Apple growers want provincial help to replace trees Wednesday, April 20, 2011 by SUSAN MANNOntario apple farmers need an orchard replanting program to help them transition to varieties consumers demand and switch to high-density tree plantings.Brian Gilroy, chair of Ontario Apple Growers, says the organization has been ramping up its efforts to lobby the provincial government to get a seven-year program for “a while now and we’re trying to put some fine detail to it. But we don’t have any OMAFRA people working with us yet to design a program.”The Apple Growers’ current focus is on getting a funding commitment from the government, he says, noting it’s a good time to ask since a provincial election is being held this fall.So far Apple Growers representatives have met with both Agriculture Minister Carol Mitchell and deputy minister John Burke, Gilroy says. Now the organization is looking at next steps.The Ontario industry has shrunk to 11,500 acres of apple trees province-wide from 28,000 acres in 1994. Gilroy says without a “shot in the arm” like a replanting program the industry will continue to dwindle.A report for the apple, tender fruit and fresh grape industry released last spring notes that fruit consumption in the province is increasing but Ontario producers’ market share is declining.Gilroy says they are proposing a program to replant 25 per cent of Ontario’s acreage. “We’re asking for $10,000 an acre and the grower will put in at least $10,000 an acre.”In 2009 the federal and provincial governments introduced a three-year, $22.3 million program to help tree fruit and grape growers cover some of the costs to remove unwanted or unproductive trees and vines and transition into alternative varieties or crops. Ontario is the only province that hasn’t had an apple orchard replant program, Gilroy says. BF Food Policy launched Precedent setting hearing vindicates farmers
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
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