Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/155925
SOILCOHEN & CELLAR REMI NAPA ROUNDTABLE In April 2013, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers conducted a seminar on best practices for clean plant material. I moderated a panel of California nursery representatives who explained what their organizations are doing to cultivate clean material. The four nurseries – Novavine, Sunridge Nurseries, Vintage Nurseries and Martinez Orchards – are in the process of planting the certified material from the Protocol 2010 blocks. Their representatives shared their concerns about maintaining the cleanliness of the material and the efforts their companies are making to locate suitable ground. one must be patient in the process, as the first material was available just this past year, and only as rootstock, with more material slowly coming on stream in the next few years. Barison said the first rootstock material will likely be available for 2015, and that it may take until 2016-2017 for clients to be able to purchase dormant grafted material. Growers planning redevelopment should consider waiting for this material. In the meantime, the nurseries are testing existing increase blocks for GRBaV, and continuing to be on the lookout for other viruses in their plant material. Prior to the discovery Can you buy peaCe of mind? What happens when things don't go as planned — on the farm or in your life? American AgCredit can help you insure your future with coverage for loans, life, disability, and crops. Just another reason farmers and ranchers like you have trusted American Credit for more than 95 years. Steve Maniaci of Sunridge Nurseries took part in a Napa Valley Grapegrowers panel discussion about best practices for clean plant material. Steve Maniaci of Sunridge Nurseries, based in Bakersfield, said that after two years of searching, Sunridge invested in a 922-acre ranch 17 miles from the nearest vineyard and planted 55 acres of the Protocol 2010 material. Novavine, located in Santa Rosa, planted 16 acres in 2012 and will add another 35 acres this year, according to Diego Barison, director of field operations and customer relations. Wascobased Vintage Nurseries has a new 100-acre block for the 2010 Protocol material. The panelists agreed that everyw w w. v w m media.com Robby, buck and Steve Sangiacomo, Sangiacomo family Vineyards Call 800.800.4865 today or visit AgLoan.com License No. #OD48069 A part of the Farm Credit System. Equal Opportunity Lender. S e p t - O c t 2 0 13 | V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T 33