Grape Growers of Ontario

October 14, 2009

Grape Growers of Ontario Welcomes Government's New Plan to Ensure Growth in 100% Ontario Grown Wine

Toronto, ON (Wednesday, October14, 2009): Yesterday, the Government of Ontario released a five year strategy for growth in the grape and wine industry with a focus on 100% Ontario grown VQA wines. The province’s plan to increase access to VQA wines through the LCBO and provide clear signage and labeling will ensure consumers can make informed choices in the future.

“In addition, the timely announcement to renew the VQA support program provides an immediate incentive for wineries to consider purchasing more Ontario grapes from this year’s harvest for Ontario VQA wines,” said Grape Growers of Ontario Chairman Bill George. However, George underlined his disappointment that the Government plan had not gone far enough to provide more concrete solutions to the over 50 farm families who are without a buyer for their grapes this year.

Currently over 9000 tonnes of high quality Ontario grapes remain unsold.

“Our farm families are the backbone of Ontario’s Greenbelt and their success is critical to ensure the success of our agricultural land base. The Government’s plan to increase access to VQA wines at the LCBO is a good beginning and at the very least signals that Ontario grown matters,” George said.

“We also welcome the Government’s support to manage change through a collective process and we will continue to offer strategies that are necessary to achieve progress for everyone involved in our industry.”

Building on yesterday’s announcement will require the commitment of government, growers and wineries to ensure this foundation underpins a strong strategy for our future.

The Grape Growers of Ontario is the official organization that represents over 484 actively producing growers of 15,000 acres in the province’s four viticulture areas: Niagara Peninsula, Pelee Island, Lake Erie North Shore and Prince Edward County.

For more information contact:

Debbie M. Zimmerman, CEO

(905) 688-0990 ext. 225

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Archived
Media Releases

July 8, 2010

Grape Growers of Ontario, Winery & Grower Alliance of Ontario and Wine Council of Ontario Reach a Two-Year Agreement on Grape Pricing

April 19, 2010

Look for Local Wine? Look for "100% Grown by Grape Growers of Ontario" Label

April 13, 2010

Grape Growers of Ontario re-elect Bill George Jr. as Board Chair

March 31, 2010