Every year, Chuck commits to traveling to all62 counties in New York to meet with constituents.
On August 17th, 2026, as Western New York grape farmers are facing growing uncertainty – after their contracts for this season were suddenly terminated – U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer stood at the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory and called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to purchase concord grape juice for use by domestic nutrition programs across the country. Earlier this year, Refresco suddenly canceled contracts with approximately 126 farmers across New York and Pennsylvania after they had already invested in preparing their vineyards for this season, leaving local growers in a lurch. Schumer is pushing the USDA to help Western New York’s farmers, many of whom rely on contracts with Refresco, by purchasing some of this surplus product to ensure the continued success of Concord grape growers in New York.Â