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Ont. government supporting fruit, specialty crop growers

October 16, 2015, Guelph, Ont – This winter, Ontario is providing financial support to farmers to better ensure the survival of apples, tender fruit, berries, and specialty crops.

Ontario’s cold winter months can cause damage to crops and reduce yields. To help growers manage this risk and ensure a steady, competitive supply of Ontario grown food, the province will share up to 35 per cent of the cost of weather mitigation equipment such as portable or fixed wind machines, heating and air movement devices, insulating devices, overhead irrigation systems, and crop covers. Growers can be eligible to receive up to a maximum of $31,500 per project.

“The Ontario Apple Growers strongly welcome the support for cold weather mitigation measures,” said Charlie Stevens, chair of the Ontario Apple Growers. “This support will help to reduce the impact of cold temperatures, ensuring farmers are able to provide consumers with a more stable supply of local Ontario apples for them to enjoy.”

“Weather mitigation equipment helps to protect the tree fruit industry from unfavourable growing conditions,” said Phil Tregunno, chair of the Ontario Tender Fruit Growers. “We greatly appreciate the Ontario government’s recognition of the challenges faced by farmers and the continued support.”

Growers may apply for funding through the Ontario Crop and Soil Improvement Association, which administers the program, and will accept applications at several times over the next couple of years. The first intake is from October 22 to November 5, 2015.

“Our government is pleased to be providing additional support for our apple, tender fruit, berry, and specialty crop growers,” said Jeff Leal, minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Cost sharing for these projects will help growers take advantage of the best crop protection methods available, ensuring successful survival of cold weather periods, and quality yields at harvest.”