Vineland Research and Innovation Centre - News

Floriculture Sector and Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Partner to Establish Biocontrol Research Program

2009-06-09T17:26:20-04:00

For immediate release

Floriculture Sector and Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Partner to Establish Biocontrol Research Program

GUELPH, Ontario and VINELAND, Ontario, June 3, 2009 – To address the most important strategic priority need of the sector, floriculture producers in Ontario make a four-year $200,000 commitment to partner with Vineland Research and Innovation Centre establishing a biocontrol research program.

One of the major challenges faced by the floriculture sector is the pest complex which infests some of the 1,500 different types of crops grown in the 50 million square feet of greenhouse production in Ontario. Modern pest control practices involve the use of biological control organisms in place of pesticides and floriculture producers are committed to the use of biocontrol agents.

“This is the first of future ongoing commitments made by growers in order to support research at Vineland which will contribute to the creation of a world-leading research facility in the third-largest floriculture production centre in North America,” said Andrew Kuyvenhoven, president of Flowers Canada (Ontario). “We thank both the governments of Canada and Ontario for their commitment to the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and their support of this important research.”

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, with the cooperation of Flowers Canada (Ontario), will establish a team of scientists to undertake research into thrip and whitefly control in particular, which are two of the most problematical insect pests for producers.

The producer Association already supports research in partnership with AAFC and the University of Guelph and will continue to build on these investments through the Vineland commitment. Successful research programs depend on partnerships and shared expertise which will develop further from the Vineland lead in this project.

“We appreciate this substantial commitment from Flowers Canada (Ontario) on behalf of the floriculture sector in Ontario. Vineland provides industry-driven horticulture research and is pleased to offer our expertise through one of our three core research capabilities, Horticulture Production Systems, which within its mandate addresses pest management and biocontrols,” said Dr. Jim Brandle, CEO, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. “This research will be of major consequence to the floriculture industry, which already contributes significantly to the economy in Ontario, most of which is right here on our doorstep.”

About Flowers Canada (Ontario)

Flowers Canada (Ontario) represents floriculture greenhouse producers and industry partners across Canada. We are a grower community that proactively addresses common challenges to our sector in agriculture. Our mandate is to identify these challenges, clearly communicate them to government and whenever possible implement solutions that benefit both our industry and the Canadian economy. The floriculture sector contributes 46% of the farm gate sales generated by all of agriculture in the Niagara region, and $747 million in farm gate sales in Ontario. The total contribution to the economy of Ontario is $2.7 billion.

About Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is an independent, not-for-profit organization established as a world-class centre for horticultural science and innovation. In its capacity to foster and enable relationships with industry, academia and government, Vineland works to deliver premium horticultural products and production innovations. Vineland brings a global perspective to the horticulture industry and offers a broad range of lasting benefits both locally and internationally. Vineland's research priorities align with industry needs and its outcomes focus on the growth of the entire horticulture industry.

Further information:

Dr. Irwin Smith, Executive Director, Flowers Canada (Ontario), 519-836-5495, ext. 222, irwin@fco.on.ca

Darlene Webb, Director, Public Relations and Communications, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, 905-562-0320 x766, darlene.webb@vinelandresearch.com

U of G, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Ink New Partnership

2009-06-15T15:51:36-04:00

VINELAND, Ontario, May 6, 2009 – Officials from the University of Guelph (U of G) and the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre today signed a research partnership agreement to collaborate on national and international industry-driven horticulture research initiatives.

The agreement, signed by Kevin Hall, the U of G's vice-president (research), and Jim Brandle, Vineland's chief executive officer, is expected to yield new ideas and products for Canada’s grape growers and winemakers, fruit producers and professional landscapers, ranging from new fruit cultivars with health-boosting antioxidants to wider food choices at the supermarket.

Both partners will conduct research and develop products for the multi-million-dollar agri-food industry, said Rich Moccia, U of G's interim associate vice-president (research) agri-food and partnerships.

"Signing this new agreement takes us in a brand new direction," Moccia said. "It takes the best of the capacity of the University of Guelph and the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and establishes a partnership to explore and use the latest technologies to improve products, quality and choice and to increase economic wealth."

It also promotes building private- and public-sector partnerships, funding intellectual capacity and human resources, and allowing for more rapid commercialization of research technology.

