Epamig presents a project to strengthen family viticulture in Caldas and the region

A proposal prepared by the Agricultural Research Company of Minas Gerais (Epamig), seeks to understand, rescue and strengthen table wine growing in the municipalities of Caldas, Santa Rita de Caldas and Andradas, in the south of Minas. The project, in partnership with municipal governments, Emater-MG and Senar, aims to encourage the cultivation and processing of table grapes among family farmers.

“The southern region of Minas Gerais is traditional for growing grapes of American origin (Vitis labrusca and Vitis bourquina), intended for the production of table wines. In recent decades, however, due to economic pressure from other agricultural activities, the local wine-growing area has decreased considerably. The first planned action is to survey and register these winegrowers. Precisely, due to the lack of studies in the area, we do not have a reference number of producers”, explains Epamig winemaker, Angélica Bender, project coordinator.

The actions seek to serve producers involved in different segments of the production chain, whether production and/or processing of common table grapes. “Our focus is on producers who operate in some branch of the wine chain, based in the municipalities of Caldas, Santa Rita de Caldas and Andradas, who fall into the classifications of rural property, family property, rural module, minifundium and rural company (small ) defined by Law No. 4.504, which provides for the Land Statute”, defines Angélica Bender.

The project aims to improve the quality of grapes and table wines produced in the region; the diversification of products produced, through the introduction of new grape varieties suitable for the production of juices, wines and sparkling wines; the structuring of the production chain, with a view to legalizing properties/agribusinesses; the implementation of good practices in the manufacture of wines, juices and other derivatives; the dissemination of generated technologies, through publications and events. In addition to adding value to the activity, it can also promote agritourism.

Schedule and methodology

The project is designed by the team from the Epamig State Viticulture Research Program, Cláudia Rita de Souza, Renata Vieira da Mota, Naíssa Prévide Bernardo, Lucas Bueno do Amaral and Francisco Mickael de Medeiros Câmara, together with Emater-MG and Senar Caldas and has the support of the city halls of Caldas, Andradas and Santa Rita de Caldas, Sebrae, Faemg, Sindivinho, the Chamber of Councilors of Caldas and the Rural Workers Unions.

“The project unites Epamig, Emater-MG and Senar for the common objective of promoting wine growing in the southern region of Minas Gerais, through activities that include training producers, introducing new grape varieties for product diversification and expanding of the productive period, in addition to improving the wines already produced and encouraging the production of grape juice and tourism”, explains Angélica Bender.

The evaluation and validation of varieties and management practices will be carried out through the implementation of technological showcases, in partnership with producers, under the guidance of partner institutions, in order to optimize costs. “We are going to use both Epamig’s own structure and the properties.”, adds the winemaker.

The proposal is in the finalization phase and should come into force in May, with an expected duration of 48 months.