When asked how she saw the North American industry change over the last few years, Siera Simoni highlighted automation, innovation, and expansion as key themes that stood out to her. "Increasing interest rates and inflation were selective pressures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic." Recently, Siera joined Paskal Canada as Key Account Manager for Canada and the US. The company provides a wide range of high quality products and solutions to increase the efficiency of protected horticulture crops. "The business acumen and drive of the sector to become more innovative through on-farm investments and crop diversification are setting the sector up for future opportunities. I am happy to say that I can play a role in helping them."
Appreciation
Growing up in the greenhouse industry on a family farm not only taught her a lot of valuable skills but also gave Siera a deep understanding and appreciation for the sector. Her career so far includes experience with the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "Entering the workplace allowed me opportunities in both the non-profit and government sectors, giving me insights into the different sides that work in coordination to help the sector grow and innovate. I am very excited to start a new chapter with Paskal and look forward to bringing solutions to our growers as they continue to set the standard for greenhouse agriculture."
She identifies labor, access to infrastructure, and pests and diseases as continuing challenges that inhibit growth imperatives for growers and negatively impact business operations. "Rugose and fusarium have been really challenging for tomato and pepper growers, as have continually increasing minimum wage costs and challenges in accessing critical infrastructure for growth, like water."
Innovative materials
As the Key Account Manager for Canada and the US, she looks forward to assisting propagators and horticultural growers in succeeding. "We see that innovative materials can help achieve sustainability imperatives. We're trialing new products to determine how they can assist growing and have positive impacts on both the top and bottom lines. Through partnerships and collaborations, the team here at Paskal will be able to continue being an industry leader that can assist our growers in achieving successful growing seasons. Ensuring continued and increased communication with growers allows us to be a dynamic, feedback-driven team that is as innovative as our growers."
For more information:
Paskal Canada
Richard Morris
Sales Director Canada& USA
Cell 947-500-9128
Siera Simoni
Key Account Sales Manager Canada & USA
Cell 519-819-1368