Last month, I discussed the growing opportunities our region can realize in the craft brewing and winery industries and their positive impact on our economy and agricultural communities. Craft beer brewing has created more than 11,000 jobs and is worth nearly $4 billion. Our region has a real opportunity to harness the advantages of agriculture with this new craft beverage movement to create jobs, tourism and excitement in our communities.

I have voted in favor of investing in our agriculture and markets programs which give local aid to farmers and research opportunities to improve the profitability and yield of our family farms. For example, the New York Farm Viability Institute, Cornell and Northern New York Agriculture Development contribute to researching and developing hops and grain cultivars that we hope will thrive in our region. Additionally, I have supported funding for the TasteNY program, which promotes New York’s agricultural products. More than $31 million is being invested in New York agriculture.

I also have voted in favor of several bills that lift burdens on craft breweries, distilleries and cideries, which were recently signed into law by the governor. The goal of these bills was to make it easier for these industries to do business in our state so existing businesses can thrive and new ones can be created.

Bill, A.7001, allows farm distilleries to sell gift items like food, souvenirs and their craft liquors at the farm site. This will help farm distilleries realize extra income and will help add to the attraction of our region for craft beverage-centered tourism.

We’re also making it easier for craft beverages to be tasted in retail stores without requiring the manufacturer or wholesaler to be present. Many craft beverage businesses are small operations, and the previous requirement made it difficult for these businesses to promote their products through taste-tests because of personnel-related costs. Assembly Bill 8043, now that it is signed into law, removes this costly requirement.

Lastly, we discovered there was a bit of overlap in reporting for tax purposes for micro-brewers, and A.7106, removes the duplicative filing. Anything we can do to help businesses lessen their tax burdens so they can focus their energies on growing and adding jobs to our communities is a step in the right direction.

I look forward to the growth of New York’s craft beverage industry and how it will positively impact our farmers, tourism industry, and region. I welcome your input. If you have thoughts on this or any other legislative topic, please contact me by email at blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us or by phone at 493-3909.