ST. CATHARINES, ON – The Government of Canada is committed to increasing Canada's global competitiveness.
To help secure and increase the export market of Canadian flowers, Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister, Lawrence MacAulay, today announced funding to Flowers Canada Growers (FCG) of up to $393,070 under the Growing Forward 2, AgriMarketing program.
The investment will allow FCG to develop standardized training protocols for flower growers on Canada's new export certification program for greenhouse-grown plants. The training will ensure workers and managers understand and comply with the new program. The funding will also help FCG increase their market share domestically and internationally through various marketing activities, including tradeshows, sales missions, publishing a directory and buyers' guide, marketing and promotion activities.
Quotes
"Our Government is committed to supporting the agriculture sector, by providing them with the tools they need to compete and capitalize on market opportunities. This investment will help Canada's flower growers, and in particular, those in Niagara, maintain and expand access to key export markets. Enabling businesses to grow, expand and create jobs, and contribute to building the middle class"
– Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines
"Canadian flower growers, many of whom are family-owned farms, continue to seek opportunities to grow their exports. This assistance will play a critical role in helping Canadian farmers reach new markets, and grow the local economy. We are tremendously grateful for this opportunity to grow floriculture exports."
– Andrew Morse, Executive Director, Flowers Canada Growers
Quick Facts
- Floriculture is an important part of the horticultural industry, with more than 1900 growers producing 28 per cent of the Canadian horticultural production. In 2016, ornamental product sales (including greenhouse flowers and plants, nursery products, and sod products) totaled $2.3 billion. That includes $1.5 billion from greenhouse flower and plant sales (and resales).
- Flowers Canada Growers is a national trade organization that focuses on enhancing the visibility, competitiveness and profitability of all Canadian stakeholders involved in the floral industry.
- This non-repayable contribution will help FCG retain and expand their market, and boost exports to the United States, leading to good job creation as well as consumer access to a wide variety of competitively priced indoor plants and cut flowers in Canada.
- These investments are made through the Government of Canada's Growing Forward 2, AgriMarketing Program, a five-year, $341?million initiative.
Additional Links
Growing Forward 2 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
AgriMarketing Program (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
Flowers Canada Growers
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Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
