Robotics, Stone Fruit, and Cannabis

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If you’ve ever seen a robotic vacuum scoot around the room cleaning your floor you know how enjoyable it is to see your floors cleaned without lifting a finger. If you don’t own one, there are plenty of funny cat videos online riding these robotic house cleaning appliances to see how they work.

Is that what is coming in the way of tractors? In some areas of farming they are already here. In this issue, we give you the lowdown on where technology is heading for self-driving tractors and their use in orchards and vineyards. We also asked you, the readers, your thoughts on the topic as well. We are so grateful for receiving your answers. Hope you find it interesting to see how others responded.

There is so much new technology out there; we are covering such a wide range of topics in this issue! I think 2018 will go down in history as a year that brought about many changes. From politics, to women speaking up, to cannabis legalization!

Growers are asking if they should build greenhouses to plant this new cash crop, and growers that have greenhouses are asking what to do next. There are a few growers and wineries that are already in this process. So, inside this issue we decided to give you the answers and steps necessary if that is a route you want to take. An interesting read even if this is not in your plans.

Research and technology are such a necessary part of growing quality stone fruits and new varieties are in high demand with consumers. Canada has to keep up! There are seven new varieties that are nearly ready for market thanks to all the work and collaboration being done in Ontario with The University of Guelph, Agriculture Canada and Vineland Research and innovation Centre along with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. See that story on page 35.

Lastly, it’s the bubbles! Consumers love their bubbly, for celebrating and all around enjoyment and wineries are making some delicious varieties! Read more inside.

Hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed pulling it all together.