How robots will give a hand to food security - Grower
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SEPTEMBER 2020 CELEBRATING 141 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION THEGROWER.ORG
HIGH-WIRE ACT
How robots will give a hand to food security
The calm demeanor of greenhouse grower Jake Neufeld has stood him in good stead. He’s needed steely nerves to manage a labour-intensive crop of high-wire cucumbers near
Leamington, Ontario. The challenges of 2020 include finishing construction on a new 30-acre greenhouse facility for peppers by end of year. Photos by Glenn Lowson.
long English cucumbers, he’s also over- vegetables to cannabis, total sales of novel human coronavirus affecting
KAREN DAVIDSON seeing construction of a new 30-acre greenhouse fruit and vegetables in normal operations. As Neufeld attests, a
pepper greenhouse that will be planted Canada rose five per cent to $1.6 billion sizable percentage of his workforce did
Away from the heat of COVID-19 in December 2020. in 2019. not arrive in timely fashion. Usually, he
headlines, Ontario greenhouse vegetable Neufeld and other Ontario growers The growth curve has been consistent would employ 72 Mexican seasonal
growers are lighting up more acres. In see blue sky through their glass rooftops since 2013 as retailers search out locally workers for deleafing, pruning and
fact, another 200 to 350 acres of because they believe that greenhouse grown, pristine produce. Ontario (65%), picking the high-wire cucumber crop.
tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers are production – with its advantages of a British Columbia (19.2%) Quebec (9.3%) This year he welcomed only 58 but
expected to come on stream by end of controlled environment – is integral to and Alberta (5.4%) accounted for most of fortunately, they all have tested negative
year. future food security. While drought the 2019 greenhouse fruit and vegetable for the virus. Some of that success he
Jake Neufeld is one example of squeezes sizing and volume of other volumes. Coincidentally, Canada’s most attributes to a new bunkhouse, built two
soldiering through the pandemic. field crops this summer, greenhouses can populous provinces, representing 32 years ago, featuring better design with a
“It’s definitely been a challenging continue to set fruit through all weather. million consumers, have sizable green- heating, ventilation and air-conditioning
year,” says Neufeld, the Leamington, Indeed, Statistics Canada bears house capacity within their boundaries. system.
Ontario owner of Vine Fresh Acres. Not witness to the success of the sector in a Greenhouse production is not without
only is he managing six acres of high- May 2020 news release. Despite some its challenges whether it’s green mottle
wire, mini-cucumbers and 28 acres of greenhouse operators switching from mosaic virus plaguing cucumbers or a Continued on page 3
Spud genetics lab at Laval PG 5 National housing standards PG 6 Greenhouse innovation PG 12
Volume 70 Number 09 P.M. 40012319 $3.00 CDN @growernews
PAGE 2 –– SEPTEMBER 2020
THE GROWER
AT PRESS TIME… NEWSMAKERS
Calls for independent
body to receive
• Additional testing for all month, we believe an Effective August 17, 2020,
agri-food employees. ombudsman-like position to John Kelly became
workplace complaints
mediate employee- employer Ontario’s new deputy
• Increased joint on-farm interactions would serve both minister of agriculture,
inspections with the federal parties and help to strengthen food and rural affairs. He is
The Ontario Greenhouse government under the the reputation of the long- a former executive vice-
Vegetable Growers (OGVG) are Temporary Foreign Worker standing temporary foreign president of the Ontario
publicly supporting calls to Program framework to identify worker programs.” Fruit and Vegetable
create an independent body to and address bad players. “Earlier this month we Growers’ Association from
receive and address workplace thanked the Government of 2014-2016, and has held
complaints from agri-food • A ban on employees working Canada for additional invest- senior roles in other
employees. The response at more than one operation. ments to provide support and organizations such as
comes after the Globe and Mail protections for foreign workers” DNAstack, MaRS Landing
published a headline story on • A crackdown on the use of said Dr. Justine Taylor, science and most recently
August 17: Farm workers call unscrupulous recruiters who and government relations Bioenterprise Corporation.
for safety from reprisals. operate outside of the law, manager for OGVG. “We Congrats, John!
In the front-page story, asking all levels of government believe that using those
employees and advocates were to work with the sector to resources to create a Glenna Banda has left the role of executive director, AgScape,
quoted as calling for an address this issue. coordinated body to address after joining in May 2019. The interim executive director has not
“independent oversight agency worker concerns and deal with a been announced.
to deal with complaints” from • Source and distribute myriad of challenges makes
agri-food employees. The additional PPE for employees good sense and will help Congratulations to Gordon Bell, a Masters of Science student at
feature also contained to use in their communities as agri-food employees and the University of Guelph. He’s part of the Climate Smart Soils
interviews with both British well as distribute PPE to local employers alike.” Program and one of the 25 people appointed to the first-ever
Pacific Agriculture Show
Columbia and Ontario growers businesses to ensure masks and Canadian Agricultural Youth Council. Joining him is Colby
goes virtual
who offered evidence that social distancing are the norm at Robertson, University of Lethbridge potato research student who
contradicted the narrative of all commercial establishments. says “My goals are to address youth-in-ag access to capital and
seasonal workers. Consular succession planning to continue sustainable farming.”
officials from Mexico as well as OGVG and other agri-food
Trinidad and Tobago offered stakeholders have been working Cancellations are now Hats off to agribusiness
quotes that supported with the federal and provincial bleeding into 2021 with British leader Jay Bradshaw,
employers in their fair governments, along with a Columbia’s Pacific Agriculture former president of
treatment of the workers. For number of provincial, regional Show declaring that its January Syngenta Canada. He’s
example, the Mexican consul- and local authorities, to manage 28-30 event will go virtual. one of four inductees to
general in British Columbia said through the COVID-19 Show manager Jim Shepard says the 2020 Canadian
that two Mexican workers had pandemic. The crisis has that the event will return to its Agricultural Hall of Fame.
