Peeling off the plastic from English cucumbers - The Grower
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JUNE 2022 CELEBRATING 143 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION THEGROWER.ORG
NAKED PRODUCE
Peeling off the plastic from English cucumbers
The Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s conference and trade show in Montreal zeroed in on sustainable packaging. One example is plastic-free English cucumbers about to be
launched by Westmoreland Topline Farms in mid-June. Dino DiLaudo, vice-president of sales and marketing, is shown overseeing the installation and trialling of the technology in
Leamington, Ontario. Photos by Reece Early.
trade show booth in Chicago. At that time, the benefit darker green colour distinguishes it from its plastic-
KAREN DAVIDSON was extended shelf life. But today the benefit is the story covered peers. But that’s not the only characteristic that
about sustainability. It’s about taking millions of pounds of consumers notice. Independent research conducted in May
No one is more excited than Dino DiLaudo to be plastic out of the packaging system.” 2021 reveals that consumers associate firmness of English
pitching cucumbers free from plastic wrap to retail clients. Privately held, Apeel Sciences has enjoyed a fast track cucumbers directly with freshness. That means no soft
Based in Leamington, Ontario, Westmoreland Topline since its proof of concept in 2012. Early on, the company’s spots, no “bendy” cucumbers. Through in-store pilots,
Farms is the first in Canada to launch greenhouse-grown researchers identified the lipids and glycerolipids in the their research also showed that eight days after treatment,
cucumbers sprayed with an edible, tasteless protective peels, seeds and pulp of fruits and vegetables that can keep Apeel-protected cucumbers have no visible defects. Simply
coating derived from plant material. moisture in and oxygen out. When transformed into a put, they are just as fresh as plastic-wrapped cucumbers.
It’s all thanks to the technology of Apeel Sciences, slurry and applied as a thin film, the Apeel coating delays For Westmoreland Topline Farms, although the
headquartered in Goletta, California. Westmoreland the onset of rot and maintains the cucumber’s firmness American experience looked intriguing, the question to be
Topline Farms has partnered with them for a commercial and colour. answered was whether the technology was scalable. At
launch with a major Canadian grocer on June 13. It’s been Because these natural ingredients are lipid-based, not peak production, the Leamington greenhouses are capable
a five-year journey, partly because of delays from the protein-based, there is no threat of allergenicity. These of up to 100,000 12-count cases of cucumbers per week.
pandemic, but also due to modifying how the product is ingredients are readily available, but the genius is in the The fortunate intersect was that another Canadian-owned
applied on greenhouse cucumbers. proprietary process, the application of the solution in company, Houweling’s, had tested the Apeel process on
“The innovation curve takes time,” explains DiLaudo, amounts specific to various fruits and vegetables. Once cucumbers in its California greenhouses.
vice-president of sales and marketing for Westmoreland applied, the solution must be invisible and tasteless.
Topline Farms. “I first saw the Apeel technology in a In the case of the English cucumber, the more natural, Continued on page 3
Berry boom PG 6 Logistics & transport technology PG 12 Blue Radix trials in Canada PG 14
Volume 72 Number 06 P.M. 40012319 $3.00 CDN @growernews
PAGE 2 –– JUNE 2022
THE GROWER
AT PRESS TIME… NEWSMAKERS
Census of Agriculture previous census, to 330.5 million opportunity to return to Parliament
square feet in 2021. Meanwhile, Hill to share our industry’s
identifies greenhouse the total greenhouse area for fruit priorities with federal leaders,” says
The Ontario Fruit & Vegetable
Convention has announced that Kelly
sector as major trend and vegetables was 219.7 million Mario Masellis, CPMA chair. Ciceran is elected president, replacing
square feet in 2021, which account- “The produce industry plays a Matt Peters who had served for nine
ed for around two-thirds (66.5%) critical role in driving the Canadian years. She is the general manager of
of Canada’s total greenhouse area. economy and providing Canadians the Ontario Apple Growers, based in
Meanwhile, the total area of with a steady supply of healthy St. Catharines. She is joined by new
fruits, berries and nuts increased fresh fruits and vegetables. The vice-president Doug Darling, farm
0.4 per cent, from 332,812 acres in challenges we have recently manager of Sunnydale Farms. Next
2016 to 334,182 acres in 2021. experienced have shown consumers year’s convention is slated for February
Conversely, the total area of field both the resiliency and the fragility 22-23, 2023.
vegetables decreased slightly to of their produce supply chain. We
260,757 acres, down from 270,294 are looking forward to working Bill George has accepted a two-year appointment to the Ontario
acres in 2016. with government officials to Farm Products Marketing Commission. A grape grower from
Statistics Canada has released
For complete details, link here: address issues that impact our Beamsville, Ontario, he has most recently chaired the Ontario Fruit
the first tranche of data from the
www.statcan.gc.ca/en/census- industry and threaten food security & Vegetable Growers’ Association for three years and previously
2021 Census of Agriculture, noting
agriculture in Canada.” served for nine years as chair of the Grape Growers of Ontario.
the transformation and resilience of
“On behalf of Fruit and
Canadian farmers. Trends
Photo by Denis Cahill Vegetable Growers of Canada, I Fred Koornneef has been appointed to the Ontario Food Terminal
identified in previous census cycles,
Source: Statistics Canada May 11, want to thank our industry Board for a three-year term to April 2025. He and his family are
such as industry consolidation and
2022 news release representatives, the parliamentari- fruit and vegetable wholesalers from Grimsby and operate a
aging of farm operators, have
ans and government officials who commission house at the Ontario Food Terminal.
continued in 2021. At the same
time, the agriculture industry is Supply chain resilience participated in Farm to Plate 2022,
Congratulations to Ryan Barrett,
dominated joint
for collaboratively addressing the
adapting and modernizing with Kensington, PEI. He’s been
issues facing not only our sector but
higher rates of technology
adoption, renewable energy
advocacy event our national food supply,” says Jan honoured with the Farm & Food Care
VanderHout, FVGC president. Prince Edward Island Champion
production, use of direct marketing On May 10, the Canadian award for his work with the PEI
“Farm to Plate demonstrates the
solutions and sustainable farming Produce Marketing Association Potato Board as research and
importance of industry and govern-
practices. (CPMA) and Fruit and Vegetable agronomy specialist. A respected
ment working together. We are
According to the Statistics Growers of Canada (FVGC) held a communicator of new research,
encouraged by our discussions and
Canada chart showing the successful advocacy event, Farm to technology and sustainability methods,
the ideas shared at the event.”
breakdown of various agricultural Plate 2022, in Ottawa. he’s also the founder of the PEI Farm
Event participants met with 28
activities, horticulture represents This year, 27 produce industry Tours.
