Assemblymember Brindisi: Eliminating Costly Burden on Farms Will Grow Economy

April 19, 2013

In a move that could benefit more than 800 New York farms, Assemblymember Anthony J. Brindisi (D-Utica) applauded the recent announcement to allow family farms in New York State to grow from 199 cows to 299 cows before certain costly standards apply.

“New York’s success in the yogurt industry proves that when we invest in and support our local farms and businesses, great things can happen,” Assemblymember Brindisi said. “The now-booming yogurt market is an important element of our state’s economy, and we must continue to do everything we can to foster the growth of this industry here in New York.”

In addition to the good news for farmers, Assemblymember Brindisi added that new reports show that New York surpassed California as the nation’s largest yogurt producer, generating 692 million pounds of yogurt last year. In the past five years, New York’s yogurt plants nearly tripled their production.

Previously, the licensing procedure for having more than 199 cows was very expensive, costing farmers upward of $150,000. Expanding regulations removes a burdensome financial barrier that once hindered farmers’ development, while simultaneously opening more doors to growth and prosperity, Assemblymember Brindisi added.

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