Continuing education is crucial for agricultural producers to stay updated on research advancements, adopt improved practices and earn pesticide recertification credits. However, there was a gap in providing locally relevant, sustainable and science-based growing practices to the Walla Walla Valley viticulture community.
Post-surveys from 2022, 2023 and 2024 indicated that an overwhelming majority of attendees learned something new, are likely to attend future sessions, and are likely to change their practices.
To address this, Oregon State University Extension Service established VIT TECH, the Walla Walla Valley Viticulture Technical Group, in 2021 to provide continuing education opportunities for wine grape growers and wine industry members in the Walla Walla area. VIT TECH features locally relevant presentations by academic and industry experts to increase awareness and adoption of sustainable, science-based growing practices.
From 2022 to 2024, VIT TECH organized 12 seminars and three field tours, reaching 292 attendees and awarding 55 continuing education credits for pesticide license holders. The seminars, covering critical topics like soil health, insect pest management, novel irrigation strategies, and spring frost protection, were recorded and published online, garnering 380 views to date. Recordings of the sessions on the OSU Extension website have expanded the reach of this program across the Pacific Northwest.
The impact of VIT TECH has been significant. Post-surveys from 2022, 2023 and 2024 indicated that an overwhelming majority of attendees learned something new, are likely to attend future sessions, and are likely to change their practices.
The program's success led to the expansion of VIT TECH in 2024 with the inaugural Walla Walla Grape Day. This symposium, in collaboration with the Walla Walla Community College Enology & Viticulture Program, attracted grape growers and industry members from across the region. The event received high satisfaction ratings, with a majority of attendees reporting having increased their viticultural knowledge and intending to adjust their practices.
VIT TECH enhances viticulture by providing essential education on sustainable practices, improving local grape production and ensuring pesticide recertification. Its success fosters community engagement and promotes science-based agricultural advancements in the Walla Walla Valley.
