GRANTS TOTALING $80,000 AWARDED TO GRAPE, FRUIT AND WINE INDUSTRY

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

“North Dakota’s grape and wine industry continues to grow,” Goehring said. “The research and promotion funded by these grants will help keep that industry advancing.”

Organizations receiving grants are:

• North Dakota Grape and Wine Association - $11,500 to develop a winery passport progressive app to promote awareness of the grape and wine industry, strengthen North Dakota agritourism, and stimulate economic development across the state
• North Dakota State University – $50,000 to research fermentation tactics for elite grapes and promising cider apples
• North Central Research Extension Center – $18,500 to research best management practices for the NCREC Vineyard

Grant applications were screened by a committee, which provided the Agriculture Commissioner with recommendations for awarding grants.