November 15, 2012
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre has received $50,000 to assist the Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance in developing an innovation strategy for its members in the flowers, nursery and landscape sectors.

Dean Allison, MP for Niagara West-Glanbrook, made the announcement on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.

The plan is to help horticultural growers develop innovative projects to increase their competitiveness and boost profits. The strategy will prioritize research needs and accelerate the transfer of innovation from the lab to the marketplace. “A strategic plan for research and innovation will help producers access these new and growing markets with innovations that are targeted to their needs,” reads a press release from the Department of Agriculture.

This funding builds on a previous investment of $1.5 million in the Ornamental Horticulture Cluster Initiative, administered by Vineland that brought together partners across the sector to increase profitability through improved efficiencies and new market opportunities.

Said MP Allison, “The ongoing partnership we have with Vineland is an excellent example of how industry leadership can benefit the sector and help increase farmers’ profitability.”

The horticulture sector accounts for 15 per cent of Canada’s total farm cash receipts more than $6 billion a year. More than 110,000 people are employed in the ornamental horticulture sector.

The projects are funded under the Agricultural Innovation Program (AIP), a $50-million initiative announced as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2011. The AIP is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to help Canadian producers benefit from cutting-edge science and technology. The AIP boosts the development and commercialization of innovative new products, technologies, and processes for the agricultural sector. For more information about the AIP and other Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada programs, please visit www.agr.gc.ca.