Winter - Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia

Winter, 2014
NOVA SCOTIA
CHRISTMAS TREE
JOURNAL
The Voice of the Christmas Tree Industry in Nova Scotia
Volume 27 No. 4
Balsam - the Aroma of Christmas !
What’s inside?
Page:
2 - President’s report
3 - CTCNS contacts
4 - From the Exec director
6 - SMART tree report
7 - Wyllie report
8 - Ag literacy week
9 - Cobequid report
10 - IPM workshop set
11 - NeCTA report
13 - Request for proposals
15 - Positive promotions
16 - CRC summary
17 - LCCTPA report
19 - Free courses
20 - Crouse tree tests
22 - Note from Ontario
22 - Trees in schools law
23 - Lunenburg generosity
24 - Advertiser indexs
Here are some recent media advertisements, part of the pre-Christmas promotion program. More on p. 7 and 15.
Check-off approved, USDA moves ahead
by Annette Bourgeois-Bent
The real Christmas tree industry is about to get a big boost in exposure now that
legislation has been passed in the United States that allows for the establishment of a
Christmas Tree Research and Promotion Board and could see upwards of $2 million
spent on promoting real Christmas trees.
The real Christmas tree check-off program, similar to ones for other commodities
such as eggs and beef, was approved February 7 after US President Barack Obama
signed the highly contentious, multi-billion dollar omnibus farm bill, in which the
program was included. Though requested and supported by industry, the future of the
program was in doubt after the proposal was shelved by the Agriculture Department
in 2011, following intense political backlash.
Continued on page 14
2
President’s message
- Matthew Priest, CTCNS
Happy New Year to all!
I hope everyone had a good harvest and a great
Christmas. I’ve been hearing lots of positive feedback
from this year’s harvest. It was one of the best I’ve
seen as far as quality and freshness.
I would like to thank the promotion committee, along
with Angus and Colette, for the work they did this
fall. There was a lot of information getting out to the
people, with the parade in Halifax, an appearance by
Colette on CTV Morning Live, brochures and the
awesome commercial seen on ATV.
I really enjoyed seeing the professional actor (Duncan
MacDonald) we had on our commercial! It was really
well done. To all those who appeared and helped
with the show Land and Sea to promote Nova Scotia
Christmas Trees, what an awesome job you all did!
As a council we are still working hard on many fronts
to help our industry grow.
Funding is always ongoing. Fumigation research,
to me, is a priority. We have started talks with Dr.
Suzanne Blatt concerning some of the things we
need to be looking at to help us with opening of new
markets and what we need to keep the markets we
have.
Phyto requirements are becoming stricter every year
and I believe we need to be very proactive on this
issue.
The sale of shares for Smart Tree is still ongoing.
We, as an industry, have committed to do our part in
raising funds and the deadline is fast approaching. If
you or anyone you know has interest or questions,
please contact your local association or anyone at
council.
It is going to be a busy spring for council, as we have
many projects and issues that need to be addressed.
I look forward to the challenge and I appreciate all
those who help and go above and beyond to help our
industry.
All the best,
Matt Priest
Annual General Meeting set for April 23
The Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia will hold its annual general meeting in Bible Hill on April 23.
Room #214 in the administration building, 60 Research Drive, has been booked for the meeting, which will begin at
9am. Eecutive Director Angus Bonnyman sends the following message in advance of the meeting:
“At the AGM there will be a special resolution presented to the members with respect to amendments to the bylaws.
The amendment to the bylaws is a special resolution which requires not less than 3/4 of the vote of the members present. The details of the amendments to the bylaws will be available at www.ctcns.com by March 31, 2014 for members
to review in advance of the meeting. Members will be able to download and print the details or request a copy from our
office by calling (902) 893-2293.”
Editor’s notes
There’s a ton of interesting reading in this issue, from
Dr. Lada’s research to the effect promotions have had
on local tree sales.
What I found most interesting, though, is the collection of states to our south who have had to take
what seems to me to be extraordinary steps to protect
Christmas in society.
Did I ever imagine a school could be litigated against
for putting up a Christmas tree? A Christmas wreath?
Wishing someone a Merry Christmas in the hallway?
Singing that old favourite - We Wish You a Merry
Christmas?
I hadn’t realized that there has been such a push by
some of our southern neighbours to remove these traditions from our schools. Have I been naive?
NOVA SCOTIA
CHRISTMAS TREE JOURNAL
Managing editor
Annette Bourgeois-Bent
[email protected]
(902) 396-5947/(902) 759-2705
60 Research Drive, Bible Hill, Nova Scotia B6L 2R2
Tel: (902) 893-2293
[email protected]
The Nova Scotia Christmas Tree Journal is published quarterly (February, May, August and October) by the Christmas
Tree Council of Nova Scotia. The Journal is a benefit of
membership for all the Nova Scotia Christmas Tree association members. However, you may subscribe directly.
Non-member subscriptions
$ 25.00 Canadian (within Canada)
$ 30.00 U.S. (United States or International)
Editorial policy
This Journal attempts to reflect the opinions and positions
of the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia and its affiliated, regional-based associations. However, in presenting
articles, not all opinions expressed in this publication will
necessarily be the views or positions of the Council or associations.
Publication Mail Agreement No. 41043025
3
- Annette Bourgeois-Bent
Is it that challenged in Canadian schools? Any school
I visited during the Christmas season had Christmas
spirit spread throughout! Perhaps, though, we should
be more vigilant. I know the industry is generally
adamant about using the term “Christmas” tree, and
not “holiday” tree. But what about parades of lights
instead of Christmas parades? What about stores that
have holiday sales instead of Christmas sales?
It’s worrisome to think that my children may need a
law to protect them if their choir decides to sing O
Christmas Tree during a school concert. ABB.
