Adaptation and Innovation: an integrative research program to improve grapevine health, wine quality, competitiveness and sustainability of the Canadian wine grape industry

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The grape and wine industry in Ontario and across Canada faces several multifaceted challenges, many caused by our changing climate, that must be addressed to sustain its annual $6.8 billion national economic impact and to meet its substantial potential for growth. Ontario's segment of this industry accounts for $3.3 billion, which supports more than 14,000 jobs across the province in a range of sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, transportation, restaurants, and retail and which generates $644 million in annual tourism revenue and employment (Canadian Vintners Association, 2013, "Canada's Wine Economy - Ripe, Robust, Remarkable"). Through our globally competitive research program, developed in partnership with Ontario Grape and Wine Research Inc. and inclusive of individual growers and wineries, we will develop solutions to immediate industry challenges and identify new growth opportunities across the industry's entire value chain by: 1) providing tools and adaptive strategies for grape growers to overcome the challenges of our changing climate through the identification of clone/rootstock varieties best suited to our region; 2) commercializing precise decision-making tools and real-time monitoring technologies with automation to improve productivity and address current industry challenges; 3) developing a database of polyphenolics (tannins) for use in terroir-based winemaking to target the consumer style preference and increase domestic and international competitiveness of Canada's red wines; 4) building Canada's visibility and reputation as a global leader in cool climate oenology and viticulture; and 5) recruiting, training, and retaining world-class highly qualified personnel (HQP).