We are starting to explore the different markets in our food distribution network, starting with the biggest market: the entire country.  There are only a handful of retailers who really treat Canada as a market. They are: Walmart, Costco and Whole Foods. We do have other national retailers such as Loblaw and Sobeys however they still operate regions such as Quebec separately.

Walmart Canada is purchasing 40 Tesla semis for use at distribution centres in Mississauga, Ont. and Surrey B.C.  The retailer is aiming to reduce its carbon footprint by powering its entire fleet with renewable energy by 2028.

Brothers Alex and Jordan McKay have won the 2018 Ontario Outstanding Young Farmer competition. They will compete at the national competition in Winnipeg from November 29 to December 2. 

The Grape Growers of Ontario and Farm Credit Canada have announced that Chris Van de Laar of Niagara-on-the-Lake has been chosen by his peers as the 2018 Grape King. He follows in the footsteps of his father, Peter, who won the same distinction in 1985. 

A group of Canadian apple researchers, growers and marketers have joined forces to give one of Canada’s oldest and most famous fruit crops some new crunch in the marketplace.

The spotlight is on Canadian organics the week of September 8-16, as the sector celebrates five per cent growth, year-over-year. Jeff McMahon, Longspell Point Farm, Kingsport, Nova Scotia, shows off his Salanova lettuce to Viliam Zvalo, CEO, Perennia. 

As fall swings into gear, watch for changes at the federal level in the Conservative shadow cabinet. Alberta MP John Barlow is moving from agriculture to the ministry of employment, workforce development and labour.    

Growers who rely on the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program should be aware that a biometrics initiative is expanding beyond Jamaica to more countries. To accommodate this initiative, Service Canada is suggesting that any farm employer who requires workers in January or February 2019 should apply for workers as soon as possible.

The 69th edition of the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival kicks off September 12-30. The festivities are a reflection of a mature industry that’s facing drought-reduced yields but quality grapes.