Excitement growing for Brock research farm
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
By Luke Edwards
Ground has been broken on the site that will one day be home to Brock’s new research farm.
The university held an official groundbreaking ceremony in late May, signifying a major step in the project that will provide state-of-the-art plant health services for the region’s and country’s grape and wine sector, building on its existing clean plant program.
“Now, with the development of our research farm, we will be able to expand this work into a natural setting, accelerating innovation at a time when agriculture faces growing challenges from climate change, plant disease and rising costs,” said Jim Willwerth, an associate professor of biological sciences and Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute researcher who is leading the Clean Agriculture for Sustainable Production program.
The campus, named in honour of Norris W. Walker after the family provided a $7-million gift to make the farm a reality, is being built on a property on Merrittville Highway. When complete, the unique living laboratory will be a place where more resilient grape varieties are developed, and new technologies are explored. They can range from energy-smart greenhouses, to early warning systems for growers to products that use artificial intelligence.
“Just as importantly, we will study how plants and ecosystems interact, helping us develop sustainable practices that strengthen biodiversity and soil health, both in agriculture and in urban environments,” Willwerth said.
Walker’s daughter Sheila Bonapace was at the groundbreaking, along with other family members, and said the family is excited to see what the researchers at the farm will be able to accomplish.
“My father would be proud to see his commitment to the Niagara community continuing to grow through this innovative living lab and the opportunities it will provide to researchers, students and the region as a whole,” she said. “We look forward to seeing the Brock University Norris W. Walker Research Farm blossom and flourish, creating meaningful change that will be felt in Niagara and beyond.”
In addition to the Walker family’s gift, the project is also being funded by matching $3.5-million grants from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Research Fund.
“CASP will not only benefit the Canadian economy but also help to shape the future of the agricultural sector that Canadians rely on each day to live,” St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle said. “This project demonstrates the significant impact universities like Brock have in advancing the health and vitality of their local communities and the country as a whole.”
Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff offered similar comments, saying the farm will support local farmers, but also drive Niagara’s economy.
“By leveraging cutting-edge research and industry expertise, we will create a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector that will help protect Ontario jobs today and into the future,” he said.