American Vineyard Foundation Provides Over One Million Dollars in Research Funding to the Wine & Grape Industry

Napa, CA – The American Vineyard Foundation has announced that it is providing over one million dollars for research in 2011 by funding 28 grant proposals submitted for consideration. To further stretch project funding, the AVF collaborated with other wine and grape industry funding organizations such as the California Table Grape Commission, the Oregon Wine Board, the California Raisin Marketing Board, the California Grape Rootstock Improvement Commission and the Grapevine Improvement Advisory Board when possible.

The role played by American Vineyard Foundation to support viticulture and enology research has become even more critical this year following public cuts to other industry research funding programs. Federal support for the Viticulture Consortium West (VCW) and state support for the California Competitive Grants Program for Viticulture and Enology (CCGPVE) were eliminated for this year, leading to a 40%reduction in money available for industry research.

The American Vineyard Foundation, which relies on voluntary contributions from industry growers and vintners, was able to perpetuate ongoing projects as well as fund a few new high priority proposals. “While we are disappointed about federal and state program cuts that have led to a reduction in overall research investments, we are pleased that the generous support from our growers and vintners has allowed the AVF to maintain an impressive level of industry research funding,” remarked AVF Chairman Jim Frisinger.

Each proposal was carefully considered by one of six industry review panels based on scientific merit, ability to achieve objectives and importance to the industry. Members of the American Vineyard Foundation are surveyed on a periodic basis to ascertain which topics are most in need of research. These results are then posted on the AVF website giving researchers and research institutions an opportunity to craft proposals that will address grape and wine industry needs.

Proposals included such diverse topics as leafroll disease epidemiology and research designed to develop a clearer understanding of tannin extractability and activity.

About the American Vineyard Foundation

The American Vineyard Foundation (AVF) is a California corporation organized in 1978 by the American Society of Enology and Viticulture as a vehicle to raise funds for research in viticulture and enology. Basic and applied research has made the American grape and wine industry the world’s leader. The AVF provides a unique opportunity to unify the industry through an industry-wide research effort to maintain this progress. For more information visit www.avf.org