Government Invests in Wine Lab

Government continues to work with industry to grow Nova Scotia’s wine sector with an additional investment of $916,750 for the Acadia Laboratory for Agri-food and Beverage.

Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell joined industry guests at the lab’s grand opening today, June 23, at Acadia University in Wolfville.

“Our wine industry is one of the fastest growing wine industries in Canada and is quickly becoming known for its high-quality products,” said Mr. Colwell. “We want that success to continue and this lab will advance the industry’s efforts to pursue product development, innovation, and future growth. It's all part of our commitment to creating jobs for young Nova Scotians and opportunity for the middle class.”

The funding will help the lab become ISO certified (International Organization of Standardization). It will also cover the purchase of a laboratory information management software system and additional lab equipment for comprehensive testing. These purchases, along with the certification, will mean that Nova Scotia wine producers will no longer have to send their samples out of province for testing.

This investment is in addition to funding for the lab’s construction which was announced in 2016 by the federal and provincial governments.

“This investment is an important example of the ongoing commitment to support economic development in our region, particularly the growth and development of the wine/grape sector,” said Ray Ivany, Acadia’s president and vice-chancellor. “Nova Scotia wines and winemakers continue to earn worldwide accolades and Acadia is proud to be part of this story.”

Nova Scotia’s wine industry accounted for almost $17.5 million in sales in 2016 and another $382,460 in exports.