NEWS & EVENTS
Community is what drives Vineland Growers and we take pride in working with those around us. Keep up to date on events, career opportunities and what’s going on in the community around Vineland Growers.
Scholarship Application 2024
Vineland Growers’ Co-operative, Limited continues the Tradition of Family Farming with the announcement of the twelfth annual $1,000 post-secondary scholarship.
WHO CAN APPLY?
In order to apply, applicants must meet the following three criteria. Applicants must be:
- an Ontario resident; and
- furthering his or her education at a Canadian post secondary institution of his or her choice, or seeking acceptance at a Canadian post secondary college or university as a first, second, third or fourth year student; and
- a child or grandchild of a member in good standing with the Co-operative, and/or a child or grandchild of an employee of Vineland Growers’ Co-operative, Limited.
THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE
In order to be considered for this scholarship, applicants must submit the following items in one package:
- A Vineland Growers’ Co-operative, Limited Scholarship Application Form. (Below)
- A brief essay, outlining:
- the program of study being pursued (or going to be pursued);
- why the applicant chose to attend post-secondary school X over all others;
- where the applicant hopes his or her post-secondary studies will lead him or her;
- a need for financial assistance.
- One letter of recommendation or reference letter from a teacher, principal, coach, etc. Letters of recommendation or reference from immediate family members or relatives are not acceptable.
- Please include your email address with your submission.
A committee, selected by the Board will review each application package The final date for submission will be April 8, 2024. A committee, selected by the Board will review each application package submitted. The selection process will be completed by April 12, 2024, with the winning applicant will be notified by email. Presentation of the scholarship will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Vineland Growers’ Annual General Meeting. The recipient is asked to attend the meeting in order to receive the award. Monies will be released once proof of enrollment and SIN number have been obtained.
WHERE DO I SEND MY APPLICATION
Applications must be emailed to sbeaudoin@vinelandgrowers.com, mailed or delivered to the following address no later than April 8, 2024:
Vineland Growers’ Co-operative, Limited
2505 Fourth Ave, Jordan Station, Ontario L0R 1S0
Attention: Secretary Treasurer
For applications contact Shannon Beaudoin at VGC 905 562-4133 ext 124 or email sbeaudoin@vinelandgrowers.com.
Vineland Growers and the Agricultural Adaptation Council initiate an industry-leading food safety program
A collaboration between Vineland Growers Co-operative Ltd. and the Agricultural Adaptation Council is helping Ontario fruit growers improve their food safety management. With funding provided through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, Vineland Growers developed new processes for cleaning and sanitation. This program will ensure locally grown tender fruit exceeds industry food safety standards set by retailers and customers.
The collaboration included 17 Niagara fruit grower members who participated in training and implemented new cleaning processes and record keeping. Vineland Growers provided professional training and education, and worked with growers to develop specific cleaning and sanitation procedures for their pack houses. Funding allowed Vineland Growers to purchase state-of-the-art adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence technology to monitor and ensure sanitation is thorough to avoid contamination. Through the program, select staff members from Vineland Growers participated in the Food Safety Training Program at the University of Guelph to help growers with on-going training and education. The co-operative is currently working towards certifying an Internal Auditor, to achieve Group Certification through CanadaGap, which will make certification attainable for small and large growers.
Successful food safety management will maximize freshness and safety of crops, and will result in increased sales and extended shelf–life of tender fruit.
This project was funded in part through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership) a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of the Partnership in Ontario.
Vineland Growers’ Co-operative Limited and The Norfolk Fruit Growers Association announce marketing agreement
Looking to build on over 100 years of servicing its growers, Vineland Growers Co-operative Limited, Canada’s leading shippers of stonefruit, grapes and pears, has entered into a marketing agreement with The Norfolk Fruit Growers’ Association, one of Ontario’s premier apple packers.
Starting with the 2019 harvest, Vineland Growers’ Co-operative Limited will become the exclusive marketer for The Norfolk Fruit Growers’ Association’s fresh apple program. This agreement makes Vineland Growers the most diverse supplier of freshly grown Ontario fruit through its marketing of peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries, grapes, pears and apples.
“We are extremely excited to see two of the longest operating fruit organizations in Canada working together to better meet the changing demands of our customers. This is an agreement that just makes sense. The industry is becoming increasingly competitive and the need to create scale within the two businesses will help to service the needs of our growers, packers and customers.” Mike Ecker, President, Vineland Growers Co-operative Limited
“The members and staff at The Norfolk Fruit Growers’ Association look forward to this new venture with Vineland Growers as an excellent method to continue the service to their members and customers as they enter their 113th apple crop.” Tom O’Neill, General Manager, The Norfolk Fruit Growers’ Association
Apples grown and packed by Norfolk Fruit Growers Association will continue to be marketed under the Norfolk brand.
Please direct any inquiries to mike@vinelandgrowers.com
Vineland Growers Thanks Mike Honsberger
Vineland Growers would like to thank Mike Honsberger for 15 years of dedicated service on the co-operative’s Board of Directors. Mike has been a co-operative member for over 60 years and his connections to Vineland go back to its inception in 1913. He has been an essential part of our growth and success and we thank him for his contribution!
Mike Honsberger is a seventh generation farmer of land has been in his family for over 200 years. Along with his wife Dawn and son Curtis, Mike operates a 150-acre farm that offers tender fruit varieties including sweet cherries, peaches, nectarines and pears.
Academic Scholarship Awarded to Josiah Mullet Coop
Vineland Growers Co-operative proudly presents Josiah Mullet with our 6th Annual Academic Scholarship of $ 1,000.The scholarship is awarded in recognition of outstanding performance and dedication in completing your secondary education & in pursuit of continuing education in a Bachelor of Agriculture at The University of Guelph.
Awarded on: April 11th, 2018
Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention 2018
Vineland Growers is proud to sponsor the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention. We would like to thank all participants of OFVC for amazing two days of learning, connecting and promoting successful agriculture in our region. Our team participated in several great panels and talks touching on a diverse number of subjects important to our industry. It is amazing to see the innovation and passion that surrounds our industry and we look forward to seeing everyone next year! (for the meat and cheese, of course).
Mike Ecker awarded Senate of Canada Sesquicentennial Medal
Our president, Micheal Ecker has been awarded a Senate of Canada Sesqicentennial Medal awarded in honour of Canada’s 150th celebrations. The medals have been awarded to Canadians who generosity, dedication, volunteerism and hard work make their communities a better place to live. Mike was recognized for his leadership within the Vineland Growers Co-operative and his support and strengthening of family farms in the Niagara region. 1500 medals have been awarded to deserving individuals across the country. Congratulations Mike!
Community Christmas Spirit
Thank you to everyone who came out to the Grimsby and Niagara-on-the-Lake christmas parades! We had so much fun designing our Canada 150 float and even more sharing the day everyone! We look forward to these family parades every year and hope see everyone next year for laughs, christmas spirit and treats!
Matt Ecker Receives OPMA Fresh Award
Matt Ecker, our Sales and Business Development Manager, has been honoured with The Fresh Award at the Ontario Produce Marketing Associations annual Awards Ceremony and Gala! The OPMA Fresh Award is presented to a young individual under 40 who demonstrates a fervent determination to improve the quality, distribution and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Congratulations Matt!