Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) would like to acknowledge the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Flowers Canada-Ontario (FCO), who, along with many researchers, growers, extension specialists and industry experts traveled to Toronto, Ontario last week for the heavily anticipated Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) Symposium. This well-attended event brought top researchers from across Europe, North America, and Israel to share insights, experiences, and learnings. Postponed from its original date in 2020 because of the global pandemic, the eagerly anticipated event was the first opportunity to meet and discuss this virus that threatens tomato plants on a global basis. It offered a unique ability to share research, ongoing management, future potential, and mitigation opportunities through many ongoing projects.
Discussions are continuing after the event to develop best practices that coordinate biosecurity approaches and responsibilities throughout the supply chain.
“We are tremendously pleased with the uptake and participation of experts in the areas of crop research, marketing, and of course, our partners from OMAFRA,” said Joe Sbrocchi, general manager and executive director of the OGVG. “The opportunity to connect, collaborate and discuss current challenges and opportunities on the horizon has been long-awaited and is bearing much of what we had anticipated--that it could lead to common understandings. Creating this ongoing relationship can only help now and beyond.”
In addition to academic, government, and grower participation, many allied industry stakeholders contributed to attendance, sponsorship, and poster sessions. “The greenhouse vegetable sector is an economic success story, and we anticipate contributing to the province’s economic recovery as we exit the pandemic,” said George Gilvesy, chair of the OGVG board of directors. “To the many sponsors, growers, academia, and industry leaders, we thank you for your contributions and look forward to continuing such collaborations.”
For more information:
Joseph M. Sbrocchi
Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers
Tel (+1) 519-326-2604
j.sbrocchi@ogvg.com
www.ogvg.com