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2008 GL Expo Wine Grape Growers Meeting

  Summary-

              This year at the Great Lakes Expo there was an impromptu meeting to discuss interest in the formation of a state-wide wine grape growers group. All of the AVA’s in the state were represented. Small boutique vineyards as well as some of the largest vineyards in the state had the opportunity to share some ideas for organization and aims such a group.  It was generally agreed that a single voice that would represent our interests and clearly state our goals/concerns would be advantageous for the industry.   The primary aims of this all inclusive, i.e. big and small, growers group would be to help direct research and to obtain the means to conduct such research.  Topics of interest were broad, encompassing everything from economics and marketing to viticultural strategies and protocols.  It was also agreed that an autonomous, private sector, group could provide clout and direction for our fledgling industry.      

      Also in attendance was Michigan State University officials/researchers and Linda Jones from the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council.  Feedback from this influential and experienced group was much appreciated. That said, MSU and MGWIC  support the formation of such a group and the resources of both entities can be made be available.

  This was a well attended meeting with a lot of active participation and input.  It clearly demonstrated a real interest in the formation of a state wide wine grape growers group.

In the end we agreed to meet again in December 2009 at the Expo. Currently all that is planned for that meeting is a round table discussion and review of the ’09 season.  Of course this could also be a great opportunity for growers to move one step closer toward the formation of a state wide group.  A list of growers that were in attendance can be made available to those interested in continuing the discussion between now and the proposed December meeting in Grand Rapids.  This is a great opportunity for P45 to get involved with activities that will assuredly be useful to the industry.

Please renew your P45 membership for 2009!! - click here for application

Learn about grapes and wine.  Join P45

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To Parallel 45 Vines & Wines members and potential members:

It’s time to renew your membership or to consider joining Parallel 45 Vines & Wines. 

The purpose of P 45 is to promote and represent the common business interests of and improve business conditions for persons engaged in the vineyard and winery industry of NW Michigan primarily through support of research and dissemination of information with regard to vineyard and winery establishment, operation, and marketing.

If this fits your interest, consider joining now.  The more members we have, the more effective we can be.  The money we collect is used to support speakers, wine grape research, mailings, etc. 

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