SYRACUSE, NY — Apples grown outside of New York state can be used in state-labeled cider when needed to compensate for the loss of crops.

It was among three new pieces of legislation aimed at supporting agriculture that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed while attending the Great New York State Fair.  Another of the new laws allows farmers to lease state land, for up to 10 years, to tap trees for the production of syrup. The third law establishes the Beginning Farmer Advisory Board on Agriculture, which will help new farmers get a foothold in the industry.

NYS Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo spearheaded getting the legislation passed and thanked Hochul for signing it. “Supporting New York’s beginning farmers, along with helping our maple and apple producers thrive, is part of our commitment to all things New York agriculture.”