Category: Announcements

“Mite Murder Mystery” Workshop at the Canadian Greenhouse Conference (CGC)

Published on by Cara McCreary

Going to the Canadian Greenhouse Conference (CGC) in October? Check out the “Mite Murder Mystery” Workshop Wednesday Afternoon!

Screenshot of the registration page for the Mite Murder Mystery Workshop at the Canadian Greenhouse Conference

What is it?

Not sure what pest mites you have in your greenhouse, or which of your predators are establishing? Join us for the Mite Murder Mystery to help you identify the victim and the perpetrator!

You’ll learn different sampling methods for mites and how to identify important mites in Canadian greenhouses using a simple illustrated key. We’ll also cover strategies for managing mite pests.

Read on for more details, including how to register!

Who will be there?

This workshop will be run by:

  • Dr. Omid Johardchi, Ph.D. Agricultural Entomology and Acarology (the study of mites!) and IPM Specialist at Anatis Bioprotection, running their taxonomic lab.
  • Mika de Silva Lima, Ph.D. Candidate in Biology at Western University, studying spider mite biology in the Grbic Lab.

How to Register:

You MUST register to attend (in addition to registering for the conference), as microscopes are limited. Registration will be capped at the first 25 people to sign up. Note this workshop is only open to growers or IPM staff at greenhouses.

REGISTER HERE

Where is it?

The workshop will be held in Ballroom A of the Niagara Falls Convention Centre, in Niagara Falls, Ontario. See the circled area in red on the map below!

Screen shot of the map of the exhibition hall at the conference indicating where Ballroom A is.

When is it?

The workshop will be held the first day of the conference (Oct 7th), from 2-3:30 pm Wednesday afternoon.

More Details

For more information on the Canadian Greenhouse Conference, including how to register, go here: https://www.canadiangreenhouseconference.com/

Greenhouse Critical Tech Forum in Vineland on September 10, 2026

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud

Are you a grower interested in new greenhouse technology? Are you a start-up interested in learning what growers need? Then check out the Greenhouse Critical Tech Forum in Vineland on Sept. 10th!

A robotic arm spraying a crop in a greenhouse.

The Vineland Research and Innovation Centre , in collaboration with industry and government groups, is hosting an event geared specifically for greenhouses looking for innovative technology.

This year’s forum will bring together leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from across the horticulture sector to explore how commercial greenhouses are strengthening Canada’s horticultural industry and shaping its future through cutting-edge technologies.

There is no cost to attend and lunch is provided! Read on for the details and how to register.

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Fourth Intake of Agricultural Stewardship Initiative Cost-Share Funding Program Opens July 8, 2026

Published on by Averie Mastronardi

The governments of Ontario and Canada are investing an additional $12 million through the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI) to help farmers adopt practical improvements that increase efficiency, reduce costs and build long-term resilience. This initiative delivers on the government’s plan to protect Ontario’s farmers and agri-food sector by making strategic investments in cutting-edge solutions needed to support modern farming and help the sector remain resilient and competitive in the global marketplace.

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Save on Energy’s Expanded Energy Management Program – EMIS Updates for Greenhouse Operators

Published on by Averie Mastronardi1 Comment
Save on Energy logo

Energy management information systems (EMIS) can reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions, lower utility costs, improve operational performance, and strengthen decision‑making. Receive funding of up to $50,000 or $250,000, depending on your annual energy consumption, for the installation of an EMIS through Save On Energy’s Expanded Energy Management program. The EMIS funding ends March 31, 2027, and incentive payments must be made by this date. To ensure your incentive is available, we recommend that organizations aim to complete approved projects by the end of 2026. 

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PYGANIC® Insecticide label temporarily expanded via Emergency Use Registration request to help manage Nesidiocoris tenuis in greenhouse grown tomatoes and greenhouse grown cucumbers in Ontario.

Published on by Cara McCreary1 Comment

J. MOSIONDZ, OMAFA, Minor Use Coordinator, Guelph

The Pesticides Regulatory Directorate (PRD), formerly known as the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), recently announced the approval of an Emergency Use Registration (EUR) request for PYGANIC® insecticide for management of Nesidiocoris tenuis, “Nesi”, on greenhouse grown cucumbers and greenhouse grown tomatoes in Ontario. This EUR request can be used only in Ontario from April 17th, 2026, until April 16th, 2029. The request marks the first agricultural related EUR request to be granted a multiyear term on the grounds of preventing the establishment of a new invasive species.

Continue reading “PYGANIC® Insecticide label temporarily expanded via Emergency Use Registration request to help manage Nesidiocoris tenuis in greenhouse grown tomatoes and greenhouse grown cucumbers in Ontario.” →

New Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative (intake Feb 17-Mar 17, 2026)

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud

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 on new and growing markets. This Initiative provides funding opportunities to Primary Producers and Processors and includes three Project Categories:

  • The Market Development and Diversification Implementation Planning;
  • Implement Market Development and Diversification; and,
  • Implementation of Equipment and Technology.
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2026 OMAFA Summer Jobs – Summer Employment Opportunity (SEO) Program (February 10 Application Deadline)

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud

Are you a student or recent graduate looking for an opportunity to build your career over the summer? Are you passionate about making a difference?

The Summer Employment Opportunities program provides opportunities to obtain valuable work experience, gain transferable skills, and build professional networks.

Continue reading “2026 OMAFA Summer Jobs – Summer Employment Opportunity (SEO) Program (February 10 Application Deadline)” →

New XLerate Energy Program from IESO

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is pleased to announce the official launch of XLerate.

This redesigned program replaces the previous Industrial Energy Efficiency Program (IEEP) and is part of the IESO’s ongoing commitment to support Ontario’s industrial (greenhouse and all agriculture are considered industrial), municipal, institutional, and healthcare sectors in achieving large-scale, impactful energy efficiency improvements.

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