The Canadian horticulture sector is a key contributor to Canada's economy, representing over $5 billion in sales and $2.6 billion in exports and supporting thousands of jobs across the country while expanding markets for the sector's safe, high-quality products.
Today, Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, on behalf of Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food was at the Canadian Horticultural Council Annual General Meeting to announce a federal investment of up to $11.5 million to the Horticulture Cluster under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The cluster, led by the Canadian Horticultural Council, will include an additional $6.5 million in contributions from industry, for a total investment of $18 million.
The cluster will support cutting-edge research to develop new technologies and practices for better pest and disease management, post-harvest storage and handling for apples, berries, field vegetables, potatoes and greenhouse grown crops and strategies to improve soil health.
It will also build on previous work by supporting sustainable practices to reduce the environmental footprint and develop new crop varieties to keep our growers profitable and competitive.
"CHC is thrilled to again be entering into a valued partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada on its AgriScience Cluster Program. This important funding allows us to broaden the scope of research for many different fruits and vegetables and address key issues, such as pest management tools, labour, production costs, and variety evaluation. AAFC's Cluster program will help to ensure Canadian farmers can continue to grow fruits and vegetables of the highest quality, while supporting the sector's competitiveness in an ever-changing world." said Brian Gilroy, President of the Canadian Horticultural Council.
For more information:
Katie Hawkins
Tel: 613-773-1059
Email: katie.hawkins@canada.ca
www.hortcouncil.ca/en