CAN (ON): Encouraging investment and growth in the greenhouse sector

The Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) is accepting applications from Ontario commercial greenhouses for the $19 million Greenhouse Competitiveness and Innovation Initiative (GCII).

The objective of GCII is to help maintain the competitiveness of Ontario’s commercial scale greenhouses in North American markets and its leadership position in developing and adopting innovative technology, and to encourage future investment and growth in the sector.

Through GCII, commercial greenhouse businesses in Ontario that grow or propagate vegetables, fruit, culinary herbs, or floriculture, with at least 20,000 square feet in production area, can apply for funding for their operation. Applicants will identify eligible activities that advance their individual business goals and enhance the competitiveness of their operation.

The GCII program guide and application forms can be found on the AAC website. Applications will be reviewed by AAC staff on a continuous basis until September 28, 2018.

The Greenhouse Competitiveness and Innovation Initiative (GCII) is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The Agricultural Adaptation Council is delivering GCII.

“Ontario’s greenhouses are vital to the success of our agri-food sector, ensuring a diverse local food supply, and helping grow our economy. Through this investment to boost innovation and foster competitiveness, our government is contributing to a stronger greenhouse sector that is creating good jobs right here in Ontario”, Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, said.

"Ontario's greenhouse sector is a major contributor to the provincial economy. We appreciate the Government of Ontario's support and recognition of the need to invest in our future as well as work with our members on challenges facing Ontario’s greenhouse sector. We appreciate the continued support of the Agricultural Adaptation Council as they launch and administer this important program for our members", added Jan VanderHout, President of The Ontario Greenhouse Alliance (TOGA).

“The Agricultural Adaptation Council looks forward to working collaboratively with the Ontario commercial greenhouse sector to deliver the Greenhouse Competitiveness and Innovation Initiative. The Initiative has been designed with input from the sector and will provide broad-based support to stimulate both investment and innovation for greenhouse operations”, Kelly Duffy, Chair, Agricultural Adaptation Council, comments.

For more information:
adaptcouncil.org/program/gcii

Publication date: Thu 14 Sep 2017