chosen to return home, after revealed a complicated original format in 2022 at He began his 36-year
they had clearly violated the interjurisdictional landscape. Tradex in Abbotsford. career in Canadian
farmer’s rules. “OGVG has been calling for The educational program agriculture with a sales
In a news release, OGVG a number of additional tools and will continue online with the territory in Saskatchewan.
says its 200 members remain services to help address acute Horticultural Growers’ Short He saw Cyanamid through
committed to enhancing a full issues with employee safety and Course, Cannatech West and Ag the successful acquisition
suite of regulatory tools, support supports throughout the Innovation Day. by BASF before joining
services and other workplace COVID-19 pandemic, ” said Joe More details will be available Syngenta Canada, serving
protections for agri-food Sbrocchi, general manager of for registrants and exhibitors in as president until his retirement in 2018. Jay is a skilled
employees, such as: OGVG. “As stated earlier this mid-September. communicator and lifelong advocate for the advancement of
modern farming technology. He’s behind several collaborative
initiatives in the industry including GrowCanada – a coalition of
national stakeholders to advance agricultural innovation and
sustainability, and CleanFarms – a successful agricultural
container recycling program. A highly respected leader, Jay has
effectively helped shape organizational direction with his bold
vision for the future of farming.
The Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute has announced the
departure of Don Buckingham as president and CEO. Ted
Bilyea will take on the role of interim president and CEO, while
a search is mounted for new leadership. The board says that the
CAPI mandate will evolve from a neutral research and policy
think-tank to also be an impartial, solutions-oriented
organization, helping farmers, governments and industry make
the kinds of strategic, thoughtful decisions that will shape our
shared future.
Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF) has announced that Dr.
Muhammad Tahir has joined the company as its new director,
research and regulatory affairs, replacing John Armstrong, who
has retired after 20 years with the company. Tahir has a corporate
research and academic track record in both Canada and the
United States. The Summerland, British Columbia-based
company is known for the development of non-browning Arctic
apple varieties.
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has called for an election
September 14 that will be held without door-to-door canvassing
or hand-out materials while the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Standings in the provincial legislature when it was dissolved were
20 PCs, 20 Liberals, three Green MLAs, three People's Alliance
MLAs and one independent. Two seats were vacant. Ross
Wetmore is the current minister of agriculture, aquaculture and
fisheries.
SEPTEMBER 2020 –– PAGE 3
THE GROWER
COVER STORY
How robots will give a hand to food security
High-wire cucumbers require a lot of labour for transplanting, staking, tying, pruning and harvesting. At Vine Fresh Acres, experience has shown that it takes two people per
acre to tend to the crop.
Continued from page 1 pesticide-free crop treatment how to control, for example, a worldwide. act moving forward, balancing
that will immediately address hot spot of whiteflies. Using a For those shying away from human knowledge with
Widespread COVID-related pest management in greenhouse predictive model, the experts the capital expense of machine precision.
disruptions underscore the vegetables. A crop-monitoring can see where the pests are automation, Miresmailli says he
current human resource robot designed to use biological likely to go next and prescribe is working with Farm Credit The Grower goes “Behind the
dependency of the sector. controls and UV-based surgically placed biological Canada on a unique financial Scenes” with Saber Miresmailli,
Neufeld shares that he is disinfectants will help to reduce agents. product that can support the founder and CEO of Ecoation
moving to a program of securing the scouts currently needed for This futuristic technology acquisition. Innovation Solutions. A crop-
a workforce for two years at a this job. has become advanced enough “The technology is not monitoring robot will lessen
time to support year-round “Before COVID-19, this that Ecoation is the only perfect,” says Miresmailli. reliance on human scouts to
production. technology was a nice-to have,” commercial company with “There are shortcomings. But detect pests and disease. This
“There is a new dynamic in says Saber Miresmailli, Ecoation crop-scouting robots now work- we are setting up a Tomato series is sponsored by BASF
play regarding seasonal founder and CEO. “But now ing in greenhouses in Canada, Care program, much like an Agricultural Solutions.
workers,” adds Joe Sbrocchi, it’s necessary. With public the United States, Mexico and Apple Care program that
general manager, Ontario health measures in place, Europe. Miresmailli has promises support to growers on
Greenhouse Vegetable Growers. workers and growers can’t announced that as of September an ongoing basis. We have an
“With more automation there simply go in and out of facilities 1, the research and develop- oath in our company to take
will be fewer jobs for these anymore. With robots, we have ment division of Ecoation is care of our customers.”
workers in the future.” the ability to offer a virtual walk moving to Kingsville, Ontario. Greenhouse growers will
The automation trend is with 360° views of the The pandemic has shifted benefit in the immediate term
proceeding at breakneck speed. greenhouse.” business dynamics in other from automated technology,
Ecoation Innovation Solutions, Grounded by travel bans, radical ways. Ecoation is however Miresmailli forecasts
headquartered in North international consultants are launching a remote consulting that the next sectors will be
Vancouver, is developing and now able to view reports service for greenhouse growers berries and vineyards. More
Tips for exporting to the U.S. midst ongoing border closures
testing an automated, remotely and provide advice on who will have access to experts than ever, it will be a high-wire
up enforcement of commercial accommodate the extra time updating you on any delays they ever-changing landscape of
BREANNA LEININGER imports. This is causing delays they will likely spend at the may encounter. fluctuating rates and capacities.
at the ports of crossing. As the port. • Account for anticipated future
Customs brokers have a governing bodies for your Prepare for transportation increases. Breanna Leininger is U.S.
unique perspective on the exports, extra attention must be fluctuations. With all the fear • Work with partners who will operations manager for PCB
effect COVID-19 is having on paid to ensure your shipments and uncertainty surrounding the help you navigate this Customs Brokers. www.pcb.ca
international trade. We work as meet their regulatory mandates. current pandemic, many
the go-between for Canadian Tips for success: shippers are bracing for
growers exporting their goods to • Ensure both your customs transportation fluctuations. It’s
the U.S., for the carriers you broker and carriers have the not uncommon for carriers to
hire, and the customs agencies necessary documents needed to experience sharp increases in
in charge of regulating your facilitate your release request. demand or decline in rates with
exports. Here are some tips for Double-check that all necessary excess capacity, as a result of an
growers looking to export their data elements are complete and economic situation.
goods into the U.S. marketplace accurate so that if your ship- At the onset of the
this fall. ment is inspected, the process pandemic, some freight lanes
First, there’s been a sharp can go as smoothly as possible. experienced a decreased
increase in commercial • After your carrier loads, capacity. Although this is not
inspections. The ongoing ensure that the amount of goods currently the case, the
border closure, now extended listed on the customs uncertainty of the pandemic’s
until September 21, 2020, has documentation matches what trajectory makes it prudent to
limited the amount of passenger was loaded on the carrier. Often prepare for similar outcomes.
traffic at ports across Canada. when a load is short shipped, Tips for success:
This drop in traffic has provided the documentation is not • When booking your carriers,
partner government agencies updated and growers are paying ensure that the drivers’ hours
such as the Food and Drug for unnecessary duty and tax. allow for the anticipated delays
Administration (FDA) and the • Account for the delays with at the port.
U.S. Department of Agriculture your carriers and ensure their • Make sure that your chosen
(USDA) an opportunity to step refrigeration equipment can transportation providers are
PAGE 4 –– SEPTEMBER 2020
THE GROWER
CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Haskap
berries
launched in
Vancouver
Until now, haskap berries
were a curiosity niche offering
at farmers’ markets. But The
Oppenheimer Group (Oppy)
has introduced the dusk- The company, Oppy, has that they’ve grown accustomed snack and its ease of use from a more than 200 years. Thanks to
coloured berry to the Greater trialled the berries with select to, and in the current culinary perspective, haskap its high level of antioxidants
Vancouver Area, the first time retailers in a limited locale not circumstances a little bit of berries have plenty of untapped and anthocyanins, haskaps offer
for retail. far from where the berries are novelty can be welcome,” said potential that can be realized many health benefits including
The timing is opportune for grown. The test is how well the senior manager of insights and with the right promotions and anti-inflammatory,
back to school as haskaps are fruit will hold up in the innovation, Garland Perkins. partnerships.” neuroprotective and
well suited as a snack for commercial supply chain and its “Oppy is continually looking for Modern varieties of the berry cardioprotective
children, thanks to their size shelf life. new, under-the-radar varieties were developed by the properties.
and flavour which is described “Haskap berries offer that bring a lot to the table for University of Saskatchewan in
as a mixture of blueberries and consumers a welcome reprieve consumers and retailers. Thanks 2000, but the super-berry was Source: The Oppenheimer Group
raspberries. from the usual produce items to its versatility as a healthy originally cultivated in Japan for August 6, 2020 news release
QUEBEC
New technology to help grow
Quebec vegetable businesses
Two first-in-sector projects offset imports of radishes from
will receive $2.2 million in Mexico and Southern California
federal funds to install advanced which were valued at
technology in their respective approximately $18.6 million.
radish and onion operations at Once complete, this project is
Saint-Patrice-de-Sherrington, expected to generate $1.3
Quebec. million in revenue with the
Specifically, an investment of production of 460,000 pallets.
$625,419 will support Les Meanwhile, an investment of
Jardins A. Guérin et Fils, Inc. more than $1.5 million will be
(JAG) in optimizing growing made to support onion producer
techniques and performing Onipro with the adoption of
market testing as they optical scanning technology that
implement a new model for the will increase productivity and
year-round production of reduce loss, while also ensuring
organic, greenhouse-grown the highest quality product Federal ag minister Marie-Claude Bibeau meets with vegetable growers in Saint-Patrice-de-
radishes. This is the first possible. This will be the first Sherrington, Quebec.
operation of its kind in Canada. time such technology has been
Domestic availability of used in Canada's onion sector, to their points of origin for food in that same time period from Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food
locally grown, organic radishes, allowing growers to ramp up safety and security purposes. 58 million pounds annually to Canada August 13, 2020 news
year-round, will reduce the production to meet growing This project is expected to 76.5 million pounds, increasing release
need for imports by providing a demand, lower costs, and increase production by 30 per Onipro's competitiveness in
new product offering and create increase exports. cent within the next five years. both domestic and export
new export opportunities. JAG's As a result of this project, It is hoped that this technology markets.
year-round production will help onions can now be traced back will increase onion production
NOVA SCOTIA
Virtual orchard tour in Annapolis Valley
This year’s Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ system. He shared his wisdom on starting an
Association annual summer tour was virtual for organic orchard block and maintaining it with the
the first time ever. During the week of August most effective pest control methods. He
10, nine videos were released on topics including discussed apple varieties and the challenges in
rootstock trials, new plantings, apple replant the Maritime climate and the market.
disease, fruitlet thinning, organic production and The topic of soil health was tackled at Nazinga
entomology research. Farm by AAFC soil scientist Keith Fuller. He
One video focused on a group panel explained apple replant disease and the reasoning
comprising Larry Lutz, David Power and Andrew behind the PicPlus field trial. Dr. Tom Forge,
Bishop. Over the last few years their farms have AAFC nematologist shared his research and
been faced with a freeze in June of 2018, hail and results. The research team was also lucky to have
hurricane Dorian in 2019, and now COVID-19. Dr. Shawkat Ali, AAFC pathologist, to explain
They shared how they have adapted, tackled associated pathogens.
risks such as fire blight, changed nursery tree Michelle Cortens, tree fruit specialist for
practices, found new opportunities, and how they Perennia says that all videos are available at the
are adjusting during COVID-19. association’s website. Go here: www.nsfga.com/
Another orchard host was Josh Oulton of
TapRoot Farms with an organic management
SEPTEMBER 2020 –– PAGE 5
THE GROWER
CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST
QUEBEC
The quest for a more
flavourful potato starts
in a Quebec genetics lab
“
We’d like to identify potatoes with more nutty or
floral notes.
“ ~ CHARLES GOULET Professor Charles Goulet (left) and graduate student Samuel Gagnon are conducting breeding research
to identify the genes responsible for volatile compounds that result in the best-tasting potatoes. A
comparison of five different varieties reveals remarkable differences in the genetics lab at Université
Laval, Québec City.
to the Vivaldi variety as her
KAREN DAVIDSON personal favourite for its buttery
taste and smooth texture.
Fruity or floral? That It's well documented that
question is perfect for wine. But taste buds can perceive only
for potatoes? five stimuli: salt, sweet, sour,
Charles Goulet and his bitter and umami – that “je ne
graduate student Samuel sais quoi” or savoury quality
Gagnon enthusiastically say, that lasts in the mouth. Eating
“yes!” starts with smell, not taste.
Their ground-breaking Samuel Gagnon demon-
research is underway at a strates the concept by waving
genetics lab at Université Laval four vials of clear liquids under
in Québec City that will offer the nose. They are: menthional,
insight to potato varieties that limonene, l-octen-3-ol and
not only grow well, but taste B-ionone. By its name,
divine. Québec Parmentier, a menthional connotes a fresh
grower-owned company and clean aroma while limonene
comprising 25 seed and fresh is citrus in nature. The Québec Parmentier and potatoes with more nutty or flavours might change for fresh
potato farmers, started to chemicals of 1-octen-3-ol and Progest. Charles Goulet is floral notes for example,” says potatoes in storage. In the apple
collaborate with the researchers B-ionone have qualities of working with diploid potatoes Goulet. “The mushroom taste industry, growers know that
five years ago to quantify the mushroom and raspberry aromas which have 24 chromosomes. is not so nice for most certain conditioning protocols
volatile compounds in potatoes. respectively. Some consumers From the perspective of a consumers.” are needed for varieties such as
Cooking potatoes transforms like the aroma of mushroom, breeding program, it’s easier to The sensory findings are Honeycrisp. Could the same
the aroma, a key element of but in general, a moldy smell is isolate aroma traits and predict instructive for marketing approach be taken with up-and-
taste. disliked. the outcome by crossbreeding purposes. Quebeckers, for coming varieties such as AAC
“Quebéc Parmentier is The current research project diploid potatoes than tetraploid instance, prefer a smoother Confederation to be launched
counting on characterization of is thanks to a 2020 grant from potatoes with 48 chromosomes. texture than do Ontarians who in about two years?
flavours and clear usage the Natural Sciences and He estimates 40 to 50 volatile prefer a drier flesh. Charles Goulet and Samuel
indications by variety,” says Engineering Research Council compounds need to be The next stage of research is Gagnon are a confident duo in
Laurence Coté, sales and of Canada in collaboration with measured for their effects on to study the effects of storage predicting that they’ll have the
business development manager. Conseil de recherche sur la taste. on flavour. As Goulet explains, recipe for growers.
During a taste test, she points pomme de terre du Québec, “We’d like to identify little is known about how
ONTARIO
Collaboration key to apple texture
breakthrough
For the first time, Vineland’s Research Scientist, Sensory and
Consumer Insights team is able to Consumer Services. “Until now tribology
demonstrate how critical sensory hasn’t been used on hard foods.”
attributes can be predicted using friction “We found tribology was able to
measurements of apple flesh. predict crispness, juiciness and mealiness
To help the Canadian apple industry - the most important texture features for
remain competitive, Vineland in consumers when eating an apple.
collaboration with the University of Interestingly, we determined tribology is From L-R: a rotational double ball-on-plate tribological system and linear
Idaho and the University of California more effective than the industry reciprocating tribometer
Merced in the United States and the standard penetrometer, for measuring
University of Guelph in Canada, apple firmness. Friction measurements texture analyzer, an instrument widely “If positive results continue this
undertook a novel study using tribology using tribology equipment not only available within the horticulture coming apple season, we anticipate
on this fruit. predicted apple crispness, which is industry. Findings showed with simple recommending a switch from using a
“Tribology, the science of wear, related to firmness, but also mealiness and fairly inexpensive modifications, a penetrometer to using tribology for
friction and lubrication is being used and juiciness which the penetrometer is texture analyzer can be used to produce monitoring apple texture along the value
more and more in food science but not able to predict reliably,” explained friction measurements strongly chain,” concluded Grygorczyk.
mostly in liquids and semi-solids Grygorczyk. associated with texture perception by a
including yogurt and custard,” said The research team then repeated the trained sensory panel while Source: Vineland Research and Innovation
Alexandra Grygorczyk, PhD, Vineland’s study, this time using an attachment on a outperforming a penetrometer. Centre
PAGE 6 –– SEPTEMBER 2020
THE GROWER
WORKER HOUSING
Research needed to determine bunkhouse standards in Canada
“
Nobody has collected new health data that’s needed to make the right
decisions.
“ ~ CHARLES STEVENS
This bunkhouse (top left) was built by a tender fruit grower for his
female seasonal workers. Photos by Glenn Lowson.
stations – Stevens counsels that business environment for been raised by the Western This is an exercise that involves
KAREN DAVIDSON some of the money should be growers. Agricultural Labour Initiative in provincial governments whose
invested first in determining the “We would love to have the British Columbia. What is the mandate is housing. Rejigging
Money alone won’t solve the longer-term needs. federal government set out the standard for privacy or comfort? housing is not a silver bullet but
current crisis in public “Every industry has its housing rules and for provinces That’s difficult to answer rather just one piece of the
confidence of how seasonal challenges, but we need to do a to monitor and enforce them,” because for each worker, puzzle.
agricultural workers are housed better job of collecting and says Stevens. “Otherwise, the happiness is subjective. Stevens concludes: With so
in Canada. The federal analyzing data before throwing situation is muddled by As of mid-August, Stevens much uncertainty, we’re going
government’s July 31 money at the problem,” says different municipal building views the federal announce- to grow less food in the short
announcement of $58.6 million Stevens, a blueberry and apple codes, fire codes and septic tank ment as confirmation of term.”
to strengthen the Temporary grower near Newcastle, Ontario. regulations.” consultations with industry on
Foreign Worker (TFW) He’s been hiring workers The issue of worker privacy, housing standards that may not
Budget breakdown
program in the face of COVID- through the Seasonal livability and comfort levels has be reached until beyond 2021.
