Dirt to Glass conference to host MSU CANR leadership for special session with Michigan grape and wine industry stakeholders

Plan to attend the special meet and listen session with College of Agriculture and Natural Resources administrators and the grape and wine industry on Aug. 24 at the Dirt to Glass 2023 conference.

Participants sitting in a conference room.
Dirt to Glass 2023 conference will be held Aug. 24-25, 2023, at Kirkbride Hall in Traverse City, Michigan. Photo from the 2022 Dirt to Glass conference. Photo by Esmaeil Nasrollahiazar, MSU Extension.

Michigan State University AgBioResearch, in collaboration with Michigan State University Extension and Intentional Agriculture, a Michigan-based non-profit organization, is proud to announce the upcoming Dirt to Glass 2023 conference. This two-day event, taking place Aug. 24-25 in Traverse City, Michigan, is designed to showcase the highest international standards of viticulture and winemaking. Tailored specifically for grape growers and wine producers across Michigan and neighboring states, Dirt to Glass 2023 will offer advanced research innovations and practical information to empower growers and winemakers, equipping them with the innovative tools necessary to elevate their craft and stay ahead of industry trends.

At the heart of Dirt to Glass 2023 is the goal to cultivate a new and innovative community of growers and producers from all over Michigan, providing them with world-class education on viticulture and winemaking. In the spirit of collaboration, the conference will feature a special Meet & Listen Session, facilitating a unique opportunity for direct engagement between the Michigan State University (MSU) leaders of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) and the attendees of the Dirt to Glass 2023 conference. This 1.5-hour session will be held at the end of day one of the conference (Aug. 24) and will be moderated by Patrick Cudney, director of government and stakeholder relations and senior advisor to the dean and directors of CANR.

The Meet & Listen Session will provide an open dialogue platform, allowing stakeholders and Michigan's exceptional community of winemakers and wine grape growers, who have played a pivotal role in shaping the MSU CANR, to directly engage with CANR leadership. These essential relationships with stakeholders have guided our research and outreach agendas and have been the cornerstone of our success as a land-grant institution. CANR aims to continue this tradition by giving members of Michigan's wine industry an opportunity to connect with the leadership of MSU CANR at the premier annual conference of the Michigan grape and wine industry, Dirt to Glass.

During this session, conference attendees will gain insights into CANR's key research initiatives and discover how CANR is engaging students and educating residents on important industry issues. The session will commence with short introductions from the panelists, including Thomas D. Jeitschko, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at MSU, Kelly Millenbah, dean of the CANR, George Smith, director of AgBioResearch, and Quentin Tyler, director of MSU Extension. This will be followed by an engaging question and answer period, allowing for a focused discussion on industry-wide concerns.

We are delighted to have MSU Interim Provost Thomas D. Jeitschko, PhD, join us for this session to hear directly from our valued partners in the region. Our aim is to bridge the gap between CANR administrators and the grape and wine industry, promoting collaboration and mutual understanding. By fostering an environment where voices are heard and ideas are shared, we can collectively propel the industry forward and address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

In addition to this special Meet & Listen Session, Dirt to Glass 2023 promises an exceptional experience for anyone interested in Michigan's developing grape and wine industry. The conference will feature a range of educational sessions, including a field day showcasing vineyard management practices and their impact on wine quality. Alongside these informative sessions and curated tastings, attendees will have multiple opportunities to network with industry peers, experts and MSU leaders from various domains.

Join us as we embark on this transformative journey fueled by Dirt to Glass 2023 and the leadership of MSU CANR. Your presence and participation are essential to shaping the future landscape of the Michigan grape and wine industry.

For more information and to register, please visit: Dirt to Glass 2023

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