A new research program is focusing on changing and improving the product mix for Ontario tender fruit and fresh grape growers.
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) is evaluating plum, peach, nectarine and apricot trees from the University of Guelph’s breeding program in terms of superior varieties that meet consumer preferences. Vineland is also scouting the world for fresh grape varieties better- adapted to our local climate.
The government of Canada is supporting the development of new Canadian tree fruit and fresh grape varieties through the AgriInnovation Program as part of the Growing Forward 2 initiative. This four-year $590,000 research program is a collaborative effort between Vineland, the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers (OTFP) and the University of Guelph with additional support provided by the Ontario Fresh Grape Growers and VineTech Canada.
“This collaborative research program will give growers access to tender fruit varieties bred in Canada and introduce fresh grape varieties that will add value to the Canadian tree fruit and fresh grape industry fostering economic growth,” says Dr. Daryl Somers, Research Director, Applied Genomics at Vineland.
“In this highly competitive marketplace, identifying and releasing new varieties to meet consumer demand as quickly as possible is crucial to our industry,” says Phil Tregunno, Chair, Ontario Tender Fruit Producers.
For more information
Ontario Tender Fruit Producers
Sarah Marshall, General Manager
T: +1 905-688-0990
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
Cheryl Lennox, Director, Marketing & Communications
T: +1 905-984-0053