1. Summer barbecue: Change of date!

Due to holidays and scheduling issues, we have pushed the barbecue into the fall: Thursday, October 5 in the evening. Winkelmolen Nursery has generously offered to host the event and we are looking forward to NVK's awesome barbecue chicken. There is an 'ulterior motive' for the evening — we need to re-vitalize the Growers' Group and will be looking for owners to attend and drive the discussion. While the event is free, we need you to register by Sept. 25. so we can order the meal.

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2. SCAP funding — Bio-security enhancement initiative

The second round of funding from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Program (SCAP) is coming up on September 19. Read the announcement. Note the title and wording of the announcement is very food-centred, but we have been assured our sector is eligible to apply for bio-security projects (insect netting for BTM anyone?). Also, the Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association is not managing this intake, OMAFRA will be, so expect a few changes to how the application process roles out. We will have more info in next month's newsletter.

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3. Recognized employer pilot - TFWP

Eligible employers may apply to take part in a new pilot program and can benefit from a simplified Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, longer validity for approved LMIAs, etc., starting in September 2023. Find out more through the ESDC. The pilot program will include both the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and the agriculture stream of the federal government’s Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program.

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4. Spotted lanternfly - New product info/labels

Updated information is available on Kopa® and Altus® products for SLF. Please see attached information provided by Cassie Russell, OMAFRA Nursery and Landscape Specialist:

• OMAFRA article: Kopa® insecticidal soap expanded via Minor Use Program to help manage spotted lanternfly nymphs
• Kopa® label
• OMAFRA article: Altus® insecticide registered for Emergency Use to control spotted lanternfly
• Altus® label

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5. Invasive species consultation

The Ministry of Natural Resources has just posted a consultation on another list of proposed species to regulate in Ontario. We have until October 2 to respond, so please share any comments with Jeanine by September 9 so we have time to formulate an industry response.

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6. Out of office, but accessible

Please note I will be in England from September 12 for at least a week helping my daughter get set up, returning by September 25 at the latest. While not 100% available, I will have my phone and laptop with me and will be available by phone until about noon each day (ET) if there are any urgent issues. Following that, I'm heading to B.C. for the British Columbia Landscape and Nursery Association's (BCLNA) 70th anniversary event and will return around October 1. (This is a work trip, so I will be available by phone/email. Please note the three-hour time difference).

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7. CNLA updates

Provided by Jamie Aalbers, Growers Sector Specialist

Box Tree Moth (BTM) confirmed in the Québec landscape
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have confirmed that they have detected a reproducing population of BTM in Québec. CFIA is following up with the province of Québec and QuébecVert. I have reached out to QuébecVert to ensure growers in the province are aware of how to access the BMPs and pest modules. It is likely now that the regulated area for BTM will be expanded to include all or a portion of Québec. We'll know more in the coming weeks.

Canadian Ornamental Plant Foundation (COPF)
COPF will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET via Zoom. All are welcome to join to hear updates on COPF activities this past year. Invitations have been sent to all COPF members. If you are not a member, but would like to learn more about COPF, please email me and I will send you the AGM information.

Protected Agriculture Stewardship (PAS)
As of January 1, 2024, protected agriculture operators (i.e., greenhouse operators) wishing to purchase pesticides labelled for greenhouse use will either need to be certified (Category 1 - closed-loop irrigation facilities) or have a waiver in place (Category 2 - open irrigation systems where chemigation liquid is not captured). Most nurseries with greenhouses that purchase products labelled for greenhouse use will fall under Category 2 and are reminded to apply for your waiver before the end of this year. However, if you recycle your water, you will need to go through the audit process for Category 1 which will take several months, so make sure you are getting started on this process. See an update on the program and how to apply. Jeanine is also familiar with this program so you can reach out to either of us if you have any questions.

Please contact Jamie at jamie@canadanursery.com or 647-724-8630 if you have any concerns or comments on national issues.
 

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