The University of Minnesota's Grape Breeding and Enology Program, while celebrated for its development of cold-hardy wine grapes like Marquette, Frontenac, and Itasca, is also venturing into the realm of cold-hardy table grapes. The program is currently in the stages of releasing three new table grape selections to the public. To assess their viability, the University of Minnesota has enlisted grower cooperators across various regions in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including locations such as Little Hill Berry Farm in Northfield, to cultivate these grapes.
Little Hill Berry Farm is owned and operated by Aaron Wills and Molly McGovern Wills, alongside their two children. Their farm is blanketed with organic blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries – along with pumpkins, potatoes, and native prairie strips – providing both delicious fruit and a beautiful and peaceful landscape to enjoy with friends and family as part of their U-pick operations and farm store. Since 2022, University of Minnesota grapes have also become part of that agricultural landscape, and Wills is excited to see how this new fruit will fit into his farm.
"Currently there aren't seedless varieties of grapes available that are winter hardy enough to be grown in Minnesota. The University of Minnesota is trying to change that," said Wills. "We have three varieties of these experimental grapes – a red, a green, and a dark purple almost black grape."
UMN researchers and Little Hill Berry Farm will be at Riverwalk Market Fair, Northfield, on Sept. 28, 9am-1pm, to talk to market goers about the new cold-hardy table grapes. Little Hill Berry Farm will be available to talk about their experience growing the grapes on-farm and about how cold-hardy table grapes could be a great new crop for growers.
Source: Morning AgClips
For more information:
University of Minnesota
Tel: 612-625-5000
Email: [email protected]
www.twin-cities.umn.edu
Little Hill Berry Farm
Tel: 507-301-7183
www.littlehillberryfarm.com