Minister vows to help devastated apple growers Wednesday, September 2, 2009 by BETTER FARMING STAFFOntario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky toured the tornado-devastated apple growing area near Thornbury on Saturday and vowed to try to help growers facing financial ruin from the Aug. 20 storm."I will be meeting with my officials this week to review these programs to see if there is anything we might do to assist these people . . . to rebuild their orchards," Dombrowsky says."They explained to me how their particular circumstance doesn't enable them" to access crop insurance and other programs.The growers "offered some ideas," about aid she says.Damage is well into the millions for 15 growers, says apple grower Karen Ferri. Crop insurance offers $18 to replace a tree "which is an insult," she says, when purchase, planting, and nuturing a single tree for four to five years before it produces likely costs $1,000.Ferri says one young producer had yet to harvest a crop of apples and isn’t eligible even for that money.Karen and her husband Tom face losses of over $1 million, she says. The tornado "slices the trees off the ground . . . We had 20 acres ripped out," about 60 per cent of their production.The Ferris had been taking advantage of the province's orchard transition program to replace their old orchard. The new dense plantings are 2,500 to 3,000 trees per acre. Debris from the tornado "took the trellis system down and just broke the trees off."There's also an issue with growers who have rented orchards, Ferri says. There's no way for them to be compensated for the damage suffered."I was impressed with the people and they do seem intent to rebuild the orchards," Dombrowsky says. "I did leave with a rather heavy heart to see the destruction that had occurred." BF Organic milk premiums plummet Annual wheat meeting sidesteps eastern Ontario controversy
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