Ontario wine grape growers negotiate price increase

Aug 03, 2022

The Grape Growers of Ontario (GGO) have negotiated a two-year wine grape (Classes 5-10g) price agreement with Ontario Craft Wineries and Wine Growers Ontario. Under these challenging circumstances, prices will increase an overall six per cent in year one and 3.4 per cent increase in year two.

Matthias Oppenlaender, chair of the GGO board, says that more details will be available in the coming days.

Not only has inflation increased input costs significantly, but Ontario growers in the Niagara peninsula have discovered significant winter injury. It stemmed from a January 15, 2022 night of minus 26°C which resulted in bud injury. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties are susceptible when temperatures dip below minus 20°C. So this means a shorter crop will be harvested in the fall.

The organization represents more than 500 grape growers who manage 17,000 acres of vineyards in Ontario. The Grape Growers of Ontario negotiates prices for all grapes sold to processors. While growers contract their grape sales directly with processors, prices must be no less than the minimum set through negotiations between the Grape Growers of Ontario and Ontario's grape processors. About 95 per cent of grape production is directed into commercial winemaking.

Source : The Grower

Video: Residue Management

Residue Management conservation practice manages the amount, orientation, and distribution of crop and other plant residue on the soil surface year-round while limiting soil-disturbing activities used to grow and harvest crops in systems where the field surface is tilled prior to planting. This video explores how Ryan McKenzie implemented this conservation practice on his farm in Samson, Alabama.

Practice benefits:

• Increases organic matter

• Improves air quality

• Decreases energy costs

• Reduces erosion

• Improves soil health

The Conservation at Work video series was created to increase producer awareness of common conservation practices and was filmed at various locations throughout the country. Because conservation plans are specific to the unique resource needs on each farm and also soil type, weather conditions, etc., these videos were designed to serve as a general guide to the benefits of soil and water conservation and landowners should contact their local USDA office for individual consultation.