Lagrangeville, N.Y. – 9/10/2013 – Senator Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson) recently toured Dutchess Hops in Lagrangeville, NY. Senator Ball toured the hops farm to promote their upcoming event, Hudson Valley Hoptember Harvestfest.
Dutchess Hops is the first commercial hop farm in the Hudson Valley. Situated in the heart of Dutchess County’s agricultural region, Dutchess Hops plans to bring back an industry that the State of New York once controlled. Their mission is to provide an organically grown quality hop to brewers in New York State.
In 2012, the New York State Legislature passed legislation (S7727) to strengthen and help grow New York State's craft beer industry. The legislation has created a Farm Brewery license that will allow craft brewers to expand their operations through opening restaurants or selling new products.
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“Growing up I ran a small private dairy farm, grew a 2 acre market garden, and was also a member of 4-H in Dutchess County. Farming is close to my heart and I am very happy to see that Dutchess Hops has taken advantage of this legislation and is bringing hops farming back to the Hudson Valley,” said Senator Greg Ball. “I had a wonderful time touring the farm and wish them much luck at their event this weekend.”
This Saturday, Dutchess Hops will host Hudson Valley Hoptember Harvestfest. A local festival with local beer, food and music. The festival will be a chance for residents to meet local Hudson Valley Brewers and hop farmers. The proceeds of the event will support the promote of the Hudson Valley Beer Trail and Farmer’s Hop Harvester.
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“We at Dutchess Hops are thankful and excited to have Senator Ball's support on this farming and tourism initiative,” said Justin Riccobono, Farm Director of Dutchess Hops. “He has been very supportive and we are excited to bring a new industry to the region.”
In order to receive a Farm Brewery license, the beer must be made primarily from locally grown farm products. Until the end of 2018, at least 20% of the hops and 20% of all other ingredients must be grown or produced in New York State. From January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2023, no less than 60% of the hops and 60% of all other ingredients must be grown or produced in New York State. After January 1, 2024, no less than 90% of the hops and 90% of all other ingredients must be grown or produced in New York State. The beer manufactured under these guidelines would be designated as "New York State labeled beer." The legislation is modeled after the 1976 "Farm Winery Act," which spurred the growth of wine production in this state, including the creation of 249 farm wineries and tripling the number of wineries.
Senator Ball has also developed a Hops and Grains Advisory Council. Those that would like to join should contact Sara Ritz at SRitz@nysenate.gov or (518) 455 – 3111.
For more information about Dutchess Hops visit their website at: dutchesshops.com.