Parliamentarians and officials from
about 9.2 per cent of the total representatives from across Canada all four major political parties,
number of farms. This number met with decision-makers in Of seven women recognized as 2022 Influential Women in
including the Honourable Marie-
includes vegetable and melon Ottawa to discuss key areas of Canadian agriculture, two are well known in horticulture.
Claude Bibeau, Minister of
farming, fruits and nuts as well as concern, including: Congratulations to Christine Noronha, research scientist,
Agriculture and Agri-Food; the
greenhouse production. Note that • Establishing a financial protection Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Prince Edward Island. She has
Honourable Senator Rob Black,
this number includes the floral mechanism for produce growers contributed to the understanding of key potato pests such as
CPMA 2021 Produce Champion
sector. and sellers; Colorado potato beetle, the European corn borer, wireworms and
and Chair of the Senate Standing
The report notes that the • Prioritizing access to food; tuber flea beetle.
Committee on Agriculture and
greenhouse sector is emerging as a • Promoting supply chain resiliency Forestry; and Kody Blois, Member Dr. Mary Ruth McDonald is also named. She’s been a professor of
key industry in Canadian and competitiveness; of Parliament and Chair of the plant agriculture at the University of Guelph since 1997, lecturing,
agriculture. Farms in Canada • Suporting a sustainable fresh House of Commons Standing mentoring post-graduate students and guiding research at the
reported a 23.2 per cent increase in produce sector Committee on Agriculture and Ontario Crops Research Centre-Bradford.
total greenhouse area from the “We were pleased to have the Agri-food.
Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau attended the G7 Agriculture Ministers’
Meeting in Stuttgart Germany in mid-May. She met with:
• Cem Özdemir, host of the Agriculture Ministers Meeting and
Minister of Food and Agriculture of Germany;
• Stefano Patuanelli, Italy’s Minister of Agricultural, Food and
Forestry;
• Arata Takebe, Japan’s State Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and
Fisheries;
• Tom Vilsack, the United States’ Secretary of Agriculture;
• Victoria Prentis, United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Farming,
Fisheries and Food;
• Janusz Wojciechowski, European Union Commissioner for
Agriculture;
• Julien Denormandie, France’s Minister of Agriculture and Food;
• Mykola Solskyi, Ukrainian Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food
Clarification: federal price
on carbon
In the May edition of The Grower, the front page feature on the
federal price on carbon outlined the impact of the tax on growers without
expressing that there is relief available for certain fuel uses. For example,
if the appropriate Fuel Charge Exemption Certificate is completed and
filed with the fuel supplier, fuels used in machinery (such as a tractor)
used for the purposes of farming is fully exempt from the carbon tax.
Furthermore, fuel used for heating greenhouses is eligible for 80 per
cent relief, meaning 20 per cent of the carbon tax is applied rather than
the full amount. The federal government has also committed to returning
some carbon tax funds back to farmers through a refundable tax credit, if
the grower completes tax form T2043. Although the price on carbon
does create significant input cost pressures for the entire value chain,
including for farmers, it is important to acknowledge the current relief
measures in place.
JUNE 2022 –– PAGE 3
THE GROWER
COVER STORY
Peeling off the plastic from English cucumbers
The innovation curve takes time.
“
“ ~ DINO DiLAUDO
Everything you eat and drink is
Continued from page 1 made of chemicals, from caffeine
(C8H10N4O2) to water (H2O)
In 2021, DiLaudo evaluated the to the beta carotene found in
application process in California, fruits and vegetables (C40H56).
requested a few tweaks, then At Apeel, we take chemicals that
signed a letter of agreement. exist in nature and turn them into
As it subsequently turned out, a biotechnology that keeps
Westmoreland was able to produce fresh.”
acquire and refurbish the This is messaging for
Houweling’s equipment for its consumers, but is it messaging for
own use. the produce manager, the
An Apeel team is currently in touchpoint for consumers when Samantha Guerra, Apeel Sciences, shows the liquid that’s sprayed onto the cucumbers.
Leamington installing equipment they’re shopping? Behind her are the steel vats.
and supervising trial applications. Apeel’s Ravi Jolly says that
As DiLaudo explains, “The education, using existing training
proprietary powder is platforms, hosting webinars and
reconstituted with water, mixed even in-store events, is a must to
in stainless steel vats under ensure store teams support the
temperature control and then product.
sprayed and dried on a conveyor “We agree that it’s critical for
line.” the store team and consumers to
Once the Apeel-protected understand the benefits of cucum-
cucumber leaves the greenhouse, bers that are protected by plants
the journey to market is really instead of plastic,” says Jolly.
only half-complete. There’s a “That’s why we recommend to our
possibility that consumers may retailers that we also
question the food safety of communicate directly with
supermarket cucumbers that are consumers at shelf and through
not wrapped in a plastic sleeve. their communications channels.”
That’s where Apeel provides its The timing of the
expertise gained with American Westmoreland Topline Farms’
consumers. launch comes at a most
“We have conducted interesting intersect, coming out
quantitative research and in-home of the pandemic. The question is
user testing with consumers in whether consumers are willing to
the United States and Canada to put aside their food safety
understand consumer sentiment concerns in favour of an
and acceptability towards a environmentally-friendly Ricardo Rivera, Apeel Sciences, demonstrates where the cucumbers are sprayed on the conveyor belt
plastic-free cucumber,” says Ravi sleeveless cucumber. Or do they before entering the drying chamber.
