Province helping wineries with new initiative

PROVINCIAL – The Ontario government is launching a new Winery Agri-Tourism COVID-19 Relief Initiative to support agri-tourism businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ontario wineries and cideries with on-site stores whose business were impacted by COVID-19 safety measures to stop the spread of the virus will be eligible for this one-time grant.

Rick Nicholls, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington, welcomed the funding announcement of a one time $10 million grant to help eligible wineries and cideries with on-site stores whose business were impacted by COVID-19.

Businesses that saw a revenue decline in at least one area of their operations, such as decreased tourism, tours, events and tastings, or have faced increased expenses to comply with public health safety measures for COVID-19 will be eligible to receive support.

The 2021 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy, committed to providing a one time $10 million grant to help wineries and cideries impacted by COVID-19 and to ensure that agricultural production and local jobs are maintained in Ontario’s rural communities.

As the delivery agent of the new Winery Agri-Tourism COVID-19 Relief Initiative, Agricorp will send applications for the program directly to eligible wineries and cideries on July 20, 2021.

“Red, red wine ... I think there is a song in there,” said a smiling Rick Nicholls, MPP for Chatham-Kent Leamington. “Our government’s initiative to support our agri-business to the tune of $10-million will put a smile on Ontario’s wine and cider producers, whose businesses have been affected by COVID-19.”

“Our government recognizes the significant impact of the Agri-Tourism sector on Ontario’s social and economy recovery,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “The launch of a new Winery Agri-Tourism Relief Initiative will support and maintain the vital jobs of those who continue to fight to ensure this sector is able to come back stronger than before.”