For immediate release
April 5, 2007
Statement in the Ontario Legislature
By
The Honourable Leona Dombrowsky
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Ontario Government Supports Vineland
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Mr. Speaker, last August, I had the opportunity to tour the Vineland Research
Station and help to celebrate its 100 years of impressive contributions
to the community and to the province.
The months leading up to that celebration were spent by the community
discussing the future.
A strong voice emerged in support of revitalizing agri-food research
at Vineland - a voice that our government answered by appointing
the Vineland Renaissance Advisory Panel, and asking them to develop
a business case for the future of this research station.
This panel, chaired by Donald Ziraldo, developed
a compelling vision for the future. Their report pointed to the
need for collaboration and partnerships among a broad range of government,
academic and industry organizations.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Donald and the panel members, James
Ferrar, Dr. Cal Stiller, and Jamie Warner
for their outstanding efforts. They worked very hard on a tight
deadline to deliver their findings.
Mr. Speaker, we have listened to these findings. We understand
how important promoting a culture of new ideas and new discoveries
is to the future of our great agri-food industry and the quality
of life in Ontario…and we welcome partnerships that will keep
this industry ahead of the curve.
Together, our federal and provincial governments are taking the
first steps to create a vital hub for horticultural science and
innovation in Vineland, by making it a model for research facilities
elsewhere in the province and in the country.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday I returned to the Vineland Research Station,
with Dean Allison, representing the federal government, and my colleagues,
Minister Jim Bradley and Jennifer Mossop to share some great news.
Mr. Speaker, that news was a provincial investment of $12.5
million in the new "Vineland Research and Innovations Centre,
and a federal contribution of $15.5 million, over five years, for
this Centre.
Mr. Speaker, this total federal/provincial investment of $28 million
will support research and revitalization projects at Vineland.
This news was enthusiastically received by about 100 members of
the community.
It serves as a strong base that is already attracting additional
funding support from other organizations and individuals, such as
Flowers Canada and the Niagara Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association
and Donald Ziraldo.
Together, we are helping to plant the seeds of success for Vineland
and for horticulture research across the province.
We anticipate the future with renewed enthusiasm and look forward
to building a continued legacy of growth and success.
As a next step, Mr. Speaker, I want to tell you that both levels
of governments will explore additional means to support the activities
of the new Centre, where we can optimize our investments in land,
facilities, and ongoing support for horticultural research.
We are committed to working with industry to bolster ongoing support
for the centre.
Mr. Speaker, I am very excited about the potential of the new Centre.
It will have the capacity to serve as a major contributor to Ontario's
horticulture sector.
That is great news for our agri-food sector, great news for the
Niagara Region and great news for the people of Ontario.
-30-
