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).