Featured Stories
Whitney Museum Explores Rarely Seen Works by Roy Lichtenstein Created in the Last Year of the Artist's Life
NEW YORK, Sept. 18 -- The Whitney Museum of American Art issued the following news release:
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WHITNEY MUSEUM EXPLORES RARELY SEEN WORKS BY ROY LICHTENSTEIN CREATED IN THE LAST YEAR OF THE ARTIST'S LIFE
Now on view, Roy Lichtenstein: 1997 is a focused exhibition highlighting rarely seen works from the last year of the pioneering Pop artist's life.
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New York, NY, September 17, 2026 -- The Whitney Museum of American Art's current exhibition Roy Lichtenstein: 1997 examines the final year of the artist's life and work. Already an established painter and Pop artist, Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997)
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NEW YORK, Sept. 18 -- The Whitney Museum of American Art issued the following news release:
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WHITNEY MUSEUM EXPLORES RARELY SEEN WORKS BY ROY LICHTENSTEIN CREATED IN THE LAST YEAR OF THE ARTIST'S LIFE
Now on view, Roy Lichtenstein: 1997 is a focused exhibition highlighting rarely seen works from the last year of the pioneering Pop artist's life.
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New York, NY, September 17, 2026 -- The Whitney Museum of American Art's current exhibition Roy Lichtenstein: 1997 examines the final year of the artist's life and work. Already an established painter and Pop artist, Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997)continued to develop his studio practice at age 73, pursuing ambitious projects, including two mural commissions, several large-scale sculptures, and a new series of prints. The exhibition highlights a period of sustained innovation for Lichtenstein as he expanded his visual vocabulary while continuing to engage with many of the themes and image references that shaped his career. Bringing together studies, prints, models, and other ephemera, many from the Whitney's collection, Roy Lichtenstein: 1997 offers a focused look at his experimentation and ongoing interest in new technologies and their effects on image making. On view on the Museum's 3rd floor through June 1, 2027, this exhibition is presented in conjunction with Roy Lichtenstein: Like New, a major exhibition opening at the Whitney on October 11.
In 1997, Lichtenstein remained as innovative and productive as ever, working on a variety of adventurous projects decades after he helped introduce broader audiences to Pop art through his celebrated paintings inspired by comics and American consumer culture. Throughout his career, Lichtenstein's palette consisted mainly of primary colors and his signature bold black outlines. In his later years, however, he began to incorporate vibrant highlights of mint green and turquoise, coral and cyan, and moved away from using heavy outlines that characterized his earlier work, resulting in images that responded to the aesthetics of the emerging digital age. Even as he pursued new directions, Lichtenstein continued to reuse images and motifs from his own work, such as pyramids and brushstrokes, as well as referencing iconic works by artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Henri Matisse, as he had done throughout his career.
"Though still recognizably his own, these works attest to Lichtenstein's remarkable openness even five decades into his career--open not only to developments in art and technology, but to new techniques and approaches in his own working process," said co-organizer David Crane, Curatorial Research Associate at the Whitney Museum. "Because many of the works on view remain unrealized or unfinished, they provide a rare glimpse into the artist's hand at work."
"As a way to build off conversations prompted by the 5th floor's Roy Lichtenstein: Like New exhibition, David and I were drawn to several of the permanent collection's unfinished prototypes and studies from 1997," said co-organizer Nakai Falcon, Curatorial Assistant at the Whitney. "Engaging with the late-90s dawn of the internet, Lichtenstein's final experimental gestures serve as a visionary bridge between the constraints of physical reality and a transcendent future."
In September 1997, Lichtenstein died unexpectedly after falling ill the month prior, leaving a number of works unfinished. Several works were fabricated or completed posthumously, with others surviving only as sketches and maquettes. Among the works on view is Chapel of the Eucharist Mural (Study), 1997, a study related to a mural for the Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. Renzo Piano, the architect responsible for the Whitney Museum's current building in downtown Manhattan, was commissioned to design the church and invited Lichtenstein to contribute a mural to the site. Other projects include studies for a proposal from the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, to create a pair of murals for the building's lobby. With Bellagio Hotel Mural: Still Life with Reclining Nude (Study), 1997, Lichtenstein explores the use of color outlines and experiments with the flattening of perspectives in interior spaces. Seen together, the featured works reveal the developments in Lichtenstein's practice and approaches at the end of his career, while illuminating the breadth of work underway during his final months.
