![\"\"](\"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/CCOVI-funding-announcement-12-RS.jpg\")
Canada\u2019s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, at a funding announcement in Niagara-on-the-Lake on Wednesday, July 4.<\/p><\/div>\n
The cluster will be overseen by the national grape and wine not-for-profit, Canadian Grapevine Certification Network (CGCN) which is working to advance the $9-billion industry with a sustainable supply of quality grapevine material.<\/p>\n
Brock University\u2019s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) will lead the research in Ontario and will be involved in additional research across the country, said CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the past, we\u2019ve had lots of regional programs, but this is the first time we\u2019ve been able to jointly come together with a funded project on a national level to support issues of national importance to the grape and wine industry,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Inglis pointed out that this project \u2014 to be called Fostering Sustainable Growth of the Canadian Grape and Wine Sector \u2014 <\/em>is also unique because it was driven by the industry, with the CGCN applying for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) funding.<\/p>\n \u201cResearch plays an important role in the continuous enhancement of the quality of grapes and wine and the reduction of the environmental footprint of the entire production cycle,\u201d said Hans Buchler, Chair of the CGCN. \u201cWe\u2019re grateful for the investment that the Government of Canada and Minister MacAulay provided toward the ongoing success of the Canadian grape and wine sector.\u201d<\/p>\n Matthias Oppenlaender, Chair of Ontario Grape and Wine Research Inc. and the Grape Growers of Ontario (GGO), said the announcement Wednesday is \u201ca culmination of many years of hard work and collaboration with the GGO, Wine Council of Ontario and Winery Grower Alliance of Ontario.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOntario Grape and Wine Research Inc. welcomes the opportunity to partner with and invest in the CGCN\u2019s Grape and Wine Science Cluster,\u201d he said. \u201cThis research is vital to the growth and profitability of the grape and wine industry.\u201d<\/p>\n Brock University President Gervan Fearon praised the government\u2019s decision, and said he is \u201cextremely pleased\u201d to have Brock\u2019s world-class grape and wine institute play a crucial role for the new scientific cluster.<\/p>\n \u201cBrock is committed to contributing to making Canada\u2019s communities and industries stronger, healthier and more sustainable,\u201d he said. \u201cProfessor Inglis and her CCOVI team of scientists have spent years working closely in support of the grape and wine sector, and are perfectly positioned to help make this investment a significant success for the Canadian industry.\u201d<\/p>\n Prior to making the funding announcement Wednesday at the Niagara-on-the-Lake grape growing farm of Huebel Grapes Estates, managed by Oppenlaender, Minister MacAulay toured the CCOVI laboratories at Brock University and met with researchers and students.<\/p>\n \u201cThe funding we announced today will help increase innovation and sustainability in Canada\u2019s wine and grape sector,\u201d he said. \u201cI was also pleased to have the opportunity to meet with student researchers from the University, who represent the next generation of Canada\u2019s grape growers and winemakers, and will play a key role in ensuring the future prosperity of the sector.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to the $8.4 million in government funding, the grape and wine industry will also contribute $3.7 million in cash and in-kind donations toward the research project.<\/p>\n Inglis said Wednesday\u2019s announcement shows \u201cthe federal government\u2019s clear support of our national priorities for a sustainable grape and wine industry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCCOVI is excited to work with our research colleagues across the country to help ensure the continued growth and sustainability of the Canadian grape and wine industry,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n The Brock CCOVI-based research, with industry cash support provided by Ontario Grape and Wine Research Inc., will focus on five areas including:<\/p>\n To complete this work, six Brock-based researchers and scientists will collaborate with 13 of their research colleagues from across Canada.<\/p>\n\n\t \n