As the Grape Growers of Ontario (GGO) prepare for the 75th annual general meeting on April 5, statistics have been released for the 2022 crop year. Not unexpectedly, farmgate revenue suffered the worst drop in five years due to severe winterkill in vineyards.

Value of crop purchases dropped from $111 million in 2021 to $62 million in 2022.

“We realized in the spring of 2022 that there would be severe damage of 50 to 60 per cent of vines,” says Matthias Oppenlaender, chair, GGO.  “This is very concerning for growers with increased input costs at the same time. Going forward, we hope to rebound with 75 to 80 per cent of a crop this year.”

The current mild winter of 2022-23 gives hope for the upcoming season, although there may still be some carry-over losses.

Oppenlaender says that recent meetings have been held with federal agriculture minister Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau and Ontario ag minister Hon. Lisa Thompson working through details of an Agri-Recovery program for grape growers.

Source: Grape Growers of Ontario March 20, 2023 newsletter