Valesky Passes Bill to Expand Successful Farm, Apple and Cuisine Trails

Bill passed with overwhelming support for bolstering New York’s local farms and agricultural businesses

ALBANY, NY - State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) passed his bill in the Senate on March 28 to expand the successful Farm, Apple and Cuisine Trail Designation Program, allowing for expanded upstate tourism and bolstering New York State’s local agricultural businesses.

“As New Yorkers, we are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in the country, with some of the best farm-fresh food in the world. With so much to offer, I am proud to help showcase local New York farms and cuisine by working to expand the successful Farm, Apple and Cuisine Trail Designation Program. This popular program has helped to promote some of our state’s hidden gems, and I can’t wait to explore everything that New York’s growers have to offer with each newly designated trail,” Sen. Valesky said.

The Farm, Apple and Cuisine Trail Designation Program promotes local farm, food and beverage opportunities throughout New York State by showcasing local agriculture along a designated route. Each trail is composed of up to 50 miles of similarly themed food and cuisine-tasting opportunities that New Yorkers and tourists alike can explore. The popular program has given upstate tourism a much-needed boost, allowing consumers to access rare local finds and local businesses to market to wider audiences, while working in conjunction with their larger community.

Sen. Valesky’s legislation will expand the focus of the trails to include gourmet foods and beverages, as well as allow the Department of Agriculture and Markets to designate 25 trails, up from ten, for both farm and cuisine purposes. It will also increase the maximum length of each trail to 75 miles.