CHRISTMAS TREE COUNCIL OF
NOVA SCOTIA
60 Research Drive, Bible Hill, Nova Scotia B6L 2R2
Tel: (902) 893-2293
[email protected]
http://www.ctcns.com
Executive officers
President:
Matt Priest
1st Vice-P: Duncan MacDonald
2nd Vice:
Forrest Higgins
Treasurer:
Scott MacKinnon
Past President:
Jim DeLong
(902) 641-2142
(902) 863-1208
(902) 384-2833
(902) 863-1407
(902) 644-2718
Association delegates
Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers’ Assoc.
- George Lake
(902) 543-5374
- Jack Wentzell
(902) 644-2375
- Bruce Turner
(902) 689-2725
Northeastern Christmas Tree Assoc.
- Dave Sweet
(902) 522-2924
- Kevin Chisholm
(902) 386-2782
Cobequid Christmas Tree Producers’ Assoc.
- Bill Smith
(902) 895-0658
Exporter delegates
Large exporters
- Norm MacIsaac
- Dwight Sanders
Medium exporters
- Forrest Higgins
- Myles MacPherson
(902) 783-2758
(902) 689-2262
(902) 384-2833
(902) 533-2695
Office
Executive director: Angus Bonnyman - (902) 956-3629
Industry coordinator: Colette Wyllie - [email protected]
Administrator: Shelly MacKenzie - (902) 893-2293
4
Message from the Executive director
- Angus Bonnyman
Dear Growers,
Happy New Year to you all. From the various reports
that I have heard, it sounds as though it was a successful
season for most people and the exchange rate is providing a further welcome boost. That’s great news!
Last year at this time it was incredibly cold outside
and I was focusing my efforts on three things: improving levy compliance; safety and promotion. I am very
pleased to say that I think that we have made some great
progress on all of those issues.
Along with the Levy Compliance Committee, we
continue to work on improving levy compliance, and I
would just remind everyone that the deadline for levy
remittance was February 1st. If you haven’t sent in your
form and payment, please do so as soon as possible. If
you need a form or would prefer an electronic version
of the form, please contact the office at info@ctcns.
com. We will be conducting some follow-up inquiries
this year and in some cases on-farm audits. The levy
revenue is crucial to ensuring Council is able to work on
your behalf on issues that are important to all growers.
As for safety, Gary Ramey continues to work with his
committee on the ‘Best Practices in Farm Safety’ project
and we hope to have more on that for the spring meetings in March.
Finally, we made a significant investment in local promotions in 2013 and I think that the time, money and
effort yielded some pretty big dividends. We spent approximately $22k, but we were fortunate to have support
from five municipalities and the HomeGrown Success
Program to bring down the cost to growers significantly.
I would like to thank the Promotions Committee for its
support and Colette for all of her efforts in making this
campaign a success.
Looking ahead to 2014, we’ve issued a Request for
Proposals for the ACOA Market Study Project, we are
pulling together a research project on the pinewood
nematode & sawyer beetle with a local entomologist,
offering shearing and grading courses and continuing to
work closely with our partners to strengthen the industry.
Looking forward to another busy year. Kind regards,
Angus Bonnyman, CA.
CRC Christmas Tree Producers Conference
April 5th, 2014
Holiday Inn, Truro Nova Scotia
The Christmas Tree Research Centre is happy to announce that we will be hosting the 2nd
CRC Christmas Tree Producers Conference on April 5th of 2014 at the Holiday Inn in Truro,
Nova Scotia. Come out for a day of knowledge exchange, networking and good
conversation. There will be presentations given by many prestigious researchers, as well
as useful updates on programs available to the industry and industry concerns.
Registration forms and Schedule will be published shortly and made available through
various sources.
For more information please contact Rachel Kennedy at [email protected] or 902-8935379.
5
THE WOODLAND CONFERENCES 2014
Come to the 2014 Woodland Owner Conferences. Hear experts and woodland owners
on woodland management issues and solutions. Learn about harvesting timber,
providing wildlife habitats, and maintaining forest health.
Just $25 (includes lunch).
Western region conference: Saturday, March 1
Oakhill Fire Hall, 81 Dominion St., Bridgewater
Central region conference: Saturday, March 22
Royal Canadian Legion, 2234 Rocky Lake Dr., Waverley
Eastern region conference: Saturday, April 5
St. Mary’s District Lions Club, Highway #7, Sherbrooke
To register, call Denise McCleave: 902-584-2229.
NEW AND REVISED HOME STUDY MODULES
FOR WOODLAND OWNERS
Free and open to all.
Now available: Module 2- Harvesting on Your Woodland
Coming soon: Module 14 - Hiring and Working with a Contractor
and Module 15 - Pests of the Acadian Forest
WOODLAND OWNER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2014
Do you know a woodland owner who deserves recognition?
Nominate them today.
Deadline is April 15.
To get free Home Study modules, or nominate a Woodland Owner of the Year:
novascotia.ca/natr/woodlot
1-866-226-7577 (toll free)
[email protected]
6
Update on what’s happening with SMART tree co-op
the benefits these have to the industry. There is also
a funding structure model provided to show who
The SMART Christmas Tree Research Cooperative
contributed funds to finance this research. The Co-op
had a very busy 2013-2014 season. We have published presently has share sale commitments of $110,000. We
two information briefs (May 28, 2013 & July 2, 2013). require a total of $350,000.00 to match the six million
These were e-mailed to shareholders who had prodollars in research money.
vided e-mail addresses, and hard copies being mailed
to those who had not provided their addresses. In the
The SMART Co-op will be pursuing share sales
fall, information presentations were made at the three
through our local associations, who will have desigNova Scotia local associations, trying to bring Christ- nated sales people. Also, shares can be purchased by
mas tree producers information about the SMART
contacting Krista Vroegh at (902) 893-2293, email:
Co-op, and to sell shares.
