The British Columbia Wine Grape Council (BCWGC) was approved through a plebiscite of BC Mainland grape growers in 2006,. This led to the creation of the Council under the Farming & Fisheries Act of British Columbia. The BCWGC was given the authority to collect levies on all grapes grown or purchased in Mainland British Columbia, and the funds are used primarily for the purpose of research and development, as well as educational projects. The BCWGC also deals with other organizations regarding water, pest, land, and air issues. Their mandate is to coordinate and fund research on enology and viticulture to help British Columbia’s wine industry, to represent growers, as well as to develop a strong wine grape industry to increase the economic and environmental benefits to British Columbia.