Wired for launch STATE OF RESEARCH - Grower
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JANUARY 2021 CELEBRATING 142 YEARS AS CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL PUBLICATION THEGROWER.ORG
STATE OF RESEARCH
Wired for launch
Events by invitation-only became the norm in 2020 as the pandemic curbed in-person contact. The impacts of COVID-19 on research, new product launches and extension efforts will be
felt for years to come. Here, a clutch of industry specialists inspects a fungicide trial in a Beamsville, Ontario vineyard. L-R: Ryan Brewster, Brewster Consulting Services; Scott Hodgins,
Cohort Wholesale; Scott Wright, Vineland Growers’ Co-operative; Wendy McFadden-Smith, tender fruit and grape IPM specialist for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural
Affairs. Photos by Glenn Lowson.
control of powdery mildew on grapes and as more photos and videos than they may farms. The industry is now at a key
KAREN DAVIDSON cherries. As a new player in distributing have otherwise.” crossroads of how new products and
crop protection products, it was critical to This change, one of many during the technology will be delivered to end users
“Do you see powdery mildew? I don’t gather data and provide Canadian COVID-19 reality, further complicates the and who has the credibility to deliver
see powdery mildew.” experience for a product that’s already been long lead times of research. Generally, it them.
That’s typical in-the-field banter. But registered in the United States. takes a decade to identify and develop a “There are a lot of new fruit and
this conversation was special. It involved a The company worked only with grower molecule for market at an investment vegetable products being introduced right
select group of industry influencers, all of cooperators where health and safety ranging from $250-$300 million. Such now, including both conventional synthetic
whom were delighted to be in a sun- protocols could be respected by both costs are likely to rise as two trends collide: pesticides as well as biopesticides,” said
splashed Niagara vineyard in late August parties throughout the season without mergers and acquisitions of crop protection Hodgins. “At Cohort Wholesale, our role,
2020. In what has become a rare event disrupting the grower’s business. companies over the last two years have on behalf of our supplier partners, is to
these days, five invitees were eyeballing “Our pre-registration fungicide trials slowed decision-making and COVID-19 work with farmers to help them
scientific trials by Cohort Wholesale of a went ahead as planned but we couldn’t fall-out continues to restrict the agility of understand not only how these new
new grape fungicide that’s in queue for travel to our sites outside Ontario,” local retailers. products work but also how they work
registration. explained Scott Hodgins, manager, Cohort Unlike other sectors which have pivoted together with existing products and where
Adhering to strict COVID-19 Wholesale. “In those cases, we were to e-commerce, growers have been hesitant each of them fit into the farmer’s
protocols as directed at the time, Cohort fortunate to have great research to order crop protection inputs online management strategy.”
Wholesale proceeded with fungicide trials cooperators who went above and beyond because they value the agronomic advice of
on several sites across Canada, showcasing sharing their observations in-season as well their retailers tailored to their individual Continued on page 3
Housing consultations PG 6 Seed quiz PG 12 Grapes, vineyards & berries PG 14
Volume 71 Number 01 P.M. 40012319 $3.00 CDN @growernews
PAGE 2 –– JANUARY 2021
THE GROWER
AT PRESS TIME… NEWSMAKERS
Hats off to all the Canadian growers who are pledging their time to
serve on commodity and association boards in 2021!
The Ontario Potato Board welcomed one new director for 2021:
Jacob Vander Zaag. The remainder of the board remains. Shawn
Brenn, chair; Harry Bradley, vice-chair; Brad Blizman, Jamie
Lundy, Steve Bradley.
The Ontario Apple Growers have elected their 2021 slate of
directors. Cathy McKay, chair; Brian Rideout, vice-chair. Directors
are: Keith Wright, Chris Hedges, Joe Van de Gevel, Brian Gilroy,
Kyle Ardiel, Art Moyer, Robert Shuh and Manus Boonzaier.
Tom Miedema has been re-elected as chair of the Fresh Vegetable
Growers of Ontario. He is joined by Mark Srokosz, Mark Wales,
Trinidadian seasonal worker Ricardo Sookhoo is employed at Eek Farms, King Township, Ontario. John Hambly, Henk Droogendyk. Don Almas (crucifer crops); Ken
Collins (low acreage); Teresa Van Raay (root bulb and leafy greens);
John Beardsley (tomatoes and peppers).
Trinidad & Tobago winter clothing and other eligible farmers with more details. The Potato Growers of Alberta have elected Russ Van Boom as
necessities. It will also provide In the meantime, farmers can
seasonal workers funding for some communica- contact the Agricultural
chair. He is joined by Tony Bos, vice-chair and the following
directors: Lyndon Nakamura, Jeff Ekkel, James Bareman, JP
stranded in Ontario tions, such as internet. Information Contact Centre for Claassen, Alsion Davie.
To expedite payments, the two more information at 1-877-424-
governments are working to add a 1300 or ag.info.omafra@ Dr. Justine Taylor, science and government relations manager for
For inexplicable reasons, the targeted, special category of ontario.ca. the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, is leaving after 10 years
governments of Trinidad and funding under the federal- “It is unfortunate that of dedicated service. She’s moving to CropLife Canada, effective
Tobago are not repatriating provincial Enhanced Agri-Food circumstances beyond farmers’ January 4, 2020 to take on the twin role of director of stewardship
hundreds of their citizens in the Workplace Protection Program and the Canadian government’s and sustainability as well as executive director, Agrichemical
midst of the COVID-19 that will help farmers cover control have led to delays for Warehousing Standards Association.
pandemic. There are 385 workers incremental costs incurred to some seasonal agricultural
from the eastern Caribbean ensure the health and safety of workers to return to their home The British Columbia premier announced his NDP government on
islands who want to go home but stranded temporary foreign work- country,” said Bill George, chair, November 26, keeping Lana Popham (MLA, Saanich South) in her
were stranded in Ontario as of ers from Trinidad and Tobago. Ontario Fruit & Vegetable role as minister of agriculture, food and fisheries. She’s been in the
December 16, 2020. Eligible expenses would Growers’ Association. “As the role since 2017.
On that date, the federal include accommodations, meals, safety and wellbeing of these
government announced it is winter clothing, heaters, individuals are our primary The British Columbia Produce Marketing Association has bestowed
working directly with employees, equipment, PPE, cleaning concern, we appreciate the efforts its Lifetime Achievement Award on John Anderson, chair, CEO
employers and the Government supplies, communications, and of the Canadian and Ontario and managing partner, of The Oppenheimer Group (Oppy). During
of Trinidad and Tobago to ensure transportation costs. Following governments to ensure they have 45 years, he has led the grower, marketer and distributor of fresh
that the immigration status of the extension of their continued access to essential ser- produce through many transformations, the most significant of
affected workers is extended. immigration statuses by the vices such as health care, as well which was spearheading Oppy’s in-house ERP software. Today, it’s
The Ontario ag minister, Ernie federal government, the Ontario as making funding available to a billion-dollar company with increasing international operations.
