Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) announced that legislation he authored to reduce the cost of a food processing license for small-scale producers passed the Assembly (A.823-A).

“This is an exciting time to be in the food business in New York as the demand for locally sourced food products rises, but with the fees and startup costs, it can be hard for entrepreneurs just starting out,” Stirpe said. “This measure helps to alleviate one of those barriers so more small businesses can get off the ground.”

New York currently offers one level of license for all producers, regardless of size and expected volume of production. Stirpe’s legislation would create a two-tier food processing licensing fee to level the playing field and help small-scale producers. The measure defines a small-scale food processing establishment as one that is not exempt from licensing, is not a chain-store and has no more than 10 full-time employees. The reduced licensing fee would be set at $175 per processing facility for qualified food processors.

“Helping small businesses flourish strengthens our economy and community,” Stirpe said. “I’ll keep working to create and expand opportunities and create jobs here in Central New York.”