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Cost Share Program Provides Incentives to Kentucky Grape Growers
By
Aimee Nielson
LEXINGTON, Ky., (Nov. 15, 2006) – A long history of grape
growing in Kentucky precedes the resurgence of the industry
 in
recent years. The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture
and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund Agricultural
Diversification Program realized the impact grape and wine
industries could have in the commonwealth. As a result, they
created incentives for growers to devote new acreage exclusively
to the production of wine and table grapes.
UK Extension Viticulturalist Kaan Kurtural said the
diversification program provides cost share assistance to
producers already exploring alternative agricultural
enterprises, but who may lack capital to further expand their
programs. It exists to improve net farm income through the
development of new agricultural products and new ways of dealing
with existing agricultural commodities. While encouraging
research and science-based decisions for the creation,
management and expansion of these products, the fund impacts a
high number of producers affected by loss of income resulting
from cuts in tobacco quota. Many of these producers have
diversified with grape and wine production.
“In contrast to previous years, the amendments to the program
this year include seeds, cuttings, potted and rooted cuttings,
scion/rootstock combinations and other materials related to
production of grapes conforming to UK recommendations,” Kurtural
said. “Reimbursement for grapevine cuttings, potted and rooted
cuttings, scion/rootstock combinations that are on the Grapevine
Cultivar Requirements List, (see link below) reviewed annually
by the state
viticulturalist, are also eligible investment items.”
 Goals,
guidelines and applications for the program are available on the
fund’s
Web site,
in the section focusing on commercial fruit and sweet sorghum
production.
The cost share program begins when prospective growers contact
the UK Cooperative Extension service and indicate they would
like to invest in a vineyard. The Cooperative Extension Service
assists in conducting soil tests and then contacts the UK
horticulture department, which then sends a representative to
conduct a visit and digitally map the site. After the soil test
results are analyzed, the UK horticulture department interprets
the results and makes recommendations for the grower to ready
the site for vineyard production. UK also makes cultivar, vine
spacing and trellising system recommendations.
During the production phase, UK Cooperative Extension will
oversee the land and site preparation and make sure
participating growers follow cultivar recommendations.
“At least 75 percent of the acreage has to be planted with
American, American-French hybrid or French-American hybrid grape
varieties to apply for the 50/50 cost share program,” Kurtural
said. “Currently, I don’t recommend planting grapes of European
heritage in Kentucky until cultivars and/or their clones have
been identified as being suitable to the state’s climate and
soils by the University of Kentucky.” |
Contact: : Kaan Kurtural, 859-257-1332 |
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The UK College
of Agriculture, through its land-grant mission, reaches across
the commonwealth with teaching, research and extension
to enhance the lives of Kentuckians. |
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Copyright © 2001-2006 University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture,
Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service |
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