Hardeman, announced provincial government has also extended employers who are undertaking
and federal governments are health coverage to assist these additional efforts to house and The annual general meeting of CanAgPlus, the not-for-profit
channelling funds to farmers to workers. support these individuals until corporation that owns and operates the CanadaGAP Program, was
help provide housing, meals, Ministry staff will contact such time they can return home.” held virtually on December 2, 2020. Two new and two returning
directors were elected to the CanAgPlus board. They are: Alvin
Keenan, Rollo Bay Holdings, Jody Mott, Holland Marsh Growers’
Association, Susan Ranck, Ranck and Associates, Scott Wright,
Star Produce.
The 2021 chair is Stephanie Lariviere, Ontario Greenhouse
Vegetable Growers/Erie James Ltd. Remaining directors are:
Robert Allard, Pommes Philip Cassidy; Ian McDonell, Show Road
Solutions; Beth Patillo, Noggins Corner Farm. Thanks are extended
to director Cathy McKay (chair of the 2020 Stakeholder Advisory
Committee) and director Mike Furi (vice-chair of the 2020 board of
directors) who are retiring from the Board.
Congratulations to John E. Peller, Grimsby, Ontario who was
appointed to the Order of Canada by the Governor General of
Canada. He is recognized for leading and expanding the family’s
wine-producing company and for his outstanding contributions to
The
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The Prince Edward Island Potato Board has elected Wayne
Our Team of Experts Townshend as the new chair. He’s a seed and table potato grower
Warren Peacock Yves Thibault, agr. from Fortune Bridge. He’s joined by vice-chair John Visser,
Ontario Central & Eastern Québec Crapaud and secretary-treasurer John Griffin, Elmsdale. New
warren.peacock@norseco.com yves.thibault@norseco.com
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directors are Mary Gillis, Rob Green and Michael Ramsay.
Michel Gratton Marie-Pierre Grimard, P. Tech Remaining directors are: Mark MacMillan, Billy Cameron, Jason
North Shore of Montreal Eastern Montérégie Hayden, Chad Robertson, Becky Townshend, Donald Stavert and
michel.gratton@norseco.com & Maritime Provinces
514 898-4281 marie-pierre.grimard@norseco.com Craig Wallace.
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British Columbia Marie-Hélène Monchamp Congressman David Scott, based in Atlanta, Georgia, has been
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approved by the Democratic Caucus to serve as the first African
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From the Nirvana series, Epiphany offers a superior Gilliane Bisson
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JANUARY 2021 –– PAGE 3
THE GROWER
COVER STORY
Wired for launch
“
As the life cycle of some products are terminated or
others have restricted uses, growers are left with
fewer tools to fight against pests and disease – and
we need new ones. “
~ CHRIS DUYVELSHOFF
Continued from page 1 Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada (AAFC) research centres.
Wired for product launches, Due to safety protocols, only
crop protection companies will about 40 per cent of the trials research capacity in 2021.” she’s blogging and sending her The Grower goes “Behind the
likely see most timelines pushed went forward, pushing the Funding for research will be extension advice through several Scenes” with Scott Hodgins,
out as the Pest Management majority of work out a year. unplugged in other surprising channels. manager, Cohort Wholesale. He
Regulatory Agency (PMRA) tries It's important to note that ways. Some of the revenues Along with the COVID-19 explains how the distributor
to cope with examining data for PMC conducts this research earned from the Ontario Fruit vaccine, there seems to be a adapted to the COVID-19
new registrations and because registrants have no and Vegetable Convention are bright light for 2021. That’s her security needs in terms of
re-evaluations under COVID-19 incentive for very small markets. normally funnelled back to the research plans for a weather-based demonstration trials. And he
protocols. Duyvelshoff cited the example of Niagara Peninsula Fruit and model for detecting mealybug forecasts some of the impacts
“There’s a domino effect here,” about 2,000 acres of raspberries in Vegetable Growers’ Association populations, funded by Ontario going forward. This series is
explained Chris Duyvelshoff, crop British Columbia and the need which then dispenses funds to Grape and Wine Research Inc. sponsored by BASF Agricultural
protection advisor, Ontario Fruit for pest control of spotted wing approved research. With the 2021 with additional support from the Solutions.
and Vegetable Growers’ drosophila. If there was industry event cancelled, that stream has Marketing and Vineyard
Association (OFVGA). “As the consensus through the minor use dried up. Improvement Program. Her
life cycle of some products are priority setting process, PMC Fewer research projects, no research into strategies for
terminated or others have could conduct trials for efficacy events, less money – it’s a mitigating red blotch virus in
restricted uses, growers are left and residue data. But the challenging time for a researcher grapes is funded by the Canadian
with fewer tools to fight against likelihood of that happening is and extensionist such as Dr. Grape Certification Network.
pests and disease – and we need now delayed. Wendy McFadden-Smith. She’s Thanks to provincial funding,
new ones.” “There’s going to be a big the grape and tender fruit IPM her hope is to hire three students
Before the pandemic, the Pest impact going forward,” said specialist for the Ontario ag and a research assistant for the
Management Centre (PMC) Duyvelshoff. “Only 10 new ministry. upcoming summer. The entire
supported research for label priorities have been selected for “You can only go so far industry will be cheering when
extensions for minor uses. In yet the minor use program in 2021. without face-to-face events,” said the next grape industry tailgate
another brake to the registration It’s going to take a number of McFadden-Smith. Attendance at tour is announced. Date – and
process, the PMC was not able to years to work through the backlog Zoom meetings is sporadic. year -- to be determined.
conduct its usual 37 projects at because we’re still not at full Virtual tours are hit-and-miss. So
Breeding research inches
towards the sweet spot for
fresh grapes
The volume of the Coronation research on new fresh grape
grape crop was down 31 per cent varietals is moving forward.
in 2020 versus 2019, explains “We are looking to increase
Sarah Marshall, general manager, market share through season
Ontario Fresh Grape Growers’ extension beyond the typical
Marketing Board. But the good Coronation marketing window of
news is that it sold out within five mid-August to end of
weeks at slightly higher prices. September,” Marshall says. “The
Loyal followers of the idea is to enter new marketing
tart/sweet flavour of Coronation segments such as seedless green,
grapes are what motivate research red and specialty grapes.” Sarah Marshall, general manager for the Ontario Fresh Grape Growers’ Marketing Board, is excited
for newer fresh seedless grape Partnering with Vineland, the about the potential for a new fresh table grape. This trial plot was photographed at the Vineland
varieties that could add a local marketing board is operating with Research and Innovation Centre in August, 2019.
touch to the Thanksgiving table. a federal Agriscience grant that
That’s the hope of breeders at the runs through to March 31, 2023 away from commercial consumer-facing sampling costs green/red varieties are the next
Vineland Research and to test new varieties from other production. The launch depends in 2021. target beyond the new blue.”
