Category Archives: Specialty Grains

Full Moon and Frost Risk – Is There Really a Connection?

Posted on May 12, 2026 by Sean Westerveld

It is May, the time of year when growers constantly watch the weather because the risk of frost is high. Many growers and gardeners consider the May full moon as an important factor for determining when the last frost of … Continue reading →

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

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

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

ORONDIS ULTRA® Fungicide label expanded via Emergency Use Registration to manage downy mildew on Quinoa in Quebec, Ontario, and Saskatchewan

Posted on June 20, 2025 by Melanie Filotas

By Josh Mosiondz, Minor Use Coordinator, OMAFA The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of an Emergency Use Registration request effective June 2, 2025, until June 1, 2026 for Orondis Ultra to control downy mildew in Quebec, … Continue reading →

Posted in Quinoa, Specialty Grains | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

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