With all his glory spread;And all the sumachs on the hills Have turned their green to red.

Now, by great marshes wrapt in mist, Or past some river's mouth,Throughout the long still autumn dayWild birds are flying south.

-- William Wilfred Campbell (1860-1919)Born at Kitchener, Campbell was knownas the poet of the Great Lakes.

Thank you foryour September arti-cle “Potato growers

looking to hedge quar-ry’s pitfalls.” It is crucial forOntarians to know what is beingplanned “for their own good” andat what cost. The Highland Com-panies, backed by the Boston-based hedge fund, has planned amega-quarry just 90 minutesnorthwest of Toronto on primefarmland.

A “mega-quarry” is defined ashaving 150 million tonnes ofreserves and an annual productioncapacity of at least 10 milliontonnes. Highland’s quarry licenceapplication is for unlimited annu-al tonnage with 6 billion tonnes inreserves. The quarry is designedaround four pits and a central

operating area over 2,316 acres(7.2km x 3km) going down 200feet below the water table. As aresult, 600 million litres of wateris expected to be pumped and re-injected into the water table everyday. Water that will be contami-nated by ammonium nitrate fueloil (ANFO) explosive, vehiclefluids and dust. This area is theheadwaters for five major riversand source water for an estimatedone million Ontarians. The riversflow to Lake Erie, Lake Huronand the Georgian Bay.

This mega-quarry will be thelargest in Canada and since thecompany owns 8,000 acres willlikely become the largest in NorthAmerica.

It should be noted that High-land’s rehabilitation plan, after

the aggregate is extracted, is torebuild the soil and farm the bottom of the pits. Of course,this requires pumping water inperpetuity.

Meanwhile, Lafarge Mani-toulin a couple of hours northwestof the proposed quarry site is currently Ontario’s largest quarryand ships significant productquantity to the U.S.

Why is this proposal evenbeing considered? Ontario’s 40-year old Aggregate Resources Actprioritizes rock over fresh foodand clean water. It’s time forOntario to wake up and appreci-ate the potatoes!

Donna BaylisDunedin, ON

THE GROWER

OCTOBER 2011 –– PAGE 7

When human disaster such asthe unrelenting famine in theHorn of Africa hits, aid is theimmediate answer. More than 12million people are starving andneed our support to secure food,medicine, shelter and water.Those who have witnessed thedevastation first-hand, such asUniversity of Guelph PresidentAlastair Summerlee, plead forhelp on behalf of those who have

no voice. And in Canada, thosepleas are being heard – the Cana-dian government is now matchingevery relief dollar raised throughdonations to the Canadian RedCross, and 10 financial institu-tions in Canada are acceptingcash donations in support of thatcause.

But feeding hungry people hasa longer-term component, too,that involves helping people helpthemselves. It’s an approachbeing taken by, among others,several Rotary clubs in Ontario,including those in Guelph-Wellington, Grey-Bruce andbeyond. Their efforts are goingtowards helping farmers and vil-lagers secure clean water sourcesin what is hoped will become thebreadbasket of eastern Africa,Cameroon.

Rotarians see things in muchthe same way as former UN spe-cial envoy Stephen Lewis. Helong maintained that food produc-tion was a key to fight HIV/AIDSand manage disease. Food givespeople strength, and healthy peo-

ple who are properly nourishedare better at fighting disease thanthose who are weak to begin with.

Food production requires landand water availability. InCameroon, water is bountiful dur-ing the rainy season. Long-timeRotarian and former University ofGuelph rural extension professorAb Moore, who visited Cameroonmany times, recalls seeing waterstreaming down tall hills there.

But it was never retained forthe dry season. No infrastructurewas in place to harvest it and holdit. As a result, members of thefamily who were responsible forgathering water (women, usually)had to walk for hours to try tofind a water source. And then,inevitably it would be contami-nated. Moore says an estimated20 per cent of the children livingin rural Cameroon chronicallysuffer from cholera, from drink-ing unfit water.

To help, Rotarians are provid-ing money for projects that directand hold the rainy season run-off.That means paying for plastic

pipe, plumbing and water storagedevices that the local peoplecouldn’t make or otherwiseafford. Rotarians provide thematerials, and through local non-government organizations,Cameroonians provide the labourto construct it, as well as theindigenous sand and gravel tosecure it.

When children are healthy,they can attend school. But inCameroonian society, boys getpreferential treatment when itcomes to education. So someRotarians are also providingscholarships to poor families tosend their daughters to school.Moore says it’s become a popularprogram in Cameroon communi-ties, where mothers – who aretypically the principal labourers –want to see their daughters’ lot inlife improved.

Then finally, once people arehealthy and productive, they canlook towards feeding others. Tothat end, Rotary is supporting apilot project that will ply a fooddistributor in east central Africa

with ground, processed cassavafrom Cameroon. Rotary pays forthe grinding mills for the cassava,so it doesn’t have to be done byhand.

“Cameroon stands to becomethe breadbasket of east centralAfrica,” says Moore. “We canhelp them move forward.”

Researchers at Guelph have along history of water improve-ment, through studies funded bythe partnership with the OntarioMinistry of Agriculture, Food andRural Affairs, and other sources.Most recently, the University ofGuelph and the City of Guelphhave become key players in thegroundbreaking The SouthernOntario Water Consortium, a $60-million initiative that includeseight universities and 60 industrypartners, and will create a plat-form for world-leading research,testing and technology develop-ment. About a dozen Guelph fac-ulty members will be involved,taking another step forward inhelping provide water to a hun-gry, thirsty world.

Clean water is vital for hunger relief . . . and hope

OWEN ROBERTSUNIVERSITY OFGUELPH

PERSPECTIVE

LETTER TO EDITOR

Taters not craters October 5, 6 Canadian Greenhouse Conference, Scotiabank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, ON

Oct. 14 – 17 PMA Fresh Summit, Georgia World Congress Centre, Atlanta, GA

October 15 Holland Marsh Soupfest, Holland Marsh Winery, Keele Street, Newmarket, ON 9 am – 5 pm, www.hollandmarshsoupfest.com.

October 16 Foodstock, “Stop the mega-quarry fundraiser” with chef Michael Stadtlander, Honeywood, ON

October 26 Ontario Produce Marketing Association Quality Control Seminar, OPMA office, Toronto, ON

Nov. 2 Ontario Produce Marketing Association Quality Control Seminar, OPMA office, Toronto, ON

Nov. 4 – 13 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, ON

Nov. 6 – 8 Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association 2011 Annual Bus Tour, Niagara Region, ON

November 9 Ontario Produce Marketing Association Quality Control Seminar, OPMA office, Toronto, ON

Nov. 14 – 20 Outstanding Young Farmers National Program, Royal Oak Inn, Brandon, MB

Nov. 22, 23 Essex County Associated Growers Bounty of the County, Kinsmen Recreation Complex, Leamington, ON

Nov. 29 – Dec 1 Grow Canada Conference, Winnipeg, MB

Dec. 6 – 8 Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Market Expo, DeVos Plaza Convention Centre and Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids, MI

December 7 Ontario Potato Board Annual General Meeting, 10 a.m., Cambridge Holiday Inn, Hall C

COMING EVENTS 2011

I wanted to express my grati-tude to The Grower for publish-ing such a comprehensive andsuccinct article about the pro-posed mega-quarry in Melanc-thon Township.

I joined the ‘Protest to Stopthe Quarry’ march which startedat Queen’s Park on April 23 2011and ended up on Black’s farm 15kilometres from Shelburne, inMelancthon Township. I wasinspired that so many peoplechose to set aside their home life,their employment and their crea-ture comforts to walk for fivedays in changeable weather to

show the rest of Canada and theworld that we will not sit backand allow our lives to be impact-ed upon without some form ofconscionable redress.

Every day I walk with my dogand marvel at the wildlife that wesee . . . ducks, deer, fox, geese,wild turkeys and the plethora ofsongbirds who entertain us on ourwalks. How long will that last ifone kilometre away there is blast-ing going on 24 hours a day,seven days a week? Is there anystudy available that would con-clusively prove that a mega-quarry would not have a major

environmental impact? I don’tthink so.

I like to drive the short threekilometres to Lennox Farm’s vegetable and fruit stand to buyproduce which is grown locally.I’m proud to know that the sameproduce is shipped to Toronto tothe Ontario Food Terminal. Thisfarm market’s future is at stake asare the local farms. Are we willing to trade potatoes foraggregates?

Louise Marcoux PhillipsShelburne, ON

Following are highlights from theOFVGA board meeting heldAugust 25, 2011. The purpose ofthis brief is to keep you up-to-date on the issues that theOFVGA is working on, as well asprojects and initiatives the organi-zation is involved in.

New Board member from ginseng

Ken Van Torre joined the Boardas the new director representingthe Ontario Ginseng Growers. Hereplaces Doug Bradley.

Labour

Worker safety: Labour sectionchair Ken Forth and Crop Protec-tion section chair Charles Stevensattended a meeting with the PestManagement Regulatory Agency(PMRA) worker safety divisionfor an update on safe handling ofcrop protection materials byemployees.

Workplace Safety and Preven-tion Service: David Lambert andNorm Charbonneau will representthe OFVGA on the WSPS adviso-ry committee. WSPS was createdthrough an amalgamation of theFarm Safety Association, theIndustrial Accident PreventionAssociation and the Ontario Ser-vice Safety Alliance, and is nowhoused within the Ministry ofLabour. A portion of premiumspaid to the Workplace SafetyInsurance Board (WSIB) was previously directed to the FarmSafety Association to fund prevention awareness programs.Concern was expressed that prevention incentive programsmay be eliminated and replacedwith enforcement initiatives.

Crop protection

GROU program: All OFVGAmember organizations are askedto submit their crop protectionproduct nominations for theGROU program to CharlesStevens or Craig Hunter. Thisfall, OFVGA will submit itsannual list of products that farm-

ers would like to see on theGROU list of products approvedfor import for the next growingseason. Some nominations maynot be eligible due to patent pro-tection and other parametersbrought forward by CropLifeCanada. The GROU product listcan contain a maximum of 30products.

Crop protection section meeting:The crop protection section willmeet at the OFVGA office inGuelph in October. Furtherdetails will be made availableonce they are finalized.

Product registrations: The PestManagement Regulatory Agency(PMRA) is looking at changingits long-standing policy of firstsubmission in, first approval outregarding product approvals.PMRA would like the ability tomove submissions ahead in theirapproval queue so that productsthat address a pest issue that hasbeen identified as a priority byfarmers can be dealt with in prior-ity sequence.

Property

Property section chair DavidLambert represents OFVGA on acommittee working to develop anational sustainable water strate-gy for horticulture. This initiativeis taking place as part of thenational Horticulture Value ChainRoundtable. The committee willnext meet in September to contin-ue its work on a draft outline forthe strategy.

AGCare and Ontario FarmAnimal Council amalgamation

A final vote on the amalgamationof AGCare and the Ontario FarmAnimal Council (OFAC) tookplace August 26. The new organi-zation will be formally put inplace in January 2012, and willbe run by an interim Board ofDirectors until April when theannual general meeting will takeplace. The board of the new orga-nization will consist of four live-stock and four crop representa-

tives, and four members at large.Two advisory councils, onefocused on animal care and oneon environmental issues, will sup-port the board. The OFVGA is amember of AGCare.

Research

OFVGA is working with Break-fast Clubs of Canada and theCanadian Horticultural Council tosubmit a funding application toorganize a national symposium onstudent nutrition. The goal is togather stakeholders from acrossthe country together to further thedevelopment of a student nutri-tion program for disadvantagedregions, such as Canada’s North,so that students in these areaswould have access to fresh pro-duce. OFVGA currently managesa school snack program with sev-eral school districts in northernOntario with funding provided bythe Ontario Ministry of HealthPromotion. The OFVGA Board

passed a motion to provide finan-cial support to the application.

Canadian Horticultural Council(CHC)

CHC has been involved for sometime in discussions on how sea-sonal agricultural workers couldlegally immigrate to Canada. Thehorticulture industry is changingwith farmers needing more man-agement time to run increasinglycomplex operations, especiallyones that involve expansion pro-jects or value-adding activities.Many seasonal agricultural work-ers have years of training and arehighly skilled employees that areessential to farm businesses. Onesuggested option is to have anagricultural farm manager posi-tion included on the eligible spon-sor list for Ontario, which wouldallow long-time seasonal agricul-tural workers to become involvedin farming operations on a morepermanent basis. OFVGA’s CHC

representative, Murray Porteous,recently met with Haldimand-Norfolk Brant MPP Toby Barrettto discuss the issue.

Innovation and technologyinformation session

A special technology and innova-tion session will be offered at theFruit and Vegetable Conventionin Niagara Falls in February. Thesession will feature speakers andpresentations on technologicalinnovations across the sector, andwill be coordinated by VinelandResearch and Innovation Centrein conjunction with the OFVGA.

Provincial election package

OFVGA is finalizing a documentoutlining key issues and needs forhorticulture for the upcomingelection campaign. Farmers andmember associations are encour-aged to use the document whenthey are speaking to candidates,attending all-candidate meetingsor otherwise participating in theelection.

Audit and finance committee

The Board voted to create anaudit and finance committee thatwill oversee the OFVGA’s auditprocess. It was agreed that theCEO, Chair and Vice Chairwould not be part of this commit-tee. New committee members areNorm Charbonneau, Ray Duc andJason Ryder.

The next OFVGA board meetingwill take place on October 13 atthe OFVGA office in Guelph,starting at 10:00 a.m.

THE GROWER

PAGE 8 –– OCTOBER 2011

Board Briefs

Photo by Denis Cahill

Nothing new to row crops,global positioning systems (GPS)could be used more in horticul-ture. The precision technologyhas been embraced by potatogrowers for more precise fieldtillage and by cole crop growersfor planting vegetable seedbeds.But many other commoditiescould benefit says Jordan Wal-lace, G.P.S. Ontario, speaking atthe recent Canada’s Fruit and VegTech XChange.

For a decade now, he’s been a“local guidance counselor” spe-

cializing in GPS systems from hisbase in North Gower, Ontario. AGPS system can increase produc-tivity levels by 10 to 25 per cent,he says, by reducing overlap andby being 100 per cent repeatablewith two to four inches accuracy.

In cases of planting, a GPSsystem can manage seed popula-tions, computerize field mappingand record harvests for food safe-ty traceability. In matters of cropprotection, the savings are in bet-ter rate control and targetedspraying. With wireless data

transfer, growers see advantagesin sending information from thetractor cab directly to the farmoffice. And with date-stampeddata, growers find the data helpfulin proving crop insurance claims.

“There are lots of applicationsin the grape industry for cropdrainage,” says Wallace, addingthat weather tools can be incorpo-rated for real-time data.

Irrigation companies are inter-ested in auto-pilot functions thatwill drive linear irrigation sys-tems down the field based on

GPS instrumentation. That mayprove difficult, but Wallaceacknowledges that’s where theindustry wants to go. For more

information, contact 613-327-6377 or www.GPSOn-tario.ca.

Global Positioning Systems: hands-on precision, hands-off technology

LILIAN SCHAER

Members of two Ontario agricultural coalitions voted inAugust to amalgamate their two organizations into one topromote food and farming in the province. The joining ofAgricultural Groups Concerned About Resources and theEnvironment (AGCare) and the Ontario Farm AnimalCouncil (OFAC) will mark the first time in Canada thatcrops, horticulture and livestock sectors have come togeth-er with such a mandate.

The new, yet-to-be named organization will formallylaunch on January 1, 2012 and will be located in the sameoffice space that AGCare and OFAC currently occupy inGuelph’s Ontario AgriCentre. An interim Board of Direc-tors with representation from both organizations has beenelected to serve between January 2012 and the new organi-zation’s annual meeting next April. At that time, a newboard will be elected, consisting of four livestock and fourcrop representatives, and four members at large.

Two advisory councils, one focused on animal care andone on environmental issues, will support the new board.A nomination process to those councils by members willbegin shortly.

The OFVGA has been a member of AGCare since thecoalition was launched in the late 1980s to address safe

and responsible use of crop protection products in Ontarioagriculture. Under AGCare’s leadership, the Ontario Pesti-cide Education Program was implemented, which is wide-ly credited with helping Ontario farmers reduce pesticideuse by more than 50 per cent over the last two decades. Itwas also instrumental in the development of the popularEnvironmental Farm Plan. AGCare’s members include awide range of crop and horticulture organizations.

OFAC is active in animal agriculture issues, such astransportation, care and handling of livestock, as well asconsumer outreach and educational displays at fairs andevents. Its members include commodity organizations,processors and related farm businesses.

The two coalitions have been working towards amalga-mation over the last two years, led by a steering committeeof Board members from both groups that helped developeda framework for the new organization.

“AGCare and OFAC were both formed as the firstcoalitions of their kind in North America in 1987. Wehave worked together in many areas, and have sharedoffice space, staff and projects for several years,” said PaulWettlaufer, chair of AGCare. “We began discussing a pos-sible amalgamation two years ago and now look forwardto working together on behalf of the whole sector for thefuture.

The new organization will have a collective focus onpublic outreach for a stronger voice for crop and animalsectors. AGCare and OFAC currently share office staff,including a joint Executive Director, and collaborate onmany public outreach initiatives. Some recent highlightsinclude:• Placing educational signs about agriculture alongsidehiking trails in the Greenbelt • Releasing an annual Faces of Farming calendar that dis-pels popular misconceptions of farmers • Working to get positive farming stories into the mediaand giving farmers the tools to be agricultural ambassadors• Developing virtual tours of livestock and crop farms togive the public a chance to experience real Ontario farms -www.virtualfarmtours.ca• Maintaining and expanding a library of current agricul-tural photos and videos that are available for use by mediaand in publications• Leading a province-wide collection of obsolete agricul-tural crop protection and animal health products

In May of this year, a “Name our Name” contest runvia Twitter and Facebook attracted over 125 entries fromacross Canada and the United States. The organization’snew name will be announced later this fall.

THE GROWER

OCTOBER 2011 –– PAGE 9

Crop and livestock coalitions merge to promote food andfarming

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NOTICE OF MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the

Annual General Meeting

of the

FRESH VEGETABLE GROWERS OF ONTARIO

will be held in the Town ofWoodstock, Ontario

at the

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural AffairsBoardroom

Thursday November 24, 20118:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m

Election of directors of the Association will take place plus discussion of financial reports and any other business that may arise.

Pre-registration is required, registration forms and additionalmeeting details can be located on FVGO website

www.freshvegetablesontario.com/

There are lots of applications in the grapeindustry for crop drainage.

- Jordan Wallace“

KAREN DAVIDSON

Ed Hughes is a natural choice.The Beamsville, Ontario farmerwas recently named 2011 GrapeKing by the Grape Growers ofOntario, acknowledging his workin sustainable vineyards.

“Over the last 10 years, I haveembraced biodiversity and amalways looking for new ways toimprove and increase naturalmethods of controlling vigour,pests and vine balance whilereducing the need for artificialmethods,” says Hughes.

For several years now, he has

been experimenting with 21 acresof vinifera grapes, modifyingmonocultural practices by intro-ducing native plants to attractbeneficial insects. He has takencues from both Michigan StateUniversity biocontrol researchand Cornell University’s Environ-mental Impact Quotient that ratesvarious pesticides. While this rat-ing system has flaws, it has pro-vided comprehensive guidance.

Hughes’ philosophy is thatinsects are native to the environ-ment and grow in population overthe summer. By situating nativeplants – black-eyed susans, berg-

amot, asters and goldenrod – inmid-row corridors, beneficialinsects are attracted through thevarious bloom periods from Junethrough September, feeding onbad bugs. He also provides aresting place, a shaded haven ineach mid-row where beneficialbugs can breed and overwinter.Parasitic wasps, flies, beetles andspiders are introduced to the mixas predators to feed on bugs thatmay harm the grapevines. Aperimeter planting of blackber-ries, stinging nettle and otherspecies also attract beneficialinsects. Ontario Ministry of Agricul-

ture, Food and Rural Affairs(OMAFRA) and Brock Universi-ty assisted in a set of replicatedtrials. Results aren’t conclusivebut they are trending positive.

“This is the fourth seasonwithout using any insecticides ormiticides,” says Hughes. “I stillneed fungicides to fight fungaloutbreaks such as botrytis and theoccasional spot use of herbicidesfor problem perennial weeds.”Insecticides and miticides areexpensive and therefore eliminat-ing their use has resulted in realsavings.

Adding 10 tons of compost peracre in the fall is helping his claysoil to release its own nitrogenand to strengthen vines. Hughesis using 51 per cent less fertilizerthrough drip irrigation.

None of these results happenedwith a “eureka!” moment butrather observation since plantinghis vines in 1995. To get expres-sive fruit, Hughes says the vinemust grow as naturally as possi-ble, while controlling everyaspect. He planted with a spacingof 39 inches inter vine and ninefeet between rows, attempting tocontrol vigour above the groundwith unique trellising systems.More recent efforts at controllingconditions below the ground, suchas compost, offer the best results.

Growing smaller vines hasreduced several inputs related tomanaging large vines and loweredthe cost and the carbon footprintneeded to run the farm.Today, he manages a vine densityof at least 5500 vines per hectareso he can control vine vigour andbalance while reducing vineyields to about one to two kilo-grams per vine – much lower thanthe current standard practice offive to seven kilograms per vine. Clearly, this holistic system yieldsless fruit but of a quality desiredby Malivoire, a local wineryknown for its sustainable growingand wine making since 1997.

“Recently Malivoire invited agroup of growers and otherwineries together to start workingtowards either an Ontario or Nia-gara definition of sustainabilitythat will recognize our growingmethods,” says Hughes. “It’s notorganic, but rather incorporatessocial responsibility, environmen-tal stewardship and financial prof-itability.”

Hughes believes that his phi-losophy and efforts have paid offwith the recent signing of a long-term contract with Malivoire. Avisit to Malivoire’s website showsa whimsical lady beetle, scuttlingaround the home page. When itswings flash, think of it as a winkto this year’s Grape King.

A 400-tree orchard at the Atlantic Foodand Horticulture Research Centre hasbecome an outdoor laboratory to test thelatest research in organic agriculture andget a new crop off the ground.

The establishment of the three-year-oldorchard of Honeycrisp apples was partiallyfunded by the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’Association.

“Organic products are a fast-growingtrend and there is demand for produce freefrom pesticides and herbicides,” says JuliaReekie.

The research biologist is leading a teamthat is using the orchard to test ways ofcontrolling insects, diseases and weeds thatmeet organic production standards.

While the centre has conducted organicresearch in the past, the new orchard pro-vides a unique opportunity to look atorganic agriculture from the ground up.

Nova Scotia’s climate suits the Honey-crisp and the premium apple would have ahigher market value than most other applesgrown organically.

However, knowledge on the successfulestablishment of young organic Honeycrisp

orchards is limited.“Weeds are one of the main problems in

an organic apple orchard and control prod-ucts are limited,” says Reekie.

The team is focusing on a new field ofresearch called orchard floor management

for answers. The group is looking at half adozen approaches, including a reflectiveplastic mulch, composted manure and com-panion plant covers.

“When we put these on the orchardfloor, they act as a barrier to weed

growth,” says Reekie. “They basically suf-focate the weeds.”

The reflective plastic mulch could beespecially effective, shedding light on ahost of benefits.

“When used as a ground cover it canincrease the amount of available light byreflecting light back to the trees, almostlike a mirror,” says Reekie. “It has alsobeen shown to enhance colour of apples,conserve soil moisture and repel certaininsects.”

Andy Hammermeister, director of theOrganic Agriculture Centre of Canada inTruro, Nova Scotia, says he likes theresearch.

“The orchard floor is a pivotal part ofthe orchard ecosystem,” he says. “It affectsnutrients, pest control, beneficial insects,water and the overall aesthetics of theorchard landscape.”

“I think Dr. Reekie’s research is goingto be very important for organic apple pro-duction in the future.”

Reprinted courtesy Agriculture andAgri-Food Canada from “Kentville’s Cen-tury of Science.”

THE GROWER

PAGE 10 –– OCTOBER 2011

STEWARDSHIP

Organic research takes the floor

Recycle your emptypesticide containers

™

RINSE +Triple or pressure RINSE

REMOVE Caps and booklet,

leave the label on

RETURNTo your local

collection site

Visit www.cleanfarms.ca to find the collection site nearest you.

++Join the thousands of farmers across the country who are

recycling their empty pesticide containers. Protecting our farms,families and the environment is our shared responsibility.

IT’S FREE AND EASY!

Julia Reekie uses a laptop to collect climate data in an organic orchard of young Honey-crisp apple trees at the Atlantic Food and Horticulture Research Centre in Kentville,Nova Scotia. The station is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

The slow path to a sustainable vineyard earns respect

JERRY SCOTT MILLS

With major food retailers con-ducting pilot tests of reusableplastic containers (RPC) or“retrippers”, fresh produce grow-ers and packers are concernedabout the potential impact on cur-rent packaging/handling systemsfor corrugated containers.

John Mullinder, executivedirector of the Paper and Paper-board Packaging EnvironmentalCouncil, has been long involvedin the paper industry's “cratedebate” promoting the environ-mental performance of corrugat-ed. The paper industry, saysMullinder, is now taking a farmore aggressive stance againstwhat he says are misleading envi-ronmental claims from plasticcrate proponents.

“Plastic retrippers are derivedfrom non-renewable petrochemi-cals. Compare them with corru-gated master shippers made froma renewable resource, and thefact that Canada leads the worldin sustainable forest management.Isn't it strange that we don't hearanything about independent third-party certification of petrochemi-cal plants?”

Mullinder emphasizes thatonly about 11 per cent of corrru-gated content is from newlymilled wood fibre. “More than 80per cent of the average corrugatedbox comes from recovered paperor board, primarily corrugated,and the recovery rate for usedcorrugated is exceptionally high.It’s 85 per cent from industry andan amazing 92 per cent fromOntario's Blue Box program,”Mullinder explains.