Jolly, vice-president of new have further questions, such as
products at Apeel. what exactly is in the spray?
He says that more than 80 per Plenty of fruits and vegetables
cent of 800 American and get sold without plastic, answers
Canadian surveyed consumers Jolly.
stated a preference for purchasing “The use of plastic for
an English cucumber without cucumbers is to maintain shelf
plastic wrap in lieu of a cucumber life, not as a safety precaution,” he
wrapped in plastic. Furthermore, says. Apeel plays the same role of
he says that educating consumers maintaining shelf life.
on the benefits of a plastic-free “We did consumer research
cucumber is critical to increasing around plastic usage and
not only comfort, but interest. preference throughout the early
“When we exposed consumers days of the pandemic,” says Jolly.
to multiple messages in testing, “We saw a preference for Sleeveless cucumbers have a compostable cardboard wrap that explains the food safety of the
we found that 75 per cent of packaged produce drop down Apeel-sprayed process.
consumers stated a likelihood to after initial spikes, and more than
purchase after learning more 60 per cent of consumers government and the Canada The Grower is “Digging Deeper”
about the benefits of a plastic-free expressed their frustration by the Plastics Pact, our sector will need with Dino DiLaudo, vice-
cucumber.” overuse of plastic wrap and to embrace a range of tools and president sales and marketing,
Walmart, for example, packaging on produce.” strategies that support the Westmoreland Topline Farms,
launched its plastic-free The Canadian Produce reduction of plastics and new Leamington, Ontario. He tracks
cucumbers two years ago. So Marketing Association (CPMA) systems to manage circularity.” the discovery of Apeel edible
Apeel provides its consumer- has taken a lead role on the Westmoreland Topline’s coatings on fruit and vegetables
smart messaging “protected by plastics file. sleeveless English cucumber is at a trade show and why his
nature” and a social media “Innovation is fundamental in completely undressed for the company is launching plastic-
campaign. A QR code on the our work to reduce problematic salad days ahead and their process free cucumbers through a major
package directs consumers to a materials in our packaging for is ready to meet the demand with Canadian retailer in June 2022.
website dedicated to most fresh produce,” says Ron capacity for 20,000 12-count This podcast is sponsored by
frequently asked questions. Lemaire, president, CPMA. “To cases of Apeel-protected UPL.
“Is Apeel a chemical? Yes! meet the targets of the cucumbers per week.
PAGE 4 –– JUNE 2022
THE GROWER
CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST
ALBERTA
Super-Pufft opens $50 million
processing facility in Airdrie
Alberta potato processing growers are pleased to Super-Pufft produces potato chips, kettle chips,
see Super-Pufft Snacks Corporation open its new popcorn and other snacks. Yousif Al-Ali, president
facility in Airdrie, a 30-minute drive north of and CEO anticipates that the facility will be
Calgary. operational in about two months. That’s timed for
“I’m most excited because it shows that Alberta the 2022 potato harvest.
has a bright future in the global arena of food The Canadian Agricultural Partnership provided
production and processing,” said Nate Horner, $250,000 for the new facility.
Alberta minister of agriculture, forestry and rural
economic development. “Alberta’s government has Photo right: L-R: Nate Horner, Alberta Minister
been focused on creating a business environment of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic
that attracts new investments and reignites Alberta’s Development, Yousif Al-Ali, President and CEO,
economy.” Super-Pufft Snacks Corp and Airdrie Mayor Peter
Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Brown.
MANITOBA
Potato and vegetable planting are well behind schedule
At press time, May 18, the Keystone cent of fresh acres completed. Fresh potato season, week to week,” says Tracy
Potato Producers’ Association estimated planting intentions are expected to be Shinners-Carnelley, vice president,
approximately seven per cent of the similar to last year or up slightly on research, quality and sustainability for Peak
processing potato crop was planted. This yellows. of the Market Ltd. “The moisture is a
acreage is mainly in the Shilo/ Douglas Although the national news has refresher for Manitoba which has been dry
region with a few additional acres around reported extensively on the flooding in the last two years. But patience is waning
Carberry. Manitoba, the flooding has not impacted for planting this spring.”
Conditions were too wet to see wide- the sectors for potato planting as much as On the vegetable side, some
spread planting. More rain was forecast for other areas. However, the overall increased transplanting of Brassica vegetables was
Wednesday May 18. Acreage is expected rainfall and colder temperatures have accomplished before the Victoria Day
to remain similar to last year, perhaps up certainly delayed the planting schedule weekend. Shinners-Carnelley explains that
slightly. compared to other years. it’s not helpful to compare this year’s
Fresh planting though had ramped up “It’s amazing how weather can change weather with the previous year. The norms
with expectations of approximately 15 per quickly and dramatically from season to aren’t there anymore.
QUÉBEC
A new strawberry greenhouse project starts in Saint-Hyacinthe
Wanting to waste no time advanced technology, Magalie Québec, has invested in Sollum “Strawberries are very
outfitting her new strawberry Rajotte, owner of Les Serres de la Technologies’ smart LED grow rewarding crops to grow but they
greenhouse with the most Vallière in Saint-Hyacinthe, light solution. also offer a suite of unique
challenges”, says Magalie Rajotte.
“I wanted to make sure that my
greenhouse had every possible
advantage from the beginning,
and for me that means investing
in precision technology like
Sollum’s smart LED lighting
solution.”
In addition to optimizing her
greenhouse production, Rajotte
sees choosing new technology
solutions as a way of benefiting
from exciting opportunities in the daughter’s entrepreneurial spirit.
future. With Sollum’s adaptable When Magalie decided to take a
dynamic LED lights, it is easy to course in Agricultural Business
try out new varieties and growing Management and Technology at
strategies and scale up as a the Institut de technologie
business evolves. agroalimentaire in Saint-
“We are ecstatic to be the first Hyacinthe, Québec, she intended
choice of growers starting new to take over the family farm and
business ventures” says Kassim leave a mark as distinctive as her
Tremblay, vice president, parents’.
