{"id":97040,"date":"2024-11-04T11:29:42","date_gmt":"2024-11-04T16:29:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=97040"},"modified":"2024-11-13T13:13:07","modified_gmt":"2024-11-13T18:13:07","slug":"ccovis-agricultural-impact-earns-provincial-nod","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2024\/11\/ccovis-agricultural-impact-earns-provincial-nod\/","title":{"rendered":"CCOVI\u2019s agricultural impact earns provincial nod"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ontario\u2019s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) has recognized Brock University<\/a> for outstanding efforts that advance the province\u2019s agriculture and food sector.<\/p>\n

Brock\u2019s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute<\/a> (CCOVI) captured the top spot in the Research and Innovation Excellence category of OMAFA\u2019s Excellence in Agriculture Awards, presented Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.<\/p>\n

“Research projects at the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute at Brock University are guided by grower needs. These initiatives address industry challenges and opportunities to increase yields, lower costs and promote sustainability,” says Member of Provincial Parliament for Niagara West Sam Oosterhoff.<\/p>\n

In addition to research<\/a>, the award speaks to the quality and productivity of CCOVI\u2019s many partnerships locally, provincially and nationally, says CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis award is a recognition to the industry that their investments in, and collaborations with, CCOVI are paying off,\u201d she says. \u201cThe Ontario government is indicating, yes, this is a model worth investing in and moving forward with.\u201d<\/p>\n

Established in 1996, CCOVI works with an array of provincial and national organizations to serve the grape and wine industry\u2019s needs in such areas as vine health, pest management, sustainable wine grape varieties, fruit and wine quality, consumer behaviour and wine marketing, among others.<\/p>\n

This is done through CCOVI\u2019s research, services<\/a>, technology transfer and professional education<\/a> programs.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>

Brock\u2019s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) team has been recognized in Ontario\u2019s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) awards presented Saturday, Nov. 2. From left: Lab Manager and Technologist Fei Yang; Molecular Lab Technologist Tony Wang; Manager, Professional Studies and Outreach Barb Tatarnic; Administrative Assistant Taylor Magee; Scientist, Oenology Jen Kelly; Scientist, Entomology Malkie Spodek; Technologist Shufen Xu; Technician Lisa Dowling; Senior Lab Demonstrator \/ Professional Studies Instructor Marissa Neuner; CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis; Micro-Credential Co-ordinator Steven Trussler.<\/p><\/div>\n

Grape Growers of Ontario CEO Debbie Zimmerman says CCOVI\u2019s crop loss prevention and crop loss conversion initiatives save the grape and wine industry in Ontario $58 million each year in costs related to cold weather, pests, new wine styles and testing services.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese services, amongst many offered by CCOVI, provide valuable savings to grape growers and enhance Ontario\u2019s agriculture in quality and in commercial output,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Zimmerman also notes CCOVI\u2019s leadership role in the Clean Plant Program, which tests and ensures plant material growers use is virus-free, minimizing crop loss and avoiding contamination of otherwise healthy vines.<\/p>\n

The Clean Plant Program is one of several research areas being explored in the new, Brock-led Research Farm<\/a> under the national Clean Agriculture for Sustainable Production (CASP) Field Infrastructure project<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Acting Vice-President, Research Michelle McGinn says the Excellence in Agriculture Award testifies not only to CCOVI\u2019s leadership in the grape and wine industry but Brock\u2019s broader engagement in agriculture work.<\/p>\n

\u201cCCOVI\u2019s proven track record of facilitating world-class innovations, efficiencies and growth in the grape and wine industry is foundational to Brock University\u2019s present and future leadership in the field of sustainable agriculture,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Some of CCOVI\u2019s accomplishments include:<\/p>\n