British Columbia Wine Grape Council (BCWGC)

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Who or what does the organization report to?

British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture

Mandatory/Regulatory or Voluntary/Non-Regulatory
Mandatory/Regulatory
Description

Mandatory/Regulatory for mainland vineyards who are selling grapes to any licensed BC winery (more information on levies).

Summary

The purpose of the BC Wine Grape Council is to coordinate, facilitate, and fund research and education on viticulture and enology to broadly benefit the British Columbia wine grape industry and to represent growers on a variety of agriculture-related issues.

The mission of the BC Wine Grape Council is to promote the development of a strong and viable wine grape industry that will result in the production of world-class wines and that will enhance the economic and environmental benefits to British Columbia.

What does the organization regulate or is in charge of with respect to vineyards/wineries

No regulation but charged with wine and grape research, development, education, health and safety and sustainability.

Required Reporting for BC Vineyards/Wineries

All grape tonnage acquired from a BC mainland vineyard used in the production of wine on an annual basis post-harvest.

Benefits/Costs of joining

The purpose of the BC Wine Grape Council is to coordinate, facilitate, and fund research and education on viticulture and enology to broadly benefit the British Columbia wine grape industry and to represent growers on a variety of agriculture-related issues.

The mission of the BC Wine Grape Council is to promote the development of a strong and viable wine grape industry that will result in the production of world-class wines and that will enhance the economic and environmental benefits to British Columbia.

Individuals, partnerships, or corporations located on Mainland BC, growing grapes used in the production of commercial wine become members by paying a $10/short ton (2,000 lbs. or 909 kg) which is collected at the first point of sale. Wineries using the metric system for crop weights should collect $11/metric tonne (1,000 kg). All levies are subject to applicable taxes. This mandatory levy was established under the Farming and Fishing Industries Development Act in 2006.

How is this organization involved with starting a Vineyard/ Winery?

The funds collected from the levies are intended mainly for research and development and educational projects; as well as other purposes such as to liaise with government agencies and other organizations regarding water, pest, land, and air issues.