New “Certified Sustainable” signage for Ontario grape growers revealed

By Andrew Joseph, Farms.com; Image (from left): GGO Board Chair Matthias Oppenlaender and granddaughter Eleanor; Danny Oppenlaender; Aaron Oppenlaender; Jessica Solanki (Oppenlaender) and son Charlie; GGO Director and Deputy Lord Mayor, Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Erwin Wiens; Honourable Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie Tony Baldinelli; GGO CEO Debbie Zimmerman; GGO Vice Chair Kevin Watson; Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake Gary Zalepa

On June 22, 2023, the Honourable Lisa Thompson, Minister of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), unveiled the new ‘Certified Sustainable’ vineyard signage.

This signage designates the Ontario grape growers who have completed the viticulture sustainability certification process.

The unveiling took place at Niagara-on-the-Lake, with Grape Growers of Ontario’s (GGO) Matthias Oppenlaender, Board Chair, and Debbie Zimmerman, Chief Executive Officer, welcoming Minister Thompson.

Ontario’s Certified Sustainable viticulture program facilitates the sustainability cycle from the vineyard into the winery through an accredited certification process verified by independent third-party auditors.

The program provides consumers with the guarantee of a sustainable journey from grape to glass and offers grape growers resources to increase sustainable practices to ensure Ontario’s vineyards remain viable for the next generation.

For a list of Ontario’s Certified Sustainable vineyards and wineries, visit www.grapegrowersofontario.com.