Signature Rose Series and Ornamental Breeding Program Transferred to Industry

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association in partnership with Vineland Research and Innovation Centre lead the way in developing new plant varieties for industry

MILTON, ON, Sept. 23 /CNW/ - Today the Canadian Nursery and Landscape Association (CNLA) announced that it has acquired the rights to a wide range of genetics from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) ornamental breeding programs at Morden Research Station in Manitoba and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Research Station in Quebec. These programs developed many new plant varieties, including the internationally-recognized Explorer and Parkland series of prairie-hardy roses.

"The transfer of genetic material from AAFC to CNLA is an important milestone for industry putting us squarely in charge of our own plant ornamental breeding program," said Michel Touchette, CNLA Research Chair. "Canada's wholesale industry will have access to important genetic material that has been developed by AAFC researchers. In addition, royalty fees paid by nursery growers on new plant varieties previously introduced by AAFC will be re-invested by the CNLA into the development of new plant varieties."

The agreement between AAFC and CNLA resulted from extensive industry consultations that clearly identified the importance of plant genetic material developed by federal researchers over many years. Rose genetic materials have already been transferred to Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in Vineland Station, Ontario and research has already started.

"CNLA is a trade association and it was never our intent to become directly involved in research," explained Michel Touchette. "Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is a long-term partner of CNLA heading up our research and innovation objectives."

"We are delighted to be working with CNLA on the rose breeding program at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre," said Dr. Jim Brandle, CEO. "This work complements a suite of research programs we are leading for the nursery and landscape industry in Canada. With the hardy rose program in particular we see opportunity in bringing the beauty of roses to less than ideal growing climates around the world."

As the reinvestment of royalties is critical to a sustainable ornamentals' breeding program CNLA has also partnered with the Canadian Ornamental Plant Foundation for the monitoring and collection of royalties on present and future new varieties.

About Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

The Canadian Nursery and Landscape Association (CNLA) dates back to the 1922 formation of the Eastern Canada Nurserymen's Association Formerly the Canadian Nursery Trades Association, the Association was re-named in 1998 to better reflect the nature of its members. Today's CNLA is a national not-for-profit federation of nine provincial associations representing over 3,600 members in the landscape, retail garden centre, and nursery sectors. The CNLA has an official constitution and is incorporated under the laws of The Canadian Corporations Act - a reflection of their commitment to uphold the integrity of the landscape and horticulture industry.

The Association advocates on behalf of the landscape and horticulture industry maintaining a presence in Ottawa on federal issues that affect the green industry, working cooperatively with various agencies and departments to help to improve regulations and standards for the benefit of the consumer and the industry as a whole. The Association also provides member certification and strives to help its members function more effectively.

About Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is an independent, not-for-profit organization that was created to be a world-class centre for horticultural science and innovation. In its capacity to enable and foster relationships with industry, academia and government, Vineland works to deliver premium product and production innovations. Vineland brings a global perspective to the Canadian horticulture industry and offers a broad range of lasting benefits to stakeholders both locally and internationally. Aligned with industry needs, Vineland's research priorities and outcomes are focused on the growth of the entire horticulture industry.

For further information: Rita Weerdenburg, Growers' Manager, Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, 1-888-446-3499, ext 8686, [email protected], www.canadanursery.com; Isabel Dopta, Director, Communications and Stakeholder Relations, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, 905-562-0320, Ext. 791, [email protected], www.vinelandresearch.com; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: media relations at 1-866-345-7972 or [email protected]