The Ontario Government announced it will support small wineries, cideries, breweries and distilleries in the Haldimand-Norfolk area. Toby Barret, MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk was on had for the announcement today. Over $15 million in funding is going to help small wineries, cideries, breweries and distilleries across the local region.

The Government is investing in small alcohol businesses to continue strengthening and grow the province’s craft beverage sector for consumer demand.

Minister of Agricultire, Food and Rural Affairs, Ernie Hardman was also in attendance to announce that over the next year, the Government will be making further changes to reduce red tape for the sector, making it easier for wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries to market their products.

“Our government’s priority is to make Ontario more competitive, and this includes strengthening the craft producers’ sector,” said in a statement by Hardeman.

These improvements coming to the sector are part of Ontario’s Open for Business approach that focus on helping to grow the industry.

The wine and grape sector contributes $515 million to Ontario’s GDP and supports more than 9,000 direct jobs.