Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Reinstated program helps Ontario apple and tender fruit growers deal with tough weather

Thursday, October 15, 2015

by SUSAN MANN

Apple and tender fruit growers can get government funding to help pay for weather mitigation equipment as part of a reinstated government program announced this week.

Funding for the program comes from Growing Forward 2, the national federal/provincial/territorial agricultural framework. Ontario Apple Growers general manager Kelly Ciceran says the apple and tender fruit growers’ organizations asked for the governments to reinstate the weather mitigation program in Growing Forward 2 after funding for it was removed in April. The program was part of Growing Forward 2 since the national framework came into effect in 2013.

“We’ve been working with the government to have it (the weather mitigation program) reinstated,” she says. “We’re thrilled they (the governments) have responded so positively.”

The governments will pay up to 35 per cent of the costs for mitigation equipment, such as portable or fixed wind machines, heating and air movement devices, overhead irrigation systems and crop covers. Growers pay the remaining costs.

The maximum amount of funding per project is $31,500, according to an Ontario government Oct. 13 press release. The first intake is Oct. 22 to Nov. 5. There will be other opportunities during the next two years to submit applications, the release says.

The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association is administering the program and farmers can apply through that organization.
 
Ciceran says there’s a large interest among apple growers in weather mitigation technology. Some growers already have wind machines in their orchards. “Certainly, we need more machines to protect the crop as is evident by the 50 per cent crop loss this year.”

In a Sept. 30 Ontario Apple Growers press release, the organization notes a frost May 22 to 23 affected “many of the province’s apple growing regions” and is responsible for the decline in this year’s crop.  

Ciceran says the organization doesn’t know how many growers will apply for the program but “we hope as many (farmers) as possible take advantage of it.” BF

Current Issue

June/July 2025

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

Ontario crops respond to summer heat

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online

Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online

Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth

Monday, June 30, 2025

Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2025 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top