Government Initiative Supports Ontario Fruit Producers

The Canadian and Ontario governments have announced a financial initiative aimed at supporting fruit producers in the region. The initiative, known as the Growing Future Opportunities Initiative, is backed by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) and involves a $4.4 million investment. This funding is intended to assist 128 producers of apples, tender fruits, and table grapes in growing varieties that are more popular and resilient.

The initiative will see the replanting of over 94 acres of apples and more than 60 acres of tender fruits and table grapes. The varieties being planted are expected to better meet consumer preferences and improve resistance to pests and diseases. This includes varieties such as Coral Star and Summer Serenade peaches, as well as Gala and Honeycrisp apples.

The Growing Future Opportunities Initiative is a three-year program with a total budget of $8 million. It offers eligible fruit producers cost-share funding to purchase vines or trees of popular fruit varieties, covering up to 75% of the costs. Applications are still being accepted for tender fruits, table grapes, and wine grapes.

The Sustainable CAP, a five-year program with a budget of $3.5 billion, is a collaborative effort between federal, provincial, and territorial governments. It aims to enhance the competitiveness, innovation, and resilience of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared between federal and provincial/territorial governments.