“Canada’s horticulture sector relies on the high-quality, original research being conducted by the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. Federal 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,' said Neil Ellis, Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
For that reason, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Parliamentary Secretary Neil Ellis announced federal funding of nearly $4 million to support four horticultural research projects at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC).
Through the federal AgriScience Program, up to $1.8 million will be invested to support VRIC’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 flavor and production traits that are adapted to Canada’s climate.
VRIC 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 research being conducted at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable, prosperous and competitive horticulture sector for Ontario and all of Canada. These investments will drive innovation, and find solutions to boost yields and reach new markets," said Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“The Government of Canada’s confidence in Vineland through investment in horticulture innovation means new varieties preferred by consumers and adapted for the Canadian climate and new crop protection solutions making better use of resources and helping the sector be more sustainable. We appreciate the continued support of our work to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and drive short- and long-term economic growth," said Ian Potter, President and CEO, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.
For more information:
Vineland Research
[email protected]
www.vinelandresearch.com