Agricorp adjusts fruit insurance programs Wednesday, December 18, 2013 by MATT MCINTOSH New changes to production insurance for tree-fruit growers should better insulate producers from the financial strain of crop failure, says a December 16 Agricorp press release. The changes come in response to last year’s growing season, where early blossoms were devastated by late-spring frost. “The organization paid $31.4 million in insurance claims to fruit tree growers in the 2012 season,” says Stephanie Charest, Agricorp’s customer communications manager, in an email. “Agricorp continually reviews programs to identify opportunities and make sure (the programs) meet the needs of farmers.” According to the press release, apple and grape growers can now qualify for coverage of their trees and vines in the first year of production. This differs from past years where growers “needed to insure their apple and grape production (separately) for one full year” before being eligible for tree and vine coverage.” How Agricorp determines claim prices has also changed. In an effort to make claim prices more reflective of market prices, says the press release, they will be calculated using a three-year average instead of a five-year average. The claim price for sour cherries, however, will be set to the market price during the harvest period. In addition, yields that are “more than 30 per cent above or below a customer’s average opening yield will be buffered to stabilize and lessen their impact on final average yield calculations,” the release said. Charest says that tree-fruit growers whose yields were affected by 2012’s unusual weather also received support through other programs, such as Agri-Stability and the Canada-Ontario and Tender Fruit Weather Risk Mitigation Strategy. Those programs are not affected by the recent changes. The enrollment period for the new production is closed as of December 20, but producers can enroll for coverage changes in the following year. BF New Brantford food processing plant will buy local fruit and vegetables Bee expert joins University of Guelph
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Thursday, July 17, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario Funds 28 Agri Food Research Projects Thursday, July 17, 2025 Ontario has announced $5.4 million in funding for 28 innovative research projects at the University of Guelph, aiming to protect farmers, enhance the food supply chain, and foster environmental sustainability. This investment comes from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness... Read this article online
Boost Crop Yields with Smart Fertilization Thursday, July 17, 2025 Soil testing is a valuable tool for managing crop nutrition, especially in Ontario where nutrient levels play a crucial role in crop yields. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFA), fertilizer recommendations based on soil test results can vary depending on... Read this article online
HJV Equipment Now Full-Line PTx Trimble Dealer Thursday, July 17, 2025 HJV Equipment is thrilled to announce its designation as a full-line PTx Trimble dealer. This strategic move enhances the company’s capability to offer advanced precision agriculture technology, catering to the growing needs of modern farmers. As part of this expansion, HJV Equipment... Read this article online
Ontario Tender Fruit Season off to a Strong Start Monday, July 14, 2025 Ontario's 2025 tender fruit and table grape season is off to a promising start reports the Ontario Tender Fruit and Fresh Grape Growers. While the weather may be too hot for some farmers, it has has been ideal for producing a sweet and juicy crop. A cooler-than-usual spring delayed the... Read this article online