19 outbreaks on farms is grist Agricultural Worker Program for
for the media mill, but much many years.
more needs to be done. The COVID-19 labour and
“Let’s use some of that housing task force is also
money to do research first,” says looking at the farm as a whole
Charles Stevens, chair of the and examining a “day in the Federal Ministers Carla Qualtrough for Employment, Workforce Development and Disability
COVID-19 labour and housing life” of farm workers. Making Inclusion and Marie-Claude Bibeau, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, made the announcement
task force constituted by the adjustments to housing, in July 31. Highlights are:
Ontario Fruit & Vegetable isolation of this reality, will not
Growers’ Association (OFVGA). serve the sector well in the long • Investing $7.4 million to increase supports to temporary foreign workers, including $6 M for direct
Farm employers using the term. As soon as these workers outreach to workers delivered through migrant worker support organizations;
Seasonal Agricultural Worker step out of their housing units
Program are looking for more they physically work together. • Strengthening the employer inspections regime, particularly on farms, and making improvements
guidance given the effects of They socialize with other to how tips and allegations of employer non-compliance are addressed (such as by initiating an
the COVID-19 pandemic. people on and off the farm. inspection) through an investment of $16.2 million; and
Questions remain on how Other individuals and input
workers, who were quarantined suppliers interact with work • Investing $35 million to improve health and safety on farms and in employee living quarters to
for 14 days upon arrival, have teams. prevent and respond to the spread of COVID-19. This will go toward direct infrastructure
acquired the virus afterwards. Since March 2020, improvements to living quarters, temporary or emergency housing (on- or off-farm), as well as PPE,
“Nobody has collected new horticulture as a whole has sanitary stations, and any other health and safety measures. Non-repayable contributions will be
health data that’s needed to borne the brunt of delays in cost-shared 50:50 with the applicants.
make the right decisions,” says worker arrivals from Mexico and
Stevens. “We don’t know how the Caribbean and then the The federal government will also work to develop mandatory requirements to improve
many bunk beds are in the responsibility of 14-day employer-provided accommodations, focusing on ensuring better living conditions for workers. As a
province of Ontario. We don’t quarantines and keeping first step, the government will consult with provinces and territories, employers, workers and
know what is reasonable for workers healthy. The operating foreign partner countries on a proposal for these mandatory requirements for the TFW program in
physical space per person. We environment has been complex the months to come, and will work with those same partners to implement changes. Improvements
don’t know the right ratio of with multiple levels of to worker accommodations will also help reduce the risk of infection and spread of COVID-19 for
bathrooms.” government. As has been well foreign workers.
While $35 million has been publicized, some of the 35 Prior to the July 31 announcement, the Government of Canada announced the $50 million
earmarked to improve health Ontario medical officers of Mandatory Isolation Support for Temporary Foreign Workers Program to help farmers and food
and safety on farms – for health have declared even processors pay for the costs related to safely accommodating workers for the mandatory 14-day
improvements in living stricter rules than the province, quarantine period. The $35 million fund extends supports beyond the 14-day period.
quarters, PPE and sanitation creating an uncompetitive
SEPTEMBER 2020 –– PAGE 7
THE GROWER
FARM AND FOOD CARE
New OFA initiative connects
Ontario’s agri-food workforce
DANIELLE COLLINS
We all know there are various rewarding careers in
the agriculture and food sector. However, employers are
finding it challenging to find the right candidates to fill
the many jobs available, especially amidst a global
pandemic.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has
partnered with AgCareers.com and CareersInFood.com
to coordinate a rapid support system for agri-food
employers to connect with job seekers throughout
COVID-19 and beyond. These services, offered free of
charge, include a comprehensive job matching
concierge service and a series of virtual career fairs and
webinars for both job seekers and employers.
In June, four virtual career fairs were held in regions
across Ontario and were well received. Feedback from
participants indicated that the career fairs were easy to
navigate and they appreciated the direct interaction
with a wide variety of employers and job seekers.
Employers may be looking to fill one or several Pictured at the Muck Crops Research Station, these summer students will be looking for agri-careers when they
positions, and the concierge service will even staff the graduate. Photo by Glenn Lowson.
exhibitor booth if needed. Registration is encouraged
for anyone who may be interested in posting a job, or in the workplace, retaining employee talent in a make the connection to strengthen Ontario’s agri-food
looking for their next career opportunity in the competitive labour market, health and safety, and workforce. Connecting employers and job seekers in
agri-food sector. Upcoming career fairs are scheduled exploring careers in agri-food. the Ontario agriculture and food sector ensures a
for September 15th, covering Western Ontario, and With the convenience of our recent website launch, vibrant future for the next generation of farmers and
September 17th for Eastern Ontario. Don’t miss out! more information and registration details can be found agri-businesses.
Numerous free webinars are also being offered for at https://feedingyourfuture.ca/. Be sure to follow along
both job seekers and employers. You can register for on our social media pages to stay up to date with Danielle Collins is a policy analyst with the Ontario
upcoming webinars by visiting our website, or view upcoming events. Find us on Twitter and Facebook Federation of Agriculture.
recordings from ones you may have missed. Webinar @FeedYourFuture, and Instagram and LinkedIn
topics include: supporting mental health and well-being @FeedingYourFuture! We look forward to helping you
Get a handle
on your harvest.
