SPUD Unit to get $330,000 upgrade

The provincial and federal governments are investing $330,000 in the Superior Plant Upgrading and Distribution (SPUD) Unit in New Liskeard.

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The financial boost from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership will enhance the SPUD Unit’s ability to provide farmers and the agriculture and food industry with increased plant disease testing and healthy plant stock for Ontario’s commercial growers.

Why it matters: The investment will enable growers to access top-quality crops and crop research, allowing them to supply current markets and create new opportunities.

The funds are earmarked for capital and equipment upgrades within the facility, including irrigation, air filtration, heating and control system improvements, increased sterilization capacity and improved greenhouse coverings.

“The SPUD Unit is a critical piece of infrastructure, supporting the clean seed and propagation needs of several significant edible horticulture crops in Ontario,” said Shawn Brenn, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association chair, in the press release.

The SPUD unit improvements will increase the ability to anticipate, detect, mitigate and reduce plant diseases and pests along the supply chain, which will benefit the province’s potato, berry, garlic, sweet potato and hazelnut growers.

Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Rob Flack said the funds align with the Grow Ontario Strategy to increase research, innovation and adoption of new protocols and technology.  Flack said these upgrades will improve the province’s farming and food production sector resiliency and competitiveness and strengthen the industry against future disruptions.