USDA agrees to purchase of additional grape juice from region
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One week after U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer stood with Western New York grape farmers in Chautauqua County who had their contracts for this season terminated, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has heeded a call to purchase surplus product to ensure the continued success of Concord grape growers.
"Everyone knows the best Concord grapes come from Upstate New York. But when Refresco canceled contracts with many grape farmers earlier this year, growers were left in a lurch with nowhere to sell their harvests. That's why, last week, I stood shoulder to shoulder with Western New York grape farmers in Chautauqua County and urged the USDA to buy extra Concord grape juice for nutrition programs," Schumer said. "I'm proud to announce that USDA has heeded my call to purchase Concord grape juice. This is a win for Upstate farmers, families, and New York's economy. I'll keep fighting for our growers and a stronger domestic food supply chain."
Earlier this year, Refresco canceled contracts with approximately 126 farmers across New York and Pennsylvania after they had already invested in preparing their vineyards for this season, leaving local growers in a lurch. Both Schumer and fellow U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand explained Monday’s announcement provides much-needed relief for grape farmers who were facing growing uncertainty amid rising costs and the loss of a major client.
Chautauqua County is the leading grape-producing county in the state and the largest grape-growing county in the country outside of California. Every year, about 800 growers produce 150,000 tons or more of grapes on more than 22,000 acres on the Lake Erie Plain across northern Pennsylvania and Western New York. Products like juices and jellies that come from Concord grapes are processed locally and sold across the world. The Cornell Cooperative Extension estimates that the Lake Erie Grape Belt region supports about 2,000 jobs, contributes upwards of $300 million in economic impact, and supports a fruit and vegetable processing industry that employs over 5,000 workers.
“I am thrilled that the USDA answered our call by enacting Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act to support Western New York's growers during this critical time,” said Gillibrand. “This decision delivers relief to our local farming families and protects a critical part of New York's agricultural economy.”
Western New York's grape sector is an economic anchor for the state's agricultural industry, as Lake Erie's shallow depth extends the growing season by moderating temperatures as it keeps air moving when grapes are at risk for frost. The region extends far beyond Chautauqua County. Niagara County is home to the Niagara Escarpment American Viticultural Area, which contains nearly 60 farms across more than 1,000 acres of vineyard. The Niagara grape was created in Niagara County by cross-breeding Concord and Cassady grapes and is now a staple for making white grape juice.
In March, Refresco, a major processor for many New York grape farmers, canceled all of its contracts with grape growers. Refresco bought from 126 grape growers across New York and Pennsylvania in the Lake Erie region. Since then, New York's grape growers have been struggling in the face of an uncertain future. In early June, over two months ago, Schumer sent a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and explained that purchasing grapes for use by domestic nutrition programs would alleviate stress for Concord grape growers in Western New York.