Big data is powering new software that can predict highly accurate greenhouse vegetable yields weeks ahead of harvest. Using growing conditions in the greenhouse, Motorleaf’s smart system is able to estimate within a few percentage points how many peppers and tomatoes a greenhouse will produce and when. According to the Quebec-based start-up, a wealth of […] Read more
Tag Archives Vegetables — page 7
Smart software makes greenhouse vegetable harvest predictions more precise
Artificial intelligence system also automates disease scouting for greenhouses
Processing vegetable input period ends
Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers looks to maintain current marketing, while other producers look for change
The Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers says that instituting direct contracting for Ontario growers of processing tomatoes will “devastate rural Ontario growers and potentially kill thousands of jobs.” The Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission (OFPMC) – the provincial government agency that regulates farm marketing boards – has proposed opening up marketing for tomatoes to direct contracting […] Read more
Automated mini cucumber loader now on the market
Projects at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre reduce labour costs through automation
A robotic loader that can take the manual labour out of placing greenhouse mini cucumbers onto trays is now available on the market. Developed by researchers at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) in partnership with CMP Automation of Ayr, the technology is part of ongoing efforts to reduce labour costs for farmers through […] Read more
Van Bommel resigns as processing vegetable growers board chair
To take on a role with the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission
Suzanne van Bommel has resigned her role as chair of the Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers. Van Bommel was appointed chair after the province’s administrator turned control of the OPVG back to a grower board made up of half elected and half appointed members. The board will be fully elected by growers after the organization’s annual […] Read more
Eat plant-based foods more often, new Food Guide says
Health Canada unveiled a new Canada Food Guide today that ends the era of the ‘four food groups,’ no longer refers to serving sizes nor specific amounts of food to eat daily, and replaces the former iconic rainbow with a dinner plate comprised mostly of plant-based foods. This new guide is all about proportion rather […] Read more
Brothers Jordan and Alex McKay embrace change and diversification
Their farm in the Port Perry area has grown significantly in fruits and vegetables
Diversification has been key to the success of Jordan and Alex McKay’s family farm at Port Perry, Ontario and is a big reason the brothers have been named as Ontario and Canada’s 2018 Outstanding Young Farmers (OFY). The McKays and Craig and Jinel Ference of Double F Farms in Manitoba were chosen as National Winners […] Read more
Ontario backs frozen vegetable plant upgrades
The Canadian arm of French vegetable processor Bonduelle will put up almost $80 million to upgrade and expand three of its frozen vegetable plants in southwestern Ontario, with provincial government backing. The province on Tuesday announced it will invest up to $8.5 million in Bonduelle Canada’s upgrades for its processing plants at Tecumseh, Ingersoll and […] Read more
Conagra to shed Canadian processed vegetable, fruit business
The company behind Arctic Gardens, Graves and Bonduelle canned and frozen vegetables in Canada is set to add the Del Monte brand to its roster. Conagra Brands, which makes and sells Del Monte processed fruits and vegetables in the Canadian market, announced Tuesday it will sell that business to France’s Bonduelle Group for $43 million. […] Read more
Simple, cheap sensors remaking farm data measurement
Farmers no longer need to turn to expensive technology companies for automation solutions. Open source technology and software mean that they can do it themselves. The bottom line: Sensor technology continues to drop in price, meaning for a reasonable investment, there are now solutions to farm issues that weren’t there before. The sensors are giving […] Read more
Processing vegetable contract compromise reached
The Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers marketing board believes it has found a compromise to an imposed regulation that would have gutted grower contract protection. Why it matters: Farmers had contract security of two years previously, but new regulations would have taken that to none and processors could have dropped growers whenever they wished. The matter […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
