Project Overview
In the past 20 years, tobacco production in Vernon and surrounding counties has gone from $15.5 million in sales down to just $1 million. Vineyards are being established as an alternative to tobacco production. From 2001 to 2003, 34 acres of vineyards have been established in the region. The grape growing enterprise is so totally new for the region that growers do not fully understand the production risks along with where and how they are going to sell their production.
Project participants learned the importance of a business plan and how it can guide their investment decisions. Of the 16 "business entitities" that participated in the project: 2 unrelated grape growers developed and will soon open a local winery under an S-Corp business structure; A mother/father - daughter/son-in-law team formed to begin a winery development process; a participant has developed a "wholesale" winery operation; a husband/wife team from Minnesota began planning for a winery; 4 current grape growers expanded their vineyard plantings; 6 new grape growers planted their first vines and 1 participant made the decision to not start in grape production until 2007 when more time and money would be available. All growers have identified their markets and are aware of the various production risks of weather, disease, insect and price.
Number of Participants: 16
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
There are no promotional materials available for this project.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
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REPORTS & EVALUATIONS
There are no reports or evaluations available for this project.