[email protected], or by contacting myself.
by Jim Delong
The documents that we use to sell shares are the
SMART Co-op Share Purchase Description and
Agreement Contract, along with the Christmas Tree
Research Center (CRC) Impact Report provided by
the CRC. The Impact Report describes the SMART
research knowledge, products and technologies and
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The SMART Christmas Tree Research Cooperative
held its 2012-2013 annual general meeting in Truro
on June 13, 2013. At the meeting, in addition to other
business, it was moved and unanimously voted to
restart share sales.
There are nine (9) directors slated for the SMART
Executive. Three (3) from New Brunswick (SophieMichele Cyr, two vacant), and six (6) from Nova
Scotia, Jim DeLong (president), Scott MacKinnon
(secretary/treasurer), Matt Priest, Duncan MacDonald,
Norman MacIsaac and Brent Silver. Colette Wyllie (Industry Coordinator) also attends our executive
meetings and provides assistance.
Our contract with Dalhousie University has been
received. After review by the executive, it will be presented at our next annual general meeting.
Thank you,
Jim Delong
7
Industry Coordinator report
Successful promotions, now on to spring sessions
by Colette Wyllie
Hello all and welcome to 2014! I’m happy to report
that I made it through my first Christmas season as
Industry Coordinator. It was a whirlwind, eye-opening
experience, but I wouldn’t have expected anything
else. I gained an abundance of skills and knowledge
that will help me in planning for next season and had
lots of fun besides.
As Angus mentioned in his column, our various promotions initiatives saw great success over the course
of the season. The widespread ad campaign coupled
with the new website resulted in new customers for
local retailers and also reached Bluenosers across the
country, prompting them to seek out that special Nova
Scotian balsam fir wherever they may be.
The CTV-produced commercial, which aired for two
weeks at the end of November/first of December,
seems to have made a great impression amongst consumers and producers alike. If you missed it, you can
find it on our homepage at iloverealtrees.com.
Our inaugural colouring contest was also incredibly
successful, with almost 600 entries from elementary
school students across the province. Entries came
from 11 different counties and voting was conducted
on our Facebook page, which saw an immense increase in followership as a result. The winner, sevenyear-old Abbie Little of Coldbrook, who had more
than 250 votes on her entry, opted to donate her real
Christmas tree and $50 prize to a family in her community who needed it more. A beautiful gesture and a
wonderful way to wrap up the contest.
Although promotions are still top of mind for me, my
focus for the spring and into the summer is planning
workshops for growers. On March 8th, NeCTA is
hosting an IPM workshop in Antigonish, worth a total
of five points. All growers are invited and encouraged
to attend. You can find the registration form in this
edition of the Journal.
Council will also be working with the associations to
provide relevant shearing sessions at spring and fall
meetings, and hopes to offer a grading course this fall.
Council has developed a policy for loaning its two
GPS units to growers, meaning they will be available
for determining lot inventory in the very near future.
One unit will be located at the LCCTPA office, while
the other will be housed with David Sweet of NeCTA
and at the NSFA office in Bible Hill when it is needed
by Cobequid-area growers. The units may be borrowed by any grower who has paid levy up to date.
I hope you’re all enjoying this beautiful February
we’re having and are looking forward to another successful year in the Christmas tree industry. As always,
if you have questions or feedback, don’t hesitate to
pick up the phone or drop a note. Until next time,
Colette Wyllie, Industry Coordinator, industry@ctcns.
com or (902) 880-3664.
77 Graham Road
Debert, Nova Scotia B0M 1G0
Phone: (902) 641-2142
Fax: (902) 641-2147
Matt’s cell: (902) 890-8431
Email: [email protected]
Website: nltreefarms.com
“A family run business since 1984.”
We have baling twine available. Please call
or email for pricing.
Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous
holiday season!
Matthew and Gena Priest - owners
Donna Morrisey - office manager
8
Focus on Grades 3 and 4
Students learn about farming during Ag Lit Week
This year marks the third Canadian Agriculture Literacy Week and the seventh Agriculture Literacy Week in
Nova Scotia.
In Nova Scotia, Ag Literacy Week is a time when
school children are encouraged to celebrate agriculture in our province by reading books about farming.
Last year, over 80 volunteers from agricultural sectors
across the province went into Grade 2 and 3 classrooms to read to school children and donate books and
other educational resources about farming.
This annual event is an educational initiative of the
Nova Scotia Agricultural Awareness Committee and
the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture. With the
support of Farm Credit Canada, classrooms across the
country will be celebrating the third Canadian Agriculture Literacy Week with a variety of activities.
For 2014 we are offering a uniquely Nova Scotian
farm book for Grade 3 and 4 classrooms. If you are
interested in volunteering to participate in Canadian
Agriculture Literacy Week or would like further information, please contact:
Rick Hoeg
Agricultural Education Liaison
Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture
Tel: 902-893-7495
Email: [email protected]
Industry Coordinator Colette Wyllie makes her February report to
Council while LCCTPA president Mike Keddy looks on. Bill Smith from
Cobequid also made a report during the board meeting.
Cobequid Association report and meeting date
by Darrell Sandeson
President
Great news: Winter’s half over!
On the bright side, the snow and cold weather have
kept most growers out of the woods. The cold in early
January might have proved beneficial in helping slow
down the spread of twig Aphid and Tussock moth.
Looking back at sales, most growers I’ve spoken to
had slight increases in sales. Indications are that real
tree sales increased from 7 to 10%. The promotions
committee lead by Collette Wyllie, has done a great
job.
Plans are underway for our spring meeting which will
be held at Sobeys, 985 Prince Street, Truro on March
22 starting at 9 a.m.
9
A full agenda is planned with a possible visit to a tree
lot in the afternoon with a GPS demo (weather permitting).
Spring Meeting
March 22, at 9am
Sobey’s boardroom
985 Prince Street, Truro
Domestic brush burning.
The rules and dates have changed.
Winter is always the safest time to burn outside. But during
wildfire-risk season, March 15 – October 15, you can easily find out
if it’s safe by checking the new online BURNING RESTRICTIONS MAP.
