California Ag Network

Category: Grape Industry

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (February 28, 2017) – Another wet week, with temperatures staying steady. Widespread freezes were reported Thursday through Saturday across the State.

    Rainfall followed a similar pattern Monday through Wednesday, with the heaviest rains falling in the northwestern mountains, and the northern and central Sierra foothills. Four to five inches of rain fell in these places, with two to three inches in the northern and central valley. Rainfall tapered off to the south, with up to one inch in the southern valley and along the coast down to the Los Angeles area. Additional light rains fell on most of the State for the rest of the week and into the weekend. Most areas outside of the far southern coast and deserts received an additional quarter inch to half inch of rain. Cold temperatures and an active weather pattern led to yet more snow in the mountains, with up to two feet falling in parts of the central and northern Sierras. The northern mountains received another foot of snow, with the southern Sierras receiving under six inches. Temperatures were cold enough for an overall increase of the snowpack in the central and northern mountains, while a slight decrease of the snowpack was seen in the southern Sierras.

    Temperature highs were in the 20s to 50s in the mountains, 40s to 60s along the coast, 50s to 60s in the valley, and 50s to 70s in the desert. The temperature lows were in the 10s to 30s in the mountains, 20s to 30s in the valley, 20s to 40s in the desert, and 40s to 50s along the coast.

    The planted grains and field crops continued to mature, reaping the benefit from all the recent rain, and a few sunny days.  Growers waiting for excess water to dry up in the fields.

    Pruning, discing, weed control, and pre-bloom spraying continued where drying orchard floor conditions permitted. Olive groves were pruned. Pruning, tying, berm sanitation, and brush shredding continued in the drier vineyards. The standing water in vineyards and orchards continued to cause concern for the health of the trees and vines. Herbicides were applied in some vineyards. Early varieties of nectarine and peach were blooming in Fresno County. Cherry bloom began in Tulare County. The Navel orange harvest resumed. Recent rains impacted the overall quality of the citrus. Zutano avocados harvest was ongoing. Tangelo harvest continued. Date trees were planted in Imperial County.

    As field conditions permitted walnut and pistachio orchards were pruned. Saturated soils and high winds toppled some walnut and almond trees in the San Joaquin Valley. Almond bloom was progressing well across the State. Rain and wind caused some almond petal drop. As flooded orchards dried and conditions permitted, beehives were moved in to facilitate almond pollination.

    Drying conditions allowed for fields to be prepared for cultivation in Madera, Fresno, and Tulare County. Ground was being prepped for planting tomatoes. Herbicide was being applied to onions. Strawberry fields continued to thrive. Carrots continued to be harvested.

    Non-irrigated pasture and rangeland continued to improve due to the winter’s precipitation and warming temperatures. Range was reported to be in excellent to fair condition. Supplemental feeding of livestock was waning as range conditions improved. Bees were active in the blooming almond orchards. Sheep grazed retired pasture, harvested broccoli fields, and dormant alfalfa.

  • CA Suffers Emergency Drought & Flood Conditions Simultaneously

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    For the first time in recorded history, California is suffering from both an emergency state of drought and flood simultaneously. Watch this video interview with California Ag Network and Aubrey Bettencourt from the California Water Alliance as she describes the current water crisis at hand.

  • Ken Fugelsang, Renowned Enologist: Built A Legacy Of Winemakers

    Fresno, Calif., (February 24, 2017) – Kenneth Fugelsang, professor emeritus of enology and retired winemaster at the Fresno State Winery, died Monday, Feb. 20, from cancer. He was 70 years old.

    An internationally-recognized enologist credited with “producing world-class winemakers who are now making world class wines,” Mr. Fugelsang retired from the Department of Viticulture and Enology in 2011 but continued teaching part-time until May 2016.

    Mr. Fugelsang is the second viticulture and enology pioneer lost in the past few months. Dr. Vincent Petrucci, who founded the University’s program, died in December.

    A two time graduate of Fresno State (bachelor’s in 1969 and master’s in 1972, both in biology), Mr. Fugelsang joined the enology faculty in 1971. After the University winery became the first in the nation on a college campus in 1997, he and his student winemakers – in partnership with many Valley grower partners – won state, national and international acclaim with more than 600 wine competition awards.

    But his legacy extends even further than the estimated 500 students who learned their craft under his tutelage and went on to become winemakers or other enology professionals in their own right.

    University President Joseph I. Castro praised Fugelsang for his contributions not only to his students but the industry.

