Jul 11, 2018

Canada invests $11M in wine sector

Canadian officials on July 10 announced an $11 million investment in the country’s wine sector.

Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna Lake Country, spoke at the Canadian Vintners Association’s annual general meeting, where he reaffirmed the Government of Canada’s support for the wine and grape sector through three key investments:

•  $8.4 million to the Canadian Grapevine Certification Network (CGCN) under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, AgriScience Clusters.  This is the first time grape- and wine-producing organizations from across the country have come together, as the CGCN, to develop a national research cluster devoted to advancing the Canadian grape and wine industry. This research investment, which includes up to an additional $3.7 million from industry contributions, will help growers better protect their crops, test new vine varieties, and analyze growing practices in Canadian vineyards that are better for the environment. “Research 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,” said Hans Buchler, Chairman of the Canadian Grapevine Certification Network.
• MP Fuhr also congratulated the Canadian Vintners Association on completing a $1.5 million project under Growing Forward 2, AgriMarketing program. This funding helped the Canadian wine industry enhance Canada’s international reputation as a top cool climate wine producer through market development and trade advocacy activities, and helped launch the Wines of Canada brand.
• In addition, MP Fuhr underscored an additional investment of $1.5 million over three years to the Canadian Vintner’s Association under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, AgriMarketing program. The funding will assist the industry in activities such as participation in trade shows, missions, and promotions in traditional markets, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and China, as well as CVA’s participation at international trade advocacy events.  Dan Paszkowski, Present and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Vintners Association said the money would help build the Canadian brand for our exceptional Canadian wines. “From British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, to Nova Scotia, Canadian vintners are growing and making wines that are competing and winning in international markets,” he said.

Canada’s wine industry generated revenues of $1.2 billion and employed over 5,600 people in 2016. Exports of wine equaled $133.6 million.