Congressman Langworthy Announces $20 Million USDA Purchase of Concord Grape Juice Following Advocacy to Support Lake Erie Growers

Washington, D.C.-August 25^th… Congressman Nick Langworthy today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture's decision to purchase $20 million worth of Concord grape juice, providing critical support to growers across the Lake Erie Grape Belt following months of advocacy urging USDA to intervene in a rapidly deteriorating market.

The USDA purchase comes after Congressman Langworthy pressed Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to use the department's authority under Section 32 to conduct a bonus purchase of surplus Concord grape juice to help stabilize the market and protect growers. This is the third federal buyback purchase Congressman Langworthy has facilitated with amounts totaling $85 million.

The Concord grape industry has faced significant challenges following Refresco's decision earlier this year to cancel grower contracts across Western New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Approximately 126 growers representing roughly 2,600 acres of primarily Concord grapes were impacted, leaving many farmers without a buyer for their crop after making substantial investments to prepare for the 2026 growing season.

"Keeping our Concord grape industry strong and thriving is a top priority, and I am extremely pleased to see USDA take this important step to support our growers," said Congressman Nick Langworthy. "When Refresco walked away from its contracts, it put hardworking family farmers across the Lake Erie Grape Belt in an incredibly difficult position. I immediately pressed USDA to act, and this $20 million purchase will help provide much-needed stability and relief to growers while reducing excess inventory and strengthening the market. I will continue fighting to make sure our grape growers have the support they need to keep their farms productive and pass them on to the next generation."

The Concord grape market was already under significant pressure due to declining juice grape consumption, elevated carryover inventories and a large 2025 harvest. Congressman Langworthy's June letter to USDA warned that without timely intervention, growers could be forced to mothball or abandon vineyards, creating lasting economic consequences for farmers, processors, suppliers and communities throughout the region.

Congressman Langworthy concluded, "The Lake Erie Grape Belt is an important part of our agricultural heritage and a major economic driver for communities across Western New York. Our family farms have weathered difficult markets before, and we are going to do everything we can to make sure this industry has a future here. I appreciate Secretary Rollins and USDA for listening to our concerns and taking action to help our growers."