Roy Lichtenstein: 1997 is organized by David Crane, Curatorial Research Associate, and Nakai Falcon, Curatorial Assistant.
Press Kit
For press images, the exhibition checklist, wall labels, exhibition text, and other materials, please visit whitney.org/press/lichtenstein-1997.
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EXHIBITION SUPPORT
Generous support for Roy Lichtenstein: 1997 is provided by David Bolger.
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ABOUT THE WHITNEY
The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney (1875-1942), houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Mrs. Whitney, an early and ardent supporter of modern American art, nurtured groundbreaking artists when audiences were still largely preoccupied with the Old Masters. From her vision arose the Whitney Museum of American Art, which has been championing the most innovative art of the United States for ninety years. The core of the Whitney's mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art of our time and serve a wide variety of audiences in celebration of the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States. Through this mission and a steadfast commitment to artists, the Whitney has long been a powerful force in support of modern and contemporary art and continues to help define what is innovative and influential in American art today.
Whitney Museum Land Acknowledgment
The Whitney is located in Lenapehoking, the ancestral homeland of the Lenape. The name Manhattan comes from their word Mannahatta, meaning "island of many hills." The Museum's current site is close to land that was a Lenape fishing and planting site called Sapponckanikan ("tobacco field"). The Whitney acknowledges the displacement of this region's original inhabitants and the Lenape diaspora that exists today.
As a museum of American art in a city with vital and diverse communities of Indigenous people, the Whitney recognizes the historical exclusion of Indigenous artists from its collection and program. The Museum is committed to addressing these erasures and honoring the perspectives of Indigenous artists and communities as we work for a more equitable future. To read more about the Museum's Land Acknowledgment, visit the Museum's website.
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VISITOR INFORMATION
The Whitney Museum of American Art is located at 99 Gansevoort Street between Washington and West Streets, New York City. Public hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 10:30 am-6 pm; Friday, 10:30 am-10 pm; and Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 am-6 pm. Closed Tuesday. Visitors twenty-five years and under and Whitney members: FREE. The Museum offers FREE admission and special programming for visitors of all ages every Friday evening from 5-10 pm and on the second Sunday of every month.
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Original text here: https://whitneymedia.org/assets/generic_file/5422/The_Whitney_Museum_of_American_Art_Presents_Roy_Lichtenstein__1997.pdf
[Category: Arts/Cultural]
League and Credit Union Leaders Meet With White House Office of Management and Budget to Advance CDFI Priorities
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Sept. 18 -- The League of Credit Unions and Affiliates issued the following news release:
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September 16, 2026
The League and Credit Union Leaders Meet with White House Office of Management and Budget to Advance CDFI Priorities
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, alongside member credit union leaders, met with the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to advocate for the timely and predictable deployment of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund resources that support lending and investment in underserved communities.
During
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TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Sept. 18 -- The League of Credit Unions and Affiliates issued the following news release:
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September 16, 2026
The League and Credit Union Leaders Meet with White House Office of Management and Budget to Advance CDFI Priorities
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, alongside member credit union leaders, met with the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to advocate for the timely and predictable deployment of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund resources that support lending and investment in underserved communities.
Duringthe meeting, The League urged OMB to complete its final review of fiscal year 2025 CDFI awards ahead of the September 30 deadline, apportion fiscal year 2026 funding without further delay, and establish consistent timelines for future CDFI Fund apportionments and Notice of Funds Availability approvals.
Following the meeting, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced fiscal year 2025 CDFI Program awards, which official award notifications expected to be issued by September 30. The announcement marked the second and final round of awards for the fiscal year 2025 CDFI Program.
Across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia, 46 CDFI-certified credit unions serve more than 4.4 million members and maintain $48 billion in active community loans. CDFI credit unions leverage federal resources to expand access to mortgages, small business loans, consumer financing, and affordable alternatives to predatory lending, particularly in rural and persistent-poverty communities.
