Ontario Construction News staff writer
The governments of Canada and Ontario are providing up to $23.6 million to boost horticultural innovation, research and innovation in Niagara Region.
“Investing in practical solutions for the horticulture sector helps eansure farmers have the tools and knowledge to stay competitive,” said Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, representing federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay. “Cutting-edge research at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC) keeps Canada at the forefront of global innovation.”
The multi-year investment will support a collaboration with Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO), ensuring modern equipment and infrastructure for industry-focused research and innovation.
“VRIC plays a pivotal role in Ontario’s agri-food research, driving innovation and commercialization,” said Rob Flack, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Our government proudly supports VRIC as it identifies market trends and enhances sector competitiveness.”
The company focuses on automation, biological crop protection, environmental plant responses, plant variety development, and consumer insights, aligning with Ontario’s Grow Ontario Strategy. The strategy aims for over 250 patents and licenses by 2030 and promotes new agri-food technologies domestically and globally.
VRIC, since 2007, operates 90 hectares with orchards, vineyards, and greenhouses under Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO). Recent innovations support greenhouse tomatoes, mushrooms, apples, grapes, and other horticultural products, advancing commercialization and sector innovation.
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