Every year, the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre releases an Innovation Report highlighting some of its major research projects and programs. Building upon its achievements from the previous year, the 2024-2025 Innovation Report covers the following areas related to the horticulture industry:
- “Adapting Crops to the Changing Canadian Climate”
- “Putting Knowledge Into Practice for Better Pest Control”
- “Breaking New Ground on Soils, Carbon, and Sustainable Orchards”
- “Creating Impact for Growers With Horticultural Technological Solutions”
- “Advancing Sustainable Waste Opportunities”
- “Advancing Organizational Excellence Through ESG Reflection and Improvement”
Adapting Crops to the Changing Canadian Climate
Travis Banks, the Director of Crop Enhancement and Adaptation at Vineland, goes over the changing climate conditions that Canada is experiencing and what challenges this brings to the industry, including the effects of:
- Earlier springs
- Hotter summers
- Increased flooding and droughts
- Milder winters
- New pests and diseases
Putting Knowledge Into Practice for Better Pest Control
Vineland covers its latest research advancements in the field of pest control, and its collaboration and mobilization efforts made to spread the word throughout the industry, ensuring the proper adoption of new and effective integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
Breaking New Ground on Soils, Carbon, and Sustainable Orchards
With the challenges of climate conditions becoming more pressing, farmers and growers are looking for new sustainability practices to better grow and protect crops. One method Vineland investigates here is the practice of carbon sequestration.
Creating Impact for Growers With Horticultural Technological Solutions
Speaking with Brian Lynch, Ph.D., Vineland’s Director of Horticultural Technology Solutions, highlights the technological struggles that companies need to grapple with to survive in an ever-changing industry, and Vineland’s efforts to pioneer new advancements in this sector.
Advancing Sustainable Waste Opportunities
With crop waste a major concern related to production, especially regarding food growers, Vineland has been researching more sustainable solutions, including those related to supply chain and logistical concerns. This can help companies involved in the horticulture industry by providing both economic and environmental benefits.
Advancing Organizational Excellence Through ESG Reflection and Improvement
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) guidelines have become a major area of focus in the industry, with their ties to sustainability concerns. Since finalizing its own ESG framework in 2024, Vineland has reflected on how these principles help guide its organization and research.
For additional information on each section topic, please download and read the complete report here.