Viticulture Partners

The Iowa Wine Growers Association (IWGA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the growth of the wine and grape industry in Iowa. Established in 2000, the Iowa Wine Growers Association (IWGA) supports the industry through education, marketing/promotion and legislative support. The Iowa Wine Growers Association (IWGA) employs staff members who report to a voluntary Board of Directors. The IWGA Board of Directors meet on a monthly basis and hold an annual meeting in conjunction with the annual conference each year. If you are someone in the grape and wine industry in Iowa and are interested in being more involved, consider joining as a member of the IWGA or contact them to learn about additional opportunities.

The formation of the Institute is a result of the state’s evolving grape & wine industry. Dr. Ruth MacDonald, serves as the interim director of the Institute.

Goals of the Institute include:

• Conduct research to evaluate cold-hardy grape varieties that can thrive in the Midwest

• Conduct enology (the science of wine & wine making) research

• Develop a wine quality award program that will provide wine buyers a quality-assurance stamp of approval

• Establish an outreach program to the industry by training a team of specialists

• Partner with community colleges to develop job training programs specific to growing grapes and making wine

The approximately 345 employees of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship are responsible for a wide range of programs that affect the quality of life of every Iowan.  Both Iowans living on the farm and those in our towns and cities are impacted almost daily by the work of the Department.

Programs of noticeable interest to specialty crop producers are

• Sensitive Crop Registry

• Specialty Crop Block Grant Program