About

In the U.S., there is currently no sustained, industry-controlled funding source to support grapevine genetics research for long-term, high-investment areas like functional genomics. Existing programs (e.g., state wine and/or grape commissions, grower associations, American Vineyard Foundation) often:

Prioritize short-term applied research or regional trials,
Have constrained annual budgets,
Lack the bandwidth to fund multi-year, cross-institutional trait development.

What makes this effort unique is that it is not about open-ended research but instead, applied, product-focused science with funding strategies aligned with real outcomes--functional tools, defined traits, and varietal improvements--that directly benefits growers with the goal is to move traits across the finish line, not just advance academic knowledge.

The goal is for this effort to become an official USDA AMS Research and Promotion Program that formally assesses nurseries that propagate grapevines in order to fund grapevine trait development that will provide the grapevine grower and grapevine nursery industry with functional genomics infrastructure, transgene-free varietal innovation, and industry-accessible IP (intellectual property) management to provide real, tangible benefits including improved vine resilience, disease resistance, labor efficiency, and cost savings.

The development of a R&P Program will take at least 18 months and is estimated to cost between $150,000 to $250,000. As of October 2025, $75,000 has already been committed.

An initial meeting of nurseries in 2024 suggested support for the concept. Outreach then began with grower groups across the U.S. and support continued. See here for more information on supporters or to add your name.

After nearly two years of networking and research, in July 2025, a group of nurseries from across the U.S. met in Davis, CA for two days to outline program parameters. At the meeting, a work group was established and continues to meet virtually to inform program development. The target date to submit the program to USDA AMS is April 2026. From there, after AMS review, it will be published in the Federal Register for public comment before approval and implementation. If approved, a board will officially be formed,and assessments are anticipated to be levied beginning no earlier than 2028.

Work Group:

Dan Martinez, Martinez Orchards, California
Dennis Rak, Double A Vineyards, New York
Adam Lovgren, Sunridge Nurseries, California
Chris Lindelof, For Sticks, California
Kevin Judkins, Inland Desert Nursery, Washington
Dustin Hooper, Sunridge Nurseries, California
Jay Jensen, NovaVine, California
Chad Vargas, Advantage Vines II, Oregon
Benjamin Kaesekamp, Knights Grapevine Nursery, California

Technical Advisors:

Larry Bettiga, UC-Davis, California
Lance Cadle-Davidson, PhD., USDA, ARS, Cornell University, New York
Nick Dokoozlian, PhD., E. & J. Gallo, California