CHC s Cluster Experience Amy Argentino Manager, Projects and Programs March 14, 2018 CHC AGM
From the beginning Agri-Science Cluster Program Objective: To support industry-led coordination of specialized industry, academic and government scientific and technical resources required to address industry s priority opportunities for enhancing their competitiveness and profitability
2009 Research Symposium Research Themes identified: Health and Wellness Food Safety and Quality Production, Production Systems Environmental performance of the Horticultural system (pest management) Energy management and efficiency
Agri-Science Cluster for Horticulture 1 Multi-activity project funded by AAFC (2010-2013) $4.7 million, with an industry contribution of $1.4 million 4 commodity groups: tree fruit, small fruit, potato and water
Agri-Science Cluster for Horticulture 2 (2013-18) 50 industry contributors $6.8 million from AAFC $2.8 million from industry 17 researchers 14 institutions
Theme Project Title Project Lead Optimizing Storage Technologies to Improve Efficiency, Reduce Energy Consumption, and Extend the Availability of Canadian DeEll, OMAFRA Apples for Domestic and Export Markets Apple Improving tree fruit storage management using weather based predictions of fruit quality at harvest Bourgeois, AAFC Potato Performance of Honeycrisp on New Size-Controlling Rootstocks New biological control agents for postharvest diseases of pome fruit Understanding of Potato virus Y complex in Canada and development of a comprehensive on-farm management strategy Wireworm control in potatoes and strategic rotational crops in Canada Development of a Rapid and Sensitive Triplex Nested Real-time PCR Method for Quantification of Verticillium in Soil Zebra Chip and Potato Psyllid Survey and Monitoring Nitrogen Management for Improved Yield, Quality and Profitability of Potato Canadian Potato Variety Evaluation Program Cline, University of Guelph Nelson, University of BC Singh, Agricultural Certification Services Vernon, AAFC Tenuta, University of Manitoba Johnson, University of Lethbridge Tenuta, University of Manitoba Sonier, PEI Potato Board
Cluster 2 Research Success The postharvest project is helping growers reduce loss and maximize returns in an increasingly competitive global market, by fine-tuning apple storage regimes for industry prioritized cultivars. Jennifer DeEll, OMAFRA We are greatly appreciative of the funding provided by the Canadian Horticultural Council. Our experience with the CHC project managers, and participating growers and partner organizations across Canada has been very positive and fruitful, leading to a number of insights on the changing status of PVY in the Canadian potato industry, the effects of new strains of the virus rapidly gaining dominance across the country, and effective practical techniques to control the spread of this virus in the field. Mathuresh Singh, ACS
Strengthening the agriculture and agri-food sector a key area of economic growth and job creation to deliver the greatest benefits for farmers, food processors and Canadian families. AgriScience helps accelerate the pace of innovation by supporting pre-commercialization activities and investing in cutting-edge research.
Research and Innovation Strategy development and Priority Setting Apple Berry Greenhouse Vegetable Potato Maximizing Quality & Minimizing Losses Integrated Pest Management Pest Management Optimize Production Practices Creating Potato Varieties for Canada Technology, Mechanization, Automation & Efficiencies Cultivar Development Labour Improve Pest & Disease Management Practices Soil Health and Fertility Sustainable Practices Variety & Rootstock Development & Evaluation Product-Market Development Health Research Energy and Efficiency Production Outcomes Broad Marketing Strategy Production Consumer Preferences Optimize Post-Harvest & Storage Practices Plant Breeding, Variety Development & Evaluation Research on the Health Benefits of Vegetables Enabling Strategy: Knowledge Collection, Translation and Transfer Precision Agriculture, New Technology, and Data Driven Agriculture Seed Quality and Physiology Pest and Disease Water Management Storage and Post-Harvest Physiology
Agri-Science Cluster for Horticulture 3 Process 200 + Expressions of Interest 36 Requests for Proposal 199 Peer Reviews Requests 78 Peer Reviews Completed 2 Applications Submitted 28 Activities 107 Researchers 59 Institutions 116 Industry Contributors
Cluster 3 by the numbers & commodities Apple 3 projects Total: $2.2 million Berry 4 projects Total: $4.2 million Greenhouse 6 projects Total: $4 million Vegetable 3 projects Total: $5 million Potato 12 projects Total: $15.7 million
Cluster 3 Priority Areas Addressed Apple Maximizing Quality & Minimizing Losses Technology, Mechanization, Automation and Efficiencies Variety & Rootstock Development & Evaluation Potato Pest Management Berry Cultivar Development Health Research Production Production Management Variety Development Vegetable Greenhouse Pest Management Energy & Efficiency Labour/Automation Improve Pest and Disease Management Practices Plant Breeding, Variety Development and Evaluation
Cluster 3 next steps Wait. Be prepared. Be optimistic!
What happens if Competition is fierce! Funding options to explore Agri-Science Projects Provincial programs
Questions? Amy Argentino Manager, Projects and Programs Canadian Horticultural Council 2200 Prince of Wales Drive Suite 102 Ottawa, ON K2E 6Z9 T. 613 226 4880 (ext. 208) aargentino@hortcouncil.ca www.hortcouncil.ca Visit CHC s Website and click here