"The signing of this partnership agreement with the University of Guelph is an important milestone for us at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre," Brandle said. "We're very pleased to be able to work with the caliber of faculty scientists, researchers and staff who are on site at Vineland as we move to deliver on our industry-driven research priorities."

The agreement builds on research collaborations involving U of G faculty members in the Department of Plant Agriculture and will allow Guelph scientists to explore new research collaborations at Vineland, especially in three main fields:

Consumer insights and product innovation. A new sensory analysis laboratory, directed by a sensory and consumer science expert, will allow researchers to conduct consumer and marketing tests of new wines, juices and horticultural products.
Applied genomics. A world-leading researcher in applied genomics will use biotechnology and plant breeding to help develop horticulture crops to increase yield, resist diseases and meet consumer demand.
Horticultural production systems. Researchers in Guelph and Vineland will develop horticultural technologies and production methods, including cultivation techniques, greenhouse technologies and pest management.

Established in 2006, the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre has received funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Both levels of government will continue to fund Vineland research over a five-year period.

Under the new agreement, the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre will receive about $1.75 million a year through the existing University of Guelph/OMAFRA partnership agreement for agri-food research, teaching and laboratory services.

The Vineland research station has existed for more than 100 years. More than 150 new varieties of fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants have been developed there. In the 1960s, it was grouped under the Horticultural Research Institute of Ontario, along with research stations in Simcoe and the Holland Marsh. All three stations were transferred to U of G's Department of Plant Agriculture in 1998 as part of the original agreement with OMAFRA.

Recently, U of G researchers based at Vineland have developed varieties of fruits for Canadian growers, including peaches, plums, grapes, cherries and pears. They have also studied mushroom production, cultural management of farm and orchard varieties, and environmental management.

About Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Further information:

Darlene Webb, Director, Public Relations and Communications, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, 905-562-0320 x766, darlene.webb@vinelandresearch.com

Setting the Benchmark for Winery Tasting Room Research: An Emerging Region Gets a Global Perspective

2009-06-15T15:52:51-04:00

VINELAND, Ontario, April 22, 2009 – Do winery tasting rooms really help generate sales for wineries? According to researchers at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre almost half of winery tasting room visitors purchase the winery’s brand within three months of their visit.

“This research proves that the tasting room experience does actually convert visitors to the brand resulting in future sales,” said Dr. Isabelle Lesschaeve, research director, consumer insights and product innovation for Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. “So, it’s important for wineries to have their brand available to the purchaser either through a liquor store or in the case of a small or boutique winery strategies such as wine clubs or the availability of online purchasing are important to keep momentum going. Also, knowing the dynamics of their visitors, wineries can organize and promote events in a more deliberate way.”

Dr. Johan Bruwer, from the University of Adelaide in Australia who is also a senior research fellow at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre developed the winery visitation survey and Lesschaeve conducted the work.

“Some wineries tend to neglect the tasting room experience thinking it’s a one-time deal. We show that it actually can convert purchasers to the brand. We plan to continue our research toward brand loyalty: its development and sustainability. ” Lesschaeve adds. “Also very exciting to note this benchmark study is a North-American first and sets a standard for future research in wine regions across the continent.”

Five wineries located in the Niagara Region took part in the study during 2007 with well over 900 visitors completing the survey at the end of their tasting room experience. The survey covered questions which included: demographic profiles, tourist behaviour, region perceptions, purchase behaviour, and consumption habits. A follow-up study measuring the effect of their experience was conducted via e-mail three months after their visit that showed nearly half purchased the winery’s brand since their visit at either a liquor store or restaurant. The report briefing can be accessed at www.vinelandresearch.com under quick links.

“This in-depth study demonstrates Vineland’s commitment to deliver industry-driven research,” said Dr. Jim Brandle, C.E.O., Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. “We are very pleased to be able to offer these findings as they unlock key insights into profitability and sustainability that directly affect the industry.”

Other report findings:

31% of visitors to the Niagara Region relied on word-of-mouth as their source for information about the Region and its wineries. The follow-up study also highlighted this, with 86% recommending the winery to family, friends, and colleagues.
Almost 85% of visitors drink wine at least once per week (22% daily), and consume approximately five bottles of wine per month.
The entire sample said they drink more red wine than any other type, and spend an average of $106 per month on wine.

About Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Further information:

Darlene Webb, Director, Public Relations and Communications, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, 905-562-0320 x766, darlene.webb@vinelandresearch.com

Adieu, John

2009-04-30T10:11:58-04:00

John Marynissen 1924-2009

He appeared shy as he stood at a podium in front of a room full of wine journalists and industry people to explain what he had brought to Cuvee 1990. We had listened to a parade of professional winemakers and the internationally-renowned Stephen Spurrier, who had organized the famous 1976 Paris wine tasting in which California wines trumped Bordeaux (Alan Rickman played Spurrier in last year's movie "Bottle Shock").

Now, here was an unassuming Ontario grape grower presenting a Cabernet Sauvignon he'd made in 1987 from grapes grown in his Niagara vineyard. The assembly of experts listened, sniffed, sipped and were won over. John Marynissen had wowed the room. The thing is, Marynissen wasn't even officially a winemaker at that point. But he demonstrated, more clearly than anything up 'til then, just what Ontario was capable of doing with red wine - in the right hands, of course.

Sadly, John Marynissen died this month in Niagara Falls. He was 84.

John came from farming stock in The Netherlands. He and his wife arrived in Canada in the 1950s and after a year picking fruit, bought a farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It was fortuitous because the region, along with British Columbia's Okanagan, was to become the nexus of Canada's burgeoning wine industry.

Once upon a time, Canadian wine, not to put too fine a point on it, sucked. The business was dominated by industrial-scale companies that mass-produced plonk from hybrid grapes. It took a visionary named Donald Ziraldo to turn things around. In the 1970s he opened the first of what came to be known as Canada's "boutique" wineries, Inniskillin. He also, gradually, persuaded growers in the area to plant vinifera grapes. Those are the ones today's wine drinkers can identify as Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and the other leading varietals. That's what they used in the famous wine regions of Europe. Ziraldo knew that was the only way to produce quality wine in Ontario.

John Marynissen knew it too. He was already growing some of those varieties on his farm and Don Ziraldo bought those grapes for his Inniskillin wines right from his very first vintage in 1974.

Marynissen became an established and highly respected grape grower, inspiring others who supplied quality fruit for the unprecedented boom of small wineries that were turning Niagara into a Napa Valley north.

John also used some of his grapes to make wine in his basement and garage for his family and friends. It wasn't for sale. Then came that day in 1990.

At the time, I was writing a newsletter called The Wine Letter, which I sold by subscription. I was one of the "experts" at that year's Cuvee, an annual get-together to celebrate achievements and discuss developments in domestic wine making. The success of Ontario white wines was already established. The excitement centered on the potential displayed by a few reds, embodied best in Marynissen's entry. Here's what I wrote in The Wine Letter of April, 1990:

"But the best wine of the entire weekend, to me, was John Marynissen's 1987 Cabernet. John is a grape grower (he sells his fruit to the wineries) and an amateur wine maker. He started growing Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1970s. His '87 had a very good rounded, ripe, balanced aroma with a hint of pepper, black currants and plums. The flavour had a touch of oak with blackberry, cherry, plummy fruit. The wine had structure but was supple, because 40 per cent of the grapes had undergone carbonic maceration, the technique used to make the fruity wines of Beaujolais. The wine was very successful and a lot of people were surprised. The sad part is that you can't buy any of John Marynissen's wine because he's a grower, not a producer, and isn't licensed to sell any. Won't some Ontario winery buy Marynissen's Cabernet and sell it as a special bottling? Or better yet, maybe John could consider starting a winery of his own.

Well, that's exactly what John did. I certainly wasn't the only person egging him on. But I was flattered when I saw him a year later at a wine show in Toronto. He pulled me aside and said: "Thank you for what you wrote. You know, it helped me decide to start the winery."

You're welcome, John. Thank you for making great wine.

Marynissen Estates remains a smaller-scaled operation among Canadian wineries, but John's legacy is enormous - no less important than Donald Ziraldo's. If I'd said that to him, he would have scoffed.

He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Fortunately, good wine making at Marynissen continues under the direction of his daughter, Sandra.

