New York's smallest breweries and some wineries are getting a tax break from Albany.
Governor Cuomo went to Utica yesterday and the family-owned Matt Brewing Company to sign a package of bills to help smaller brewers and the farmers supplying them.
In recent years, small breweries, brewpubs and farm breweries have become a tiny but vital part of the state's liquor industry, along with wineries and small distilleries.
The bills signed by the governor ease the tax and regulatory rules and will probably help the farms supplying essentials like hops.
"It allows the expansion by having these tax benefits and it supports the local farmers and especially the farmers that produce hops," said Senator Mark Grisanti who backs the legislation.
"Supporting this craft beer industry not only will increase the demand for locally-grown farmer products but the support for brewers and wineries in this area."
Farming remains the state's largest industry and is benefiting right now from milk sales to the new manufacturers of Greek yogurt.
