The Canadian Grapevine Certification Network (CGCN) is the culmination of a collaborative effort between the Grape Growers of Ontario, British Columbia Wine Grape Council, Quebec Wine Council (formerly, Association des Vignerons du Quebec) and the Grape Growers Association of Nova Scotia. The objective of the CGCN is to advance the Canadian grape and wine industry by ensuring a sustainable supply of certified propagative grapevine material. The CGCN was officially incorporated February 13th 2017 with six board members representing Canada’s four grape-growing provinces.
The first official board meeting of the CGCN was held February 6th 2017 where Hans Buchler, Research Coordinator for the British Columbia Wine Grape Council was nominated to the position of Chair and Bill Schenck, Vice Chair of the Grape Growers of Ontario was nominated to the position of Vice Chair.
“The CGCN will make a long-term contribution to the continuous pursuit of excellence of the Canadian wine sector by ensuring that the best quality, disease-free propagating material is available to the grape industry,” said Hans Buchler, Chair of CGCN.
Canada’s grape and wine industry is a significant economic driver to the national economy which contributes $9 billion in economic impact through jobs, tourism and taxes.
Read the full press release here.