Innovation Centre (Vineland) breeding programs similar in on increased plantings and “New varieties must be
and Ontario’s Fresh Grape climate. optimal packaging. It is hoped grower-friendly and not increase
Growers’ Marketing Board. The first promising blue that funding can be obtained to labour costs,” explains Marshall.
Thanks to government grants, seedless variety is still a few years help with branding and “Seedless is our primary focus and
Niagara on the Lake, ON Phone: (905) 468-5016 Fax: (905) 468-5676 e-mail: info@vineyardmachines.com www. vineyardmachines.com
PAGE 4 –– JANUARY 2021
THE GROWER
CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST
BRITISH COLUMBIA Removed Replant
(acres) (acres)
Tree replantings shift to cherries Apple 387 72
British Columbia’s $8.4 As expected, there is a large varieties such as Ambrosia apples Cherry 38 312
million, seven-year tree fruit changeover in acreage due to and late-season cherries.
Pear 18 7
replant program has been popular recent low apple returns to
since it was announced in growers, says BCFGA general Source: BC Fruit Growers’ Peach 12 28
November 2014. The BC Fruit manager, Glen Lucas. Association newsletter
Growers’ Association (BCFGA) The original goal of the Plums, Nectarines, 9 18
received 118 applications for the program was to replant 1,500 and Apricots
2021 replant program, with a acres of orchard by 2021 with
clear shift towards cherries. high-value, consumer-targeted Total 463 437
ONTARIO
Fresh market vegetable insured acres
for Ontario the highest yet in 2021
For those Ontario vegetable Last spring, planting date explains, this basket approach to
growers who bought production extensions were approved by pool like crops into four plans
insurance in 2020, it was one less government partners for yellow enables lower and more stable
worry in what turned out to be a onions (seed, set) from May 15 to premium rates. These premium
risk-filled year. May 22. Onions (Spanish) earned costs are shared, with government
There were more acres insured an extension from May 20 to covering 60 per cent of the
this year in the Fresh Market May 27. premiums and 100 per cent of the
Vegetable Acreage Loss The governments of Canada delivery.
(FMV-AL) plans – 18,871 – than and Ontario announced a new One feature of the production
in the last four years for a total peril for production loss due to insurance FMV-AL is that there
liability of $48.13 million. (See on-farm labour disruptions caused is spot loss protection that applies
chart) Claims to date are $3.14 by COVID-19 and was added to on a per acre basis versus total
million. However, Agricorp is Production Insurance customer acreage. In addition, growers have
expecting claims to be similar or a policies for 2020. Claims are the flexibility to manage coverage
bit higher compared to previous currently being finalized. To date, and cost to weather risks specific
years. These year-to-date the biggest claims were in root to their individual farms. An
statistics were shared by Arlie crops such as carrots and onions, example would be hail and/or
McFaul, senior industry specialist with claims of $1,060,509. frost coverage versus multi-peril
for Agricorp, at the annual Fruiting crops such as tomatoes coverage. In addition, the
general meeting of Fresh and peppers suffered losses with program offers separate coverage
Vegetable Growers of Ontario. total claims to date of $1,016,132. for multiple plantings.
Late frost events across Growers of leafy vegetables filed Fresh vegetable growers can
Ontario in May as well as an early claims of $968,529. (see chart) also insure in traditional yield-
killing frost across Ontario in In total, Agricorp offers based plans as well. These offer
September resulted in claims production insurance under great total production coverage
along with drought, excess heat FMV-AL to 37 commodities and for onions, peppers, potatoes,
and excess rainfall. 113 crop classes. As McFaul carrots, and rutabagas.
If an insured peril causes actual February 1, 2021 or within 90
yield to fall below your days after the date on the deposit
guaranteed production, a notice whichever is later. Just as a
production claim may be paid on reminder, when the provincial
the difference. government matches dollars, then
it is taxed at this point so there is
Deposits due February 1 for no incentive to leave any dollars
SDRM in an SDRM account. The
Ontario government announced
Agricorp reports that in an increase in available funding
Ontario, there are 2,548 edible for the Risk Management
horticulture customers for the Program (RMP), from $100
Self-Directed Risk Management million to $150 million, starting
(SDRM) program. Growers are with the 2020 program year.
urged to submit deposits by
JANUARY 2021 –– PAGE 5
THE GROWER
CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
PEI seed potato sales suspended to U.S.
procedures specified in the Potato of the quarantine pest Potato in place and carried out over the concerns and resume trade as
KAREN DAVIDSON Wart Domestic Long-Term Cyst Nematode in Idaho and succeeding years to deal with any quickly as possible.
Management Plan, by New York. It’s the same for pest findings. However, we must According to Canadian
Just two spores of potato wart implementing regulation of the Canada.” continue to work hard at statistics, Prince Edward Island
on one Prince Edward Island primary, associated and contact Headquartered in focussing the discussions on potato seed exports to the United
farm has put the seed potato fields, initiating contact tracing Charlottetown, PEI, MacIsaac fac-based evidence and not on States for the 2018-2019 crop
sector offside with its U.S. export and conducting soil sampling. adds more context, recalling any political swaying.” year were valued at $5.2 million
market. The quarantinable disease These actions are appropriate for industry experience as far back as MacIsaac underlines that time (Source: AAFC Potato Market
was confirmed by the Canadian managing a quarantine pest 2000. is ticking. Potatoes in some Information Review).
Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) detection with the continued “I feel it was much more southern areas of the United
on October 16, 2020. domestic movement of seed.” difficult back then because we did States are ready to be planted and Sources: Canadian Potato Council,
“What was found were two Jones added, “It should be not have a protocol in place if require Canadian seed varieties to United Potato Growers of Canada,
spores in a soil sample taken as a pointed out that the U.S. allows anything was ever discovered,” meet optimal planting conditions. Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
prerequisite to ship seed into the the free interstate movement of says MacIsaac. “I am more Bilateral discussions with the
United States,” explains Kevin seed potatoes after the detection confident with the workplan put U.S. are underway to address any
MacIsaac, general manager,
United Potato Growers of
Canada. “The next step is to use
a test to determine if those spores
were actually alive or were shed as
a casing at some previous point.
