The Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo has signed a legislation to support the state’s craft beverage industry.

The A.10128A/S.7793A bill will expand business opportunities for New York distilleries.

Cuomo has also signed a bill to expand tax credits for farmers and encourage the growth of hops production.

Cuomo said: “This administration’s efforts to roll back regulations and lower costs for New York’s craft beverage industry continues to fuel the growth of breweries, distilleries, as well as cideries and wineries, in every corner of this state.

“By providing new opportunities to increase the production of crops and craft beverages, this new legislation will help further diversify New York-made products, support our farms, spur job growth and continue to grow the state’s booming $100bn tourism industry.”

“This new legislation will help further diversify New York-made products, support our farms, spur job growth and continue to grow the state’s booming $100bn tourism industry.”

Hops crops do not reach full production until years after planting, which has prompted the recent decision. The new law will see certain orchards and vineyards qualify for a property tax exemption without the need to meet a previous $10,000 sales requirement.

The A.10097/S.8841 bill will come into effect immediately. It will encourage farmers to plant new hopyards in the state to provide relief from the annual gross sales requirement.

The bill also offers limited tax exemption for those who replant or expand their production of hops for the first six years.

This action will help New York’s agricultural sector respond to the growing demand for farm breweries, which require hops grown in the state to qualify for a farm brewery license.

In addition, the A.10128A/S.7793A legislation will allow businesses holding a farm distillery license to contract with a member of the public to produce custom liquor for that individual’s consumption.

The new legislation is expected to support the state’s growing craft beverage industry and the number of farm-based manufacturers.