It’s updated daily to tell you where burning is:
• ALLOWED (green areas)
• ALLOWED ONLY AT CERTAIN TIMES (yellow areas)
• NOT ALLOWED (red areas)
Please note: Check municipal bylaws first.
You no longer need a permit to burn—you must check online before you
burn. Campfires included. Wildfire-risk season now starts on March 15.
Find out if it’s safe to burn today at novascotia.ca/burnsafe Or call 1-855-564-2876 (BURN)
13-41313-61799 Burn Safe print
NS Christmas Tree Journal — 7.125”W x 4.875”H
10
Northeastern Christmas Tree Association
Integrated Pest Management Workshop
March 8, 2014
Location:
Beech Hill Fire Hall
March 8, 2014
(5 POINTS TOTAL)
5 Beech Hill Road, Antigonish
REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR PESTICIDE APPLICATOR CARD
Agenda
8:30 - 9:00 AM
9:00 - 10:00 AM
Registration
2014 Pesticide Options for Christmas Tree Growers: Options,
Applications and Timing for Best Results (1 PRCP)
Terry Prescott, Regional Sales Manager
Cavendish Agri Services
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Pesticide Safety (1 PRCP)
Joey Browne, Nova Scotia Regional Pesticide Inspector
Pesticide Compliance Program, Health Canada
11:00 - 11:15 AM
Break
11:15 – 12:15 AM
How I Learned to Love Sprayer Calibration (1 PRCP)
Jim Jotcham, President
Marbicon Inc.
12:15 - 1:15 PM
Lunch (On Your Own)
1:15 – 2:00 PM
Christmas Tree and Forest Pest Update (1 PRCP)
Jeff Ogden, Forest Health Specialist
Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources
2:00 - 3:00 PM
Pesticide Minor Use Update (1 PRCP)
Matthew Wright, Canadian Association Rep
........................................................................
Registration may be at the door or in advance
Fee:
$40.00 for members, $ 50.00 for non-members + HST ($46.00 & $57.50)
# attendees _________ X $ 46.00 member
X $ 57.50 non-member = $_________
Name(s): _____________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________
Telephone: ________________
Email: ____________________________________________
Make cheques payable to Northeastern Christmas Tree Association, RR # 2, Goshen, NS
B0H 1M0 or email form to: [email protected]
Northeastern Christmas Tree Association report
by Norman MacIsaac
Another harvest season has passed and it feels good it
is behind us with a feeling of relief.
The past few years have been very hard on growers.
Because of the higher cost of doing business in recent years, fuel, labor and competition driving down
demand and prices, it seemed like there was no end to
this race for the bottom.
local buyers at some of these events. Please, as well
as attending these events, support the check-off and
Smart Tree programs.
On this our 40th year let’s start the healing and continue to grow the best balsam on the planet.
Thanks, Norm
This season saw a slight increase in demand, a lower
dollar and the freshest crop coming out of our area in
many years. It is too early to confirm a trend but at
least the bleeding has stopped.
We as an industry must find ways to increase demand
for our product by investing time and what little money we can spare on positive initiatives such as better
product and services to our customers and consumers.
A number of things that can be done is to attend local
field days, meetings and workshops to learn the latest
trends demanded by consumers. This requires a great
deal of knowledge on our part. (We can’t just grow a
tree and think we can sell it). We have to know how to
grow it because there is a demand for it.
NECTA is working on this year’s events with this in
mind.
1) The IPM workshop is on March 8th at the Beech
Hill Fire Hall and will include an update on what we
should be concerned with in the upcoming growing
season and ways to deal with any of these problems.
2) A field day will be held on April 25th at Chrissie Trenholm’s lot in Croft on the Antigonish-Guysborough
Road. Chrissie is a relatively newer grower and the
daughter of Junior Trenholm, a former grader for the
association and long time grower. We hope to show
the latest trends to help you market your trees.
3)The annual meeting will be held in early September.
Watch for mail outs which will provide more details
on these events. We hope to have participation from
11
Scott MacKinnon and Jack Wentzell attended the February board
meeting of the CTCNS.
12
Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers’ Association
Spring Technical Session
Best Western Hotel and Convention Centre
SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2014.
8:00 - 9:00 am Registration
9:00 - 9:20 am President’s welcome, committees
and benefits of LCCTPA
9:20 - 9:50 am Forest and Christmas tree pest update
9:50 - 10:30 am Association updates: Matthew
Priest, CTCNS; Myles MacPherson, Canadian Association; Myles
MacPherson, National Association
10:30 -10:50 am Break
10:50 -12:00 am Growers’ forum
-Real Tree and Industry promotions
-Association sustainability
12:00 - 1:15 pm Lunch
1:15 - 1:30 pm SMART Tree update
1:30- 1:45 pm CFIA update
1:45 – 2:30 pm Annual meeting
-Growers’ forum summary
LUNENBURG COUNTY CHRISTMAS TREE PRODUCERS’ ASSOCIATION
47th ANNUAL MEETING and SPRING TECHNICAL SESSION
Best Western Hotel, Highway #10, Cookville (EXIT #12 OFF HWY#103)
SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2014
PRE-REGISTRATION FORM
Open to all “members in Good Standing” of any Christmas Tree Association.
There will be a free draw for those pre-registering. Deadline for pre-registration is March 20, 2014.
“At the Door” Registration
Annual Meeting, Technical Session, Dinner
Main Registrant
$40.00_______________
Main Registrant
Spouse Registrant
$28.00________________
$22.00________________
OR
Pre-Registration Special
(When you pre-register you are guaranteed to get a meal.)
