Addressing the research and education needs of the Canadian grape and wine industry will be made easier with a new partnership established this week between Brock University and Acadia University.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the two institutions encouraging collaboration between Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) and Acadia’s Atlantic Wine Institute.

The MoU will facilitate knowledge exchange and joint projects in the areas of viticulture, oenology, business, culture and policy research that address the needs of the Canadian grape and wine industry.

“This collaboration with the Atlantic Wine Institute aligns perfectly with CCOVI’s goals,” said CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis. “With formal research partnerships at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre, and now the Atlantic Wine Institute, we have created a coast-to-coast Canadian grape and wine research network.”

“I’m excited to work with the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) at Brock University,” said Donna Sears, Director of the Atlantic Wine Institute. “This new MOU between the Atlantic Wine Institute and CCOVI extends the spirit of collaboration and connection that is at the heart of the Atlantic Wine Institute’s purpose. The agreement will allow us to foster relationships with – and create connections among – researchers in one of Canada’s other premiere wine regions, opening opportunities for all of our partner institutions.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for both Acadia University, and more specifically, for the Atlantic Wine Institute housed on campus,” said David MacKinnon, Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at Acadia. “This solidifies our partnership with the internationally recognized Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) at Brock University and will provide an opportunity for the Atlantic Wine Institute to collaborate on wine-related research and outreach initiatives on a national scale.”

This partnership comes at a time when the national grape and wine industry is continuing to grow. According to a 2013 economic impact analysis from the Canadian Vintners Association, the national industry contributes $6.8 billion a year to the Canadian economy and provides more than 31,000 jobs.