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FOXX SECURES $1 MILLION FOR ASU VITICULTURE CENTER
Washington, DC,
November 10, 2005
United States Rep. Virginia Foxx (N.C.-5) is pleased to announce that the House of Representatives has approved funds for the Appalachian Enology & Viticulture Services Center at Appalachian State University. She was able to secure $1 million
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE United States Rep. Virginia Foxx (N.C.-5) is pleased to announce that the House of Representatives has approved funds for the Appalachian Enology & Viticulture Services Center at Appalachian State University. She was able to secure $1 million for the project in the FY06 Science, Departments of State, Justice, Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Conference report that passed the House yesterday. The legislation will now go to the Senate, where passage is expected later today. “I am delighted to support ASU in their efforts to expand the wine industry in North Carolina. I am especially grateful for the hard work by Rep. Charles Taylor (N.C.-11) to help obtain these funds,” said Rep. Foxx. “As a strong supporter of viticulture, I understand that vineyards and wineries create many jobs and attract tourist dollars to our rural communities. They also offer an opportunity for farm diversification and farmland preservation. Therefore, we must do whatever we can to encourage the growth of this important Western North Carolina industry.” Currently, there are 350 vineyards and 42 wineries in North Carolina, which is over double the amount in 1999. The Yadkin Valley is North Carolina’s first federally recognized American Viticultural Area. Located in the northwestern part of the state, it includes all of Surry, Wilkes and Yadkin counties, as well as portions of Stokes, Davie and Forsyth counties. There are currently 14 wineries and more than 400 acres devoted to vineyards in the Yadkin Valley. The Appalachian Enology & Viticulture Services Center will contain laboratories and training facilities to help improve the quality and competitiveness of North Carolina’s wine industry. One unique aspect of the center is that it will have a mobile laboratory that can be dispatched for on-site research. This lab will diagnose vineyard problems and come up with rapid solutions. The Center will also conduct international research in horticultural and biotechnological strategies for expanding viticulture in higher elevations, investigating the health benefits of moderate wine consumption and much more. ### |