In a move that signals great news for the Mid-Hudson Valley, Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Mid Hudson) applauded the recent announcement to allow family farms in New York State to grow from 199 cows to 299 cows before certain costly standards apply. More than 800 New York farms could see benefits once implemented.

“Allowing dairy farmers to expand to meet current needs without the burden of new fees will help strengthen and bring new life to our state’s economy,” Assemblymember Barrett said. “Agriculture has always been – and always will be – a critical economic engine in the Mid-Hudson Valley. The booming yogurt and artisanal cheese industry here in our backyard, is just further evidence.”

In addition to the announcement, Assemblymember Barrett added that new reports show that New York surpassed California as the nation’s largest yogurt producer, generating 692 million pounds of yogurt last year. In the past five years, New York’s yogurt plants nearly tripled their production.

Barrett has remained a steadfast advocate for farmers and agriculture, speaking out about the critical importance of both to New York’s economy. Easing this regulation will help remove a burdensome financial barrier that has stalled dairy farmers’ development, giving them more breathing room and new opportunities to grow and create jobs, she added.

Previously, the licensing procedure for having more than 199 cows was very expensive, costing farmers upward of $150,000.