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PAGE 8 –– SEPTEMBER 2020
THE GROWER
CHAIR’S PERSPECTIVE
Sometimes the best-laid plans go out the window
We had also just submitted some are even more relevant importance of adequate funding options there might be
our response to the provincial today than they were then. And and resources for the Ontario provincially for some form of
government to its budget to its credit, the provincial Ministry of Agriculture, Food protection.
consultations, outlining what we government has taken action in and Rural Affairs and Foodland We haven’t lost sight of this
felt were the priority areas for some areas too. Ontario. The pandemic has and other, non-pandemic-
government spending and We asked for ongoing and shown us how critical it is not to related issues. While not on the
support for Ontario fruit and adequate support to help our take things for granted and how front burner at the moment,
vegetable growers, and were sector deal with competitive- vital it is to invest in basic they’re nonetheless important.
preparing for spring advocacy ness pressures, for input into infrastructure, such as public There’s no doubt our
activities around those issues. Canadian Agricultural health and long-term care for industry would be in much
The pandemic struck a scant Partnership (CAP) program example, that will give us the worse shape if it wasn’t for all of
few weeks later and nothing has spending, and for the promised flexibility to respond to and the work by OFVGA,
BILL GEORGE JR.
been the same since. In a increase to the Risk weather a crisis. commodity and general farm
CHAIR, OFVGA
normal year, we’d now be busy Management Program. We’ve For agriculture, that basic organizations. The pandemic
preparing for our fall had some wins here and we infrastructure is a well-funded has certainly underscored the
government relations activities appreciate the government’s ministry with a strong network importance of advocacy and
as kids head back to school and willingness to support our sector. of extension specialists. For how invaluable a good govern-
If there’s one thing that this the legislature resumes sitting at Government has come to the horticulture in particular, ment relations program is.
pandemic has taught us, it’s the Queen’s Park. This would carry table with a PPE fund for Foodland Ontario and its There is always benefit to
importance of flexibility and us through the fall and into the farmers, they’ve agreed to essential support of local food is establishing and maintaining
being able to adapt in the face winter months, culminating in include crop losses due to also part of that infrastructure. good relationships with
of change. the provincial budget COVID-related labour issues And OFVGA continues to government – so much of the
Six months ago, COVID-19 announcement in late winter. under crop insurance, and they believe strongly in the need for competitive framework of our
was barely on the North This year, we’ve been almost implemented the expansion of financial protection for growers industry depends directly on
American radar. Our exclusively focused on the Risk Management Program, in the form of national government policy and
organization had just come out responding to ongoing which includes the Self- legislation that would protect regulatory decisions – but it’s
of our annual general meeting, emergencies and issues related Directed Risk Management growers from risks related to certainly even more critical
with new directors joining our to the pandemic, and that’s program for horticulture. slow payment, non-payment during times like these.
board and a fresh slate of just- unlikely to change for the The province also continues and bankruptcy of produce buy- OFVGA’s board and staff
passed resolutions that would foreseeable future. And yet, as I to support the agricultural sector ers. There had been little action continue to work behind the
help guide the activities of the look back on some of those in its national ask for changes to from the federal government on scenes to help effect positive
Ontario Fruit and Vegetable priority items we highlighted for the AgriStability program, which this file before the pandemic, so change for the industry and do
Growers’ Association (OFVGA) the government last winter, falls under federal purview. Last we had started working with our best to help our industry
in the coming year. many are still applicable – and winter, we also underlined the OMAFRA to explore what weather this crisis.
WEATHER VANE
Travis Cranmer (left) inspects sticky traps with onion-set grower Nathan Teetzel, Great Lakes Family Farm near Exeter, Ontario. The vegetable crops specialist with the Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is one of a hard-working, 11-member team serving Ontario horticulture. Photo by Glenn Lowson.
STAFF OFFICE ONTARIO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS’ OFVGA SECTION CHAIRS
Publisher: Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association 355 Elmira Road North, Unit 105 ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020
Editor: Karen Davidson, 416-557-6413, editor@thegrower.org Guelph, Ontario N1K 1S5 CANADA Crop Protection Charles Stevens
Advertising: Carlie Melara 519-763-8728, advertising@thegrower.org MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Tel. 519-763-8728 • Fax 519-763-6604 Chair Bill George Jr., Beamsville Environment and Conservation Jan VanderHout
The Grower is printed 12 times a year and sent to all Vice-chair Charles Stevens, Newcastle Labour Ken Forth
members of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Fruit Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin Safety Nets Mike Chromczak
The Grower reserves the right to refuse any advertising. Any Association who have paid $30.00 (plus G.S.T.) per year for Vegetable Kenny Forth, Lynden Energy, Property, Infrastructure
Director Mike Chromczak, Brownsville and Food Safety Brian Gilroy
errors that are the direct result of The Grower will be compen- the paper through their commodity group or container fees. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
sated at our discretion with a correction notice in the next issue. Others may subscribe as follows by writing to the office: Apples Charles Stevens, Newcastle
No compensation will be given after the first running of the ad. Fresh Veg other Kenny Forth, Lynden
Client signature is required before insertion. $30.00 (+ HST) /year in Canada Tender Fruit Fred Meyers, Niagara-on-the-Lake
The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association is the sole $40.00/year International Asparagus Mike Chromczak, Brownsville
owner of The Grower. All editorials and opinions expressed in Fresh Grape Bill George Jr., Beamsville
Subscribers must submit a claim for missing issues within Fresh Veg muck John Hambly, Bradford
The Grower are those of the newspaper’s editorial staff and/or four months. If the issue is claimed within four months, but Potato Shawn Brenn, Waterdown
contributor, and do not necessarily reflect the view of the associa- not available, The Grower will extend the subscription by Small Fruit Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin
tion. Ginseng Glen Gilvesy, Tillsonburg
one month. No refunds on subscriptions.
