New York celebrates growth of farm distilleries on second anniversary of the 'Craft New York Act'

Thomas F. O'Mara

December 14, 2016

The enactment of the "Craft New York Act" two years ago has helped enhance and strengthen the foundations of local agriculture, local business and local tourism.

This week the state noted the second anniversary of the enactment of the "Craft New York Act" by highlighting that the number of farm distilleries statewide has nearly doubled since the law was established on December 13, 2014.  

There are 107 farm distilleries currently operating in New York State, with 50 new establishments opening over the past two years. 

“The enactment of the 'Craft New York Act' two years ago has helped enhance and strengthen the foundations of local agriculture, local business and local tourism,” said O’Mara, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee who also serves on the Legislature’s joint, bipartisan Commission on Rural Resources.  “It's been a strong move, built on a foundation of regulatory reform and tax incentives, in support of the industry itself as well as to help increase demand for locally grown farm products and expand industry-related economic development and tourism.  It’s been a bipartisan effort to recognize a vibrant industry and take an important step toward solidifying the state’s commitment to helping it grow, create more and more jobs, and strengthen other key industries.  The industry offers unlimited economic spin-off opportunities.”

Read the full announcement HERE.

Read more about distilleries in the Finger Lakes region HERE.