News
Funding to open new markets for horticulture

Mar. 18, 2013, Toronto — The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association has received federal funding to grow new markets for the country’s diverse horticulture exports.

Ted Opitz, MP for Etobicoke Centre, announced the $53,000 investment at Canada Blooms on March 16. Opitz made the announcement on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.

“Our government remains focused on the economy and a strong horticulture industry will help to fuel that growth,” said Opitz. “Our strategic investments in market development will help ensure that Canadian growers stay competitive in the global marketplace.”

The funds will help the CNLA explore potential growth markets, such as Germany, Russia and China. It will also be used to build on the work done at previous international shows, increasing the recognition and reputation of the Canadian horticulture sector.

“We know there is strong demand in emerging and growing markets for the attributes for which Canadian-grown nursery product is already well-recognized – namely quality, environmental friendliness and, above all, winter hardiness,” said Rita Weerdenburg, growers manager for the CNLA. “This investment by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada allows us to further explore the potential of those valuable markets, thus strengthening the viability of this important sector of agriculture across Canada.

Horticulture accounts for 15 per cent of Canada’s total farm cash receipts, which translates to more than $6 billion per year. The ornamental horticulture sector makes up approximately 30 per cent of that industry, which employs about 110,000 people.

Through the AgriMarketing Program under Growing Forward, the Government of Canada is investing $88 million to help industry implement long-term international strategies, including international market development, industry-to-industry trade advocacy and consumer awareness and branding activities.