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Vineland’s breeding program given a boost

Oct. 28, 2016, Vineland Station, Ont. – The Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is receiving a $920,000 federal investment to develop new disease-resistant apple and greenhouse tomato varieties that will contribute to the long-term growth and profitability of these two sectors.

The projects help achieve the federal government’s goal of strengthening the Canadian agricultural sector through key investments in discovery science and innovation.

“Our government is committed to helping farmers stay on the cutting-edge of the market with superior varieties of crops,” said Lawrence MacAulay, minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

“These innovative new varieties of apples and tomatoes being developed by the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre will help drive the sector forward as a leader in job creation and innovation.”

These projects build on work carried out by AAFC scientists, who will continue to play a crucial role in developing new breeding lines.

• Greenhouse tomatoes bring in $516 million annually at the farm gate, as well as $311 million in exports (2015). •

• Apples are Canada’s second most valuable fruit after blueberries, earning $181 million at the farm gate, as well as $50 million in exports (2015).

GROWING FORWARD 2

Funding for the two projects comes from the Growing Forward 2, AgriInnovation Program (Research and Development Stream).

“This investment demonstrates our government’s support for, and commitment to, Canada and Niagara’s agricultural innovation leaders who are working hard to keep our country’s economy and businesses growing today and tomorrow,” said MP Vance Badawey (Niagara Centre).

Located in the Niagara region, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is a world-class research centre dedicated to horticultural science and innovation.

“With this investment, our apple and tomato growers are benefiting from research on disease-resistant varieties,” said Vineland CEO Dr. Jim Brandle.