Media releases

  • Canada should be OK as wild weather hammers European wine production

    MEDIA RELEASE: 2 November 2017 – R00202

    Erratic weather conditions are helping drive this year’s global wine production to its lowest levels in half a century, but a Brock University researcher says Canada’s grape and wine industry is poised to ride out the storm.

    The Paris-based International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) reported that unfavourable climate conditions in Europe’s main winemaking regions of Italy, France and Spain will drive a global wine production shortfall of 8.2 per cent this year.

    It is the lowest level seen since 1961.

    Jim Willwerth, senior viticulturist at Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), said extreme weather fluctuations experienced across Europe, such as frost and drought, are to blame for injury to the regions’ grapevines.

    “It’s not good news. It’s got a lot to do with our changing climate and extremes in weather,” he said. “We’re having weeks and weeks of increased risk, which we wouldn’t have seen 50 years ago.”

    He explained that warmer winter temperatures are causing bud break earlier in the season, leaving vines’ shoots more susceptible to frost damage in the spring.

    “It’s these really big extremes and sharp drops in temperature that resulted in a lot of injury to the grapevines,” he said.

    The OIV’s report doesn’t mention Canada’s 2017 wine production levels, but Willwerth, who monitors the grape harvest in Niagara, said “the size and health of this year’s crop looks very good.”

    Work being done by researchers at CCOVI is also helping Ontario’s grape growers to better mitigate the effects of climate change and protect their harvests in the face of extreme weather events, he added.

    “In Canada, we deal with extremes and I think we’re more prepared in terms of having some technologies available and research and outreach to help support our industry.”

    One example is using wind machines in the vineyard to drive warm air down to ground level when extreme weather such as unexpected frost hits.

    Willwerth, along with fellow researchers Debbie Inglis and Kevin Ker, also operates a CCOVI program called VineAlert, which advises growers in the region of immediate cold weather threats to grapevines so growers know when to turn their crop-protecting wind machines on.

    The OIV reported an increase in wine production for the U.S., but stressed that the data was compiled before the wildfires broke out across California’s wine country earlier this fall.

    “I have heard that because of the wildfires, California wines in Napa are supposed to be going up in price,” Willwerth said.

    He also said cost increases of wines from the other affected regions might not be felt right away.

    “The thing with wine is a lot of it is still in the cellar, so we might see downstream effects of this in years to come,” he explained. “If a region sustains damage and loss year after year, we definitely will see it in our pocket books. I don’t know exactly what those impacts will be, but you can assume there will be some.”

    Willwerth is available for interviews about the issue.

    For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

    * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

    Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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    Categories: Media releases

  • Roméo Dallaire to speak at Brock University on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

    MEDIA RELEASE: 1 November 2017 – R00201

    Not all disabilities are visible. Few know this more than Lieutenant General, the Honorable Roméo Dallaire.

    Appointed as commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda, Dallaire was witness to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, where it’s estimated that between 500,000 and one million people were killed in the span of 100 days.

    Dallaire now lives with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and has become an internationally known advocate for human rights.

    To mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Dallaire will speak at Brock University in a free event on Friday, Dec. 1 in Sean O’Sullivan Theatre.

    Brock AODA Co-ordinator Chris Lytle, who has heard Dallaire speak in the past, said the event provides a much-needed bridge between what has traditionally been considered a disability, and mental health issues such as PTSD.

    “We’re trying to expand the conversation around what exactly is a disability,” he said. “This is a form of disability that is distinctly discriminated against because it’s not visible. It’s highly stigmatized.”

    The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was started by the United Nations in 1992 in order to promote inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life. The theme for 2017 is Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all.

    “General Dallaire’s engagement at Brock signifies that we are committed to creating an environment that pushes the level of discussion around mental health and inclusion so that we can become cognizant of where we can grow,” said Lytle, adding that this event is something he’s been working toward for many years.

    “I’ve had a real interest in supporting every aspect of the way disability presents itself and ensuring that the concept of disability is broadened enough that it incorporates every aspect that Canadians might encounter. That’s something Canada has to work hard at,” he said. “In order to facilitate that discussion, we’re doing this right here at Brock, which I think is amazing.”

    Dallaire’s talk is free to attend and open to the public, but advance tickets are required. They’re available on the Brock Accessibility website. Non-perishable food items will be collected at the door for Community Care.

    Media are invited to attend. Limited interview opportunities with Dallaire will be available after the event is complete.

    What: The International Day of Persons with Disabilities

    Who: Lieutenant General, The Honorable Roméo Dallaire (Ret’d)

    When: Friday, Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m.

    Where: Sean O’Sullivan Theatre, Brock University

    Tickets: Free at Brocku.ca/accessibility

    For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

    * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

    Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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    Categories: Media releases