WESTFIELD – A program that reimburses and matches funds to remove unwanted or poor vineyards is set to close next March following a five year grant.
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Lake Erie Regional Grape Program has helped remove numerous vineyards all throughout the southern tier, and this was made possible by the Concord Grape Summit held in Westfield New York back in 2018.
Even though the program is coming to an end, the LERGP is still taking applications for the reimbursement program. They do note however, the removal and replant must be completed in this growing season so all reimbursements can be made before the closing of the grant.
Eligible vineyards include those in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Steuben, Schuyler, Chemung, Tompkins, Tioga, Broome, Chenango and Delaware counties, as well as Erie and Niagara Counties.
Reimbursement for the removal can be up to fifty percent of all costs up to $1,500. This may include equipment rentals, land clearing, labor, and custom hire.
The program will also match twenty-five percent of replant costs up to $1,500 for approved vineyards, orchards, Christmas tree plantings. Eligible costs for replants include trellis, perennial plant material – vines/trees, labor, equipment use or rental, and land preparation.
To learn more about the effort, click here.
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