Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has reintroduced legislation aimed at helping New York grape growers compete in the national marketplace by expanding federal data collection on vineyards.
The Fairness in Vineyard Data Act, reintroduced on June 25, would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to collect comprehensive vineyard data from the top five grape-producing states—rather than just the current top two. This would include New York, home to the Finger Lakes wine region in Tenney’s NY-24 district.
“New York’s grape growers and winemakers are a vital part of our economy,” Tenney said. “By expanding federal vineyard data collection, the Fairness in Vineyard Data Act ensures our growers have access to more information when it comes to trends, pricing, and production forecasts.”
Tenney said the bill is designed to promote fairness and transparency in the industry by giving New York grape growers better tools to make informed decisions.
Congressman Joe Morelle of NY-25 co-sponsored the bipartisan legislation. “New York’s wine grapes are a vital part of our region’s culture and economy,” he said. “Our farmers need—and deserve—the best data to stay competitive.”
If passed, the bill would give growers greater access to key metrics used in cultivation, marketing, and pricing—resources that are currently lacking for many outside the top-producing states.
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