"CDFI credit unions have demonstrated their ability to turn federal resources into meaningful economic activity in the communities they serve," said John Bratsakis, CEO of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates. "Our message to OMB is straightforward: timely and predictable access to these funds matters. Completing the fiscal year 2025 review, apportioning fiscal year 2026 funds, and providing greater consistency going forward will allow credit unions to plan with confidence and continue putting these resources to work where they are needed most."
Credit unions represent the largest depository institution segment of the CDFI sector, accounting for 446 of the nation's 1,383 certified CDFIs. Every dollar granted to a credit union through the CDFI Fund generates $12 in private investment, helping extend the impact of federal resources throughout local communities.
"Behind these numbers are families working toward homeownership, small businesses looking for opportunities to grow, and communities that have historically had fewer financial options," said Samantha A.M. Beeler, President of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates. "CDFI credit unions understand these communities because they are part of them. Ensuring these funds are deployed consistently and on time allows credit unions to continue turning public investment into meaningful, lasting economic opportunity."
The meeting took place during The League's 2026 Hike the Hill in Washington, D.C., where credit union leaders from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia gathered to engage directly with federal policymakers and advocate for priorities impacting credit unions and their members.
Attending the meeting were Rick Skaggs, Chair of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates Board and President and CEO of USF Credit Union; Bob Steensma, President and CEO of Five Star Credit Union; John Bratsakis, CEO of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates; Samantha A.M. Beeler, President of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates; and Ibby Dickson, Manager of Federal Advocacy at The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates.
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About The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates
The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates provides a platform for advocacy, collaboration, and innovation, representing 368 credit unions across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia and their 33.8 million members, as well as $477.6 billion in assets. The League serves as an advocate through credit union engagement, advocacy impact, Foundation resources, and LEVERAGE products and services. Join us in supporting credit unions by learning more at www.the-league.coop. Follow The League on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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Original text here: https://the-league.coop/press-releases/2026/09.16.26-The-League-and-Credit-Union-Leaders-Meet-with-White-House-Office-of-Management-and-Budget-to-Advance-CDFI-Priorities.pdf
[Category: Financial Services]
Human Rights Watch Issues Commentary: U.S. Revokes Limits on Power Plants' Climate Pollution
NEW YORK, Sept. 18 [Category: International] -- Human Rights Watch issued the following news:
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US Revokes Limits on Power Plants' Climate Pollution
New Rule Could Increase Health Damaging Pollutants
Matthew Reysio-Cruz, Researcher, Environment and Human Rights
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on September 14 that it is repealing limits on climate-warming pollution from coal and gas-fired power plants, the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country.
By gutting the 2024 Carbon Pollution Standards, the EPA is eliminating most of the
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Sept. 18 [Category: International] -- Human Rights Watch issued the following news:
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US Revokes Limits on Power Plants' Climate Pollution
New Rule Could Increase Health Damaging Pollutants
Matthew Reysio-Cruz, Researcher, Environment and Human Rights
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on September 14 that it is repealing limits on climate-warming pollution from coal and gas-fired power plants, the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country.
By gutting the 2024 Carbon Pollution Standards, the EPA is eliminating most of thelimits on power plants' carbon emissions. The move is one of the Trump administration's most significant attacks yet on the US government's ability to confront the climate crisis and protect communities devastated by pollution.
The 2024 standards required existing coal plants and new gas plants to capture 90 percent of carbon emissions or shut down by 2039, which would have reduced carbon pollution by an estimated 1.38 billion metric tons through 2047. The Biden-era rule was also projected to help reduce power plants' emissions of health-harming pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter.
Human Rights Watch has documented how these pollutants from industrial operations can degrade air quality and harm the health of communities living nearby. Our research in countries like Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Turkiye has shown how coal-fired plants, in particular, can emit pollution that contributes to dangerous levels of air pollution. The Biden administration estimated that the 2024 Carbon Standards would prevent 1,200 deaths and 360,000 asthma attacks in the US in 2035 alone.
The EPA claimed its repeal of the 2024 standards would save businesses $370 million in regulatory costs but did not say what the costs to public health would be. In January, the agency said it would no longer factor in health costs when estimating the economic impact of pollution limits.
