Agriculture Roundup for Thursday October 12, 2023
The federal government has entered a $9.8 million partnership with the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) to assist the horticulture industry by enhancing research that protects the environment and helps ensure Canadians have access to high-quality products.
FVGC Vice President Marcus Janzen said he was excited to renew collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the approval of the Canadian AgriScience Cluster for Horticulture 4.
“This significant investment of $17.5 million, including AAFC’s substantial $9.8 million contribution, will be a catalyst for research spanning five commodity groups. This program will bolster our efforts in areas such as climate change mitigation, economic development, and sector resilience,” Janzen said. “Cluster 4 is not merely funding; it’s a commitment to equipping Canadian farmers with the innovative tools they need to produce world-class fruits and vegetables and ensure our sector’s sustainability.”
Research will focus on the development of new varieties, disease management, labour cost-savings, climate resilience, and greener pesticides and energy, with a focus on apples, berries, field vegetables, greenhouse vegetables, and potatoes.