Innovative greenhouse pioneer Paul Mastronardi was recently recognized by the Ontario Produce Marketing Association with a lifetime achievement award. “This award is an incredible honour for me and my family,” said Mastronardi. “I was born into this industry and had the great fortune of learning from the legacy of three generations before me. I feel […] Read more
Tag Archives greenhouses — page 2
Greenhouse innovator Mastronardi recognized for industry contributions
The Kingsville producer introduced the world’s first branded tomato
Harrow research team finds key to continuous greenhouse lighting
Unlocking the potential of photosynthesis and growth
Growing greenhouse crops under continuous lighting has been a dream since the 1930s and moved closer to reality with the advent of LED lighting. Now, a team of researchers at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada’s Harrow Research and Development Centre aims to make continuous lighting an actuality. Continuous lighting effectively spreads a plant’s total lighting needs […] Read more
New farm fuel carbon tax rule to return to Commons
Further carbon pricing exemptions clear ag committee, with sunset clause added
A bill that would exempt more farm fuels from Canada’s federal carbon pricing scheme has cleared the Commons’ ag committee and returned to the House of Commons to seek a third and final vote. C-234, a private member’s bill sponsored by southwestern Ontario Conservative MP Ben Lobb, appeared before the Commons’ standing committee on agriculture […] Read more
OGVG hosts tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) symposium
The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) hosted a tomato brown rugrose fruit virus (ToBRFV) symposium on Aug. 22 in Toronto that brought together top researchers from countries across Europe, North America and Israel to share insights, experiences and learnings about the virus. Postponed from its original date in 2020, the anticipated event was the first […] Read more
Aurora buys control of major B.C. hothouse veg firm
Bevo Farms to take over Aurora Sky cannabis production site
A major player in B.C.’s greenhouse vegetable sector is about to expand its operations into an Alberta cannabis grow facility — backed by a major investment from the plant’s owner. Aurora Cannabis on Aug. 25 announced a subsidiary is buying a 50.1 per cent stake in Bevo Agtech, the parent of vegetable and ornamental plant […] Read more
Leamington comes to light pollution deal with vegetable greenhouse sector
Most but not all greenhouse businesses sign-off on updated bylaw stipulations
A bylaw restricting light pollution from Leamington’s greenhouse sector has been replaced by a new version considered to be a better compromise between the needs of greenhouse operators and the wider community. The light from some greenhouses in the area flood the night sky and can be seen for miles. The density of Leamington and […] Read more
Smart LED grow-lights system supports year-round pepper production
Expanding production would boost competitiveness of the Ontario greenhouse vegetable sector
Innovative lighting technology could allow Ontario vegetable greenhouses to grow peppers all year long. That’s the result of a project funded through the Greenhouse Competitiveness and Innovation Initiative (GCII), which also found that the smart LED grow lights system results in higher yields, better quality and more uniform crops. Why it matters: Year-round production of […] Read more
Spent greenhouse growing media diverted from landfill
Walker Industries has partnered with Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) on a project to evaluate the feasibility of collecting and recycling spent growing media from growers in the Leamington/Kingsville area. The research also involves testing Walker’s composting process to determine whether it can successfully inactivate certain viruses like the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV). […] Read more
Greenhouse CO2 application technology expands global reach
Canadian company CO2 GRO says growers can get up to 30 per cent yield improvement
A growing number of feasibility projects for a water-based carbon dioxide application technology that improves greenhouse crop yields are now underway in Canada. Launched in 2018 by Toronto-based CO2 GRO, the trademarked and patented CO2 Delivery Solutions system makes it possible for growers with greenhouses, hoop houses, tunnels or shaded structures to use CO2 supplementation […] Read more
Five-year phase-in underway for farm boiler inspections
Agricultural exemption was highlighted by auditor-general in 2018 and will soon be closed
A five-year phase-in is now underway for owners of pressure boilers used in agricultural applications to bring their equipment into compliance with Ontario regulations. The change affects greenhouse operators and some maple syrup producers, wineries and mushroom growers. Why it matters: Compliance with TSSA regulations will increase safety for farm operators who use boilers. “The […] Read more
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