Governments investing in horticultural research and innovation
Newsroom Ontario, July 11, 2024
By Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
VINELAND – The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $23.55 million through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) in horticultural research, innovation and commercialization activities, and research infrastructure, all to benefit Ontario farmers and consumers.
“By investing in practical solutions for the horticulture sector, we can help ensure farmers have the tools and knowledge they need to stay competitive,” said Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “The cutting-edge research that takes place at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is keeping us at forefront of innovation here in Canada and around the world.”
This multi-year investment will support the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC) in research activities to increase the competitiveness and profitability of horticulture in Ontario and Canada. It will also support the Centre’s work with Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) in ensuring there is up-to-date equipment and infrastructure in place to conduct industry focussed research and innovation activities.
“The Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is a key part of Ontario’s wider agri-food research capabilities that drive innovation and commercialization for the industry,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Our government is proud to support this facility as it works to determine market trends, identify best production practices and increase competitiveness across the sector, which all contribute to the success of Ontario’s agriculture and food businesses.”
VRIC has established research capacity in five theme areas: automation, biological crop protection, plant responses and the environment, plant variety development, and consumer, sensory and market insights. This research aligns with the Grow Ontario Strategy goals, including:
- Seeing over 250 patents and licences granted through research funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness by 2030
- Developing technology to advance new agri-food innovations
- Translation and transfer of research into practical solutions for the industry
- Growing the market for Ontario innovative technologies domestically and globally.
Sustainable CAP is a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal‐provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.
Quick Facts
- VRIC was created in 2007 and operates 90 hectares of experimental orchards, vineyards, rotation crop areas, ornamental plantings and greenhouses with approximately 30 buildings onsite owned by Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO), an agency of the province.
- In recent years, VRIC has launched new products and technology and supported commercialization and innovations related to greenhouse tomatoes, mushrooms, apples, grapes and many other edible horticultural sector items.
- This partnership includes supports for specialty and alternative horticultural sectors to address opportunities and challenges such as sustainable production practices, pests and diseases, variety development and evaluation, and automation for labour efficiencies.
Quotes
“Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario is pleased to provide modern facilities and equipment so the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre can continue to develop high-impact horticultural research that the industry needs. It is innovative research like this that positions the agri-food industry to stay on the cutting edge of best production practices and implement new technologies and techniques that will increase the competitiveness and sustainability of the agri-food sector.”
– Lorne Hepworth, Chair, Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario
“By investing in both Vineland’s research and innovation capacity and the province’s advanced horticultural research infrastructure, the government is prioritizing and focusing on made-in-Ontario research and innovation that boosts productivity, helps businesses grow, creates jobs and strengthens the economy for Ontario and Canada, as well as globally positioning and protecting the province’s food security and supply system.”
– Dr. Ian J. Potter, President and CEO, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
