Canada and Ontario Governments Support Fruit Producers with New Initiative

The governments of Canada and Ontario are collaborating to support fruit producers in the region through the Growing Future Opportunities Initiative. This initiative, funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, involves a $4.4 million allocation aimed at assisting 128 producers of apples, tender fruits, and table grapes.

The initiative focuses on replanting over 94 acres of apples and more than 60 acres of tender fruits and table grapes. The varieties being planted, such as Coral Star and Summer Serenade peaches, and Gala and Honeycrisp apples, are selected for their popularity and resilience. These efforts are intended to align with changing consumer preferences and improve resistance to pests and diseases.

The Growing Future Opportunities Initiative is a three-year program with a total budget of $8 million, offering eligible producers up to 75% cost-share funding for purchasing vines or trees. Applications are still open for tender fruit, table grapes, and wine grapes.

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a broader five-year investment totaling $3.5 billion, shared between federal, provincial, and territorial governments. This partnership aims to enhance the competitiveness, innovation, and resilience of Canada's agriculture sector, with $1 billion allocated to federal programs and $2.5 billion shared between provinces and territories.