An Ontario research station is getting nearly a million dollars from the Federal government to develop new disease-resistant apple and greenhouse tomato varieties.
The Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, located in Lincoln, Ont., will build on work done earlier by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientists, who will continue to be heavily involved in the research.
With this investment, our apple and tomato growers are benefiting from research on disease-resistant varieties,” Jim Brandle, Vineland’s CEO said. “Our goal is always to increase industry competitiveness while meeting consumer preferences for locally-grown crops.”
Both crops are economically significant to Canada.
Greenhouse tomatoes bring in $516 million annually at the farm gate, as well as $311 million in exports as of 2015.
Apples are Canada’s second most valuable fruit after blueberries, earning $181 million at the farm gate, as well as $50 million in exports, also in 2015.
Vineland, located in the Niagara region, has significant expertise in horticulture research and production.
