Grant: Alliance Grants

Climate change is starting to have a profound impact on the wine industry, and Canada is no exception. Rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, smoke taint and increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events all pose significant challenge. To mitigate the effects of climate change on Canada's wine industry, it is essential to develop strategies that address greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable farming practices. These include soil and cover crop strategies to maximize carbon capture and minimize synthetic fertilizer use, "smart" agriculture which uses data driven systems to deliver precise water and nutrient to plants. Additionally, wineries can help adjust to demands of climate change through developing climate resilient yeasts for fermentation at higher temperatures. While management strategies are clearly important, it is also important that these changes be viable for producers and that industry understand how consumers will respond to climate-affected viticulture. To be effective, these changes must affect the entire production chain, from vineyard to fermentation and marketing. Additionally, adapting to climate change can help the industry reduce its environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector. Ultimately, adapting to climate change is essential for the Canada's wine industry's long-term viability and competitiveness in a changing global market.