Put the "O" back in LCBO - Support Ontario Grape Farmers

Ontario's Grape Growers need your help.

Last year more than 30,000 tonnes of grape juice was imported to the province, while Ontario farmers with high quality crops were left without buyers and with local grapes rotting in their fields.

Here's why: Under the Wine Content and Labeling Act, Ontario wineries are able to buy inexpensive finished wine from off-shore vendors and create a product labeled as "Cellared in Canada" by blending in only 30% Ontario grown grapes. That means much of the "Canadian" wine we buy at the LCBO is made from grapes grown overseas.

With buds beginning to blossom all over Ontario's Greenbelt for the 2009 growing season, the Ontario government has made no movement to change the labeling act, or made any effort to support local grape growers through increasing marketing efforts of VQA (100% Ontario grape) wines sold at the provincially owned LCBO.

Buying local is good for our community, good for our environment, and good for our economy. Ontarians are committed to buying local foods - shouldn't our government be doing the same?

What You Can Do to Support Ontario's Grape Farmers:

When you are at the LCBO:

  • Buy VQA wine (which is made with 100% Ontario Grown Grapes)
  • Let LCBO staff know that you are interested in more of a selection of VQA wines
Get the Government on Board:

Take action now!

  • Increase the Ontario Content in "Cellared in Canada" immediately to 50%
  • Increase the Ontario wine market share to 51% at LCBO stores throughout Ontario
  • Increase access to more retail stores across Ontario to sell more 100% grown Ontario wine.
Use our Tell-a-Friend tool to encourage friends and colleagues to do the same.

Dear Premier McGuinty

As a citizen who supports Ontario's farmers and is concerned about preserving our province's green space, I am writing to ask that the government take direct action to support Ontario's Grape Growers.

Through Ontario's Wine Content and Labeling Act, and the provincial ownership of the LCBO, your government is positioned to support the sustainable livelihood of our grape farmers and ensure that this iconic rural industry has a secure future in our province.

I am asking the government to:

  • Increase the Ontario content in Cellared in Canada immediately to 50%
  • Increase the Ontario wine market share to 51% at LCBO stores throughout Ontario
  • Increase access to more retail stores across Ontario to sell more 100% grown Ontario wine.
I am asking that you put the O back in LCBO.
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