Category Archives: All Specialty Crops

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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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 … Continue reading →

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

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 … Continue reading →

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Climate Change in Southern Ontario – Potential Impacts for Specialty Crops

Posted on June 20, 2025 by Sean Westerveld

When most people think about climate change, an image of excessive heat and drought comes to mind. In Canada, we may also think about warmer winters and reduced snowfall (this winter excluded). There is also the impression that weather conditions … Continue reading →

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

Seeking Ontario Hop Grower Input for Research Survey

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Evan Elford

We invite you to participate in a research study on the local hop industry, conducted by the University of Guelph and funded by OMAFA through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance. This study aims to assess the financial aspects of hop production, … Continue reading →

Posted in All Specialty Crops, Hops, Hops Other, Hops Pest Management, Hops Production, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment