Assemblyman Bill Magee (D-Nelson) participated in Governor Cuomo’s yogurt summit at the Capitol. The event discussed ways New York State can help grow and support the yogurt trade by loosening restrictions on dairy farmers to boost milk production to meet the needs of the state’s yogurt manufacturers.

“The popularity of Greek yogurt is skyrocketing and dairy farmers in New York need to be able to take full advantage of it,” Assemblyman Magee said. “I applaud the Governor for bringing together government and industry representatives to find the best way to reach our full potential.”

Last month, Assemblyman Magee took a tour of the Chobani yogurt facility in Chenango County. Assemblyman Magee is working to find ways farmers and others can continue to capitalize on the current Greek yogurt boom that has led to the creation of upstate production facilities.

“I support Governor Cuomo’s efforts and I will work with him to streamline and cut the red tape surrounding the dairy farm industry,” Assemblyman Magee said. “Increases in yogurt sales help our economy and promote job creation. I’m fighting to make sure our farmers get the help they need to keep this growing trend moving.”

Assemblyman Magee also introduced laws to streamline the application process to receive an agricultural assessment (Ch. 160 of 2012). In the past, Assemblyman Magee has led fights to enact the Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact, which returned thousands of dollars to New York’s dairy farmers, and helped secure $30 million to help farms survive the dairy crisis of a few years ago.

“We must stand behind our local farms because agriculture is the backbone of our economy,” Assemblyman Magee said. “It is vital that we make sure our state’s laws and regulations promote economic growth in agriculture rather than hinder it.”