Canada: Harper Government invests in new tender fruit and fresh grape varieties

Member of Parliament Dean Allison (Niagara West-Glanbrook), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced today an investment of $410,545 to the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers' Marketing Board (OTFPMB) to develop new varieties suited to the province's soil conditions and climate.

This investment from AAFC's AgriInnovation Program, under Growing Forward 2, will enable OTFPMB to produce new varieties of tender fruits and fresh grapes. These new varieties, which can be introduced to consumers earlier in the season, will help producers gain greater market share in the fruit sector.

This investment builds on previous support of $167,000 provided to OTFPMB under the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP) in Ontario, for projects to evaluate and improve tender tree fruit varieties and breeding to enhance tender fruit quality and marketability.

"The tender fruit and grape sectors play an important role in our economy. Advancing research to improve tender fruit and grape quality and availability, and developing new varieties will increase the sustainability, competitiveness and profitability of these sectors." said Dean Allison - Member of Parliament (Niagara West-Glanbrook)

"Development of new varieties for the Ontario Tender Fruit industry will result in economic benefits to our growers and business partners. On behalf of the industry, I extend sincere appreciation to the Government of Canada for their investment in our future." concludes Phil Tregunno - Chair OTFPMB

Please visit www.agr.gc.ca for more information.