New Wine Research Grant Program Pt 2

New Wine Research Grant Program Pt 2

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
With today’s Fruit Grower Report, I’m Bob Larson. More research is on the way for viticulture and enology in Washington state.

The Washington Wine Commission announced last week it’s launching a competitive grant program that extends beyond stateliness in 2020.

But, the Commission’s Research Director Melissa Hansen says it has to be something that benefits Washington wine …

HANSEN … “It has to be relevant to Washington wine industry research priorities and needs. We will not be supporting research that’s such generic research, basic research that helps everybody, but doesn’t really raise the bar, raise the quality level for Washington state.”

So, Hansen says if researchers in California are working on something relevant …

HANSEN … “They could be doing something down there that fits and has a piece of what we need up here. And so, by being able to bring those two together. And, we also know that if you involve a researcher in state with somebody from out of state, that brings the research back to the state.”

Hansen says the program should be something that makes us better …

HANSEN … “We expand our reach. We expand our view of research. It goes beyond just Washington state. And, we can really now start to pick and choose what fits us best. You know, it’s taking it up to the next level.”

The plan should carry forward Washington’s already renown research with projects worth $5.5-million over the next five years.

For more information, contact Melissa Hansen at mhansen@washingtonwine.org or on their website at www.washingtonwine.org/research/history-and-funding

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