New lab for grape research to be built in Finger Lakes

GENEVA, N.Y. (AP) - A federal lab for grape research will be built in New York’s wine country.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer announced $68.9 million in funding to build a new laboratory for the federal Grape Genetic Research Unit at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva.

Cornell AgriTech officials say the new facility in the Finger Lakes will help researchers develop higher quality, disease resistant grape varieties.

The Grape Genetic Research Unit provides information to grape growers nationwide.