Cody Copp

He/Him

I am gay and I am a horticulturist.//

I am a horticulturist studying viticulture (wine grape cultivation!) at Oregon State University. I focus on applied aspects of grape growing from irrigation and nutrient management to the impacts of biotic and abiotic stresses like drought, wildfire smoke, and pests. This work addresses the most important challenges facing grape growers across the state of Oregon.

Growing up in the midwestern United States, I was surrounded by agriculture and fascinated by the journey of food from soil to plate. As a young gay person, I didn't see a place for myself in that world. I eventually found may way into agricultural science through a long journey of gardening, cooking, organic vegetable farming, and milking sheep, and studying grapevines.

I am lucky that I get to contribute to the cultivation and culture of grapes and wine through the lens of science. LGBTQ+ people belong everywhere in agriculture…out in the field, in the lab, and sitting at the table.