2020 Wine Grape Price Agreement

Niagara – The Grape Growers of Ontario, under unique circumstances, came to a consensus yesterday with Ontario’s wine processors on the 2020 wine grape prices. After a full day of negotiations, the Grape Growers of Ontario agreed to accept the processors final offer of an overall 1% increase.

 

“The moderate price increase reflects the current global situation and pandemic, and provides the opportunity for the industry to focus on our core business of growing and selling more 100% grown in Ontario wines,” said Matthias Oppenlaender, Chair, Grape Growers of Ontario.

 

"Price negotiations concluding with a small increase for growers recognizes the importance of working collaboratively. Our future is rooted in the pride of 100% Ontario grown wines," said Debbie Zimmerman, CEO, Grape Growers of Ontario. 

 

Ontario’s grape and wine industry is a significant economic driver of the provincial economy. Wine made of 100% Ontario grown grapes generates $98 in economic impact per bottle, and the industry contributes over $4.4 billion in economic impact through jobs, tourism and taxes, particularly in the province’s designated viticulture areas: Niagara Peninsula, Prince Edward County, Lake Erie North Shore, and the emerging South Coast region.

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.