Feds investing $400K in East Coast wine industry research
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
New research project to assess the grape varieties, growing techniques that work best in Nova Scotia's various microclimates
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada plans to direct close to half a million dollars to the grape research project. PHOTO: Charles Hoffman, via Flickr
KENTVILLE, N.S.—Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is investing $400,000 in an Atlantic Canada research project centred on grape growing in Nova Scotia.
Working out a two-acre site at the Kentville Research and Development Centre northwest of Halifax, researchers will work to glean new insight into what grape varieties, growing techniques and processing methods work best in the region’s numerous microclimates.
“Nova Scotia is quickly establishing an international reputation for wines, as are many regions across Canada,” Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said. “This research will identify new opportunities for growth and increase demand for Nova Scotian and Canadian wines.”
The federal government will enlist three new scientists to work on the project, which will take place in part partnership with such industry groups as the Winery Association of Nova Scotia and the Grape Growers of Nova Scotia.
Soil fertility, bud hardiness as well as pest and disease management will all be assessed during the project, which ultimately aims to bolster the region’s fast-growing wine industry.
