Governments Investing in Agriculture Research at Vineland
News release
Study to benefit greenhouse sector and municipalities
March 18, 2021 – Vineland, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Canada and Ontario are supporting research projects to increase capacity and productivity in the horticultural sector through a more than $330,000 investment in in the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC).
Under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership) the funding for each project will be used to purchase specialized equipment to improve the research capabilities that will benefit Ontario’s greenhouse sector. Research will focus on improving harvesting and storage practices, as well as inventory tracking and improvements to biosecurity and COVID-19 protocols.
In addition to these research projects, VRIC will also study urban planting initiatives that will identify the best varieties of trees to plant for urban environments and streetscapes. This research will help lead to solutions and best practices for municipalities pursuing urban tree initiatives.
VRIC facilitates, coordinates and delivers applied research, innovation and commercialization activities focused on the needs of Ontario’s horticulture value-chain—from producer to consumer and from research to industry.
Since June 2018, both the federal and provincial governments have committed cost-share support to more than 4,400 projects through the Partnership, to help eligible Ontario farmers, food processors, agri-food businesses and sector organizations innovate and grow.
Quotes
"Supporting new technology solutions like those developed at Vineland will help keep Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food sector on the cutting edge. Our farmers and food businesses are leading our country on the road to recovery, and our Government will continue investing in the support they need to grow and succeed."
- The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“Agri-food research leads to exciting new products and practices while increasing efficiency and competitiveness across the sector. Our government is investing in agri-food research as part of our commitment to prosperous, competitive and sustainable agriculture in Ontario.”
- The Honourable Ernie Hardeman, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
“Agri-food research leads to innovative technologies, tools and solutions. Making strategic investments like the projects announced today, help the sector be more competitive in the future.”
- Toby Barrett, Parliamentary Assistant to the provincial Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
“This investment allows us to expand our capabilities and enhance our leadership role in driving and supporting growth across the province’s horticulture sector. We are grateful for the province’s continued confidence in Vineland and thankful for their support through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.”
- Ian Potter, President and CEO, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
“The Vineland Research Centre (VRIC) is key to Niagara’s innovative agriculture and agri-food success. From fruit to flowers, trees to vines, VRIC has a track record of delivering results in partnerships with farmers and academia across Ontario, leading to good jobs and economic growth. Today’s announcement demonstrates our government’s commitment to excellence in agriculture and research.”
- Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West
Quick facts
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The Partnership is a five-year, $3-billion commitment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors. This commitment includes $2 billion for programs cost-shared by the federal and provincial/territorial governments that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
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VRIC focuses on horticultural science and innovation for Ontario and Canada. Located in the Niagara region, Vineland facilitates, coordinates and delivers applied research, innovation and commercialization activities that benefit the horticulture sector.
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The Ontario agri-food sector supports more than 860,000 jobs in Ontario and contributes more than $47.3 billion each year to the province’s economy.
Associated links
Contacts
Jean-Sébastien Comeau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
jean-sebastien.comeau@canada.ca
343-549-2326
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Avi Yufest
Office of the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Avi.Yufest@Ontario.ca
Christa Roettele, Communications Branch
OMAFRA.media@ontario.ca
519-826-3145
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