    “Ken Fugelsang was an exemplary college professor and mentor who gave his all to his students,” Castro said. “He taught and directed hundreds of students in the science and art of winemaking and was a key player in establishing the Fresno State Winery, the first university winery licensed to produce, bottle and sell wine. Fresno State viticulture and enology students in particular and the wine industry and its connoisseurs in general are the benefactors of Ken’s expertise and guidance in this field.”

    Dr. Sandra Witte, dean of the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology said, “We have lost a truly talented and kind man. His influence on our enology program will not be forgotten and lives on in our program graduates.”

    Dr. Carlos Muller, professor emeritus of enology, worked closely with Fugelsang until his own retirement in 2004 and helped establish the program.  Muller recalled his colleague as “a man of immense wealth of knowledge willing to share it with all of us who were fortunate enough to have benefited from his generosity and kindness.”

    “He will be remembered in perpetuity for his plethora of erudite writings and presentations and, above all for his ability to train, nurture and continuously support the professional development of his students,” Muller added. “We owe him much.”

    Alan Cannon, a certified wine educator who is also director of distributor relations and education for Rombauer Vineyards in Napa, was Mr. Fugelang’s student in 1980 and later lectured in the program.

    “Ken was a great professor, mentor and friend to me and to all his students,” Cannon recalled. “He always had time to listen and was very encouraging to all of us. He had a passion for the wine industry and for teaching future generations of wine makers and wine industry leaders. One of his enduring legacies will be all of the students that took the knowledge that he imparted to make the wine industry that much better.”

    Mr. Fugelsang published more than 150 technical papers, 18 books and contributed to journals in the United States and internationally. His 2007 book “Wine Microbiology – Practical Applications and Procedures,” co-authored with Charles Edwards of Washington State University, received the “Prix d l’OIV” award from the Paris-based International Office of the Vine and Wine, an intergovernmental scientific and technical body with 43 member nations that has overseen the world’s grape and wine industry for more than 80 years.

    During his career, Mr. Fugelsang was a recipient of some 50 research grants totaling approximately $5 million. He was recognized as one of world’s most-authoritative experts on Brettanomyces – spoilage yeast that grows on grapes and in wineries. He presented at conferences in Germany, Portugal, Canada, Missouri and throughout California.

    Mr. Fugelsang, who served as the past president of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, received the University’s Outstanding Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Award, Salgo-Noren and the National Association of College Teachers Award, the Claude Laval Award for Innovative Technology and the Outstanding Alumnus Award.

    For Mr. Fugelsang’s retirement celebration in 2012, G.M. “Pooch” Pucilowski, chief judge and consultant to the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition and close friend, said “Professor Fugelsang and Fresno State should be hailed by the California wine industry — and probably the wine industry of the world — for producing world-class winemakers who are now making world class wines.”

    Former student Bryce Willingham, upon hearing of Mr. Fugelsang’s terminal illness last week, said in a message to him that his “extensive knowledge and calm strength were pivotal in fortifying” her career.

    “I want you to know that everything you did as a judge and professor shaped so many winemakers,” wrote Billingham who graduated in 2012 and is now a winemaker for Ravage Wines in Lodi.  “That means that you will always be here with us. In every glass. In every sip. In every moment that bottle creates. You live in the wines of the people you taught and the people they taught. You’re with us forever.”

    Mr. Fugelsang was preceded in death by his parents, Ardith and Paul Fugelsang. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Ann; his son, Jeffrey; and his brother Paul Fugelsang, and sister-in-law Cheryl.

    A celebration of life will be held later this spring. The family asks that no flowers be sent but invited donations be made to the scholarship for enology students in his name: K. C. Fugelsang.  Checks payable to: AG ONE , 2910 E. Barstow Ave., MS/115 , Fresno, CA 93740  or online.

     

  • Tulare County Reports on Current Crop Status

    Visalia, Calif., (February 24, 2017) – Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner released the current status today of Major crops in the most valued county in the California Ag portfolio. They report that Growers continue to wait for fields to dry out sufficiently so that they can resume planting winter grain and field crops. The planted grains and field crops continue to mature at an excellent rate, reaping the benefit from all the recent rain, and a few sunny days.

