FedNor funding for agri-food research at College Boreal

The federal government is boosting the food industry in the north by funding work at greenhouses at Sudbury's College Boreal.

College Boreal in Sudbury has received funding from FedNor to help strengthen the agri-food industry in northern Ontario.

The federal agency announced more than $386,000, money the college said will be used to create two new positions to help run the greenhouses.

Boreal greenhouse Sabine Bouchard, College Boreal's director of research and innovation, is seen in the college's greenhouse. (Alana Everson/CTV News)

Boreal pineapples Pineapples are being grown in the College Boreal greenhouse as part of student training. (Alana Everson/CTV News)

The work at Boreal supports emerging small- to medium-sized agri-food businesses with research and development services and access to technical and specialized services to generate expansion and enhance productivity.

The greenhouses at College Boreal are also the learning ground for students in the Agriculture Technician and Techniques Programs.

“This funding will really directly allow us to increase research capabilities and support more producers in our area,” said Sabine Bouchard, College Boreal’s director of research and innovation.

“We are excited to get it started (and) we are excited to go back in our community and continue the work that our team has already started, supporting both producers as well as consumers when it comes to local food procurement.”