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Reviewing some of our major web stories of 2013

January 15, 2014  By Dave Harrison


Jan. 15, 2104, Simcoe, Ont. — As we ease into the new year, we thought
it timely to sample a few highlights from our e-newsletter archives of
2013. Website stories are posted almost every day, so we had many
stories from which to choose.

Jan. 15, 2104, Simcoe, Ont. — As we ease into the new year, we thought it timely to sample a few highlights from our e-newsletter archives of 2013. Website stories are posted almost every day, so we had many stories from which to choose?

What was your top industry story from 2013? Send your ideas to greenhouse@annexweb.com.

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New federal funding: In February, new federal funding to help Ontario’s fruit, flower and vegetable growers benefit from new technology and marketing strategies was announced.

National business awards: A pair of Leamington region companies ranked among Canada’s 50 Best Managed Firms. Mastronardi/SUNSET® and JEMD Farms both made the list.

Leading edge technology : In mid-winter, we reported how a Niagara College grad was helping lead a major sustainability project in food production.

Rising to meet the challenge: Phoenix Perennials in B.C. is not shy with its gardening promotion efforts. As wel reported last year, it was selected the winner in the category of “Growing Gardeners” at the Chrysler Garden Centre of the Year Awards for their efforts in 2012.

Three ‘must-haves’ for every grower:
After a summer of active voting, it was time to announce the 2013 American Garden Award Winners.

Vegetable research given major boost : Ontario greenhouse vegetable research received a major shot in the arm with an announcement made during last fall’s Canadian Greenhouse Conference. It was very good news indeed!

What’s stopping people from buying flowers? In September, the Floral Marketing Research Fund (FMRF) released results from a study that provides new data about the barriers to and motivations for purchasing flowers.

Locally grown commitment: Ontario greenhouse tomatoes were added to Hero Certified Burgers’ portfolio of toppings. Working in partnership with the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG), Hero Certified Burgers began a process to source an Ontario greenhouse tomato that could meet their needs.

Keys to keeping your greenhouse staff:
Almost 90 per cent of Canadian greenhouse owners and managers rate staff recruiting and retention as the key issue facing their operations. In a September 2013 survey conducted by Greenhouse Canada, human resources rated second only to finding and keeping markets, and only by the tiniest of margins (89 and 92 per cent respectively).

QR codes will show who grew your flowers:
Last November, Flowers Canada (Ontario) Inc. launched its “Members Only” portal, which is a secured informational website containing a unique Quick Response (QR) code for each FCO member. The simple, unique and cost-effective QR code, when scanned, will take users directly to the grower’s information page located on the FCO website.

Ontario growers welcoming CHP support: In early December, the Ontario government announcement a new combined heat and power (CHP) program targeting greenhouse operations, agrifood and district energy.

Remembering a true innovator: The year ended on a sad note as funeral services were held for Leamington greenhouse grower and alternative fuels innovator Dean Tiessen. Mr. Tiessen, 46, president of New Energy Farms, had been on a business trip in Brazil earlier in the month with a colleague. The two were driving along a highway when they came upon an attempted cargo robbery. The robbery suspects ordered the pair out of their rental car, but for reasons still unknown, shot Mr. Tiessen.


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