Future Organic Farmer Grant Fund grant recipient Jack Sporer has officially become a small business owner. Sporer launched his ownu202fwineu202flabel in April 2020, Fresh Wine Company. A brand he calls u201cwine for the people,u201d its release comes just in time to satisfy an upswing in demand during stay at home orders enacted across the state of California.u202f
Sporeru2019s wine focuses on carbon sequestration at each step. They are using lighter bottles, alternative packaging, and connecting local networks of consumers and suppliers to keep his community supported. Sporeru2019su202fefforts buildu202fintegrityu202fand resilienceu202fthroughout the supplyu202fchain as he joins the expanding group of businesses choosing to create holistic, healthy business practices. Visit the Fresh Wine Company website to learn more about Sporeru2019s business venture.
Sporer recently completed the Santa Rosa Junior College viticulture program, with help from the Future Organic Farmer Grant Fund. He attributes its hands-on classes, well read and accomplished faculty, and evidence-basedu202fapproachu202fto organic practices to his success in learning how to be the most sustainable viticulturist he could be. In 2019, Sporer received financial support thanks to the generosity of Bonterra Organic Vineyards, committed to supporting CCOF Foundation Future Organic Farmers above the age of 21.u202f
Sporer says, u201cThe CCOF grant covered almost the entire program at Santa Rosa Junior College and allowed me to focus on my studies in a way I wouldnu2019t have been able to otherwise. The college doesu202fa really excellentu202fjobu202fwith Shone Farm, the working vineyard, farm, and event center where most of my classes took place. I am grateful to the knowledgeable class speakers and the dedicated teachers, especially Merilark Padgett-Johnson, dean of viticulture. Together they imparted a breadth of practical knowledge that I use in my line of work every day.u201d
Another important supporter of Sporeru2019s career is his uncle, farmer Will Bucklin. u201cHe is my mentor, a disciple of dry farming and old vineyards, and he makes the whole project possible,u201d Sporer remarks. Sporer’s minimal intervention wine highlights the Sonoma Valley, and is sourced from socially responsible dry-farmed vineyards. Sporer is putting the grape farmers first, making sure they get the credit they deserve.u202f
You can get $2,500 to pursue youru202fown goalu202fof becoming an organic farmer and producer from the Future Organic Farmer Grant Fund. Get the application and find out more details. The application deadline for higher education/vocational students is June 1, 2020.u202f