Support through Growing Forward 2 Nurtures Continued Progress at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

• Canadian and Ontario governments invest in Vineland's collaborative approach to research and innovation  
• Investment will support 10 key research programs driving innovation across the horticulture sector

VINELAND, ON, April 24, 2014 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Ontario are supporting the province's horticulture industry through a $26.5 million investment in Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) as part of their Growing Forward 2 (GF2) program, a five-year federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

"Horticulture is a key economic driver for our province. This investment allows us to continue work on 10 key research programs aimed at horticulture sector priorities," said Dr. Jim Brandle, Vineland's CEO. "We thank our key partners for their support and will continue to drive results for the industry through research, innovative solutions and commercialization programs."

As part of Vineland's three main research areas - Applied Genomics, Consumer Insights and Horticultural Production Systems - advances in the commercialization of products including Pixie grapes, Sundown pears, World Crops, robotic systems for planting/packaging and an Appassimento grape drying system are resonating with growers and consumers.

"We are delighted with the continued confidence shown in Vineland," said John F. T. Scott, Vineland's Board Chair. "Through collaboration with a wide-range of industry partners, Vineland is working every day to increase competitiveness for the Canadian horticulture industry with ground-breaking research and innovation."

About Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is a world-class research centre dedicated to horticultural science and innovation. Located in Canada's Niagara Region, Vineland's mission is to deliver innovative products and production solutions that address the needs of the horticulture industry and advance Canada's research and commercialization agenda. We are an independent, not-for-profit organization, funded in part by Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

Note to editors:

• Follow @vinelandrsrch on Twitter for the latest news and updates from Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
• Read more on Government Support Means More Successes at Vineland: http://news.ontario.ca/omafra/en/2014/04/governments-supporting-ontario-horticulture-industry.html

Image with caption: "GF2 funding announcement at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, April 22, 2014. (Left to right) Dr. Jim Brandle, Vineland's CEO; Ted McMeekin, MPP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale; David Sweet, MP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale; Bill Hodgson, Mayor of Lincoln and John F. T. Scott, Vineland's Board Chair. (CNW Group/Vineland Research and Innovation Centre)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140424_C5041_PHOTO_EN_39609.jpg

Image with caption: "Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Logo (CNW Group/Vineland Research and Innovation Centre)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140424_C5041_PHOTO_EN_39613.jpg

SOURCE: Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

For further information:

Cheryl Lennox, Director of Marketing and Communications, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre 
905-984-0053, [e-mail], www.vinelandresearch.com