|
Daniel Kuennen, Director Rural Development Center Richard A. Henson Center Room 2147, UMES Princess Anne, MD 21853 410/651-6183 · 410/651-6207 fax E-mail: Daniel S. Kuennen
|
Winery Cooperative Project--Aging a Fine Industry on Maryland's Eastern Shore
In cooperation with the Rural Business Cooperative Service (RBS) the Rural Development Center (RDC) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES)
is providing funds to promote cooperative ventures for marketing and distributing agricultural products. In Maryland, ten small wineries produce 400,000 bottles annually with sales over $3 million. Currently, more than half the grapes are purchased out of state. The goal of the Maryland Winery Cooperative Project is to convince more farmers to grow grapes
and supply local wineries.Maryland's Eastern Shore is the targeted area for the project, because of the area's excellent viticultural potential and because the area is economically depressed. Initially grape growers will supply grapes to commercial wineries in other parts of the state. The long-term goal is to develop a winery on the Eastern Shore. In addition to an initial grant, program participants will access to a revolving loan fund through the RDC.