Research begins to improve strawberry production in northern Ontario

August 30, 2022

Collège Boréal, Rural Agri-Innovation Network looking to identify farms, greenhouses growing strawberries

strawberries in baskets

Story by Angela Gemmill- CBC News - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/research-strawberry-production-northern-ontario-1.6565398


Research is beginning into what conditions are best to grow strawberries in northern Ontario.


The study is part of a partnership between Collège Boréal and the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) in Sault Ste Marie, Ont.

Strawberries are one of the most imported fruits in Canada. 


"Specifically we're interested in looking at how we could really develop a strawberry production system that would allow a more consistent local supply in northern Ontario, but that could also be shared across Canada in similar climatic areas or regions," said Sabine Bouchard, project manager at Collège Boréal.


The team is currently in the first phase of the project, which is to identify northern Ontario farmers who have strawberry crops or use greenhouses to grow the berries.


"Really this first phase is to get a better understanding of challenges that strawberry producers or greenhouse producers currently face and then see how we can adapt those systems we're developing to help them find solutions," Bouchard said.


"We're hoping to really take this information and see how we can help current producers either adapt or tweak their current existing system for a more productive strawberry growing season," she added. 


System that's tailored to northern needs

"What we're hoping to do with Collège Boréal is to devise a unique system that's tailored to the needs of northern producers that would essentially allow them to pursue strawberry production in an economically viable way," said Lauren Moran, horticultural research assistant with RAIN.


Moran said she'll get in touch with strawberry producers growing in fields and in greenhouses, to hear from them "what kind of practices they use and whether or not they would be interested in a system" like the one being developed at Collège Boréal.


"The idea was to kind of boost the domestic production of these berries because they're so popular, and because we are doing so much importing so that we can be a little more reliant on our own systems to provide," she added. 



Phase one of the project is expected to wrap up by the end of this calendar year.


"I know the folks at Collège Boréal are looking to move into this next phase to secure a little more funding, and to hopefully prototype a system," Moran said.


"Moving forward from there to see whether it's economically viable, how much it produces and whether it's something that could be marketed to folks who are looking to expand their own production."


Phase one of the research project is being funded through the Homegrown Innovation Challenge, which is financed by the Weston Family Foundation.


They're also working with northern producer Stephane Lanteigne, a co-owner of Truly Northern Farms in Chelmsford. 

Lanteigne works for Smart Indoor Farming Solutions, which helps producers who want to start indoor farming through hydroponics.


Collège Boréal has its own 2,250 square foot, high-tech, heated greenhouse that some experiments will be conducted in.



Bouchard said the college team will determine which type of strawberries grow best in a greenhouse setting.

Students will be involved with the data collection, and next steps of the project.


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October 11, 2024
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) has launched the Northern Ontario Value-Added Agriculture (NOVA) Program to empower agri-food entrepreneurs across Northern Ontario to develop new food products. By offering workshops, training sessions, networking events, and a mentorship program, NOVA aims to equip Northern entrepreneurs with the essential skills and knowledge needed for long-term business growth and sustainability. Supported by $42,080 in funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, NOVA will address the critical need for professional development in the agri-food sector. It focuses on enhancing entrepreneurial skills, improving safety and risk management practices, and providing strategies to expand market presence at home and abroad. “The agri-food promise and potential of Northern Ontario is immense, and our government will continue to work with Northern partners like the SSMIC to help seize it,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “NOVA will help unlock more of the huge untapped entrepreneurial energy and ambition of Northern agri-food entrepreneurs to build strong local businesses, create good-paying jobs and strengthen Northern Ontario’s economy.” Program goals include strengthened business capabilities, job creation, and increased economic activity, leading to a more vibrant and sustainable agri-food sector in Northern Ontario. By fostering public engagement with agriculture and local food, NOVA will also contribute to rural development and enhanced community well-being. "Through the NOVA Program, we are excited to provide agri-food entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to thrive," said Peter Bruijns, Executive Director of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre. "This initiative not only supports individual businesses but also strengthens our entire region's agricultural ecosystem." For more information visit: https://rainalgoma.ca/programs/the-northern-ontario-value-added-agriculture-nova-training-program/ SSMIC would also like to thank FedNor the Government of Canada, and the Sault Ste Marie Community Development Corporation for their support in this exciting program. 
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