BILL NUMBER: S4911
SPONSOR: HINCHEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to exempt-
ing processors of syrup made from tree sap or honey from certain licens-
ing requirements
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this legislation is to exempt processors of syrup from
tree sap or honey from needing to acquire certain licensing, following
the already existing exemptions for maple syrup, as required under the
agriculture and markets law. Processors will be allowed to apply for an
exemption provided they do not purchase such products for repackaging or
combine them with any other products or ingredients.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: The Agriculture and Markets Law is amended to include
provisions that exempt processors of syrup made from tree sap or honey
from the requirements outlined in the previous section establishes
certain regulations said processors must adhere to remain exempt.
Section 2: Establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York State is the second largest producer of maple syrup in the
United States, producing approximately 750,000 gallons in 2023. The
maple industry is highly active in many portions of the state with sugar
shacks and Maple Weekend activities. As New York's maple farmers contin-
ue to expand the use of their products and develop new varieties of
syrup, the licensing requirements should evolve accordingly.
Chapter 195 of the Laws of 2021 was enacted allowing fanners to produce
syrups made from other tree saps and honey. As it currently stands,
maple syrup producers who do not purchase products for repackaging or
combine their products with additives are exempt from certain licensing
requirements pursuant to regulations (1 CRit-NY 276.4 Application of
general certification standards.)
However, these regulatory exemptions were not expanded for other syrup
products following the same standard, leading to confusion regarding the
licensing processes for other tree syrups such as birch syrup. To ease
the burden of farmers and encourage the expansion and innovation of the
industry, these licensing exemptions should be expanded to include all
syrups made from tree saps and honey.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is new legislation.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
This legislation will have no fiscal implications for State or local
government.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.