On the far side of yet another dark pandemic episode, farmers will welcome their slow-moving vehicles to be emblazoned with bumper stickers declaring:  WE’VE BEEN VAXED!

In recent years, the mergers of global crop protection companies promised robust R & D pipelines.  But the reality is that fewer products and label extensions will come to horticulture. That’s because there’s a bottleneck of reduced trial capacity at the Pest Management Centre says apple grower Charles Stevens, Newcastle, ON. 

The cost of energy-intensive fertilizer is set to increase under a new carbon tax regime. It’s yet another burning issue for horticulture, on top of labour and crop protection. 

John Molenhuis, business analysis and cost-of-production specialist for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) worked with the grape, tender fruit and apple groups for years, updating baseline measurements every five years that compare the average of the group to the top 25. 

Events by invitation-only became the norm in 2020 as the pandemic curbed in-person contact. The impacts of COVID-19 on research, new product launches and extension efforts will be felt for years to come. 

On the far side of yet another dark pandemic episode, farmers will welcome their slow-moving vehicles to be emblazoned with bumper stickers declaring:  WE’VE BEEN VAXED!

In recent years, the mergers of global crop protection companies promised robust R & D pipelines.  But the reality is that fewer products and label extensions will come to horticulture. That’s because there’s a bottleneck of reduced trial capacity at the Pest Management Centre says apple grower Charles Stevens, Newcastle, ON. 

The cost of energy-intensive fertilizer is set to increase under a new carbon tax regime. It’s yet another burning issue for horticulture, on top of labour and crop protection. 

John Molenhuis, business analysis and cost-of-production specialist for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) worked with the grape, tender fruit and apple groups for years, updating baseline measurements every five years that compare the average of the group to the top 25. 

Events by invitation-only became the norm in 2020 as the pandemic curbed in-person contact. The impacts of COVID-19 on research, new product launches and extension efforts will be felt for years to come. 

NutriAg is introducing newly registered SiliCalMax, a silicon and calcium foliar fertilizer for both fruit and vegetable crops.

More than $3.6 million of Ontario funding will be targeted to 12 projects through the Greenhouse Competitiveness and Innovation Initiative. One project is to test cost effectiveness of anti-viral coating to treat tools and surfaces with hopes of reducing spread of human and plant viruses. 

Smart algorithms can optimize and steer climate, irrigation and energy in daily operations of greenhouses. A January 28 webinar delves into how artificial intelligence can reduce dependency on human expertise in controlled environments. 

Telus Corporation, a Canadian telecom company, has announced its acquisitions of several data management and analytics companies to come under the umbrella of Telus Agriculture.   

Ecoation is partnering with Kinova, a Canadian-based global leader in professional robotics. It’s a step forward in identifying pests and diseases in greenhouses.

Health Canada will allow some key uses of clothianidin and thiamethoxam on crops with additional risk mitigation measures. Changes are effective by March 31, 2023.

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency has released its re-evaluation decision on linuron, allowing use on carrots, parsnips, potatoes, asparagus and shelterbelts. Risk-reduction measures will apply.  

Biobest, a global supplier for biological control of pests and disease, is partnering with Ecoation Innovation Solutions to digitize the scheduling of integrated pest management in the European market. 

Nufarm, in partnership with Valent Canada, announces a new fungicide for control of scab and powdery mildew in apples. Excalia must be applied between green tip and petal fall. 

A portfolio of more than 270 active ingredients belonging to ADAMA is now available more widely throughout eastern Canada for growers of apples, potatoes and a variety of vegetable crops. 

After two years of research and pilots, Luci Faas was successful in identifying a home-compostable cucumber wrap for Nature Fresh Farms, Leamington, Ontario. The Canadian Produce Marketing Association is honouring her as one of 10 Women in Produce nominees. 

Joshua Mosiondz will be joining the Horticulture Technology unit of Ontario’s ag ministry, effective immediately. 

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association announces its 2021 board of directors.  At the April 28^th board meeting, Guy Milette of Courchesne Larose Ltée will assume the role as chair for 2021/2022.

The Canadian Horticultural Council recognized Quebecer Jocelyn St-Denis and Ontarian Hector Delanghe for their outstanding contributions to the sector. 

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association has announced 20 participants for the Passion for Produce program to be delivered virtually around Fresh Week in April.  

After two years of research and pilots, Luci Faas was successful in identifying a home-compostable cucumber wrap for Nature Fresh Farms, Leamington, Ontario. The Canadian Produce Marketing Association is honouring her as one of 10 Women in Produce nominees. 

Joshua Mosiondz will be joining the Horticulture Technology unit of Ontario’s ag ministry, effective immediately. 

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association announces its 2021 board of directors.  At the April 28^th board meeting, Guy Milette of Courchesne Larose Ltée will assume the role as chair for 2021/2022.

The Canadian Horticultural Council recognized Quebecer Jocelyn St-Denis and Ontarian Hector Delanghe for their outstanding contributions to the sector. 

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association has announced 20 participants for the Passion for Produce program to be delivered virtually around Fresh Week in April.