FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-4696

bill.clary@ky.gov

ALFORD WILL WORK WITH GRAPE AND WINE COUNCIL

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Stacia Alford has joined the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s marketing staff to serve the Kentucky Grape and Wine Council, Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has announced.

“Stacia will provide a valuable service to Kentucky’s growing grape and wine industry,” Commissioner Farmer said. “I am pleased to have her on board.”

“During my employment at the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy, I learned the importance of Kentucky’s transition from tobacco to other agricultural enterprises,” Alford said. “I am very excited to play an active role in the establishment of viable business opportunities for grape producers and winery operators. The members of the Kentucky Grape and Wine Council are dedicated to the success of this industry.”

Alford will manage the council’s new grant programs and help the council develop a statewide brand, a wine trail and a Web site. She will work on promotional events and help the council create a multi-media campaign.

A native of Lincoln County, Alford has a degree in environmental health science from Eastern Kentucky University.

Kentucky’s grape and wine industry has grown into a $24 million business that more than doubled wine production from 2003 to 2006. More than 40 wineries operate in the Commonwealth.

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For more information about the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's grape and wine program, click here.