Wolfville, Nova Scotia, October 6, 2012 – Member of Parliament Greg Kerr (West Nova), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced today an investment to help the Nova Scotia wine industry explore the market potential for producing sparkling wine using the traditional French method for champagne.
"Nova Scotia is Canada's third-largest wine region and our award-winning wines are already earning international recognition," said MP Kerr. "This investment will help the Nova Scotia wine industry prosper in today's demand-driven marketplace, creating new potential for jobs and economic growth within the sector."
This investment of nearly $70,000 will help the Winery Association of Nova Scotia study consumer awareness and preferences for premium Nova Scotia sparkling wines produced using the traditional double fermentation method. With a growing number of Nova Scotia wineries interested in sparkling wine production, the results of this research will help the industry assess market potential domestically and internationally.
"The Nova Scotia wine industry continues to grow in volume and reputation for quality wines," said Nick Jennery, CEO of the Winery Association of Nova Scotia. "We are truly fortunate to have this assistance to augment the sizable capital investments being made by industry to produce quality, unique wines that are 100% Nova Scotia."
The investment was announced as wine enthusiasts and grape industry professionals celebrate Nova Scotia's 7th Fall Wine Festival. This annual festival promotes Nova Scotia's remarkable wines and wineries and celebrates the harvest season by hosting a variety of wine and food events geared at consumers including grape stomps, winemakers' dinners, wine education seminars and much more.
This project is supported through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP), a five-year, $163-million initiative to help the Canadian agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive. Agri-Futures Nova Scotia (AFNS) delivers the regional component of CAAP in Nova Scotia.
The Harper Government remains focused on research and innovation to improve the agri-food sector's ability to seize new market opportunities and is committed to supporting industry leadership to stimulate business development and competitiveness through the new Growing Forward 2 (GF2) policy framework. In addition to generous multi-year funding for risk management programs, GF2 also includes more than $3 billion in strategic initiatives for innovation, competitiveness and market development.
For more information on CAAP, please visit agriculture.canada.ca/caap.
To learn more about AFNS, please visit www.agri-futures.ns.ca.
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Jeff English
Press Secretary
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
