Growing Ontario’s Fresh Fruit I ndustry

Ontario is helping fruit producers in Durham Region establish an innovative process in the production of all natural apple and pear juice.

Through the Rural Economic Development Program, Ontario is helping Algoma Orchards and Wilmot Orchards to:

• promote sales of Ontario-grown and produced apple and pear juice products
• increase demand for locally-grown apples and pears
• demonstrate Ontario fruit growers can be globally competitive through innovation, productivity and marketing
• create opportunities for new skilled jobs and retain existing jobs
• install state-of-the-art equipment for apple and pear processing to achieve zero-waste
• implement an advanced water recycling system
• replace imported rice hulls, used in juice pressing, with apple pomace made on-site

QUOTES

“The McGuinty government is proud to support projects that will increase the demand for local produce. With this investment these orchards will be able to increase production of local apple and pear juice, and create opportunities for new jobs.”
-Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

“Thanks to the generous contribution of our provincial partner, this project will help create local jobs and allow us to utilize breakthrough technology to produce innovative local products that are healthy and environmentally friendly.”
- Mike Gibson, Co-Owner, Algoma Orchards, Ltd.

QUICK FACTS

• Algoma Orchards Ltd, Wilmot Orchards Inc, and Vineland Growers Cooperative Limited are receiving up to $1,498,000 through the Rural Economic Development Program.

• Since 2003, Ontario has invested $83.1 million in 251 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program.

LEARN MORE

Discover Wilmot Orchards and Vineland Growers Cooperative Limited.

Find out more about the good things that grow in Ontario.

For more information:

Kelly Synnott, Minister's Office, 416-326-6439
Brent Ross, Communications Branch, 416-326-9342