This will take some time.”
CFIA has confirmed that
those results won’t be available
until February 2021. In a state-
HERE’S
ment to The Grower, CFIA said:
“The testing of source fields that
supplied the seed potatoes for the
positive fields in 2020 has been
completed and they are negative
SOMETHING
for potato wart.”
The farm in Queens County,
the largest county of the island,
has been secured as part of the
FOR WIRE-
protocol to prevent potential
disease spread. While potato wart
is of no risk to consumers or food
safety, the fungus can seriously
disfigure potatoes and threaten
WORMS TO
their marketability. To date, no
seed potatoes from the 2020
harvest have been shipped from
the farm, nor is the farm allowed
CHEW ON.
to move potatoes to other
locations.
The news has sparked
concerns from the National
Potato Council in the U.S. to the
extent that Prince Edward Island
suspended any seed potato
shipments as of November 20,
2020. This action has not
affected the flow of fresh potatoes
or potatoes destined for
processing. To date, there are no The new potato insecticide
changes in inter-provincial that eliminates wireworms.
movement of seed potatoes to
other Canadian provinces.
The National Potato Council
This is bound to make wireworms take pause.
CEO Kam Quarles, stated in a Permanently. New Cimegra® insecticide eliminates
November 28, 2020 news release: wireworms, which in turn reduces resident
"We are in communication with populations in season. Using a new, unique mode of
APHIS regarding CFIA's action with lasting residual activity, it delivers great
ongoing survey work to
comprehensively determine the
results fast. In fact, wireworms don’t even have to
level of threat within Canada and ingest Cimegra – it works on contact. So why let
are also urging CFIA to prohibit these troublesome little pests take a
all domestic seed shipments out huge bite of your potato profits? Go to
of P.E.I. to prevent spread within agsolutions.ca/horticulture to learn more.
Canada until they can confirm no
other farms have been
jeopardized."
In response, David Jones,
manager, Canadian Potato
Council says: “It is our under-
standing that the CFIA is not
considering suspending domestic
seed shipments from PEI and has
no reason to do so based on
precedent. The CFIA has taken Always read and follow label directions.
immediate action on the AgSolutions and CIMEGRA are registered trade-marks of BASF, used under license by BASF Canada Inc. © 2021 BASF Canada Inc.
detections in PEI according to
PAGE 6 –– JANUARY 2021
THE GROWER
HOUSING SURVEY
Growers estimate at least $20,000 to replace
each bunkbed with alternative housing
Coordinating Committee (e.g. environmental) permits,
STEFAN LARRASS AND (LICC). We know that other securing building materials and
KEN FORTH provinces have performed the lining up contractors. The
same outreach. Growers timelines for these steps already
There are a few things that all volunteer considerable time in typically take years – and with
agricultural Temporary Foreign responding to surveys, but in this COVID-19 -- government and
Workers (TFWs) have in case, their feedback has proven private sector services are even
common, regardless of whether critical to a federal consultation more difficult to access in a
they arrive in Canada through the that could have one of the largest timely way.
Seasonal Agricultural Worker impacts in horticulture in recent Additional hurdles, growers
Program (SAWP) or through the history. pointed out, include being
year-round Agricultural Stream of For instance, the survey asks land-locked in restrictive
the TFW Program. One of them about the anticipated impact of municipal zoning areas such as
is that their employers are phasing out the use of bunkbeds. Ontario’s Greenbelt where
required to provide housing. The survey responses allowed additional housing cannot simply
So when the federal OFVGA to estimate the cost at be built on their land.
government announced in July an average of about $20,000 per This far-ranging input was
2020 that it would pursue a new worker “displaced” as a result of consolidated by OFVGA and
mandatory federal standard for such a measure, in order for FARMS to meet the federal
TFW housing, it was clear that employers to secure alternative government’s deadline in mid-
this move had the potential to sleeping and housing for the December. It was encouraging to
affect many growers. The worker. The survey results also see the coordinating efforts of respond with a strong voice. It is Stefan Larrass is policy advisor for
government’s detailed draft made it clear that thousands of several other organizations, for the government’s and the the Labour Issues Coordinating
proposal was revealed in late workers would potentially be including the Canadian public’s own benefit that we do Committee. Ken Forth is president
October 2020, giving stakeholders affected by such a measure and Horticultural Council and the so. Many growers have indicated of Foreign Agricultural Resource
roughly two months to assess the that the cost of finding alternative Canadian Federation of that an onerous outcome to this Management Services (FARMS).
proposal and respond. housing for the displaced workers Agriculture. consultation would push them out
In Ontario, a survey was would be in the tens of millions Time will tell what the next of farming, putting at risk our
conducted jointly by the Ontario or even hundreds of millions of phase of the process will look like domestic food security. It is the
Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ dollars across the industry. as the federal government pursues responsibility of all parties to
Association (OFVGA), Foreign Growers also indicated that its commitment to a federal recommend a solution that
Agricultural Resource obstacles to compliance include standard. Regardless, it will be sustains our edible horticulture
Management Services (FARMS) access to financing, obtaining critical for growers and sector.
and the Labour Issues municipal and provincial associations to work together to
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JANUARY 2021 –– PAGE 7
THE GROWER
BUSINESS RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS
Improvements to AgriStability are on the table
hardly benefit from the RML’s negative policy (RML) that has
KAREN DAVIDSON removal, although they would still been discriminating between
benefit from the increased commodities since 2013. “Now
The crisis of COVID-19 has payment rate,” says Larrass. “By we can all face the common goal
prodded the federal government comparison, the relative net gain of increasing the trigger to 85 per
to respond to long-standing for commodities that are regularly cent.”
requests of agricultural affected by the RML – for At press time, it’s not clear
associations to bolster business example, some field vegetables, what the timelines are for
risk management programs. At grapes and potatoes – is likely to provinces to provide feedback to
the recent federal-provincial- be higher.” the federal government.
territorial agriculture ministers’ Larrass, who chairs the
virtual meeting, the Hon. Marie- Canadian Horticultural Council’s Source: Canadian Federation of
Claude Bibeau proposed concrete busines risk management working Agriculture November 27, 2020
changes to AgriStability that group, concludes that on the news release
include: whole, the proposal is of net
benefit since it would undo a
• The removal of the reference
margin limits (RMLs)
• No change to the AgriStability
trigger of 70 per cent but an
increase of payment levels from
LESS
70 to 80 per cent
• With consensus from two-thirds
of the provinces, and two-thirds
of agricultural production, that
these changes would be
retroactive for 2020.
BUGS.
The federal government’s
analysis has shown that the
removal of the reference margin
limit would increase support for
farmers in need across Canada by
more than 30 per cent, and that
both of the aforementioned
MORE
changes would increase spending
by more than 50 per cent.
The Canadian Federation of
Agriculture (CFA) responded
favourably, saying that Minister
Bibeau is the first minister to
deliver real action on this issue
SPUDS.
since 2013. CFA is urging that all
levels of government finalize an
agreement over the coming
weeks.
“AgriStability has not provided
a sufficient financial backstop for
farmers since the cuts were made
in 2013 and these shortcomings
have been magnified by the
impacts of COVID-19 on the Maximize quality and yield with early-season insect control.
industry,” said Mary Robinson,
CFA president. “Canada's Getting potatoes off to a healthy start is critical to a successful finish.
Business Risk Management That’s where Titan® comes into play. It’s the seed-piece insecticide that
programs no longer reflect the delivers superior, longer-lasting control of major aboveground pests like
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agriculture and must be addition to providing the broadest spectrum of protection available,
improved.” Titan also helps reduce wireworm damage. So go big. Go with Titan.
Robinson continued: "CFA is To learn more, visit agsolutions.ca/horticulture or call AgSolutions®
very supportive of the proposed Customer Care at 1-877-371-BASF (2273).
increased support put forth by
Minister Bibeau. Our farm
supports are still lagging far
behind the EU and US. While
these proposals are not exactly
what we were seeking, they are a
very positive step forward for the
business environment of
Canadian agriculture.”
The response is more mixed
from the horticultural sector
given the diversity of crops. As
Stefan Larrass, policy advisor,
Ontario Fruit and Vegetable
Growers’ Association explains,
there’s a modest net gain relative
to the status quo for greenhouse
vegetable and tree fruit growers.
“Their AgriStability reference Always read and follow label directions.
margins are rarely impacted by AgSolutions and TITAN are registered trade-marks of BASF,
the program’s RML feature in a used under license by BASF Canada Inc. © 2021 BASF Canada Inc.
material way, so they would
PAGE 8 –– JANUARY 2021
THE GROWER
CANADA’S FOOD PRICE REPORT
2021 FOOD PRICE FORECAST
Higher prices of fruits and vegetables
predicted for 2021
The 2021 Canada’s Food Price Report was compiled by Dalhousie University,
University of Guelph, University of Saskatchewan and University of British Columbia.
MICROECONOMIC DRIVERS FOR CANADA’S FOOD PRICES IN 2021
“COVID-19 has made our entire food supply chain more open, and frankly, more
democratic. With e-commerce, most agri-food companies, from farm to retail, now
have equal access to consumers.”
Making half your plate fruits and Overall, a basket of food for a family of
vegetables will cost more in 2021. A four is expected to cost $13,997 in 2021,
cross-country team led by Dr. Sylvain up $695 (5%) from 2020 excluding food
Charlebois from Dalhousie University says service. In dollars, this is the highest
that fruit prices will be up two to four per predicted increase by Canada’s Food Price
cent, and vegetable prices will trend higher Report. The food inflation rate in 2021 is
at 4.5 to 6.5 per cent. likely to outpace the general inflation rate.
In 2021, the authors predict the continued effect of COVID-19 on
our agricultural chain and global food systems, in addition to the
growing impact of climate change. We can also expect to see
adaptations in the agri-food chain based on lessons learned from the
pandemic, for example, the growth in e-commerce platforms and
online services. Other notable events to watch in the food industry in
2021 include the continuing loss of the food manufacturing sector, the
national ban on some single-use plastics, continued actions to mitigate
the effects of climate change, and the impact of the U.S. presidential
election outcome on food policy and on our currency.
Shift from food service to food retail
Before the pandemic, the food retail/service ratio stood at 62/38. In
other words, 62 per cent of food budgets were spent on food retail and
38 per cent on food service. Monthly food retail sales in Canada were
Stokes Seeds Trial Evaluation: Researching the best for our customers since 1881.
approximately $7.7 billion compared to $5.3 billion for food service,
according to StatCan.
In May 2020, the last month before restaurants started to re-open,
the ratio went to 91/9 with food retail generating $7.8 billion in sales
in May 2020 versus $891 million in food service. Despite new sanitary
measures, we believe the ratio is currently 74/26 approximately, but we
do not expect that in 2021 it will return to near where it was before
COVID-19.
HERMES CURRIER LASALLE NAVAJO
90 day, highly productive 74 day, extra large, blocky 54 day, high yielding, 67 day, large 8 in/20 cm 2021 watch-list items
dark orange medium round dark green to red four lobed dark, easy to harvest bicolor with 16 rows, blunt
10-12 lb/4.5-6 kg pumpkin. high quality fruit. 3-4 sieve bean. tips, good tip cover. Overall, prices for all food categories could increase by up to five per
cent in 2021 with bakery, meat and vegetables expected to see the
Paul Banks Alexandre Bisson Laura Caralampides Leah Erickson Rob Hovius Marc André Laberge Henry Zomer Bridget Visser largest increases. Note that Statistics Canada reported in 2019 that one
ON, NS QC QC, ON AB, BC ON, PEI, NB QC ON, MB, SK ON, MB in six adult Canadians now live alone, making one-person households
905-688-4300 438-334-1996 514-984-0662 604-957-2359 519-580-3231 514-984-4589 905-308-4396 905-715-8595 the most common household type for the first time in recorded
— Quality Seed Since 1881 — Canadian history.
T: 1-800-263-7233 │ F:1-800-272-5560 │ www.stokeseeds.com │ Box 10 Thorold ON L2V 5E9
Source: Canada’s Food Price Report 2021
JANUARY 2021 –– PAGE 9
THE GROWER
IN THE BIN
Canadian 2020 potato production varied by region
Potato fields in bloom in British Columbia Potato harvest in full swing at the farm of Homer Raphaël Savard, quality assurance and supply
Vander Zaag, Ontario coordinator with Propur, proudly shows russet
potatoes grown in St. Ambroise, Québec.
