Spotted Lanternfly Update – See It? Stop It. Don’t Spread It.

Posted on February 5, 2026 by Melanie Filotas

Hannah Fraser, Entomologist-Horticulture, OMAFA

A spotted lanternfly clinging to the brown bark of a plant, showcasing its distinct orangish wings with black circular spots and black body.

Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, SLF) is an invasive planthopper that threatens Ontario’s agricultural sector. The pest was accidentally introduced to the United States (US) from its native range in China and has since spread to multiple states including those bordering Ontario. Due to its proximity and the numerous pathways for entry, the risk of introduction to Canada is considered very high. To help mitigate against the spread, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) added SLF to their list of regulated pests in 2018. For information on CFIA’s decision for managing the risk of SLF in Canada and the pest risk management options that were considered see Pest Risk Management Decision Document for Spotted Lanternfly (RMD-22-03).

Read on for an update on SLF, including what we know about host crops, and CFIA’s directive on this insect, with requirements for various articles moving from regulated to non-regulated areas.

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Kenja® Fungicide label expanded via Minor Use Program to help manage Cylindrocarpon root rot on Ginseng in Canada

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Sean Westerveld

By Josh Mosiondz, Minor Use Coordinator, OMAFA

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of a minor use label expansion registration for Kenja® Fungicide for control cylindrocarpon root rot in Canada. Kenja® Fungicide was already labeled for disease control on a wide range of crops in Canada. This minor use proposal was submitted by Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Pest Management Centre (AAFC-PMC) as a result of minor use priorities established by growers and extension personnel.

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Seeking Ontario hazelnut grower input for cost of production survey

Posted on February 3, 2026 by Melanie Filotas

If you are growing hazelnuts commercially in Ontario – we need your input! The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) is working with the Ontario Hazelnut Association to undertake a cost of production study for the Ontario hazelnut industry. We are looking for growers willing to provide information on their production system and practices in order to develop a cost of production model for a hazelnut orchard. This information will be used to publish hazelnut cost of production estimates and create tools with these estimates as a guide to help growers determine their own cost of production. The results of this work will be made available on the OMAFA website.

To participate, download the excel file below and email the completed form to John Molenhuis, Business Analyst and Cost of Production Specialist, OMAFA at john.molenhuis@ontario.ca. Prefer to fill it out by hand? A printable PDF version is also provided below. Hard copies can be mailed to: John Molenhuis, OMAFA, 95 Dundas Street, Brighton, ON K0K1H0. Questions? Email john.molenhuis@ontario.ca or call 613-920-2162.

Please send completed questionnaires by February 28th, 2026.

Hazelnut_grower Excel survey_2025Download Excel File

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Nuts about learning? Upcoming events for Ontario tree nut growers

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Melanie Filotas

There are lots of learning opportunities for Ontario tree nut growers or potential tree nut growers, this winter. Learn about irrigation and costs of production for chestnuts, hazelnuts and walnuts at the tree nut session, and visit the trade show at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention in Niagara Falls. This exciting event is only 3 weeks away – register now!. In March, growers can attend the Society of Ontario Nut Growers (SONG) Spring Technical Meeting in Simcoe and the Ontario Hazelnut Symposium in Guelph. For details, click below.

Tree Nuts at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Niagara Falls, Feb. 19

The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention (OFVC), Canada’s premier horticultural event, is returning to the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, Ontario on February 18-19, 2026. The Tree Nut session will be held on Thursday, February 19, from 9:30 to 11:30 am. This year’s session will cover business costs and irrigation of interest to growers of hazelnut, chestnuts, walnuts and other tree nuts. See the presenters and titles below.

TimeSpeakerPresentation
9:30 amJohn Molenhuis, OMAFAKnowing all Your Costs of Production for Tree Nuts
10:00 amDr. Luigi Manfrini, University of Bologna, ItalyIrrigation Strategies for Nut Crops
10:30 amDr. Luigi Manfrini, University of Bologna, ItalyIrrigation Strategies for Nut Crops: Insights from Walnut and Chestnut Case Study
11:00 amBadrul Masud, OMAFAEfficient Irrigation during Dry Years and Water Permit Basics for Nut Growers

For the full program content, download the OFVC Highlights Brochure here or view the latest pdf of the schedule here.

Register Today
Society of Ontario Nut Growers Spring Technical Meeting, Simcoe, March 12

Join the members of SONG for a day of presentations topics of interest to Ontario tree nut growers.

Location: Simcoe Research Station, 1283 Blueline Rd., Simcoe ON

Date: Thursday March 12, 2026. Times and Agenda TBD

For more information, see the SONG website

Ontario Hazelnut Symposium, Guelph, March 19

The Ontario Hazelnut Association welcomes people interested in growing hazelnuts to a day of presentations and networking.

Location: Arboretum at the University of Guelph, 200 Arboretum Rd, Guelph ON N1G 2W1

Date: Thursday, March 19 2026

For more information, and to register, visit the OHA website

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Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative

Posted on January 27, 2026 by Sean Westerveld

On January 20, 2026, the Government of Canada and the Ontario Government announced the launch of the new $20 million Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative to support market diversification and resiliency within domestic and international markets, with an emphasis placed on new and growing markets. This Initiative provides funding opportunities to Primary Producers and Processors and includes three Project Categories:

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Posted in All Specialty Crops, Ginseng, Ginseng Other, Herbs, Hops, Hops Other, Industrial and Misc. Crops, Lavender, Specialty Fruit and Nuts, Specialty Grains, Specialty Vegetables, Sweet Potato | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Specialty Crop Summer Student Positions Available in Simcoe

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Sean Westerveld

APPLY BY: February 10, 2026 11:59 pm EST

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) – Agriculture Development Branch in Simcoe (Norfolk County), Ontario is seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic and energetic team players. These positions will provide an excellent opportunity for those interested in a career in horticulture production, weed management, plant pathology, entomology, research or the agricultural service sector. These positions will provide the opportunity to learn about pests and production in several specialty crops, including ginseng, lavender, hops, peanuts, haskaps and sesame.

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Posted in All Specialty Crops, Ginseng, Haskap, Herbs, Hops, Hops Other, Lavender, Other Specialty Grains, Specialty Fruit and Nuts, Specialty Grains, Sweet Potato | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment