Sun Ripened

Abstract

<p>A person would count themselves lucky to have enjoyed one successful career on the cusp of scientific breakthroughs in agriculture and improving farmer-profitability. Nick Frey has had two. Frey ('70 agronomy) had a 25-year career in research and new business development with Pioneer Hybrid International during the beginning of biotechnology. He left the industry and set out to enjoy the blue skies and warm temperatures of Sonoma County. Along with great food, wine and weather, he found a new career using his science and communication skills to work with the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission. As president, Frey directs $1.2 million annually from grower assessments to promote Sonoma County as one of the world's premier grape growing regions. The commission also funds research on vineyard pests and diseases and conducts grower education. Frey admits the diverse, small-scale agriculture of the wine grape industry seemed pretty foreign to him when he made the move from Iowa.</p>