Potato production in Canada New Brunswick Alberta
was literally all over the map in
2020. Due to market uncertainty New Brunswick’s production Production increased by 7.8
from COVID-19, growers was down by 29.9 per cent, also per cent or by 1,689,000 cwt,
planted 5,000 fewer acres. And due to summer heat. The shortfall making it the second largest
then hot, droughty weather is 4,900,000 cwt compared to provincial increase in Canada in
trimmed yields further, especially 2019. Yields were severely 2020. Despite a challenging
in eastern Canada. depressed to 237.4 cwt/acre growing season, yields increased
Now that the 2020 crop is in compared to 310.6 cwt/acre in to 404 cwt/acre compared to 382
the bin, the estimate is 2019. All sectors of seed, table cwt/acre the previous year. Total
104,203,000 hundred weight. and processing had short supplies. production: 23,407,000 cwt.
That’s down 1.4 million hundred
weight or 1.3 per cent below Québec British Columbia
2019, according to the topline
analysis from the United Potato Estimates will be revised at a Total production is expected to
Growers of Canada (UPGC). later date when available from the come in at 2,155,000 hundred
As Kevin MacIsaac, general Institut de la Statistique du weight. An excellent growing
manager UPGC points out, Quebec. In the interim, Quebec’s season produced record-breaking
Canadian yields dropped 13 production is estimated to be up a yields at 331.5cwt./acre, up from
cwt/acre from 309 cwt/acre in smidge (1.7%) at 12,868,000 cwt. last year’s 325cwt/acre.
2019 to 296 cwt/acre in 2020. Yields are estimated to be up
There is a large regional disparity from 293 cwt/acre to 312 Source: United Potato Growers of
within this crop from east to cwt/acre. Canada December 5, 2020 news
west. release
New Brunswick suffered the Québec growers experienced a
largest decrease in harvest, with difficult 2020 harvest, leaving
all sectors of fresh, processing and 2,000 acres undug.
seed affected. This was the
province’s poorest showing in five Ontario
years. In contrast, Manitoba, with
71,500 acres, had its best harvest Stats Canada estimates Ontario’s
in five years averaging yields of production to be up 813,000 cwt
337 cwt/acre. or 12.1 per cent to a total of
Here are the provincial 7,518,000 cwt. Spring acreage
highlights: increased by 2,500 acres to service
demand for chips and fresh
Prince Edward Island potatoes.
The province was one of the Manitoba
region’s most severely affected by
the drought. Stats Canada Manitoba reports the biggest
estimates production is down increase in 2020 Canadian
province-wide by an average of production, up 4,300,000 cwt or
13.6 per cent compared to the 21.8% above 2019. Hot, dry
2019 crop. In addition, there are weather took the top off yields,
growers in the central part of the moving from 345.6 cwt/acre in
province who experienced 2019 to 337 cwt/acre in 2020.
reductions of 25-30 per cent. The Overall production is estimated at
reduction translates to 3,300,000 24,000,000 cwt. Spring-planted
hundred weight and affects all potatoes increased by 1,500 acres
categories of production. Yields bringing the total to the country’s
per acre dropped from 289 last second largest acreage: 71,500.
year to 251.5cwt./acre in 2020.
Saskatchewan
Nova Scotia
Production is expected to be
Hot dry weather also seared down 6.7 per cent this year with a
production – down 27.9 per cent total production of 1,400,000 cwt.
from 2019 and reducing yields to Acreage was pegged at 6,000.
250 cwt/acre. Planted acreage
decreased to 1,200 acres.
PAGE 10 –– JANUARY 2021
THE GROWER
CHAIR’S PERSPECTIVE
Your voice can make a difference
and enable growers who had to Some are staples, such as safety Ontario Federation of Agriculture to spread out the workload.
travel to the Niagara Region to nets, labour and crop protection, and others are to growers. I recognize that not everyone
make just one trip. and others ebb and flow with Without the strength of the has the time or the resources to
This year, the in-person public opinion and government collective voice, it is highly make a major commitment to a
convention will not take place due priorities of the day, such as doubtful that we would have seen farm organization, but there are
to the COVID-19 pandemic and taxation or reusable plastic seasonal foreign agricultural other ways to become involved
we have moved our Annual containers. We work hard to workers come to Canada this too. Consider signing up to be
General Meeting (AGM) online. establish positions on the key year, or have had access to various part of an OFVGA committee, or
Meeting virtually is not the same issues that reflect industry needs government programs to off-set volunteer as a local director with
experience by far as getting and to make sure those positions pandemic-related expenses, for your commodity organization, for
together face to face, meeting are brought to the attention of example. example.
new people and having interesting government. And that success was due to Our industry needs your ideas,
discussions on a wide range of Sometimes we are effective in individual growers stepping your perspectives, and your input
BILL GEORGE JR. topics. And yet, it has never been bringing about positive change - forward to make a contribution, as we continue to work our way
more important for everyone in the recent Pest Management whether it was as a board through the immediate reality of
CHAIR, OFVGA
our industry to participate in this Regulatory Agency decision on director, section chair or the ongoing pandemic as well as
meeting - and indeed, in our keeping Mancozeb available for committee member - or even face the changing future
Winter meeting season is now association. most crop uses is just one volunteering to take media COVID-19 is bringing our way.
in full swing, and as with so many Here’s why. example. And other times, such interviews or be featured in public If you’re interested in learning
things in our world right now, it At OFVGA, we rely on our as the minimum wage battle of a relations materials at the height of more about what the OFVGA
looks a little different - and in board directors, our committee few years ago, we were powerless COVID uncertainty during this does, why not consider registering
some cases a lot different - than members, and our member to stop change. past growing season. for our virtual AGM? The time
in years past. organizations to help us shape our Thanks to COVID-19, this I’ll be honest - it can be a bit commitment is less than in
For many years, the Ontario lobbying priorities around issues past year will undoubtedly be of a daunting task to have a previous years since we’re meeting
Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ that are common across the remembered as one of the tough- leadership role in an organization online, and it will give you a great
Association (OFVGA) always sector. As a lobby organization, est, most challenging that growers at the best of times, and even overview of the organization, the
held its annual general meeting in we always have a slate of issues in this province and this country more so during a crisis like a issues we deal with and how what
early January just after the that we deal with on behalf of have faced in recent memory, and pandemic. But what helped make we do behind the scenes has
holidays. Several years ago, we growers, some more urgent and perhaps ever. It’s also the year, in the task easier was having a great direct impact on the farm.
shifted it to February so we could far-reaching than others, but all my opinion, that more than ever team of growers and staff to I’d love to see you there.
better connect with the Ontario important to the fruit and has proven how valuable farm support what we were doing, and
Fruit & Vegetable Convention vegetable business in Ontario. organizations such as OFVGA, by working together, we were able
WEATHER VANE
The way we were. In 2016, this mechanical harvester was picking up ice wine grapes near Niagara-on-the-Lake. Vineyard owner Trevor Falk is not doing any icewine this season for the
first time in many years. Photo by Denis Cahill.
