Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/629538
22 FEBRUARY 1, 2016 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com I t's a new era for viticulture and enology research in Washington. Washington's wine industry has started the process of building a world-class research program. The industry has invested in a new wine science facility, developed a strategic plan and recently hired me, the Washington Wine Commission's first-ever research program manager. The state's growers and wineries took a major step to support research when they pledged $7.4 million for construction of Washington State University's Ste. Michelle Estates Wine Science Center at the Tri-Cities campus. But a successful research program is more than a shiny building with the latest technological trappings; it requires cohesive effort between industry and researchers, is guided by industry stakeholders and managed professionally, has clear priorities and is well funded and communicated. All of these components are contained in the Strategic Research Plan for the Washington Wine Industry, a 53-page document based on direct input from the industry and developed for the Wine Commission by 501 Consultants. The plan, which took many months to develop and involved a cross-section of wine industry members, serves as my roadmap to guide the Wine Commission in growing the industry's research program. Major goals of the plan are to establish the research process, define the research focus, create the research structure, sustainably fund research and share research findings. I joined the Wine Commission last November after spending nearly 20 years writing technical grape and tree fruit stories as associate editor for Good Fruit Grower. Previously, I was the first research director for the California Table Grape Commission and helped build their research program. My new responsibilities are to manage the wine industry's annual research review and recommendation process and implement goals of the strategic research plan. My technical communication skills and research management background will be valuable as I implement the goals of the strategic research plan. GOOD POINT Melissa Hansen, Washington Wine Commission Building a world-class wine research program Frostbuster and FrostGuard The Ultimate Form of Frost Protection and Pollination! Frost protection for your fruit crop will protect against night frost regardless of wind speed or inversion layer. Positive test results to as low as 25°F. Ideal frost protection for 2.5 acres to 20 acres. Affordable & Portable. The FrostGuard: the most flexible The Frostbuster: the most economical Our Frostbuster and FrostGuard not only protect your crop against night frost, they also improve the fruit set and pollination. is is an important advantage that we can o er you through our proprietary products. No one else can. Contact us for more details. Agrofrost USA LLC Williamson, NY 14589 (315) 945-7202 or (315) 576-5067 www.AgrofrostUSA.com Paige Equipment Sales & Service Inc Rt 104 E., Williamson, NY 14449 (315) 589-6651 www.paigeequipment.com Oesco, Inc. P.O. Box 540, Conway, MA 01341 (800) 634-5557 Southwest Ag Specialties Leveland, TX (806) 229-2100 Hermans Mobile Service 2875 Maple Valley Rd., Suttons Bay, MI (231) 256-0065 Agrofrost Canada Tillsonburg, Ontario (519) 777-0446 Providing quality equipment with excellent service and integrity. 169208 W. King Tull Rd., Prosser 509-788-0900 www.vinetechequipment.com Grantd@vinetechequipment.com Pellenc TRP Precision Pruner Mechanical Weeder Orchard & Vineyard Quantum Mist 3 Row Sprayer Vineyard Hedger Orchard Tower