Annual Meeting, Technical Session, Dinner
Total:
$_______________
NAME: _____________________________________________________________
ADDRESS:__________________________________________________________
PHONE#:____________________________________________________________
Please make cheques payable to the Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers’ Association (LCCTPA) P.O. Box 148, New
Germany, NS, B0R 1E0.REMINDER: BRING LCCTPA MEMBERSHIP CARD AND PESTICIDE RE-CERTIFICATION CARD.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
13
A Market Analysis to Develop Strategies for the Improvement and Expansion of Market Opportunities for
the Atlantic Canadian Christmas Tree and Greenery Industry
This project is seen as the required first step to develop a comprehensive market expansion initiative for Atlantic Canadian Balsam fir Christmas trees and greenery products. The marketing will not stand in isolation, but will be integrated
with steps to improve certification of growers, processors and exporters of our products. We intend to develop and market
certified “SMART Trees,” and are currently engaged in a multi-million dollar research program that is titled the SMART
Christmas Tree Research Initiative (SMART Tree Program). The lead institution for the SMART Tree Program is the
Nova Scotia Agricultural College, but collaboration and science platform direction is also provided by the University of
New Brunswick. Researchers also cooperate with the Canadian Forestry Service (Fredericton), the University of Moncton
and Dalhousie University. The objective of this project is to develop a market analysis of our strengths and weaknesses
for the markets in which we enjoy current significant sales penetration, and to assess the market potential of a few select
international markets where Atlantic Canada does not yet ship Christmas trees or greenery.
Project Objectives and Description
The objectives we would achieve through this project include:
i) develop an understanding of consumer preferences for Christmas trees, be it density, foliage, even weight, as an aging
population in significant markets look for easier trees to handle. It is our intention to consider the Canadian and mid to
eastern United States.
ii) develop protocols for market intelligence information gathering as it relates to our ability to assess balsam fir product
retail / wholesale market dynamics, and determine how to best realize opportunities in target markets. (For instance, will
consumers readily accept balsam fir trees, or will associated messaging be required. If so, what message?)
iii) understand trade and quarantine regulations in selected target countries.
iv) assess and document new market opportunities for Balsam Christmas tree and greenery products, as well as potential
by-products (scent balls, etc.).
v) assess and document retail and wholesale market dynamics and opportunities in target markets / countries.
vi) initialize an assessment of potential strategies for the development of brand recognition for Atlantic Balsam fir.
vii) develop a report and recommendations relative to market opportunities, consumer preferences, and trade and quarantine regulations.
Scope of Work
The consultancy firm will be expected to develop a market analysis methodology and apply feedback from the contracting
authority and key stakeholders to ensure that they are fully integrated and actively involved in the research process. Following an inception meeting with the contracting authority the following specific activities will be undertaken: Research,
Market Analysis, Industry Stakeholder Consultations, Recommendations, and Reporting.
Project Description
The successful firm will devise an action plan or series of steps that CTCNS and Atlantic Canadian growers can follow to
capitalize on key markets. This may be specific to the various sectors or commodities. This section is of most significance,
and should be given the highest level of time and effort.
Time Frame
The CTCNS office must receive proposals by 4:00 pm, Friday, February 28, 2014. The contract period is April 14, 2014 –
March 1, 2015.
Any questions or clarifications must be requested in writing up until one week before the submission deadline. Questions
and answers may be posted on our website www.ctcns.com.
14
continued from page 1...check-off
news release.
The new farm bill ends the suspension and gives the
Agriculture Department 60 days to implement the
program.
“The program will be administered by an independent
12-member board of industry representatives who will
be responsible for developing and approving promotional and research efforts to benefit the entire industry,” the release stated. “That board is appointed by
the USDA, not NCTA. The program is not expected to
have any impact on consumer prices.”
The farm bill that President Barack Obama signed last
week authorizes the establishment of a Christmas Tree
Research and Promotion Board to assess a 15-cent fee
on every tree sold. to allow the industry to fund advertising campaigns and promote the industry.
CTCNS’s Forrest Higgins, who’s been a forceful
advocate for the check-off program, referenced the
recent efforts by Council’s promotions committee to
reflect how advertising and promotions can have a
positive impact and move consumers to choose a real
Christmas tree.
“We have to get out there and push real trees,” Mr.
Higgins said. “We have a great story to tell, but we
haven’t had the funds to tell it yet.”
The National Christmas Tree Association, which requested the program in 2009, welcomes the news.
“The program is designed to benefit the industry, especially small family farms,” stated NCTA in a Feb.10
LCCTPA’s Bruce Turner, in commenting about Council’s pre-Christmas promotions, echoed Mr. Higgins’
views.
“Promotions are promotions,” he said recently. “Good
promotions help the whole industry.”
Mr. Higgins said the signing of the farm bill comes at
the end of five years of work to get the check-off approved.
“This is a major change in what’s been going on in the
US industry in the past five years,” he said.
He added if the promotions are successful, there
would be a greater demand for real trees, which could
result in higher wholesale prices. Christmas tree producers should expect to learn more about the future of
the program in the next couple of months.
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Promotions get a positive
reception through season
by Annette Bourgeois-Bent
An often-asked question about promotional activity
has been,” Why don’t we see it?” Well, if anyone in
the industry is asking that question this season, they
haven’t been looking out for it because it’s been there
- and many, many people have seen it.
“I thought it was a great job,” said LCCTPA president
Mike Keddy, of the promotions campaign by Council
this past Christmas season. “It put us in a good light.
It’s a great tool.”
Led by Council’s promotions committee, media buys
included newspaper and magazine ads, as well as TV
spots. Council supported initiatives such as Halifax’s
Parade of Lights and other high profile events.
“It was a big shot in the arm for the Christmas tree
industry,” said Bill Smith, who directly benefitted
from the increase in awareness. He added at least three
families who came to his u-cut commented on the
advertisements.
“They said, ‘we’ve seen a lot of ads on TV and it’s
time we were supporting Christmas tree growers,’”
Mr. Smith said. If you haven’t seen it yet, check out
Council’s TV commercial on the website, or ask your
industry coordinator for a copy. If you haven’t seen it
already, though, you may be among the minority!
