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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

TFWP - Primary Agriculture Review

1-2

Niagara Christian Gleaners

2

CHC Labour Campaign

2

Orchard Workshop

3

OMAFRA Publications

4

Advanced Cider & Perry Course

4-5

NPF&VGA Award of Merit

5

Notice of Tender Fruit AGMs

6

Notice of Fresh Grape AGM

7

Coming Events 7

In Memoriam 7

Economic Impact Study

8

FEBRUARY 2019

Primary Ag Review cont'd pg. 2

Monthly Newsletter

TFWP - Primary Agriculture ReviewIn 2016, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) reviewed the TFW Program, and, among other things, recommended:• Further study on the impacts of expanding

the regulatory definition of “primary agriculture”;

• Restructuring the Program into more specific program streams that reflect labour market needs; and,

• Making the processing of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications more efficient.

In April 2017, the Primary Agriculture Review was announced as part of the Path Forward Plan for the TFW Program. The objective of the Review is to develop recommendations to modernize the Primary Agriculture Stream to ensure the Program continues to meet the needs of the evolving agriculture sector in Canada.

The HUMA Report also made recommendations to enhance the protection of foreign workers and strengthen compliance activities. The Primary Agriculture Review is complemented by several TFW Program initiatives to enhance worker protections:• The TFW Program is strengthening employer

inspections, increasing on-site inspections, introducing unannounced inspections, and focusing compliance efforts where workers are at the highest risk;

• The Program is working with migrant worker support organizations to inform workers of their rights, and with employers to clarify their responsibilities;

• In October 2018, a Migrant Worker Support Network pilot was launched in British Columbia to provide better information to workers and employers to support workers dealing with potential mistreatment or abuse; and,

• In Spring and Summer 2018, cross-Canada stakeholder consultations on worker protections took place to better understand workers’ needs and concerns.

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) collaborated with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) on the Review, which included:• Comprehensive stakeholder consultations

that sought input from stakeholders, including employers and workers, on how to modernize the Primary Agriculture Stream;

• A primary agriculture labour market study that examined the current wage methodology, aligning employment practices with the Canadian labour market, and determining market rates for employer-provided housing; and,

• A housing study that examined federal and provincial/territorial roles and responsibilities for worker housing and explored the potential to develop a national approach for housing provided by employers to foreign agricultural workers.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Primary Ag Review cont'd

FEBRUARY 2019 ISSUE Page 2

CHC Labour CampaignHere are a few updates on the CHC awareness campaign in celebration of international farm workers. New videos:Two new videos have been published since the holidays: • The truth about Canada’s temporary foreign worker

programs (Published December 28, 2018)• Friends (Published January 16, 2019)Please help CHC get the word out by sharing the videos through your relevant channels and social media networks. Long form documentary:Hyperactive is in the process of editing a half-hour documentary. This piece was not part of the original scope of work for this project, but they shot so much quality content, and the stories from workers and employers were just so compelling, the team couldn’t resist increasing the depth of the narrative. This not only reflects Hyperactives’ commitment to the project and passion for the issue, but also just how thoughtful, sincere and generous the workers and farmers have been. Google AdWords Grant for non-profits:CHC has been approved into Google’s AdWords grant program for non-profits and is now the recipients of $10,000 USD a month in free Google advertising in search results. Users who search for terms like “temporary foreign worker,” “migrant labour,” etc., will be served ads that will direct them to the CHC web page.

Documentary screening:CHC will be holding the premier screening of the documentary at their AGM in Halifax, March 5-7 and will be hosting a special screening for government and industry representatives in Ottawa, at the National Agricultural Museum, on March 20. Earned media:• The Toronto Star - Canadian Horticultural Council

launches awareness campaign to honour migrant farm workers

• CBC Radio 1 – Daybreak Montreal – Interview with Phil Quinn

Campaign metrics:CHC has recently surpassed 1 million impressions! This means that our videos loaded over 1 million times on people’s screens.

Niagara Christian GleanersNiagara Christian Gleaners (NCG) is a not-for-profit charitable organization located in the heart of Niagara.

