Media contact:
Misti Preston
Phone: (573) 751-8596
Misti.Preston@mda.mo.gov

For Immediate Release: February 1, 2008

Gov. Blunt, Director of Agriculture Visit Farmington Agribusiness

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – Gov. Matt Blunt and Director of Agriculture Katie Smith visited an agribusiness in Farmington today to see firsthand agribusiness’ tremendous economic impact in Missouri. As part of the Capital for a Day event, Gov. Blunt and Director Smith met with Mr. and Mrs. Scott, owners of the Crown Valley Champagne House, and Bryan Siddle, operations manager, to discuss agribusiness, such as the wine and grape industry, and its economic impact both locally and in the state.

“Agribusiness and tourism are critical to Missouri’s economy. With the growth of the number of wineries across our state, tourism and agribusiness’ are coming together to generate jobs and economic growth in our state,” said Gov. Blunt. “It is estimated that nearly 760,000 tourists visit Missouri wineries, which support a diverse labor force of 2,430 employees statewide. Visitors also take advantage of the local bed and breakfasts’, restaurants and other local shopping attractions contributing to the growth of our economy.”

Growing grapes and making wine is a long-term commitment to Missouri communities, both financially and physically. Unlike many industries, once vineyards and wineries have been established, they are effectively rooted and tied in place – a Missouri vineyard cannot simply be relocated to another region or outsourced to another country. Missouri’s wine and grapes are tied to the soil from which they are grown.

“Wine, grapes and their products diversify local economies and create employment and new market opportunities in rural communities,” said Gov. Blunt.

The U.S. wine market has grown by nearly 14 percent since 2002 in volume and more than 15 percent in dollars. Increases in the wine market stands true in Missouri as well. Wine production in the state has grown 70 percent since 2001 ranking Missouri eleventh in grape production in the U.S.

“Agritourism is very important to Missouri agriculture. Almost half of winery sales are direct-to-consumer and wineries, and these businesses have focused their efforts on inviting consumers to visit and tour their facilities contributing to a rise in sales. The Crown Valley Champagne House is a clear example of diversified agriculture and providing consumers new opportunities to experience the wine and grape industry,” said Director Smith. “Agriculture continues to generate significant economic growth in Missouri and wineries have contributed to that economic impact. Missouri’s vineyard acreage and production has seen a steady climb over the past four years.”

For more information regarding Missouri’s wine and grape industry, visit www.missouriwine.org/. To learn more about Farmington’s Crown Valley Champagne House or other Crown Valley Winery properties, visit www.crownvalleywinery.com/.

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