Missouri State has obtained moneyfrom the wine tax for some grape projects

Tag : grape
A grape war of sorts has started between the University of Missouriand Missouri State University. A visible point of contention is theUniversity of Missouris two-acre vineyard at its Southwest Centernear Mount Vernon. It was planted this summer to study methods togrow Chambourcin grapes. It is under the direction of R. KeithStriegler, director and viticulture program leader in theuniversitys Institute for Continental Climate Viticulture andEnology (ICCVE) in Columbia. At the UMC annual Field Day on Sept.12, Striegler said the two schools share information about diseasesand more.

We will compete for dollars, he said. Missouri State has a campusin Mountain Grove that is home of the State Fruit ExperimentStation, where years of grape studies have been done on everythingfrom rootstock evaluation to marketing wine, said Anson Elliott,head of the Missouri State agriculture department, which overseesoperations at Mountain Grove.

Funds for planting at Mount Vernon came in part from a state winetax to be used for research and promotion. That fund isadministered by a board appointed by the governor. Other money camefrom businesses. For 18 years, Missouri State has obtained moneyfrom the wine tax for some grape projects. Most are funded with acombination of federal grants and Missouri State funds, Elliottsaid. But two years ago, the wine board pulled support fromMissouri State and gave it to the new project at Mount Vernon in amove to have two centers for grape research and extension, Elliottsaid.

Elliott also said work at Mountain Grove is extensive to evaluateand certify rootstock and other help for growers. The schoolproduces varieties of wine that have received honors at commercialwine industry shows, he said. Missouri State also is developingon-line classes in grape studies tied to certification and degrees,he said. At Mount Vernon, Striegler said the two-acre is not greatfor vineyards because of heavy clay and fragipan near the surface.Grapes were planted on mounds or ridges and will require carefulmanagement in the fall for four or five years to protect graftunions on plants from winter kill.

Tubes are around the base of each plant to protect them fromchemicals and predators. The goal is to have the plants in fullproduction within three years.
In response to questions, Striegler and extension grape specialistAndy Allen said it could cost a minimum of $8,000 to $15,000 anacre to establish a vineyard and that does not include the cost forland or equipment.

An established vineyard can generate an annual return of $1,000 to$2,000 an acre when marketing quality grapes in varieties winerieswant. Do not always plant what you like, but check wineries andplant for a market, he advised.


Source: joplinglobe.com


Publication date: 9/25/2008