Our Smithville facility is a brand new, state of the art food plant that is taking surplus produce from the marketplace and processing it into nutritional vegetable mixes and fruit snacks. This will then be distributed to needy, hungry people worldwide at no cost to the recipient. NCG’s mandate in many ways is threefold.

First we desire to intercept food that otherwise might be wasted. Often this food has nothing wrong with it nutritionally but the producers and distributors may be unable to sell because the product may have been down-graded, or the market has too much to bear, or other reasons.

Secondly we are purposefully reliant on a community of volunteers, many of them seniors, to help out daily in our plant. We want to create an atmosphere of belonging where our volunteers feel valued.

Finally we want to share our food and meet the need of hungry people worldwide. We are partnering with established, reputable organizations that are at work in some of the most desperate situations imaginable across the globe.

You can learn more about us by visiting our website: www.niagaragleaners.org. We are currently building a network of growers, distributors and transport companies who understand what we are about and desire to come alongside us in our endeavors.

During the consultation process, participants shared their vision for the Primary Agriculture Stream centered on four themes: Program Eligibility and Structure, Wages and Deductions, Housing, and the LMIA Process.

The full report can be found by visiting www.ontariotenderfruit.ca and logging in with your grower number and then clicking on Publications / Primary Agriculture Review.

FEBRUARY 2019 ISSUEPage 3

Advancing Your Orchard Management Workshop Friday February 22nd, 2019

This tree fruit production workshop will provide growers with information on new techniques and advances in pruning and training fruit trees. Guest speakers at the

workshop include Dr. Stefano Musacchi from Washington State University and Dr. Greg Lang from Michigan State University who are internationally recognized leaders in tree fruit

production research and extension. This workshop will allow growers to see pruning demonstrations; discuss high density planting, training and orchard management;

and get recommendations and valuable feedback that may help to improve their production practices in apple and pear orchards.

Stop #1: High density apple orchard block - Moyer Orchards & Vineyards 9:30 a.m. - Moyer Orchards and Vineyards, 183/185 Ridge Rd W, Grimsby Training and pruning high density apples in a tall spindle system and discussion on adaptation to mechanization. 10:30 a.m. Travel to Thwaites Farm, Townline Road & Line 3, Virgil Stop #2 - High density pear orchard block, Thwaites Farm Ltd. 11:15 a.m. - Thwaites Farms Ltd., Townline Road & Line 3, Virgil Training and pruning high density pears in both a tall spindle and double leader system.

Please join us for this free workshop by registering with the Ontario Tender Fruit Growers at

https://advancing-your-orchard-management.eventbrite.ca.

Tour Workshop

Page 4FEBRUARY 2019 ISSUE

Cider & Perry Advanced Course

Cider & Perry Production Certificate Program

© The Cider Institute of North America, 2018

The Cider Institute of North America (CINA) is a non-profit organization made up of cider industry professionals and educators with a mission to create a quality-driven and sustainable cider industry through education and research. Administered by the Cider Institute and taught by Authorized Training Providers, the Cider & Perry Production Certificate Program™ is the only program worldwide that offers cider-specific education and training for every stage of a career in the cider industry. Benefits of a Cider & Perry Production Industry Certificate

• Formal recognition of a professional achievement at an international level • Exemplifies proven knowledge in skills aligned with Industry standards of various domains of cider & perry production • Demonstrates knowledge and skills to employers, staff, peers, and the public • Shows commitment to the highest level of professionalism and care • Opens career and networking opportunities in the Cider Industry • Improves credibility with employers and the general public • Elevates confidence and pride in one’s work Modules & Levels

The Cider & Perry Production Certification Program has three levels of training and certification designed to meet industry standards: The Foundation level provides an introduction to cider and perry production. The Advanced level is for cider makers already working in the industry, with practical experience and a firm knowledge of basic skills.

The Master level is for those who want to demonstrate industry knowledge at the highest level.

