Viticulture in Texas: the challenge of natural hazards

Abstract

Natural hazards present a ubiquitous challenge to the successful practice of viticulture. This article reports on the results of a research study conducted to ascertain the effects of natural hazards on viticulture in Texas. It examines the locational differences in the types of natural hazards that affect viticulture, as well as differences in mitigation techniques used by growers in different parts of the state. Results from an online survey indicate that most crop losses in Texas occurred as a result of multiple hazards having a cumulative effect over time. Analyses of survey data also show that viticultural crop loss as a result of one or a combination of natural hazards appears to affect Texas growers almost equally, regardless of prior professional experience (agricultural or non-agricultural) or whether a grower retains crop insurance. A thorough understanding of the types of hazards that may impact viticulture in Texas, along with the types of mitigation measures that are employed to combat those hazards, may prove invaluable those new to the field before the decision is made to invest in a new vineyard.

Keywords:

• viticulture
• natural hazards
• Texas

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the grape industry of Texas for their willing participation in this study and the Texas A&M University Agrilife Extension Service for their help in the distribution of the survey instrument. The authors would also like to acknowledge Ms Amy Snelgrove with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for her assistance with the geospatial data used to create the Texas Viticultural Areas map. Finally, we appreciate the comments made by two anonymous reviewers, which helped to significantly improve the manuscript.