Ritchie: Bill To Create North Country "Craft Beer Trail" Passes Senate

State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing a bill she sponsors that would help support local businesses and farmers by creating a “craft beer trail” has passed the Senate. 

Similar to the way in which wine trails have been established throughout the state, Senator Ritchie’s legislation (S.1914) would create a unique tourist destination—known as the “North Country Craft Beer Trail”—by linking craft breweries in Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties.

“More and more frequently, people are looking to eat—and drink—locally made products,” said Senator Ritchie, who serves as Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

“By creating the North Country Craft Beer Trail, and potentially establishing other Craft Beer Trails throughout the state in the future, we can support local businesses, create jobs and boost the bottom lines of our hardworking farmers.”

In recent years, New York’s craft beer sector has grown dramatically, with the number of breweries growing from 95 in 2012 to 320 in 2016.  In addition, New York State is 4th in the country when it comes to craft beer production and the industry has a total economic impact of $4 billion. 

This legislation is the latest effort by Senator Ritchie to highlight locally produced goods.  Last week, the Senate passed two measures supported by Senator Ritchie that will help expand markets for New York’s hard working farmers, which will provide the opportunity to easily enjoy fresh, locally grown products across the state.

The measure was sent to the Assembly, where it is sponsored by Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Assemblyman Bill Magee.