Assemblymember Brindisi Supports Efforts to Increase the Use of NY Grown and Produced Foods

May 31, 2013

Assemblymember Anthony J. Brindisi (D-Utica) announced legislation he sponsored to create a Dine: Pride of New York designation to promote restaurants that use ingredients grown and/or processed in New York State has passed the Assembly (A.2702). Restaurants participating in the program would receive free advertising materials from the state.

“This program is a win-win for everyone involved. Consumers would have an easier time finding businesses using the fresh, quality New York products they are looking for, restaurant owners would receive free advertising material and a boost in sales and the agriculture market would be bolstered by increasing demand for New York products,” Assemblymember Brindisi said.

Restaurants and other food-service establishments would be eligible for the program if at least 15 percent of the ingredients used were produced within New York State. To join, restaurants would have to submit an application to the Department of Agriculture and Markets, including what New York products they use, the names of producers from whom they purchase and a one-sentence description of the food and meals offered at their establishment.

"It's exciting to know that our elected officials and government are recognizing and promoting businesses such as ours, who have made the choice to support NYS products,” said Chris Talgo, owner of The Tailor and the Cook in Utica. “Buying locally is an important decision for our health, as well as an important fiscal decision for the betterment of our local economy. We at The Tailor and the Cook look forward to being a part of this “groundbreaking” program!"

Restaurants approved by the Department of Agriculture and Markets would be featured on the Dine: Pride of New York website. The Department of Agriculture and Markets would also work with the Department of Economic Development to promote Dine: Pride of New York restaurants and provide additional advertising material.

Agriculture plays a vital role in New York's economy, Assemblymember Brindisi noted. In total, farm products and food-processing industries account for $31.2 billion annually. Brindisi also added he fought to ensure that this year’s state budget included a number of initiatives for funding agricultural development.

Demand for local foods is continually increasing as part of the growing local food movement. A recent study by Market Ventures determined there is a nearly $700 million in unmet demand for local products in New York City. A separate study by Cornell University found that 40 percent of New Yorkers are interested in purchasing local foods, but only if they don’t have to go out of their way to do so. The Dine: Pride of New York initiative would help consumers find those products to the boon of both restaurants and farmers, Assemblymember Brindisi noted.

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