New York Craft Brewer Workgroup

More good news relating to NY's craft beverage industry!

On July 24, 2014 the office of Governor Cuomo announced the formation of the New York Craft Brewer Workgroup, yet another example of an almost immediate result of the second Wine, Beer, Spirits, and Cider Summit that was held in April. The Workgroup will provide recommendations to the state as to how to continue supporting the growth of New York's craft beer sector. It will also serve as a means of achieving more fluid and open communication between the state and its agencies, and those involved with craft beverage production.

The first task of the NY Craft Brewer Workgroup is to take over from where the Summit left off and continue reviewing current legislation to find areas where change might benefit craft beverage producers. Additionally, the Workgroup will continue to aid the expansion of Empire State Development's One Stop Shop, which is designed to provide beverage producers in New York with a direct line of contact for government assistance regarding various issues related to production.

Members of the Workgroup will also assist in the development of promotional and marketing programs, such as Taste NY and Pride of New York, which highlight the state's finest in local agriculture and use of local products, in attempt to draw in crowds from out of state, and even from communities within New York. Amongst the 12 Workgroup members there are various industry professionals, including representatives from New York State Brewer's Association and various local breweries, a member of the Cornell Cooperative Extension, a professor at Cornell University in the Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, as well as a HOP specialist from the University. Additionally, there will be participation from representatives of both the State Liquor Authority and Empire State Development.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "The Governor's farm-based beverage summits laid the groundwork for unprecedented growth within the industry and this workgroup will take this one step further. Governor Cuomo has brought together some of the best and brightest minds within the industry to examine challenges and develop working solutions. It's an exciting time to be part of New York agriculture and the boom in the craft brewing industry is a major reason why."

The creation of new craft manufacturing licenses and the initiation of the process to eliminate old, outdated laws and replace them with new, relevant regulations have become quite popular amongst those in and around the production industry. There is a significant amount of buzz revolving around this news and the industry is drawing a lot of positive attention. The state's active involvement has been praised by producers, as they feel they are adding a lot to the New York economy and are finally being recognized, and in some ways rewarded, by the state government.

Below are the members of the NY Craft Brewer's Workgroup, which will be led by the Commissioner of the State Department of Agriculture and Markets:

• Gary C. Bergstrom, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology at Cornell University
• Jimmy Carbone, Host, Beer Sessions Radio
• Larry Fisher, President, Northeast Hop Alliance
• Steve Hindy, Co-founder, Brooklyn Brewery
• David Katleski, Founder of Empire Brewing Company and President of the New York State Brewers Association
• Paul Leone, Executive Director, NYS Brewers Association
• Natalie Mattrazzo, Co-Owner, The FarmHouse Brewery
• Steven Miller, Cornell Hop Specialist
• June Russell, Manager of Farm Inspections & Strategic Development at Greenmarket, GrowNYC
• Gregg Stacy, Vice President, Director of Marketing & Sales at Brown's Brewing Company
• Bill Verbeten, Regional Extension Agronomist, Cornell Cooperative Extension
• Justin Whipple, Owner of Whipple Brothers Farms

If you are considering craft beverage production, or any other alcohol production or sale in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, the liquor licensing attorneys at Rudner & Paleudis, LLC can help you understand your rights and advocate for your interests. To speak with a knowledgeable advocate regarding your case, please contact us today through our website or at (212) 949-0138 in New York City, (914) 220-8270 in White Plains, or (203) 355-3635 in Stamford, Connecticut.