In its announcement rescinding the 2024 carbon standards, the EPA also proposed removing "all remaining greenhouse gas emissions requirements for power plants," arguing these emissions do not impact climate change. In 2025, the agency also revoked its 2009 finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health, a finding grounded in scientific evidence that had provided a legal foundation for federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.
While the Trump administration mounts a full-throated denial of decades of scientific evidence, communities across the country-and the world-are already contending with the consequences of the climate crisis. The EPA should restore the 2024 standards and strengthen its regulation of the fossil fuel industry.
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Original text here: https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/09/17/us-revokes-limits-on-power-plants-climate-pollution
Earthjustice Responds to Radical New Trump Administration Memo That Sanctions Killing of Endangered Species
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Sept. 18 -- Earthjustice issued the following news release:
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September 17, 2026
Earthjustice Responds to Radical New Trump Administration Memo that Sanctions Killing of Endangered Species
New internal memo subverts the law by making it OK to kill endangered species - as long as it wasn't intentional
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San Francisco -- A report published yesterday in the New York Times reveals that an internal memo signed by Brian Nesvik, director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, seeks to dramatically reinterpret the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in a way that would subvert
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SAN FRANCISCO, California, Sept. 18 -- Earthjustice issued the following news release:
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September 17, 2026
Earthjustice Responds to Radical New Trump Administration Memo that Sanctions Killing of Endangered Species
New internal memo subverts the law by making it OK to kill endangered species - as long as it wasn't intentional
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San Francisco -- A report published yesterday in the New York Times reveals that an internal memo signed by Brian Nesvik, director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, seeks to dramatically reinterpret the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in a way that would subvertthe very purpose of the law, jeopardizing the survival of countless species.
The following is a reaction statement from Earthjustice attorney Ben Levitan:
"The government's new legal position is a prescription for extinction. It says that as long as you claim you didn't mean to kill an endangered species, the law can't and won't stop you. That's ridiculous - and a totally illegal, active misreading of the Endangered Species Act. We'll see the Trump administration in court about this."
Background
The Fish and Wildlife Service memo argues for a reinterpretation of what it means to "take" endangered wildlife under the law, so that harming or even killing an endangered animal would no longer be considered illegal unless the person specifically intended to cause harm or death. Dated Sept. 14, the same day that a rulemaking to redefine "harm" under the ESA to allow for habitat destruction went into effect this memo twists the law into the exact opposite of its intended purpose. It seeks to make protecting species the exception, rather than the rule. The memo provides a clear example of how the would interpret the law going forward: "A vessel that inadvertently strikes a whale has not taken it, because the vessel's course was not set against the whale."
In mid-July, Earthjustice filed a lawsuit to challenge the sweeping change to the regulatory definition of "harm," which has left countless species vulnerable to habitat destruction. Loss of habitat is the No. 1 cause of species extinction.
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About Earthjustice
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.
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View report here: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/16/climate/endangered-species-act-change.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share
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Original text here: https://earthjustice.org/press/2026/earthjustice-responds-to-radical-new-trump-administration-memo-that-sanctions-killing-of-endangered-species
[Category: Environment]
Catholic League Issues Commentary: Artificial Intelligence's Authentic Bigotry
NEW YORK, Sept. 18 -- The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, an organization that defends the right of Catholics to participate in American public life without defamation or discrimination, issued the following commentary by Communications Director Michael P. McDonald:
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Artificial Intelligence's Authentic Bigotry
Around the end of August, the internet was abuzz with a disturbing trend in artificial intelligence (AI). People were putting the prompts "I'm alone with a black person" and "I'm alone with a white person" to Google's AI. To the great discredit of those who did the
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Sept. 18 -- The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, an organization that defends the right of Catholics to participate in American public life without defamation or discrimination, issued the following commentary by Communications Director Michael P. McDonald:
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Artificial Intelligence's Authentic Bigotry
Around the end of August, the internet was abuzz with a disturbing trend in artificial intelligence (AI). People were putting the prompts "I'm alone with a black person" and "I'm alone with a white person" to Google's AI. To the great discredit of those who did theprogramming, it gave radically different and frankly racist answers.
When asked about being alone with a black person AI responded by encouraging the questioner to "try to relax and treat them with normal respect and kindness." AI reminded the user of the shared humanity between all the different peoples of the world. AI concluded by asking for more information about the situation and demanding to know "why [sic] you feel uncomfortable or need advice?"
