UF/IFAS is holding its 4th annual Grape Field Day for those interested in growing grapes and making wine commercially.
Growing grapes is a rising alternative crop in The Sunshine State, with the number of grape-growing acres increasing over 74 percent from 2007 to 2017. One UF/IFAS assistant professor of horticultural sciences, Ali Sarkhosh, has been conducting research into growing varieties created by scientists at Florida A&M University, the University of Georgia, and the University of California, Davis, according to a UF/IFAS blog. Sarkhosh’s research, conducted at the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit (PSREU) in Citra, will be part of the 4th annual UF/IFAS Grape Field Day on August 18th at PSREU. See the details below.
Details of the UF/IFAS Grape Field Day
“We are evaluating the performance of newly bred muscadine grapes — developed by the University of Georgia — to generate practical information on their productivity, berry quality and suitability for the Florida production window,” Sarkhosh said in the blog. He will share details of his research during a “walk-and-talk” through the research field at PSREU.
Andrew MacIntosh, an assistant professor of food science, will also be giving a demonstration on making wine at the Grape Field Day. “This will be a quick demonstration of winemaking, accompanied by the theory of fermentation. The goal is to dispel myths and to answer any questions participants may have concerning the winemaking process,” he said in the blog.
Those interested in attending this free event must register here by August 12th.
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.