    Field work in vineyards and orchards continues with: pruning, tying, berm sanitation, and brush shredding. Some early varieties of stone fruit are beginning to bloom. Cherries are beginning to bloom. Kiwifruit are being exported to El Salvador, Japan, Mexico, and Taiwan. Some almond orchards are beginning to bloom, and bee colonies are being moved in for pollination. Almonds are being exported China, Colombia, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Mexico, South Africa, and Russian Federation. Pistachios are being sent to Belgium, Spain, and Vietnam. In drier locations the removal of older orchards and vineyards continues in preparation for replanting with new varieties.

    The citrus harvest is continuing. All the recent rains are having some impact on overall quality. Navel oranges and Mandarins are being shipped to Australia, China, El Salvador, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Minneola tangelos are sent to Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, and Singapore. Grapefruit and pomelos are being exported to Japan. Lemons are being exported to Hong Kong, Japan, and Mexico. Removal of older orchards continues in preparation for replanting to new varieties this spring. The domestic market for citrus fruit remains steady at a good price. Olive groves are still being pruned. Surprise avocados are having the last of the fruit picked. Zutano avocados are still being picked, with a large crop reported.

    New fields are being prepared for spring planting. Strawberries fields continue to thrive.

    Rangeland and dryland pasture quality continue to improve with all the recent rainfall. Condition is excellent due to continued rainfall and warmer weather. The fed cattle price is currently at $120 per hundredweight.

    Bare root rose nursery stock continues to be received, processed, and shipped out. Shipments of wholesale nursery stock are picking up as spring sales begin in earnest. Local bare root nurseries are busy digging stock as weather and soil conditions allow. Some mature olive trees continue to be dug for landscape purposes.

  • CDFA Announces Vacancy On The Vertebrate Pest Control Research Advisory Committee

    Sacramento, Calif., (February 23, 2017) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Integrated Pest Control Branch is announcing a vacancy on the Vertebrate Pest Control Research Advisory Committee. The committee makes recommendations to the CDFA secretary on all matters pertaining to vertebrate pest control research.

    The term of office for a committee member is unlimited. Members receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the Department of Personnel Administration. Members are considered public officials and must be willing to comply with necessary disclosure requirements.

    The vacancy is for an agricultural industry representative. Applicants should have an interest in agriculture and vertebrate pest control. Individuals interested in being considered for a committee appointment should send a brief resume by April 2, 2017 to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Integrated Pest Control Branch, 3294 Meadowview Road, Sacramento, California 95832, Attention: Sara Banchero.

    For additional information, visit the committee web page at: http://www.vpcrac.org/; or contact: David Kratville, Senior Environmental Scientist with the Integrated Pest Control Branch at (916) 262-1102, by fax (916) 262-2020, or e-mail David.Kratville@cdfa.ca.gov.

  • Farmers Monitor Storms’ Impact On Crops, Water Supplies

    Sacramento, Calif., (February 23, 2017) – Strong storms during the Presidents’ Day holiday weekend flooded farm fields, caused several dairy farms to relocate their animals and brought other impacts on California farms and ranches. The storms also added more water to an already overtaxed system, and led to renewed calls to modernize the system.

    “In the long term, the surge of storms should bring an improved water outlook,” California Farm Bureau Federation President Paul Wenger said, “but it has definitely brought worries to farmers and ranchers whose land is inundated or whose crops may be at risk. We remain hopeful that weather in coming days will minimize any problems.”

    Wenger noted that many reservoirs have filled and have had to release water, which underlines the need to enhance California’s water storage capacity.

    “Believe it or not, there are people who think we don’t need more water storage, and that we should even tear down many of the facilities we now have,” he said. “These activists don’t care how many people suffer from devastating floods in winters like this. They don’t care how many people suffer from water shortages during droughts.”

    Wenger said California must move as quickly as possible to allocate money from the 2014 water bond, Proposition 1, to create more storage both aboveground and underground.

    “Environmentalists say we can solve water problems by conserving more water and storing more underground. But we’re not able to conserve most of the water flowing through the system now—we have had to let it go. And moving water into the ground takes time. You can’t replenish groundwater if you don’t have aboveground reservoirs and canals to hold and move water to where it can effectively filter underground,” Wenger said.

