Seeking Grower Input for Pseudocereal Research Survey

Posted on November 27, 2025 by Evan Elford

We invite farmers to participate in a University of Guelph research study examining current knowledge and familiarity among Canadian growers and processors regarding pseudocereals (such as buckwheat and quinoa). The purpose of this study is to identify barriers to cultivation and utilization and explore opportunities for growth in this sector.

Your perspective is essential to understanding adoption challenges and potential solutions whether you currently grow pseudocereals or not. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete and will remain open until January 31, 2026.

Please use this link to participate: Grower survey – buckwheat and quinoa | Qualtrics Survey

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Posted in All Specialty Crops, Other Specialty Grains, Quinoa, Specialty Grains, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Ginseng Pesticide and Research Prioritization Meeting – November 28, 2025

Posted on November 4, 2025 by Sean Westerveld

The Ginseng Pesticide and Research Prioritization Meeting will be held in person at the Ontario Crops Research Centre – Simcoe (Simcoe Research Station) on Friday, November 28. This is an opportunity to discuss the production issues over the past year, establish research priorities for the coming year and to prioritize products for the minor use system. An update will be provided on products currently in the minor use system and any research applicable to the discussion.

Please note, we recognize that some growers are still busy at that time of year, but this is the latest the meeting can be held to meet the deadlines of the minor use system.

When: Friday, November 28

Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: Ontario Crops Research Centre – Simcoe Auditorium

Note: Refreshments will be provided but there will be no breakfast or lunch served. No RSVP is required.

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Lavender Farm Tour and Educational Event Sept. 27

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Sean Westerveld

The Ontario Lavender Association is holding an in-person education and networking event at Woodland North Lavender Farm in Madoc on Saturday, September 27th from 9am-4pm. This event is being offered to non-members of OLA at $30 per person (no cost for OLA members).

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Excellence in Agriculture Awards – Nomination Deadline Extended to Friday, September 12

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Sean Westerveld

Do you know someone making an impact in Ontario’s agri-food sector? Nominations are now open for the 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards! These awards recognize the individuals and organizations that are driving excellence, sustainability and long-term competitiveness in Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food industry.  

Ontario’s agriculture and food industry is full of exceptional people, businesses and organizations driving innovation, sustainability and leadership. With 12 award categories including Youth, Education, and Family Farm Excellence, there are many opportunities to recognize yourself, your organization, or someone you know. 

If you know someone making a difference, or if that someone is you, nominate them today!   

Nominations can be submitted at ontario.ca/agrifoodinnovation. 

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Lavender Crop Update – Late Summer Tasks, August 27, 2025

Posted on August 29, 2025 by Sean Westerveld

Irrigation

Much of the summer has been hot and dry, a climate that lavender is used to. However, lavender in Ontario may have struggled with moisture stress because root systems are not as extensive as they are in the plant’s native Mediterranean region. This is partly due to root pruning that occurs over winter when water tables rise and flood the lower root system, and because the roots do not need a deep root system for most of the year. Moisture-stressed lavender will not put on much vegetative growth after bloom and is more susceptible to some insect pests as well as winterkill in the coming winter. To help plants recover, continue to irrigate if rainfall has been limited in your area.

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Best Sanitation Practices During Ginseng Seed Harvest, Processing, and Storage

Posted on August 19, 2025 by Sean Westerveld

Most ginseng growers harvest and store their own seed for their subsequent plantings. During the process, ginseng seed can be contaminated with pathogens that can rot the seed in storage and/or transmit pathogens to the new garden. It is important to consider all the sources of contamination of the seed and to mitigate these issues as much as possible. There are minimal seed treatments registered for use on ginseng, and seed treatments work best to protect the seed from contamination, not to cure seed that is already infected by a pathogen. Practices that do not include these mitigation measures may work fine for several years, but could lead to a major issue in one year if a major pathogen is accidentally introduced to the seed lot.

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