Governor Kathy Hochul today signed a legislative package to support New York’s food and beverage industry. The Governor signed legislation S.1054/A.4113 to increase the number of cuisine trails in the State and showcase local farms and producers. Governor Hochul also signed legislation S.7085/A.7293 to authorize the manufacturing of alcohol at SUNY Broome Community College and Cornell University, which will allow the schools to offer educational courses, research programs, and workforce development opportunities for students.
“New York’s farmers and producers drive our state’s world-class food and beverage industry, attracting tourism and supporting our economy,” Governor Hochul said. “Through this legislation, we’re raising a glass to our state’s agriculture community while also helping the next generation of New Yorkers have the opportunity to pursue their passion.”
Legislation S.1054/A.4113 will increase the number of cuisine and craft beverage trails in New York State. These trails showcase food and beverages made by local farms and agricultural producers to New Yorkers and tourists. Expanding the number of trails builds on Governor Hochul’s continued efforts to support local food production as well as New York State’s tourism economy.
State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Cuisine trails are like treasure maps, guiding people to some of the best spots for locally-grown food and crafted beverages. I’m proud to sponsor legislation to create more trails in New York State — it’s a win-win that helps people discover and support local food and craft beverage businesses while also attracting visitors, giving a boost to our Main Streets. Whether you’re visiting the Hudson Valley Apple Trail or the Catskills Craft Beverage Trail, there's a plethora of local flavors to explore and ample room for innovation in developing new local trails! I thank the Governor for signing this bill into law and look forward to seeing the addition of exciting new cuisine and craft beverage trails in our communities.”
Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, “I’d like to thank Governor Hochul for signing our bill allowing for the expansion of the number of NY’s Cuisine Trails. These trails have proven to be very popular as they promote local food and farm businesses through agri-tourism. The public will now get to enjoy even more trails featuring the extraordinary producers that NY is known for.”
Legislation S.7085/A.7293 authorizes the manufacture of beer, spirits, cider, wine, and mead at SUNY Broome Community College and the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. This will allow schools to offer workforce development and other innovative academic opportunities for students interested in alcohol production.
State Senator Lea Webb said, “New York State’s robust farm and craft beverage industry will be stronger because of the research and educational programming at both Cornell University College of Agricultural Life Sciences and SUNY Broome. I am pleased that the Governor has signed this legislation, which is of critical importance to these institutions within my senate district. The continued growth of both culinary and craft beverage programs at these institutions further supports New York State’s robust farm and craft beverage industry that includes breweries, wineries, and distilleries. These two community partners play a pivotal role in the growth of agritourism, which will facilitate continued job growth for our region.”
Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson said, “Thank you, Governor Hochul for signing this important piece of legislation into law that will help our craft beverage industries and the economy. This legislation will enable SUNY Broome County Community College and Cornell University to continue to support the winery, brewery, and distillery craft beverage industries. In recent years there has been significant growth of the farm and craft beverage industries, and this legislation will ensure that there are entrepreneurs ready to enter the industry, a workforce prepared to meet the industries’ needs and ongoing research to continue its expansion, innovation and quality. Thank you also to Senator Webb for her work in passing this legislation which will help Central New York as well as the Finger Lakes Region.”