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16
CRC - Summary of research activities
by Dr. Raj Lada
President, Atlantic Canada Christmas Tree Research and
Development Consortium
Dear Reader, on behalf of the Christmas Tree
Research Centre and Dalhousie University, I wish you
all a very happy New Year, 2014. During 2013-14,
CRC made significant strides in research, development
and outreach activities. Funding from NSERC, AIF
and ACAAF continued. Growing Forward New
Brunswick funding programme ended and a final
report on the Pest control platform was submitted.
During this year, two of my graduate students
successfully defended their Master’s thesis and their
research received exemplary compliments from
the external examiners. On behalf of CRC and the
industry community, I would like to congratulate
Ernest Korange and Melissa Georgeson for their
contribution to science and on their graduation. Ernest
is currently working as a Ph.D. student with me and
continuing his research on “Mechanical stresses and
needle abscission physiology.” Gaye MacDonald
is continuing her research on “Lipid metabolism in
postharvest needle abscission in balsam fir.”
Under the Tree Molecular Breeding Platform, we
screened 120 clones from Debert, NS; 24 top ranking
clones from Kingsclear, NB; and 134 trees from
NS grower lots in three major production areas last
September. Six superior trees from commercial
producer’s lots were obtained and grafted on to the
rootstock material in Balsam fir Germplasm Centre.
Under the Needle Abscission Physiology platform
we have made significant discoveries and generated
new knowledge, developed innovative products and
technologies. Some of the highlights are:
- Balsam fir is known to have high aroma that is unique
to this species. It is possible that the aromatic volatile
compounds released during various postharvest operations
could be detrimental to keepability. We have discovered 12
Volatile Terpene Compounds (VTCs) in balsam fir. These
compounds constitute the unique aroma in balsam fir. The
total terpene concentration was higher with the high needle
abscission resistant clone than the low needle abscission
resistant clone. The low needle abscission resistant clone
had higher beta-pinene concentration than the high needle
abscission resistant clone.
- The Volatile Terpene Compounds were released in
significant quantities prior to initiation of needle abscission,
suggesting they could play a role in abscission.
- Christmas trees postharvest are often subjected to
dehydration until they reach homes and rehydration
after they are set up. It is possible that this dehydrationrehydration process could exert significant stress to trees.
While we have investigated the effect of dehydration
and identified that dehydration has indeed influenced
keepability negatively at least in some clones beyond
a threshold we have no information on the effects of
dehydration-rehydration on keepability. Our investigation
relating to dehydration and rehydration effects suggests that
needle loss occurred at a higher rate and intensity in trees
moved from a state of dehydration to rehydration.
While ethylene was not released under rehydration,
needle abscission occurred, suggesting the postharvest
needle abscission can occur both via ethylene-dependent
and ethylene-independent pathways. Again, no needle
abscission or ethylene evolution was observed in trees with
intact roots, suggesting strongly that the needle drop is
triggered by postharvest factors.
Integrated Storage and Transportation (IST)
Technologies
Through a series of experiments, we have developed
an IST technology for extending keepability. The IST
technology increased the keepability by 5 folds. Under the
IST technology it took 68 days to lose 10 per cent needles
as against the control, which lost 10 per cent needles in
16 days. The IST technology has been disclosed to the
university as the potential commercial technology.
Needle Abscission Delaying Agents (NADA)
Several potential NADA’s were discovered to delay needle
loss. In a whole tree system, Compound NADA-B caused a
significant delay in needle loss at all levels.
Continued on page 18
Lunenburg reports an encouraging 2013 season
by Mike Keddy
President
Wow ,what a season! Ten years ago we all experienced the worst snowstorm during production season
in recent memory. This year, I believe most would
agree, has been the best weather-wise in a long time cool, dull days provided excellent working conditions
and great tree keepability.
Although snow and cold weather hampered late cutting for local markets, it was a small percentage of an
overall good season.
Stable sales
Sales in our region continue to be stable with perhaps
some gains in offshore markets by local and out of
province exporters. One of the most positive notes of
the 2013 season was the almost complete absence of
issues with shipping. Most shippers met their delivery
dates, quality was overall good, and no problems with
shipping made for a great year for Nova Scotia balsam.
Our Lunenburg Association continues to bring forward
to our membership current information on market
trends, different shearing styles, and updates on what
is required to stay in compliance with labor laws and
safety regulations. Our fall field day highlighted some
of these issues and brought forward much discussion,
17
both at our evening session and our field tours.
A thank you to Laird Lenihan and Colin Hughes,
for hosting the field tours on their lots; Ross Pentz,
for his work in coordinationing the tours; and Gary
Ramey, who at the evening session once again made
us aware of how much work we still have to do to be
in compliance with OH&S regulations. Also, a thank
you to our special events committee whose hard work
made for a successful event.
Innovators
Innovation by our local growers is always great to see
A new palletizer, designed and built by Colin Hughes,
continues to highlight the movement within the boxstore market for a palletized product. A homegrown
success story and well done, congratulations! This is
the type of innovation that has tremendous ability to
impact sales.
The renewed interest in Nova Scotian balsam because of Dr. Lada’s work continues to have a positive
impact in the marketplace, and will continue to bring
more attention to our product as his work continues.
I would remind all growers that share sales to fulfill
the industry funding share to continue this research
will soon be starting and I would urge each of you to
show your support for our industry by buying a share.
Dr Lada and his research team have done more to focus attention on balsam fir than we ever anticapated.
As growers, we would all like to see more money for
our product. This will not happen without increased
demand from buyers. By supporting Dr. Lada’s work,
we have an opportunity to influence the position of
balsam fir in marketplace. What other opportunity
have we ever had to do this?
Mike Keddy (left) said the fall meeting and field day prompted lots of
discussion.