Business Development at Sollum To support the growth of the
Technologies. “Greenhouse business, she decided to diversify
operators want to invest in lasting into greenhouse cultivation, based
technology that meets their needs on a previous experience. She
well into the future, regardless of sought the advice of experts to
how their business changes over make her project a reality,
time. Our unique solution allows including the team at Sollum
them to do just that.” Technologies, which will provide
Les Serres de la Vallière is a the smart lighting solution for her
company established by a young greenhouse. Her winter
entrepreneur, Magalie Rajotte. strawberry production will begin
Her parents came from a farming in the fall of 2022.
background and built a field crop
business that stood out in the Source: Sollum Technologies May 3,
industry and inspired their 2022 news release
JUNE 2022 –– PAGE 5
THE GROWER
CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST
CANADA
Brock launches national facility for virus-free grapevine plant material
A facility that maintains tissue culture therapy and HTS to Canadian Food Inspection’s Plant
high-quality, virus-free plant shorten the time required to Virus Diagnostic Facility in
materials and eliminates viruses generate virus-free grapevine Saanich, B.C., says Poojari.
and other pathogens of concern material from about three years to Having a ready supply of
in grapevines is up and running at 12 months or less, providing rapid virus-free material “creates
Brock University as of May 2022. access to valuable new varieties. opportunities in domestic and
The national grapevine In addition, Poojari also global trading for Canada,
germplasm repository project, led collaborates with Professor of benefiting growers, nursery
by Sudarsana Poojari, senior staff Biological Sciences Ping Liang, owners, custom propagators and
scientist at Brock University’s who is developing a new academic researchers in
Cool Climate Oenology and grapevine genetic test to provide viticultural and breeding
Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), is the “true-to-type” of grapevine programs,” he says.
funded by the Ontario Grape and material, also funded by “Ontario Grape and Wine
Wine Research Inc. (OGWRI), OGWRI. Research Inc. is pleased to part-
Canadian Grapevine Certification Nurseries, wineries or growers ner with Brock, CCOVI and
Network (CGCN-RCCV) and seeking to test and certify their CGCN-RCCV on this important
Brock University. new grapevine varieties or clones new facility,” says OGWRI chair
“With changing climatic can submit a request to CGCN- Matthias Oppenlaender. “Having
conditions and the need for new RCCV. access to certified virus-free
and agronomically improved This initiative has provided a grapevine material is essential for
grapevine varieties that suit local tremendous opportunity for the sustainability of our grape and
climatic conditions, it is critical CCOVI and Brock University to wine industry. Sudarsana Poojari (left), senior staff scientist at the Cool Climate
for Ontario’s grape and wine serve as a backup facility to Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), and Linxue Zhang,
industry to have access to virus- maintain the National Grapevine Source: Brock University May 2, CCOVI research assistant, examine plants in Brock University’s new
free grapevine material of varieties Germplasm Repository at the 2022 news release national grapevine germplasm repository facility.
that are both popular and of
regional importance,” says
Poojari.
Grapevines are vulnerable to
infection from many different
types of plant viruses, which are
commonly spread in vineyards by
planting new vines that have been
propagated from infected
grapevine material. Some viruses
can be spread by certain species of
insects in vineyards.
Once a plant virus infects a
grapevine, there is no cure, says
Poojari. Some plant viruses
negatively impact vine
performance, reducing yield, fruit
quality and over wintering success
of the vine.
“It’s important to start with
virus-free vines and to maintain
them by following the best pest
management practices,” he says.
“We don’t want to start with
virus-infected vines and assume
that they will do well in field
conditions.”
Poojari’s lab uses a
combination of virus detection
and elimination methods on
grapevines, including, but not
limited to, heat therapy,
microshoot tip tissue culture
therapy and high throughput
sequencing (HTS). “This process
is proven successful in the
certification program and meets
the long-term certification
standards set by CGCN-RCCV,”
he says.
Microshoot tip tissue culture is
a virus elimination technique
where a tiny part of an apical
shoot tip of a vine is cut off and
grown under controlled
conditions.
HTS is a genomics-based test
with the ability to detect all
known and unknown viruses in
grapevines with high accuracy and
reliability. This genomic-based
solution would replace more than
30 tests currently being per-
formed on grapevines to look for
diseases.
Poojari’s lab adopts the
combination of microshoot tip
PAGE 6 –– JUNE 2022
THE GROWER
BERRY BOOM
Five innovations that have changed Canada’s strawberry industry
Controlled environment production Tabletop systems
Canada’s greenhouse heavyweights are leveraging their success with vegetables and Field growers are getting plants off the ground, reducing labour costs and stretching
answering the call for all-season local produce. Photo by Glenn Lowson. the growing seasons.
Kevin Schooley, executive Growing demand for local ready to compete with the the introduction of tray plants, an
ELISE JOHNSON director of the North American freshness and flavour volumes coming out of California innovation driven by the green-
Strawberry Growers’ Association. and other areas of the U.S., house sector which is now taking
The last decade has seen Having spent nearly two decades Like most commodities, the growers are carving out a niche root with field growers. Tray
Canada’s strawberry sector in his previous role as the berry market is retail-driven. offering local freshness and plants have raised legs, bigger
change a lot. Field growers are executive director of Berry Demand for fresh, local produce quality flavour. cells and hold plants for longer
bringing plants out of the soil and Growers of Ontario, a provincial is at an all-time high and the “Anything that can be on periods of time, resulting in larger
onto tapletop systems. New organization representing pandemic has only added to that. stores shelves within 24 hours plants with more crowns and a
substrates and containers have blueberry, raspberry and “Grocery chains are calling for qualifies as local,” Schooley higher potential to fruit right
been introduced that specifically strawberry growers, Schooley has year-round production and explains. “From Ontario, for away. Designed for a bench or
support the North American had a front row seat to the Canada’s greenhouse industry is example, growers can pretty well tabletop, tray plants can be
market and context. High-tech evolution and innovation taking answering,” explains Schooley. reach anywhere in North planted and in production in as
greenhouse growers are entering place. “Growers are drawing on their America within that time frame little as six to eight weeks.
