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ODA focused on expanding the state’s wine industry 

The Ohio Department of Agriculture’s director says the state is working to grow its wine industry through the Vineyard Expansion Assistance Program.

Director Brian Baldridge says planting new grapevines helps support local businesses.

“This grant opportunity is for our wine industry, who are already growing grapes, but also for new entrepreneurs that are looking to start a vineyard,” he says. “There is a cost to reenergizing your vineyard and we want to make sure that we don’t lose production.”

He tells Brownfield expanding production will help meet growing demand. 

“There are over 400 wineries here in the state of Ohio with a $6.6 billion economic impact,” he says. “There are approximately 1,500 acres of grapes and we want to continue to grow that.”

VEAP is an incentive program created and funded by the Ohio Grape Industries Committee. Each grower can apply for up to $1,500 per half acre with a maximum of three acres. 

The application period is now open until June 27th. 

AUDIO: Brian Baldridge, Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture