The Government of Canada invests in innovation to support the growth of Canada's ornamental horticulture sector

DRUMMONDVILLE, QC, Nov. 16, 2018 /CNW/ - The Canadian ornamental horticulture sector is vibrant and strong, thanks to Canada's hard working producers. It is a key contributor to Canada's economy, representing $2.3 billion in farmgate receipts, and supporting thousands of jobs across the country.

Today, Jean-Claude Poissant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay, announced a federal investment of up to $4.6 million to the Ornamental Horticulture Research and Innovation Cluster under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The Cluster will be lead by the Canadian Ornamental Horticultural Alliance (COHA).

Building on two previous research clusters, this investment includes an additional $1.7 million in contributions from industry, for a total investment of up to $6.3 million. The new Cluster places a strong focus on the environment, through three key areas of focus, including:

• helping to combat climate change through plant breeding;
• enhancing environmental sustainability through improved fertilizer and irrigation practices; and
• driving productivity and competitiveness by finding ways to boost yields while reducing input costs.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to support a vibrant ornamental horticulture industry here in Quebec and across Canada. We know the importance of research and innovation in advancing our farmers' ability to continue to grow quality products sustainably for Canadian families and consumers around the world."
- Jean-Claude Poissant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"COHA appreciates the support of the federal government in partnering with us to advance science and innovation. COHA is committed to using the research resources to benefit Canada's environment and economy."
- Christian Brunet, President, Canadian Ornamental Horticultural Alliance (Hydralis Inc. QC)  

Quick Facts

• The Canadian ornamental horticulture sector employs over 30,000 Canadians and contributes more than $2 billion annually to the Canadian economy, with export sales valued at $477 million.
• The Government of Canada has identified the agriculture and agri-food sector as a core driver of jobs, growth and prosperity, setting an ambitious target to grow Canada's agri-food exports to $75 billion annually by 2025.
• The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the agriculture and agri-food sector. The Partnership builds on Growing Forward 2, the previous five-year agreement that ended on March 31, 2018.
• The Partnership includes programs and activities to enhance the competitiveness of the sector through research, science and innovation. Through the AgriScience Program, a five-year, $338 million initiative, the government is supporting leading edge discovery and applied science, and innovation driven by industry research priorities.

Associated Links:

• Canadian Agricultural Partnership
• Canadian Ornamental Horticultural Alliance

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

For further information: Katie Hawkins, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, 613-773-1059, [e-mail]; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972, [e-mail]

Related Links

www.agr.gc.ca