Posted October 16, 2013
New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo welcomed 14 newly-licensed farm breweries that have opened as a result of legislation which took effect in January 2013, according to a press release from the Governor’s office available here.
The “Farm Brewery” license allows craft brewers using products grown in New York State to operate in a similar way to the state’s farm wineries, “leading to increased demand for locally grown farm products as well as expanded economic development and tourism.”
Governor Cuomo said, “With the opening of 14 farm breweries since January and a nearly 100 percent increase in our microbreweries, it is clear that New York’s craft beer industry is booming – and this is just the beginning.”
In order to receive a Farm Brewery license, the beer “must be made primarily from locally grown farm products.” Until the end of 2018, at least 20 percent of the hops and 20 percent of all other ingredients must be grown or produced in the state of New York.
The farm brewery license allows brewers to serve beer by the glass without an additional permit, which has the highest return in terms of sales. Farm brewers may make cider and serve the cider by the glass. They are also allowed five branch offices to sell their products and other New York State labeled beer, wine, and liquor, in addition to tasting rooms, retail shops, and restaurants.
The farm brewery legislation is growing the state’s agriculture sector, with hops acreage doubling over the past year.
Dean Norton, President of New York Farm Bureau, said, “New York Farm Bureau has always been a strong supporter of increasing opportunities for our farmer members. The opportunity created by the new farm category of licenses – either winery, distilleries, cideries, or breweries – has created new possibilities for growth.”
Paul Leone, Executive Director of New York State Brewers Association, said, “With more hops and malted barley being planted every year, more and more breweries will have the opportunity to qualify for a farm license and take advantage of this legislation signed by Governor Cuomo.”
For more information on agritourism and local food systems, please visit the National Agricultural Law Center’s website hereand here.
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