July 4, 2018 – Niagara on the Lake, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Canada's wine sector is growing, with the industry generating revenues of $1.2 billion
in 2016 and employing over 5,600 people. Wine makers and grape growers across the
country are working hard to ensure their businesses are able to thrive in Canada's
climate, and innovate as the industry grows.
Today, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, announced
an investment of up to $8.4 million to the Canadian Grapevine Certification Network
(CGCN) under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership's AgriScience Clusters. This
is the first time grape and wine producing organizations from across the country
have come together, as the CGCN, to develop a national research cluster.
This research investment, which includes up to an additional $3.7 million from industry
contributions, will help growers better protect their crops, test new vine varieties,
and analyze growing practices in Canadian vineyards that are better for the environment.
Minister MacAulay also congratulated the Canadian Vintners Association on completing
a $1.5 million project under Growing Forward 2's AgriMarketing program. This funding
helped the Canadian wine industry enhance Canada's international reputation as a
top cool climate wine producer through market development and trade advocacy activities,
and helped launch the Wines of Canada brand.
Minister MacAulay also announced an additional investment of $1.5 million over three
years to the Canadian Vintner's Association under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership's
AgriMarketing program. The funding will assist the industry in activities such as
participation in trade shows, missions, and promotions in traditional markets, such
as the United States, the United Kingdom, and China, as well as CVA's participation
at international trade advocacy events.
Today's announcement is part of the Minister's cross country ‘Growing Canadian Agriculture'
tour which started in Quebec last week and ends in B.C. on July 17.
The Minister is meeting with farmers, processors and industry leaders, as well as
participate in rural agricultural events, to highlight strategic federal agricultural
investments and programs - including those recently launched under the Canadian
Agricultural Partnership—and how they will help to build an even stronger and more
innovative sector for Canada.
Quotes
"I'm thrilled to be launching Canada's first-ever grape and wine cluster. Our domestic
grape and wine sector has had a positive impact on Canada's economy, and it continues
to grow. Today's announcement will help increase the market share of Canadian wines
by supporting research that improves wine quality and vineyard management practices,
addresses challenges faced by the sector, and build upon Canada's international
reputation as a top cool-climate wine producer." - Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of
Agriculture and Agri-Food
"I am pleased to be a part of this support for grape growers in Ontario and across
the country. The Ontario wine industry is one more example of the diversity and
entrepreneurship that are the hallmarks of our agriculture industry." - Vance Badawey,
Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre
"The wine industry is an important economic driver in Ontario. These investments,
demonstrate our commitment to keeping Ontario's grape and wine industry strong and
growing." - Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines
"This is the first time the four grape growing Provinces have joined forces to form
the Canadian Grape and Wine Science Cluster. Research plays an important role in
the continuous enhancement of the quality of grapes and wine and the reduction of
the environmental foot print of the entire production cycle. We are very grateful
for the investment that the Government of Canada and Minister MacAulay provide toward
the ongoing success of the Canadian Grape and Wine sector." - Hans Buchler, Chair,
Canadian Grapevine Certification Network
"Today's announcement and investment in the Canadian Grapevine Certification Network
for Canada's grape growing industry comes after many years of hard work and collaboration.
The Grape Growers of Ontario are pleased to be working alongside our partners in
Nova Scotia, Quebec, British Columbia and with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
to create a domestic supply of clean rootstock which is critical to the future of
Canada's grape growing industry." - Matthias Oppenlaender, Chair, Grape Growers
of Ontario
"On behalf of the Canadian Wine Industry this contribution of 1.5 million over 3
years from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is significant in helping to
build the Canadian brand for our exceptional Canadian wines. From British Columbia,
Ontario, Quebec, to Nova Scotia, Canadian vintners are growing and making wines
that are competing and winning in international markets, " - Dan Paszkowski, Present
& Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Vintners Association.
Quick Facts
- Canada's wine industry generated revenues of $1.2 billion and employed over 5,600
people. Exports of wine in 2016 equaled $133.6 million.
- The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion investment by federal,
provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the agriculture and agri-food
sector. The Partnership builds on Growing Forward 2, the previous five-year agreement
that ended on March 31, 2018.
- The Partnership includes programs and activities to enhance the competitiveness
of the sector through research, science and innovation. Through the AgriScience
Program, a five-year, up to up to $338 million initiative, the government is supporting
leading edge discovery and applied science, and innovation driven by industry research
priorities.
Associated Links
Canadian Agricultural Partnership
Canadian
Grapevine Certification Network
Canadian Vintners Association