Assemblyman Joe Giglio (R,I,C-Gowanda) is encouraging area wineries to apply for the Winery Website Grant Program to aid in the improvement of their web sites to more effectively use them as a marketing tool.

Giglio says the Department of Agriculture and Markets is providing up to $1,000 in matching grant funds for New York state wineries.

Giglio also points out that a wine shipment bill, passed by the state Legislature, allows wineries to capitalize on Internet sales opportunities.

According to the program application, the funding can assist wineries in enhancing the appearance and functionality of their web sites including enabling the use of credit cards and creating translations in other languages.

“Wineries are essential to the state’s economic strength,” said Giglio. “A crucial part of my legislative agenda is to address the needs of the agriculture industry which is responsible for job creation and tourism.”

The agriculture industry brings in over $3 billion annually to the New York state economy.

Applications for the funding are due May 30 and are available at the Department’s web site or by contacting Giglio’s Olean district office at (716) 373-7103.