    Farm Bureau said farmers of a number of crops and commodities will be assessing the impact from the weekend storms, including:

    • Almonds—The storms hit just as almond trees were blooming. Bees that pollinate almond blossoms don’t fly in the rain and prefer temperatures higher than 55 degrees. In addition, a number of almond trees were blown down by strong winds during the weekend. But farmers said the tree losses weren’t as bad as feared, and expressed hope pollination would still be successful.
    • Berries—The rains delayed strawberry harvest along the Central and Southern California coast. Production may be temporarily reduced as farmers wait for waterlogged fields to dry and discard rain-damaged berries.
    • Dairy farms—Several dairy farms located near the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers needed to move their animals to higher ground as river levels rose. Other farmers are watching river levels carefully and preparing to move their animals if needed.
    • Field crops—Fall-planted grain crops that have germinated could take on too much water, which could ultimately reduce yields. Hay fields have also flooded. Soggy or flooded fields will delay planting for a number of crops.
    • Grapes—Vineyards in various grape-growing regions have been flooded. Farmers say that could leave vines vulnerable to root-rot damage if they remain flooded for too long.
    • Vegetables—Rains and muddy fields slowed vegetable harvest in Southern California and delayed planting in the Salinas Valley. Rain generally benefited vegetable crops in the Imperial Valley.
    • Walnuts—Flooded orchards that remain waterlogged for too long could be vulnerable to root diseases that can kill trees.
    • Miscellaneous—Heavy rains in foothill regions have washed out privately maintained roads, making it hard for cattle ranchers to reach their animals, and muddy pastures limit ranchers’ ability to reach herds on horseback. Pear orchards in Lake County have been flooded. Citrus fruit harvest was temporarily delayed. The storms brought large amounts of rain to Santa Barbara County farmers who have remained in severe drought. One farmer there reported losing about half an acre of avocado trees to a mudslide.

  • Tulare County Reports on Current Crop Status

    Visalia, Calif., (February 17, 2017) – Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner released the current status today of Major crops in the most valued county in the California Ag portfolio. They report that Growers continue to wait for fields to dry out sufficiently that they can resume planting winter grain and field crops. The planted grains and field crops continue to mature at an excellent rate, reaping the benefit from all the recent rain, and a few sunny days.

    Field work in vineyards and orchards continues with: pruning, tying, berm sanitation, and brush shredding. Some early varieties of stone fruit are beginning to bloom. Kiwifruit are being exported to El Salvador, Japan, and Taiwan. Some almond orchards are beginning to bloom, and bee colonies are being moved in for pollination. In drier locations the removal of older orchards and vineyards continues in preparation for replanting with new varieties.

    The citrus harvest is continuing. All the recent rains are having some impact on overall quality. Navel oranges are being shipped to Australia, China, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. Cara Cara oranges continue going to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. Mandarin oranges continue being shipped to Australia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Japan, and Korea. Tangleos are being harvested and exported to Japan, the Netherlands, and Puerto Rico. Grapefruit and pomelos are being exported to Japan. Lemons are being exported to Japan and Mexico. Removal of older orchards continues in preparation for replanting to new varieties this spring. The domestic market for citrus fruit remains steady at a good price. Olive groves are still being pruned.

    Winter vegetables continue to mature ideally. The drier weather is allowing the harvest to resume. New fields are being prepared for spring planting. Strawberries fields continue to thrive. Blueberries continue to be planted, weather permitting.

    Rangeland and dryland pasture quality continue to improve with all the recent rainfall. Condition is good to excellent.

    Bare root rose nursery stock continues to be received, processed and shipped out. Shipments of wholesale nursery stock are picking up as spring approaches. Local bare root nurseries are busy digging stock as weather and soil conditions allow.

  • California Wine Exports Reach Record $1.62 Billion in 2016

    San Francisco, Calif., (February 16, 2017) – U.S. wine exports, 90% from California, reached $1.62 billion in winery revenues in 2016, a new record. Despite challenges from a strong dollar, winery revenues were up 1% from 2015. Volume was 412.7 million liters or 45.9 million cases.

    “California wine exports continue to reflect the trend toward premiumization with the dollar value of our wine sales outpacing volume shipments. California wines are well positioned for this trend—our vintners are offering quality, value, diverse styles and environmental stewardship in their winemaking. Combined with the state’s iconic lifestyle, innovative cuisine and beautiful destinations, California wines continue to gain attention from consumers worldwide,” said Robert P. (Bobby) Koch, Wine Institute President and CEO.

    The top 10 export markets for California wines are: the European Union’s 28-member countries, accounting for $685 million, followed by Canada, $431 million; Hong Kong, $99 million; Japan, $87 million; China, $82 million; Mexico, $24 million; South Korea, $23 million; Switzerland, $19 million; Singapore, $14 million; and Philippines, $13 million.

