Agribusinesses Get Boost from Senate, Bills Help Grow Maple and Wine Industries
 
(Albany, N.Y.) The New York State Senate passed several pieces of legislation sponsored by Senator Darrel J. Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent) and Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) which will bolster the state’s agriculture industry, in particular the maple and wine industries.
 
Agriculture is one of the driving forces of New York’s economy and the maple industry is one of the strongest in the nation, ranking second behind Vermont in terms of value and third in volume. New York is the third largest wine producer in the nation as well, with an estimated $3.76 billion economic impact each year.
 
 The Senate’s package also benefits seasonal farmers by promoting the expansion of tourism in their respective markets. Seasonal farmers play a key role in our state’s economy, delivering fresh, local, and affordable products to consumers statewide.
 
“Our state’s farmers and agricultural producers sell around $4.5 billion worth of goods each year, but the economic impact goes well beyond in supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs,” said Senator Darrel J. Aubertine, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a lifelong farmer. “It’s important we remain focused on growing our agricultural industries because these local businesses will help us emerge from these tough economic times. These bills put agriculture in the context of economic development and will in fact generate revenue and help to preserve and create jobs.”
 
Redefining Parameters of the Maple Industry: S6443A/Aubertine & S6317A/Aubertine
Redefining “agricultural commodity” and “agricultural tourism,” S6443A will help the maple industry grow economically as well as expand their reach into New York’s growing agritourism industry by ensuring that the production of maple sap and pure maple products are activities that are recognized under the agriculture and markets law as agricultural tourism.
 
This legislation will give maple producers that welcome the public on their land, in their sugarhouses and production facilities, the same protections that other farmers are afforded under the current definition of agricultural tourism. By changing the definition, this bill will allow maple producers to open their doors to visitors and experience a significant increase in their profits.
 
The second bill for the maple industry, S6317A, recognizes how the maple industry is a substantial contributor to the economy with considerable opportunity for expansion. This legislation will foster the growth of the industry by including “pure” maple products in the definition of what an agricultural commodity is. Already an estimated $18 million industry, the state has more tappable trees than any other in the nation. This bill will reclassify products that are produced from pure maple sap, such as maple cream, shaped sugar and granulated maple sugar, to fall under the definition of an agricultural commodity. Maple producers will now be eligible for state funding, which would make the maple industry more attractive for new producers, helping to expand the industry.
 
Expanding the Wine Industry: S6780/Valesky
This legislation will provide a considerable economic boost to the wine industry as it legalizes the sale of non-dairy frozen wine desserts.  The bill includes a five percent alcohol content limit, restricts sales to those over 21 years of age, and requires product labeling and warning statements similar to those established for other frozen desserts containing alcohol.
 
“This legislation provides another opportunity for small agri-businesses and the wine industry to grow in New York State,” Senator Valesky said. “We have high quality ingredients in New York, and innovative minds who create and produce innovative products each and every day. By eliminating restrictions, we can open up new markets for these products and producers, and help strengthen the New York State economy.”
 
Supporting Seasonal Farmers: S4837/Aubertine
Seasonal signs are vital to the success of agricultural businesses, however, in recent years farmers have been told the placement of their advertisements is unlawful. This legislation allows farmers to once again post roadside signs advertising their fresh, local products to consumers and also providing the farmers with direct revenue.
 
Senator William T. Stachowski (D-Lake View) said, “I am pleased that we have continued our commitment to supporting agribusinesses in New York. It cannot be stressed enough that agriculture is vital to the recovery and sustainability of our state’s economy and workforces in communities across the state.”
 
“Agriculture is already a very significant contributor to our state, however, there is still room for growth and these bills provide the direction and support that is needed for these industries to expand,” Senator Brian X. Foley (D-Blue Point) said. “If there has ever been a time for agriculture industries and markets to expand it is during this economic climate when job creation is a priority.”