Glenwood—located in one of the most prominent regions in North America for greenhouse farming—grows tomatoes, cucumbers, and various fruits year-round and distributes produce to local grocery stores and retailers through its strategic partnership with BC Hot House, a division of The Star Group. Herb Schlacht, the farm’s president and CEO, founded Glenwood more than 30 years ago. A progressive grower in constant search of innovative cultivation solutions, Schlacht is already recording greater crop yields following the first harvests under Fluence’s LEDs.

“Our partnership with Fluence is producing great results after just one crop cycle,”

Schlacht said.

“Together, I’m confident we will exceed our goals to grow bigger, more beautiful and tasty crops without sacrificing energy usage.”

Schlacht also noted a key advantage LEDs offer in comparison to high-pressure sodium (HPS) fixtures: the ability to increase light intensity by decoupling light and heat parameters.

Decoupling reduces the risk of overheating the facility and ensures control over environmental conditions, resulting in better plant morphology and production response. Specifically, Schlacht achieved a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 275 μmol/m²/s with Fluence’s LED technology—about a 50 percent increase over Glenwood’s HPS PPFD of 180 μmol/m²/s.

“Our greenhouse is four and a half meters tall. It would be impossible for us to reach that high of a light level with conventional HPS technology—we simply do not have an adequate buffer above our crop. Our Fluence fixtures allow us to grow in our existing greenhouse without risking excessive heat output,”

Schlacht added.

“The possibilities for optimized energy efficiency and increased crop yields through LED technology are endless,”

said Ron DeKok, senior vice president of North American sales for Fluence.

“Our partnership with Glenwood Valley Farms demonstrates how Fluence is bringing market-leading, science-based solutions to growers that optimize production opportunities throughout the grow cycle. Herb’s early success also reinforces how LEDs are best suited to meet changing grocer and consumer demand for locally sourced, sustainably grown food year-round.”

Source: Fluence

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The investment, made under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriMarketing Program, will support the industry in resolving market access issues, ensuring Canadian organic products remain competitive. The funding will also help create the export and domestic opportunities to promote the “Canada Organic” brand.

The project includes activities such as attending trade shows, hosting incoming missions, participating in international trade advocacy meetings and creating a retailer training webinar series and manual.

The Government of Canada has also recently supported a review of organic standards and has provided program support to the Organic Federation of Canada to help maintain the sector’s sustainability.

“Our government supports the organic industry as it continues to create good jobs across the country for our middle class. Supporting market development for organic products will further contribute to the growth of a diverse, modern Canadian agricultural sector.”

Says Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

“Demand for our high-quality organic products is increasing here and abroad. Our Government is pleased to help the organic farmers and processors in B.C. and across Canada capture as many of these opportunities as possible.” Claims Joe Peschisolido, Member of Parliament for Steveston-Richmond East.

“This investment is dedicated to programming enhancing organic integrity, consumer and industry education, equivalency trade arrangements with organic export markets and trade advocacy on issues relevant to the success of the organic industry on the North American and international stage.” Maintains Tia Loftsgard, Executive Director, Canada Organic Trade Association.

Quick Facts

• Globally, the organic marketplace is estimated at $102.76 billion (USD), growing at a rate of 17.6% per year.

• Annual retail sales of certified organic food products in Canada is approximately $4.4 billion. Approximately 4,289 certified organic and transitional producers are working on over 930,000 hectares of land in Canada.

• Since October 2015, the Government of Canada has invested more than $50 million in support of the organic sector, focusing on facilitating the adoption of innovative technologies; helping organic farmers and processors take advantage of market opportunities; funding youth jobs; and, conducting research activities.

• The agriculture and agri-food sector is a key driver of Canada’s economy, and the success of the organic trade will help Canada reach the Government of Canada’s ambitious goal of increasing agri-food exports to $75 billion annually by 2025.

• The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the agriculture and agri-food sector.

