Avenue Vine: Wine and Grape Research to Receive Over $2 Million

« Biotechnology Conference Delves Into Scientific ‘Controversy and Solutions’ | Main | »

May 19, 2008

Wine and Grape Research to Receive Over $2 Million

Over $2 million is headed for projects ranging from sustainable control of vine mealybug to metabolic profiling of grape and wine aromas, plus 56 other research projects, thanks in large part to the efforts of the American Vineyard Foundation (AVF) and other public and private sectors funding sources.

A total of 119 research proposals were reviewed by the AVF technical panels along with panels from other groups such as the USDA’s Viticulture Consortium, the California Competitive Grant Program for Research in Viticulture and Enology, the California Table Grape Commission, the California Raisin Marketing Board and the California Rootstock Improvement Commission. After a careful review of all the proposals, research grants totaling a little over $2 million, of which $1,076,083 came directly from the AVF, were funded.

“All the proposals were considered and funded based on their scientific merit, likelihood of achieving objectives and priority to the industry. And all the researchers received written constructive feedback from reviewers, whether they were funded or not, to help shape their future research proposals,” AVF Executive Committee Chair Hal Huffsmith said.

"Working with so many different groups for the common good of the industry has great advantages,” said Huffsmith. “AVF alone only had the money to fund about one third of the projects we wanted to support, but by collaborating with VCW, CCGPVE and the other organizations we were able to fund nearly half of submitted projects.”

“It’s clear that there is still more that we could be doing,” said AVF Executive Committee Member Fred Franzia. “Year after year there are important research projects that go unfunded. Our industry needs to do more to support the research necessary to keep the U.S. wine industry competitive. I know it’s a challenge we are up to if we work together.”

Since 1997 the AVF has conducted periodic surveys sent to its membership throughout the wine and grape industry asking for their input on critical issues facing the industry. “Our research priority survey has proven to be a valuable tool for guiding researchers and our AVF review panels to where limited funds can best be invested,” said Hal Huffsmith.

Established in 1978 to raise funds for research in viticulture and enology, the AVF is a wine-industry sponsored non-profit organization funded by growers and vintners. Since its founding, the AVF has funded over $20 million in wine and grape related research. For a complete listing of the funded research projects or more information regarding the AVF, check out their Web site at www.avf.org or by e-mail at info@avf.org.

Napa, CA--May 19, 2008