Chuck Baresich, a founding member of Agrobotics Working Group, discusses France’s Naïo Orio’s potential, successes and challenges during field trials in beets and carrots at the Ontario Crops Research Centre in the Bradford/Holland Marsh in-field demo day on July 4.
Tag Archives Vegetables — page 2
VIDEO: Ag robots ‘have to make sense’ for farmers
Power bowls. Foods that fuel farmers
Forget that sad sandwich, power bowls are quick, energizing and full of flavour to keep you going during long hours in the field
Summer is go-time for farmers and power bowls are a great way to fuel your busy days while also having a meal to look forward to. Packed with protein, fibre and fresh ingredients, these customizable beauties are perfect for any quick meal, whether its lunch or dinner, in the field, on a camping trip or […] Read more
Ontario innovator wins Food Waste Challenge
Technology from Clean Works extends produce shelf life, reduces fungicide use
An Ontario company with technology that can reduce fungicide use and increase produce shelf life has won a $1 million grand prize from the federal government. Why it matters: The technology can increase the shelf-life of produce by up to 20 per cent, which would reduce food waste. St. Catherines-based Clean Works was named one […] Read more
Innovation centre fills greenhouse industry R&D gaps
Centre for Horticultural Innovation aims to expand greenhouse vegetable production in Ontario
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
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
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