Harper Government Supports Canada's Horticulture Sector

Edmonton, Alberta - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

The Honourable Kevin Sorenson, Minister of State (Finance) and Member of Parliament for Crowfoot, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, today announced an investment of $2.3 million to the Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance for a national research cluster to help address the industry’s top priorities.

This cluster, comprised of industry partners and research organizations across Canada, will harness Canada’s expertise in areas such as water and nutrient management and sustainable production. It will also help the industry tap into new market opportunities at home and abroad.

Quick facts

• Founded in 2008, the Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance is an alliance of three ornamental horticultural sector organizations: the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, the Fédération Interdisciplinaire de l'Horticulture Ornementale du Québec and Flowers Canada Growers.
• Across Canada, the ornamental horticulture industry drives over $1.8 billion in farm gate sales and almost 30,000 jobs.
• This project builds upon the technological advancements and knowledge gained through the ornamental cluster under the first Growing Forward framework. These included introducing technology to conserve water and improving nutrient use and energy savings in greenhouses.
• This investment is made through the Industry-led Research and Development stream of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriInnovation Program, a five-year, up to $698-million initiative under Growing Forward 2.

Source: AAFC