Grower/packer AlgomaOrchards Ltd also has some con-cerns since it uses corrugatedboxes in its apple processing andpacking plant east of Bowmanville, Ontario.

“The retailers want to beknown by their customers asresponsible corporate citizens,”says Algoma president KirkKemp. “In theory, the conceptmakes sense, but at this pointRPC sizing doesn't work for ourfruit.”

Also, RPCs need to be clearlydifferentiated to avoid handlingerrors, and manually applyingidentification tags would addlabour cost on the line. Automati-cally glued labels could provecost-efficient but removing oldlabels and glue residue is anunknown factor, possibly solvedby hot-steam treatments duringturnaround.

The closed-loop RPC systemincludes thorough sanitizing afterevery delivery. But with no turn-around depot nearby -- Chicago isthe closest -- Kemp is unsure howwell RPCs would work for Algo-ma customers.

“We certainly look forward toa situation where we can mini-mize packaging and not have to

raise food costs,” says Kemp.“Then we'd have a win-winscenario. But with $300,000-plusalready invested in corrugatedforming and conveyor lines,RPCs would represent a majorfinancial commitment.”

A packaging supplier weighs in

In Mount Forest, Ontario,Wellington Wood Products pro-duces a vast variety of producepackaging in plastic, paper, woodand corrugated for Ontario

growers. Wellington vice presi-dent Paul Hincks is concernedabout the potential impact ofretrippers. “Do the big retailersappreciate the full effect ofchanges they'll make by introduc-ing plastic shippers to the freshproduce segment,” questionsHincks.

Pointing out residue in the cor-ners of a retripper, Hincks notesthat contamination is a big con-cern for both producer and retail-er, adding, “It became an issueamong Europeans during the past

summer's crisis of confidence.”Hygienic cleaning is critical.

But cleaning stations for returnedRPCs are limited to four in NorthAmerica (Atlanta, San Antonio,Rancho Cucamonga and Chicago)and the cost per unit for washing,handling and returning is not yetknown. Nor are paperwork, track-ing costs, and RPCs that goastray.

Plastic container availabilityduring peak periods is anotherconcern. Growers currently enjoynumerous sources for corrugated

containers, whereas retrippers arelimited to a handful of supplierswith complex tracking systemsthat keep their loop functioning.

Costly content mixups alsopose potential problems forWellington customers. “Thepacker is responsible for applyingRPC identification labels, where-as with corrugated shippers clearproduct identification appears onevery box,” says Hincks.

“Plastic shippers are bulky,”adds Hincks. “Once emptied, theytake up a lot of space waiting forpickup and retripping. They'recumbersome to stack and costlyto store. One advantage, though,they never collapse during transit!”

In light of recent news thatleading retripper Wal-Mart hasbegun a partial return to corrugat-ed for apples, citrus and stonefruit, the plastic initiative may notgo forward or as fast as originallyenvisioned. Retail chain plannersare reviewing the financial bene-fits and environmental sustain-ability as they more fully assessthe extent of costly handling sys-tem changes for growers andpackers.

Jerry Scott Mills is a freelancephotojournalist who has coveredthe corrugated industry for morethan a decade.

THE GROWER

OCTOBER 2011 –– PAGE 11

STEWARDSHIP

Corrugated or reusable plastic containers?The crate debate uncovers practical issues for the produce trade

A program designed to help Ontario farmerswith water taking permit needs

Surface Water Services • Ground Water Services

George ShearerSurface Water Specialist

Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association

105-355 Elmira Road NorthGuelph, Ontario N1K 1S5ph: 519-763-6160 ext. 219

cell: 519-222-3272 fax: 519-763-6604email: water@ofvga.org

Paul Hincks, Wellington Wood Products, poses beside traditional fruit baskets, just a sample of a wide variety of packaging solutions.

KAREN DAVIDSON

For the first time, Canada’sOutdoor Farm Show has set asideseveral acres to track the progressof several biomass crops at itsWoodstock, Ontario site. Growerscould view two varieties of mis-canthus and two varieties ofswitchgrass which were on display at the recent Sept 13 – 15show.

Scott Abercrombie, GildaleFarms, was in charge of the mis-canthus planting and maintaine-nace. John Malecki looked afterthe switchgrass plots.

Abercrombie has three years’experience under his belt with hisown 10 acres of miscanthus and10 acres of switchgrass, process-

ing the biomass for use as bed-ding for small animals and birds.The biomass is screened for dustand can be cut into fine, mediumor coarse lengths, depending onthe use. One feature is itsabsorbency, about three times thatof wood shavings. Another is itsability to sequester carbon.

In conjunction with theOntario Soil and Crop Improve-ment Association (OSCIA), theseplots demonstrate alternative“green” energy crops for thefuture. How economical they willprove to be remains a burningquestion as plummeting naturalgas prices make perennial grassesless viable. Just a couple yearsago, natural gas was priced at $12per gigajoule but is now selling at

$4 per gigajoule. “Ontario lost some momen-

tum, “ says Dean Tiessen, presi-dent, New Energy Farms, “in thatOntario Power Generation is notmoving towards a biomass optionfor the southwestern Ontariopower generation facilities.” ButTiessen predicts that volatilityand price spikes in natural gaswill return again, prodding farm-ers to look for clean, carbon-neu-tral, cheap energy.

“We now have the ability toscale,” says Tiessen, who hassorted out genetics, plantingequipment and rhizome propaga-tion. “As an example, we werebuying miscanthus plants in2006/2007 for one to three dollarseach. Now we sell them for larg-

er orders at 10 to 12 cents each.Establishing a hectare of this cropis now only a fraction of what itwas less than five years ago.”

“Will farm gate prices of grainnot be as strong and growers lookagain for new crops to grow?”says Tiessen. “Five years ago wewere there and five years beforethat, we had an economic climatewith strong demand for fuel. Myfather’s generation had the samebumps in the road. We want tosmooth them out for the remain-der of my career and the nextgenerations ahead.”

With current energy marketsnot as robust for perennial grass-es, Tiessen and others are lookingfor alternatives. Nick Betts,OSCIA, who oversees severalbiomass projects, points out thatconsumer products may holdpromise. Used as a raw materialfor biocomposites, miscanthus isfinding its way into door panelsand storage bins. Home

Hardware’s label reads: 100 percent post-consumer plastic blend-ed with non-food agri-products toformulate eco-friendly plastic –lowers carbon footprint by 25 percent.

“Now that’s what you call a100-mile product,” says Betts.

If biomass projects have beenslow to take root as a cash crop,it’s viable as a local sustainableloop. The City of Guelph’smayor has promoted the idea of aCombined Heat and Power (CHP)facility that would provide powerlocally. Whether that ideabecomes reality remains uncer-tain, however Betts knows of fourOntario farmers who are success-fully heating their homes fromthree acres of miscanthus.

Tiessen remains upbeat withplans to contract growers andland owners in 2012 to 2014 foradditional plantings of 10,000acres in southwestern Ontario.

THE GROWER

STEWARDSHIP

The economics of green energy crops are a burning question

PAGE 12 –– OCTOBER 2011

Scott Abercrombie showcases Miscanthus giganteus sourced fromAustria and M. Nagara sourced from New Energy Farms, Leamington,Ontario at a three-year trial at the Woodstock, Ontario site of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show. Not shown is Cave-in-Rock switchgrass and Kanlow switchgrass.

Clean ‘seed’ garlic available

Garlic planting is underway with 12,000 “clean seed” single-clovebulbs of Music garlic from the Superior Plant Upgrading and Distribution (SPUD) unit in New Liskeard, Ontario.These are the first for sale from virus-tested,nematode-free garlic plantlets according toBecky Hughes, head of the SPUDUnit. There is just enoughclean seed for paid-up members of the GarlicGrowers Association ofOntario (GGAO) at acost of $0.80 per bulb(clove) in lots of 100on a first-come, first-paid basis. This garlicproject was sponsoredby GGAO and the Agricultural Biosecurity Program.

THE GROWER

OCTOBER 2011 –– PAGE 13

KAREN DAVIDSON

Silicon, widely known for itsindustrial uses as a semiconductorin computers, is also beneficial inplant biology, but its propertiesare much less understood. Only inthe last five years haveresearchers started to figure outhow this chemical element (Si)works in boosting metabolism inspecific plants.

“Silicon has been controversialin the greenhouse industry,” saysRichard Bélanger, full professorand research chair in plant protec-tion, Laval University. “About70 per cent of growers in theNetherlands use silicon in a nutri-tional supplement, but sometimesit works and sometimes it doesn’t.Its use as a prophylactic treatmentto prevent disease has been based

entirely on empirical evidence.” For believers, silicon boosts

plant vitality, fending off com-mon greenhouse diseases such aspowdery mildew. But some grow-ers question its use, especially

when plants with and without sili-con look the same in identical cir-cumstances.

