Through a $10 million investment, construction is underway on a greenhouse facility at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre that will be the largest research facility of its kind in Canada. The 3,700-square-metre facility will focus on developing innovative technologies that will help get more food to market faster. Areas of research include:
- Research to create crops that are more resilient to Ontario conditions and more profitable to grow;
- Enhanced horticultural production systems, including natural and automated pest-management systems for greenhouse operations;
- Consumer insights to support new products, including different varieties of vegetables, apples and wine.
Supporting research and innovation is part of the government's economic plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.
Quick Facts
- There are approximately 1,150 greenhouse operations in Ontario — more than half of the greenhouses in Canada.
- The new greenhouse complex at Vineland will be more than twice the size of any other research greenhouse in Canada.
- Recent commercialization successes coming out of Vineland include the introduction of Pixie grapes, a one-of-kind, ornamental dwarf grapevine, and the sundown pear, an attractive, late-season, fresh-market pear with good storage capability.
- Ontario’s agri-food sector contributes $34 billion to the provincial GDP and employs more than 740,000 people.
Quotes
“The Ontario government is proud to support the new greenhouse facility at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. Investments in research and innovation are critical to growing our horticultural sector and will create jobs in the agri-food industry across Ontario.”Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
“This new greenhouse represents a significant opportunity for the horticulture industry in Ontario. What sets this project apart is the unique ability it will provide for problem solving and collaboration with our ever-widening range of partners and the commercialization of great science.”
Jim Brandle
CEO, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
For more information:
Minister's Office
Bryan Bossin
+1 416-326-3072
Communications Branch
Susin Micallef
+1 519-826-3145