In announcing its 2025 budget on May 15, the Government of Ontario included the following supports for grape growers and wineries across Ontario.
Supporting Ontario grape farmers and wineries by introducing the Ontario Grape Support Program to provide $175 million over five years with a program that incentivizes the use of Ontario-grown grapes while also expanding the VQA Wine Support Program with additional investments that result in total program funding of $420 million over five years.
Implementing tax and LCBO mark-up reductions of approximately $100 million in 2025-26 and $155 million in 2026-27 as part of the first phase of actions related to the review of alcohol taxes, mark-ups and fees.
Grape Growers of Ontario chair, Matthias Oppenlaender promised more details on the announcement and program rollout as they become available.
“Grape Growers of Ontario thanks Premier Doug Ford for his ongoing support of our industry through the new grape purchasing support program,” stated Oppenlaender. “Today’s announcement demonstrates our government’s commitment to grape-growing families in Ontario, and future sustainability of our sector across the province. We appreciate the government’s commitment to Ontario’s grape growers."
Source : The Grower