    “California wine exports have grown 78% by value in the last decade despite heavily-subsidized foreign competitors and high tariffs. Our global trading partners are increasingly acknowledging the high quality of wine from the Golden State and responding to our California Wines marketing efforts throughout the world,” said Wine Institute Vice President International Marketing Linsey Gallagher. Gallagher manages Wine Institute’s California Wine Export Program, involving more than 170 wineries that export to 138 countries, and 15 representatives and offices in 25 countries across the globe.

    “Trade agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), have helped to dramatically grow U.S. wine exports yet discriminatory non-tariff trade barriers continue to be crafted by foreign governments at a steady pace,” said Tom LaFaille, Wine Institute Vice President and International Trade Counsel. “We applaud U.S. government efforts to eliminate these barriers and strengthen our competitiveness globally, including the World Trade Organization (WTO) challenge against Canada which seeks to ensure that British Columbia grocery store consumers can choose from the vast array of the world’s great wines.”

    Wine Institute’s Regional Trade Directors in key export markets reported on 2016 exports:

    Canada

    “Canada remains a strong market for California wines and despite a slowdown in momentum, U.S. wines were still #1 in the table wine category in Canada in 2016. Retail sales of U.S. wines are now at a record 6.5 million cases and $1.1 billion dollars with the strongest increases in the provinces of Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. We anticipate continued growth and are also hopeful that provincial governments will extend to California wineries equal access to retail distribution channels,” said Rick Slomka, Wine Institute Trade Director for Canada. “Canadian consumers have confidence in the quality and value offered by California wineries whose wines are successful in all price segments. Recent price increases resulting from exchange rate fluctuation may lead to slower growth.”

    Continental Europe

    “As the dollar moves towards parity with the Euro, export volumes to Europe are down in most countries, mainly in the lower priced segment. The good news is that the dollar value of California’s exports to the EU countries (excluding UK) is up 2.7% as the interest in premium California wines continues to be strong,” said Paul Molleman, Wine Institute Trade Director for Continental Europe.

    United Kingdom

    “It’s a fantastic result for California wine in the UK, continuing three years of accelerating growth. There is a very clear trend towards premiumization with +18% value growth and rising volumes (+5%). The conversation is increasingly about exceptional wine quality from California across both powerful and elegant styles. Volume shipped exceeded 13 million 9-liter cases to the UK, making it the top volume export destination for California wines globally. With the value of California exports to the UK now worth $337 million, the industry is on track to meet its target of $400 million in export sales by the end of the decade,” said Wine Institute United Kingdom Trade Director Justin Knock.

    Japan

    “U.S. bulk wine exports to Japan have been growing as major Japanese importers are now importing popular-priced California wine brands in bulk and then bottling in Japan. This reduces the burdensome import duty to a limited extent and makes inventory control easier. In 2016, we saw the last major generic California wine brand switch to local bottling,” said Ken-ichi Hori, Wine Institute Japan Trade Director. “Japanese importers of U.S. wines were disappointed to learn of the U.S. withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. They now hope the U.S. will establish a Free Trade Agreement with Japan as soon as possible to abolish the heavy import duty on U.S. wines, which will help the entire American wine category grow in Japan. This is critical for the U.S. wine industry, since our competitors, Chile and Australia, already have free trade agreements with Japan and benefit from a duty advantage over U.S. wines.”

    China

    “The significant growth in U.S. wine exports to China in 2016 is particularly important because it demonstrates a meaningful growth in higher value products. A 47% increase in value in one year, coupled with an 11% increase in volume, speaks to the inherent strength in consumer acceptance of California wines in China, despite the rising value of the U.S. dollar versus the Chinese RMB currency throughout the year. Additionally, according to research firm Wine Intelligence, the total number of imported wine consumers in China increased by 26% over the last two years. These concurrent developments signal an increasing healthy market in China and Chinese consumers’ burgeoning interest in California wines,” said Christopher Beros, Wine Institute Trade Director for China and Pacific Rim.

    Since 1985, Wine Institute has served as the administrator of the Market Access Program, a cost-share export promotion program managed by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. Wine Institute’s Export Program supports California Wines worldwide with a consumer website discovercaliforniawines.com in eight languages, social media campaigns in 16 countries, an educational California Wines PowerPoint tool and videos, and a strong partnership with Visit California to increase tourism to California wine regions. Wine Institute organizes California’s participation in international trade shows and trade missions, offers master classes and seminars as well as tastings for trade, media and consumers worldwide. Last year, the program hosted 150 international media and wine buyers from 15 countries for visits to California wine country. For information, see: Wine Institute’s California Wine Export Program

     

     

  • 2017 Acreage Reporting Dates

    Tulare, Calif., (February 14, 2017) – In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit the Tulare County FSA office to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline.

