Erin L Treiber

Erin L Treiber is a Researcher in the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota. She actively contributes to three major research projects (2022-2027) funded by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and USDA, focusing on market development, management practices, and new farmer support for Minnesota table grapes. Her interdisciplinary work bridges horticultural science and agricultural economics.

Her research interests encompass horticulture, agricultural economics, plant systematics, viticulture, and sensory science. Key investigations include cold-hardy grape cultivar development, postharvest storage optimization, sensory-informed breeding decisions, molecular systematics of Cecropia, and consumer willingness-to-pay analysis using reference-dependent preference models.

Treiber's recent publications (2022-2025) reveal two interconnected research streams: viticulture studies on cold-hardy grapes (postharvest storage, sensory analysis for breeding) and agricultural economics research comparing attribute-based versus alternative-based approaches to willingness-to-pay. This dual focus supports sustainable grape production through scientific innovation and market analysis.

She serves as Co-Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on three significant grants (2022-2027) totaling over $500,000 in funding, addressing critical industry needs including distribution channel identification, optimal management practices, and new farmer support systems for Minnesota grape producers.

Treiber collaborates with an interdisciplinary team including Dr. Seth L. Teh (PI), Dr. Matthew Clark, Dr. Changbin Chen, Dr. Cindy Clark, and Dr. Chengyan Yue. Her research integrates field trials, sensory laboratories, economic modeling, and molecular analysis to advance Minnesota's grape industry through science-based solutions.