Parliamentary Secretary Badawey announces funding for Ontario Tender Fruit Growers to develop climate resilient fruit varieties

May 15, 2024

Vineland Station, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Canadian farmers produce a wide range of fruits, including apples and tender fruit like peaches, pears, and apricots, that contribute steadily to Canada’s economy—with most of Canada’s tender fruit and apples grown in Ontario.

To keep the sector strong, competitive, and resilient in the face of more extreme weather events, today, Vance Badawey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced up to $1,099,624 to the Ontario Tender Fruit Growers through the AgriScience Program – Projects Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Ontario Apple Growers is a project partner.

Key outcomes of the project include:

Developing baseline data on the carbon footprint and environmental impacts of Canadian apple and tender fruit farming operations
Measuring and quantifying the impacts of climate-smart management practices on a farm’s environmental footprint
Developing a carbon calculator to help growers understand, track, and reduce their carbon footprint and GHG emissions
Developing innovative and superior varieties of tender fruit to increase the resiliency and economic growth of the sector

Building on the previous variety development research, this project will look at innovative tender fruit varieties with improved attributes—such as firmer flesh—to increase production, extend shelf-life, and reduce losses caused by shipping, storage, and climate change.

Source : Canada.ca

Video: Why Port Infrastructure is Key to Growing Canada's Farms and Economy

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) knows that strong, modern port infrastructure is vital to the success of Canada’s agriculture. When our ports grow, Ontario grain farmers and Canadian farms grow too—and when we grow, Canada grows.

In this video, we highlight the importance of investing in port infrastructure and how these investments are key to growing Ontario agriculture and supporting global trade. The footage showcases the strength of both Ontario’s farming landscapes and vital port operations, including some key visuals from HOPA Ports, which we are grateful to use in this project.

Ontario’s grain farmers rely on efficient, sustainable ports and seaway systems to move grain to markets around the world. Port investments are crucial to increasing market access, driving economic growth, and ensuring food security for all Canadians.

Why Port Infrastructure Matters:

Investing in Ports = Investing in Farms: Modernized ports support the export of Canadian grain, driving growth in agriculture.

Sustainable Growth: Learn how stronger ports reduce environmental impact while boosting economic stability.

Global Trade Opportunities: Improved port and seaway systems help farmers access new global markets for their grain.

Stronger Communities: Investment in ports means more stable jobs and economic growth for rural communities across Ontario and Canada.

We are proud to support the ongoing investment in port infrastructure and to shine a light on its vital role in feeding the world and securing a prosperous future for Canadian agriculture.

Special thanks to HOPA Ports for providing some of the stunning port footage featured in this video.