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Chairman Recieves Landscape Ontario Trillium Award

2009-06-15T15:55:11-04:00

VINELAND, Ontario, January 7, 2009 – At the 36th Annual Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence Gala held last evening in Toronto, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre’s Chairman, Donald Ziraldo, received the highly respected Trillium Award.

"I was greatly honoured to receive this award on behalf of the staff and board of directors at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre,” said Donald Ziraldo, Chairman, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. “This award is especially gratifying because I have had the pleasure of serving as Vice Chair of Landscape Ontario in 1974 from which I resigned having received the first winery licence since prohibition to start Inniskillin with my partner Karl Kaiser."

The Landscape Ontario Trillium Award is given only in exceptional circumstances to an individual who through innovation has introduced a product, service, program or activity that has made a considerable impact and provided substantial benefits to the horticulture industry and society as a whole.

“Just when it looked like the 100-year-old Vineland Research Station was about to be mothballed, Donald was asked by the Minister of Agriculture to Chair a committee that was able to renew, raise funds, re-energize and re-invent the institution as the new Vineland Research and Innovation Centre,” said Paul Olsen, C.E.O. Brookdale Treeland Nurseries Ltd. and Past President and Honourary Life Member of Landscape Ontario. “The Centre is focused on accelerating and commercializing research and innovation that will enhance prosperity for the public and the horticulture industry.”

“The good news from our perspective is that Vineland has embraced the Environmental Horticulture sector and has already hired an industry-specific researcher,” added Tony DiGiovanni, Executive Director, Landscape Ontario. “Vineland will become a Centre for Environmental Horticulture and a catalyst for highway greening.”

About Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Further information:

Darlene Webb, Director, Public Relations and Communications, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, 905-562-0320 x766, darlene.webb@vinelandresearch.com

“Pear Up for a Purpose” Event

2009-04-30T10:09:46-04:00

The Niagara Fruit Institute, soon to be renamed Farm Share Canada, is an organization committed to reducing hunger and enhancing the nutritional requirements of food banks and children’s meal programs. All growers interested in “pearing up” and becoming a local hero are encourage to join us at the “Pear Up for a Purpose” event from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm on October 2nd. See news release (PDF).

VINELAND AND THE UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE

2009-04-30T10:12:26-04:00

The Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) and the University of Guelph have signed a ‘Letter of Intent’ setting up the framework for an agreement that will define collaborative activities and the integration of staff and faculty resources of the University with the emerging strengths of Vineland.

Niagara’s Local Food Action Forum

2009-04-30T10:12:37-04:00

NIAGARA REGION, in partnership with the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, hosted the Niagara Local Food Action Forum today at the Best Western Beacon Harbourside. The goal of the Forum is to develop an action plan based on input from various stakeholders, including farmers, retailers, processors, distributors and government officials, gathered to discuss an array of topics affecting the local food industry. "The development of a local food initiative in Niagara can contribute to our economy in several ways, notably through securing and developing markets for local producers while offering opportunities to enhance tourism,” said Peter Partington, Niagara Regional Chairman. “Our hope is that today’s discussion will lead to several concrete action items that will help Niagara’s food industry grow."

Vineland Welcomes Dr. Hannah Mathers as Senior Research Fellow

2009-04-30T10:12:47-04:00

Dr. Hannah Mathers has been appointed as a Senior Research Fellow at the Vineland Research and Innovations Centre, an independent, not-for-profit corporation established to create a world-class hub for horticultural science and innovation in Ontario.

Dr. Mathers is an Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science at The Ohio State University (OSU). She is also the State Extension Specialist in Nursery and Landscape Crops and co-chair of the OSU Nursery Short Course program. Prior to her appointment at OSU in September 2000, Dr. Mathers was an Assistant Professor with Oregon State University at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center.

VINELAND WELCOMES iSPECS

2009-04-30T10:12:57-04:00

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland Centre) is pleased to welcome iSPECS Inc. as a new tenant of the Centre.

iSPECS provides technical solutions for environmental automation requirements. It is an independent service provider that works together with any computer manufacturer. iSPECS provides project-based services and products including consulting, project management, design and manufacturing of electrical control panels as part of process control automation. iSPECS has set up their business ventures as supplementary services to existing supply companies from around the world, who provide equipment and services to North American end users.