Thank you,
Mike Keddy
President, LCCTPA
18
Continued from page 17...CRC summary
For example, treatment with NADA-B took 37% longer
to lose 1% of its needles, 27% longer to lose 5% of
its needles, and 30% longer to lose 10% of its needles
compared to the control. The product has also been
disclosed to the university.
Nutritional Physiology and Postharvest needle loss
Fertilization to Christmas tree plantations and the effect of
fertilizer application on keepability has been intensively
debated. There is little or no scientific evidence on the link
between needle nutrient content and keepability. Several
experiments were conducted to understand and uncover
the link between needle nutrient concentrations and needle
keepability. Some of the following are results:
Mn significantly positively correlated with NRD among
different tiers of a same clone.
- Application of various concentrations of nutrients
promoted needle drop.
- While needle retention was superior with Lunenburg
county samples, there was no significant link between
needle nutrient concentration and needle retention.
During this period of report, seven disclosures were made
to the university. We published seven scientific articles
in peer-reviewed, international journals. Six conference
presentations and seven poster presentations were made
at the International Christmas tree research and extension
conference. Six oral presentations were made.
- While there was a significant difference in needle
nutrient contents, especially, N, Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn, there
was no significant difference in needle abscission at any
point of time, suggesting that these nutrient elements in the
needle does not have direct influence on postharvest needle
abscission.
Also during this time, an impact report was prepared for
the SMART Christmas tree Research Cooperative. CRC
organized the International Union of Forest Research and
Extension Conference. Nearly 30 scientists and extension
workers from around the world participated. Three media
events were given through various TV networks. For
the first time, a Land and Sea project was initiated and
completed. It aired on Dec 21st, 2013.
- During postharvest observations the levels of P and Fe
changed significantly with no other changes that were
statistically significant. The changes in P and Fe however,
were negatively correlated with needle retention.
I am proud to report that the international scientists
regarded the research that is carried out at CRC is a
world-class research and CRC stands as a world centre for
Christmas tree research.
- Pre-harvest needle concentration of Zn, Ca, Fe and
CRC works diligently in partnership with CTCNS and
other regional associations to uncover knowledge, develop
innovative science-driven products and technologies for
positioning our industry in the competitive global market.
Improving Christmas trees, improving techniques
Visit us:
http://nsac.ca/acc/
On Facebook:Christmas Tree Research Centre
Mission Statement
Enhance Atlantic Canada’s knowledge-based
bioeconomy through the development of sciencedriven, innovative technologies and products for
increasing the sustainability of Atlantic Canada’s
Christmas Trees and Greenery industry.
At this point, I would like to thank my research team,
funding agencies, our partners, provincial government
departments of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and
Dalhousie University for their efforts and support in
making our collective dreams come true.
Innovative, science-driven products and technologies
are the future for solving industry problems and we are
committed to engage in that process.
Best regards,
Raj Lada
Professor & Founding Director,
Christmas Tree Research Centre
Want a free course in financial management? Contact NSFA
The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture continues
to work with the Department of Labour and Workforce Development to provide training and education
courses at no cost to the membership.
The farm community has been interested in courses
around financial management, business management
and new technologies.
Courses are coordinated based on a needs assessment
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19
the CTCNS or NSFA office (893-2293).
Congratulations to Shelly MacKenzie, our office
administrator, who received the Ambassador Award
through Workplace Education.
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Did you know?
$51.3 million — The total value of all freshcut Christmas trees sold in Canada last year.
$47 million — Value of artificial Christmas
trees imported into Canada. More than $46
million of that came from China, with the
rest coming from Thailand, the United
States, Mexico or Vietnam.
(Source: Stats Canada)
20
Experiment fills up retirement time - check the results!
by Murray Crouse
FYI : Recently retired and looking to avoid the many
long days of boredom, one might try this - an exotic
foliage trial.
As our industry moves to reclaim markets taken over
by the now-everlasting[fake] Christmas tree, needle
loss from live cut Christmas trees has always been
a major reason for customers to convert from real to
fake. Not to wet any powder from the now-smoking
guns of the Smart Tree science, one might want to
measure and consider some of the findings of my
forest-to-residence home test on exotics.The question:
What has exotics got to offer that might aid in our
quest to find a tree or greens that could be harvested
early and still shine through to the new year, leaving
the consumer wishing for a real tree experience again?
I am not aware of this being done here in Nova Scotia,
but am aware of numerous growers checking the
needle retention of their own balsam fir seed trees - a
great idea, especially if you have 10 years or more left
to participate in this industry. Planting poor needle
retentive stock serves no purpose in today’s market.
The phrase, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound
of cure” certainly comes to mind.
For my trial, my home was my laboratory and
Seffernville experimental lot provided the raw material
to test. The harvesting date of the foliage was Oct. 28,
2013 and there were 13 exotics selected for the trial,
with one balsam fir candidate included. The branches
were all removed at shoulder height and were from 12
to 24 inches long. This was a dry, open-air test, with a
two-month time period, conducted in the second story
of my home.
The branches were each labelled with the exotic’s
name and date of removal. (Continued on next page.)
21
Two major considerations were needle retention and
appearance of freshness. The range or expression of
green colour was not considered in the judging.
After two months in the house without water the
placement from poorest to best was: 14th) concolor
fir, 13th) Korean fir, 12th) veitch fir, 11th) sachalin fir
10th) momi fir, 9th) balsam fir, 8th) recurva fir, 7th)
nikko fir, 6th) trojan fir, 5th) grand fir, 4th) ernestine
fir, 3rd) nobel fir, 2nd) fraser fir and 1st) turkish fir.
Viewing the pictures will show the outstanding
condition of the top five candidates and the diminished
appearance of the last five exotics displayed. The
question mark displayed with the grand fir 5th place
is because some members of the international forestry
delegation this past summer did not agree that this tree
was a grand fir.
Turkish fir and fraser fir
(Continued from previous page.)
