Through the Kentucky State University Small Farm Project and Beginning Farmer Grant and a collaborative program with the University of Kentucky Extension limited resource farmers learn the process of grape production and grape value added products.

During the 20th century in Kentucky there was a great migration of people from family farms to areas of industry for economical reasons. At one time the knowledge of tending to and preserving grapes was commonplace of the family farm but over time this art has been lost. Therefore there are generations with no experience of preserving food. 

At Kentucky State University Farm is a hidden treasure. There are 2 ½ acres of Grape vines in production located at the farm. Each vein produces on average of 50 pounds of grapes. 50 pounds of grapes equal 3 to 4 gallons of pure grape juice. 5 cups of pure grape juice equals 12 half-pints of jelly. Angie Whitehouse and I have been having classes about grape propagation, grape jelly, and grape juice. The grapes are a great project to work on.

 In Knox, Laurel, Whitley, and Knott classes taught on pure grapes juice mixture and jelly making for home use. I have taken two groups of individuals to KSU to pick grapes and to introduce teenage boys and girls to the KSU University. 

On one trip it was a rainy fall day Joann Lowe, of Whitley County, stated the harvesting grapes at the KSU Farm was her first time to pick grapes off the vines.  She could not wait to plant concord grapes on her farm.  So her family could pick grapes in a few years.

My classes have been having a lot of attendance and participation. I have had people in class from age 4 to age 94!! What an exciting age span!! The Concord Grapes produce the best juice and jelly for this purpose. 

In Jackson County around 40 people attended the class on grape vine prorogation taught by Angie Whitehouse. Majority of people in attendance were 4H students from Jackson County High School. Which was really exciting! The Jackson County High School Teacher is working on starting a grape vineyard at the school using the grapes propagated at the workshop. 

The counties I work in Eastern KY are perfect for grapes production. With the lay of the mountains and the soil welled drained anyone interested can have a vineyard in full production. Grape classes rather it be classes in food or propagation has really gone over well.

 One lady told me she was going to start canning jelly. She is in her 60's and has never canned!!  Till she attended one grape jelly making class using the grapes provided by the KSU Farm. One little girl Breana Lowe, who is 4 years old, put her name on her jar as if branding the jelly! She smiled from ear to ear. 

High School Students in Russellville, KY at the Russellville Independent High School were excited and smiling with glee because the very first grape jelly they had ever made happen last fall.  A class was taught on the process one must work through to produce grape jelly properly at the school to 25 students and adults. One teenager stated he thought jelly just came from the grocery store. He never realizes how jelly was made.

The grape vines at KSU farm are like finding a lost precious treasure. It is rare to find a treasure, which can improve health, economy, and community. The grapes that have open this door is growing on the farm at KSU with long roots.

Producing jelly was becoming a lost art to a lot of Kentuckians. However through all the collaborations and the work of KSU in producing the grapes it is not completely lost. This knowledge will be around for generations to come. What once was common practice in every home is now regaining its place.