Larry McIntosh, recently retired as president and CEO of Peak of the Market for 27 years, is this year’s winner of the Canadian Produce Person of the Year. A virtual event is to be held July 21, 2021 when Tom Karst, editor of The Packer and Ron Lemaire, president of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association present the award.

Lisa Thompson, representing the rural riding of Huron-Bruce, becomes the new Ontario minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs. She’s been a MPP since 2011.

A Manitoba household name, Peak of the Market, has appointed a new CEO to carry forward the marketing strategies for more than 100 different varieties of locally grown produce. She’s Pamela Kolochuk, most recently the company’s chief financial officer.

The company’s business model was to own maintain, transport and operate the robots in exchange for contract payments.

$1.8 million will be invested to support Vineland’s on-the-vine breeding program for greenhouse tomatoes.

Washington State has reversed guidance to its fully vaccinated farm workers, releasing them from having to wear a mask or socially distance to work or in congregate housing. Farm groups lobbied for the change.

Malathion 85E has been amended via User Requested Minor Use Label Expansion (URMULE)

UPL’s portfolio consists of natural and biologically derived agricultural inputs and technologies.

Crystal Mackay will coordinate the Food Day Canada event set for July 31. The farm and food advocate takes over the reins from event founder Anita Stewart, who passed in 2020.

Health Canada has released its proposed special review decisions related to potential risks to squash bee.