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Feds invests in new tender fruit, grape varieties

November 11, 2014, Vineland Station, Ontario – The federal government recently announced an investment of $410,545 to the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers’ Marketing Board (OTFPMB) to develop new varieties suited to the province’s soil conditions and climate.

This investment from AAFC’s AgriInnovation Program, under Growing Forward 2, will enable OTFPMB to produce new varieties of tender fruits and fresh grapes. These new varieties, which can be introduced to consumers earlier in the season, will help producers gain greater market share in the fruit sector.

“Development of new varieties for the Ontario tender fruit industry will result in economic benefits to our growers and business partners,” said Phil Tregunno, chair of the OTFPMB. “On behalf of the industry, I extend sincere appreciation to the Government of Canada for their investment in our future.”

This investment builds on previous support of $167,000 provided to OTFPMB under the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP) in Ontario, for projects to evaluate and improve tender tree fruit varieties and breeding to enhance tender fruit quality and marketability.

“The tender fruit and grape sectors play an important role in our economy,” said Dean Allison, MP for Niagara West-Glanbrook. “Advancing research to improve tender fruit and grape quality and availability, and developing new varieties will increase the sustainability, competitiveness and profitability of these sectors.”