Policy Brief: Women Grape and Wine Producers

Stephanie Buechler (Ag Sciences Global), Kathy Kelley (Plant Sciences), and Michaela Centinari (Plant Sciences), together with research assistants Zoelie Rivera and Sarah Peachey, developed a policy brief based on the findings of their interdisciplinary, applied project, 'Women Grape and Wine Producers in Pennsylvania, USA and Mendoza, Argentina: Meeting Sustainability Challenges through Networks.'

The policy brief highlights findings from an interdisciplinary project funded by Penn State's Sustainable Network for Innovative Projects (SNIP). The project focuses mainly on PA and Mendoza, Argentina, and aims to understand women's roles, challenges, and successes in grape production sustainability and wine marketing efforts. Considering the industry's rapid growth and the significant yet little-recognized influence and contributions made by women in sustainability-related initiatives, this project aims to contribute to a crucial knowledge gap.

The study also examined consumer perceptions related to woman-produced and sustainably produced wine. Policy and program recommendations advocate for support systems to increase sustainable farming education and enhance women’s networking opportunities. The policy brief is part of Ag Sciences Global's GEARE initiative.

Policy Brief: Women Grape and Wine Producers in Pennsylvania, USA and Mendoza, Argentina: Meeting Sustainability Challenges through Networks