the market in a big way, “Up until recently, it was all experience and success in and that gives us a competitive “Even with no environmental
delivering fresh berries to retailers field-grown, bare soil, rain beds – vegetable production and quickly advantage.” controls, field growers can extend
across North America, all season traditional berry-growing adapting greenhouse space for Experimentation in berry the season on either end by
long. techniques. Today, we’re looking strawberry production, which variety is also giving growers an adding tray plants, tabletop
So what’s behind Canada’s at a completely different market.” helps expand their retail offering.” edge. “At first, greenhouses were systems and substrate to their
berry boom? A lot of things, says While Canada may not be using field varieties – mainly strategy,” says Mallen. “If they’re
Albion – but now we’re seeing under high or low tunnels, even
new varieties that are specifically better.”
suited for greenhouse production,
and it’s making a difference not The right substrate for the right
only in terms of yield but also in plant for the right context
terms of quality and flavour.
Canadians are welcoming the The introduction of European
change too. While the price tag substrate has been a game
for Canadian greenhouse-grown changer for field and greenhouse
berries is higher on average, berry growers alike.
Canadian consumers seem ready “Before we brought European
to open their wallets. peat into the market, greenhouse
growers were relying on the same
Tabletop and tray plants substrates usesd for their veggie
improving efficiencies crops,” says Mallen. “Now,
growers have options.”
Innovation is underway on the The best options, according to
field grower side, too, with an Mallen, are those which have
increasing interest in tabletop been specifically adapted for the
systems that bring plants out of North American climate, such as
the soil and into substrate. For BC5++. It’s comprised of
many, the upfront cost is worth European peat blocks available in
the return, which can include different sized fractions,
higher yields, less shrink and combined with coco fibre and
fewer staff required during perlite.
harvest. The innovation isn’t just in the
“Some field growers have told mix. It’s in ensuring the right
us that they’re saving up to 40 per substrate for the right plant in the
cent of their labour costs just by right context,” says Mallen.
getting plants off the ground,” “Right now, with its complex
says Shawn Mallen, A.M.A. fibre structure, European peat is
Horticulture’s berry expert and the best solution for berries,
managing director of hydroponics specifically raspberries and
and manufacturing. “On top of strawberries.”
that, this kind of growing method
can make the labour you do need,
more efficient overall.”
Adding to that efficiency is Continued on next page
JUNE 2022 –– PAGE 7
THE GROWER
BERRY BOOM
Five innovations that have changed Canada’s strawberry industry
Custom substrates New varieties Tray plants
Growers are using European peat mixes that have been Veestar used to make up 80% of Ontario’s acerage. Growers are using tray plants to improve uniformity and
custom made for the Canadian berry market. Today, berry varieties are being introduced from Europe consistency in yield, and more Canadian propagators are
better suited to controlled environment agriculture. entering the market to supply demand.
Continued from last page
Next generation, future
innovation
Whether it’s innovation that’s
attracting the next generation, or
the next generation helping to
drive innovation, one thing’s for
sure: there’s renewed energy
within Canada’s berry industry.
“We’re seeing the next
generation deciding to stay or
return to the family farm and
they see the potential for
economic success,” says Schooley.
“Many young farmers are more
willing to change things up,
embracing technology and
increasing potential for income
by adding acreage, increasing
yields or looking at new revenue
streams.”
Robotic harvesting systems
are already being trialed in the
Netherlands and the U.S. on the
research side, though it’s the
robotics industry driving the
work. “When this will actually
translate over to growers is an
open question,” says Mallen, “but
it’s safe to say that we’ll see
robotics in greenhouses in the
future.”
Growers can also expect
artificial intelligence to play an
increasing role. “AI is already
being used for packaging green-
house-grown vegetables, sorting
fruit by size, colour, weight and
dimension,” says Mallen. “These
things tend to start on the
marketing side and work their
way back into production.”
When it comes to increasing
efficiency and reducing labour,
automation will continue to be
king. “Automation depends on
uniformity, so any innovation
that can deliver on that front will
be in demand.”
Elise Johnson is communications
and marketing manager for
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
PAGE 8 –– JUNE 2022
THE GROWER
SECTION CHAIR’S PERSPECTIVE
Partnership and collaboration needed on climate change
net-zero emissions with the gas boilers, instead of that CO2 become more efficient, and Bill C-234, An Act to amend the
realities of food production. being released into the reduce emissions where possible. Greenhouse Gas Pollution
Agriculture is complex because atmosphere. At the same time, our sector Pricing Act, which would
although the sector is an emitter, That’s how efficient green- needs to do a better job of broaden the eligibility of fuel uses
there are also opportunities for house vegetable growing has identifying the many positive that receive carbon pricing relief.
mitigation and reduction through become – and growers are things we are already doing to Going forward, however,
carbon recapture and carbon continuing to explore options for support government climate government needs to find ways to
sequestration, for example, which new ways to produce clean energy change targets and making sure strengthen the funding programs
should be recognized and efficiently and in a cost-effective all levels of government and available that support growers as
considered when looking at long- way. One such example is Canadians know what we’re they implement carbon output
term climate change solutions. cogeneration units, which some doing. reduction or carbon sequestration
I’m a greenhouse cucumber farms are already using to produce We also know that currently technologies. And to be truly
grower and I know first-hand the their own clean electricity, heat available technologies, although effective, those funding programs
many advances the greenhouse and carbon dioxide. continually evolving, limit our must be administered in a way
industry has made to become Research has also shown, for ability to achieve target reductions that matches the speed at which
JAN VANDERHOUT more efficient in how we use example, that the environmental in carbon output. Any meaningful businesses operate.
