In the ever-evolving world of wine and grape production, research plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge, improving practices, and ensuring the sustainability of the industry. The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF), since its inception in 1985, has been sponsoring an ambitious and comprehensive viticulture and enology research program in close coordination with industry and academia. We are happy to announce the release of the research reports for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, showcasing the groundbreaking work made possible by private sector funding and state matching funds.
The Role of NYWGF in Advancing Research
NYWGF’s commitment to research is evident in its annual research budget, which typically ranges between $350,000 to $600,000. This funding supports dozens of individual projects, primarily carried out by Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, NY and the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Lab in Portland, NY. The NYWGF’s Board Research subcommittee oversees the solicitation of research proposals based on industry generated priority themes. They meet with the researchers at a reporting session held each February where they can ask questions about current projects and research proposals for the next fiscal year. The committee meets in March and reviews all proposals to make a recommendation to the NYWGF Board for final allocations to individual projects.
The 2022-2023 Research Reports
We are proud to showcase the culmination of the 2022-2023 research year with the release of the viticulture and enology research reports. These reports detail the outcomes of numerous projects funded by NYWGF, highlighting innovative discoveries, best practices, and recommendations for the industry.
With each passing year, the dedication and collaboration of the NYWGF, researchers, and the industry result in advancements that strengthen the position of New York State as a prominent player in the world of wine and grape production.
Prominent reports from 2022-2023 include the following list, as selected by the NYWGF research committee. Stay tuned for more information about these impactful projects.
- FungiSense: Agrichemical Remote Sensing to Improve Sustainable Grape Disease Management (Gold/Jiang/Cadle-Davidson)
- Evaluation of fungicide efficacy, spray intervals and timing, and crop load, on powdery mildew leaf disease development on Concord grape. (Hed)
- Evaluating vision-guided spray technology for selective sucker control in grapes. (Sosnoskie/Bates)
- Breeding and evaluation of new wine grape varieties with improved cold tolerance and disease resistance. (Reisch/Mansfield)
- Tracking grapevine cold hardiness across New York; 2022-2023 (Londo/Walter-Peterson)
Embracing a Sustainable Future
As we reflect on the past year’s research accomplishments, we are reminded of the importance of sustainability. NYWGF’s commitment to supporting research in viticulture and enology aligns with the industry’s goal to cultivate grapes and produce wine in a manner that is environmentally conscious, economically viable, and socially responsible.
The release of the 2022-2023 viticulture and enology research reports is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the New York wine and grape industry. NYWGF’s dedication to fostering research has resulted in valuable contributions that benefit grape growers, winemakers, and enthusiasts alike. As we look forward to the future, we remain committed to advancing knowledge and embracing sustainable practices that will shape the New York wine industry for generations to come.
Click here to access the full research reports, and visit newyorkwines.org/research to learn more about NYWGF’s research program. Join us in raising a glass to the pursuit of knowledge, excellence, and a thriving wine and grape industry in New York State!
