Grape Growers of Ontario

March 31, 2010

FOCUS ON ONTARIO

(Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON) March 31, 2010 – The message at Grape Growers of Ontario’s annual state of the industry address today was clear: Focus on Ontario.

Bill George Jr., Chair of the Grape Growers of Ontario, Board of Directors, provided an overview of the steps taken throughout 2009 by the grape and wine industry and the Government of Ontario as they work together towards creating a mutually beneficial strategy to provide a market for Ontario grapes at sustainable prices. “2009 proved to be one of the most challenging years for Ontario grape growers with respect to the growing season as well as the business and political environment,” said Bill George.

The Grape Growers reported a total 2009 crop of 47,595 tonnes which translates into a farm gate value of $56 million. 2009 was the smallest harvest since the 2005 short crop year with significant reduction in wine and icewine purchases.

“The Grape Growers of Ontario are advocates for a healthy business environment and the protection of growers rights under the Farm Products Marketing Act,” continues Bill George Jr., “The GGO have spent much of the past year defending the growers’ rights to collective bargaining.”

The CEO of the Grape Growers of Ontario, Debbie Zimmerman, presented their objectives for 2010 and the Grape Growers of Ontario’s action plan to build a strategy that strengthens the Ontario grape and wine industry and supports the growth of 100% Ontario wines. “The Grape Growers of Ontario remain focused on the Ontario industry as a whole and in creating an environment that allows both wineries and growers to prosper,” says Zimmerman.

To support the focus on Ontario theme, the Grape Growers of Ontario have launched a new wine bottle sticker. The stickers are available to all Ontario wineries to identify wine made with 100% grapes grown by grape growers of Ontario.

The Grape Growers of Ontario is the official organization that represents over 450 actively producing growers on 15,000 acres in the province’s four viticulture areas: Niagara Peninsula, Pelee Island, Lake Erie North Shore and Prince Edward County.

Contact:

Debbie 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