Research Reductions
A major force behind the American grape and wine industry’s incredible success over the past several decades has been research and extension by land-grant universities throughout the country. The focus on quality, productivity and sustainability has propelled our products into the international arena in terms of awareness, reputation, and sales.
It would not have happened without major funding from the United States Department of Agriculture, along with the expertise of its own scientists in viticulture and enology. From UC Davis to Michigan State to Cornell University, world-class institutions have been able to create and communicate specialized knowledge to the people who need it: grape growers and winemakers.
Now much of that funding is in serious jeopardy due to proposed cuts. Some of them are described in more detail in today’s “Bonus Info” section, thanks to Donnell Brown, President of the National Grape Research Alliance (NGRA), which is essentially the strategic planning organization of grape research. WineAmerica has long been a member, and I strongly urge you to also support them at this crucial time (www.graperesearch.org).
We will be lobbying Congress on this issue during our upcoming DC Fly-In.