College Connection: Adding to an education
By Dr. Jim Sorensen
Monday, February 16, 2009 10:58 AM PST
With our roots in rural Oregon, part of Treasure Valley Community College’s history and heritage is our commitment to agriculture education.
As agriculture processes change, we try to keep up with the technologies and practices to help our students remain competitive in this dynamic industry.
One of the areas where we’re seeing increasing interest and opportunities is in the viticulture (grape growing) and enology (winemaking) industry. As you travel around the Treasure Valley, particularly in Caldwell, we’re seeing more and more vineyards being planted and more local wineries opening for business.
Whether it’s winemaking or table grape production, this new agriculture area presents a tremendous amount of potential for local growers.
Last fall, TVCC received a USDA grant for more than $27,000 to fund development of viticulture curriculum. Roger Findley, TVCC Pro-Tech Department chairman, has been working to develop this instruction and establish connections with local industry leaders.
We were just notified last week TVCC has received final approval from the State of Oregon to begin offering viticulture classes beginning this fall.
In addition, we’re taking the lead on bringing growers and experts together to talk about the local grape industry and the potential this crop brings to our economy.
TVCC sponsors Grapes & Wines event Feb. 19
The TVCC Ag & Workforce Training departments are sponsoring “Grapes and Wines of the Snake River Valley” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Four Rivers Cultural Center.
The event features information about table and wine grape production in the Snake River American Viticulture Area. Scheduled presenters include Dr. Ron Bitner, Bitner Cellars; Moya Shatz, Idaho Grape Growers & Wine Producers Commission; Dick Fisher, Northwest Farm Credit; and John Davis, Snake River Table Grape Producer.
For just $5 per person, community members are invited to learn about this industry and to sample local wines, regional delicacies and table grapes.
For more information call the TVCC Ag Department, (541) 881-8822, ext. 303, or ext. 272.
Premier Viticulture and Enology Symposium March 3
TVCC is also offering an extended training for current and prospective growers on March 3 in Caldwell.
Linda Simmons, director of TVCC’s Division of Extended Learning, and Debi DeBord, an adviser in the TVCC’s BizCenter, have worked with local experts to develop training and education opportunities.
In partnership with the Idaho Wine Commission and the Caldwell East Economic Development Council, TVCC is hosting a day-long symposium on the grapes of wines of the Snake River Valley Viticulture Area, on the College of Idaho campus.
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Greg Jones from Southern Oregon University.
A world-renowned climatologist, Jones specializes in the study of how climate variability and change impact natural ecosystems and agriculture.
He will discuss climate changes and how to stay informed and competitive in this new industry.
Additional presentations include: Variations in Temperatures between Vineyard Sites during the 2008 Growing Season, Dr. Kevin Pogue, researcher, Whitman College, Walla Walla, Wash.
Tasting Room & Direct Shipping Compliance
An overview of current requirements for Idaho wineries, Martin Fujishin, Fujishin Family Cellars, Idaho Vineyard Management and winemaker.
Registration is only $35 and includes lunch for the event.
A closing reception is also included and will feature opportunities to taste local wines and table grapes.
For more information about this event, please contact TVCC Division of Extended Learning, (541) 881-8822, ext. 407.
TVCC is in the process of designing a test area for grape production, and we welcome input or participation from local growers.
Dr. Jim Sorensen is the president of Treasure Valley Community College. For information about TVCC, visit its Web site at www.tvcc.cc.or.us, or call (541) 881-8822
