WELLAND — Four horticultural research projects at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre are tapping into a combined sum of nearly $4 million granted by the federal government.
Through the federal AgriScience Program, up to $1.8 million will be invested to support the Centre’s on-the-vine breeding program for greenhouse tomatoes, which is the first of its kind in Canada. The program focuses on developing high-yield varieties with improved flavour and production traits that are adapted to Canada’s climate.
It will also receive up to $877,000 to help make Canadian roses more disease resistant and adaptive, so that they may reach more domestic and international markets. A further $931,000 will support the Centre’s work to discover and evaluate new biocontrol solutions to advance the research on pest management for the Canadian greenhouse sector. These projects are also supported through the AgriScience Program.
The fourth project will help the Centre ramp up the conversion of horticultural waste into value-added ingredients in Canada. Up to $200,000 will be provided for the project through the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program.
“Canada’s horticulture sector relies on the high-quality, original research being conducted by the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC),” said Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, at the July 7 announcement. “Investments such as these are crucial to ensuring the VRIC can continue to advance its work and position our horticultural sector for a brighter tomorrow.”
“We appreciate the continued support of our work to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and drive short- and long-term economic growth,” said VRIC President and CEO Ian Potter.
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.