• Funding for the Canada Organic Trade Association was made under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriMarketing Program: National Industry Association (NIA) Component, a five year, up to $121 million federal initiative that aims to increase and diversify exports to international markets and seize domestic market opportunities.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada-organic.ca and www.agr.gc.ca

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Responsible for one in eight jobs across the country, our food sector is a powerhouse of the economy, particularly in our rural communities. However, more needs to be done to improve our food system. For example, we waste more than 11 million metric tons of food every year, worth nearly $50 billion.

The Government is discussing with key organizations concerned with food waste over the coming months to finalize the terms of the Food Waste Reduction Challenge, which will launch in early 2020. The challenge is a $20 million investment that will fund the most innovative food waste reduction proposals in key areas such as the food processing, grocery retail and food service sectors. Minister Bibeau also announced that the Government of Canada is leading by example and will invest $6.3 million to cut its own food waste in federal facilities.

Challenges are internationally recognized innovative funding models used to address complex issues. Challenges shift the programming focus from an activity-based approach to one centred on outcomes and impact, with solutions that demonstrate tangible, measurable results for Canadians.

The Food Policy for Canada is the product of consultation and collaboration with Canadians across the country. The Government of Canada heard from more than 45,000 Canadians, including food producers and processors, experts in environment, health and food security, Indigenous groups, non-government organizations, and community advocates.

The vision for the Food Policy for Canada developed through these consultations is: All people in Canada are able to access a sufficient amount of safe, nutritious and culturally diverse food. Canada’s food system is resilient and innovative, sustains our environment, and supports our economy.

To realize this vision, the Government of Canada is investing $134 million through Budget 2019, to support new initiatives in key action areas, including:

• a Local Food Infrastructure Fund designed to support community-led projects that improve access to safe, healthy and culturally diverse food;
• a new Canada Brand and Buy Canadian promotional campaigns that will aim to increase pride and consumer confidence in Canadian food;
• support for community-led projects like greenhouses, community freezers, and skills training that address food challenges and food insecurity in Northern and isolated communities;
• new funds to help the Canadian Food Inspection Agency crack down on food fraud – the mislabeling and misrepresentation of food products – to protect consumers from deception and companies from unfair competition;
• taking the first steps to work alongside provinces, territories, and not-for-profit organizations towards the creation of a National School Food Program;
• the creation of a Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council to bring together the expertise and diversity needed beyond government to address the food challenges of today, as well as the future of Canada’s food system.

The Food Policy for Canada aligns with the objectives of initiatives across the Federal Government, such as the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Heathy Eating Strategy, and the Poverty Reduction Strategy, among others.

“Food loss and waste is an important issue – one that, if addressed, would help save consumers money, contribute to food security, improve the efficiency of the agriculture and food sector, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Food Policy for Canada’s Food Waste Reduction Challenge is an important step towards achieving our vision of a sustainable food system, one that provides safe, nutritious, and culturally diverse food for all Canadians.” Says Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

Quick facts

• Starting now and throughout the summer, AAFC will engage with key stakeholders for the design phase of the Food Waste Reduction Challenge. This exercise will consist of developing a detailed framework for the Challenge, including specifics on the following: defining the target audience and potential applicants; outlining the external engagement process and external communication plans; scoping the challenge process, including use of stages, prizes, facilitation grants to assist in final proposals; and

• Developing the selection criteria and the use of an external expert jury.

• Specific activities of focus for the Challenge will be refined through the engagement process. Preliminary work carried out by Environment and Climate Change Canada, in collaboration with AAFC, has identified several key contributors to food loss and waste in each of the three sectors. Examples of projects that could emerge and be supported through the Challenge based on this preliminary work, include, but are not limited to: food processing – developing effective food processing equipment and addressing line production inefficiencies; grocery retail – establishing efficient inventory forecasting tools to limit oversupply; instituting protocols and methods to ensure food rescue and redistribution; and food service – developing pricing strategies based on encouraging consumption of certain foods to clear out inventory and reduce waste.

