Governments of Canada and Ontario Invest Over $23 Million in Niagara for Agri-Food Innovation

July 11, 2024

Vineland Station – The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $23.55 million through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support horticultural research, innovation and commercialization activities, as well as research infrastructure, at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.

This multi-year investment will support the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in research activities to increase the competitiveness and profitability of horticulture across the province. The funding will also support the partnership of the research centre with Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario in ensuring there is up-to-date equipment and infrastructure in place to conduct industry focussed research and innovation activities.

“Adapting innovation and technology is key to the success of our local agri-food sector,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“This is why we are investing in innovations that will build a stronger, more resilient sector for years to come. From research to farm production, to food processing, adopting new technologies will help strengthen our food supply chain, create new market opportunities and build our economy.”

“The Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is a key part of Ontario’s wider agri-food research capabilities that drive innovation and commercialization for the industry,” said Hon. Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.

“Our government is proud to support this facility as it works to determine market trends, identify best production practices and increase competitiveness across the sector, which all contribute to the success of Ontario’s agriculture and food businesses.”

The Vineland Research and Innovation Centre has established research capacity in five theme areas, including automation, biological crop protection, plant responses and the environment, plant variety development and consumer, sensory and market insights. This research aligns with the Grow Ontario Strategy goals.

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year $3.5-billion investment by federal‐provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment cost-shared sixty percent federally and forty percent provincially.