The Ontario government is funding five projects in Bradford West Gwillimbury through the Agri-Tech Innovation Program.

“It’s no secret that York—Simcoe is built on the success of our farmers and agri-food workers,” said Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York-Simcoe. “That’s why our government is investing $450,000 in five local projects to support their long-term success.”

Local funding includes:

-  Bradford Greenhouses Limited – $100,000

-  Hillside Gardens Limited – $100,000

-  L & D Ferragina Ltd. – $92,978.18

-  Gwillimdale Farms Ltd. – $100,000

-  Top Box Produce Ltd. – $ 59,115.00

“We were recently approved for a significant rebate which will help Bradford Greenhouses fund a state-of-the-art transplanting machine to increase our technological capabilities while meeting COVID Safety social distancing requirements to help us keep BGH employees safe,” said Len and Mickey Ferragine.

“Hillside Gardens is a grateful recipient of the Agri-tech Innovation Early Adopters Program. The funding support that we have been allocated will help equip our farm with the tools needed to make advancements in innovation, efficiencies, solidifying local jobs, and ultimately to continue providing healthy, affordable food for Canadians,” said Steven Kamenar. “In an increasingly turbulent food market and with demanding agricultural challenges there is a need to always push forward to overcome challenges, mitigate risks and find better ways to do what we do.”

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become extremely difficult to work within the restrained environment,” said John Hambly. “Gwillimdale Farms Ltd appreciates the engagement and support from the different levels of government. We are constantly working on improving quality of our produce, but also promoting the health and safety of our employees. With the recent funding we have received, it has allowed us to do both. Our new artificial intelligence grading system will allow us to improve the quality of potatoes that Ontarians receive from our farm, but more importantly, will allow us to protect our employees by spacing them out throughout the facility and creating safer work environments for the future.”

Source:   Office of Caroline Mulroney April 8, 2022 news release