However, when asked about being alone with a white person, AI dropped all notions of equal human dignity. Instead, AI responded, "If you feel unsafe right now please move to a public place or contact someone you trust immediately." It then lists a series of safety precautions the user should take, such as calling 911 and breathing exercises to remain calm.
The gurus at Google later tried to explain this as a glitch in the programming. They argued that the prompt was too short and too vague which then triggered AI to provide different answers. Ultimately, they claimed that the white person prompt set off safety parameters while the question about the black person led AI to treat it like a social situation. It was left unanswered as to why AI would be programmed to initiate safety protocols for white people, but they pledged to rewrite the code to provide more neutral answers in the future.
Having lived through the first phases of the woke mind virus, we decided to put Google's AI to the test and ask it about being alone with people of different religions. You can see the results here.
Surprisingly, AI was rather fair to Catholics. It mostly focused on providing rather banal conversation starters.
Christians, on the other hand, were treated as a threat. The user was encouraged to call 911 and establish clear boundaries. This suggests that AI believes that Evangelicals are somehow "unsafe."
As for Jews and Muslims, AI focused on providing the user with guidelines to avoid making the other person feel uncomfortable.
Similarly, we asked about being alone with people based on their sexual orientation and "gender identity."
Asked about being alone with a transgender person, AI provided a list of "Basic Rules to Follow" taken from GLAAD, the radical LGBT group.
Being alone with a homosexual, AI provided a list of "what to do" and "what to avoid" to ensure the user respected the other person.
As for being alone with a heterosexual person, AI opened by saying this was a normal interaction, but then it quickly pivoted to providing ways to stay calm and encouraged the user to leave "at any time if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable."
Clearly, this situation highlighted the bigotry that is so prevalent in Silicon Valley. As we have previously documented, a cultural corruption permeates the tech industry, and it is overtly hostile to religious people and those who are more conservative. This sordid affair is just another example.
While public pressure may have led them to address these concerns, and we can confirm that AI now provides more neutral answers. However, the root of the problem, which is the deep seated biases of those working in Silicon Valley, remains. Until this human error is removed, it is only a matter of time until someone discovers another disturbing AI trend and sets the internet on fire again.
September 17th, 2026
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Original text here: https://www.catholicleague.org/artificial-intelligences-authentic-bigotry/
[Category: Sociological]
Americas Society to Honor Dominican President Luis Abinader With the Gold Insigne
NEW YORK, Sept. 18 -- The Americas Society/Council of the Americas issued the following news release:
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Americas Society to Honor Dominican President Luis Abinader with the Gold Insigne
The president will be awarded for his leadership and transformative impact not only in the Dominican Republic but throughout the Western Hemisphere.
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New York, September 17, 2026--Americas Society is pleased to announce that it will honor President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader with the Gold Insigne in recognition of his outstanding leadership in his country and the hemisphere, as he advances
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NEW YORK, Sept. 18 -- The Americas Society/Council of the Americas issued the following news release:
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Americas Society to Honor Dominican President Luis Abinader with the Gold Insigne
The president will be awarded for his leadership and transformative impact not only in the Dominican Republic but throughout the Western Hemisphere.
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New York, September 17, 2026--Americas Society is pleased to announce that it will honor President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader with the Gold Insigne in recognition of his outstanding leadership in his country and the hemisphere, as he advanceseconomic, democratic, and institutional progress in the Dominican Republic and across the region.
The presentation of the award--the organization's highest honor--will take place on Wednesday, September 23, at the Americas Society headquarters in New York during a private ceremony bringing together business executives and public sector leaders.
The award is presented to democratically elected heads of state whose exceptional work has had a profound and lasting impact on their country, the lives of its citizens, and the progress of the region. President Abinader will be recognized for his outstanding effort in the Dominican Republic's economic recovery, his steadfast commitment to defending and strengthening democracy, and his prominent role in promoting regional cooperation, particularly regarding security and economic integration.
Susan Segal, president and CEO of Americas Society/Council of the Americas, and Andres Gluski, chairman of the Board of Americas Society/Council of the Americas, will present the award.
