By Drew Adams
Murray, KY – Kentucky's growing wine industry might be under fire. Experts in the field are worried that a change in funding would slow the growth of this burgeoning industry. During the last 30 years Kentucky has become home to 68 wineries, many of which are producing wines that are winning awards in historically wine producing states such as California. Today Roger Snell, with the state office of agriculture marketing and promotion testified before a committee in Frankfort saying budget cuts to U-K's College of Agriculture may deal a significant blow to the industry. The examiner dot com reports a 60-thousand-dollar short fall in the UK horticulture department, which is home to the center of Kentucky Viticulture research and development. The cuts might not allow center to staff the enologist position and pay for the resident viticulturist. The dean of the horticulture department says current funding take effect during the 2012 fiscal year budget unless the Agricultural Development Board steps in to allocate funds from other sources.