Matthias Oppenlaender, Board Chair, and Debbie Zimmerman, CEO were pleased to welcome Honourable Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, to Niagara-on-the-Lake today.
20 years ago, the Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs at the time unveiled the first Grape Growers of Ontario sign. Today, Minister Thompson unveiled new ‘Certified Sustainable’ vineyard signage for Ontario’s grape growers who have completed the viticulture sustainability certification process.
Ontario’s Certified Sustainable viticulture program facilitates the sustainability cycle from the vineyard into the winery through an accredited certification process verified by independent third-party auditors. The program provides consumers with the guarantee of a sustainable journey from grape to glass, and offers grape growers resources to increase sustainable practices to ensure Ontario’s vineyards remain viable for the next generation.
Next time you visit one of the several grape-growing regions across the province, keep an eye out for Certified Sustainable signage or visit www.grapegrowersofontario.com for a list of Ontario’s Certified Sustainable vineyards and wineries.
Pictured from left: GGO Board Chair Matthias Oppenlaender and granddaughter Eleanor; Danny Oppenlaender; Aaron Oppenlaender; Jessica Solanki (Oppenlaender) and son Charlie; GGO Director and Deputy Lord Mayor, Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Erwin Wiens; Honourable Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie Tony Baldinelli; GGO CEO Debbie Zimmerman; GGO Vice Chair Kevin Watson; Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake Gary Zalepa
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