Ontario and federal governments invest in craft cider
From Food In Canada
The Ontario government and the government of Canada have announced an investment in Ontario’s craft cider industry. The investment is expected to help grow the craft cider sector by increasing market access and creating new economic opportunities for Ontario’s craft cider producers.
The Ontario Craft Cider Association will receive up to $220,000 under the Growing Forward 2 initiative to: implement a study to assess 29 European apple varieties and their juice quality for local craft cider production; evaluate how cider cultivars perform in five distinct growing regions in the province; and create a benchmark for growers when establishing new orchards in these regions.
“This research project will provide cider makers with information and experience they need to produce high-quality local cider. The Ontario Craft Cider Association welcomes the federal and provincial governments’ support to implement a study that will build on our vision to develop and maintain a competitive and growing sector,” says Thomas Wilson, Chair, Ontario Craft Cider Association.
This funding is part of nearly $400,000 in federal and provincial government support for Ontario cideries through Growing Forward 2 – a federal-provincial-territorial funding program that encourages innovation, competitiveness, market development, adaptability and industry sustainability in Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sector.