Dec 1, 2022

Washington State Wine Commission opens research grant program

The Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) is soliciting research grant proposals for fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024).

The competitive research grant program fund short-term and intermediate research projects. Submittals will be accepted until Jan. 31.

The program was designed to foster research collaboration with other wine regions and leverage research funding opportunities. WSWC’s grant program began in 2019 to encourage scientists, regardless of location, to focus on research issues important to Washington’s wine industry, as well as collaborate with researchers at Washington State University (WSU). The program complements the Washington wine industry’s ongoing financial support of viticulture and enology research at WSU, according to a news release.

WSWC also funds short-term demonstration projects conducted by Washington community colleges and universities to expose undergraduates to research concepts. The one-year grants target practical, rapid application winery and vineyard trials and provide funds for proof-of-concept research ideas.

All research proposals will be considered by WSWC’s Wine Research Advisory Committee during the annual research review, scheduled for Feb. 22-23. A WSWC subcommittee, the advisory committee also serves as the industry’s scientific review arm. Washington wine industry members are invited to attend virtually to hear updates on continuing projects and provide feedback to the advisory committee for consideration before deciding its funding recommendations.

More information about the grant program and applications are available on WSWC’s website.

WSWC represents all Washington licensed winery and winegrape growers. Overseen by an appointed board, WSWC provides a marketing platform to raise positive awareness about Washington’s wine industry and generate increased demand for the state’s wines. Established by the state’s legislature in 1987, WSWC is funded through assessments based on grape and wine sales.