Tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers are the greenhouse crops for which Ontario is probably best known. The province is home to North America’s largest vegetable greenhouse cluster with more than 3,900 acres under glass, and the industry is always searching for new crops and newer, better ways to grow them. Why it matters: The hunt is […] Read more
Tag Archives Vegetables — page 2
Innovation centre fills greenhouse industry R&D gaps
Centre for Horticultural Innovation aims to expand greenhouse vegetable production in Ontario
Greenhouse expansion a costly prospect for local government
Southwest municipalities frustrated at lack of provincial support, seek alternative infrastructure funding
Citing the pressure that large-scale greenhouse developments place on water, wastewater and other services, Chatham-Kent and the Municipality of Lakeshore in Essex County want greenhouse operators to pay more for new builds. In Chatham-Kent, a March municipal council decision increased water and wastewater development charges for new greenhouses, a move the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers […] Read more
Plant sensors could act as an early warning system for farmers
Science Notes:
Using a pair of sensors made from carbon nanotubes, researchers from MIT have discovered signals that reveal when plants are experiencing stresses such as heat, light, or attack from insects or bacteria. The sensors detect two signaling molecules that plants use to coordinate their response to stress: hydrogen peroxide and salicylic acid. Researchers found that […] Read more
New study highlights sustainability of Ontario fruits and vegetables
A new study shows that over the last two decades, Ontario’s fruit and vegetable growers have been widely adopting a range of practices that support sustainable local food production. In a release, the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (OFVGA)said these practices include investments in technologies and practices that support more efficient use of water, […] Read more
Fruit, vegetable industry wary of proposed plastics ban
Increased costs, waste and emissions are all likely, say growers and marketers
Glacier FarmMedia – Canada’s fruit and vegetable industry is concerned it can’t meet new federal proposals for more sustainable packaging. The president of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association said the 850 companies it represents, which grow, pack, ship and sell fresh produce, have already reduced their use of plastic by 17 per cent to address […] Read more
Long-term public land leases could enable young farmers
EFAO panel discusses small-scale opportunities near Ottawa, Toronto
Young farmers who operate businesses on publicly owned properties in Ottawa and the greater Toronto area say long-term leases of public land could be a future path for creative land use and small-scale farming. They related their experiences during a session at the recent conference of the Ecological Farmers’ Association of Ontario. Why it matters: […] Read more
Fruit and vegetable producers optimistic as Bill C-280 moves to second reading
Bill aims to provide fresh produce sellers in a way to secure payment in case of buyer bankruptcy
A bill that will provide fresh produce sellers in Canada with financial protection in case of buyer bankruptcy has moved to second reading in the Senate. Bill C-280, the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act was adopted by the House of Commons on Oct. 25, with its first reading in the […] Read more
VIDEO: Ontario company offers award-winning Clēan
Winning an award for environmental sustainability has to make for a nice feel-good moment when showcasing new technologies, and this was exactly what Clēan Works was awarded at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show this past summer. The Ontario-based company has designed the Clēan Flow System, a process that kills more than 99 per cent of pathogens […] Read more
Hydroponic farming company going strong in 2023
Growcer’s modular farms generate appeal across Canada
The cost of food has always been a concern in northern communities, but one Ontario-based company has developed a solution for year-round food access through modular farms. Ottawa company Growcer inc. makes modular farms out of 40-foot structures that can sustain harsh conditions. Its farms use hydroponics, a technique that uses nutrient-rich water rather than […] Read more
Challenge aimed to improve Canada’s food security
Seven Ontario teams have moved to the next phase of Homegrown Innovation Challenge
Canada is known as a leading world producer of many staple crops like wheat, lentils, peas and canola, as well as a global exporter of animal proteins like pork and beef. The same can’t be said for many horticultural crops, except for greenhouse vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, due to nature of the climate. […] Read more
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