§ 226. Natural fiber textile development workgroup. 1. There is hereby
established within the department a natural fiber textile development
workgroup. The commissioner, in conjunction with the commissioner of
economic development shall convene an annual workgroup of stakeholders
which may include but not limited to a producer of animal-based fibers,
a producer of plant-based fibers, a representative of a statewide
agricultural organization, a representative of a regional or statewide
organization of animal or plant fiber producers, a representative of
fiber and textile manufacturers which is defined as a fiber processor or
spinning mill, a knitting mill, a weaving studio, or wet finishing
(dyeing, printing or fabric finishing), a representative from
designers/producers which is defined as including apparel, home textile
products, industrial textiles and healthcare products, and a
representative of an academic institution offering textile or design
education, and a representative of an academic institution offering
fiber-producing livestock education. This workgroup shall study and
identify methods to, including but not limited to:

(a) increase the economic contributions and employment opportunities
related to animal and plant fiber agriculture and textile manufacturing
in New York state;

(b) increase private investment in, and utilization of, New York state
produced and processed natural fibers in all categories of textile:
manufacturing including apparel, home textile products, industrial
textiles, and health care products;

(c) improve public understanding of and appreciation for natural fiber
textiles; and

(d) increase export and market opportunities for New York produced
natural fiber textiles.

2. The workgroup shall submit recommendations to the commissioner, the
commissioner of economic development, the speaker of the assembly, the
temporary president of the senate, the minority leader of the assembly
and the minority leader of the senate within one year of the effective
date of this section and every two years thereafter.