December 14, 2015
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Albany, NY

Governor Cuomo Announces Growth of New York Agricultural Sales Outpaces National Average

Governor Cuomo Announces Growth of New York Agricultural Sales Outpaces National Average
New York Industry Sets New Record and Sees a $1.7 Billion Increase in Cash Receipts Since 2010

Governor Cuomo today announced the growth of agricultural sales in New York outpaced the national average, with cash receipts up 36 percent across the state and only 32 percent nationally. In 2014, farmers in New York State also set a new record for sales with $6.36 billion in cash receipts, up from $4.7 billion in 2010, representing a nearly $1.7 billion increase in gross income from sales of crops, livestock, and other products.

“New York State is home to thriving agricultural businesses known for their high-quality products and award-winning tastes,” Governor Cuomo said. “This administration’s continued commitment to cutting through the red tape, lowering costs and investing in this vital industry is paying dividends today. I congratulate all of New York’s farmers on another banner year.”

Since taking office, Governor Cuomo has made the state’s agricultural economy a top priority, supporting agricultural research, promoting locally grown and produced foods, helping to market the booming craft beverage industry, and connecting our farmers and agri-businesses to new markets through farmers’ markets, Taste NY stores and increased procurement opportunities.

As a result, New York has seen a surge in average gross income and a significant increase in sales of many of the state’s top commodities. Since 2010, the following commodities have shown the greatest increases:

  • Poultry and eggs up 63 percent to $206 million;
  • Peaches up 80 percent to $12.6 million;
  • Honey production up 59 percent to just under $9 million;
  • Cattle production up 132 percent to $415 million; and
  • Hay up 173 percent to $147 million.

The national estimates for the same commodities for the same period are:

  • Poultry and eggs up 39 percent;
  • Peaches up 2 percent;
  • Honey production up 38 percent;
  • Cattle production up 59 percent; and
  • Hay up 63 percent.

The New York dairy industry also saw record high dairy prices in 2014, constituting approximately half of the state’s agricultural receipts.

The Governor’s Taste NY initiative continues to expand since its launch in 2013, helping to link our local producers and growers to consumers around the world through events, culinary tours and several Taste NY stores. This year, the state opened four Taste NY stores, including the first store outside New York State in Puerto Rico. There are now 11 Taste NY stores along our highways and in our transportation hubs, enabling travelers to buy New York State’s homegrown and homemade products. The Taste NY Market at Todd Hill recently exceeded $1 million in sales. The state also held three Taste NY Culinary Tours in 2015 that brought together more than 100 restaurateurs, many from downstate, to the Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley and Long Island regions to experience the quality and diversity of agricultural products specific to the region and encourage local sourcing.

Governor Cuomo has made great strides in helping our agricultural producers and growers tap into the New York City marketplace, and connect with our schools. The recently announced Farm to School program will assist Pre-K-12 schools procure and serve healthy, locally grown foods on school menus, bolstering the demand for agricultural products. In addition, partnerships across the state and in particular, downstate, are helping the industry bring its goods and products to the state’s growing number of farmers’ markets.

Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York is also leading the growth of the rapidly expanding farm-based beverage industry. The overhaul of legislative and regulatory policies, coupled with substantial improvements to the state’s business climate, have stimulated record growth in craft producers, while increasing demand of agricultural producers. Since 2011, the industry overall has grown 154 percent. New York now has more than more than 800 beer, wine, spirits, and cider businesses, contributing over $27 billion to New York’s economy annually.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “With the Governor’s commitment to growing the agricultural economy and New York State farmers' increased innovation and resiliency, New York State has a winning combination. There’s no doubt the agricultural economy is stronger now than ever. With record sales and a significant growth trend in sales of many key commodities, New York continues to be a leader in agriculture.”

Dean Norton, New York Farm Bureau President said, “The growth of agricultural sales demonstrates that farming in this state is an extremely important industry to New York’s rural economy. It could not have been possible without the hard work and commitment demonstrated on farms in every region to produce quality products that consumers want. The growth also demonstrates what is possible when the State improves the business climate for family farms and invests in industry promotion.”

According to a study conducted by Cornell Professor Todd Schmit, New York’s agricultural sector has a strong multiplier effect on the state’s economy. For every dollar spent in agricultural output, an additional $.43 is generated for non-agricultural industries. In addition, every new job created within agriculture leads to the creation of .80 non-agricultural jobs.