Albany, N.Y.-- State Senator George Winner (R-C-I, Elmira) said today that the New York State Senate has approved a legislative resolution authorizing $1 million in state funding for the "Yates County Organic and Viticulture Market Expansion Program."

Winner said that the funding, which will be administered through the Finger Lakes Economic Development Center (FLEDC), is being provided through a newly created economic development program. The 2008-09 state budget established the New York State Economic Development Assistance Program (EDAP) to assist local economic development projects aimed at creating new jobs, retaining existing employees, and strengthening regional economies across New York.

"New York State must continue to invest in local economic development," said Winner. "One of the smartest and most wortwhile investments we can make is in the wineries, organic farms, and all of the diverse segments of the agricultural industry in Yates County. This investment will assist a key economic development initiative that will create quality jobs, retain existing employees, and strengthen the overall economy of the entire region."

Agriculture is the mainstay of the Yates County economy and one of the few places in New York State where the number of farms is increasing. Farming in Yates County, which includes over 40 percent of the Finger Lakes region’s nearly 100 organic farms and businesses, employs approximately 1,400 workers and contributes more than $50 million annually to the economy.

"We are very appreciative of the effort and support of Senator Winner in helping us receive this money. These funds are part of our ongoing development of marketing and financial programs designed to help spur the growth of the more than 5,000 acres of vineyards, nearly 30 national and international award winning wineries, and 40 certified organic farms and businesses that call Yates County home," said Steve Griffin, chief executive officer of the FLEDC.

Winner said that the Finger Lakes Economic Development Center will utilize the funding to help launch the Yates County Organic and Viticulture Market Expansion Program to establish a revolving loan fund and a new center to assist organic and viticulture businesses in Yates County with their production, storage, processing, and marketing efforts.