VINELAND WELCOMES HOOGENDOORN

2008-09-18T18:17:59-04:00

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland Centre) is pleased to welcome Hoogendoorn America Inc. (Hoogendoorn) as a new tenant of the Centre.

Vineland Community Evening Event

2008-09-18T18:44:05-04:00

Vineland Research & Innovation Centre, Rittenhouse Hall
A community information evening will take place on May 15th at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (“Vineland”) in the Rittenhouse Hall from 7:00-9:00 PM. Neighbours of the Centre are encouraged to attend to meet with Vineland CEO, Dr. Jim Brandle, and Centre staff, and to learn about accomplishments and plans to develop Vineland as a place for science, for business and as a show-case destination for leading edge horticulture and plant science.

VINELAND Welcomes New MembersTo Board To Assist In Revitalization

2009-04-28T15:00:52-04:00

VINELAND, Ontario, February 20, 2008 – Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of four distinguished new members – Robert Bierhuizen, Alan Ralph, John F.T. Scott, and Dr. Alastair J.S. Summerlee.

“We are pleased to welcome these esteemed members to the board,” said Donald Ziraldo, Chair of Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Board. “With their diverse experiences and areas of expertise, each of these new members will be very valuable contributors to the guidance and governance mandate of the board as we advance the revitalization of Vineland.”

Robert Bierhuizen is President of Sunrise Greenhouses L.T.D. and The Arbory L.T.D. Renowned for his proactive approach towards research and innovation, Mr. Bierhuizen is Vice Chair of the Canadian Plant Propagation Advisory Committee, of Floral Marketing Solutions Inc., and the Ag-Energy Co-operative. He is a Director of The Ontario Greenhouse Alliance. Mr. Bierhuizen serves as a Flowers Canada representative for the North American Plant Protection Organization and for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Alan Ralph is a Chartered Accountant and a member of the National Committee for Audit and Assurance Services in Canada. Now retired, Mr. Ralph has over 30 years of experience as a Partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP, and 11 years as Chair of the St. Catharines Transit Commission. Mr. Ralph has served as a director on various Boards and Associations including the Niagara Regional Development Corporation, St. Catharines Chamber of Commerce, and the Niagara District CA Association.

John Scott is President of The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers since 1991, previously the President of the economic consulting firm, Scott & Fenrich Consultants Inc., and an economist by profession. He is involved in a number of industry and government initiatives. Mr. Scott is the Chair of the Institute for Agri-Food Policy Innovation, a founding member of the Retail Food Environmental Sustainability Initiative, and serves on a number of other national and Provincial Committees.

Dr. Alastair Summerlee is the President of the University of Guelph with a career that spans nearly 30 years as a scholar, professor, and researcher. Dr. Summerlee’s research in biomedical sciences is acclaimed internationally, and he is Chair of the board of World University Service of Canada. Extensively published, and an invited lecturer at universities and colleges around the world, Dr. Summerlee holds a B.Sc., B.V.Sc. and Ph.D. from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom and is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

About Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
Located in the Niagara Region, the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is a not-for-profit corporation. It is currently in the process of significant renewal and revitalization as result of a Federal and Provincial government, and industry led initiative in 2007 to create a world-class research institution and international hub for horticulture and ornamentals research, innovation and commercialization. Created in 1906 through a gift by M.F. Rittenhouse, the Vineland Research Station has contributed to the emergence of a competitive horticulture industry in one of Canada’s most unique geographic regions. It is accredited with the development and release of over 150 new varieties of fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants, as well as numerous production techniques and post-harvest technologies.

Vineland Establishes Science Advisory Committee

2009-04-28T15:22:29-04:00

VINELAND, Ontario, February 27, 2008– Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (“Vineland”) is pleased to announce the establishment of a Science Advisory Committee. The Science Advisory Committee is the second of three advisory committees that Vineland plans to establish to facilitate consultation and information exchange, and to ensure that the organization is provided with independent, strategic advice from outside experts as the vision for Vineland is enhanced and executed.

