Our Certification Programs help minimize the risk of grapevine infection, allowing nurseries to propagate with clean, sustainable, virus-tested grapevine material.
About the Certification Programs
CGCN's two Certification Programs set rigorous standards for nurseries looking to propagate and sell virus-tested grapevines. These clean grapevines are the key to producing high quality wine, and necessary for the Canadian grape and wine sector to be competitive and sustainable.
The programs use a systems approach which includes a variety of components such as virus-testing, field inspection, isolation distances, and vector control to minimize the presence and the spread of viruses.
A nursery with virus-tested grapevines is eligible to use the CGCN-RCCV marketing badge within communications and promotional materials - both print and online.
Growers can see which nurseries are participating in the Certification Programs and can be assured that they are purchasing certified propagative grapevine material.
Why Choose Certification?
The propagation and shipment of grapevines is considered to be a high-risk pathway for the movement of plant pests. Viruses and virus-like organisms are very common in the production of grapevines.
While some viruses are known to have a minor effect on infected grapevines, other viruses can cause very serious diseases and can lead to major crop losses (e.g. Grapevine leafroll disease).
Grapevines that have been infected by viruses, and most other virus-like organisms, cannot currently be cured.
The only way to remove a virus from a vineyard or a block of nursery grapevines is by destroying the infected host plants and by replanting clean grapevines free of viruses.
How the Programs Work
- The CGCN Certification Programs are supported by funding from various sources, including government, our provincial member associations, and participating nurseries.
- It is an audit-based program based on pathogen testing, monitoring and integrated pest risk management as the basis for the phytosanitary certification of grapevines.
- Material under the Programs is tested for over 30 viruses of concern using highly sensitive and accurate molecular virus diagnostics.
Our Certification Programs
CGCN offers two Certification programs to produce virus-tested grapevines.
CGCN-RCCV "Certified Plus" Program
This protocol involves the propagation of grapevines using nuclear material (Generation 1). Nurseries participating in this program are provided exclusive access to CGCN grapevine repository, which includes some varieties that are not available in the public domain.
This program contains the requirements for the production of Vitis spp. nursery stock (grapevines) for domestic use, including ornamental species. This program uses a systems approach to produce virus-tested grapevines.
Product produced under this program's standards is called CGCN-RCCV "Certified Plus".
CGCN-RCCV "Certified" Program
This protocol involves the propagation of grapevines using already existing vineyard blocks that have undergone and passed rigorous testing procedures via High-Throughput Sequencing technology.
This program contains the requirements for the production of Vitis spp. nursery stock (grapevines) for domestic use, including ornamental species.
Product produced under this program's standards is called CGCN-RCCV "Certified".
Current Program Participants
The following nurseries are currently participating in our Certification Programs. Please contact them directly for more information or to order their available products.
AgriForest Bio-Technologies Ltd.
Certified Plus
A wholesale grower of high-quality starter plants located in Kelowna, BC.
Upper Canada Growers
Certified Plus
A family owned and operated fruit tree nursery located in Southern Ontario.
Vitis Vines Inc.
Certified Plus
A commercial propagator of virus-tested grapevines using advanced tissue culture located in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia.