Ridgetown, Ontario, Canada
December 19, 2014 

Member of Parliament Dave Van Kesteren (Chatham – Kent – Essex), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, today announced an investment of $214,682 to help the Ontario Tomato Research Institute increase yields and develop new varieties of tomatoes.

This investment from AAFC’s AgriInnovation Program under Growing Forward 2 will support research for new tomatoes that are better adapted to the Canadian growing conditions and market needs. Research is also aimed at increasing tomato yields which will help producers remain competitive and strengthen Canada’s economy.

Quick facts

• The Ontario Tomato Research Institute uses a collaborative approach to research where farmers and processors work together for the benefit of the Canadian tomato sector.
• The project is expected to help both farmers and processors gain access to new tomato varieties, creating long-term value for the tomato processing sector.
• This investment is made through the Industry-led Research and Development stream of AAFC’s AgriInnovation Program, a five-year, up to $698-million program under Growing Forward 2.

Quotes

“The tomato industry plays an important role in keeping Canada’s economy strong. Research to develop higher yields and new varieties of tomatoes will help our processors stay competitive and meet growing consumer demand for these products.”

- Dave Van Kesteren, MP for Chatham – Kent - Essex

“This project provides the building blocks for the development of varieties ideally suited to the Ontario industry. OTRI recognizes the importance of this project for the long term viability of the Ontario processing tomato industry and it is extremely gratifying that the federal government has seen this value also.”

- Phil Richards, Chair of the Ontario Tomato Research Institute

Additional links

• Growing Forward 2 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• AgriInnovation Program (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)

Website: http://www.aaccnet.org

Published: December 19, 2014