Research Goals

In collaboration with industry, other stakeholders, and our Board and Advisory Committees, we have defined four key needs of the horticulture industry: 1) unique valued-added products that recapture our markets and build export markets; 2) innovative products and systems that meet mounting environmental challenges; 3) production innovations that reduce cost; and 4) rapid access to new technologies.

To meet these needs, Vineland's research strategy encompasses the following research goals:

1. Expanding markets through product innovation

   In order for the horticulture industry to remain competitive, it must adapt to changing consumer demands and increased global competition.  Adding value to horticultural products is a way to fulfill these demand by creating more desirable products, expanding market share and increasing profits. Therefore, this research goal is about understanding opportunities and creating innovation.

2. Eliminating the environmental impact of horticulture

   Environmental concerns are a priority for governments, industry and the general public. Canadians are concerned about the impact of horticulture on the environment -- including the use of resources such as water and fossil fuels -- and its consequent contribution to pollution and environmental contamination.  Improving the environmental performance of horticulture involves both minimizing the harmful effects of horticultural practices and maximizing the beneficial aspects in order to shift the balance to the environment’s favour.

3. Safeguarding horticultural crops against environmental stress

   Canada's climate is characterized by extremes, with high summer temperatures and long winters known for extended periods of extreme cold and shortened daylight hours.  Compound these factors with ongoing climate change and it is clear that environmental stresses will continue to impact productivity in horticulture.  These stresses  have detrimental effects on plant growth and are leading causes of yield losses.  Understanding stress responses will be the key to increasing crop performance and limiting climatic impact on horticulture.

4. Driving down production costs in horticulture

   Increasing competition has intensified the need to reduce production costs in order to grow, or simply maintain profit margins. Horticultural crops are some of the most labour intensive, and labour is the single biggest cost of production.  A number of other input costs also contribute significantly to the expense of production, particularly the conventional use of energy in the greenhouse sector.  Strategies for reducing these inputs will drive down costs and, importantly, many will also improve the environmental performance of the industry.

 

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Research