Thanks to a team of Japaneseresearchers, the mystery wasunlocked in 2006 through

genomics analysis. They discov-ered that rice, for instance, hassilicon transporters in the rootswhich allow uptake of the dis-ease-fighting element. Otherplants in the Cucurbitaceae fami-ly such as cucumbers have thesame silicon-absorbing capacity,while tomatoes and eggplants ofthe Solanacae family don’t. Thesefindings also help explain whyfoliar sprays will not work as wellsince the Si transporters are notexpressed in the leaves.

“Silicon does not act as anutrient,” Belanger points out,confirming further research atLaval University. He supportsthe use of silicon in an acidicsolution fed to greenhousecucumbers and other Si-absorbingplants along with other nutrients.Think of it as a vitamin tostrengthen the plants’ immunesystems to stress. Just like vita-mins, Belanger says that siliconneeds to be fed constantly in thenutrient solution for the entire lifecycle of cucumbers.

“If growers stop using it, theywill lose the benefits,” he says.

With the power of genomics tosolve many disease problems,Belanger says the next step willbe to breed plants in other plantfamilies that have silicon-trans-porting capacity.

Editor’s note: RichardBélanger is one of severalresearchers invited to speak atthe Canadian Greenhouse Con-ference, October 5 and 6, Nia-gara Falls, Ontario.

THE GROWER

CANADIAN GREENHOUSE CONFERENCE

Silicon supplement proven to benefit greenhouse cucumbers

PAGE 14 –– OCTOBER 2011

Comparative expression of totalgenome in plants infected or notwith powdery mildew and treatedor not with Si. Left lane: Pres-ence of powdery mildew causes alower expression of genes asdetermined by the red colour.Right lane: addition of Si, inspite of powdery mildew infec-tion, restores normal geneexpression as shown by the high-er expression (green colour)compared to repressed genes(red) to the left.

Silicon does not act as a nutrient.- Richard Bélanger, Laval University“

“

KAREN DAVIDSON

Despite cloudy economic forecasts, greenhouse growers seenothing but sunshine for theirhydroponic produce. In Ontario,building expansion is estimated at$90 million this year in the Leamington and Kingsville areaswith another 200 acres expectedto come on stream for tomatoes,peppers and cucumbers for the2012 season. This expansion topsup the 1,919 acres already in production.

“High-quality product, provendistribution channels, acceptanceby retailers and consumers andtrends toward healthy eating areall driving the boom,” saysGeorge Gilvesy, general manager,Ontario Greenhouse VegetableGrowers (OGVG).

By 2015, Ontario growersanticipate earning another $400million to $500 million with anadditional 400 to 500 acres ofproduction. That’s on top of current annual sales of $641million, which makes EssexCounty the largest cluster ofgreenhouse vegetable productionin North America.

Even OGVG has outgrown itsmodest offices with plans to construct new headquarters inLeamington, Ontario. Largermeeting rooms will facilitate frequent meetings among variouscommittees. The constructioncontract has been assigned withplans to finish the building inspring 2012.

Despite a volatile Canadiandollar, producers are satisfying amarket hungry for fresh produceby exporting more than 70 percent of its production to borderstates and beyond: Michigan,New York, Ohio, Illinois, NorthCarolina and Maryland.

In British Columbia’s LowerMainland, another hotbed of pro-duction remains stable accordingto Linda Delli Santi, executivedirector, BC Greenhouse Grow-ers’ Association. In 2010, grossrevenue was $245 million fromabout 700 acres. She expects onlyone or two per cent growth in thenext couple years.

Expansion also underway in theU.S.

Perhaps as a hedge against thedollar, major producers such as

Mastronardi Produce in Ontarioand Windset Farms in BritishColumbia are undertaking expan-sion in the U.S. Mastronardi isinvesting $25 million in a newfacility in Coldwater, Michigan,strategically located close to thelucrative Chicago market. The88-acre site, tagged for year-round tomato production, isexpected to be operational latethis year. This facility is in addi-tion to greenhouses in Illinois andColorado.

Meanwhile, Windset Farms,based in Vancouver, BritishColumbia, is building two 32-acregreenhouses and a 174,000 squarefoot processing facility and packing plant in the Santa MariaValley of California. StevenNewell, CEO, says start-up hasbeen slowed due to foggy, over-cast weather in Vancouver wherethe plants are propagated. Thelatest Dutch technology has beenincorporated with active and passive ventilation systems, waterand carbon dioxide reclamationsystems and a centralized com-puter system which measuresplant nutrient levels and keepstabs on employee productivity.

Windset is planting grape

tomatoes first, with Roma, Campari, beefsteak and othervarieties to follow. This mix is inresponse to client orders as wellas Sysco Corporation, new totheir client list.

Not to be outdone, B.C.-basedVillage Farms is building its fifthgreenhouse near Monahans,Texas with plans to market tomatoes in early 2012.

Eventually, the new complex willsprawl over 320 acres using thecompany’s proprietary growingsystem that uses light-diffusingglass and unique air-flow technology. Under this system,

the company claims yields ofmore than 220 pounds per squaremeter.

This state-of-the-art green-house will recycle water several

times and use renewable windpower for part of its power needs– a story which adds anotherplank to the sustainability messaging of no pesticides inhydroponically-grown vegetables.

In the midst of desert conditions,these biosphere-like structures areno mirage. They are part of thenew reality competing with Canadian greenhouses.

THE GROWER

OCTOBER 2011 –– PAGE 15

Greenhouse growers put a stake in the ground for expansion Sales could top $1 billion by 2015

Near Leamington, Ontario, Pyramid and Prism Farms have recently constructed a biomass processingfacility utilizing miscanthus to produce clean, renewable energy for their greenhouses. The unique construction also houses 285 kw of pv solar as part of the Ontario microFIT program.

Business Development for Farm Businesses

Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association1-800-265-9751 www.ontariosoilcrop.org

Build a solid foundation for your business...attend a GYFP workshop

workshop is the place to start!

Register for a workshop today!

“We wanted to step back to analyze how to stay financiallyviable as opposed to just floating along. The Growing Your

Farm Profits Workshop fit well into our plan.”

Helen and Marc Carere, Sheep Farmers - Lindsay, Ontario

You will:• identify strengths and weaknesses about your farm in

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This artist’s rendering showcases the new headquarters of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers at 32 Seneca Drive, Leamington. Construction is expected to be complete by spring 2012.

High-qualityproduct, proven distribution channels,acceptance by retailersand consumers andtrends toward healthyeating are all drivingthe boom.

- George Gilvesy

“

Brief History

The leek moth is an invasive alienspecies of European origin thatattacks Allium crops (Fig. 1). Thispest was first found in Canada inthe early 1990s in the Ottawaregion. By 2010, the range of thispest has expanded into easternOntario, areas of southwesternQuebec, Prince Edward Islandand New York. In easternOntario, there are three flights ofthe leek moth per season, withactivity beginning in April, peak-ing in July and slowing in Sep-tember. In terms of trade,although not a quarantine pest inCanada, the leek moth is consid-ered a quarantined pest in theU.S. even though this moth wasdetected in New York State in2009 and 2010, thus Allium grow-ers who ship green plant material(i.e. leeks, green onions) to theU.S. have to follow certificationprotocols to ensure their productis exportable to the U.S.

2011 season update

Research has suggested that thispest will likely spread furthersouth and west from regionswhere it is currently establishedinto large Allium-producingregions of central and southwest-ern Ontario. Early detection of thepest is important in order to keeppopulations at manageable levelsand also to keep track of the rateof spread of this pest. During the2011 season, 10 sites were chosenwith focus on Allium-producing

regions in central and southwest-ern Ontario for monitoring byOMAFRA with help from fund-ing by the Fresh Vegetable Grow-ers of Ontario. Pheromone trapswere set up at each of the 10 sitesand these were checked on aweekly basis throughout thegrowing season for leek mothadults. Due to surveying effortsthis past season, leek moth hasbeen detected in Allium-produc-ing regions in central Ontario(Simcoe County) and southwest-ern Ontario (Waterloo Region).

Damage caused by leek moth

Leek moth larvae feed on theleaves of Allium crops and insome cases garlic bulbs, whichcan be detrimental to the mar-ketability of the crop. Damagelooks different on the variousAllium crops. On hollow-leavedcrops, such as onions and chives,leek moth larvae enter the leavesto feed internally creating a ‘win-

dowing’ effect (Fig. 2). On flat-leaved crops, such as garlic andleeks, the larvae feed on top ofand inside of the leaves (Fig. 3)and they may also bore into theleaves creating pinhole damage.On garlic specifically, the larvaewill feed on the scapes as well. Insome cases, the larvae may dam-age the bulbs (Fig. 4).

