Big boost for Okanagan wine
Jon Manchester - Jul 11, 2018 - Biz Releases

Image: Thespruce.com

The federal government is investing more than $11 million in Canada’s wine sector.

Kelowna-Lake Country MP Stephen Fuhr, speaking at the Canadian Vintners Association annual general meeting, reaffirmed support for the wine and grape sector through three key investments.

Fuhr said up to $8.4 million will go to the Canadian Grapevine Certification Network. This is the first time grape and wine producing organizations from across the country have come together to develop a national research cluster devoted to advancing the industry.

An additional $3.7 million from industry contributions will help growers better protect their crops, test new vine varieties, and analyze growing practices that are better for the environment.

Fuhr said a further $1.5 million over three years to the Canadian Vintner’s Association will assist in promotion through trade shows, missions, and promote Canadian wine in markets, such as the United States, United Kingdom and China.

The MP also congratulated the CVA on completing a $1.5 million project to enhance Canada’s international reputation as a top cool-climate wine producer through market development and trade advocacy.

The federal funding was first announced by Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay July 4, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.

“This funding will contribute to sustainable growth in the wine and grape sector in British Columbia, and bring economic stability to grape growers and wine producers,” said Fuhr.

Meanwhile, Canada’s wine industry is growing. It generates revenues of $1.2 billion and employs more than 5,600 people. Exports of wine in 2016 totalled $133.6 million.

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the agriculture and agri-food sector.


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