October 15, 2010
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre received approval for $1.5 million in federal funds to create best practices for pest and weed control and fertilization, optimal production conditions to reduce energy consumption and improved product development.

The funding announcement was made by Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Member of Parliament Greg Kerr (West Nova) in Aylesford, Nova Scotia, on Sept. 1.

Results of the research are expected to help increase profitability through improved efficiencies and new market opportunities.

Minister Ritz said, “This targeted investment will bring together the best and brightest minds in the business to turn innovative ideas into dollars for the growers’ pocket.”

The agriculture minister went on to say, “The horticultural sector is vital to Canada’s agriculture industry and plays an important role in the economy. In 2009, farm cash receipts for the Canadian horticultural sector (edible and ornamental) totalled almost $6 billion, a five per cent increase from the previous year, and the value of exports of horticultural products reached $3.8 billion.”

“Delivering the ornamental horticulture cluster on behalf of the Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance is a major step forward for both Vineland, and the horticulture industry,” said Dr. Jim Brandle, CEO at Vineland.

“The cluster will bring together top class horticulture scientists at Vineland and from across the country, to conduct leading-edge research that will deliver environmental and economic benefits for Canadian producers of ornamental plants.”