VINELAND, Ont. — Many farmers struggle with the costs associated with growing, but the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, a not-for-profit organization built for horticultural science and innovation, is hoping to introduce new technology to make the job easier and more cost effective.

"In the 1950s the grain sector was transformed with the advent of the self-propelled combine,” explains Dr. Jim Brandle, CEO, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. “We have now reached that same turning point for the horticulture industry with mechanical platforms and robotic technologies that will reduce labour costs and improve farm and processing efficiencies."

The P.E.I government has just made it easier to find restaurant and hospitality sites on the Island with the introduction of its new mobile tourism apps.

“We created these mobile apps to ensure our visitors are always connected to the information they need when they are travelling,” said Tourism and Culture Minister Robert Vessey. “This includes events calendars, restaurant listings, great ideas for things to do while on the Island, places to stay and essential information like grocery store locations and maps.”

The apps, which are accessible by all Internet-ready smartphones, cull information from the Tourism P.E.I. website, the government of P.E.I. website and another source of culinary data.

DUBLIN, Ohio — No Canadian ex-pat or American coffee lover need be deprived of Tim Hortons any longer, with news that the famed Canuck coffee and doughnut house has opened an online store for U.S. customers.

"We get phone calls and emails every day from people who crave Tim Hortons coffee but don't live near a restaurant," said David McMullen, vice-president of U.S. Marketing for the chain. "Our new online store helps bring our coffee right to their door. The site is simple, fast and friendly, just like our restaurants. And, it has great gift ideas for the Tim Hortons lover who's moved away."

Now, more than 25 of the coffee shop’s products, including ground coffee, boxed tea, travel mugs and insulated coffee carriers, can be bought online for the price that would be paid at most Tim’s locations (minus the shipping and handling). All major credit cards are accepted, and delivery is available in all U.S. states.

VoIP technology is changing the way operators communicate with customers and suppliers

ood ordered, food assembled, food passed through window into waiting car, transaction complete. Elapsed time: two minutes. For many today, it would seem difficult to improve on this idyllic ode to efficiency. But thanks to a new system of Internet protocol, fast food just got faster. As companies turn their analog voice streams into digital packets that can be transmitted over the Internet, they’re speeding up communications with customers and suppliers alike.