Tobacco Harvest Winding Down

Source from:  By Jeff Helsdon Staff Writer Friday September 22, 2006 09/26/2006

Tillsonburg News - Tobacco harvest is winding down for 2006. "By the end of next week most harvesting will be completed for the majority of farmers," said Linda Lietaer of the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers' Marketing Board. "However, there are some who will require more time to get their crops in." Jim Todd, transition crop specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, said the season has been "relatively problem-free" in terms of disease and pests. Blue mould was confirmed on Aug. 21 near Delhi. Since the initial report, which was not a severe case, there have been no additional ones. Todd said the wet weather has created a small problem with bacterial soft rot. He noted the problem wasn't as bad as last year. Todd now has some help dealing with tobacco calls as the ministry has hired an integrated pest management specialist for specialty crops, including tobacco. Melanie Filotas is based out of OMAFRA offices in Simcoe. From the reports Lietaer has heard, the crop is curing out well. "Weather and growing conditions have not been conducive for a heavy crop, but we feel the crop target will be met," she said. The 2006-07 tobacco market will start on Oct. 16. The big question on most farmers' minds is will this crop be their last? The board had set a target date of Sept. 30 as to when they would like to have details of an exit package in place. Although that date is fast approaching, nothing has been announced. Elgin-Middlesex-London MP Joe Preston, who earlier agreed the board's timeline was reasonable, said progress on an exit package is moving slower than he would like, but talks are continuing to move the file forward. Enditem