Table grape production east of the Rocky Mountains is limited due to weather conditions, pests, diseases, and pests. These problems cause damaged fruits that must be culled by picking any damaged berries by hand. The increased cost of this manual labor is prohibitory as the price needed for profit is too high. So, most table grapes sold come from either California or Chili.
Pilot studies done at the University of Arkansas and the University of Nebraska have shown that grape production in a high tunnel system can produce a quality grape crop without significant damage or loss of berries, and therefore, are a potentially profitable crop when grown in this manner. Add to this that a fresher, more tasty bunch of grapes can be produced and more varieties of grapes can be grown for local markets, and you have a win-win situation!
But, this has not been done on a commercial basis before. So, I am setting out to grow seedless table grapes in a high tunnel system in my home state of Missouri. Stay tuned as this project gets underway. Blog posts will be starting slow while the project gets underway, but, soon, there will be much to report.
Mike