Southern Maryland Growing Grapes for Wine Program Guidelines and Application 2011 The purpose of the 2011 Southern Maryland Growing Grapes for Wine Program ("Grape Program") is to encourage the development of a wine industry in Southern Maryland. Matching grant funds will be made available to purchase grape vines in bulk from a list of recommended grape varieties for growers throughout the five Southern Maryland Counties. The program will be administered by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) in coordination with University of Maryland Extension (UME). SMADC will provide up to 50% of matching funds to purchase vines in the early spring of 2011 and coordinate purchasing. UME will provide training and production expertise. Mandatory participation in a workshop conducted by UME will be required for all participants prior to receiving vines (see below). Applications are due to SMADC by March 4, 2011. Eligibility To be eligible for participation in the Program, an applicant must own, or be a co-applicant with the owner of, at least 5 acres of land in agricultural use. It is not necessary to have taken the Tobacco Buyout, but no tobacco may be produced on the land for human consumption. Existing grape growers and new growers may apply, unless the farmer is a prior recipient of a SMADC Farm Viability Grant awarded specifically for vineyard enhancement. Past participants of the Growing Grapes for Wine grant program are eligible. Criteria for Selection No experience is necessary, but a demonstration of long-term commitment is required and the mandatory attendance at either the March 1, 2011 UME New Grape Grower Workshop and/or the March 10, 2011 UME Intermediate Grape Grower Workshop, or any other UME grape grower workshop prior to planting the vines. Applicants will be evaluated and selected based on the following priority criteria: The number of acres to be placed in the program (a minimum of 1 acre of grape vines, up to a maximum of 3 acres of grape vines) Existing vineyard equipment Soils tested for nematodes Suitability and productivity of the land for grape production based on its soil classification, physical features, and location Application Procedure Answer all areas of the application completely The following documentation must be provided with your application: o A United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources and Conservation Service map and farm plan, or its equivalent, showing the breakdown of various soil types and acreage possessing soil capability classes I through VI, and the following: The land area to be planted to grape vines o Copies of Schedule F form for the most recent three tax years (2010, 2009 and 2008) o A copy of the current deed(s) to all the parcels of the property described in (2), and a plan recorded in the registry of deeds delineating the property, book, and page numbers included o Nutrient Management Plan cover sheet signed by extension agent or nutrient advisor. If you do not have a plan, please explain on application 2011 Growing Grapes for Wine 1
Application Evaluation The following process will be followed to evaluate and approve the applications based on the above-listed criteria. Successful applicants will be notified in writing of their acceptance into the Program. All information is held confidential. Applications are reviewed by the SMADC Infrastructure Committee. Final approval will be made by the full SMADC. PHASE II: PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 1. Any farmer who has an approved application may then order grape vines from the recommended list of vines through the program in minimum lots of 25 per bundle. (75% of total must come from recommended varieties and 25% can be own choice). Proposed Timeline March 4, 2011 March 2011 March - April 2011 Applications due back to SMADC Applications reviewed, applicants notified Vines disbursed For more information and an application, please call or visit or write to us: Christine L. Bergmark, Executive Director Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission PO Box 745, Hughesville, MD 20637 Tel: 301-274-1922, ext. 1 Fax: 301-274-1924 Web: www.smadc.com Email: info@smadc.com 2011 Growing Grapes for Wine 2
Southern Maryland Growing Grapes for Wine Program Application -- FY 2011 PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT IN BALLPOINT PEN DATE: County: Date Received Applicant(s) Name(s): Address: Home Phone: Other Phone: Email: Website: FAX: Property Identification: a) Location if different from above: Address: Phone: Name of person(s) in residence: b) Name(s) on Deed if different from above: Name(s): Address(es): Phone: NOTE: Information provided below on this statement shall be treated as confidential by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) and shall be subject to disclosure only with the consent of the applicant. Please provide the following information. Extra sheets may be attached. The explanation may be in a narrative form signed by the applicant or his or her agent. Farm Activities 1. Describe your vision of your farm production goals, financial expectations, and time lines. 2011 Growing Grapes for Wine 3
