Throughout New York State, we have seen how independent vineyards can deploy traditional techniques to generate a regionally unique agricultural product. Now, we must cut the red tape to allow such a beneficial product to be sold and marketed more widely while empowering new grape growers.

Recently, I voted in favor of Assembly bill 7828-A, which curbs the crippling policies that hamper the wine industry rather than facilitate its growth. This legislation would:

• Allow the owner of a winery license to sell wine in bulk to wholesalers, retailers and other major distributors.
• Reduce the number of specialized licenses for wineries and farm wineries, providing a more efficient registration process.
• Allow wineries and farm wineries to charge event operators for the use of their premises.

We work hard in this state to provide for our citizens, but we also have an enormous wall standing between the laws established in the past and our fine family-owned farms and businesses. My colleagues and I have taken a step to eliminate archaic and redundant measures in our agricultural laws. I want New York to stand with California, France and Italy as the best producers of wine in the world. By reducing the red tape and expanding sales for our wineries, New York will be on its way.