![\"CCOVIEconomicImpact\"](\"http:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/CCOVIEconomicImpact-300x225.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nA new study shows that Brock University\u2019s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) contributed more than $91-million and the equivalent of 307 jobs to Ontario\u2019s economy in 2014-15.<\/p>\n
Conducted by the management consulting firm MDB Insight, the economic impact study found that investments in CCOVI\u2019s industry-driven research and education are translating into job and business growth across Ontario.<\/p>\n
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CCOVI is an internationally recognized research unit focused on addressing the needs of Canada\u2019s grape and wine industry. The only research centre of its kind in Canada, CCOVI\u2019s activities range from complex laboratory research to in-the-field programs that alert grape growers to imminent threats from severe weather.<\/p>\n
Its director, Debbie Inglis, says the economic impact is a culmination of the programs and services that CCOVI has developed and transferred to the industry over the past decade.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe size of CCOVI\u2019s impact on the industry demonstrates that the institute\u2019s combination of research, outreach and education activities are not only being used, but also embraced by the industry they were designed for,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Of the $91-million overall impact, CCOVI\u2019s research programs and services contributed an annual economic impact of more than $86 million in 2014-15.<\/p>\n
To gauge its impact, the consultants evaluated CCOVI programs and services in seven categories: grapevine cold hardiness, ladybugs, new wine styles, Icewine, CCOVI services, workshops and seminars, and conferences. These programs provide both knowledge and hands-on tools or processes that the industry can use.<\/p>\n
The study also directly attributed more than $4.7 million worth of economic impact to Brock\u2019s investment in CCOVI and government-and-industry supported research and development.<\/p>\n
For Brock\u2019s senior administration, the results illustrate the importance of partnerships between universities and communities around them.<\/p>\n
“This report highlights CCOVI\u2019s significant impact on Ontario’s grape and wine industry,\u201d says Brock President Jack Lightstone. \u201cIt shows how Brock\u2019s commitment to partnership is transforming the university\u2019s innovative research into real-life solutions that benefit communities across Ontario and Canada.”<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the heart of Brock\u2019s culture of research leadership is our commitment to co-creating new knowledge with our community partners,\u201d says Vice-President of Research Gary Libben. \u201cTogether, we mobilize our knowledge, skills and creativity for the betterment of Niagara and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n
Local industry organizations have welcomed the report:<\/strong><\/p>\n Patrick Gedge, president and CEO of the Winery and Grower Alliance of Ontario<\/em>: \u201cThe new economic impact study carried out by a well-recognized consulting company demonstrates the short and long term importance of CCOVI to the wine and grape industry and community at large.\u201d<\/p>\n Bill George, chair of the Grape Growers of Ontario<\/em>: \u201cCool climate viticulture has its own unique advantages as well as challenges. This economic impact study validates the importance of CCOVI to Ontario\u2019s economy and the grape and wine industry.\u201d<\/p>\n Allan Schmidt, chair of the Wine Council of Ontario<\/em>: \u201cCCOVI\u2019s newly published Economic Impact Report demonstrates the important role research contributes to Ontario\u2019s grape and wine sectors. This informative report will aid wineries and growers in future business decision-making, which benefits the entire industry.\u201d<\/p>\n