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 2020
Editor: Karen Davidson, 416-557-6413, editor@thegrower.org Guelph, Ontario N1K 1S5 CANADA Crop Protection Charles Stevens
Advertising: Carlie Melara 519-763-8728, advertising@thegrower.org MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Tel. 519-763-8728 • Fax 519-763-6604 Chair Bill George Jr., Beamsville Environment and Conservation Jan VanderHout
The Grower is printed 12 times a year and sent to all Vice-chair Charles Stevens, Newcastle Labour Ken Forth
members of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Fruit Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin 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 Vegetable Kenny Forth, Lynden Energy, Property, Infrastructure
Director Mike Chromczak, Brownsville and Food Safety Brian Gilroy
errors that are the direct result of The Grower will be compen- the paper through their commodity group or container fees. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
sated at our discretion with a correction notice in the next issue. Others may subscribe as follows by writing to the office: Apples Charles Stevens, Newcastle
No compensation will be given after the first running of the ad. Fresh Veg other Kenny Forth, Lynden
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 Fresh Grape Bill George Jr., Beamsville
Subscribers must submit a claim for missing issues within Fresh Veg muck John Hambly, Bradford
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 associa- not available, The Grower will extend the subscription by Small Fruit Norm Charbonneau, Port Elgin
tion. 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, WallaceburgJANUARY 2021 –– PAGE 11
THE GROWER
URBAN COWBOY
Chilling food price predictions
mark end of dreadful year
As well, be even more
disciplined than you already are,
about splurging. And finally, he
says, do your research.
Research includes bargain
shopping. I’ve always glanced at
grocery store flyers, but since the
pandemic kicked in, I’ve come to
consume them voraciously. I look
forward to the Flyer Thursday
email arriving and getting the
chance to potentially cash in on
sales.
There are other ways to save
on vegetables, says the food price
OWEN ROBERTS project’s other author, Dr. Simon
Somogyi, who holds the Arrell
We’re all hoping for better Chair in the Business of Food at
days ahead, trying to forget how the University of Guelph.
awful the past year has been. It’s He notes the dilemma we face:
separated us from loved ones, or Health Canada, along with pretty
worse, taken them away forever. well every nutritionist you talk to,
Most of us can’t shake off says eat more vegetables. When
2020 fast enough . . . except for prices go up as predicted, that’s Vegetable prices are predicted to go up by 4.5 to 6.5 per cent in 2021. Photo by Glenn Lowson.
my sister. more of a challenge.
She too has experienced But he sees some light on the
heartbreak this year, living on the horizon. When the Canadian supply chain for fruit, vegetables
other side of the border, unable to
cross it to see her kids and
grandkids in Canada.
But she’s trying to take the
high road. She urges us to learn
growing season comes online in
summer 2021, prices will soften
and more families will have
access, he says.
For now, though, he says
and other commodities works
amazingly well. Superb fresh
domestic produce is available here
during the growing season, and as
Simogyi says, later too as frozen
“
Prices are consumers’ biggest concern about food,
whatever lessons we can from consider frozen foods. products. Greenhouse production surpassing technology and other factors that used
this, the biggest modern-day mess “When folks go to the grocery is increasing, extending the to cause angst. “
we’ve ever encountered, and use store, they should have a look in season and the offerings. We have
those lessons to our advantage the frozen food aisle, particularly reliable connections with the
going forward. for peas, broccoli, carrots and U.S., Mexico and other countries
Lessons like budgeting, corn,” he says. “Frozen vegetables – at least, in a normal year – for
cooking at home and self- are snap frozen just after harvest, winter fruit. Even through 2020
discipline, for example. so their nutrients are locked in. we had most of the food we need. respiratory health perspective. But Owen Roberts is a faculty member
I sensed similar advice oozing They can be just as nutritious as News of COVID-19 vaccine indeed, let’s heed the warnings at the University of Illinois at
from Canada’s Food Price fresh vegetables, but at a lower arrivals gave us reason to be and learn from 2020. Urbana-Champaign.
Report, released in December. price.” optimistic that the worst is
The report, which forecasts food We’re fortunate that the food behind us, at least from a
prices for the coming year, felt
like a punch in the gut. It
estimates food will cost families
five per cent more -- nearly $700
– than last year. Readers of The
Grower will be particularly
interested to know vegetables,
along with meat, are the leading
commodities that the authors
expect to climb the most, an
estimated 4.6- to 6.5 per cent.
The report’s co-author and
co-spokesperson, Prof. Sylvain
Charlebois at Dalhousie
University, doesn’t mince words.
He starkly warns that many
families will be “left behind.”
The chilling reality, though, is
that they already are. From coast
to coast to coast, the struggle
with food prices is full on. A
study this fall from the Canadian
Centre for Food Integrity showed
prices are consumers’ biggest
concern about food, surpassing
technology and other factors that
used to cause angst.
So Charlebois, like my sister,
wants people to arm themselves
with information and dig in. We
know it will be a tough year and
that we’ll get bowled over if we lie
down.
So, he says, be ready. To begin
with, cook more at home. So
much help is available online to
show people how to cook.PAGE 12 –– JANUARY 2021
THE GROWER
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Seed quiz tests vegetable and fruit growers COMING EVENTS 2021
Jan 6-7 Ontario Agricultural Conference Live (SouthWest
To be of the earth is to know the restlessness of the seed. Agricultural Conference, Guelph and Eastern
Ontario Crop Conferences combined) VIRTUAL
This year’s annual quiz might be easy for vegetable growers, but more challenging for fruit growers.