“The goal of Vineland’s vision is to develop long-term technology and innovation that adds overall value to horticultural and ornamental products and to the industry,” said Donald Ziraldo, Chair of Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Board. “Our esteemed Science Advisory Committee provides world-enowned expertise to ensure that Vineland’s programs will deliver a range of lasting benefits for the ndustry, not only for the Niagara Peninsula, but also on a national and global scale.”

Vineland’s Science Advisory Committee will contribute to the research vision and direction, science quality and granting opportunities pursued by Vineland. Ten distinguished scientists, all with international reputations, from Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand have agreed to serve including Dr. Karel Bolckmans, Dr. Vince DeLuca, Dr. Mike Dixon, Dr. Ian Ferguson, Dr. Rina Kamenetsky, Dr. Matt Kramer, Dr. Brian Miki, Dr. Geoffrey Scollary, Dr. Clément Vigneault, and Dr. Roger Wyse.

The Science Advisory Committee is holding their inaugural meeting at Vineland from February 26 through the 28th, 2008. With the purpose of advising Vineland’s Board of Directors and CEO on the research vision and direction for Vineland, the Committee will reflect on emerging trends and opportunities for Vineland and positioning relative to world horticulture research, provide suggestions based on experience in private not-for-profit research and potential linkages, and explore the role of biotechnology and genomics in horticulture, the value of a health and wellness focus, and the role of consumer impact on horticultural products.

“Bringing a group of eminent scientists together like this is a tremendous opportunity for Vineland,” said Dr. Jim Brandle, CEO of Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. “We are extremely proud to be associated with this remarkable group of scientists, and Vineland will take full advantage of the opportunity to benefit from the invaluable insight and expertise that our Science Advisory Committee will provide.”

About Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
Located in the Niagara Region, the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is a not-for-profit corporation. It is currently in the process of significant renewal and revitalization as result of a Federal and Provincial government, and industry led initiative in 2007 to create a world-class research institution and international hub for horticulture and ornamentals research, innovation and commercialization. Created in 1906 through a gift by M.F. Rittenhouse, the Vineland Research Station has contributed to the emergence of a competitive horticulture industry in one of Canada’s most unique geographic regions.It is accredited with the development and release of over 150 new varieties of fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants, as well as numerous production techniques and post-harvest technologies.

Vineland Establishes Stakeholder Advisory Committee

2009-04-30T10:10:09-04:00

VINELAND, Ontario, February 21, 2008– Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (“Vineland”) is pleased to announce the establishment of a Stakeholder Advisory Committee. With the objective of facilitating consultation and information exchange among all stakeholder groups and ensuring that the organization is provided with independent advice from outside experts, the Stakeholder Advisory Committee is the first of three advisory committees that Vineland plans to establish.

“The goal of Vineland’s vision is to develop long-term technology and innovation that adds overall value to horticultural and ornamental products and to the industry,” said Donald Ziraldo, Chair of Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Board. “Vineland’s success will be driven by brilliant science working hand in hand with market delivery. The Stakeholder Advisory Committee provides invaluable expertise to nsure that Vineland’s programs remain based on achieving commercially relevant outcomes that will rovide the industry with strong competitive advantages.”

Vineland’s Stakeholder Advisory Committee is charged with addressing sector-specific opportunities and the quality of knowledge transfer for Vineland. The Committee Chair is Debbie Whitehouse, Executive Director of the Niagara Parks Commission. Ms. Whitehouse’s previous experience includes serving as Director of Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture and Acting Director of Horticulture.

Eighteen esteemed members join Ms. Whitehouse on the Vineland Stakeholder Advisory Committee, including John Bakker, Paul-André Bosc, David Donnelly, Michael Ecker, Ward Hanlon, Pascale Harstar, Denton Hoffman, Ian Mole, Art Moyer, Matthias Oppenlaender, Lynn Ogryzlo, Ken Porteous, Patrick Robson, Harold Schooley, Jennifer Smith, Torrie Warner, and ex-officio members, Bill Ingratta and Dr. Gary Whitfield. These members were nominated and selected following an earlier visioning meeting attended by 68 stakeholders.

“Our Stakeholder Advisory Committee provides Vineland with an excellent mix of practical experience and strategic thinking,” said Dr. Jim Brandle, CEO of Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. “The insights and support that this advisory committee brings to Vineland are incredibly valuable as we strive to achieve the ambitious objectives that we have defined for the organization.”