Funding tender fruit replant in Niagara

Sep 24, 2021

The Greenbelt Foundation supplements grower investment in Ontario Tender Fruit Growers replant program

By Jackie Clark
Staff Writer
Farms.com

The Greenbelt Foundation, with support from the Government of Ontario, is investing over $280,000 to support Ontario Tender Fruit Growers planting 75,000 new trees and 10,000 new vines in the Niagara Region.

The Greenbelt Foundation works “pretty closely with Ontario Tender Fruit Growers and other agricultural organizations in Niagara,” Edward McDonnell, CEO of the Greenbelt Foundation, told Farms.com. The Tender Fruit Growers “made a strong case that this was a good opportunity for re-investment in the trees and vines.”

While the industry is providing the majority of investment in replanting orchards and vines, “our contribution really helps to leverage that investment and I think give some confidence and comfort to the growers themselves,” he explained. “A little bit of investment can lead to a large result.”

The investment is projected to increase fruit production in the region by seven per cent, adding $10 million value and 150 full-time jobs to the sector, according the Sept. 23 release from the Greenbelt Foundation.

“Consumer and retail demand for locally-grown tender fruit continues to grow,” said Phil Tregunno, chair of the Ontario Tender Fruit Growers, in the release.

“Our replant program is immensely popular among growers, who are contributing 70 per cent of overall costs,” he explained. “We are grateful to the Greenbelt Foundation for their ongoing support of our growers and the industry as a whole, which makes an important contribution to Ontario’s rural economy.”

Niagara is a unique growing region, and grape and other tender fruit producers need to be able to invest in new plantings to accommodate “changing consumer preferences, more climate resistant varieties, and other sorts of factors,” McDonnell explained.

Investment in the sector contributes to “the viability of agriculture in the area, the economic benefit to the community but also the larger provincial economy, but also the cultural and historic value,” he added.

“This unique and important agri-food sector is emblematic of what the Greenbelt is intended to do, which is to provide long-term permanent protection so that we can see the sustainment and growth of these unique and highly valuable agri-food and agri-cultural activities,” he said.

Food system supply issues revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic brought local food closer than ever to the hearts and minds of Ontarians.

“People love Niagara,” McDonnell said. “Tender fruit is a critical part of that. Helping to sustain and grow the tender fruit sector is part and parcel to the things that people in Ontario love.”

Also, “from a COVID recovery perspective, we’ve seen a lot of sectors and a lot of industries hit hard. Agriculture and particularly this higher-value agriculture of local fruit and vegetables is this incredible opportunity for Ontario,” he explained.

The Greenbelt contains 750,000 acres of agricultural land and two specialty crop areas, including Niagara.

Investing in the region “is how we make the Greenbelt work for Ontario, and for the people that live and work in the greenbelt,” MacDonnell said. The Foundation works to make the most of “this incredible asset we have, this beautiful, unique landscape.”

Adyna\iStock\Getty Images Plus photo

Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.