A News Release from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario
Posted June 2nd, 2026 on Niagara At Large
Jim Willwerth, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) Researcher, joins Debbie Inglis, Professor of Biological Sciences and CCOVI Director, at the Brock University Norris W. Walker Research Farm.
The institution marked a milestone moment on Friday, May 29, welcoming supporters and industry partners to the Brock University Norris W. Walker Research Farm<https://brocku.ca/brock-news/2025/09/brock-farm-to-flourish-with-legacy-gift-from-norris-walker/> and signalling the next step in the Clean Agriculture for Sustainable Production (CASP) project that will strengthen Canada’s roots in sustainable farming.
The expansive green space on Merrittville Highway just south of Brock’s main campus will allow researchers to expand on the University’s existing Clean Plant Program, which is critical to supporting Canada’s $11.6-billion grape and wine industry.
Healthy vines provide the foundation for the industry to thrive, beginning with rootstocks and vine material that growers receive from nurseries.
But these materials must be free from viruses to ensure strong, productive and sustainable vineyards.
That’s where Brock comes in.
Working alongside the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Canadian Grapevine Certification Network, among other partners, Brock is one of only two facilities in the country helping to test and produce certified virus-free grapevines.
“Through our Clean Plant Program, we use advanced tools and techniques to protect plant health,” said Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Jim Willwerth (PhD ’11, OEVC ’04), a Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute Researcher who is leading the CASP initiative.
“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.”
The unique living laboratory will foster the development of more resilient grape varieties and the exploration of innovative technologies to improve efficiency, including energy-smart greenhouses, early warning systems for growers and artificial intelligence-driven solutions.
A celebration at the Brock University Norris W. Walker Research Farm on Friday, May 29 marked the next step in the Clean Agriculture for Sustainable Production project. Pictured from left: Rob Welch, Vice-Chair, Brock Board of Trustees; Tim Kenyon, Vice-President, Research; Scott Johnstone, Vice-President, Administration and Services; Sheila Bonapace, daughter of Norris Walker; Lesley Rigg, President and Vice-Chancellor; Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament, St. Catharines; Debbie Inglis, Director, Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute; Anne McCourt, Chair, Brock Board of Trustees; and Alexandra Lawson, Vice-President, External.
“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.
The Clean Agriculture for Sustainable Production initiative demonstrates Brock’s commitment to shaping tomorrow through research, discovery and knowledge, said President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg.
“CASP reflects the kind of applied, community-connected research that creates real-world impact while strengthening partnerships across sectors,” she said. “It also advances our priority of building sustainable futures by helping address critical challenges facing agriculture and climate resilience.”
Friday’s event marked an opportunity to recognize the many people and organizations whose support has helped bring the project to life.
“Initiatives of this scale and significance are only possible through strong partnerships across government, industry, philanthropy and the post-secondary sector,” Rigg said.
The project was supported by transformative investment, with Canada Foundation for Innovation<https://brocku.ca/brock-news/2024/03/brock-research-farm-to-grow-future-of-sustainable-agriculture-in-canada-with-3-5m-cfi-grant/> and Ontario Research Fund<https://brocku.ca/brock-news/2024/04/ontario-awards-brock-3-5m-for-sustainable-agriculture-research-farm/> each committing $3.5 million — matched by a more than $7-million gift from Norris Walker, a dedicated champion of Brock and the Niagara region who passed away in January 2024.
“Norris Walker’s extraordinary generosity and enduring belief in Brock University continue to shape the future of research, innovation and sustainability at our institution,” Rigg said. “His legacy will be felt here for generations to come.”
Walker’s daughter Sheila Bonapace was among members of the family who came together for the celebration Friday.
“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.”
The CASP initiative will strengthen Canada’s position as a leader in sustainable agriculture, supporting its competitive edge on the global stage, said Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines.
“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,” 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.”
Sam Oosterhoff, Member of Provincial Parliament for Niagara West, said, “the Clean Agriculture for Sustainable Production Project at the Brock University Norris W. Walker Research Farm will not only support local growers and farm families in Niagara, but drive economic growth for the entire region.”
“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.”
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