energy. We generate carbon footprint of an apple orchard is action on climate change As a country we need to
Canadians across the country – dioxide because we use natural both positive and negative. Yes, mitigation must include support recognize that consumers also
and indeed people around the gas (methane) to heat our carbon dioxide is released to the for innovation as well as ensure bear responsibility for the carbon
world – directly feel the impacts greenhouses; crops need a atmosphere through the use of that regulatory frameworks and generated in food production,
of the changing climate when consistent, warm environment in fuel, fertilizers and crop science public infrastructure support new processing, packaging, and
temperatures become hotter and which to thrive. tools in the actual growing of the technologies and approaches. We transportation – and that covering
weather extremes become more Plants need carbon dioxide apples. cannot implement technology the cost of net-zero carbon targets
pronounced. (CO2) for photosynthesis, the However, it’s estimated that a that does not exist. must be shared by everyone, not
Growers are not exempt from process through which they use single acre of orchard every year So far, the government has just borne by producers and
these impacts. In fact, you could sunlight to make their own food. fixes about 20 tons of CO2 from taken some steps to help reduce processors.
argue that we are on the front- They react positively to higher the atmosphere, releases 15 tons the burden of carbon pricing on As growers, we believe the best
lines of climate change since the levels of CO2 and negatively to of oxygen and provides more than food production. Although path forward is for government to
weather directly affects our ability lower levels, which can diminish five billion BTUs of cooling imperfect, we appreciate steps the partner and engage with
to grow crops, and we are among to as low as 125 parts per million power. As well, the trees them- federal government has taken to stakeholders rather than take a
the first to deal directly with (ppm) in a closed greenhouse. selves sequester carbon in their mitigate some of the impacts of prescriptive, top-down approach.
prolonged drought, extreme heat, This means growers have to trunks, branches and roots. its carbon pricing policies. Collaboration and partnership are
dramatic temperature swings or actually supplement their green- Combined, this works out to a This includes offering a powerful way to enact
excessive moisture. houses with additional CO2 to significant offset. exemptions on some types of fuel meaningful change.
We recognize that growers ensure their plants reach the That’s why our sector believes and 80 per cent relief for green-
have a role to play in emissions highest level of food production. strongly that governments need to house heating and returning some Jan VanderHout is OFVGA section
reduction and climate change CO2 is drawn directly off the recognize the significant efforts of the funds collected through the chair, environment & conservation.
mitigation where possible. chimney and distributed through and investments growers have price of carbon back to farms.
However, there is a real need to the greenhouse, actually using the made in recent years to improve The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable
balance the global move to CO2 from the building’s natural environmental performance, Growers’ Association supports
WEATHER VANE
“Storm coming in over the orchard. It’s a race to get everyone out safe and sound. No matter the weather, it’s still my happy place.”
Thanks to orchardist Brian Rideout who captured this eerie photo at Blenheim, Ontario on May 16, 2022.
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 2022
Editor: Karen Davidson, 416-557-6413, editor@thegrower.org Guelph, Ontario N1K 1S5 CANADA Crop Protection Brian Rideout
Advertising: Carlie Melara 519-763-8728, advertising@thegrower.org MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Tel. 519-763-8728 • Fax 519-763-6604 Chair Charles Stevens, Newcastle Environment and Conservation Jan VanderHout
The Grower is printed 12 times a year and sent to all Vice-chair Shawn Brenn, Waterdown Labour Ken Forth
members of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Grapes Matthias Oppenlaender, NOTL 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 Tender Fruit Fred Meyers, NOTL Energy, Property, Infrastructure
Asparagus Mike Chromczak, Brownsville and Food Safety Brian Gilroy
errors that are the direct result of The Grower will be the paper through their commodity group or container fees. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
compensated at our discretion with a correction notice in the next Others may subscribe as follows by writing to the office: Apples Charles Stevens, Newcastle
issue. No compensation will be given after the first running of the Fresh Veg other Joann Chechalk, St Anns
ad. 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 Grape Matthias Oppenlaender
Subscribers must submit a claim for missing issues within Fresh Veg muck Quinton Woods, Cookstown
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 not available, The Grower will extend the subscription by Small Fruit Morris Gervais, Springwater
association. 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
JUNE 2022 –– PAGE 9
THE GROWER
THE URBAN COWBOY
Show consumers how traditional values and modern technology meet
it can work profitably and voted into office, listen to the help address concerns about price
sustainably. public (don’t they?). And the and supply.
People, though, have a much public has thrown its trust behind So she’s looking to the future,
more traditional view of farmers. urging the sector to come
producers, says Crowley-Arklie. “I’d like us, as the agri-food together with an accessible strate-
So she says a marketing strategy sector, to be driving marketing gy that stresses leadership and
is needed to bring the reality and and policy, not the other way communications, so no Canadian
the vision together – not to around, where we’re reacting has to wonder about food
change people’s minds, but rather, instead of taking the lead,” says produced in their own country.
to make them aware that modern Crowley-Arklie. “I’m focussed on the office
agriculture is already immersed in And trust leads to her final mom sitting at her desk at 3:30 in
the technology of food point about the need for a the afternoon trying to figure out
production. In that way, the strategy to address the sector’s what’s she’s going to serve for
sector can be regarded as a identity. Should we wring our dinner,” says Crowley-Arklie,
learned and logical opinion leader hands that the public wants to “With everything she has to deal
OWEN ROBERTS on matters consumers wonder think of farmers as traditionalists? with, how do we also get her to
about, such as robotics, artificial portfolios concern agriculture. I don’t think so. I believe most think Ontario-grown products
Most growers, producers and intelligence and lab-grown That situation exists, and it’s people are focussed on farmers’ first, grown by Ontario farmers?”
others believe that agriculture is protein. not going to fix itself. It needs a traditional values rather than
the sector of the future. After all, A strategy is also needed to combination of sustained, traditional approaches to farming. Owen Roberts is a past-president of
where will humanity get the food influence policy, she says. A coordinated lobbying inside That’s particularly true when they the International Federation of
it needs, if not from farms? challenge truly exists when government at all levels, and see that growers, with their Agricultural Journalists and a
Well, asks agri-food strategist decision makers have little under- public education to maintain traditional values, are producing communications instructor at the
Christina Crowley-Arklie, standing of agriculture – growers’ trust status. Decision food in modern ways -- such as University of Illinois.
founder of Crowley + Arklie especially decision makers whose makers, especially those who are hydroponics or robotics -- that Photo by Reece Early.
