Abstract

Grape growers were given the basic computer skills necessary to access information related to integrated pest management (IPM) of grapes and grape growing in general; the training helped them comply with the new requirements of New York grape processors for computer literacy.

Issue

Grape-growers in the large geographic area in the Lake Erie and Finger Lakes regions of New York must learn how to use computer and internet technology in order to stay competitive in the global market. The New York Grape Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program provides training to grape growers in the use of distance learning tools such as websites, electronic newsletters, e-mail, and web-based publication and diagnostic tools. While established commercial grape growers have the basic knowledge required to manage a vineyard operation, they tend to be less computer literate than those just entering the business. Also, grape processors in New York are moving toward the use of electronic information transfer, via the Internet or e-mail, to communicate with growers regarding record-keeping and harvest scheduling.

Response

Staff from Jamestown Community College and Finger Lakes Community College trained grape growers in basic computer skills. The training is a required component of new electronic pesticide application standards being implemented by grape processors. In addition, growers learned how to access information distributed by the New York State Grape IPM Program via e-mail and on websites. Classes were designed to train as many growers as possible, while providing individual attention to beginning computer users. Class size was limited to six to 12.

Impact

Instructors from Jamestown Community College and Finger Lakes Community College conducted 200 hours of classroom and hands-on computer training for 358 grape-grower units in the Lake Erie and Finger Lakes Regions. Classes were available in Windows foundation, file management, e-mail, World Wide Web and internet skills, spreadsheets, word processing, and record keeping. Evaluations conducted at the end of each course showed that participants enjoyed the concept of taking classes with their peers and would continue their computer education if similar classes with their peers were offered. Ninety-eight percent of participants felt they were more prepared to meet the new computer standards being set by grape processors in New York State. All growers who participated found that they had the tools to start developing internet skills that would keep them competitive in today's global market.

Funding Sources

• Private (e.g., commodity groups, foundations, companies)
• State or Municipal (e.g., NYSDAM)

Collaborators

• Jamestown Community College,
• Finger Lakes Community College,
• Canadaigua Wine Company,
• National Grape Cooperative,
• Viticulture 2000 committee,
• NY Wine & Grape Foundation,
• Lake Erie Regional Grape Program,
• Finger Lakes Regional Grape Program

Key Personnel

• Tim Weigle, NYS IPM Program/Cornell Cooperative Extension
• Stephanie Bellian, Jamestown Community College, Jamestown, New York
• Carol Ann Joki, Finger Lakes Community College, Small Business Development Center at FLCC, Canandaigua, New York
• Tim Moore, Canandaigua Wine Company, Naples, New York
• Rich Erdle, National Grape Cooperative, Westfield, New York