All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may Greenhouse Jan VanderHout, Waterdown
not be reproduced either whole or in part without the prior Greenhouse George Gilvesy, Tillsonburg
written consent of the publisher. P.M. 40012319 Processing Vegetables Ron Van Damme, Wallaceburg
SEPTEMBER 2020 –– PAGE 9
THE GROWER
URBAN COWBOY
Surplus food program
simmered too long
well, that was another matter.
Food banks were seeing record
numbers of users who were
desperate for help. Maybe this
surplus purchase initiative could
provide some assistance to
them.
Time rolled on. Through the
rest of the late spring and early
summer, horticulture and other
sectors were hammered by
labour shortages related to the
OWEN ROBERTS
pandemic, which left many
growers and producers in dire
U OF GUELPH straits.
Fields went unplanted.
Others couldn’t be harvested.
The COVID-19 pandemic Photos of produce being up across Canada due to the criticizing an aid program. True, Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second
has prompted some huge wasted, left rotting in the field COVID-19 pandemic. $50 million is not a lot to a Harvest, said the program will
questions about federal support appeared in the media, to At the announcement, held multi-billion-dollar sector like have a positive environmental,
for agriculture. everyone’s chagrin. The at a Quebec farm, federal agriculture. And certain economic and social impact, by
Some of the biggest restaurant and hospitality Minister of Agriculture and commodities, particularly grains, diverting healthy surplus food
questions were raised in early industry stood still, leaving Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau are extremely bitter over what to communities, instead of
May, when Prime Minister many producers without a key called it a win-win, providing an they call federal neglect becoming landfill waste.
Justin Trudeau announced his market for their food estimated 12 million kilos of throughout the pandemic. They “As an organization with the
sweeping $252-million farm and commodities. quality, nutritious, surplus food call the amount of support dual mission of ‘no waste, no
food aid program. The chasm between hungry to Canada’s most vulnerable farmers here receive a pittance hunger,’ Second Harvest is
It included $50 million for Canadians and the food they so populations. compared to the gobs of cash proud to participate in this
what Agriculture and Agri-Food dearly needed was not being “Not only are we helping U.S. farmers are receiving from integrated response to meet the
Canada claimed was the crossed. What was taking the producers who cannot sell their their election-conscious needs of the agri-food sector
first-ever food surplus purchase food bank program so long to goods to restaurants, but we are president. and vulnerable Canadians,” she
program to help out food banks get up and running? also aiding Canadians that have However, to the food bank said.
and other food aid efforts. Finally in mid-August, after had to seek help from food organizations involved in Does it meet the needs of
Trudeau’s overall program was receiving applications mid-June banks,” she said. Urgent, distributing the surplus food, the agri-food sector? More than
roundly criticized by growers to mid-July from food aid high-volume, highly perishable $50 million is golden. no program would, for sure. But
and producers for being organizations proposing to help surplus fruit, vegetables, meat, “It leverages the deep supply I doubt if growers who bided
inadequate, given agriculture’s deliver the program, Ottawa fish and seafood are the chain expertise and knowledge their time waiting for the
major contribution to the rolled it out. It named eight commodities that will be moved the food banking network has, program to be implemented
economy, let alone its impor- participants – most notably, through the program. thereby helping those in think so.
tance to the everyday lives of Food Banks Canada and Second Now, that’s great for those on Canada experiencing food The same goes for food bank
consumers who rely on it for Harvest -- to source and the receiving end of this food, insecurity in the most efficient users watching produce go to
sustenance. distribute perishable produce, and agriculture always has to manner,” said Chris Hatch, waste. The program took too
Software product streamlines
But the food bank program... meat, eggs and seafood piling keep them in mind when CEO of Food Banks Canada. long.
TFW applications
This year’s COVID-19 such as signed contracts and
pandemic has made navigating work permits. Users can even
the web of rules and regulations upload copies of documents to
more difficult than ever for show compliance in the event
employers applying for of an audit.
temporary foreign workers. Most recently, the program
Resounding Software Inc. added a “Journals” feature,
developed a software product allowing users to record journal
that can streamline that arduous entries (e.g. of ongoing health
process. It’s called Farm HR. conditions), with the ability to
About a dozen clients “tag” a journal with the names
including fruit farms and green- of workers and/or housing
houses are using the software to properties, allowing reports to
organize their workers, housing be run for a particular property,
and job postings. The program worker, or the entire operation.
generates a completed Labour Also new is WhatsApp
Market Impact Assessment integration. This feature, now
(LMIA) application, avoiding in Beta, allows staff to send a
having to fill out the 13-page message to all the workers in
PDF document manually. The their home country when an
product is web-based, meaning LMIA is approved to let them
it can be accessed anywhere know their flight information or
with an Internet connection, else to notify them of training
and there’s nothing to install or or other appointments once
keep updated. they’re on the job in Canada.
Built to be customizable, For more information about
Farm HR allows users to record Farm HR, go here:
and retain all information such www.farmhr.info.
as SIN numbers, health cards or
passport information, as well as
all that Service Canada requires
PAGE 10 –– SEPTEMBER 2020
THE GROWER
OPINION EDITORIAL
Farmers being blamed unfairly for COVID-19 spread among workers
Canadians such as WSIB, community.
certain Employment Insurance We should be celebrating the
benefits, occupational health success of a program that
and safety and provincial health generates benefits for so many –
care during their term of the workers and their families,
employment. consumers, farmers, rural
Because I’ve seen how much communities and our economy
good this labour program can do as a whole – not trying to
for so many, it’s a hard to hear dismantle it.
people who don’t know better The truth is our food security
or who have ulterior motives depends on it.