Leek moth management

Pheromone traps can be used todetermine the presence and activi-

ty of leek moth in the field. Trapsare installed around the field edgeduring April. Leek moth adultsstart to become active when tem-peratures reach 9.5°C. If warrant-ed, insecticide applications aretimed at seven to 10 days afterthe peak flight. Currently, War-rior and Matador (lambda-cyhalothrin) are registered forleek moth control in garlic, ele-phant garlic, leek, dry bulb onion,green onion, Welsh onion, andshallots. Success 480 EC (spin-osad) and Entrust 80 W (organicspinosad) were recently registeredon crop subgroup 3-07B (greenonions, leeks, chives (freshleaves), Chinese chives (freshleaves), shallots (fresh leaves),wild leek, bunching onion, treeonion (tops), Welsh onion (tops))for suppression of leek moth;however, these spinosad productsare not currently registered oncrop subgroup 3-07A (garlic, ele-phant garlic, bulb onion, shallots,pearl onion) for leek moth. Please

consult labels for directions foruse. For labels, please contactMarion Paibomesai at 519-826-4963.

Cultural control methods includecrop rotation, use of floating rowcovers (sides of cover anchored toground), avoiding planting nearinfested areas, delayed planting,removal of old/infested leaves,early harvesting to avoid damageby populations that have beenbuilding up through the seasonand destruction of plant debris.

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank theFresh Vegetable Growers ofOntario for funding. Manythanks to Stephen C. James theOMAFRA summer student whowas responsible for trap mainte-nance and to Peter Mason andJean-François Landry from Agri-culture and Agri-food Canada forhelp with identification. In addi-tion, a special thank you to allcooperating growers.

THE GROWER

PAGE 16 –– OCTOBER 2011

Leek moth detected in southwesternOntario

Figure 1. (from left to right) Leek moth adult, leek moth larva (yellowish-green with brown head capsule and eight small spots on each side ofthe abdomen), and leek moth pupae (reddish-brown encased in mesh cocoon).

Figure 2. Leek moth feeding damage on onions.

Figure 3. Leek moth feeding damage on garlic.

Figure 4. Leek moth damage togarlic bulb. Arrow pointing toexit hole of leek moth larva.

MELANIE FILOTAS – SPECIALTY CROPS IPM SPECIALIST/OMAFRA

Sweet potatoes are notoriouslyfragile and a major problem atharvest is skinning, in which theepidermis, or outer layer of skin,tears loose from the underlyingroot tissue. The resulting woundis not only a cosmetic problem,but can also lead to loss of waterand weight by roots in storageand provides an entryway fordecay pathogens. Freshly har-vested sweet potatoes, which havea very thin skin, are highly sus-ceptible to skinning at harvest,and this susceptibility can

increase for several days afterharvest. Curing helps to “set”, ortoughen, the skin of sweet pota-toes, however the challenge forgrowers is often getting them outof the ground and into the curingfacility without damaging them.

Skinning in sweet potatoes isnot well understood and has beenlinked to numerous factors,including cultivar and environ-ment. Beauregard appears to bemore susceptible to skinning thanCovington, which is one reasonwhy Covington is preferred byNorth Carolina growers. A NorthCarolina study (L. Villavicencio,2002, MSc Thesis, North Caroli-na State University, Physiological

aspects of skin adhesion in sweetpotato) done under controlledconditions suggested that sweetpotato roots grown at higher tem-peratures had thicker skin andmay be more resistant to skin lossthan roots grown at lower temper-atures, however the effect of soiltemperature was less clear in thefield, possibly due to the con-founding effects of other environ-mental conditions.

The removal of sweet potatovines prior to harvest has alsobeen shown to reduce skinning.A study at Louisiana State Uni-versity (LaBonte and Wright,1993, Image analysis quantifiesreduction in sweet potato skin-ning injury by preharvest canopyremoval) looked at the impact ofmowing sweet potato vines atvarious intervals prior to harvest.When sweet potato vines weremowed 10, eight and four daysprior to harvest, skinning ofBeauregard was reduced 62 percent, 53 per cent and 26 per cent

compared to mowing on the dayof harvest. There was no furtherreduction in damage when theinterval was increased to 15 days.

Many growers leave an inter-val of a few days between mow-ing and harvest, however it isimportant to remember that longintervals between mowing andharvest can increase the risk ofdamage from other factors. If thesoil becomes very wet, anaerobicconditions can occur which candamage the root. Damage to rootslocated near the soil surface bymowers can create an entrywayfor pathogens, and the longer theinterval between mowing and har-vest, the greater the opportunityfor pathogens to enter thesewounds. Sweet potato vines mayalso provide some insulation fromthe cooler temperatures typical ofOntario during harvest, and con-sequently a long period betweenmowing and harvest may increasethe risk of chilling injury. Gener-ally, an interval of one to seven

days between mowing and harvest is suggested for Ontarioconditions.

Finally, I am sometimes askedabout use of chemical devinersinstead of mowing. Some grow-ers have heard by word of mouththat application of certain plantgrowth regulators might help setsweet potato skin and reduceskinning damage. There are nochemical deviners registered foruse on sweet potatoes in Canada,so they cannot legally be used onthis crop. Furthermore, the use ofcertain chemical deviners hasbeen linked to the increased inci-dence of sweet potato tip rotsbeing observed in some U.S.states over the last few years. In astudy presented at the meeting ofthe National Sweet Potato Collab-orators Group in Alabama thispast January, researchers fromMississippi State University compared mechanical devining(mowing) to the application of achemical deviner three to sevendays prior to harvest and foundthat, while there was no differ-ence in their effect on skinningdamage, the incidence of root tiprots in storage increased with theapplication of the chemical.

One final consideration is cur-ing and storage conditions. Prop-er curing, at 26-29°C and 85-95per cent relative humidity forthree to seven days, will helpresult in skin that sets within fourto six weeks. In doing so, it isimportant to maintain consistenttemperatures and humidity levelsthroughout the facility. Inade-quate air circulation and ventila-tion during curing and storage canresult in a temperature gradient,and roots in different locationswithin the curing and storagefacility may be exposed to differ-ent conditions, which can affectcuring and/or storage quality.

K. CALLOW, OMAFRA, RIDGETOWN,ON., B. VISSER AND E. ANNETT, UNI-VERSITY OF GUELPH, GUELPH, ON.

Herbicide-resistant pigweed is a dis-tressing issue faced by vegetable producers

across Ontario. A limited survey conduct-ed in 2010 showed that there were pigweedplants resistant to Group 7 (Lorox – lin-uron) and Group 5 (Gesagard / Sencor –prometryn / metribuzin).

In response, OMAFRA, in partnership

with the Holland Marsh Growers’ Associa-tion and the University of Guelph, conducted a survey across Ontario to determine the extent and mechanism of theherbicide resistance. More than 50 fieldswith carrots in the rotation were sampledand the growers were surveyed to determine their herbicide use patterns (Figure 1). The pigweed samples weretransplanted to a contained outside nursery

(Figure 2). As the seed heads matured theywere harvested and the seeds were cleanedand stored. The seeds from each field willbe tested to identify what types of resistance have been found. Growers willthen be provided with recommendations onhow to manage their resistance problems.

With a lack of effective herbicides,growers are using various methods to com-bat the pigweed in their fields: • Wicking glyphosate onto pigweeds thatare taller than the crop • Hoeing fields infested with pigweed • Removing pigweed from the field to prevent seed return

The Holland Marsh Growers’ Associa-tion and La Fédération des producteursmaraîchers du Québec are grateful to theBradford Co-operative Storage Ltd., Syngenta Crop Protection Canada Inc. andTKI Novasource for their generous fundingcontributions to this project.

For further information on this projectplease contact Kristen Callow, OMAFRAWeed Management Program Lead – Horti-culture: kristen.callow@ontario.ca or 519-674-1335

THE GROWER

OCTOBER 2011 –– PAGE 17

Herbicide-resistant pigweed in Ontario

The Essex County Associated Growers are pleased toannounce the

61th Annual Bounty of the County convention & trade show

Tuesday, November 22 & Wednesday,November 23, 2011

Kinsmen Recreation Complex249 Sherk St., Leamington, Ontario

View the newest agricultural technology/equipment,and attend informative speaker programs.

For more information, contact Jillian McCallumat (519) 326-4481 or ecag@bellnet.ca.

