The Ontario government is investing over $115,000 in an effort to increase consumer demand for locally grown fresh grapes and to launch a new table grape variety to diversify the market and support sector growth.
Funding is being provided to the Ontario Fresh Grape Growers Marketing Board to increase marketing activities during local grape season. It will also alert consumers about when the local produce hits grocery stores. Ontario’s table grapes production is concentrated in the Niagara Peninsula.
“While Niagara is known for our famous wine grapes and fresh peaches, our region is also a key producer of table grapes,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. “This new funding will help diversify production at local vineyards and highlight the innovative spirit of growers in Niagara.”
David Hipple, Chair of Ontario Tender Fruit, said, “This funding helps us with developing and marketing locally-grown fresh grapes. Local growers currently supply only one percent of fresh table grapes available in Canadian grocery stores. This funding will help us expand our production and provide consumers in the province with more local options.”