The benefits of grape research and good health took center stage during the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Grape Harvest Festival Aug. 27.
Now in its 16th year, the annual event, which took place at FAMU’s Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research, has become a regular respite for residents throughout the Tri-State Region of Florida, Georgia and Alabama.
Violeta Tsolova, Ph.D., festival coordinator, said she was delighted with the support provided for the event.
“We are very excited each year to open the doors of the FAMU Vineyards in what has become the University’s community festival for visitors who come to learn more about our grape and wine research,” Tsolova said.
During her greetings to the crowd gathered at the festival, University President, Elmira Mangum, Ph.D. said the vineyard and FAMU’s College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS) are true assets to the local community.
“Many of the products have great medicinal value, so there are many problems, many illnesses that can be solved by looking at the research being done here and the benefits of providing grapes, small fruits and vegetables to the community to help with food needs in the county,” Mangum said. Agriculture is an extremely important part of our society,” she added.
Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum gave a similar message while addressing the crowd, saying he believes the work of the CAFS team has been undervalued by some.
“We’ve got food deserts all around this country and even some in our community. FAMU as an HBCU should lead the thinking, research, food supply and all of those important academic pursuits to make sure that we close that gap,” Gillum said. In addition, the research and development can be turned into merchandise and enterprises that bring revenue and resources to the University,” he added.
A few of the many activities available during the festival included a sampling of more than 50 varieties of grapes, a petting zoo, vineyard trailer rides, wine tasting and the main event, a grape stomping competition.
Festival attendees were also provided an opportunity to participate in a health fair that provided helpful information on the importance of fitness and maintaining a healthy style of living.
“The festival starts with a vineyard run, which is amazing and provides family fun enjoyment,” Tsolova said.
Sandra Buchanan, a Tallahassee resident and member of the Gulf Winds Track club who participated in the vineyard run for the first time, said she enjoyed the festival along with several members of her family.
“I ran with my grandchildren and this was their first 5k run. This provided a good chance to get out there and run through the beautiful vineyards,” Buchanan said.
According to Tsolva, with a limited staff at the Viticulture Center, the support the division receives from students to facilitate the event plays a key role in the festival’s success.
“This festival would be impossible without the hard working and brilliant student volunteers of FAMU,” she said.