{"id":109956,"date":"2026-05-29T15:55:26","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T19:55:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=109956"},"modified":"2026-06-01T10:17:27","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T14:17:27","slug":"brock-research-farm-marks-new-chapter-for-sustainable-agriculture-in-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2026\/05\/brock-research-farm-marks-new-chapter-for-sustainable-agriculture-in-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"Brock research farm marks new chapter for sustainable agriculture in Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"

Innovation is being cultivated at Brock University.<\/span><\/p>\n

The institution marked a milestone moment on Friday, May 29, welcoming supporters and industry partners to the Brock University Norris W. Walker Research Farm<\/a>\u00a0and signalling the next step in the Clean Agriculture for Sustainable Production (CASP) project that will strengthen Canada\u2019s roots in sustainable farming.<\/p>\n

The expansive green space on Merrittville Highway just south of Brock\u2019s main campus will allow researchers to expand on the University\u2019s existing Clean Plant Program, which is critical to supporting Canada\u2019s $11.6-billion grape and wine industry.<\/p>\n

Healthy vines provide the foundation for the industry to thrive, beginning with rootstocks and vine material that growers receive from nurseries.<\/p>\n

But these materials must be free from viruses to ensure strong, productive and sustainable vineyards.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s where Brock comes in.<\/p>\n

\"Two<\/a>

Jim Willwerth, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) Researcher, joins Debbie Inglis, Professor of Biological Sciences and CCOVI Director, at the Brock University Norris W. Walker Research Farm.<\/p><\/div>\n

Working alongside the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Canadian Grapevine Certification Network, among other partners, Brock is one of only two facilities in the country helping to test and produce certified virus-free grapevines.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough our Clean Plant Program, we use advanced tools and techniques to protect plant health,\u201d said Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Jim Willwerth (PhD \u201911, OEVC \u201904), a Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute Researcher who is leading the CASP initiative. \u201cNow, with the development of our research farm, we will be able to expand this work into a natural setting \u2014 accelerating innovation at a time when agriculture faces growing challenges from climate change, plant disease and rising costs.\u201d<\/p>\n

The unique living laboratory will foster the development of more resilient grape varieties and the exploration of innovative technologies to improve efficiency, including energy-smart greenhouses, early warning systems for growers and artificial intelligence-driven solutions.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust as importantly, we will study how plants and ecosystems interact, helping us develop sustainable practices that strengthen biodiversity and soil health, both in agriculture and in urban environments,\u201d Willwerth said.<\/p>\n

The Clean Agriculture for Sustainable Production initiative demonstrates Brock\u2019s commitment to shaping tomorrow through research, discovery and knowledge, said President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg.<\/p>\n

\u201cCASP reflects the kind of applied, community-connected research that creates real-world impact while strengthening partnerships across sectors,\u201d she said. \u201cIt also advances our priority of building sustainable futures by helping address critical challenges facing agriculture and climate resilience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Friday\u2019s event marked an opportunity to recognize the many people and organizations whose support has helped bring the project to life.<\/p>\n

\u201cInitiatives of this scale and significance are only possible through strong partnerships across government, industry,\u00a0philanthropy\u00a0and the post-secondary sector,\u201d Rigg said.<\/p>\n

The project was supported by transformative investment, with Canada Foundation for Innovation<\/a>\u00a0and Ontario Research Fund<\/a>\u00a0each committing $3.5 million \u2014 matched by a more than $7-million gift from Norris Walker, a dedicated champion of Brock and the Niagara region who passed away in January 2024.<\/p>\n

\u201cNorris Walker\u2019s extraordinary generosity and enduring belief in Brock University continue to shape the future of research, innovation and sustainability at our institution,\u201d Rigg said. \u201cHis legacy will be felt here for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walker\u2019s daughter Sheila Bonapace was among members of the family who came together for the celebration Friday.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy father would be proud to see his commitment to the Niagara community continuing to grow through this innovative living lab and the opportunities it will provide to researchers, students and the region as a whole,\u201d she said. \u201cWe look forward to seeing the Brock University Norris W. Walker Research Farm blossom and flourish, creating meaningful change that will be felt in Niagara and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n

The CASP initiative will strengthen Canada\u2019s position as a leader in sustainable agriculture, supporting its competitive edge on the global stage, said Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines.<\/p>\n

\u201cCASP will not only benefit the Canadian economy but also help to shape the future of the agricultural sector that Canadians rely on each day to live,\u201d Bittle said. \u201cThis project demonstrates the significant impact universities like Brock have in advancing the health and vitality of their local communities and the country as a whole.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam Oosterhoff, Member of Provincial Parliament for Niagara West, said, \u201cthe Clean Agriculture for Sustainable Production Project at the Brock University Norris W. Walker Research Farm will not only support local growers and farm families in Niagara, but drive economic growth for the entire region.”<\/p>\n

“By leveraging cutting-edge research and industry expertise, we will create a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector that will help protect Ontario jobs today and into the future.”<\/p>\n\n\t