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The purpose of the 2007 Vineyard Capital Assistance Program is to provide a financial incentive for the establishment of new, or expansion of existing vineyards. The objective of the program is to increase the volume and quality of Maryland wine grapes in order to meet the demand of wineries in the state of Maryland.
The program is administered by the Maryland Grape Growers Association in cooperation with the Maryland Wineries Association and the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension Service. Grants will provide between $2.00 and $2.50 per vine in reimbursement funds for the purchase of grape vines suitable for producing quality wine. Vines are to be planted in 2008. Applicants who cannot provide proof of having sold grapes to a Maryland winery will be required to attend a grape growing seminar sponsored by the Maryland grape and wine industry.
Eligibility
To be eligible for participation in the program, an applicant must own, or be a co-applicant with the owner, of at least five acres of land where agricultural use is permitted by local and state regulations. Members of the Board of Directors of the Maryland Grape Growers Association or the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Maryland Wine and Grape Growing are not eligible for this grant.
Criteria for Selection
No experience is necessary, but a demonstration of long term commitment to commercial grape production is required. Applicants will be evaluated and selected based on the following priority criteria:
- The number of acres to be placed in the program. Planting of between 650 and 2,400 vines.
- The suitability and productivity of the land for grape production.
- A business plan that includes a four year time table for commercial vineyard management.
- A detailed budget for necessary supplies, equipment, chemicals, and labor.
- Existing vineyard equipment.
Application Procedure
A copy of the application form can be found here or can be obtained from:
Bruce Perrygo, Coordinator
Maryland Grape Growers Association
P.O. Box 47
Compton, Md. 20627
bperrygo@md.metrocast.net
Required information will include:
- The applicant’s vision for the vineyard which includes a detailed business plan containing goals, financial expectations, understanding of risks, etc.
- A vision of farm production goals, financial expectations, time lines.
- A United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources and Conservation Service map or its equivalent (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/), showing the breakdown of various soil types and acreage possessing soil capability classes I through VI, and the area where grapes will be planted.
- If the owner is not principally engaged in agricultural activities, a statement must be submitted by the owner regarding the short and long-term plans for keeping the property in the production of grapes.
- Proof of ownership of the property where the vines will be planted.
- Vineyard layout plan and method of calculating vines per acre.
- Upon receipt of an application, the Maryland Grape Growers Association or its representative will conduct, with the applicant, a field inspection of the land to be planted.
- An agreement that the grower will adhere to the viticulture recommendations in the application, including nematode testing.
Application Evaluation
Accepted applicants will be notified in writing of their denial or acceptance into the Program. Applications will be reviewed by the Viticulture Committee of the Maryland Grape Growers Association, the Maryland Wineries Association, and the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service. Recommendations will be forwarded to the Board of Directors of the Maryland Grape Growers Association.
Application Approval
Upon approval of application, new growers must produce evidence of having participated in a grape growing seminar sponsored by the Maryland wine and grape industry, before planting vines. (New seminars will be available before spring 2008.)
Experienced growers who have current commitments with a Maryland winery have the option of attending this year’s June 16th Summer Field Day in place of attending a grape growing seminar.
Plan Implementation
At minimum of one acre of land is to be planted with a minimum of 650 vines of the same variety (vines per acre table). Eighty percent of the vines must come from varieties recommended by the Vineyard Capital Assistance Program. List of recommended varieties can be seen here . This is a reimbursement program. Program participants will receive reimbursements in July 2008.
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Proposed Timelines
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| June through July | Program Advertised |
June 8, 2007 | Applications Available |
July 20, 2007 | Applications due to Capital Assistance Program Committee |
July 20 through Aug. 13 | Applications reviewed |
August 15 2007 | Applicants notified |
May 31 2008 | Last date to submit evidence for reimbursement |
July 2008 | Grantees receive payment |
Document List
vcap.doc - This page combined with the Grape Cultivar Recommendations document.
vcap-varieties.doc - Grape Cultivar Recommendations.
vcap-application.doc - The application form.
vcap-vpa.doc - A vines per acre table.
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