http://www.grapegrowersofontario.com/thepress/release2007-06-12.php
June 12, 2007
Research Foundation Announced for Grape and Wine Industry. Local Wineries and Growers Invest in Future.
Vineland, Ontario (June 12, 2007) – Ontario’s grape and wine industry announced today the formation of a broad-based foundation that will focus on research and innovation to ensure the growth and sustainability of the province’s wineries and its growers.
The Ontario Grape and Wine Research Foundation was formally created this week after extensive consultation and discussion among leading academics, industry and government representatives. The Foundation will be funded by Ontario’s wineries and grape growers.
"There is no doubt that our success in the future lies in our ability as grape growers and winemakers to evolve through research and innovation,” said Donald Ziraldo, Chair of the Coordinating Research Committee which established the Foundation.
The Foundation will have representation from the Wine Council of Ontario (Paul Bosc. Jr., Paul Speck and Bruce Walker) the Grape Growers of Ontario (Bill George, Matthias Oppenlaender and Doug Hernder), Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), AgCanada, the Cool Climate Oenology & Viticulture Institute at Brock University (CCOVI), University of Guelph, Niagara College, and the Canadian Vintners' Association.
“As the inaugural Chair of the Ontario Grape and Wine Research Foundation I look forward to working with the Wine Council of Ontario and our industry partners as we move to build a world class grape and wine sector,” said Oppenlaender.
Funds will be raised from levies on grapes tonnage and wine literage. The Foundation will also receive funds from the recently established Grape and Wine Research Endowment Fund of the Niagara Community Foundation.
“Ontario wineries recognize the need to re-invest in quality research in order to build upon the growing success of our premium VQA wines and to help ensure a strong future for our industry, said Norm Beal, WCO Chair.
“Our growers understand the need for practical, productive and innovative research to ensure our industry continues to be competitive on the world stage,” added GGO Chair Bill George.
The Foundation will establish research priorities for the industry and sponsor research through a peer review process, as well as international collaborations. Board members include growers Bill George, Matthias Oppenlaender and Doug Hernder and winery representatives
Wine Council of Ontario: The Wine Council of Ontario is a non-profit trade association that represents Ontario’s four wine regions – Niagara Peninsula, Pelee Island, Lake Erie North Shore and Prince Edward Country. These regions grow 75 per cent of the grapes used in Canadian wine production. Log on to www.winesofontario.ca for more information.