By Blake Jackson
Western New York's vineyards, especially those in Chautauqua County, are reeling from the aftermath of a late April frost that inflicted substantial damage to grape crops, leaving growers grappling with financial challenges.
Carl Vilardo III, the owner of Vilardo Vineyards, revealed the extent of the devastation, indicating an alarming 85 to 90 percent loss of the primary crop on his 165-acre property. He shared the personal toll of the financial burden, highlighting the difficulties of tapping into personal savings to mitigate losses.
Dr. Terry Bates, director of Cornell Lake Erie Research Extension Laboratory, explained how the frost's timing during early bud breaks compounded the damage. He emphasized the intricacies of weather patterns and their role in exacerbating the frost's impact on vineyards.
The economic repercussions of the frost are anticipated to be long-lasting, with Vilardo projecting a significant reduction in crop yields for the foreseeable future, necessitating strategic adjustments in farming practices.
Despite the challenges, vineyard owners like Vilardo remain resilient, focusing on nurturing their remaining crops and maintaining optimism for better outcomes in subsequent seasons.
Photo Credit: istock-jhvephoto
Categories: New York, Business