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Funds available for Ontario innovation projects

September 20, 2017  By Dave Harrison


TOGA president Jan VanderHout

Sept. 20, 2017, Guelph, Ont. – Ontario commercial greenhouse growers looking to invest in their facilities might qualify for government funding support.

The Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) is accepting applications from Ontario commercial greenhouses for the $19 million Greenhouse Competitiveness and Innovation Initiative (GCII).

“Ontario’s greenhouses are vital to the success of our agri-food sector, ensuring a diverse local food supply, and helping grow our economy,” said Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

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“Through this investment to boost innovation and foster competitiveness, our government is contributing to a stronger greenhouse sector that is creating good jobs right here in Ontario.”

MAINTAINING COMPETITIVENESS OF ONTARIO GREENHOUSE GROWERS

The objective of GCII is to help maintain the competitiveness of Ontario’s commercial scale greenhouses in North American markets and its leadership position in developing and adopting innovative technology, and to encourage future investment and growth in the sector.

Through GCII, commercial greenhouse businesses in Ontario that grow or propagate vegetables, fruit, culinary herbs or floriculture, with at least 20,000 square feet in production area, can apply for funding for their operation. Applicants will identify eligible activities that advance their individual business goals and enhance the competitiveness of their operation.

“Ontario’s greenhouse sector is a major contributor to the provincial economy,” said Jan VanderHout, president of The Ontario Greenhouse Alliance (TOGA). “We appreciate the Government of Ontario’s support and recognition of the need to invest in our future as well as work with our members on challenges facing Ontario’s greenhouse sector.
“We also appreciate the continued support of the Agricultural Adaptation Council as they launch and administer this important program for our members.”

The GCII program guide and application forms can be found on the AAC web site. Applications will be reviewed by AAC staff on a continuous basis until Sept. 28, 2018.
“The Agricultural Adaptation Council looks forward to working collaboratively with the Ontario commercial greenhouse sector to deliver the Greenhouse Competitiveness and Innovation Initiative,” said Kelly Duffy, chair, Agricultural Adaptation Council.

“The Initiative has been designed with input from the sector and will provide broad-based support to stimulate both investment and innovation for greenhouse operations.”

The Greenhouse Competitiveness and Innovation Initiative (GCII) is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The Agricultural Adaptation Council is delivering GCII.


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