SF 1951

as introduced - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to agriculture; appropriating money for a
grant to the Agriculture Utilization Research
Institute at Crookston for vineyard production
research.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; GRANT FOR VINEYARD PRODUCTION
RESEARCH.
new text end

new text begin $125,000 in fiscal year 2006 is appropriated from the
Minnesota investment revolving loan account, Minnesota Statutes,
section 116J.8731, subdivision 5, for a grant to the Agriculture
Utilization Research Institute at Crookston to do field research
on the planting and production of cold-hardy grape cultivars.
For the purposes of this appropriation, the requirements in
Minnesota Statutes, sections 116J.8731, subdivisions 3, 4, 5,
and 7; 116J.993; 116J.994; and 116J.995, are waived. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until expended.
new text end

new text begin This vineyard production research project is to select
cold-hardy cultivars and cultural practices that can diversify
the agricultural landscape of Minnesota and stimulate economic
development with subsequent expansion into value-added
businesses and the winery industry. Treatments used in this
research project must focus on development of cultural and
management practices that include trials on planting depths,
vine root care, cultivation techniques, mulching, and other
methods that will enhance productivity and winter survival in
subzero temperatures.
new text end

new text begin An annual report is required, including an economic
assessment that compares the input requirements and feasibility
of each overwintering technique and its contribution to the
success of the vines. The research institute is encouraged to
work with the University of Minnesota and the North Dakota State
University experiment stations and on-farm sites to evaluate the
suitability of regionally developed grape cultivars in areas of
harsh winters and short growing seasons.
new text end