Past recipients of the Gold Insigne include Raul Alfonsin (1985), Ronald Reagan (1987), Fernando Henrique Cardoso (1998), Ricardo Lagos (2005), Luis Inacio Lula da Silva (2008), Michelle Bachelet (2009), Felipe Calderon (2011), Juan Manuel Santos (2012), Mauricio Macri (2017), Ivan Duque (2021), and Luis Lacalle Pou (2023), among others.
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Original text here: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/americas-society-honor-dominican-president-luis-abinader-gold-insigne
[Category: Sociological]
American Society for Horticultural Science: Study Explores U.S. Consumers' Willingness to Pay for Fresh-Market Grape Attributes
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Sept. 18 (TNSjou) -- The American Society for Horticultural Science issued the following news release:
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Study Explores U.S. Consumers' Willingness to Pay for Fresh-Market Grape Attributes
Raleigh, NC - A recent study has examined U.S. consumers' preferences and willingness to pay for different attributes of fresh-market grapes, providing insights for growers, retailers, and the fresh produce industry.
The research evaluated how factors such as grape size, sweetness, seedlessness, color, and production methods influence purchasing decisions. Findings reveal that certain
... Show Full Article
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Sept. 18 (TNSjou) -- The American Society for Horticultural Science issued the following news release:
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Study Explores U.S. Consumers' Willingness to Pay for Fresh-Market Grape Attributes
Raleigh, NC - A recent study has examined U.S. consumers' preferences and willingness to pay for different attributes of fresh-market grapes, providing insights for growers, retailers, and the fresh produce industry.
The research evaluated how factors such as grape size, sweetness, seedlessness, color, and production methods influence purchasing decisions. Findings reveal that certainattributes significantly impact consumer buying behavior, offering guidance on which traits could be emphasized to meet market demand and potentially increase sales.
Understanding consumer preferences helps the grape industry optimize production, marketing, and pricing strategies to better align with shopper expectations. The study underscores the importance of quality, taste, and convenience in shaping purchase decisions in the competitive fresh produce market.
These insights contribute to more informed decision-making across the supply chain, from vineyard management to retail presentation, ensuring that fresh-market grapes meet the evolving expectations of American consumers.It also contributes to the broader effort to understand consumer behavior in fresh produce markets and supports strategies to enhance value, quality, and satisfaction in fresh-market fruit offerings.
According to Dr. Knuth, "This paper is one of few that looks at consumer purchasing preferences for different species of grapes together. Some of the results were as expected while others were not and drove the direction of our future work in the Vitis x Muscadinia grant."
According to Dr. Threlfall, "This consumer survey was part of a federally funded planning grant that eventually led to our $7.1M USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative project "Through the Grapevine: Developing Vitis x Muscadinia Wide Hybrids for Enhanced Disease Resistance and Quality" with research and extension efforts of 32 scientists from 12 institutions integrated through collaborations with industry partners and stakeholders."
Melinda Knuth is Associate Professor in the Horticulture Department at North Carolina State University. She specializes in innovative management and marketing strategies to investigate consumer attitudes and behaviors for horticulture crops -- both edible and ornamental. Dr. Knuth has conducted studies and published results on the benefits of plants (mentally and emotionally, physically, and socially), consumer preferences of miniature houseplants, preference for water conservation in the residential landscape, and purchasing intent of floral arrangements.
Renee Threllfall is Associate Professor of Food Science at the University of Arkansas.Her research focuses on the microbial communities associated with agricultural products, particularly grapes and blackberries, and their impact on quality and production. She has investigated the influence of environmental factors such as year, location, and grape variety on the fungal microbiota of Arkansas-grown table and wine grapes, as well as the soil and leaf-associated fungi. Her work also extends to understanding the dynamics of fungal diversity during wine fermentation, examining the effects of sulfite levels and yeast inoculations.
The full article can be found on the ASHS HortScience electronic journal website at: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI18810-25
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community -- scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. To learn more, visit ashs.org.
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Original text here: https://ashs.org/news/735253/-New-Study-Explores-U.S.-Consumers-Willingness-to-Pay-for-Fresh-Market-Grape-Attributes.htm
[Category: Agriculture]
