Grape Belt Newest Heritage Area

By The Post-Journal Staff
12/16/2006 - ALBANY — The Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt, a 50-mile area along the eastern shore of Lake Erie in Chautauqua County, is the newest heritage area in New York state. The region is one of the largest concord grape growing and juice processing areas in the nation. Heritage areas are special locations across the state where geography, history and culture express the distinctive identity of New York communities. ‘‘Creation of the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt further demonstrates Gov. Pataki’s visionary leadership in recognizing New York’s historic and cultural resources,’’ said Bernadette Castro, state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation commissioner. ‘‘The Grape Belt has been a vital part of the local economy in Western New York and the agricultural history of the state. By promoting our thriving Heritage Areas program that extends across the state, we are providing heritage tourism opportunities so that future generations may appreciate the importance of protecting and preserving our natural treasures.’’The Heritage Areas Program develops, preserves and promotes the cultural and natural resources located within the state. The Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt includes 30,000 vineyard acres. It is the 19th heritage area in the state and the first agricultural region to receive the designation. Agriculture is the leading industry in upstate New York.‘‘This designation recognizes the long heritage of grape agriculture in New York state and its continued importance to our communities. We are excited about the opportunities to increase heritage tourism and markets for our agricultural produce’’ said Andrew Dufresne, Concord Grape Belt Heritage Association Inc. spokesman. ‘‘This area is a perfect match for the objectives of the New York state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Heritage Program.’’The Heritage Area System is a state-local partnership established to preserve and develop areas that have special significance to New York state. Heritage areas encompass some of the state’s most significant natural, historic and cultural resources, as well as the people and programs essential to their development.‘‘We have a proud history of growing concord grapes in Chautauqua County that has been vital to our economy and our quality of life,’’ said state Sen. Catharine Young, R-Olean. ‘‘It has been part of what makes our region so special. I was thrilled to pass this legislation in the Senate because it will preserve our heritage and offer new opportunities for economic growth, especially in tourism.’’ ‘‘I am pleased that the governor has signed this legislation into law, and would like to commend the many people, organizations and municipalities who worked tirelessly to see this designated enacted,’’ said state Assemblyman William Parment, D-North Harmony.

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