May 12, 2022
Federal government invests $1.5 million in CNLA projects
The government of Canada is helping promote and expand the ornamental horticulture sector across the country through $1.5 million in funding for the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA). The bulk of the money ($1.36 million) is provided through the Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food’s AgriMarketing program.
“This investment will help the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association develop its market and increase its exports, which means growth for local businesses,” Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said.
Announced on March 21, 2022, the funding builds on a previous $1.1 million investment in the CNLA. The money will support the association’s efforts to increase market share of nursery products and international exports. The funds will also support promotional initiatives, including marketing the Year of the Garden, as well as incoming and outgoing trade missions, delivery of technical training, attendance at trade shows, market research and trade advocacy.
An additional $111,309 in funding through the AgriAssurance Program will help the CNLA modernize its Clean Plants program, enabling Canadian growers to assure domestic and international customers that the plants they sell are free of pests and diseases.
The ornamental horticulture sector represents the largest portion of Canada’s horticulture industry, and generated farm gate sales of $2.54 billion in 2020, including resales by producers.
CNLA president Anthony O’Neill said the partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada shows a commitment to both expanding markets for the horticultural sector and to making a difference in the lives of Canadians.
“By securing a vibrant and progressive sector of horticulture that expands its domestic and international markets, we show respect to our planet and its people,” he said.