In the waning days of this year’s legislative session, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced an agreement on two bills today to help encourage growth of New York cideries. Program Bills #17 and #18 are the result of discussions during last fall’s Wine, Beer, and Spirits Summit, and will help peel back layers of bureaucracy that kept the cider industry from flourishing in New York State.
The Farm Cideries Bill - #18 - creates a new level of licensing similar to that created for wineries and breweries in the state that source local ingredients. In order to qualify, the cider must be made entirely from apples grown in New York State and be produced in quantities of less than 150,000 gallons annually. Farm Cideries, who would pay just a $75 annual licensing fee, would also be allowed to host tastings on premises and sell New York State beer, wine, and spirits. They would also be able to sell cider at fairs and farmers markets.
The Brand Label Registration Bill - #17 - exempts cideries from fees for registering individual brands with the State Liquor Authority, as long as it is produced in batches of 1,500 barrels or less. A similar exemption exists for breweries after reforms passed by the legislature last year. In addition, Program Bill #17 will waive the fee on registration of spirits produced in batches smaller than 1,000 gallons.
Both bills are likely to pass with bipartisan support in both the Senate and Assembly.
