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AgriAmerica Fruit Products LLC, a grape processing company based in Fredonia, is extending an opportunity to grape growers throughout the region who are seeking a market for their remaining 2026 grape crop.
In response to the market uncertainty growers have been facing this season, AgriAmerica has established a special grape processing and marketing program designed to help growers bring their harvested fruit to market before the conclusion of the 2026 crush season.
Following the decision earlier this season from a major grape processor to discontinue grower contracts and cease processing grapes for its own use beginning in 2026, many growers were left facing the difficult prospect of having grapes with no established market.
"Our industry depends on the hard work and dedication of grape growers, and we understand the tremendous investment that goes into every growing season," said Eric Huddy, a founding partner and managing member for AgriAmerica Fruit Products LLC. "When a grower loses an anticipated market, particularly without sufficient warning, the consequences can be significant. We want growers to know that AgriAmerica is interested in working with them to identify opportunities for their remaining 2026 crop and to help them make the most of the harvest season."
Under its special 2026 program, AgriAmerica is seeking quality grown grapes of all varieties from interested regional growers for processing and marketing during the remainder of the current harvest and crush season. The program is intended to provide growers with an additional market option at a time when reliable processing outlets are especially important.
AgriAmerica anticipates completing its grape crushing operations in late October or early November 2026. The actual duration of the crush season will depend on the total tonnage of grapes supplied by growers participating in the program. Growers are therefore encouraged to contact the company as soon as possible to discuss their available tonnage, delivery arrangements, and potential participation.
"This has been an incredibly difficult year for many of our grape growers, who have worked hard and invested heavily in their crops only to find themselves without a buyer," said state Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay. "I’ve been meeting with growers and processors over the past several months to better understand the challenges and explore possible solutions. With the harvest season rapidly coming to a close, time is running out for growers who still have grapes on the vine. I want to make sure they are aware of this opportunity through AgriAmerica so they can determine whether it might be a viable option for them."
AgriAmerica can also assist participating growers with coordinating essential harvest logistics. Depending on individual needs and availability, this support may include help sourcing a mechanical harvesting service, providing tote bins to contain harvested fruit and identifying fruit transportation options to deliver fruit to the AgriAmerica processing facility. AgriAmerica also provides a detailed record of fruit delivery as may be required for crop insurance and USDA programs. AgriAmerica works with fruit buyers who have a history of making prompt payments for all fruit delivered. By helping growers address both market access and harvest logistics, AgriAmerica aims to make the process more manageable for those working to secure an outlet for their remaining crop.
AgriAmerica Fruit Products LLC currently provides grape processing and marketing services for fruit grown by nearly 100 growers in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. The company's regional presence and direct understanding of grape production position it to work with growers seeking practical solutions during this challenging season.
While market disruptions can place considerable pressure on individual farms and the broader agricultural community, AgriAmerica believes that communication and cooperation between growers and processors are essential to maintaining a strong regional grape industry. The company encourages growers who have lost a previously anticipated market, as well as those seeking additional processing opportunities for their remaining grapes in 2026, to explore the options available through this program.
Grape growers interested in participating in the 2026 program are encouraged to call or text AgriAmerica's Grower Relations Department at 716-225-1156. A company representative will be prepared to provide additional information, discuss potential grape deliveries based on a grower's available tonnage, and to make harvest support arrangements if applicable. With the 2026 crush season approaching its conclusion, AgriAmerica is inviting growers to make contact promptly so that potential opportunities can be evaluated while processing operations remain underway.
Borrello said he has actively engaged in the issue over the past several months, meeting with grape growers and processors to discuss the challenges facing the industry and explore potential solutions.
"Our grape growers are facing an extremely difficult situation, and time is running short," Borrello said. "I want to make sure every grower still searching for a market knows this option is available and has an opportunity to explore whether it can help them salvage this year’s harvest."