New York bill backs local fibre production

NEW YORK – New York State has passed a new bill to support local textile and garment manufacturing. The proposed legislation includes incentives for using local materials and new training programmes for small business owners. The act also proposes, “New York grown fibre from hemp, sheep, goats, alpaca and other sources which will create new opportunities for farms and textile producers.”

As part of the New York Textile Act, the state will also create a Natural Fiber Textile Workgroup which will aim to increase the economic contributions and employment opportunities related to animal and plant fibre agriculture and textile manufacturing in New York; boost private investment in New York state-produced and natural fibres for apparel; and increase export opportunities for New York-produced natural fibres.

The act establishes discretionary purchase limits for public agencies to purchase animal or plant fiber products or textile products manufactured from animal or plant fiber grown or produced predominantly in New York state.

It also establishes an annual award that will recognise efforts by farmers, fibre processors, textile manufacturers and retailers for textiles manufactured in New York State from animal or plant fibre grown or produced predominantly there.

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.”

“We are spooling together strong investments in textiles grown and manufactured in New York, helping ensure our businesses remain strong and innovative. 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.”

“Locally produced textiles, and the farmers that make them, are an important part of New York agriculture, and we look forward to supporting our producers as they grow their businesses, which will, in turn, provide a boost to the state economy and our local communities,” said State agriculture commissioner Richard A. Ball.

State Sen. Michelle Hinchey added: “We created the New York Textile Act to make New York an economic and climate-fighting superpower in farm-grown textiles, and its signing today is a massive win that incentivizes this burgeoning manufacturing sector to soar. Kickstarted by our legislation, the fabrics of the future will be grown on New York farms with small business incentives to support a state-wide manufacturing ecosystem.”

Assembly member Carrie Woerner, a cosponsor of the bill, said New York had historically been a leading textile-producing state and the new law will help existing programs, such as the Hudson Valley Textile Project, which is already working to rebuild the state’s textile industry.