Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Ontario Wineries can now sell wine at local farmer's markets. What do you think?

The province of Ontario released a statement today announcing they will be allowing Ontario VQA wines to be sold at local farmer’s markets:

The province is making it easier for consumers to choose Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) Ontario wine by expanding the LCBO’s new “Our Wine Country” destination boutiques and allowing VQA wines to be sold at farmers’ markets through the renewed Wine and Grape Strategy.

“I’m committed to supporting this innovative industry and I encourage consumers to choose Ontario wines first as they share them with family and friends this holiday season and throughout the year. They’re local, they’re good for our economy, and they support good jobs,” says Kathleen Wynne, Premier and Minister of Agriculture and Food of Ontario.

Other features of the $75 million Wine and Grape Strategy will support local wineries and help the sector grow by:

  • Establishing an Ontario Wine Fund to support key winery and vineyard investments, such as specialized equipment and machinery, and enhanced marketing for the province’s wines locally and globally.
  • Creating a Wine Secretariat to be a one window point for discussions between the province and industry and identifying ways to reduce red tape to help make grape growers and wineries more competitive.
  • .

VQA wine sales in Ontario have increased by $100 million since 2008 — from $168 million in 2008 to $268 million in 2013.

 

On the website WindsorEats.com:

Bernie Gorski, winemaker and owner of Colchester Ridge Estate Winery, says that this isn’t just a big announcement for local wineries but is a huge achievement province-wide.

“It helps give us access to a market we’ve been restricted from since 1920,” Bernie explains. “It’s nice to see our government working with us .”

He goes on to say that he expects a huge impact to be able to sell wines in an area they’ve never been able to before.

“Having a broader market cannot be a bad thing,” he says. “It’s a major achievement for wineries in Ontario and we’re very pleased to be in business at this time while it’s happening.”

What do you think?

Views: 1730

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Roadrunner on December 16, 2013 at 1:25pm

Great new reason to go to local farmers' markets.

I will be buying some wine there now.

Beep Beep! 

Permalink Reply by OntAG Admin on December 17, 2013 at 1:59am


NOTILLvilleDec 16, 7:40pm via Twitter for BlackBerry

@OntAg they've been doing it in Saskatchewan for a couple of years now to rave reviews. Welcome to enlightened farmer's marketing!

Permalink Reply by OntAG Admin on December 17, 2013 at 1:59am


qaashDec 16, 6:17pm via Web

@ethicalgourmet @OntAg Great news! I hope we see some soon at @CoventMarket in #LndOnt

Permalink Reply by OntAG Admin on December 17, 2013 at 2:00am


agecprof6:08am via iOS

Good, but won't loosen the LCBO monopoly: 

Permalink Reply by Joann on December 17, 2013 at 5:14am
I have to seriously question how Ontario has the right to continual monopoly control of alcoholic sales.

I believe the Crown right to control alcohol in parts of Ontario/Quebec stems from a 17th century Royal Proclamation (if it has been rescinded, please advise, as I have not found that component) but conditions were attached.

I thought the Crown was bound to the 21 year rule like the rest of us.

Is it time to question the LCBO monopoly powers in court?

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Reducing On-Farm Pesticide Drift

Pesticide drift is a costly challenge for large farms. During National Pesticide Safety Education Month, here are key strategies—based on current EPA and Extension guidance—to keep applications on target.

US Ag Groups Join Forces to Call for Trade Pact Renewal

A new coalition of U.S. farm and agricultural organizations is ramping up pressure on Washington to ensure the renewal of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, or CUSMA as it is known in Canada) as the pact approaches its mandatory 2026 review. More than 40 farm and agri-food groups have launched the Agricultural Coalition for USMCA, highlighting the trade deal’s role as a key economic driver for American agriculture and warning that uncertainty around its future could disrupt farm planning and investment. The coalition on Thursday unveiled a new website and announced an aggressive advertising campaign in Washington aimed at reinforcing the agreement’s benefits to lawmakers and the administration. “USMCA is one of President (Donald) Trump’s signature achievements and one that has significantly propelled the ag economy,” said coalition spokesperson Bryan Goodman. While acknowledging that targeted improvements may be needed, Goodman said the group’s core message is tha

US Farm Income Forecast Lower for 2026

U.S. net farm income is projected to edge lower in 2026, with the USDA estimating inflation-adjusted net farm income will fall by $4.1 billion to $153.6 billion – setting up another challenging year for American producers. In nominal terms, American net farm income is estimated at $153.4 billion, down about $1.2 billion, or 0.7%, from 2025, said the USDA’s first farm income forecast for 2026 on Thursday. Net cash farm income, which measures cash flow, is expected to rise 3% to $158.5 billion, though inflation erodes much of that gain. Although still well down from 2022 when farm income peaked at $210 billion, both net farm income and net cash farm income for 2026 would remain above their long-term averages when adjusted for inflation. Total farm cash receipts are forecast to drop $14.2 billion, or 2.7%, to $514.7 billion in 2026. Crop receipts are projected to increase modestly in nominal terms, rising $2.8 billion to $240.8 billion, though they are expected to decline slightly o

New cereals seed treatment from Syngenta

Equento Cereals has six active ingredients including a new Group 30 insecticide

40 U.S. Ag Groups Unite to Launch Coalition Urging Renewal of USMCA

Over 40 U.S. farm and ag organizations have formed a new coalition advocating for the renewal of the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service