The crossing between Reynosa, Mexico and Pharr, Texas is expanding to accommodate $35 billion in trade and more in the years to come. It’s the number one crossing in the U.S for produce. More than 10 per cent of the crossings are in high-value berries.

In a new twist, some of America’s largest blueberry growers are insisting that there is no injury to the industry when most imports arrive outside the domestic growing season of late April to early September. The coalition went public a week before the U.S. International Trade Commission looks at the case on January 12.

The American Blueberry Growers Alliance has been established to seek relief from rising imports. While Peru and Mexico are said to be the main irritants, Canada is also caught up in the International Trade Commission investigation.  

The U.S. president-elect has nominated former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack to become agriculture secretary. His approach to climate change will be watched closely in rural America. 

As the pandemic continues and travel restrictions remain, the organizers at Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute have postponed this event until July 17-21, 2022.

The crossing between Reynosa, Mexico and Pharr, Texas is expanding to accommodate $35 billion in trade and more in the years to come. It’s the number one crossing in the U.S for produce. More than 10 per cent of the crossings are in high-value berries.

In a new twist, some of America’s largest blueberry growers are insisting that there is no injury to the industry when most imports arrive outside the domestic growing season of late April to early September. The coalition went public a week before the U.S. International Trade Commission looks at the case on January 12.

The American Blueberry Growers Alliance has been established to seek relief from rising imports. While Peru and Mexico are said to be the main irritants, Canada is also caught up in the International Trade Commission investigation.  

The U.S. president-elect has nominated former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack to become agriculture secretary. His approach to climate change will be watched closely in rural America. 

Conceived pre-pandemic, the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables is more relevant than ever. The UN’s focus will be on health benefits as well as preventing food waste. 

Another tool is available for managing spotted-wing drosophila in blueberries. ADAMA Agricultural Solutions has announced that the crop protection product can be used on both highbush and lowbush blueberries.

Syngenta Canada has announced key additions to the Miravis fungicide lineup.  This is news pertinent to diverse horticultural crops such as potatoes, strawberries and highbush blueberries.

The broad-spectrum insecticide has been re-evaluated and approved by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency for continued use in Canada.  The product is used in tree fruit, berries, carrots, celery and potatoes. 

Ontario growers are encouraged to register for an OMAFRA pesticide resistance management series. From Jan 25-28, 2021, learn more about how resistance occurs, Ontario-specific issues and management when using herbicides, insecticides and fungicides in field fruit, veg and specialty crops.

One crop protection company is highlighting its rewards program on a portfolio of products that include fungicides, herbicides, seed treatments, insecticides, biostimulants and plant growth regulators. 

Another tool is available for managing spotted-wing drosophila in blueberries. ADAMA Agricultural Solutions has announced that the crop protection product can be used on both highbush and lowbush blueberries.

Syngenta Canada has announced key additions to the Miravis fungicide lineup.  This is news pertinent to diverse horticultural crops such as potatoes, strawberries and highbush blueberries.

The broad-spectrum insecticide has been re-evaluated and approved by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency for continued use in Canada.  The product is used in tree fruit, berries, carrots, celery and potatoes. 

Ontario growers are encouraged to register for an OMAFRA pesticide resistance management series. From Jan 25-28, 2021, learn more about how resistance occurs, Ontario-specific issues and management when using herbicides, insecticides and fungicides in field fruit, veg and specialty crops.

One crop protection company is highlighting its rewards program on a portfolio of products that include fungicides, herbicides, seed treatments, insecticides, biostimulants and plant growth regulators. 

Erika DeBrouwer has joined the horticulture crops unit, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. She will be based in Simcoe.

Robert Van Der Geest becomes general manager for Nature Fresh Farms Mexico  leading operations of a 15-acre pepper greenhouse in the central region of the country. Another 15 acres are under construction. 

The president and co-founder of Cave Spring Cellars has been named to the Order of Canada, capping a lifetime of achievements in the wine and hospitality industry of the Niagara Peninsula.  

British Columbia’s premier announced his new NDP cabinet on November 26, keeping Lana Popham in her role as minister of agriculture, food and fisheries. 

Five individuals have been honoured by the Ontario Produce Marketing Association at its first-ever virtual awards. These leaders rose to the challenge of keeping fresh fruits and vegetables available to Ontario consumers.