A new Ohio incentive program aims to provide a more stable source of high-quality grapes to Ohio wineries.  The Vineyard Expansion Assistance Program (VEAP) will help establish new Ohio winegrape vineyards while encouraging already existing vineyards to grow.

VEAP was developed by the Ohio Grape Industries Committee (OGIC) and funded by the U.S. Department of Agricultural Specialty Crop Block Grant program.  Today many Ohio wineries get their grapes from other States to meet production needs because of a shortage of winegrapes produced in Ohio.  In 2008 Ohio’s wine and grape industry set a goal of increasing grape acreage by 10% (220 acres) in the next five years.  VEAP has been launched to help meet this goal.

VEAP will also allow more Ohio wines to qualify for the Ohio Quality Wine (OQW) program, a rating system based on industry standards to identify the best estate-grown wines in Ohio. This seal of distinction on wine bottles signals the very best of the Ohio wine industry.

Interested in getting in the grape-growing business? VEAP can help get you started by funding the winegrape vines planted. Each grower may apply for up to $3,000 per acre with a maximum of three acres or $9,000 (Minimum reimbursement per acre for approved applications will be $2,000). Applications due by January 15, 2010.

Tags:   OGIC · Ohio · Ohio wine