Wednesday marked Governor’s Day at the New York State Fair. Gov. Kathy Hochul's annual visit included a tour, meeting fairgoers, food and an important announcement aimed at boosting the state’s agriculture industry.
New York’s maple industry is one of the biggest in the entire country, according to the New York State Maple Producers Association. On Wednesday, Hochul signed legislation that could make it stronger.
According to the governor's office, the legislation allows the leasing of state land to be used for sap production and tree tapping 10 years to increase the return on investment for producers, including maple producers.
“Which will allow maple producers to tap maple trees on state lands and give them a 10-year lease, which is different from timber contracts which are generally five-year leases," said Kristina Ferrare, the education coordinator for the New York State Maple Producers Association
Which producers say could be really beneficial.
“We do have the largest maple population in the United States," Ferrare said. "So we have many more maples than Vermont, and we have tremendous interest in the industry. So allowing this access to state lands is really going to be a boost for our industry.”
Other legislation includes authorizing the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation to enter into contracts for the lease or use of State lands for the purpose of tree tapping and sap production for a term of up to, but not more than, 10 years. Also, the governor signed legislation that provides crop loss determination for farm wineries to authorize the use of apples grown outside of New York state to be used for state-labeled cider when needed due to a loss of crops.
“As we celebrate the State Fair, we recognize that New York’s agriculture is a central component to our State’s economy,” Hochul said in a statement. “With the signing of this legislation, we continue our mission to uplift this community and prove we are here to support them every step of the way.”
Last year New York produced 750,000 gallons of maple syrup. The only state in the U.S. to exceed that number was Vermont. At the Fair, maple syrup, maple donuts, candy and more are available.
“The Maple Center has a long history at the New York State Fair," Ferrare said. "It’s the place where a lot of people look forward to coming once a year not only to buy their syrup but to get those special treats.”
Some fairgoers were around the governor on her tour hoping she continued to focus on agriculture.
“I think she should probably pay a lot of attention to the farm industry here," said Cornell native Jean Pawlak. "She should go to the dairy buildings, cattle buildings, and poultry buildings and really realizes what the farm industry means to New York state."
The governor says spending on food from New York increased from nearly $15 million in 2022 to about $78 million in 2023.
Last year, Hochul signed an executive order to boost the state's sourcing of local food to state agencies.
Hochul says this effort has a positive impact on farmers in New York.
The governor also announced state tourism generated a $137 billion economic impact last year, beating the previous highs in 2022. Ahead of foliage season, the I Love New York foliage reports begin on Sept. 12.
"We are really just exceeding records when it comes to drawing people to our state," Hochul said. "This is a huge attraction for us, but this, in addition to all of our other attractions – I'm going to give you this new number, just releasing it, a record setting 306 million visitors came to New York state last year alone. 306 million people. And fortunately for us, they spent $88 billion. So keep coming, keep spending. Come everywhere, come to the fair."