A good year for Ontario grape growers Wednesday, September 19, 2012 by BETTER FARMING STAFF While other fruit growers have had weather challenges this year, the Grape Growers of Ontario is reporting their growers have experienced a good season. “We harvested very early,” said Grape Growers CEO Debbie Zimmerman, adding, “We are at a great quality level.” Ontario grape growers are also enjoying success in the marketplace for which Zimmerman credits the Ontario government’s 2009 grape and wine strategy. “We used to have a content of 70 per cent imported and 30 per cent domestic (in a bottle of Cellared in Canada wine) prior to 2009,” Zimmerman says. “After 2009, they’ve gone to 25 per cent (domestic) in a bottle, but 40 per cent of their purchases must be domestic grapes.” That 40 per cent purchase requirement has made a dramatic difference. Wine grape purchases in Ontario have increased from 44,356 tonnes in 2009 to 62,028 tonnes in 2012. The requirement to buy 40 per cent when only 25 per cent is required in a cellared blend is balanced by wines that contain more than 40 per cent. VQA wines, for example, contain 100 per cent Ontario grapes. Grape Growers of Ontario, celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, represents more than 500 grape growers in the Niagara Region, Prince Edward County, Pelee Island, Lake Erie north shore and Norfolk County. BF New soybean virus found in Elgin, Kent New food safety and veterinary chief officers at CFIA
Sunflower farming in Ontario Tuesday, August 19, 2025 While Manitoba dominates sunflower production in Canada—accounting for about 90 percent of the national output (https://oggardenonline.com/where-in-canada-are-sunflowers-grown.html)—Ontario is home to a growing number of sunflower farms. These farms are often smaller in scale and... Read this article online
2025 Livestock Tax Deferral Regions Announced Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has published the initial list of prescribed regions eligible for the 2025 Livestock Tax Deferral provision, a key support measure for Canadian livestock producers grappling with the impacts of extreme weather. “As we continue to see the very... Read this article online
Winter wheat in Ontario: A resilient crop for a sustainable future Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Winter wheat has long been a staple in Ontario’s agricultural landscape, offering both economic and environmental benefits to farmers across the province. Grown primarily in southwestern Ontario, this crop plays a vital role in crop rotation systems, soil health, and food... Read this article online
Better Soil Health Improves Rain Absorption Monday, August 18, 2025 The OMAFA Fieldcropnews.com team recently held demonstrations regarding how soil management can greatly affect the amount of rainfall absorbed into the soil for crop use. This is especially important for corn, soybean, and wheat growers facing dry spells or intense summer storms. In early... Read this article online
Farm ponds and the trouble with algae Monday, August 18, 2025 Farm ponds are more than just tranquil features on rural landscapes—they’re essential tools for water management, livestock care, irrigation, and biodiversity—especially in North America. They are also considered to be a key agricultural asset outside North America, especially in... Read this article online