Celebrating 100 Years of USDA Grape Breeding in the Central Valley of CA

Strategically positioned in the nation’s center of grape production — the Central Valley of California, 2023 marks 100 years for the USDA’s raisin and table grape breeding program at their agricultural research facility, currently based in Parlier, CA. Watch this brief interview with Summaira Riaz, the current head of grape breeding at this one-of-a-kind research station, as she highlights some of the major milestones of this program over the years, and her expectations moving forward. Read more about it in the coming issue of American Vineyard Magazine. (Editor’s Note/Correction: Craig Ledbetter was referred to at 3:27 as ‘caretaker’ of the the program, when in actuality, he formerly held Riaz’s position as head of the grape breeding program following David Ramming, and is much appreciated for his accomplishments with the Agricultural Research Service.)

Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.