Governments Investing in Agriculture Research at Vineland

VINELAND — Canada and Ontario are supporting research projects to increase capacity and productivity in the horticultural sector through a more than $330,000 investment 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.

“Supporting new technology solutions like those developed at Vineland will help keep Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food sector on the cutting edge,” said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “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.”

“Agri-food research leads to exciting new products and practices while increasing efficiency and competitiveness across the sector,” said the Honourable Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural affairs. “Our government is investing in agri-food research as part of our commitment to prosperous, competitive and sustainable agriculture in Ontario.”

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.

Quick Facts

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.