By Blake Jackson
The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is encouraging grape growers, winemakers, and other industry stakeholders to help shape future research priorities that will support innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth in New York’s wine and grape sector.
Each year, NYWGF’s Research Committee identifies key areas of focus that guide funding decisions for research projects in viticulture, enology, business development, and related fields.
The organization is now seeking industry feedback on proposed research themes for fiscal years 2027-28 to ensure future investments address real-world challenges facing vineyards and wineries.
The survey is designed to gather input directly from producers, vineyard managers, winery owners, and other industry professionals. Their feedback will help determine which projects receive support through NYWGF’s Research Program, which funds initiatives aimed at improving grape production, wine quality, sustainability, and market competitiveness.
“Our Research Program only succeeds when it reflects the real-world needs of our growers and wineries,” said Sam Filler, Executive Director of NYWGF.
“The challenges facing New York’s vineyards and wineries don’t sit still. Pests move in, markets shift, consumer expectations change, and our research portfolio must move with them. Hearing critical input from the industry helps us dictate the research we are able to fund. This is your seat at the table,” Filler added.
Proposed viticulture priorities include disease and pest management, vineyard floor and weed control, precision agriculture technologies, soil and water conservation, and evaluations of grape cultivars and clones.
Enology research themes focus on wine quality, sustainability, microbiology, analytical methods, and the performance of new grape varieties.
Business development priorities include consumer trends, technology adoption, marketing strategies, and increasing awareness of New York wines. Additional topics under consideration include value-added grape products and industry communications.
NYWGF officials emphasize that grower and winery participation is essential to ensuring research funding addresses the industry's most pressing needs.
The organization believes producer feedback plays a critical role in guiding investments that strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of New York’s wine and grape community.
Survey responses must be submitted by October 2, 2026. After the feedback is reviewed, the final FY27-28 research priorities will be included in NYWGF’s Request for Proposals, scheduled for release later this year.
For more information, visit https://form.jotform.com/newyorkwines/2027-28-research-themes-survey.
Photo Credit: istock-jhvephoto
Categories: New York, General