Features Fruit Production
Vineland signs memorandums with Brock University, Niagara College

December 12, 2008, Vineland, Ont. – Vineland Research and Innovation
Centre (VRIC) recently announced it has executed Memorandums of
Understanding each with both Brock University and Niagara College with
the objective for these organizations to work collaboratively on
horticulture and agriculture research.

December 12, 2008, Vineland, Ont. – Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC) recently announced it has executed Memorandums of Understanding each with both Brock University and Niagara College with the objective for these organizations to work collaboratively on horticulture and agriculture research.

“It is no longer feasible for research to focus solely on efficient horticulture and agriculture production systems,” said Dr. Jim Brandle, CEO of VRIC.

“New partnerships such as Vineland's recent agreements with Brock University and Niagara College create synergies, innovations and opportunities that will make our horticulture industry competitive in the world.”

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre’s mandate is to increase value and reduce production costs of horticulture products that recapture local markets and expand global markets. In order to bring the highest international standard of excellence in research and technology, Vineland is developing strategic alliances that foster collaboration among academia and public and private organizations to sustain the agribusiness locally, nationally and internationally.

Expected outcomes from these coordinated efforts include:

• more formalized agreements with study/project units regarding collaborative applied research;
• shared funding opportunities, human resources and facilities;
• knowledge mobilization and transfer to producers, government and private sector and academic audiences;
• new company formation or spin-off company incubation, and
• multi-lateral research and development and commercialization opportunities.

“Our researchers look forward to expanding their research in collaboration with the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre,” said Ian Brindle, associate vice president, Brock University. “As research increasingly develops in clusters, we feel that there are many avenues to explore with our colleagues both at VRIC and Niagara College in areas that will support economic development for Niagara, Ontario, and Canada in areas ranging from grape and wine to nutraceuticals and medically useful products.”

“Through a partnership with Niagara College , Vineland will benefit from the rapid adoption of new technologies and agricultural methods by utilizing the college as a test bed and applied researcher linked with regional industry,” said Marti Jurmain, director, research and innovation division at Niagara College. “Niagara College will benefit from Vineland’s ability to scan the world for suitable technologies and applications that will help agricultural industries innovate and become more competitive.”