“The Vitis system keeps our farm records at our finger tips. It allows us to determine where we are profitable and helps to pinpoint any trouble blocks in our vineyard. I applaud the Grape Growers of Ontario for the Vitis system, which also provides aggregate analysis that supports the future development of our industry.”
~ Doug Hernder, Hernder Vineyards Inc., Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Training moves grape industry forward

We all know Ontario produces world-class grape juice and wines. But did you know those grapes can now be tracked through a unique, computer-based farm tool? The Vitis Vine Management tool is a traceability and record management system designed specifically to give Ontario’s processing grape growers a business advantage. The Grape Growers of Ontario (GGO) developed the system two years ago with the support of Agricorp and CanAdvance, and rolled out an improved version in March 2007.

The non-profit organization approached AMI to fund a program that would enable growers to take advantage of the upgraded features. AMI, which supports the development of tools, products and resources to enhance farm business management, came on board with a $63,750 pledge for a grower training program.

“Vitis is the cornerstone of our progression into the future.” says Julie Dixon, special projects manager, GGO. “It’s essential that each grower gain the knowledge required to properly use this system, so they can have the opportunity to bring their business to a new level of efficiency.”

Win-win situation

AMI funded a full-time grower relations training representative to develop a user manual and deliver one-on-one Vitis training for all GGO members. “AMI has been a huge support to allow non-profit organizations like ourselves take our projects to the next level, and continuously move our industry forward and grow,” says Dixon.

To date, 125 growers have received training from the GGO’s Grower Trainer Representative, Nick Hubbard, on the new Vitis system as well as help with basic computing skills. This electronic system brings advantages that are a world away from many of the old paper-based systems. Electronic weigh bills, vine import tracking and access to numerous vineyard reports are all giving Ontario’s grape growers a “leg up” in business management and production.

“Vitis is the foundation for our farm management tools,” says Dixon. “The training benefits both of us.” Growers receive information vital to their business success and the GGO can access data to help its members compete on an international level. For instance, Vitis provides key statistics to ensure sustainable growth and profitability for Ontario’s grape industry.

More skill development

“Overall the project was a success,” says Dixon. “I think it will help move our industry forward. Being more comfortable with the Vitis system and becoming more computer savvy in general will help take growers to the next stage in their businesses.” GGO is an example of a grower organization committed to enhancing its members’ farm business success with management tools. It was recognized with a Training Excellence Award by the Business Education Council and the Niagara Training Adjustment Board in 2007 for implementing the AMI-funded program. “We want to continuously develop different skill sets for our grower members,” says Dixon.

The Agricultural Management Institute, administered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council, is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario through the Agricultural Policy Framework, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.