Strategy & Co., how about
getting food from a lab? Or from
a pill? Or from another country?
These are cringe-worthy
options for her and for most
others in the sector. After all,
Crowley-Arklie who now lives in
Guelph with her husband and
children, was raised on a family
dairy farm near Peterborough,
Ontario. She, as much as anyone,
wants such operations to survive
with more than a semblance of
familiarity in the future.
But she’s concerned that the
agri-food sector is not taking a
lead role in setting the agenda for
modern agriculture. Despite
having such great stories to tell
about food security, food safety
and food production, she thinks
the sector has yet to break away
from the passive, reactive
approach that made it nearly
invisible for so many years. And
that could jeopardize its
advancement, as the public
ponders the future of food.
She said so in a webinar she
hosted last month, titled “Our
Greatest Challenge Ahead in
Canadian Agriculture and Food.”
To Crowley-Arklie, former
communications advisor to Jeff
Leal, former Ontario minister of
agriculture, food and rural affairs,
confusion over the confluence of
marketing, policy and identity is
the sector’s greatest challenge.
Here’s what that means.
We know from research by the
Canadian Centre for Food
Integrity that people have loads of
trust in farmers, right up there
with medical professionals and
first responders. That’s kind of
surprising, considering so few
people actually know a farmer,
and that farmers haven’t engaged
in a concerted public relations
blitz.
But that lofty vision of
producers is a huge opportunity
to reach the public and explain
what the agri-food sector is doing
to address hot-button issues.
Growers are among the first to
adopt technology and to see how
PAGE 10 –– JUNE 2022
THE GROWER
ALTERNATIVE LAND USE SERVICES
Local destination: a turtle pond to slow down and reflect
deeper pond for a year-round invest $5 million to support the said, all 35 existing ALUS
water supply and to slope the scale-up of ALUS which communities will benefit from
sides for easier turtle access. promotes on-farm, nature-based this investment, continuing to
While the two-day excavation solutions. The program helps establish new projects and
was relatively easy, the best Canadian farmers to be more welcome new participants.
moment was placing a dead tree resilient in the face of climate With this additional funding,
in the pond at just the right angle change. ALUS will work towards building
for a turtle sunning spot. ALUS ALUS will be bringing out their ecosystem services
provided the plugs for aquatic farmers, municipalities and quantification models with world-
vegetables for the pond as well as stakeholders together to propose leading experts and researchers.
seeds for mullein and black-eyed projects that will help restore This work has the potential to
susans to multiply around the wetlands, improve soil health and benefit the broader dialogue
pond. enhance biodiversity. The six new around sustainability impact
“You need to be patient for communities haven’t been measurement and is expected to
these plants to establish,” says identified yet. They are to be lead to a network of
Dooney. “It’s taken two years, but determined based on greatest demonstration sites where
now it’s one of our favourite need, as new ALUS communities innovative technologies in
places to be on the farm. It’s a emerge in Alberta, Saskatchewan, regenerative agriculture and
quiet place for reflection. And the Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, nature-based solutions can be
reward is to see rarer species such Prince Edward Island, and tested.
as the green heron.” possibly other provinces. That
didn’t impede good agricultural The turtles have come too. As
KAREN DAVIDSON practices but rather planted have deer and wild turkeys.
non-productive land with species “I take pride in being a steward
Amanda Dooney is a believer
in habitat restoration. Years ago,
native to the area.
In 2020, Amanda and her
of the land,” says Dooney. “We
have changed the landscape so
COMING EVENTS 2022
when she was working for husband Hayden Dooney got that it’s a wildlife corridor, a
Ontario’s Norfolk County forestry their chance to work with ALUS, pocket of biodiversity that attracts June 2 Dispute Resolution Corporation AGM
division, she rubbed shoulders restoring an old irrigation pond at more wild pollinators to our apple
with coordinators of the Suncrest Orchards, Simcoe, orchards.” June 4 Farm & Food Care Ontario Breakfast from the
Alternative Land Use Services Ontario. The first step was to The success of the Dooney Farm, Paris Fairgrounds, Paris, ON
(ALUS) program. At the time, invite an ALUS coordinator to project is one more reason for
she thought they were good visit the half-acre site. His Sustainable Development June 12 Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame Induction
ambassadors for a program that recommendation was to dig a Technology Canada (SDTC) to Ceremony, Grand River Raceway, Elora, ON
June 10 United Potato Growers of America Crop
Transition Conference, Minneapolis, MN
June 15 Ontario Produce Marketing Association Industry
Connect & Annual General Meeting, Hilton
Garden Inn, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
June 21-22 Advancing Women Conference West, Hyatt
Regency, Calgary, AB
July 7 Potato Growers of Alberta Golf Tournament,
Taber, AB
July 17-20 International Fruit Tree Association 2022 Summer
Tour, Richland, WA
July 17-21 Potato Association of America, Holiday Inn
Downtown, Missoula, MT
July 17-21 International Cool Climate Wine Symposium, St.