2. Explain how you hope that this program will benefit the economic viability and increase the on-farm income of your farm. 3. Describe the type and number of years of agricultural experience that the manager(s) of this farm have. Please indicate if the manager(s) have completed an Agricultural Entrepreneurial Training Class or other business planning or management courses and/or if you have developed a farm business plan. 4. If owner is not principally engaged in agricultural activities, please indicate the short and long-term plans for keeping the property in agricultural use. 5. Please list acreage or quantity of other specific crops, livestock, forest products, specialty crops, greenhouses, etc. on the farm Criteria for Selection No experience is necessary, but a demonstration of long-term commitment is required. Applicants will be evaluated and selected based on the following priority criteria: 1. Describe fully the agriculture carried out on the farm. Total acreage of Farm owned: Total acreage rented: Total number of acres to be planted to grape vines: Existing vineyard equipment and experience: The suitability and productivity of the land for grape production based on its soil classification, physical features, and location: Soil Tested for Nematodes? Yes/No: indicate results 2011 Growing Grapes for Wine 4
Other Information 1. Is your land under Agricultural Land Preservation or another Land Preservation Program? Agricultural Land Preservation Program Other Land Preservation Program Yes No Yes No Name of Program(s): Name of Program(s): 2. Do you have any interest in tobacco production for human consumption (e.g. do you produce, store or market tobacco for human consumption?) If yes, please explain. Yes. Please explain. No. 3. Is your farm in compliance with the State of Maryland s Nutrient Management Plan (e.g. Nutrient Management Plan been submitted and approved? If not, please explain.) Yes. Please attach cover sheet signed by extension agent or nutrient advisor. No. Please explain: 4. Do you currently participate (or anticipate participating) in any other federal, state or county grant programs Yes. List grant programs and dates when you received or applied No Farm Income and Financial Status 1. List any liens or encumbrances (and amounts) on the farm covered by this questionnaire. 2. Attach last three years schedule F forms. 3. If taxes for 2010 are not completed, indicate gross and net income. $ Gross Income $ Net Income 4. Employment provided by farm operation: a. Owner operator(s) b. Employees: Full-time Part-time Seasonal c. Family help: Full-time Part-time Seasonal 2011 Growing Grapes for Wine 5
Applicant Agreements New Applicants 1. Prior to submission of the application, I agree to following: Consult with local University of Maryland Extension County (UME) Educator to indicate participation in the program and to attest to the suitability and productivity of the land for grape production based on its soil classification physical features and location Consult with UME Educator and/or wineries for cultivar selection based on anticipated market demand Nematode test completed and results indicate soils are suitable for grape production* If needed, schedule UME for a site visit prior to or shortly after application is submitted Will attend or schedule to attend one (or both) UME workshops offered in March. o o New Grape Growers Workshop, March 1, 2011 ($50 for Maryland Residents) Intermediate Grape Grower Workshop, March 10, 2011 ($50 for Maryland Residents) Both workshops are all day and being held at the Maryland Department of Agriculture in Annapolis, contact Susan Barnes at 301-432-2767 or email sbarnes6@umd.edu for registration *Nematode testing cannot be conducted until warmer weather. If testing is negative and your soils are conducive to grape growing, SMADC has authorized that vine orders can be placed in late spring for delivery and planting the next growing season. All Applicants 2. I agree to follow the recommended viticultural practices, as outlined below: Grower will follow standard site preparation recommendations (based on soil and nematode test results) as provided by UME Grower agrees to join the Maryland Grape Growers Association or Maryland Winery Association www.marylandwine.com Grower will follow standard UME establishment recommendations, including planting, vine spacing, and trellising system recommendations Drip irrigation is highly recommended Deer fencing is highly recommended Grower will follow standard UME pest management recommendations during establishment, including diseases, insects, and weeds Nematode test results indicate soils (new planting area) are suitable for grape production 3. Commercial wine grape production in Maryland is relatively new and is dependent upon factors inherent to grower management and favorable environmental conditions. As such, I agree to assume the risk associated with wine grape production in a new area where all production/marketing risk may not be fully understood. 4. I agree to purchase the following grape vines (75% of total is of recommend designated varieties below and 25% of own choice written in) in the following quantities of (order in bundles of 25) See next page 2011 Growing Grapes for Wine 6