VEGETABLE EQUIPMENT FOR CARROTS, ONION, POTATOES

FOR SALE - 4 row potato windrower, all new belts and bearings 1 year

warranty. $24,000- Onion digger , new chains and cutter bar. $3500 - 2 self propelled carrot harvesters. $18,000 and $24,000- 1300 gallon Gregson sprayer 100ft booms, chemical

eductor, floatation tires, mint condition. $55,000 used 2 seasons

- Self propelled 785 Willmar sprayer. $40,000 or best offer.- Thomas B88 air Vac harvester, Good condition. $35,000 - Lockwood 2 row harvester, Good condition. $8,000- Hill Machinery telescopic bin piler with 36" sizer and

grading table. $6500- MF 410 grain combine in mint condition. $3500- 2 row, 3pt hitch Univerco Regi weeder. $2500

3211 - 8th Line Bradford, ON

L3Z 2A5Ph: 905-960-0033sales@agriveg.ca

w w w. a g r i v e g . c a

Figure 1. Survey sites across Ontario

Figure 2. Pigweed nursery

Avoiding damage to sweet potato skin at harvest

THE GROWER

PAGE 18 –– OCTOBER 2011

Registrant Information

Name Member Organization

Mailing Address City/Town

Province Postal Code

Telephone Fax

Please return completed form to The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association355 Elmira Road North, Unit 105 Guelph, Ontario N1K 1S5 Tel. (519) 763-6160 x 116 Fax (519) 763-6604

Registration Fees

Full Registration - 2 days $135.00 (includes: two breakfast tickets, two lunch tickets & a Monday evening banquet ticket,+ Monday Banquet convention package, attendance to meetings, and Chair’s reception)

On-site Registration $150.00 (includes: two breakfast tickets, two lunch tickets & a Monday evening banquet ticket,convention package, attendance to meetings, and Chair’s reception)

Daily Registration $100.00 (includes: one breakfast and one lunch ticket, convention package, and attendanceto meetings. (Chair’s reception - Banquet ticket not included)

Please indicate day of attendance. Tuesday, January 10, 2012 or Wednesday, January 11, 2012

OFVGA Banquet ONLY $50.00 Monday, January 19, 2012

Grand Total $ (On-site registration will be charged an additional processing fee.)13% HST (Business #10779-7821 R.T.) included in all prices.

Method of PaymentPayment to be made by cheque or credit card. Print or type clearly.

Cheque Please make cheque payable to the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ AssociationVisa MasterCard

Cardholder’s Name Card Number

Expiry Date SignatureNote: Credit card information provided here is for registration fee payments only.

Instructions

• Complete this form and mail or fax to the OFVGA. Faxed forms MUST contain credit card information. Invoices will not be issued.• If you are faxing your form, do NOT mail a duplicate.• Only one person per form. This form may be photocopied.• Your name and organization will appear on your badge exactly as you indicate above.• Print or type all information. Please make a copy for your records.• A room block is in place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. A special overnight accommodation rate of $69.95 traditional room or $99.95 fallsview room (plus taxes)single/double occupancy until December 16, 2011. This price includes self-parking. Request special convention rate for OFVGA. After this date, room rate notguaranteed. Please make your reservations directly with the hotel by calling 1-800-519-9911. Check in time is 3:00 p.m., check out time is 11:00 a.m.

• No AGM registration refunds after 4:30 p.m. on December 15, 2011.

Ontario Fruit and VegetableGrowers’ Association

153rd Annual General Meetingand Convention

January 9, 10 and 11, 2012Crowne Plaza Hotel, Niagara Falls

5685 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6W7

OFVGA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND

CONVENTION POLICYAs the OFVGA prepares for its 152nd annual meeting, the association would like toremind its member organizations of the following policy – put in place in 2004-05 –in order to ensure proper delegate preparation and resolutions submission.• All member organizations are entitled to one (1) delegate per 50 members withintheir respective organizations, maximum of five.• All member organizations are to provide to the OFVGA the number of its activemembership.• All resolutions should be brought forward, in writing, by December 15 of eachyear.• Any of the member organizations who are required to submit their director’s namein advance (currently seven of the 10 board affiliates) should do so by December 15of each year.

NOTICE of MEETINGis hereby given that the

153rd Annual Members and Directors’ Meetingof the

Ontario Fruit andVegetable Growers’ Associationwill be held in

Niagara Falls, Ontario at The Crowne Plaza HotelJanuary 9, 10 and 11, 2012

Election of Directors of the Association will take place as well asdealing with resolutions and any other business that may arise.

THE GROWER

OCTOBER 2011 –– PAGE 19

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• Baskets • Berry Boxes• Masters • Waxed Cartons• Fertilizer • Crop Protection Material• Vineyard Trellis Supplies

CLASSIFIEDAPPLE BINS FOR SALE: usedin good condition. Approx 500.Phone 519-599-5841, email oaklane@georgian.net

Wanted: Orchard lift. Running orrestorable condition. 519-828-3696

Landini Advantage 85F, 4x4w/cab, AC, 3870hrs, $15,000.Allis Chalmers AC5040, 2WD,5584hrs. Askiing $5,000.Agrimetal square bail strawchopper for 3 PTH, asking $500.Forklift mast for 3 PTH, Delhi.43” forks. Lifts 8ft high, $2,500.519-901-2375.

100’s of 40’L X 32"W X 29"Hwood crates available. Must sell!Below market pricing.We deliver or you pick up.Call Phil: 519-835-0295

THE GROWER

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

CROP TUNNELS

BLUEBERRIESIRRIGATION

PAGE 20 –– OCTOBER 2011

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BINS

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Tel: (905) 262-4971Fax: (905) 262-4404

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SPECIALIZING IN FRUITTREES & GRAPE VINES &

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THE GROWER

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

CONTAINERS

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Norfolk County – Profitable gourmet Potato Farmmarketing to the Toronto Food Terminal. 400+owned and leased land. State-of-the-art packaging andprocessing facility. 49 acres and buildings included.Equipment is in addition. $2,200,000.

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REAL ESTATE

OCTOBER 2011 –– PAGE 21

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THE GROWER

PAGE 22 –– OCTOBER 2011

How do you get the most outof your employees while minimizing the harm they can doto your operation?

This may sound like either avery simple question, or a hugecan of worms- often dependentupon how you treated thoseemployees! It is also the mostbasic level from which a success-ful business (or governmentdepartment) are based upon. Thiswas borne out to me from anolder lady whom I met manyyears ago and made a re-acquain-tance with last week. She runs asuccessful antique shop, and hasdone so for almost 30 years. Shehad an employee in the earlyyears who was always negative-and it cost the business sales. She

now has (for the past 18 years) avery positive person working forher with predictable good results.Being positive pays dividends.

I knew a local grower whoalways had a good rapport withhis workers (and everyone else heever met). His approach was totreat them as he would like to betreated, and it worked for him.One day the workers were justnot happy- he could tell becausethere was no singing and kibitz-ing. When he finally got them totalk about the problem, itappeared the local butcher hadsold them pork kidney instead ofbeef kidney they had asked for.The response was to drive overwith two of the biggest men, andask the butcher about it. Therewas an immediate show of con-cern, and an apologetic “I guesswe made a mistake.” Once thecorrection was made and the beefkidney was proffered, the prob-lem was resolved. (And theynever went back there for theirmeat either!) The lesson was thatthe boss was willing to go to batfor them and it was never forgot-ten in the bunkhouse.

In another instance, a groweralways stated to the whole crewthat he only ‘named’ two-thirdsof the workers back for the nextyear, based upon their work and

any troubles during the year.Many of these workers came foryears and years. However, oneyear, in spite of warnings, onelong-time worker who had over-stepped the bounds the prior yearwas not listed to come back. Inspite of repeated calls from theworker, the boss stuck to hisguns. When the rest of the crewarrived and noticed the otherworker was not there, they wereshocked. It wasn’t so much thathe wasn’t there as much as thefact that the boss had stuck up forthem- against problems this work-er had made for them. Onceagain, a happy crew was had forthe season, and a solid reputationfor the future was assured.

In a government workplace, oreven a business location, it isoften the small things that lead tothe biggest problems. Silly thingslike who has a better chair, orwho gets to go on break first, orthe seemingly lack of control ofthe activities of any one employeemay set off anger and retribution.While it is important to treateveryone fairly, it is also impor-tant to share as much informationas possible so one can understandwhy something happens as itdoes. Maybe the employee has aback condition that requires a dif-ferent chair. Maybe the employee

has a delicate internal issue thatmeans shorter times between‘breaks.’ Likewise, an employeemay be given more freedom totravel, or work on non-traditionaltimeframes as a result of theirparticular job. While the exactdetails are not needed, if the restof the staff is made to understandthat the ‘boss’ does indeed knowabout their concerns and of theseeming transgressions, then theboss can also explain that they arecondoned for particular reasons, and they are fully acceptable. It is in fact the natural‘jealousy’ that someone feels,when they think about whatseems to them to be an unfair situation, that causes the angerand resentment.

