Aug. 18, 2011, Vineland, Ont. – It’s not every day you hear about a 100th birthday party – much less get invited! The Vineland Research Station, part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s network of 19 research centres across Canada, is celebrating its centenary on Saturday, Sept. 10.
The community is invited to an open house between 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Visitors will be able to take tours of the research labs and bus tours of the orchards (including Jordan Farm) from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. The official ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. with government dignitaries from all levels. A free barbecue lunch will be served.
Alumni, current staff, agricultural stakeholders and dignitaries will be on hand. It will be a rare opportunity to see inside the station and speak with the scientists about what they’re working on.
Research accomplishments at the Vineland Research Station have included:
• Creating the new Harovin Sundown pear, a superior variety that is hardy, disease resistant and delicious.
• Protecting fruit trees from invasive diseases such as Plum Pox Virus and Fire Blight.
• Pioneering the “Border Spray Program” – an innovative spraying method which resulted in pest control savings of $1 million a year to the Ontario apple growing industry.
• Discovering alternative and environmentally friendly methods of controlling nematodes (round worms) and viruses.
This year, AAFC is celebrating 125 years of agricultural research that led to new discoveries and contributes to a more profitable agriculture sector producing healthier, safe, higher quality, more environmentally sustainable and abundant food for Canadians.
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