Food In Canada

Government investing in Ontario’s greenhouse industry

By Food in Canada   

Food In Canada Business Operations Fruit & Vegetables Greenhouse Competitiveness and Innovation Initiative Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers


March 16, 2020, Waterdown, Ont. – The Ontario government has announced an investment of up to $4.5 million towards new and innovative projects that will help the province’s greenhouse sector be even more competitive, better market its produce and further protect the environment.

Funding will be provided through a new program intake under the streamlined Greenhouse Competitiveness and Innovation Initiative (GCII).

Purpose of the GCII is to help maintain the competitiveness of the Ontario greenhouse sector in global markets and its leadership position in developing and adopting innovative technology, to encourage future investment and growth in the sector.

The new intake will focus on key areas identified by the sector where government support will help drive greater industry innovation and economic growth. The program will target projects in three categories:

Advertisement
  • sector biosecurity
  • environmental stewardship
  • production and market development

“Ontario’s greenhouse sector is an important and growing part of our province’s agri-food industry, providing us with high-quality produce year-round and supporting thousands of jobs in our province,” Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Minister Ernie Hardeman said in a press release. “By investing in innovative greenhouse projects, we are helping the sector to meet increasing consumer demand and ensure the industry’s success well into the future.”

“I would like to thank the minister and the government on behalf of the greenhouse sector. This is an important announcement that offers new tools and support,” said Jan VanderHout, president of the Ontario Greenhouse Alliance. “We look forward to working with the provincial government to ensure the Ontario greenhouse vegetable and floriculture sectors remain competitive into the future by strengthening investment in Ontario, creating local jobs and continuing to provide fresh, healthy product for Ontarians year-round.”

“The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers very much appreciate the ongoing support of the minister and the government for our sector,” said George Gilvesy, chair of Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers. “This program will support Ontario’s greenhouse growers continuing to invest in innovation to increase efficiency, reduce costs and inputs while maintaining a productive and competitive crop.”

“Ontario’s flower farmers continue to support the growth of the province’s economy by creating jobs and increasing exports. The GCII presents a significant opportunity to increase the ability for Ontario’s greenhouse community to thrive, and further enhance Ontario’s economy,” said Jan Van Zanten, president of Flowers Canada Ontario. “Flowers Canada Ontario is very pleased with today’s announcement. We believe that this is another great example of Ontario’s strong commitment to agricultural growth.”

The application for the GCII is now open to eligible greenhouse organizations and partnerships. The initiative will be administered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC).


Print this page

Advertisement

Stories continue below