The Grape Industry in Ontario began in 1798 when land was granted to Major David Secord (brother-in-law to Laura Secord) slightly east of St. Davids, on what is Highway no. 8 today. Major Secords son James was given a part of the land in 1818 and in 1857 passed it onto Porter Adams. Adams is known to be the first person to plant grapes in Ontario. Out of a massive increase in grape production the Ontario Grape Grower's Marketing Board was formed in 1947. It was formed to reflect the interests of the Grape Growers, within a democratic system. It gives the growers a voice in the expanding grape and wine industry. It allows farmers to come together and seek reasonable prices for their products. "Marketing Boards are able to finance other practical forms of research also. With their unified strength they are able to explore ways to expand markets for their own commodities and so eliminate any waste production, and they may also seek out new ways in which a commodity may be processed to create a new market. All these are highly progressing activities that could not be tackled by individual farmers."1 The Ontario Grape Growers Marketing Board represents grape growers within Ontario who sell grapes for processing into alcoholic beverages (wine, brandy) and non-alcoholic items such as juice, jam and jellies. The Board does not work to limit production, but rather to expand the market for grape products through promotions, informational programs, and co-operative activities between processors and government."2 After 59 years the Grape Growers Marketing Boards mission remains the same as when it began. "We continue to represent our growers, act as the voice of the industry, and lobby the government on behalf of grape-growing issues that will help grape growers, and strengthen co-operative ties with the winemaking industry"3. In 2002, the Grape Growers Marketing Board changed its name to the Ontario Grape Growers, in order to reflect more clearly their membership. 1 The Structure of Marketing Boards. Presentation by Ronald C. Moyer, Chairman, Ontario Grape Growers Marketing Board, 1978. Speeches and Addresses, 1978. 2 An Outline of the Ontario Grape Growers' Marketing Board. Correspondence, 1981. 3 http://www.grapegrowersofontario.com/thegrowers/aboutus/history.html (2002) retrieved: 10/21/2005.