Legislature Passes Bill to Help Local Business and Agriculture

Farm distillery bill headed to governor’s desk

July 13, 2012

Albany, NY – Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D – Ulster, Dutchess) announced that the Legislature has passed a bill he sponsored, A.9863, which would allow farm distilleries in New York to expand their business by selling their product at farmers’ markets and county fairs, an opportunity already afforded to the state’s wineries and breweries. The bill is now awaiting approval by the Governor.

“This bill would be a boost to businesses that are dedicated to using locally grown products,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “Furthermore, this represents a great opportunity for these small businesses to expand their market and promote their products.”

“This legislation is important for our members, as it makes simple financial sense,” said Dean Norton, President of New York Farm Bureau. “Farm distillers are a growing segment of agriculture in New York and new markets are needed to sell their products and continue their progress. Since farm distillers are required to source crops from New York farms to craft their distilled products, the agricultural industry overall receives an economic benefit as well. We thank Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, along with Senator John Bonacic, for their sponsorship of this legislation and look forward to Governor Cuomo signing this bill into law.”

“The passage of this new bill, A.9863, recognizes the fact New York's twenty-two Farm Distillers are full partners with the State's Farm community and a valued part of the Agriculture Industry in New York,” comments Ralph Erenzo, a partner in the Hudson Valley Farm Distillery TUTHILLTOWN SPIRITS, New York's first whiskey distillery since Prohibition. “Opening Farmers’ Markets, State and County Agricultural fairs to Farm Distillers for the sampling and sale of their New York spirits allows new producers to introduce their distinct products directly to consumers the same way as New York wineries and breweries.”

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