Mr. Speaker, this month I had the pleasure of making an announcement in Beamsville, Ontario, calling for new funding for the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. This investment includes $382,000 to cultivate new international market opportunities, as well as to invest in biocontrol research. This promising announcement reaffirms the government's commitment to the Canadian horticulture industry and the small and mid-size businesses it supports.
The funding will be spent on a number of projects and initiatives to increase innovation and boost profits. One of the investments will assist the Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance in developing innovative strategies for the flower, nursery and landscape sectors.
A second project with the Vineland Centre is to develop an innovative grape-drying process that concentrates flavours. This innovative process will help Canadian growers and processors break into new wine markets and strengthen Canada's wine industry. These projects will advance the productivity, profitability and competition of the Canadian horticultural industry.
This is one more example of our government's commitment to the horticulture sector, small and mid-size businesses, and the positive impact it is making on businesses and on the lives of Canadians.