Catharines, ON
Aug 11 Farm & Food Care Ontario Member Anniversary
BBQ
Aug 16, 17 North American Strawberry Growers Association
Summer Tour, Southwestern Ontario
Aug 18 Ontario Potato Field Day, HJV Equipment,
Alliston, ON
Sept 13-15 Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, Woodstock, ON
Sept 29-Oct 1 Canadian Farm Writers Federation
Conference, Saskatoon, SK
Oct 3-9 Ontario Agriculture Week
Oct 5-6 Canadian Greenhouse Conference, Niagara Falls,
ON
Oct 18-20 World Ag Robotics Forum, Fresno, CA
Oct 25-26 Canadian Centre for Food Integrity Public Trust
Summit, Toronto Public Library, Toronto, ON
Nov 2-4 Grow Our People Summit, Sheraton Fallsview,
Niagara Falls, ONJUNE 2022 –– PAGE 11
THE GROWER
RETAIL NAVIGATOR
Auto replenishment needs to be monitored
systems. Auto replenishment is
one concept that can save labour.
Unfortunately, consumers can
throw a curve ball at auto
replenishment. They do not
always behave the way we expect
them to. Most auto replenish-
ment relies on history to develop
the sales estimates. It starts with a
number created by a person, but
the sales history is then used to
‘improve’ the sales estimate.
Events such as snowstorms or
shifting holiday dates can cause
PETER CHAPMAN sales history to be inaccurate as a
tool to predict the future. Panic
buying during the pandemic was
We know in-stock position is a huge issue for retailers because
a big issue right now in the food the sales history was no longer
and beverage industry. Many realistic. It caused a lot of important reason for reason for inventory. There is a huge focus to your contacts in the
large retailers use sophisticated challenges for them to figure out items to scan properly. When on in-stock position right now as merchandising department.
systems such as auto replenish- what and when to buy. cluster tomatoes are entered as suppliers and retailers struggle to Assistant category managers are
ment to ensure their stores are Recently, there was a shortage beefsteak, the system will re-order get inventory and keep shelves usually the best people for these
stocked with the right amount of of baby formula in the U.S. more beef steak and no cluster full. There are many reasons for types of issues. There are many
inventory. market. There were several factors tomatoes will be ordered. This out-of-stocks. Given all the reasons for a problem but they
Auto replenishment is a that led to the shortage, auto will result in over-stocks of beef challenges it does not make sense can usually get the solution for
component within a retailer’s replenishment being one of them. steak and out-of-stocks on cluster to be out-of-stock and lose sales, you.
information technology that In 2020, when consumers were tomatoes. because the system did not order
automatically re-orders product panic buying, the sales of baby properly. In-stock position is everyone’s
for a store, when inventory goes formula went up artificially. The Where is auto replenishment Suppliers need to visit stores responsibility
below a predetermined level, on following year sales declined as used? and check for in-stock position. If
the shelf. The re-order points are consumers used up the product you see holes on the shelf where It is true retailers take
set in advance, based on sales they had in their cupboard. This It is most common to find this your product should be, there is a possession of your product when
estimates and holding capacity on reduced demand resulted in lower in place in the grocery depart- problem. The first thing is to they receive it in their warehouse.
the shelf. The system will order sales forecasts and lower ment. Shelf life is longer and check with your own business to My advice would be to follow it
the amount of product required to production. When you layer on most stores use plan o grams so ensure you did not short orders right through to the front end.
fill the shelf and meet the sales several recalled SKUs from one of they know the amount of product into the warehouse. Once you are You and your customers need
estimates. the market leaders and a modest required to fill the shelf. satisfied you have fulfilled orders sales and this is only recorded in
There are many challenges baby boom from the pandemic, Some fresh departments will it is time to figure out what is their mind when it scans correct-
associated with producing, we see out of stocks as high as 40 use this, often in stores with more happening. ly. Check your in-stock position
packing and selling fresh products per cent in the U.S. market. sophisticated buying systems. Most stores have a person regularly in a variety of stores. If
to retailers. The job is only done We know the food and Walmart would be an example responsible for the inventory there is a hole where your product
when the product makes it into beverage industry sales can be where their systems do a lot of management in the store. They should be, there is a reason. Do
the consumer’s shopping cart. driven by temporary price the ordering for stores. are the person with the ability to everything you can to figure out
Although it is the retailers’ job to reductions (TPRs). If these Store employees do have the override the system to order why and get the product back on
get the product through their fluctuations are not flagged in the ability to override the system but product. It is beneficial to talk to the shelf. It is tough enough to
distribution networks, there’s a system, they will have a it usually only happens once the them and see what is happening. deliver sales, but when the system
huge impact on suppliers when significant impact on sales product is out of stock. They are They can usually tell you the is not re-ordering properly, you
this doesn’t happen. Future orders projections. Most retailers’ not able to really react when the re-order point and the sales will never get there.
are impacted and in short seasons, systems allow them to eliminate system orders two cases and estimates. Check to see if these
this really can cause problems. It promotion sales from the should have ordered four. make sense to you. If they do not, Peter Chapman is a retail
is important to check stores estimates. But they really need to then try to understand how they consultant, professional speaker and
during the season to ensure develop an accurate baseline sales What suppliers need to do about got to these numbers and see if the author of A la Cart-a suppliers’
products are being re-ordered number. auto replenishment you can get them to change them. guide to retailer’s priorities. Peter is
properly. Errors at the front end can Too much inventory is not good based in Halifax, N.S. where he is
impact auto replenishment. If an It is always a good question to for anyone so retailers will always the principal at SKUFood. Peter
Auto replenishment is great, item does not scan properly, it ask your customers: “How will try to be as close to just in time as works with producers and processors
when it works will not get captured in the stores replenish our products from possible. to help them get their products on
system. The auto replenishment the warehouse?” If they are ordering and your the shelf and into the shopping cart.
As we read about self-driving has no idea the item was If the answer is your product is product is not getting to the store
cars and other marvels of purchased so it does not count on auto replenishment or auto there could be an issue some- Photo by Glenn Lowson.
technology, we realize more and that unit into the equation of re-order, then you know the where in the supply chain. For
more decisions are being made by when to re-order. This is one system will be ordering the this issue you will have to go back
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