• Eligible participants of the Challenge could include for-profit and non-profit organizations, Indigenous organizations, community groups, Canadian academic institutions, regional and municipal governments, and individuals.

• Quest Food Exchange is a not-for-profit organization that works with food suppliers who donate their surplus food to individuals and families facing food security challenges in British Columbia. The organization’s mission is to reduce hunger with dignity, build community, and foster sustainability. Last year, Quest Food Exchange redistributed more than $9.7 million worth of surplus quality food, donated by more than 190 food supplier partners.

• The Food Policy for Canada will also help the country meet its commitments under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including to end hunger, promote good health, cut food waste, and encourage sustainable food systems.

Sources: www.canada.ca and www.budget.gc.ca

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British Columbia (B.C.) agritech companies are partnering with the federal and provincial governments to find the perfect pairing between food and technology.

A number of innovative projects are receiving investments under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

B.C. pears are a delicacy, though their ripening time makes it difficult for British Columbians to enjoy this fruit consistently. Consolidated Fruit Packers Ltd. (CFP) of Kelowna is eager to change that by bringing innovative new methods to the Canadian pear market.

Pears are a unique fruit because they are one of only a few fruit species that do not ripen on the tree. They require time for the sugars to develop off the branch, which can pose a challenge for consumers eager to enjoy a local pear. CFP is studying the process required to create a pre-conditioned pear that consumers will be able to take home and enjoy immediately or soon after purchase.

Defining the conditions that create the perfect pear will allow CFP to offer a local pear with a more consistent texture and flavour. Approaching this challenge from another angle, CFP is developing the optimal method of packaging to further enhance the sweet and juicy flavour that B.C. pears are known for, to provide consumers with the best eating experience.

“It’s no secret that B.C. fruit tastes amazing. Finding innovative ways to improve access to pears and grapes for British Columbians while creating neat tools to support our growers, producers and processors is fantastic. It’s wonderful to see new technology supporting communities and industries across the province.”
– Lana Popham, B.C. Minister of Agriculture

“Consolidated Fruit Packers is committed to being the most innovative team in produce with an unwavering commitment to value and taste. The funding through the governments Agri-Innovation Program has provided us the opportunity to push the boundaries in agritech as we create a better eating experience for consumers with ready to eat, delicious local pears.”
– Gord Morrison, category director, Consolidated Fruit Packers

This project is one of many examples of businesses that are partnering with the federal and provincial governments to help British Columbians access more local fruit and support growers and producers.

A project by Vancouver-based Vintality,a subsidiary of Geotronics Consulting Inc., is working with B.C. vineyards and fertilizer companies to boost yields and grape quality while lowering the amount of fertilizer needed to grow grapes.

Geotronics Consulting has designed a fertilizer trailer with GPS technology that will automatically dispense precise amounts of liquid fertilizer to targeted areas on the property thanks to its built-in program. This will reduce the amount of fertilizer and water used in the vineyard while ensuring that the plants are getting the nutrients that they need. The project is designed to increase the competitiveness of B.C.’s grape and wine industries by enhancing the tools growers, producers and processors can access to produce their products for consumers.

The CFP and Vintality projects highlight a small sample of the innovative ideas that B.C.-based organizations are working on to build a more sustainable future. Projects under the Canada-British Columbia Agri-Innovation Program have received nearly $2.6 million in funding from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The partnership is a five-year federal-provincial-territorial agreement that includes $2 billion in cost-shared strategic initiatives delivered by the provinces and territories, and $1 billion for federal programs and services through March 2023.

“The Canada-B.C. Agri-Innovation Program has given us the support to make our project a reality. Real change and innovation takes a lot of partners and the Agri-Innovation Program has been critical for us in creating this change. We believe B.C. should keep making the best wine that respects the terroir and this is a big step in making that more and more a reality.”
– Chris Mark, operations, Vintality

Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Government of Canada)

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