Grants awarded to grape, fruit and wine industry

BISMARCK – Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced that grants totaling $80,000 have been awarded for industry research, promotion and marketing of the grape, fruit and wine industry in North Dakota.

“North Dakota’s grape and wine industry continues to grow and evolve,” Goehring said. “The research, marketing and promotion funded by this grant will help advance the industry and promote cold hardy grape growing and quality wine making.”

Organizations receiving grants are:

• North Dakota State University – $45,000 to develop grapevine resilience to temperature fluctuations.
• North Dakota Grape and Wine Association – $15,000 to market and promote the North Dakota grape and wine industry.
• Winery Association of North Dakota - $10,000 to develop a statewide marketing and promotion initiative.
• Viking Vines - $10,000 to promote cold-hardy grape production and support agrotourism and all North Dakota wineries.

Grant applications were screened by a committee, which provided the Agriculture Commissioner with recommendations for awarding grants. A total of $80,000 is allocated in grant funds for research and promotion in the 2025-2027 biennium.