The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $8 million through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to help apple, tender fruit, and wine grape producers grow popular varieties of produce.

The initial apple and tender fruit intake of the Growing Future Opportunities Initiative will provide eligible producers with cost-shared funding to purchase new plants that will create new opportunities for their business. The wine grape intake will provide producers with access to the same cost-share funding. The replanted stock will yield varieties of produce that better meet market demand, increase yield hardiness, and improve resistance against pests and diseases.

Under the Growing Future Opportunities Initiative, eligible producers can apply to receive 75 per cent of cost-share funding for plants, with plantings to be completed by the end of 2026. The apple and tender fruit intake of the initiative will open on November 20, 2023. Approved projects are to be completed by December 31, 2026. The wine grape intake is anticipated in the winter of 2024.

The program will be delivered by Agricorp. Application information for the Growing Future Opportunities initiative will be available online at the Agricorp website or by calling 1-888-247-4999.

"Ontario Apple Growers thanks the federal and provincial governments for this investment in Ontario’s apple orchards,” says Cathy McKay, chair, Ontario Apple Growers. “Growing high quality, nutritious apples for the Canadian market is a long-term commitment and investment. Transitioning orchards to high-density systems helps support our growers with lower cost of production, brings additional efficiency to the farm and increases our competitiveness here at home and in the global marketplace."

"The Ontario Tender Fruit Growers has prioritized new variety development for many years and is well positioned for this opportunity,” adds Phil Tregunno, chair, Ontario Tender Fruit Growers. “We greatly appreciate this funding to meet market demand, address climate change pressures and reduce reliance on imports to feed Canadians."

Source:  Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs October 30, 2023 news release