Fruit and vegetable production | Vineland
New research to be conducted at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC) will be funded through investments from the governments of Canada and Ontario, through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), to the tune of $23.55 million. To benefit Ontario growers and consumers, this research will focus on “horticultural research, innovation and commercialization activities, and research infrastructure.”
“By investing in practical solutions for the horticulture sector, we can help ensure farmers have the tools and knowledge they need to stay competitive,” says Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of 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 the forefront of innovation here in Canada and around the world.”
In addition to supporting research activities aimed at boosting the competitiveness and profitability of horticulture practices in Ontario and Canada, this investment from Sustainable CAP will also support VRIC’s work with Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO). Through this support, up-to-date equipment and infrastructure will be provided to continue industry-focused research and innovation activities.
“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,” says Lorne Hepworth, ARIO Chair. “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.”
Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, adds, “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. 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.”
Goals of ARIO, VRIC, and the Sustainable CAP
The VRIC has five theme areas to organize its research capacities:
- Automation
- Biological crop protection
- Consumer, sensory, and market insights
- Plant response and the environment
- Plant variety development
Additionally, the intent of the proposed and funded research aligns with the strategy goals of Grow Ontario, which include:
- Applying research into practical solutions for the industry
- Developing technology to advance agri-food innovations
- Growing the market for Ontario’s innovative technologies both domestically and internationally
Lastly, the Sustainable CAP is a $3.5-billion investment to “strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency” of agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products within Canada. In its five-year span from 2023 to 2028, this includes $1 billion toward federal programs and activities and $2.5 billion (cost-shared of 60% federal and 40% territorial/provincial) for programs designed and delivered to provinces and territories.
