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Field Notes

News and Updates from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation

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Global NY State Trade Expansion Program (STEP): Open for 2026

New York Wine & Grape Foundation September 3, 2026

Overview Empire State Development (ESD) is working in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to increase the number of small businesses that begin to export; increase the value of exports for small businesses that currently export; and increase the number of small businesses exploring significant new trade opportunities. Allowable Uses of Program Funds Approved STEP funds can assist New York State businesses with: Participation in programmed foreign trade missions Subscription to services provided

New Voices Join the Table: New York Wine & Grape Foundation Welcomes New Board Members 

New York Wine & Grape Foundation September 3, 2026

Four industry leaders join the Board, strengthening the connection between New York’s wine and grape industry and its next generation of consumers.   Shelby Hearn Ulrich is a third-generation wine professional carrying forward a family legacy on Long Island’s North Fork. River Allan brings a rare blend of scientific rigor and hospitality expertise to Hudson Valley winemaking. Sasha Pardy turned an idea into a festival that now draws 6,000 attendees a year. Clark Simmons is

What My Winery’s Sales Data Taught Me About Using AI for Pricing 

Andrew Weber, Northern Cross Vineyard August 29, 2026

Artificial intelligence (AI) is receiving enormous attention, but for many small wineries, the subject can still feel remote. We hear about global companies using AI to forecast demand, optimize prices and personalize promotions. It is less obvious how a small winery with limited staff, limited data and a relatively small number of annual transactions can use the same ideas.  I recently decided to find out.  My goal was not to allow a computer to set

How Researchers Are Helping Growers Fight Pests With Greener Weapons

Kathleen Willcox and Robin Shreeves August 29, 2026

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. NYWGF’s commitment to research is evident in its annual research budget, which typically ranges between $350,000 and $500,000. The NYWGF Board of Directors is proud to share the results of 2025-26 funded research projects through individual reports, articles, and a series of upcoming webinars. Featured in this article are

New York’s Wine and Grape Industry Celebrated as Grape Day Returns to The Great New York State Fair

New York Wine & Grape Foundation August 26, 2026

New York Wine and Grape Foundation to Host Seminar Spotlighting 2026 New York Wine Classic Award Winners On Thursday, August 27, the Great New York State Fair will celebrate the return of Grape Day with new events and high-quality grape products that will be sampled and sold on the Fairgrounds. Grape Day will include fun-filled activities to educate fairgoers about the State’s superfruit and to promote New York’s wine and grape industry. State Agriculture Commissioner

Schumer Presses USDA to Help Western New York Grape Farms After Concord Grape Contracts Were Canceled, Urges Grape Juice Purchase for Food Assistance Programs

New York Wine & Grape Foundation August 25, 2026

Lake Erie Region Is Largest Grape Growing Area East Of Rocky Mountains – Supporting 2,000 Jobs – But Earlier This Year Major NY Grape Processor Abruptly Canceled Contracts With Western NY Farmers Schumer Explains USDA Has Authority To Purchase Excess Grapes For Domestic Food Assistance Programs & Help Keep Upstate Concord Grape Farmers Growing Schumer To USDA: Buy Juice And Boost Growers! As Western New York grape farmers are facing growing uncertainty – after their contracts for