No sealant was applied to any of the cut ends; and
no water was applied at any time. Numerous visual
checks were done over the two months to see how
they were holding up, checking for dehydration with
gentle shaking.
My findings are that we do have exotics that will out
perform our balsam fir, but we also have a wide range
of performance within the exotics. I would think this
trial should be repeated several times with different
candidates from each group to confirm the results.
p.s. Disregard the suggestion that retirement is boring.
My final thoughts on how to judge and place the
exotics from one to 14 was to have my wife act as an
unbiased consumer. She helped me place the foliage in
order as to what we felt would represent the condition
of a Christmas tree as it should look into the new year.
After the two months trial, the branches are displayed from top left to
bottom right in order of ranking from first to 14th.
The lowest ranked branches after the two-month trial - Korean fir, 13th
and concolor fir, 14th. The two major considerations in placement were
needle retention and the appearance of freshness.
22
Note from Ontario about National Christmas Tree Day efforts
The following is an excerpt from the Christmas Tree Growers of
Ontario newsletter about its efforts to promote a national Christmas Tree Day
This year National Christmas Tree day was declared
for Saturday December 7, 2013. We seem to be getting
more and more coverage of this day.
We have received a direct message from Ms. Glover,
the national heritage minister, regarding getting our
day declared by the federal government. She has directed me to the agricultural minister and I am hoping
to meet with him early in the new year.
This year, not only did our members spread the word,
some did have specials, and some took the opportunity
to hand out our writing contest and to talk about it. I
attended the lighting of the tree at the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite along with the Ontario Forestry Association and Ontario Wood.
This is the first year we have had banners in Ontario,
Nova Scotia and French banners in Quebec. More and
more farms are putting up the National Christmas Tree
banners. Anyone interested in getting a banner can
contact the CTFO office to arrange one. The more we
have out there the more exposure we will have.
National Christmas Tree Day for 2014 will be on
December 6th. It would seem that other provinces are
working on promoting National Christmas Tree Day
individually, and we at the CTFO office have also
been working on this. We have been in contact with
the federal agricultural minister and since the new
year we are working with a member of provincial
parliament to try and get it approved provincially in
Ontario. We will know more in the upcoming couple
of months. If we get this early in the year we will send
out a series of press releases to keep an awareness of
our industry all year long and not just in December.
US legislators pass bills to allow Christmas trees in schools
Legislators in a number of US states have been busy
from December to earlier this month with bills that
will protect schools from lawsuits if Christmas is
celebrated.
Termed the Merry Christmas bill, the laws are designed to protect schools from litigation for using the
word “Christmas” or the study of Christmas history.
“I think this will be a relief to the teachers, to the par-
ents, to the kids because we hear all across the country, every day, this time of year something happening
in the schoolhouse...you can’t hang Christmas cards,
you can’t sing Christmas carols,...” said Oklahoma
State representative Ken Walker.
The legislation was spearheaded in Texas, where there
has been a number of lawsuits against schools where
Christmas has been celebrated.
“I think that it’d be remiss for us to change our history and our traditions because of a few people who
are offended by that,” said Oklahoma Senator Larry
Boggs in a December news conference. “This bill is a
defensive bill for our rights to stand up for the tradition of Christmas...we’re not going on the offensive,
we’re only protecting what we consider an attack on
our rights to say,” Merry Christmas,” and to celebrate
Christmas season.”
Other states that introduced or passed bills include
Georgia, Indiana, Alabama, Tennessee, Missouri and
New Jersey.
23
Raising public awareness
The gift of Christmas - LCCTPA is all heart
Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers Association (LCCTPA) donated and/or presented the following
Christmas trees in 2013 to raise public awareness and promote the use of real trees during the Christmas season:
• Festival Of Trees, Department of Natural Resources Education Centre, Musquodoboit
Twenty 7-foot trees from the Seffernsville Experimental Lot.
• Province House
One 16-foot Christmas tree donated by All Nova Scotia Green Christmas Tree Co-op. Ltd., Lunenburg Co.
• Salvation Army Giving Tree
One 10-foot tree donated by Lunenburg Balsam Fir Co-op., Lunenburg Co.
• The Honourable J.J.Grant, Lieutenant Governor: (Re-donated to Camp Hill Veterans Hospital, Halifax)
One 8-foot Christmas tree donated and presented by Murray Crouse, Fauxburg.
• Premier Stephen McNeil (Re-donated to the Home of the Guardian Angel, Chebucto Family Ctre, Spryfield).
One 8-foot Christmas tree donated by Jeff Reeves, Forties.
• Honourable Keith Colwell, Minister of Agriculture (Re-donated to Margaret’s House, Dartmouth)
One 8-foot tree donated by Jack Wentzell, Parkdale.
• Honorable Zach Churchill, Minister of Natural Resources (Re-donated to Metro Turning Point Centre,
Halifax)
One 8-foot Christmas tree donated by Anzil Blackadar, New Canada. (Presentation of the VIP trees to the
Lieutenant Governor, Premier, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Natural Resources was held at Province
House on December 4th at 9:45 a.m. President, Mike Keddy, represented the LCCTPA at the official presentations.)
• Phoenix House Youth Shelter
One 8-foot Christmas tree grown by Michael Faulkenham.
• Department of Natural Resources
Two 8-foot trees donated by Bruce Turner, Forties
• Africville Museum
One 10-foot tree for inside museum and one 14-foot tree for outside, donated by Bruce Turner, Forties, with
lighting ceremony held on November 30th at 5:00 pm.
Did you know?
$28.2 million — The value of all the real Christmas trees that Canada exported last year. Within that, $25.8
million worth, or nearly 1.6 million out of a total of 1.7 million trees, went to the U.S. last year. But Canada
also sold fresh-cut trees to people in Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, France, Jamaica, Netherlands, Antilles, Panama, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates
and Venezuela.
(Source: Stats Canada)
24
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