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Pennsylvania and New York grape farmers struggle after contract cancellations
Cleveland.com • • business
Key Points:
- Concord grape farmers in northwestern Pennsylvania face a crisis as a major juice company canceled contracts, leaving large quantities of grapes unsold this harvest season.
- Mark Terrell, a vineyard owner near Lake Erie, has about 1,600 tons of grapes with no buyer, reflecting a wider issue affecting growers in Pennsylvania and New York.
- Declining demand for grape juice and wine, driven by changing consumer preferences and reduced sugar intake, has led to significant drops in Concord grape juice sales over the past decade.
- Farmers have incurred substantial costs preparing vineyards and have responded with layoffs, potential land sales, or vineyard removals due to the contract cancellations.
- Although government programs aim to purchase some surplus grapes and juice, growers say this aid is insufficient, and alternative uses like compost or animal feed do not address the immediate financial challenges.
