Leading edge technology to protect orchards and vineyards

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre teams with Raytheon preventing freezing and frost damage

VINELAND, ON, April 19 /CNW/ - Dr. Jim Brandle, CEO of Vineland Research and Innovation Centre today announced a new freezing and frost prevention prototype will be installed at the Centre's vineyard to pilot the technology for orchards and vineyards.

"This new prototype technology will help to ensure Ontario vineyards and orchards are protected when temperatures fall below freezing and jeopardize tender fruit and grape production," explained Brandle. "Our partnership with Raytheon is a new chapter in Vineland's on-going research and innovation to protect Canada's food supply."

Vineland has contracted with Raytheon to install the Tempwave(TM) system that uses low-level radiowave heat to prevent frost and freezing damage to crops. Tempwave(TM) energy is transmitted from towers located in an orchard or vineyard changing the energy balance that slows cooling to prevent freeze damage.

"This new technology will save crops," continued Brandle. "Vineland's leadership and partnership with Raytheon ensures that deep freezes will no longer threaten fruit and grapes for wine production. Shortly farmers will have access to an effective tool for managing their operations no matter what the weather."

Raytheon will install the Tempwave(TM) system at Vineland, prepare it for operation and support its initial testing.

"We are excited to introduce this prototype to Vineland. This agreement leverages Raytheon's expertise in radio frequency applications with Vineland's mandate to introduce innovative horticultural technologies," commented Lee Silvestre, Raytheon Vice President for Mission Innovation.

Funding was provided in part by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs through the Innovation and Science Suite of programs under Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

About Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is an independent, not-for-profit organization that was created to be a world-class centre for horticultural science and innovation. In its capacity to enable and foster relationships with industry, academia and government, Vineland works to deliver premium product and production innovations. Vineland brings a global perspective to the Canadian horticulture industry and offers a broad range of lasting benefits to stakeholders both locally and internationally. Aligned with industry needs, Vineland's research priorities and outcomes are focused on the growth of the entire horticulture industry.

For further information: Isabel Dopta, Director, Communications and Stakeholder Relations, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, [phone], Ext. 791, [email protected], www.vinelandresearch.com