New York Farm Viability Institute Website Press Releases 

May 30, 2006
Contacts:
Essex County: Anita Deming, Cornell Cooperative Extension, 518-962-4810
Long Island: Steven L. Bate, Long Island Wine Council, 631-369-5887
Finger Lakes: Timothy Martinson, Finger Lakes Grape Program, 315-536-5134
New York Farm Viability Institute, Inc..: R. David Smith, 315-453-3823

NY Grape Growers Applying Results of NYFVI Projects

Grape growers in the North Country, on Long Island and in the Finger Lakes are applying the results of three projects funded by the New York Farm Viability Institute, Inc. (NYFVI), while grape growers along Lake Erie and in the Finger Lakes are participating in new projects this year. The Institute is an independent, farmer-led, non-profit corporation that funds applied research, extension and innovative technology projects for New York agriculture and horticulture.

In Essex County, the “Cold Country Viticulture” project involves growers and Cornell Cooperative Extension educators and the Cornell Northeastern NY Commercial Fruit Program in testing cold tolerant wine grape varieties along Lake Champlain. Early trial results will be available later this year. The Lake Champlain Grape Growers Association is also interested in developing a New York Lake Champlain wine trail to increase tourism-related grape and wine sales.

The Long Island Wine Council received NYFVI funds to evaluate different types of quality initiatives being used throughout the U.S. as models for developing a promotion program for Long Island-made wines. The project included a nationwide survey, a summary report, and an assessment of Long Island Wine Council members’ expectations and impressions of their association’s effectiveness. Members are now concentrating on promoting their merlot wines and developing a special promotional program for Long Island white wines.

In the Finger Lakes, wine grape producers traditionally “hill-up” cold sensitive grape varieties with soil during the winter season. Growers and researchers measured, analyzed and documented the economic impacts of hilling-up and using alternative mulching materials. Findings demonstrated that traditional cold weather protection was as effective as using alternative procedures.

The latest round of NYFVI grants includes $220,000 for two grape projects. The initiation of a Statewide Fruit Extension Program for producers of tree fruits, grapes and berries is expected to add new investments of up to $120 million in fruit plantings to New York’s horticultural sector.

Producers in the Finger Lakes, on Long Island and along Lake Erie are helping to produce a workbook on sustainable viticulture practices relating to pest management, nutrition, soil and water management, pesticide management and viticulture practices. The workbook will be used for extension activities and workshops for producers throughout the state.

Institute grant programs provide funds for applied research, agriculture innovation, and extension. Requests for proposals are posted online at www.nyfarmviability.org. NYFVI grant writing workshops will be held in June. For more information, contact New York Farm Viability Institute, Inc., 159 Dwight Park Circle #104, Syracuse, NY 13209, 315-453-3823, www.nyfarmviability.org.