January 4, 2015

Thank You, Governor Mario Cuomo 

          I had the privilege of experiencing former Governor Mario M. Cuomo, who passed away on January 1, the same day his son Andrew M. Cuomo was inaugurated for a second term as New York's Governor.

           "Experiencing" is the best way to put it because "meeting" or "knowing" don't come close to describing how awesome this man was and what an effect he had on me--as well as our entire grape and wine industry.  He saved us.

            My good fortune began on a Friday afternoon in October 1983 when then-Commissioner of Agriculture & Markets Joe Gerace called my tiny office in Penn Yan with an urgent message: The Governor read a front-page article in the New York Times regional section about how the New York grape and wine industry was disintegrating and in danger of economic ruin.  He wanted a solution on his desk by Monday noon.

            That meant Commissioner Gerace needed a solution by noon on Sunday in Chautauqua, which in turn meant an all-nighter and long Saturday for me.  But I drove to the White Inn in Fredonia and presented him with a comprehensive proposal for both short-term rescue and long-term strategy, which he in turn presented to Governor Cuomo.

             Eight months later, most of it was law, with just one element delayed until 1985.

             The grape crisis of the late 1970's and early 1980's was caused by a perfect storm of macroeconomic factors well beyond our control: a bad economy, a flood of low-priced subsidized imported wines, changing consumer tastes in wine, and major changes in large winery ownership.  Even so, there were things the State government could do--and Governor Cuomo did them, working with the legislature.

             To rescue destitute grape farmers who in 1984 faced a bumper grape crop and drastically shrinking markets, he initiated a bill to allow the sales of wine coolers (mixtures of wine and fruit juice) in grocery stores as well as liquor stores.  During the legislative debate, it was estimated that this could mean about 5,000 tons of grapes with a new market; instead it meant 25,000 and saved many growers.

            The Farm Winery Act of 1976, signed by former Governor Hugh Carey when Mario Cuomo was Lieutenant Governor, stimulated the opening of some small wineries (mostly long-time grape growers who wanted to diversify for economic protection), but doing business was still difficult due to burdensome regulations and Prohibition-era restrictions on marketing.  The "winery deregulation act" of 1984 changed that in multiple ways, from allowing five satellite stores per farm winery to permitting cooperative inter-winery distribution of New York wines, selling by the bottle at not-for-profit farmers' markets, the State Fair and county fairs, and much more.  It was an omnibus bill that created a new business climate for small wineries.

            Also passed in 1984 was a bill allowing sampling of New York wines in liquor stores so consumers could get a taste at the point of sale while both wineries and stores could benefit.

            The final piece of the economic recovery puzzle was passed unanimously by the State legislature in 1985: creation of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation to consolidate and coordinate programs of research and promotion in support of the industry, and to foster cooperation within it.  The first three bills were aimed to put the fires out; this one to rebuild the industry.

            All of this required an on-the-job crash course in lobbying for me, and the quick realization that government doesn't work (or not) at all like was described in high school civics class or college Poli Sci.  Much of it wasn't pretty, but some of it was truly inspiring.

            That's where Governor Mario M. Cuomo comes in.  Much has been written about his well-known characteristics: compassion and concern for those who need help, determination to make that happen, his incredible intellect, his soaring oratorical style which electrified the nation in the 1980's.  Most people saw those things on television, but I was one of those fortunate enough to experience them in person.

             Let's be honest: Probably at least 95% of the grape growers and winery owners voted against his election.   No matter: All he saw was that they were New Yorkers who needed help.

             For the first two bills, and the most urgent ones, the legislative process was intense and hard-fought, but he never waivered.  He had lots of other, even bigger, issues on his plate but never lost site of the little guy.

             He proudly hosted a New York wine tasting at the Executive Mansion, and visited the wine regions numerous times to amplify his support.

             In person he was as impressive as he was on national TV, but also very approachable, warm, genuine and friendly.

             Since 2011, the New York wine industry has experienced remarkable growth, thanks largely to the vision, leadership, and support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.  He created a new business climate that encourages growth and prosperity, and for that we are deeply grateful.

             But let us also never forget that he had a great role model without whom there might not have been an industry to support.

Jim Trezise

President, New York Wine & Grape Foundation