Brewing And Winemaking Blend Research, Education And Community Impact

Jun 17, 2026

By Madelyn Ostendorf

At Iowa State University, fermenting grapes and grains serves a broader purpose than just producing alcohol products.

Faculty and staff with the Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute and the Brewing Science Program translate science into practice, supporting growers, winemakers and brewers while giving students hands-on exposure to the beverage industry.

Pouring out education

For Erin Norton, director of the Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute, the wine sold under Iowa State’s

name is not the end goal.

“Our primary mission is to support the grape, wine and related industries to be sustainable and profitable,” Norton said. “We do that through research, outreach and education, and lab services.”

That outreach takes many forms. The institute hosts monthly “Lunch and Learn” webinars, produces fact sheets for industry use and conducts site visits to wineries, particularly those just getting started. Roundtable tastings, where winemakers bring their products and exchange feedback, have also become a popular learning tool.

Beyond Iowa, the institute’s reach extends across the Midwest, filling gaps for states that may lack winemaking support.

Source : iastate.edu

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.