$23 million boost for horticultural research in Canada

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $23.55 million through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) in horticultural research, innovation, commercialization activities, and research infrastructure. This initiative aims to benefit Ontario farmers and consumers significantly.

This multi-year investment will bolster the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC) in its research endeavors to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of horticulture in Ontario and across Canada. The funding will also support VRIC’s collaboration with Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) to ensure that the necessary equipment and infrastructure are in place for industry-focused research and innovation.

VRIC has developed research capacity in five key 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, which include:

• Granting over 250 patents and licenses through research funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness by 2030.
• Developing technology to advance new agri-food innovations.
• Translating and transferring research into practical solutions for the industry.
• Expanding the market for Ontario’s innovative technologies domestically and globally.

Sustainable CAP represents a 5-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to enhance the competitiveness, innovation, and resilience of Canada’s agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion cost-shared commitment, with 60% federal and 40% provincial/territorial funding, for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.