Inductees

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After graduating from the University of Guelph with a Master’s degree in Plant Physiology, Dr. Helen Fisher began her career as a grape extension specialist for the Canadian Wine Institute in Harrow, and then served as a Horticulture Advisor and Fruit Crop Specialist with OMAFRA. She was the first woman appointed to the Provincial Field Advisory Service. In 1978, she began her research career at the Horticulture Research Institute of Ontario and at the same time managed to pursue her PhD at Cornell University, working full time at the Horticultural Research Institute of Ontario, commuting to classes in Ithaca, and writing her thesis.

 Helen was known as “The Grape Doctor” for good reason, as she was an expert in strategies to improve grape quality and yield and vine winter hardiness. When the industry shifted from growing Labrusca to Vitis vinifera for wine production, Helen was well positioned to apply her knowledge to helping grape growers learn the management of different varieties of vinifera grapes. She assisted with the establishment of a new grape-growing region in Prince Edward County by modifying the approach to trellising and management for colder conditions. She also co-authored a key resource on vineyard site selection for the Niagara Peninsula. A cornerstone of Helen's research was that it was geared to the needs of the industry and actionable by growers. She addressed such critical areas as the use of wind machines to mitigate cold injury, mechanical leaf removal techniques, rootstock selection and organic amendments for soil improvement. Her applied research shaped research expectations, prioritizing grower benefit over academic accolades.

 She was a passionate educator inspiring countless students at the University of Guelph, Brock University, and Niagara College. Many of her students went on to pursue graduate studies and are now playing leading roles in industry and academia. In addition, she served on key industry committees and made countless national and international presentations on the grape and wine industry. She also shared her expertise as a reviewer for leading journals such as Scientia Horticulturae, The American Society for Horticultural Science, and the Small Fruits Journal.

 Helen's contributions to viticulture are widely recognized. Among many accolades, she received the Premier's Award for AgriFood Innovation Excellence 2011; the Niagara Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association Annual Award of Merit 2011; The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Blue Ribbon Award 2012; The American Society of Enology and Viticulture Award for Outstanding Achievement 2013; and the Vintners Quality Alliance of Ontario Promoters Award for Lifetime Achievement 2019. Her influence is immortalized in the book “Sharing a Glass: Inspirational Memoirs and Memories of the Women who Shaped Ontario's Grape and Wine Industry”.

 Dr. Fisher's influence on Ontario's viticulture is deep and enduring. Her devotion to applied research and mentorship embody the highest standards of the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame.