Niagara wineries could share in $10 million boost from Ontario

Published July 12, 2023 at 2:18 pm

Niagara wineries and cider houses could be eligible for a share of a $10 million grant aimed at industry facilities with on-site stores.

The new Winery Agri-Tourism Economic Relief Grant has been set up to help wineries and cider-houses remain competitive and grow agricultural production and jobs in rural Ontario.

“Our government’s new Winery Agri-Tourism Economic Relief Grant will help Niagara wineries remain competitive and successful,” said Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff.

“This week’s announcement builds on the support our government has provided to Niagara to support agri-tourism, new jobs, and local businesses, including wineries in the largest grape growing jurisdiction on the East Coast of North America.”

Ontario’s wineries and cideries are an industry sector with an annual contribution of $5.5 billion to the province’s economy, creating 22,000 full-time equivalent jobs in the agriculture, food and beverage, hospitality, tourism, education, and research sectors.

“As regional leaders in tourism and agriculture, we are deeply appreciative and thankful to the Ontario government for the new winery agri-tourism grant. This grant is an important economic lifeline to Ontario VQA wineries and their businesses, helps reduce longstanding regulatory burdens all while sustaining growth, protecting rural jobs, and spurring reinvestment in our industry,” said Richard Linley, President of Ontario Craft Wineries.

The grant will provide over 200 Ontario wineries and cideries with a one-time payment in Fall 2023 based on sales in on-site stores – pending applications received and confirmed eligibility.

The grant will be administered through Agricorp with more information on the launch of applications expected later this summer.