In Ontario, the age-old practice of farming is getting a futuristic makeover. Local fruit and vegetable growers, traditionally reliant on sustainable methods for crop protection, are now harnessing cutting-edge technology and science to safeguard their yields against pests and diseases in ways that are not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable says Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association.
From the fields and greenhouses to orchards and vineyards, a technological revolution, or at least evolution, is unfolding across the province.
Farmers are deploying an arsenal of innovative tools including smart sprayers equipped with weed-identifying cameras, laser weed zappers, and drones. These advancements are transforming how crops are monitored and maintained, making farming practices more precise and less intrusive on the environment.
Brian Rideout, a seasoned grower from Chatham-Kent and the crop protection committee chair at the Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA), shares insights into the evolving landscape of crop protection.
He highlights the shift towards more sustainable farming practices, like cover cropping and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which now leverage technology for enhanced effectiveness. These methods not only foster soil health and reduce erosion but also play a crucial role in managing weed resistance and promoting beneficial insect populations.
Innovations such as pheromone disruption and predictive systems for disease management offer growers preemptive solutions to pest control, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
The exploration of robotic weeding and laser technology further underscores the sector's commitment to environmental stewardship and efficiency.
Rideout reflects on the evolution of farming tools over the years, appreciating the current era's focus on precision, efficiency, and environmental consciousness. Ontario's farmers are at the forefront of integrating technology with traditional wisdom, striving for a balance between productivity and sustainability says OFVGA.