Category Archives: All Specialty Crops

Register Now for 2026 OMAFA IPM Workshops incl. Ginseng and Hazelnuts

Posted on April 13, 2026 by Sean Westerveld

Registration is now open for many of the OMAFA Integrated Pest Management (IPM) workshops. Workshop options of in-person, hybrid or virtual only will vary depending on the session and noted below.  To register, please follow the registration link or call … Continue reading →

Posted in All Specialty Crops, Ginseng, Ginseng Meetings, Ginseng Pest Management, Specialty Fruit and Nuts, Specialty Vegetables, Tree Nuts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Webinar – Cornell African Eggplant Research Project, March 5, 2026

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Evan Elford

Join Cornell Cooperative Extension on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 1-2 pm EST to learn about the Cornell African Eggplant Research Project. African eggplant, also known as Bitterball, Garden Egg, Kittley and other names, is an important crop for many members … Continue reading →

Posted in All Specialty Crops, Other Specialty Vegetables, Specialty Vegetable Meetings, Specialty Vegetables, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted on February 5, 2026 by Melanie Filotas

Hannah Fraser, Entomologist-Horticulture, OMAFA 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 … Continue reading →

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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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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

Mandatory Online Application for Water Taking Permits Now in Effect

Posted on January 7, 2026 by Sean Westerveld

By: Badrul Masud, Water Quantity Engineer, OMAFA As of January 5, 2026, all Permit to Take Water (PTTW) applications, which are required under the Ontario Water Resources Act if you take 50,000 litres or more of water per day, must … Continue reading →

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