March 15, 2010
Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture and Agri-Food), had some great news for LO member Aldershot Greenhouses, by presenting the company a cheque for $245,000.

Aldershot president Len Vanderlugt accepted the cheque from Blackburn at the company’s facility near Waterdown. The minister provided the funds to assist the company in its efforts to fortify production of potted miniature roses. The money came through the federal government’s Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program.

Established in 1954, Aldershot Greenhouses transformed its business from a cut flower producer to specializing in potted plants. The company produces 110,000 potted plants each week. The Flamborough Review quotes Vanderlugt, “Aldershot Greenhouses has become the number one producer of potted roses in North America because of constant investment in technologies and growing methods. We are excited with the developments we are achieving in our configurable winter greenhouse production. With these developments, we are able to ensure consistency and quality of those stunning miniature roses.”

The SR&ED program is an investment tax credit available to businesses investing in scientific research and experimental technologies.