Concord Vineyard Improvement Program

**Extension has been approved**

$1.325 million to Concord Grape Growers for Vineyard Improvements – to remove unwanted Concord vineyards and replant grape varieties or other agricultural crops.

Concord vineyards of an acre or more of land. Active or abandoned. Live and/or dead vines. Work cannot begin until a contract is established.

Rolling application period. First come first served, until funds are expended. Priority will be given to abandoned vineyards close to vineyards in commercial production.

Applications accepted Oct. 15, 2018 through August 1, 2024**.

All projects will need to be completed before the snow falls in 2024 and expenses submitted by January 2025.

Each eligible project must not exceed $50,000

Funding is up to $3,000 per vineyard acre which includes:

50% of removal cost of Concord grape vines up to $1,500

(labor, equipment, custom hire, land clearing)

25% of eligible replanting cost up to $1,500

(trellis, plant material, labor) Seed costs are not eligible

Removal projects should be completed within 12 months of approval.

Replant projects should be completed within 36 months of approval.

To be eligible a business plan must show an increase in production, enhanced farm profitability and/or increased environmental compatibility of the farm operation or IPM compatibility with neighboring vineyards.

To apply please fill out this form.

Vineyard Improvement Region of New York State includes:

Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Erie, Niagara, Steuben, Schuyler, Tompkins, and Tioga Counties

Funding for this project is through the Southern Tier Agricultural Industry Enhancement Program.

Vineyard Improvement Program Territory Map

Kevin and Jenn talk about the Concord Vineyard Improvement Program. A recent clarification is that it is possible to be reimbursed for up to $3,000 per acre. Previously it was capped at $1,500 per acre.
New York State Ag and Markets along with the Lake Erie Regional Grape Program have announced a Vineyard Improvement Plan for Concord grape growers in the Southern Tier as well as Erie and Niagara counties in New York. Kevin introduces this plan and encourages growers to learn more about it at lergp.com.
Kevin continues to explain about the Vineyard Improvement Program and what needs to be included in the application process.


VIP vineyard replant