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Vineland horticultural centre gets over $23M to support research

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A horticultural research centre in the Niagara Region is receiving more than $23 million in provincial and federal investments.

The money will support the work of the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VIRC) in Vineland, Ont.

“By investing in practical solutions for the horticulture sector, we can help ensure farmers have the tools and knowledge they need to stay competitive,” St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle said in a press conference Thursday alongside Rob Flack, Ontario’s new minister of agriculture, food and agribusiness.

“The cutting-edge research that takes place at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is keeping us at forefront of innovation here in Canada and around the world.”

The investment is part of a five-year, $3.5 billion initiative called the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

It will also support the VIRC’s work with Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario and ensure there is up-to-date equipment and infrastructure.

The VRIC was created in 2007 and operates 90 hectares of experimental orchards, vineyards, rotation crop areas and greenhouses, with approximately 30 buildings onsite.

Since its opening, it has launched new products and technology and supported innovations related to greenhouse produce.

The goal of Sustainable CAP is to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture and agri‐based products sector.

Ontario is a net exporter of agricultural products.

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