Many Iowans are unaware that this state was once one of the nation’s leading grape producers.

Although the crop has declined over the past century, a growing group of Iowans is trying to revive grape production.

Iowa’s first vineyards were planted in Council Bluffs in 1857. By 1919, Iowa ranked sixth in the nation in grape production, growing more than 12 million pounds of the fruit during the year.

In the past two years there have been several efforts to redevelop Iowa’s grape industry.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge started the Iowa Wine and Grape Advisory Council to meet the growing need for grape production to fulfill current demands.

Summerset Winery owner Ron Mark of Indianola, a member of the council, said it has several purposes.

“We want to help grape farmers have healthy crops and to establish [the] wine industry,” he said.

They are also trying to respond to the growing interests in agricultural diversification and local food. Mark said they are trying to encourage Iowa wineries to buy grapes grown within the state.

Education coordinator for the Leopold Center Rich Pirog said a strong in-state market for Iowa grapes, wine and juice is needed to revitalize the state’s grape industry. Also, specialty markets for Iowa-grown table grapes need to be developed to offer Iowa farmers opportunities to increase their income, he said.

The council is also conducting seminars to teach farmers how to start planting grapes that have been popular, Mark said. Likewise, the Leopold Center and Iowa State have provided classes to explore different aspects of grape cultivation and to revive the industry.

“Hopefully, 150 new vineyards will be spread across the state [as a result of the council’s efforts],” Mark said.

Recent data suggests their efforts are working.

Paul Domoto, professor of horticulture, said it was estimated that in 1999 there were only 30 acres of commercial grapes grown in Iowa.

“So far, grape acres have increased to over hundreds of acres,” Domoto said.

Mark said grapes are one of the significant value-added crops.

“We can generate $30,000 from twelve grape acres,” he said.

A farmer has to grow 15,000 acres of corn to make an equivalent profit.

Although grape growing can be profitable, it presents several challenges.

Domoto said there are limitations to growing different varieties of grapes in Iowa.

“Not all types of grapes are going to do well in strong winters,” he said.

He also said farmers might have difficulties finding soil that is well-drained.

“Obviously, climate is the biggest challenge to the grape growers, but we try to come up with the best crops across the state,” Mark said.