Ontario has passed legislation to expand access to natural gas in more parts of rural and northern Ontario.

The feds have announced up to $5 million for an 'automation cluster' led by the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. Research will focus on robotic harvesters for greenhouse cucumbers, wireless irrigation for flowers and vegetables, and sensors for soil and air moisture. Ag minister Lawrence MacAulay and fellow MPs were on hand for the announcement.

Valent, the manufacturers of Presidio fungicide have been granted a label expansion for control of downy mildew on field and greenhouse basil, and downy mildew of hops. The expansion also includes suppression of Phytophthora blight and pod rot and downy mildew on edible podded beans in Canada.

Powdery mildew and botrytis are the targets of BASF’s new Serifel fungicide for grapes. Available for 2019, it can be used in conventional or organic production.

Minecto Pro is registered in potatoes for control of Colorado potato beetle, European corn borer, spider mite, potato psyllid and flea beetle. It’s also registered to control labelled pests in apples, pears and various vegetable crops.

Adavelt is a novel fungicide in the Corteva Agriscience pipeline for disease control on a wide range of horticultural crops.

Suppression of pink rot and control of key seed- and soil‑borne diseases are on the label of Syngenta’s potato seed treatment registration for Vibrance Ultra Potato.

Innovative Solutions Canada is a new federal program that invites small businesses to come up with an innovative product, service or solution for a specific challenge they face.

Vineland is developing promising new varieties of more flavourful on-the-vine tomatoes. Check out their story and video.

Ontario’s ginseng industry has a $250M farmgate value.