Ontario grants $3.5M to Brock University research farm

The Ontario government has granted Brock University $3.5 million for a national sustainable agricultural project that aims to parlay the university’s grape and wine research into the broader agriculture sector.

Funding from the Ontario Research Fund – Large Infrastructure Fund program supports the three-part Clean Agriculture for Sustainable Production (CASP) Field Infrastructure project. The project is centered around a research farm where scientists from Brock, other institutions and industry will develop and test agricultural innovations.

The initiative is being co-led by principal scientist Sudarsana Poojari and assistant professor of biological sciences Jim Willwerth, who both work with Brock University Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI).

A ceremony to celebrate the funding, announced in March by Colleges and Universities Minister Jill Dunlop, was held April 26 at the site of the future farm on Merrittville Highway south of the main campus.

In a news release, Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff said the grape and wine industry in Ontario is critical to the economic development of Niagara and beyond.

“This provincial funding for Brock University through the Ontario Research Fund will help support sustainable local farm practices and establish a home for Canada’s first Clean Plant Program for grapevines at the university’s new research farm,” he said.