Apples are one of Canada’s most important fruit crops, leading the sector in overall fruit production and scoring in the nation’s top five exported fruits. There is a need to innovate and evolve as consumers seek new varieties and alternatives arise in the marketplace. That’s why Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is collaborating with the Associated International Group of Nurseries (AIGN), a world leader in the intellectual property management of tree fruits. AIGN is the owner of Hertha, an extensive horticultural data base system for the management of proprietary varieties.

“This new collaboration will advance apple variety development in Canada by combining Vineland’s multi-disciplinary research and innovation capabilities and intellectual property management skills with AIGN’s expertise in tree production and commercialization,” says Dr. Ian Potter, president and CEO, Vineland. “This distinctive collaboration has the potential, not only to maximize our breeding efforts and benefit the Ontario and Canadian apple sector, but also to increase the Canadian apple selections most popular with consumers in Canada and around the world.”

“AIGN is excited to be Vineland’s exclusive collaborator on the evaluation, selection and commercialization of new apple cultivars for Canadian consumers and beyond,” says Dr. Gavin Porter, AIGN CEO. “AIGN also looks forward to building a working relationship with Vineland’s multi-disciplinary team for new plant variety development aligned with AIGN’s global tree production and commercialization expertise to maximize the impact of the Vineland breeding program.

Source:  Vineland Research and Innovation Centre July 11, 2023 news release