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Greenhouse Vegetables F.A.Q.s |
Where can I get information on greenhouse vegetable production?
This website will connect you to what is available on the web, including BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands documents and other website information from various sources.
Producer associations play a key role in the research and extension activities. In British Columbia there are two grower associations:
BC Greenhouse Growers' Association
Telephone: 604 591-5480
Website: http://www.bcgreenhouse.ca/
The Association has over 55 members. Each member owns and operates a hydroponic vegetable greenhouse located in the Lower Mainland or Vancouver Island.Interior Greenhouse Growers Association
President: John Slater
Telephone: 250 495-7839
The association includes grower members from the Interior regions of British Columbia.
Research and extension programs have strong private-sector support. Partners to these programs include:
Private sector consultants are available to provide one on one support in developing business plans and day to day production support. Further inquiries can be made at the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands - Abbotsford Agricultural Centre at 604 556-3001 or 1 888 221-7141.
Another good resource is the book Sustainable Vegetable Production from Start-Up to Market. The book is published by the Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service at Cornell University, and can be ordered at http://www.nraes.org/publications/nraes104.html. Refer also to the documents in folder 1.1, "Overview and Starting Up," in the production section of this website.
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Where can I get insect, disease and weeds identified?
Insect and disease problems can be sent to the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lansd - Plant Diagnostic Lab located at the Abbotsford Agricultural Centre. The following website provides forms, fee schedules and information on how to send in a sample: http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/lab.htm.
The following Web sites can help you identify weeds:
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Where can I get information on registered pesticides?
Two of the best sources of information can be obtained from the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL) Pesticide Wise website or the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) web site.
Label information on emergency registrations is tacked onto the bottom of existing labels. Please see the BCMAL Pesticide Wise site for information on Emergency Registration of pesticides. Further information may be obtained from the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands - Abbotsford Agricultural Centre (phone: 604 556-3001 or 1 888-221-7141).
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Where can I find information on organic farming practices?
The InfoBasket Web site you are on now will connect you to what is available in the Organic Community. This is a complete business focus area on the Web site that deals specifically with organic production practices. Specific information should be obtained through the certifying agency.
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Are there any quotas or other methods of market allocation for greenhouse grown vegetables?
Production of greenhouse tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and butter lettuce are regulated under the Natural Products Marketing (BC) Act. Quota is required to grow these regulated vegetables. Quota allocation is reviewed by the BC Vegetable Marketing Commission on an annual basis, usually commencing in August each year. Application for quota must be made directly to the Commission and the application must be supported by a marketing agency for the application to be considered. The application does not need to be supported by a marketing agency if:
Following the receipt of applications, the Commission conducts a market assessment, usually in conjunction with the designated agencies, to determine if any additional market requirement is needed. Decisions are normally rendered in November. For larger quota allocations, decisions are sometimes rendered 2 years in advance (i.e. - 2003 application for 2005 production) to allow time for site procurement, permits, construction, and seeding to take place. All successful applicants are required to obtain producer licenses.
For more information, contact the BC Vegetable Marketing Commission at 604 542-9734 or visiting their website at http://www.bcveg.com/.
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What regulations apply to the greenhouse industry?
There is a wide variety of regulations at municipal, provincial and federal levels as well as local government bylaws that producers are expected to follow. The Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act stipulates that the farm operation must meet the Health Act, Pesticide Control Act, Environmental Management Act and regulations under those acts.
Other Acts of special interest to greenhouse growers include the federal Fisheries Act, and local government bylaws on Site Coverage, Noise and Lighting. Information on federal and provincial legislation can be found at the following Web site: Farm Practices - Greenhouse [PDF].
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Is there any government support available for start-up growers?
There are several federally and provincially funded programs that provide support for start-up producers. Each program has different aims — some focus on exports, while others focus on research. These programs have strategic priorities and formalized eligibility and application guidelines. And many programs provide services rather than funding. Funding programs include:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Electronic Information Service
Provides information on inspection, regulations, industry information, research and technology, and human resources.
Website: http://www.agr.gc.ca/B.C. Investment Agriculture Foundation
A non-profit agricultural association that helps fosters growth in the agri-food industry. A secondary role is to assist industry in responding to current issues facing the sector.
Phone: 250 356-1833
Fax: 250 953-5162
Website: http://www.iafbc.ca/Business Development Bank of Canada
Provides information on financial products, venture capital, and consulting services.
Website: http://www.bdc.ca/Canada/British Columbia Business Service Centre
A business resource centre that provides information on starting a new business, entering new markets, accessing government programs and services, taxation, and regulations.
Phone: 1 800 667-2272
Fax: 604 775-5520
Website: http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca/Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Assists companies to succeed in the global marketplace.
Website: http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/If you are looking for general information on export marketing, financing and logistics, go to http://exportsource.ca/
Export Development Corporation
Provides programs that can assist Canadian exporters to compete in foreign markets
Website: http://www.edc.ca/Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
The FCC offers innovative products and services to farmers and small- and medium-sized agri-businesses. The family farm has been and will continue to be the main focus of their lending operations. They also support farmer-controlled diversification initiatives and value-added agricultural operations on the farm and beyond the farm gate.
Website: http://www.fcc-fac.ca/Industry Canada
Provides programs and funding to assist with exporting and research and development.
Website: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)
WD offers a network of business professionals to help with business planning and development, accessing capital, export or trade development, selling to government markets, and providing information on government programs and services for which a business may be eligible.
Website: http://www.wd.gc.ca/
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