Identifying opportunities to expand sustainability potential for Vitis native and hybrid grape production in U.S. Southern regions

Commodities

Practices

Almost every U.S. state, including those in the southern region, have grape and wine industries that benefit the economy. While Vitis vinifera grape varieties produce high-quality wines, they are costly to maintain in regions where they do not naturally thrive due to their vulnerability to pest and disease pressures, as well as changing climates. Alternately, native U.S. species, such as V. rotundifolia (muscadine), can be used for juice and wine production because these grapevines are better adapted to low input or organic production in the Southeast. Hybrid grapes, also referred to as inter-species crossings, are grape varieties that are the product of a crossing of two or more Vitis species. This project from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (UA System) will identify opportunities to expand sustainability potential for Vitis native and hybrid grape production in U.S. Southern regions. The objectives of this project will be to 1) assess U.S. Southeastern region grape growers current production systems and willingness to adopt sustainable practices, 2) identify opportunities to expand areas of native and hybrid grape production in the Southeast to maximize implementation of sustainable practices and implementation, and 3) disseminate revised recommendations for native and hybrid grape production. This project is important because it will help establish the potential use of alternative production methods to expand the economic potential of native and hybrid grape varieties and wine production in the southeastern United States.

1. Assess U.S. Southeastern Region Grape Growers Current Production Systems and Willingness to Adopt Sustainable Practices
   • Conduct an online survey with commercial grape growers in the southeastern United States to identify benefits and opportunities for adopting native and hybrid grape cultivars and sustainable practices to improve the viability of the industry for the region
2. Identify Opportunities to Expand Areas of Native and Hybrid Grape Production in the Southeast to maximize implementation of Sustainable Practices and Implementation
   • Use one-on-one interviews and on-site visits to further identify grower needs related to sustainable production and identify barriers to adopting sustainable viticulture practices including diversification into planting highly adapted and disease resistant native and hybrid grapes which require low inputs and are in demand in rural and urban areas
3. Disseminate Revised Recommendations for Native and Hybrid Grape Production
   • Create outreach materials, including a Southeast Regional Sustainable Native and Hybrid Grape Production Handbook, and host workshops on sustainable native and hybrid grape production obtained for Objectives 1 and 2