These photos are a good reminder of how the sizes and shapes of seeds vary, and how they are uniquely Jan 6-7 Potato Expo, Gaylord Texan Hotel, Grapevine, TX
equipped to spring forth. LIVE & VIRTUAL
Thanks to Bridget Visser, a seed company territory manager, for assembling these photos far in advance
of our quiz special. For answers, and some interesting trivia, go to page 23. Jan 13 Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association Annual
General Meeting, 1-2 pm, VIRTUAL
Jan 18-20 North American Strawberry Growers’ Association
Annual Conference VIRTUAL
1 2
Jan 21 Producteurs de pommes du Québec AGA,
VIRTUELLE
Jan 26-28 Manitoba Potato Production Days, Keystone
Centre, Brandon, MB CANCELLED
Jan 27 Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association Annual
Convention, VIRTUAL
Jan 28-30 Pacific Agriculture Show, Abbotsford, BC
VIRTUAL
Jan 26 - 30 Guelph Organic Conference Online Seminars,
VIRTUAL
Feb 8-11 Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention,
Hershey, PA VIRTUAL
3 4
Feb 16 Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association
Annual General Meeting, 9 am – 3 pm VIRTUAL
Feb 16-17 Berry Growers of Ontario Annual General Meeting
and Conference, VIRTUAL To register, email:
info@ontarioberries.com
Feb 17-18 Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Convention, Scotiabank
Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, ON
CANCELLED
Feb 22-24 International Fruit Tree Association Annual
Conference, VIRTUAL
Mar 4 Ontario Potato Webinars VIRTUAL
Mar 15-18 Canadian Horticultural Council Annual General
5 6
Meeting, VIRTUAL
April 12 Canadian Produce Marketing Association Fresh
Week VIRTUAL
May 1-5 International Strawberry Symposium, Rimini, Italy
May 18-20 Fruit Logistica Special Edition, Berlin, Germany
May 30-June 3 11th World Potato Congress, Dublin, Ireland
POSTPONED to May 30-June 2, 2022
June 24-26 United Fresh Convention and Expo, Los Angeles,
CA
July 23-29 Potato Association of America, Delta Hotel,
Charlottetown, PE
Aug 11-12 AgriExpo, Grands Falls, NB
7 8 Sept 23-27 Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation Annual
General Meeting, Windsor, ON
Oct 6-7 Canadian Greenhouse Conference, Scotiabank
Conference Centre, Niagara Falls, ON
Nov 5-14 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Exhibition Place,
Toronto, ON
Nov 4 -6 Interpoma, Bolzano, Italy
Nov 22-24 Alberta Potato Conference and Trade Show,
Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre, Red
Deer, ABJANUARY 2021 –– PAGE 13
THE GROWER
RETAIL NAVIGATOR
Seven trends that will impact 2021
packaging and everywhere else. have issues.
This is a big opportunity to
increase trial and get listings. 5. Consumers shop differently
Make sure you do deliver on when they are working from
service level and send consumers home
to the store for your products.
The items consumers buy are
3. E-commerce will continue to different now. People are looking
grow for something interesting and
they actually eat breakfast at
There is more food being home. They are also eating
purchased online in Canada than leftovers and making lunch at
ever. Most estimates put this home.
between 12-15 per cent. In other Provide ideas for consumers to
PETER CHAPMAN words, one-eighth of food dollars use your products differently. We
is being spent online. As know they are getting tired of the The value of food has changed.
Our trends for 2021 have been execution gets better and same old recipes (aren’t we all?)
developed to help better confidence grows in someone else so help them out. New options
understand your customers and picking your broccoli or apples, for breakfast will work in this new
consumers. These are unique the convenience and safety of environment.
because we want to focus on your shopping from home will
customers to ensure you know continue. When we get back to 6. Millennials are shopping in
what will be important to them more movement and fewer grocery stores
and what you can do about it. restrictions stores will see people
come back but e-commerce is We know prior to the
1.The value of food has changed here to stay and now that retailers pandemic, millennials would eat
have invested in it, they will want out more than any other
The events of 2020 did force to see it work. generation. With reduced
many people to pause and slow Producers and processors availability and people working
down. One result is that society should explore the option of from home they are now
placed a greater importance on selling online. Obviously, the shopping in grocery stores. My
essentials such as food, the people category or complexity of your opinion would be they make up a
producing it and the people products has a big impact. If huge percentage of the increase
selling it. There were many selling direct to consumers is not we are seeing in retail sales. They
examples of companies, realistic, think about how your are a big portion of the shift from
associations and others in the product works for your retail food service to retail. Canadian and local products are in demand.
food industry stepping up to partners in this environment. You They are looking for restaurant
provide food for Canadians. should also review your quality in the grocery store and
People have been thinking more customers’ websites to check that most are willing to pay for it. Yes,
about food and they value it the photo is correct and to they will go back to restaurants
differently, which is a good thing. confirm the ease of purchase of when they open up again but not
Suppliers need to make sure your products. in the same numbers. If they ate
they are getting a fair price for out three times, perhaps now it
their products. Costs have 4. Changing priorities for will average 1.5 times per week.
changed and you need to move retailers There are opportunities to satisfy
along with them. Production, their desire for products that are
processing and inputs are costing Your customers changed faster almost fully prepared. Make sure
more. If you have been able to in 2020 than ever. The store you leave some work for them so
keep supplying your customers environment is different, they can say they did it and
and your costs have increased, you e-commerce is a major part of customized it with their choice of
need to make sure you are their business and in-stock sauce or spice.
continuing to generate the return position was much more
required. Plant the seed now if important. There was more 7. Service level is key to your
you need to review costs in collaboration in the past year to success
upcoming months. get inventory to the right store
than we have seen in years. We are seeing consumers
2. Canadian and local products You need to evolve with these select a store based on their Millennials are shopping in grocery stores.
are in demand priorities and make sure your ability to get everything, even if it
business is focused on them. Help costs a bit more. One trip reduces
The demand from consumers consumers find your products in their exposure in public. Retailers Report your numbers. Cases Peter Chapman is a retail
for Canadian products has store with your messaging. They are very focused on service level to delivered divided by cases ordered consultant, professional speaker and
increased. Retailers are also are not shopping categories like drive traffic and also to maximize is a simple calculation you can do the author of A la Cart-a suppliers’
looking for more Canadian they used to. Review your items the basket while they are in the to save them time. They will guide to retailer’s priorities. Peter is
products because the service level on your customer’s website to store. focus on the problems so if you based in Halifax, N.S. where he is
should be better and they avoid make sure they are there and Increase the awareness in your have a good story to tell, make the principal at SKUFood. Peter
currency fluctuations. work properly. They will not business for service level and the sure you tell it. works with producers and processors
Food producers and processors check every item. Report your importance of orders that are on We hope these insights will to help them get their products on
should be doing a great job telling service level to each customer and time and in full. Talk to your help you plan and focus your the shelf and into the shopping cart.
their story. On social media, on be proactive if you are going to customers about service level too. efforts in 2021.
Our Experts Are Here To Help!
~ Quality Seed Since 1881 ~
T: 1-800-263-7233
Paul Banks
(ON/NS)
Alexandre Laura Leah Erickson Rob Hovius
(ON/PEI/NB)
Marc André Bridget Visser
(ON/MB)
Henry Zomer
(ON/MB/SK)
F: 1-800-272-5560
Bisson (QC) Caralampides (QC) (BC/AB) Laberge (QC)
905-688-4300 438-334-1996 514-984-0662 604-957-2359 519-580-3231 514-984-4589 905-715-8595 905-308-4396 www.stokeseeds.comYou can also read
