Michigan's wine grape acreage increases

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Federal officials say Michigan's wine grape acreage doubled over the past decade.

Word of the increase comes Thursday in a report from U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The report says acreage of wine grapes increased from 1,300 to 2,650 acres over the past 10 years. The increase comes as acreage of grape varieties used primarily for juice, jams and jelly have remained steady at about 12,000 acres.

Gordon Wenk is deputy director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. He also is chairman of the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council. He says Michigan's wineries are committed to the concept of regional identity, and they're showing steady growth.

The USDA report is based on the 2011 Michigan Fruit Survey.

------

Online:

http://www.michiganwines.com/fastfacts