Worth more than $1 billion to the state’s economy
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, grapes rank 20th on North Carolina’s list of crops based on production value in terms of dollars.
Tobacco takes the top spot in that regard.
It’s what’s being done with the grapes that are having a profound impact on the state’s economy.
A new report commissioned by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and carried out by Frank, Rimerman + Co. compared the wine industry’s changes between 2009 and 2013.
The report shows the grape and wine industry currently contributes $1.71 billion to the economy.
Report Highlights: - 7,709 full-time jobs related to wine industry
- 2,300 acres of land used for grape growing
- 569,000 cases of wine produced in North Carolina
- 1.7 million wine-related tourists visited North Carolina in 2013
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“It is encouraging to see continued growth in the wine and grape industry, not only for our wineries, but also for our grape growers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “More than 77 percent of all wine produced in North Carolina comes from North Carolina grapes.”
North Carolina is home to 159 wineries and 525 commercial grape growers. The wineries opening up their vineyards for tours and other events is a major factor in the industry’s growth.
“Many of our wineries are opening up their vineyards to wine-related events, private parties, weddings and other special occasions to attract more visitors and diversify their income,” said Whit Winslow, executive director of the Wine and Grape Council. “The new numbers reflect an increase in consumer demand for experiences beyond the tasting room.”
The top five wine-producing states according to Wines and Vines are:
- California
- Washington
- New York
- Oregon
- Texas
Join the conversation and tell us your thoughts on North Carolina’s improving wine industry. As a farmer in the state, could you be more inclined to add grapes to your growing operations?