The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is the source of $23 million for horticultural research, innovation and commercialization activities, and research infrastructure located at Vineland, Ontario. 

“By investing in practical solutions for the horticulture sector, we can help ensure farmers have the tools and knowledge they need to stay competitive,” said Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. 

This multi-year investment will support the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC) in research activities to increase the competitiveness and profitability of horticulture in Ontario and Canada. It will also support the Centre’s work with Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) in ensuring there is up-to-date equipment and infrastructure in place to conduct industry focussed research and innovation activities.

“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,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “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.”

VRIC has established research capacity in five theme areas: automation, biological crop protection, plant responses and the environment, plant variety development, and consumer, sensory and market insights. This research aligns with the Grow Ontario Strategy goals, including:

•   -  Seeing more than 250 patents and licences granted through research funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness by 2030

•   -  Developing technology to advance new agri-food innovations

   

•   -  Translation and transfer of research into practical solutions for the industry

   

•   -  Growing the market for Ontario innovative technologies domestically and globally.

VRIC was created in 2007 and operates 90 hectares of experimental orchards, vineyards, rotation crop areas, ornamental plantings and greenhouses with approximately 30 buildings onsite owned by Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO), an agency of the province.

Source:  Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness July 11, 2024 news release