The LeafHope project addresses the environmental and economic challenges faced by Canadian agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of strawberries, blueberries, and canola, which collectively represent a yearly economic value of $31B. 

The title “LeafHope” derives its name from the impact of leafhopper pests that transmit diseases to these crops. In response, a multidisciplinary team of 18 academics has proposed the Leafhopper project, aiming to devise sustainable agricultural methods to significantly reduce synthetic insecticide use while ensuring high yields. Thanks to NSERC funding, the four-year project is now underway with the involvement of associations and industry members across Canada.  

The lead researcher for strawberries and blueberries is Dr. Edel Pérez Lopez, of Laval University.

For its part, Ontario Berries has identified five strawberry and five blueberry growers who will participate in on-farm research. 

“This will allow us to capture leafhoppers and monitor the abundance and diversity of these insects throughout the duration of the project,” says Victoria Buma, research coordinator, Berry Growers of Ontario. “This collaboration represents in-kind contributions of $60,000, which also includes participation in the LeafHope annual meetings and identification of test groups for co-construction exercises and knowledge transfer initiatives.” 

Strawberry and blueberry sites across Ontario will be monitored by Erica Pate (OMAFA) and Victoria Eastman Buma (BGO/East Ag Consulting).

Associations + individual growers involved are:

1. Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission (SaskCanola): 
2. Alberta Canola Producers Commission (Alberta Canola): 
3. Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA): 
4. Ferme Van Tessel: 
5. The British Columbia Blueberry Council (BCBC) & BC Strawberry Grower’s Association (BCSGA)
6. Syndicat des producteurs de bleuets du Québec (SPBQ):
7. Bleuets Corymbe Québec (BCQ): 
8. Berry Growers of Ontario (BGO):
9. Québec strawberry growers: 6 individual growers
10. Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia (Wild Blueberries)

The initiative plans to fill existing knowledge gaps concerning the effects of climate change on insect migratory patterns, population dynamics, and insecticide resistance. The project's novel and comprehensive approach leverages cutting-edge technologies for pest management, making it distinct from previous endeavors. 

Source: Berry Growers of Ontario September 15, 2024 newsletter

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