Funding of $400,000 granted to Ontario cider makers
Ontario – Up to $400,000 has been earmarked for Ontario cider producers, including $220,000 for the Ontario Craft Cider Association (OCCA), it was announced today as part of Growing Forward 2 – a federal-provincial-territorial plan.
The announcement came as part of the official launch of Ontario Cider Week, running May 27 to June 4, 2016.
“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,” said Thomas Wilson, Chair, Ontario Craft Cider Association.
The amounts earmarked for the OCCA will help:
- 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
- Create a benchmark for growers when establishing new orchards in these regions
This investment will help 19 Ontario craft cideries to be more competitive and expand their markets. Through growing European varieties of apples in Ontario, they will be able to compete with the more established European cider imports, according to the report.
Funding breakdown:
| County | Name | Project Description | GF2 Funding Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peel Region | Ontario Craft Cider Association | Implement a study that will provide data to asses European apple varieties and their juice quality for local craft cider production. | $219,574.00 |
|
Hamilton Region |
The Puddicombe Cider Company | This project is to purchase new equipment to process, package and label cider products. | $62,168.40 |
|
Norfolk County |
Uncle Tom’s Farm Inc. o/a The Cider Keg | The company will complete certification of fresh cider production with Safe Quality Food (SQF) which is a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standard. | $5,095.00 |
|
Norfolk County |
Uncle Tom’s Farm Inc. o/a The Cider Keg | The company will complete training related to the Safe Quality Food (SQF) code and rational ideas for implementation. | $6,800.00 |
|
Norfolk County |
Uncle Tom’s Farm Inc. o/a The Cider Keg | The company will implement pasteurization and bottling enhancements to achieve best business practices, maximize labour, conserve energy and reduce food safety risks. | $45,017.15 |
|
Prince Edward County |
County Cider Company Inc. | This project includes the purchase of tanks, chiller, crossflow filter and pump(s) to prepare for the bottling line capacity expansion that requires a flow rate increase and improved speed of product filtration/carbonation/cooling. | $43,400.00 |
|
Prince Edward County |
County Cider Company Inc. | The company will perform assessments and make recommendations to upgrade and increase capacity of existing packaging line and processing facility. | $14,750.00 |
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