Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Rob Flack made his inaugural visit to Brock University on Monday, Jan. 13, using the time to learn about Canada’s premier grape and wine research, outreach and education institute.
Accompanied by Associate Minister of Energy Intensive Industries and Member of Provincial Parliament for Niagara West Sam Oosterhoff, Flack was welcomed to the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) by Brock leaders as well as the researchers whose work is helping to shape the future of the industry.
OMAFA recently awarded CCOVI the top spot in the Research and Innovation Excellence category of its Excellence in Agriculture Awards.
CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis led the minister through the internationally renowned research institute, sharing insight into recent advancements such as the national Clean Agriculture for Sustainable Production Field Infrastructure project that received provincial funding in 2024.
“Part of our job at CCOVI is to engage with decision-makers and industry leaders to enhance Canada’s cool climate wine and grape capabilities through our research and outreach efforts,” said Inglis. “Minister Flack’s visit was a great opportunity to showcase to government our talented team and the world-class efforts that are being made to enhance grape, wine and cider production in Canada.”
Flack toured research laboratories, experienced a tasting of wines produced on site and was given an immersive look into the institute’s famous wine cellar which houses more than 40,000 bottles of research and VQA wines in the Canadian Wine Library.
Through its innovative research and analytical services that directly impact the grape and wine industry in Ontario, CCOVI plays a vital role in the province’s agricultural economy.
“Research and innovation are critical to the growth and success of Ontario’s agri-food industry. Our government is committed to accelerating this progress, and it is inspiring to see the world-class work being done at Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute,” Flack said. “Thank you to Brock University for the tour and for supporting the success of Ontario’s dynamic grape and wine sector.”
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