Grant funding opportunities, a Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter update and more at IGGPRA’s October seminar: “Vines Never Sleep”
PASO ROBLES, CA – After what looks to be a difficult production year for Central Coast wine grape growers, there may be some relief ahead. Devin Best, Executive Director for the Upper Salinas/Las Tablas Resource Conservation District says there are several grant opportunities available to growers in 2018. He will discuss them at Vines Never Sleep – a seminar hosted by the Independent Grape Growers of the Paso Robles Area (IGGPRA) on October 19, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Castoro Cellars in Paso Robles.
“There are great opportunities out there for growers to get funds to help them with soil projects, irrigation and more,” Best said. “From $50,000 to $250,000, the funds are there and I’m looking forward to this opportunity to let growers know how to get them at the upcoming IGGPRA seminar.”
Best’s presentation will kick off the seminar which will also include other issues growers should prepare to do after harvest. The meeting will conclude with the latest updates on the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter situation in San Luis Obispo County. Other topics include how to improve soil nutrition and prepare the vineyard for its dormant season.
The featured speakers and topics are:
New Funding Initiatives – An update on grants from the California Department of Food & Agriculture Healthy Soil Initiative, SWEEP (State Water Energy Efficiency Program) and more.
Speaker: Davin Best, Executive Director, Upper Salinas/Las Tablas Resource Conservation District
Soil Nutrition – Improving and maintaining soil health.
Speaker: Dean Harrell, Instructor/Consultant, Cuesta Community College
Putting the Vineyard to Sleep – How to get your vineyard ready for winter including Eutypa control.
Speaker: Lowell J. Zelinski, Ph.D., Owner/Viticulturist, Precision Ag Consulting
VINEYARD ALERT: Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Update – Speaker: Edwin Moscoso, Deputy Agricultural Commissioner, San Luis Obispo County Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures.
“Practical Grape Growing” is an eight-part seminar series offered by IGGPRA in 2017 that provides growers and industry professionals with practical tips and information from local experts. All wine grape growers are invited and encouraged to attend. The seminar is free for IGGPRA members and $30/pp for non-members.
The meeting will be held at Castoro Cellars located at 1318 North Bethel Road in Templeton. To RSVP for the October 19 seminar, or learn more and join IGGPRA, visit iggpra.com or call (805) 591-4204.
About IGGPRA
The Independent Grape Growers of the Paso Robles Area (IGGPRA) is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to the advancement of superior wine grape growing in the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area. IGGPRA is committed to providing its members with farming resources, continued education, hands-on training seminars, and opportunities to network through the seminar series and social mixer events with other grape growers, buyers, vintners and vineyard suppliers. For more information, visit iggpra.com.
CALENDAR NOTICE:
Vines Never Sleep – a grape growing seminar presented by the Independent Grape Growers of the Paso Robles Area will be held October 19, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Castoro Cellars. The seminar is the seventh seminar in their eight-part Practical Grape Growing Series. Topics include new funding initiatives, an update on the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter situation, soil nutrition, and getting vineyards ready for winter. The cost is free for IGGPRA members and $30/pp for non-members. To register or for more information, visit www.IGGPRA.com or call (805) 591-4204.
