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17.11.2003 |
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Researcher out to grow grape, wine industries |
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By Susan Salisbury, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Monday, November 17, 2003
FORT PIERCE -- Florida growers produce a crop of muscadine grapes that the state's 14 wineries convert into about 300,000 gallons of wine a year.
University of Florida horticulturist Ed Stover thinks they can make more.
Stover, an associate professor at the Indian River Research and Education Center in Fort Pierce, is beginning research that could help expand the industry.
During the next five to 10 years, he will be growing a dozen or so varieties of muscadine and bunch grapes on 2 acres near Fort Pierce and gathering data on fruit quality for those considering viticulture.
"We are looking at this as a complement to the large-scale citrus production that is the primary agriculture in the Treasure Coast region," Stover said.
He envisions grapes becoming a niche commodity that could help maintain some open space in the midst of rapid urbanization.
Stover's project is being financed through $9,000 in start-up money from the Florida Department of Agriculture and the Center for Cooperative Agriculture, a joint program of UF and Florida A&M University.
susan_salisbury@pbpost.com
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