U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy on Tuesday applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s announcement that it will purchase $20 million worth of Concord grape juice through the Agriculture Marketing Service following his call for action.

Congressman Langworthy sent a letter late last year to Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins urging them to initiate a bonus purchase of Concord grape juice to help stabilize markets after higher-than-average yields and declining export demand that created significant oversupply. Langworthy highlighted the growing inventory pressures facing growers and emphasized the importance of timely USDA intervention to prevent long-term market disruption.

“This is fantastic news for Concord grape growers in our 23rd Congressional District and across the country who have been facing serious market challenges through no fault of their own,” Langworthy said. “By stepping in with this $20 million purchase, the USDA is helping reduce excess supply, support grower prices, and protect the livelihoods of farming families and our rural communities.”

The Concord grape industry has experienced unusually large harvests in recent years, combined with a sharp decline in export sales, particularly bulk juice shipments overseas. These conditions created significant downward pressure on prices and threatened the economic stability of growers across key producing states.

Langworthy also noted that USDA bonus purchases have historically been an effective tool to stabilize agricultural markets and that current conditions made this an ideal time for action. He made a similar successful request in 2024 that resulted in a $45 million purchase. The USDA’s decision will help move surplus juice into nutrition and commodity programs while supporting domestic agriculture.

New York’s 23rd Congressional District is home to a grape industry that contributes nearly 10,000 jobs to the economy.

Langworthy concluded, “Concord grapes are a cornerstone of agriculture in Western New York and critical to our economy. This purchase will help ensure our growers can continue producing a nutritious, American-grown product while keeping this vital industry strong.”