New packing lines are revolutionizing how tree-ripened tender fruit can be speedily handled and shipped to consumers. The largest peach grower in Ontario, the Tregunno family, installed a Spectrim vision system three years ago at the farm near Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Ryan Tregunno stays sharp for 10 weeks as traffic controller in his computer pit above the lines of peaches and nectarines.

For more than 35 years the Grape Growers of Ontario’s Celebrity Luncheon has marked the opening of the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year’s guest is Brent Butt.

The Tregunno family is grading peaches by the pixel with a new Spectrim vision system at Niagara-

Crop protection giant, Bayer, which bought Monsanto in a mega deal, is moving its crop science headquarters to St. Louis and closing its Research Triangle Park facilities.

A legendary pioneer in the British Columbia wine industry has passed. Harry McWatters, 74, celebrated many milestones along the way.

Ontario potato breeder and grower, Dr. Peter Vander Zaag, has received an honorary lifetime membership from the Potato Association of America. He has shared his expertise around the world making the tuber a source of stable income in parts of China.

The Canadian greenhouse vegetable industry is highly integrated with the U.S. and Mexico. As an example, NatureFresh Farms has announced that Paul Hulsbos will join the organization as procurement manager in Mexico.

Quebec greenhouse grower Stéphane Roy and his 14-year-old son are reported missing in northern Quebec as his helicopter failed to return from a fishing trip. He is the founder and president of Sagami Inc., which sells greenhouse tomatoes and strawberries under the Sagami and Savoura brands.

The University of Guelph conferred an honorary degree on broccoli grower Ken Forth during convocation ceremonies on June 12. He was cited for his decades of leadership work on the labour file that has taken him to Mexico, the Caribbean and meetings in Europe.

With more than 25 years of experience in public affairs and communications, Chris Davison is leaving corporate and government affairs in Syngenta’s Guelph, Ontario office to take up a new role in Washington, DC. He is the new head, business sustainability for Syngenta North America.