Hinchey's ‘New York Textile Act’ Signed into Law to Strengthen New York’s Manufacturing Industry

KINGSTON, NY – Senator Michelle Hinchey today announced the signing of her bill, the New York Textile Act (S8741A), which will open economic development incentives and technical assistance to stimulate New York’s textile manufacturing industry.

S8741A-Hinchey includes several key provisions, such as incentivizing public agencies to purchase natural fiber products made in New York State and inducting animal and plant fiber farmers into the New York State Grown & Certified Program so that local producers have access to marketing and promotional resources and support. Hinchey’s legislation also creates a Natural Fiber Textile Workgroup, chaired by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, to expand workforce development and employment opportunities in textile manufacturing, increase private investment in the industry as well as export and market opportunities for New York-produced natural fiber textiles, and generate opportunities for natural fibers to be used in diverse categories, including clothing, healthcare products, home textile products, and industrial textiles.

In addition, the bill establishes annual textile awards to promote industry excellence honoring the work of New York farmers, fiber processors, textile manufacturers, and retailers. The bill also authorizes the Department of Economic Development to share emerging research about natural fiber textile manufacturing and best practices for industry growth with the State Legislature and Governor’s office to inform policy. 

“We created the New York Textile Act to make New York an economic and climate-fighting superpower in farm-grown textiles, and its signing is a massive win that incentivizes this burgeoning manufacturing sector to soar,” Senator Michelle Hinchey said. “Kickstarted by our legislation, the fabrics of the future will be grown on New York farms with small business incentives to support a statewide manufacturing ecosystem. New York will lead innovation in the fabric space, and I thank my fellow bill sponsor, Assemblymember Carrier Woerner, for her partnership on this industry-generation legislation and Governor Hochul for signing it.”

"We are spooling together strong investments in textiles grown and manufactured in New York, helping ensure our businesses remain strong and innovative," Governor Hochul said. "I am proud to sign this legislation, which will support New York farmers and lay the foundation for expanding the burgeoning textile industries that call this state home, helping spur economic growth for decades to come."

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