Variety of grapes Barbera Vidal Blanc Tannat Traminette Chardonel Cayuga White Vignoles Chardonnay Chambourcin Merlot Norton Cabernet Franc Pinot Gris Petite Verdot Other Quantity (Number of bundles @ 25 vines per bundle) Total bundles My Cost (fill in at order time) SMADC Cost (fill in at order time) 5. Applicant signature(s): Date: Have You Answered all application sections completely Attended the Beginner Grape Grower Workshop on March 1, 2011 or attended a previous UME grape growers workshop Registered to attend the Intermediate Grape Grower Workshop on March 10, 2011 Had soils tested for nematodes, when is this scheduled: Provided a NRCS soil map with grape growing area outlined Provided three years of Schedule F tax forms (2010, 2009 and 2008) Provided an approved Nutrient Management Plan (signed cover sheet) Attest to the suitability and productivity of the land for grape production based on its soil classification physical features and location (If no, have had or scheduled UME for a site visit) Signed application (see above) 2011 Growing Grapes for Wine 7
Proposed Timelines March 4, 2011 March 2011 Late March 2011 Applications due back to SMADC Applications reviewed, applicants notified Vines disbursed Return application no later than March 4, 2011 to: Christine L. Bergmark, Executive Director Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission PO Box 745, Hughesville, MD 20637 Tel: 301-274-1922, ext. 1 Fax: 301-274-1924 Web: www.smadc.com Email: info@smadc.com 2011 Growing Grapes for Wine 8
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRANT APPLICANTS NEMATODE TESTING/SUBMISSION SOURCES Nematode testing cannot be conducted until warmer weather. If testing is negative and your soils are conducive to grape growing, SMADC has authorized that vine orders can be placed in late spring for delivery and planting the next growing season. The following laboratories have agreed to accept Maryland Extension nematode samples for testing: Plant Diagnostic Clinic 151 Townsend Hall University of Delaware Newark, DE 19716-2170 Phone: 302-831-1390 Fax: 302-831-0605 E-mail - bobmul@udel.edu Web site: ag.udel.edu/extension/pdc/index.htm (for sample submission instructions and forms) Cost: $10 per sample Nematode Assay Laboratory 115 Price Hall Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA 24061-0331 Phone: (540)231-4650 Fax: (540)231-7477 Email: jon@vt.edu Web site: http://www.ppws.vt.edu/~clinic/nematode.php (for sample submission instructions and forms) Cost: $30 per sample; allow approximately 1 week for testing results. UME EDUCATORS (SOIL SUITABILITY FOR GRAPE VINES AND SOIL TESTING CONSULTATION) St. Mary s & Charles Counties: Ben Beale (301) 475-4481 / bbeale@umd.edu Calvert County: Herb Reed (410) 535-3662 / hreed@umd.edu Prince George s County: Brian Clark (301) 868-8780 / bpclark@umd.edu Anne Arundel: R. David Meyers (410) 222-6759 / myersrd@umd.edu FOR NEW GROWERS! - MANDATORY GRAPE GROWERS SEMINARS March 1 - New Grape Grower Workshop Registration & Information: contact Susan Barnes at 301-432-2767 or email sbarnes6@umd.edu Location: Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401 Time: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Cost: $50.00 Maryland Residents and $125.00 Non-Maryland Resident (includes continental breakfast, lunch, and handouts) 2011 Growing Grapes for Wine 9
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March 10 - Intermediate Grape Grower Workshop Registration & Information: contact Susan Barnes at 301-432-2767 or email sbarnes6@umd.edu Location: Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401 Time: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Cost: $50.00 Maryland Resident and $70.00 Non-Maryland Resident UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW AND/OR EXISTING GRAPE GROWERS The Maryland Grape Growers Association (MGGA) Contact: Bruce Perrygo (301) 475-5894 / bruce@marylandgrapes.org Pruning Clinics / Seminars Feb. 12- Cassinelli Winery, Queen Anne s County from 9 a.m. - Noon Feb. 19- Quail Vineyards, Carroll County from 9 a.m. - Noon Mar. Still Creek Vineyards, St. Mary s County 9 a.m. - Noon Cost: $15.00 MGGA Members / $26.00 Non-members For more information and registration visit www.marylandgrapes.org MGGA Annual Meeting Contact: Bruce Perrygo (301) 475-5894 / bruce@marylandgrapes.org Conducted by the Maryland Grape Growers Association, and the Maryland Wineries Association in cooperation with the University of Maryland Extension Service. Feb. 26 - Oxon Hill Clarion Hotel from 7:30 a.m. 7 p.m. Cost: Members /Early Registration $79; At the Door $90 Non-members/ Early Registration $89; At the Door $100 For more information and registration visit www.marylandgrapes.org The Port of Leonardtown Winery Annual Meeting & Grape Production Presentation Contact: Ben Beale (301) 475-4481 / bbeale@umd.edu or call the Winery at (301) 690-2192 Feb. 19 th - 12:30-2:30 at the Winery, 23190 Newtowne Neck Road, Leonardtown. Following the business meeting Ben Beale, UME Educator, will be presenting on grape production issues. Additionally a field day at a local vineyard is being planned focusing on canopy management and disease management. 2011 Growing Grapes for Wine 11