Information sharing would help apple farmers target consumers Wednesday, November 20, 2013 by MATT MCINTOSH Using information and traceability systems more effectively will make Ontario apples more competitive and profitable, says a new report by the Value Chain Management Centre and the Norfolk Fruit Growers Association. The two organizations produced the "Collaborating to Increase the Profitability of Ontario Apple Producers" report, which identified opportunities to "capture greater value from the production, grading, packing, marketing, and retailing of Ontario apples." The report found that relaying consumer trends to producers, who can then try and grow more specific products, would make Ontario apples more attractive to consumers. "We have to start producing what people want, not what we want to sell," says Tom O'Neill, general manager for the Norfolk Fruit Growers Association. "We gather a lot of information on the packaging and marketing side. If we can tell our producers that apples of a larger size, for instance, are favoured by consumers, they can grow apples to target that category," he says. However, O'Neill also says the report's conclusions are not strict science. "It's just a general way to utilize the information we have; Mother Nature still likes to play tricks on us every year," he says. Relaying information like the size of apple preferred by consumers, says the report, would not require a capital investment, but should still be considered along with other methods designed to improve productivity and cost-cutting. The project generating the report was funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program. BF Video highlights problematic dairy cow disease Two winners for Egg Farmers' New Entrant program
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