Dejected workers gather to tear down the brittle leaves of a cucumber crop that perished after Nature Fresh Farms was shut down by public health authorities on June 30, 2020. In a recent short documentary, the story is told how 199 asymptomatic workers tested positive for COVID-19 but no one was ever hospitalized. The devastating effects of losing 7.8 million pounds of produce aren’t just economic but emotional as guest workers have testified.

The Grower, goes 'Behind the Scenes' of the December cover story titled Hardest Harvest and speaks with John Ketler, vice-president, Nature Fresh Farms.

The Zampro fungicide label has been expanded for management of downy mildew diseases on spinach and blackberries.

Mancozeb, a foundational fungicide in many programs, will continue to be allowed for disease control in crops such as potatoes and apples. However some cancellations are in store for other crops. Be careful to read the details.

UPL AgroSolutions is launching a new liquid formulation in its herbicide that is registered for potatoes and tomatoes. Tricor increases the control of several pigweed species and other weeds.

UPL AgroSolutions Canada has received PMRA registration for new STRIM MTZ herbicide. It controls troublesome grasses and broadleaf weeds such as lamb’s quarters.

A California congressman, Jim Costa, is one of two candidates who have declared interest in chairing the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. He represents an agricultural district surrounding Fresno.

If the new administration doesn’t move forward with trade negotiations in Europe and Japan, this could present Canadian agriculture with an opportunity to better leverage its first-mover advantage secured in agreements, including CPTPP and CETA. That’s the insight provided by the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute.

Just for fun, The Grower invited apple growers across the country to submit photos and measurements of the biggest Honeycrisp apple. Van Ymeren Orchards, Alymer, Ontario wins the contest with an apple measuring 4.9175 inches.

Health Canada has completed its re-evaluation of linuron. Some mitigation measures are required for specific crops such as carrots, parsnips, potatoes and asparagus. Celery growers will have another two years to find alternative solutions.