Then there are those who seemto get the praise because of their‘long hours and dedication’ theygive to the job. Others who areclose to the situation may inter-pret it much differently! The nor-mal work hours may not be veryproductive for that person, lead-ing to a need for more time to getwork done that another personcan do in half the time! Likewise,there will always be the ones whoare quick to take credit for any-thing they came close to beinginvolved in (or just walked pastthe desk of the true achiever) but

are never available to work in ateam on a difficult assignment toachieve a difficult outcome! Howrare are those who just go quietlyabout their jobs until they retireand people notice how much isn’tgetting done, as well as the workgetting done only not as well-done? Often appreciation forthose folks comes at a retirementevent if ever. I worked with somecolleagues like that, and I stillmiss their efforts.

Lastly, the easiest way to getthe most and the best from staff isto give the ‘attaboy’ which can begiven almost any day for evensmall accomplishments. The giv-ing of thanks, and well-dones andpats on the back just don’t seemto be as commonplace today asthey should be. So easy to give,and free too.

I want to share a parallel say-ing that I saw last week. It appliesvery much to the foregoing.‘When a dog wags its tail, it isfrom the heart.’

A happy and contented work-force can do wonders for the bot-tom line. It makes recruitmenteasier- if you ever get an open-ing! Retention is a breeze. Toughjobs bring out willing hands toget it all done- as a team.

It sure makes me glad to workin just such a place!

CRAIG’S COMMENTS

Happy workers -- successful business

CRAIG HUNTEROFVGA

MINOR USE

For more information on the BASF family of products, contactAgSolutions® by BASF at 1-877-371-BASF (2273) or visitwww.agsolutions.ca ® - Registered trade-mark of the BASF group of companies.

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Less pressure on the emergency use registration programKAREN DAVIDSON

Near the end of another growing season, it’s informative to review trends in the minor use program.

“It’s been an up-and-down season in terms of minoruse emergency registrations,” says Jim Chaput, minor usecoordinator, OMAFRA, citing 11 emergency use registrations in 2011 compared to 17 in 2010. Full registrations for a number of products have alleviated pressure on the emergency use system which responds tocrises in the field.

Weather patterns dictate pest life cycles and diseasepressure. With a cold, wet spring in Ontario and dry summer, Chaput says there were no unusual requests. Thekey stressors on crops were potato late blight, ginseng diseases, spotted wing drosophila and downy mildew onseveral crops. A serious outbreak of basil downy mildewprompted an emergency use registration for Ontario andAlberta.

“According to reports from the U.S. basil downymildew has reached near epidemic levels,” says Chaput.“Our greenhouse and field production of basil is not huge

but significant.” In Ontario, for example, there are 50 hectares of

field-grown basil and three hectares of greenhouse basilwhich have three cycles of production. More than half thegrowers used control measures under the emergency useprogram.

For the first time, Ontario sponsored a minor use labelexpansion submission for pests of honeybees. Historical-ly, honeybees have not been part of the minor use programbut due to recent hive mortality rates and honeybee impacton agriculture, minor use submission guidelines have beenchanged. The national registration of products to controlsuch pests as varroa mite and small hive beetle is expectedby spring 2012.

In British Columbia, weather conditions did not putextra stress on emergency requests says Caroline Bedard,minor use coordinator. “By calendar year, we had 11requests in 2010 and 10 in 2011. We had a very wet fall2010. Then a very late start (cool spring 2011), a moderatesummer (perfect for berry harvest!) and a warm late summer (end Aug-mid September.) No more emergencyuse requests are anticipated this year. Downy mildew on basil

JIM CHAPUT, OMAFRA,MINOR USE COORDINATOR,GUELPH

The Pest Management Regula-tory Agency (PMRA) recentlyannounced the approval of aminor use label expansion forLorsban 4E insecticide (chlorpyri-fos) for control of onion maggoton green onions in Canada. Lors-ban 4E insecticide was alreadylabeled for use against manyinsect pests of numerous field andhorticultural crops in Canada andhas a proven record of providingproducers with effective pestmanagement.

The minor use label expansionproject for green onions wassponsored by the minor use officeof OMAFRA in 1998 in responseto priorities identified by produc-ers and extension personnel inCanada. The 1998 submissionwas put on hold in 2000 as aresult of the re-evaluation ofchlorpyrifos in Canada. In 2009the project was re-submitted toPMRA after the results of re-eval-uation indicated that the proposeduse could be reconsidered.

Onion maggot management ongreen onions has been andremains a very high priority itemfor green onion producers and theregistration of Lorsban 4E insecti-cide will provide them with aneffective and useful pest manage-ment tool.

For green onions Lorsban 4Einsecticide can be applied as adrench banded over the row at arate of 150 mL product per 1000metres of row using 800 L ofwater per ha (equivalent to 3.9 –4.9 L product per ha at row spac-ings of 30 – 38 cm). Lorsban 4Eshould be applied at the time ofset planting or seven – 10 daysafter seeding. A maximum of oneapplication per year is permittedand the pre-harvest interval is 30days. Consult the full label forapplication details.

Lorsban 4E insecticide should

be used in an integrated pest man-agement program and in rotationwith other management strategies.Follow all other precautions anddirections for use on the Lorsban4E insecticide label.

We wish to thank the person-

nel of PRISME Consortium,Sherrington, Quebec, the formerBradford Growers Associationand the former AAFC, Cross Sec-toral Policy Development Divi-sion for helping to finance andconduct the necessary field trials.

We also wish to thank the person-nel of Dow Agrosciences CanadaInc. for their support of this regis-tration and the personnel of thePest Management RegulatoryAgency for evaluating andapproving this important pest

management tool.For copies of the new minor uselabels contact Marion Paibome-sai, OMAFRA, Guelph, (519)826-4963, Jim Chaput,OMAFRA, Guelph (519) 826-3539 or visit www.dowagro.com

THE GROWER

OCTOBER 2011 –– PAGE 23

MINOR USE

Label expansion granted for insecticide on green onions

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JIM CHAPUT, OMAFRA,MINOR USE COORDINATOR,GUELPH

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA)recently announced the approvalof URMULE registrations forActara 25WG (thiamethoxam)insecticide for control of aphidsand reduction in damage from tarnished plant bug on crop group4, leafy vegetables and for controlof pepper weevil on greenhousepeppers in Canada. The activeingredient thiamethoxam wasalready labeled on pome fruit,

bushberries, fruiting vegetablesand potatoes and as a seed treat-ment on several cereal crops andlegume crops in Canada.

These minor use projects wereinitiated in 2009 by the minor useoffice of OMAFRA as a result ofminor use priorities establishedby growers and extension personnel in Canada. Aphids andtarnished plant bug are seriousannual pests of all leafy vegeta-bles which include celery, lettuce,spinach, parsley, amaranth, Chinese celery, chervil, chrysanthemum, cress, endive,fennel, radicchio, rhubarb and

Swiss chard. Pepper weevil is anew invasive pest in greenhousepeppers and was the subject ofseveral emergency use registra-tions in recent years. The minoruse registration of Actara insecticide is a significant steptowards developing a more robustand sustainable pest managementtoolkit for these pests.

The following is provided as ageneral outline only. Users shouldconsult the complete label beforeusing Actara 25WG insecticide.

Crop group 4; leafy vegetables:Actara 25WG insecticide can

be used for control of aphids oncrop group 4, leafy vegetables ata rate of 105 g product perhectare in at least 100 L water perhectare. Actara 25WG insecticidecan be used for reduction in damage from tarnished plant bug(TPB) on crop group 4, leafy vegetables at a rate of 210 g product per hectare in at least 100 L water per hectare.

Timing of applications shouldbe based on the presence of vul-nerable pest developmental stagesand significant populations asdetermined by field monitoring.For aphids the application intervalis seven days depending again onthe presence of significant populations as determined bylocal monitoring.

Do not make more than twoapplications per season for aphidsand one application per season fortarnished plant bug. Do not applywithin seven days of harvest forleafy vegetables.

GH peppers:Actara 25WG insecticide can

be used for control of pepperweevil on greenhouse peppers ata rate of 14 g per 100 L. Apply insufficient water volume to ensurethorough coverage, up to a maximum of 2000 L per ha. Donot apply more than three applications per crop cycle and donot apply within one day of harvest for GH peppers.

Follow all other precautionsand directions for use on theActara 25WG insecticide labelcarefully.

Actara 25WG insecticideshould be used in an integratedpest management program and inrotation with other managementstrategies to adequately manageresistance.

For copies of the new minoruse label contact Jim Chaput,OMAFRA, Guelph (519) 826-3539, Marion Paibomesai,OMAFRA vegetable crops spe-cialist at Guelph (519) 826-4963(leafy vegetables), Gillian Ferguson, OMAFRA greenhousevegetable IPM specialist (519)738-1258 (GH peppers) or visitthe Syngenta Canada website atwww.syngenta.ca/en/

THE GROWER

PAGE 24 –– OCTOBER 2011

MINOR USE

Label expanded for leafy vegetables and greenhouse peppers

Tarnished plant bug