Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-Utica/Rome) announced that a bill she co-sponsored and helped pass to add animal- and plant-based fibers to the list of farm products promoted and marketed by the state Department of Agriculture and Markets has been signed into law (Ch. 285 of 2021). This law allows fiber producers to participate in the New York State Grown and Certified Program.

“While the Grown and Certified Program has helped elevate and promote dozens of local New York products, such as cheese, maple syrup and even Christmas trees, it has so far excluded products like sheep’s wool and hemp-based clothing from the program,” Assemblywoman Buttenschon said. “The farmers who work hard to create these products deserve to have the fruits of their labor similarly showcased.”

The Grown and Certified Program is overseen by the Department of Agriculture and Markets and promotes certain New York agricultural products by providing a special seal on the products’ labels, packaging and advertisements. Including fiber in the list of products endorsed by the program will help local farmers and provide a much-needed economic boost, Buttenschon noted.