Candidates are required to gain a total value of 6.0 modules credits for the Advanced Certificate in Cider & Perry Production

Core Modules

5.0 total value required

Specialized Modules

1.0 total value required

• Good Manufacturing Practice, Safety & Sanitation in Cider & Perry Production (1.0 value) • The Science & Practice of Cider & Perry Production (2.0 value) • Essential Sensory Analysis of Cider & Perry (0.5 value) • Essential Laboratory Testing of Cider & Perry (0.5 value) • Cidery Operations (1.0 value)

• Pomology & Orcharding for Cider & Perry Production (1.0 value) • The Business of Cider & Perry Production (1.0 value) • Chemical & Microbiological Anaysis - Beyond the Essentials (1.0 value) • Sensory Science & Evaluation (0.5 value) • Environmental Management (0.5 value) • Project: Specialty Cider & Perry Products (0.5 value)

OMAFRA Publication 75B - Guide to Weed Control Hort Crops 2019 is accessible on the OMAFRA website this week. Print copies will be available at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention OMAFRA booth (Feb 20-21 in Niagara Falls), or also soon from Service Ontario.

Visit OMAFRA website for downloadable PDF: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub75/pub75toc.htm

The Supplement to Pub 360 is also available online at: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub360/sup/pub360sup2019.pdf

OMAFRA Publications Available

Continued next page...

FEBRUARY 2019 ISSUEPage 5

Cider & Perry Advanced Course continued...

Cider & Perry Production Certificate Program

© The Cider Institute of North America, 2018

Certificate Certification Mark

Format Structure Materials Assessment Prerequisites

CINA Foundation Certificate in Cider & Perry Production (CFC)

“Apprentice Cider Maker”

Cider & Perry Production – A Foundation class (5 days)

In-person tutored course Textbook: Mitchell, Peter. Cider & Perry Production - A Foundation. The Cider & Perry Academy, 2016

Foundation Certification Examination

Be over the legal minimum age for the retail purchase of alcoholic beverages

CINA Advanced Certificate in Cider & Perry Production (CAC)

“Advanced Cider Maker”

Total module value of 6.0 (5.0 Core + 1.0 Specialized) Instruction format and assessment vary by module topic

Study as well as significant work-place experience will be required for candidates to achieve the appropriate standards and requirements for this Certificate. Formats include: - In-person courses - Online study/webinars - Self-study - Specialty workshops, seminars

and conferences - Tutorial guidance & support - On-the-job workplace training,

experience, and assessment - Exam preparation materials &

sessions

Textbook (in development)

Advanced Cider Makers Qualification

- Be over the legal minimum age for the retail purchase of alcoholic beverages

- Have achieved the CINA Foundation Certificate in Cider & Perry Production

- Either have a fundamental knowledge & understanding of the main principles of chemistry, microbiology and biochemistry, and its application to food & drink production and fermentation science. – OR – As part of this learning program, commit to undertake an appropriate study program associated with these key underlying scientific principles.

CINA Master Diploma in Cider & Perry Production (CMD) Launching in 2020

“Master Cider Maker” ™

Self-directed, extensive practical experience

- Demonstrated cider production management experience

- Completion of additional study modules

- Satisfactory completion of an independent practical project

- Satisfactory completion of a written exam

- Assessment of workplace management competence

n/a Master Diploma Certification Examination

- Be over the legal minimum age for the retail purchase of alcoholic beverages

- Have achieved the CINA Foundation Certificate in Cider & Perry Production

- Have achieved the CINA Advanced Certificate in Cider & Perry Production

Page 6FEBRUARY 2019 ISSUE

Notice of Tender Fruit Annual Meetings

2019 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETINGS OF TENDER FRUIT GROWERS Districts 3 & 4 – Essex, Kent and Lambton – Tuesday March 26, 2019 Place: Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, Kingsville, Ontario OTFPMB – District Annual Meeting 11:00am – Tender Fruit Annual Meeting 12:00pm – lunch Tender Fruit and Apple Growers invited to attend general sessions after the annual meeting: 12:45pm- John Zandstra Cedar Springs Update 1:15pm- CropTracker session – system updates, questions Call Sylvana to confirm attendance for by March 22nd District 5 – Haldimand-Norfolk- Wednesday March 27, 2019 Place: The Blue Elephant, Simcoe, Ontario Time: 11:00 a.m. Annual Meeting

