Brock’s research contributions to Ontario’s agricultural sector were in the spotlight as the University welcomed the Honourable Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to campus Tuesday, April 9.

Malkie Spodek (left), Entomology Scientist with Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute and Adjunct Professor in Biological Sciences, explains her research to Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Minister Lisa Thompson (right), who looks through a microscope at grape mealybug eggs. The grape mealybug is an insect vector of grapevine viruses.

An interest in Brock’s leadership in the grape and wine sector prompted Thompson to tour the University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI). While on campus, the Minister also visited the Brock-Niagara Validation, Prototyping and Manufacturing Institute (VPMI) to gain insight into how the University contributes to the advancement of the bioproducts, bioscience, bio-agriculture and chemical manufacturing sectors in southern Ontario.

The visit included a meeting with President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg to further highlight Brock’s capabilities. Rigg shared insight into the future of Brock’s state-of-the-art research farm, an innovative farm-based research centre set to transform Ontario agriculture into a self-reliant and eco-friendly production system.

“The Brock research farm will not only expand the University’s research expertise and capacity, but it will help reshape the future of sustainable agriculture in Ontario,” said Rigg. “We were thrilled to be able to share this exciting project with Minister Thompson and have our researchers showcase their work supporting growth and innovation in this sector.”