Feedback from survey ensures funding, determines importance of research priorities
SEATTLE (January 13, 2021) – The Washington State Wine Commission is asking wine grape growers and wineries to fill out the 2021 research survey to help identify top wine research priorities.
Washington’s viticulture and enology research program is entirely driven by the industry. The annual research survey collects industry feedback to guide the annual reevaluation of priorities by the Wine Research Advisory Committee, a subcommittee of the Washington State Wine Commission. Scientists use the priority list when developing research proposals and projects, which ensures that the program addresses important needs specific to Washington’s wine industry.
The statewide viticulture and enology research program awards research grants to scientists at Washington State University and is funded by Washington State University, the Washington State Wine Commission, Auction of Washington Wines and state taxes collected on all wines sold. Additionally, the Wine Commission awards research grants for demonstration and other research conducted by Washington community colleges and beyond WSU. Last year, more than $1.2 million was awarded through the statewide and Wine Commission grant programs.
Past research projects have shown game-changing outcomes, and given wineries and growers the knowledge and tools to do things like save irrigation water by up to 50-percent in red varieties, reduce pesticide usage, identify powdery mildew resistance to fungicides, improve tannin management for winemaking, better control wine spoilage and improve overall wine quality.
All Washington wine industry members who utilize viticulture and enology research are asked to participate in the short survey.
About the Washington State Wine Commission:
The Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) represents every licensed winery and wine grape grower in Washington State. Guided by an appointed board, WSWC provides a marketing platform to raise positive awareness about the Washington wine industry and generate greater demand for its wines. Funded almost entirely by the industry through assessments based on grape and wine sales, WSWC is a state government agency, established by the legislature in 1987. To learn more, visit www.washingtonwine.org.
