Natural Fiber Textile Development Workgroup

The purpose of the Natural Fiber Textile Development Workgroup is to convene stakeholders to study, evaluate, and develop ways to increase the textile industry’s contribution to the New York State economy and increase private investment in the state's textile industry. The workgroup was established in Section 226 of the Agriculture and Markets Law, as amended in 2023.

The workgroup is convened by the Commissioners of Agriculture and Markets and Economic Development, or their designees. The group meets annually and is required to prepare and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature biennially on December 31, beginning in 2023. The workgroup is chaired by the Commissioner and is subject to Open Meetings Law as outlined in Article 7 of the New York Public Officers Law.

The Natural Fiber Textile Development Workgroup aims to:

• increase the economic contribution and number of employment opportunities in the NY textile industry;
• encourage and support private investment in NYS enterprises that produce and process natural fiber and textiles, while encouraging the development of new businesses within and supporting the textile industry;
• improve public knowledge of, and appreciation for, the benefits of natural fiber textiles; and
• increase the sales opportunities for NY produced natural fiber textiles both within, and outside of, NYS.

Members of the Natural Fiber Textile Development Workgroup represent various parts of the natural fiber textile industry in New York. These include, but are not limited to, a producer of animal based fibers, a producer of plant based fibers, a representative of a statewide agricultural organization, a representative of a statewide or regional organization of animal or plant based fiber producers, a representative of fiber and textile manufacturers, a representative from designers/producers, a representative of an academic institution offering textile or design education, and a representative of an academic institution offering fiber producing livestock education.

In January 2024, the Workgroup released the 2023 Natural Fiber Textile Development Workgroup Report.

Read the report