Local Tobacco Growers Taken to Muscadine Grape Farming Idea

Source from:  By: August 20, 2005 zwire.com 08/22/2005

South Carolina farmers long accustomed to learning about crop varieties through Clemson University Extension demonstrations now have a place to check out muscadines - at the Pee Dee Research and Education Center. "We call it the South Carolina Muscadine Vineyard Project," said Jody Martin, Clemson Extension agent in Florence County. It consists of an acre of vines planted in 28 rows of 170 feet each with three varieties of muscadine grapes: Carlos, Nobel and Doreen. Local tobacco growers have taken to muscadine grape farming as a way to help diversify crop yields and maximize produce profit. "We are looking at opportunities to develop value added markets such as nutraceuticals," he said. The S.C. Tobacco Growers Association has provided a lot of support. Martin said that farmers looking to make a transition away from tobacco or to add another crop to their enterprise mix will find the demonstration helpful. "They can see how to properly install trellises, how to plant the vines and find out the basics of grape production," he said. "The vines are covered by growth tubes to help protect them and allow them to get off to a faster start, whether it's for the fresh market, wine production, non-alcoholic juice, nutraceuticals or other value added markets." Martin added that a lot of work needs to be done in market development - whether it's for the fresh market, for wine production or non-alcoholic juice. "We have a trickle irrigation system, and we'll be taking a look at insect problems," he said. The nutraceutical industry, which has annual sales of food supplements for health in excess of $80 billion, may hold the most potential. Martin called muscadines "nature's number one source of antioxidants." The primary antioxidant is resveratrol, a compound, which helps protect the heart and nervous system and helps prevent cancer, is contained in both the skins and seeds of muscadine grapes. He said the fiber can be used as filler for some meat products, and that researchers are experimenting with powders made from the skins. "We're working with Greg Hyman of Dermacon, Inc., a [Conway area] nutraceutical company," Martin said. "He's put in 12 acres of muscadines himself." Martin is establishing a muscadine contact list and will be sending out regular newsletters with updates and helpful information. If anyone is interested in keeping up with the development of a muscadine industry in South Carolina, please send your name, email and mailing address to him at jamrtn@clemson.edu or call (843) 661-4800, extension 115. Enditem