SCHUMER, AFTER VISITING CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY TO LAUNCH PUSH TO HELP WESTERN NEW YORK GRAPE FARMERS AFTER MAJOR CONTRACTS WERE CANCELED, AND GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE USDA HAS AGREED TO[...]

"Bonus Buy" Will Help Local Western NY Farmers After Major NY Grape Processor Abruptly Canceled Contracts Earlier This Year After They Had Already Invested In Preparing Their Vineyards For The Season

Last Week Schumer Stood With Western New York Grape Farmers And Called On USDA To Use Authority To Purchase Excess Grapes For Domestic Food Assistance Programs & Help Keep Upstate Concord Grape Farmers Growing

Schumer, Gillibrand: Grape Purchase Is Win-Win For Local Farmers And Putting American-Grown Grapes To Good Use

After Schumer stood with Western New York grape farmers just last week - after their contracts for this season were suddenly terminated - to call on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to purchase Concord grape juice for use by domestic nutrition programs across the country, U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has heeded their call and will purchase $20 million in surplus product to ensure the continued success of Concord grape growers in New York. Earlier this year, Refresco suddenly 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. The senators explained today's announcement provides much-needed relief for Western New York grape farmers who were facing growing uncertainty amid rising costs and the loss of a major client.

"Everyone knows the best Concord grapes come from Upstate New York. But when Refresco cancelled 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," said Senator Schumer. "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, New York State Concord grape farmers were left stranded after having their contracts suddenly canceled," said Senator Gillibrand. "That is why I called on the USDA to step in and purchase surplus Concord grape juice for federal nutrition programs. 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. This decision delivers relief to our local farming families and protects a critical part of New York's agricultural economy."

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.

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.

Section 32 funds, which are the source of funding for the grape buy announced today, are authorized by Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933 and used by USDA to purchase agricultural products, which are in turn used for nutrition programs such as the school lunch program. These "bonus buys" have been used by USDA in the past to stabilize agricultural markets, support communities, and deliver nutritious food to those who need it most. In fact, earlier this year, Schumer and Gillibrand fought to secure exactly such a purchase by USDA to stabilize prices for New York grape farmers. Section 32 has also been deployed successfully for Concord grapes in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2014, 2017, and 2024.

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