Canada’s greenhouse vegetable sector is feeling the heat from energy prices to carbon taxes to cannabis conversions. But Duffy Kniaziew, owner, Orangeline Farms, is sticking with what he knows: peppers.

Dr. Ian Potter has been named the new CEO of the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, effective April 1, 2019. He comes from senior leadership roles with the National Research Council (NRC) and Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures (AITF).

Fifteen volunteers have been named to the Ontario agriculture minister’s advisory group, including representatives for apples, grapes and tomatoes. Chris Van de Laar, the 2019 Grape King, is one of those volunteers.

Nova Scotian apple grower Lisa Jenereaux has taken on the role of president of the International Fruit Tree Association for the next two years. She’s supported by her family operation, Spurr Bros., based at Melvern Square.

Scabby potatoes are unmarketable. However, molecular technology has determined that the most predominant species in Ontario might be one that could be controlled with cultural practices.

President Donald Trump says he’s asked China to immediately remove all tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, according to Bloomberg news service. That would be a boon to American farmers, especially soybean producers, but a significant ripple effect could follow in the agricultural exports of other countries.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s recently announced intent to withdraw from the 2013 Tomato Suspension Agreement has raised the concern of an American coalition of nearly 80 businesses and industry associations. Canada is watching closely for any unintended consequences if the pull-out goes ahead on May 7.

About 90 per cent of the asparagus acreage in Germany is covered with film. That’s because white asparagus is considered the German king of vegetables. The season kicks off in April.

In the Canadian Horticultural Council’s latest video, British Columbia apple grower Nirwal Dhaliwal talks about the importance of international workers, both to running his operation, and personally, as friends and neighbours.

The Grower goes "Behind the Scenes" of the March 2019 cover story