Canada and Ontario Invest in World-Class Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
April 22, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The governments of Canada and Ontario are helping the province's horticulture industry address production challenges, respond to consumer demands and bring new products and technologies to market with an investment of $26.5 million in the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.
The funding will come through Growing Forward 2, a five-year federal-provincial-territorial initiative. It will support innovations in the centre's three areas of research:
- Genetic research to create crops that are more resilient to Ontario conditions and more profitable to grow
- Enhanced horticultural production systems, including natural and automated pest management systems for greenhouse and nursery operations
- Consumer insights to support new products, including different varieties of vegetables, apples and wine
The support Vineland is receiving through Growing Forward 2 will ensure it can continue to focus on world-class applied research, innovation and commercialization activities to further strengthen Ontario's horticulture sector and support good jobs.
Recent successes coming out of Vineland include:
- The introduction of Pixie grapes, a one-of-kind ornamental dwarf grapevine. Consumers bought 40,000 Pixie grape plants in 2013.
- The introduction of the Sundown Pear, an attractive late-season pear with good storage capability. Growers bought 13,000 Sundown Pear trees from Vineland in 2013. Projected sales for this year are 40,000 trees.
- The development of Appassimento grape drying system for Ontario conditions.
Mark Cripps
Minister’s Office
416-326-3069
Susan Murray
Communications Branch
519-826-3145
Emily Hogeveen
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
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