disparaging it and the farming
COMING EVENTS 2020
Sept 2 Ontario Produce Marketing Association Annual
General Meeting CANCELLED
Photo by Glenn Lowson
Sept 5 Verona Lions Garlic Festival, Kingston, ON
with a chronic shortage of and my family has employed
KEN FORTH domestic labour for more than workers through SAWP for 50 Sept 8-10 International Strawberry Symposium, Rimini,
50 years. Even more hurtful are years. Italy CANCELLED
Editor’s note: Broccoli grower Ken the accusations that farmers are Men and women from
Forth has gone public expressing the deliberately mistreating the Mexico and the Caribbean have Sept 12-13 Stratford Kiwanis Garlic Festival, Stratford, ON
private feelings of many growers men and women who work on been helping Ontario farmers CANCELLED
who are working hard to protect their farms or not doing enough solve a critical shortage of agri-
their employees this season. He’s the to protect them. cultural workers through SAWP Sept 15-18 Canada’s Digital Farm Show, Woodstock, ON
president of Foreign Agricultural In the midst of an already for more than half a century. At
Resource Management Services, the difficult season – navigating a the same time, they’ve helped Sept 20 10th Annual Toronto Garlic Festival, Artscape
non-profit organization that combined health and economic lift themselves and their fami- Wychwood Barns, Toronto, ON
administers the Seasonal crisis – farmers have never felt lies out of a punishing cycle of (CHECK WEBSITE)
Agricultural Worker Program. more misunderstood, poverty in their home countries.
Below is the complete text of the misrepresented and SAWP has been successful Sept 21-23 United Fresh Washington Conference, Grand
opinion editorial that appeared in demoralized. I know of growers for more than 50 years because Hyatt, Washington, DC VIRTUAL
the Toronto Star, Hamilton who have already decided to get it provides benefits to everyone
Spectator and other newspapers the out of agriculture altogether or who participates in it — from Sept 23 Ontario Produce Marketing Association Golf
last week of July 2020. are looking at selling their the growers who need Tournament, Lionhead Golf & Country Club,
family farms because they’re supplemental seasonal labour, to Brampton, ON CANCELLED
This summer has been the tired of having their characters Ontarians who are able to buy
first time in my life that I’ve attacked. top-quality local foods at the Oct 5 – 8 International Plant Health Conference, Helsinki,
been reluctant to tell people It’s unfortunate that any of grocery store and the Finland POSTPONED until June 28-July 1, 2021
what I do for a living. If it Ontario’s seasonal farm workers workers themselves who are
comes up in conversation, I try became ill with COVID-19, let able to provide better living Oct 7-8 Canadian Greenhouse Conference, Scotiabank
to find a way to change the alone that there were several conditions for their families at Conference Centre, Niagara Falls, ON
subject. largescale outbreaks. It goes to home. VIRTUAL
I’m a farmer. I grow broccoli show how aggressive this virus While COVID-19 has
with my son in Lynden, Ont., can be in any work environment presented significant Oct 14-17 International Plowing Match, Lindsay ON
outside of Hamilton, just like I where physical distancing is a challenges, growers have been CANCELLED (Oct 13-16, 2021, Lindsay, ON
used to do with my father. challenge. able to protect the vast majority
To be clear, I’m not ashamed But counter to the of their workers from contract- Oct 13-15 Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit,
of my livelihood. I love my inaccuracies being spread in ing the virus through rigorous Dallas, TX VIRTUAL
work. I’m deeply proud of the some circles, farmers do care safety protocols.
role I play in society, putting about the health and well-being In addition to meeting Oct 27- 29 Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers
fresh, local food on the tables of of the people who work for minimum safety requirements, GIC LIVE@HOME event
Canadians. Farming isn’t just a them – international employees many farmers have invested in
job. It’s a way of life. It’s all and domestic workers alike. more stringent measures to Oct 29 Food & Beverage Ontario 2020 Conference,
encompassing. You live where They care about them as enhance physical distancing, Steam Whistle Brewery, Toronto, ON (CHECK
you work and you work when- workers and, more importantly, such as carrying out renovations WEBSITE)
ever the weather lets you. You they care about them as people. in worker accommodations to
don’t punch out at the end of Why would any farmer in create more separation, Nov 2-4 Fall Harvest Meetings on Parliament Hill,
the day. their right mind not want to installing plexiglass divisions Ottawa, ON
But there’s a stigma now to make certain that the people and barriers in packing houses
the job my family has they depend on for a successful and organizing regular grocery Nov 6-15 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto, ON
performed for generations that growing season are healthy and deliveries for workers to limit CANCELLED
never existed before the able to work? travel.
COVID-19 pandemic. A I’ve had a unique If someone isn’t following Nov 13 Ontario Produce Marketing Association Annual
damning and inaccurate perspective on the benefits of the rules properly, F.A.R.M.S. Gala, Universal Event Space, Vaughan, ON
narrative has taken shape over seasonal labour on Canadian wants to know about it and we CANCELLED
the past few months that farms. In addition to my job as a take action to ensure they are in
farmers deserve all of the blame broccoli grower, for the past 15 I compliance. We have no Nov 17-19 Alberta Potato Conference and Trade Show,
for seasonal workers from have also been president of tolerance in our program for Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre Red
overseas who have contracted Foreign Agricultural Resources farm operators who aren’t Deer, AB (Trade Show CANCELLED)
the virus. Management Services, Foreign willing or able to meet their
Some communities have Agricultural Resource responsibilities. Nov 18-20 Asia Fruit Logistica ON VIRTUAL
turned against farmers and Management Services, the Contrary to misinformation
maintained it’s their fault they non-profit organization that and inaccurate generalizations Nov 19-20 Wild Blueberry Producers’ Association of Nova
haven’t emerged more quickly administers the Seasonal about SAWP, international Scotia Annual General Meeting, Best Western
from lockdown restrictions. Agricultural Workers Program workers hired through the Glengarry Hotel and Convention Centre,
Activists have called for an end (SAWP) in Ontario and Atlantic program are well taken care of if Truro, NS
to a seasonal labour program Canada. I’ve served on the they become ill. They receive
that has helped farmers deal board of F.A.R.M.S. for 28 years the same employment rights asYou can also read
