Brock University is one of the newest members of a research network that partners with industry in southern Ontario to advance the greenhouse sector and related technologies.<\/p>\n
The Niagara College-led Greenhouse Technology Network (GTN) announced Thursday, May 4 that Brock and the University of Windsor have joined the consortium, which collaborates with small- and medium-sized businesses to develop, adopt and implement a range of technologies.<\/p>\n
The network links greenhouse and related technology businesses to experts, facilitates research collaborations and leverages funding to help lower businesses\u2019 risk and costs of innovations.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am delighted that Brock University has joined the Greenhouse Technology Network,\u201d says Vice-President, Research Tim Kenyon. \u201cBrock\u2019s expert researchers and state-of-the-art equipment, including phytotron and plant growth chambers, have enabled us to develop strong leadership in the agricultural sector, particularly through our research institutes.\u201d<\/p>\n
He notes Brock has made great strides in the area of agricultural research through the University\u2019s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI)<\/a> and the Validation Prototyping and Manufacturing Institute (VPMI)<\/a>, a landmark facility aimed at making Niagara a research and innovation leader in the bioagriculture, bioscience and chemical manufacturing sectors.<\/p>\n Greenhouse-related research infrastructure and capacity at Brock include:<\/p>\n \u201cWe look forward to contributing to, and learning from, our new partners,\u201d says Kenyon. \u201cOur combined strengths will open new doors in the development, adoption and implementation of technologies to support the greenhouse industry.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to Brock and Windsor, the GTN also includes Niagara College\u2019s Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre, the Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility at the University of Guelph and Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.<\/p>\n The GTN was formed in 2019 with support from a $5-million Government of Canada investment through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).<\/p>\n \u201cThanks to the investment by FedDev Ontario, we\u2019ve been able to support greenhouse and technology industries in southern Ontario and allow students to gain experience in applied research projects,\u201d says Marc Nantel, Niagara College\u2019s Vice-President, Research, Innovation, and Strategic Enterprises.<\/p>\n He says he is \u201cthrilled\u201d to have Brock and Windsor on board. \u201cWith their unique capabilities, plus the offerings our other members have, we will be able to take on even more innovative projects to help move industry forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n