12:00 p.m. Lunch - Call Sylvana to confirm attendance for lunch by March 22nd Districts 1 & 2 – Niagara- Thursday March 28, 2019 Place: Hernder Estate Winery – 1607 - 8th Ave. – St. Catharines Time: 3:00 p.m. Voter Registration

3:15 p.m. Business Section • Minutes- March, 2018 • Auditor’s Report and Financial Statements – Randy Momot • Chairman’s Report – Phil Tregunno • Secretary’s Report – Sarah Marshall • Other business

4:15 p.m. Chris Duyvelshoff, OFVGA – Crop Protection Updates 5:00 p.m. Award of Merit – Foodland Ontario 5:15 p.m. Elections

5:30 p.m. Dinner- Call Sylvana to confirm attendance for dinner by March 22nd

Please ensure you RSVP with Sylvana Lagrotteria slagrotteria@grapeandtenderfruitontario.com Or at 905-688-0990 ext. 231

FEBRUARY 2019 ISSUEPage 7

AGENDA OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Time: 7:00 p.m. Date: Wednesday, February 27, 2019 Place: GRAPE & TENDER FRUIT (ONTARIO) LIMITED – Board Office 1634 South Service Road,

St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 6P9

AGENDA:

▪ Auditors’ Report- Grant Thornton ▪ Minutes – March 1, 2018 ▪ Business arising from the minutes ▪ Chairman’s Report ▪ Secretary’s Report ▪ Electoral Districts ▪ Elections – 2019 Fresh Grape Growers’ Committee ▪ Any other business

RSVP: Sylvana Lagrotterria 905-688-0990x231 | slagroterria@grapeandtenderfruitontario.com

• OFVGA AGM - Feb. 19th (www.ofvga.org)• CHC AGM - Mar. 5-7th (www.hortcouncil.ca/en/)• Farm & Food Care AGM - Apr. 10th (www.

farmfoodcare.org)• NPF & VGA Award of Merit - Apr. 11th (Register:

https://mikeecker-awardofmerit.eventbrite.ca)

Notice of Fresh Grape Annual Meeting

Coming Events In MemoriamAndrey Bourak - Passed away at Juravinski Hospital on Saturday, January 26th, 2019 at the age of 55. Beloved husband of Lucy (nee Bachlay), loving father of Justine and Anthony.

If desired, memorial contributions to St. Georges Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Grimsby or Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre Foundation would be sincerely appreciated by the family.

Page 8FEBRUARY 2019 ISSUE

Economic Impact Study

News Release Ontario Tree Fruit and Fresh Grape Economic Impact Study The Ontario Apple Growers, Ontario Tender Fruit Growers and Ontario Fresh Grape Growers’ Marketing Board are partnering to conduct an economic impact study of the Ontario tree fruit and fresh grape industry. Funding for the study is made possible through a $77,000 federal-provincial contribution under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. “Our Government is committed to working with the Ontario apple, tender fruit and grape sectors to keep the industry strong and competitive. This investment will provide the sector with the information they need to create new opportunities, increase market share and grow their businesses,” said Lawrence MacAulay, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

“We’re pleased to help Ontario’s farmers get the information they’ll need to grow their business and to find new opportunities to sell their produce,” said Ernie Hardeman, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This Canadian Agricultural Partnership project will give important business insights to our apple growers, tender fruit growers and grape producers so they can expand their customer base and grow their business.” The Ontario apple, tender fruit and fresh grape sectors are becoming increasingly efficient. There are investments in advanced technologies (at all levels – growing, packing, shipping and processing), improved storage techniques and the gradual conversion of older orchards and vineyards to newer varieties and higher-density orchards for certain crops. Given the extensive range of activity taking place across the entire industry in Ontario, a comprehensive industry economic impact assessment is a valuable tool to inform industry stakeholders and farmer members of the total impact and value-add of such a range of activities, and appropriately strategize for the future. The project partners have contracted JRG Consulting to conduct this study. JRG Consulting will be compiling industry data and surveying industry stakeholders and farmers over the coming months. The final Ontario Tree Fruit and Fresh Grape Economic Impact Study will be shared with the entire industry. This project was funded in part through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership), a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of the Partnership in Ontario.

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