    The following acreage reporting dates are applicable for Tulare County:

    March 15, 2017 – 
Alfalfa Seed, Almonds, Barley, Cherries, Oats, Olives, Pears, Pistachios, Plums, Walnuts, Wheat

    May 15, 2017 – 
Grapes and Table Grapes

    June 15, 2017 – 
Forage Seeding

    July 15, 2017 – Spring Alfalfa Seed, Spring Seeded Barley, Corn, Cotton, Grain Sorghum, Onions, Safflower and all other crops

    July 31, 2017 – 
Raisins

    December 15, 2017 – Alfalfa for Forage, Native Grass for Grazing

    The following exceptions apply to the above acreage reporting dates:

    • If the crop has not been planted by the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is completed.
    • If a producer acquires additional acreage after the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendars days after purchase or acquiring the lease. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the county office.
    • If a perennial forage crop is reported with the intended use of “cover only,” “green manure,” “left standing,” or “seed,” then the acreage must be reported by July 15th.

    Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policy holders should note that the acreage reporting date for NAP covered crops is the earlier of the dates listed above or 15 calendar days before grazing or harvesting of the crop begins.

    For questions regarding crop certification and a complete list of crops and crop loss reports, please contact the Tulare County FSA office at 559-734-8732.

  • Pilot Study Highlights Role of Grapes in Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease

    Fresno, Calif., (February 13, 2017) – Consuming grapes twice a day for six months protected against significant metabolic decline in Alzheimer-related areas of the brain in a study of people with early memory decline. Low metabolic activity in these areas of the brain is a hallmark of early stage Alzheimer’s disease. Study results showed a grape-enriched diet protected against the decline of metabolic activity. Additionally, those consuming a grape- enriched diet also exhibited increased metabolism in other areas of the brain that correlated with individual improvements in attention and working memory performance, compared to those on the non-grape diet. Results of the randomized controlled research study, conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles, were recently published in Experimental Gerontology.1

    “The study examines the impact of grapes as a whole fruit versus isolated compounds and the results suggest that regular intake of grapes may provide a protective effect against early decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Daniel H. Silverman, lead investigator of the study. “This pilot study contributes to the growing evidence that supports a beneficial role for grapes in neurologic and cardiovascular health, however more clinical studies with larger groups of subjects are needed to confirm the effects observed here.”

    In the study, subjects with early memory decline were randomly selected to receive either whole grape powder – equivalent to just 2 1⁄4 cups of grapes per day – or a polyphenol-free placebo powder matched for flavor and appearance. Cognitive performance was measured at baseline and 6 months later. Changes in brain metabolism, assessed by brain PET scans, were also measured at baseline and 6 months later. PET scans provide valuable predictive and diagnostic value to clinicians evaluating patients with dementia symptoms.

    The results showed that consuming grapes preserved healthy metabolic activity in the regions of the brain that are affected by the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease, where metabolic decline takes hold. Subjects who didn’t consume grapes exhibited significant metabolic decline in these critical regions. Additionally, those consuming the grape-enriched diet showed beneficial changes in regional brain metabolism that correlated to improvements in cognition and working memory performance.

    Grape polyphenols help promote antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Research suggests that grapes may help support brain health by working in multiple ways – from reducing oxidative stress in the brain to promoting healthy blood flow in the brain to helping maintain levels of a key brain chemical that promotes memory to exerting anti- inflammatory effects. 2

    Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disease that results in a slow decline of memory and cognitive skills. Currently 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and the numbers continue to grow. The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not yet fully understood, but believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors.

    1 Lee, J., Torosyan, n., and Silverman, D.H. (2017). Examining the impact of grape consumption on brain metabolism and cognitive function in patients with mild decline in cognition: A double-blinded placebo controlled pilot study. Experimental Gerontology, 87 (Pt A): 121-128 Doi:10.1016/j.exger.2016.10.004.

    2 Maher, P. (2016). Grapes and the brain. In J.M. Pezzuto (Ed.), Grapes and health (pp. 139-161). Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. Doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-28995-3.