Funds Will Help Wineries And Farms Throughout Rochester-Finger Lakes Region Promote New Products, Boost Marketing Capabilities, Increase Brand Awareness & Grow Business

Statement

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $988,908 in federal funding for six wineries and small farms in the Rochester Finger Lakes area. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Value Added Producer Grants program. Specifically, Potoczak Bee Farms, Inc. in Genessee County, Three Brothers Winery and Estates LLC in Ontario County, Brightly Farms LLC in Orleans County, Nyag, LLC in Wayne County, Vineyard View Winery in Yates County and Marquart Brothers in Wyoming County will receive this funding.

"Ensuring that agriculture is able to flourish -- and the unique needs of New York agriculture are considered in federal programs -- has always been a top priority of mine," said Senator Schumer. "This direct USDA assistance will allow six wineries and farms in the Rochester-Finger Lakes to generate increased economic revenue by hiring new workers, bringing new products to market and expanding their operations. Helping our local businesses and farms expand their business for consumers will be a win-win for our agriculture industry, Rochester Finger Lakes area residents, and the entire regional economy."

"We need our farmers to thrive if we're going to have a strong and growing economy in New York," said Senator Gillibrand, first New York Senator to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in nearly 40 years. "These federal funds from USDA are an investment in Rochester--Finger Lakes farms and wineries that will help producers earn more from their crops by expanding processing and marketing opportunities which will continue to drive economic growth in the region and across the state."

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