Lupinacci Calls for Protections for New York's Craft Beer Industry

Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci (R,C,I,Ref.—South Huntington), in a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), called for the federal government to expand crop insurance to New York state counties producing malt barley. Malt barley, a crop that serves as the backbone for New York state’s booming craft beer and distillery industry, has not been insured by the USDA, which has made New York farmers reluctant to grow the crop and limit its supply for the state’s craft beer boom.

With 31 breweries in the county, Suffolk leads the state in craft beer production and has produced many critically acclaimed local brews. Lupinacci notes that by increasing the supply of malt barley, New York can continue to supply this growing industry with this vital crop, and in turn, increase tourism to regions like Huntington, home to five craft breweries.

“Suffolk County is the craft beer capital of New York state,” said Lupinacci. “With many brewers using locally grown ingredients, we need to have available supply. This can only be done through encouraging our farmers to produce the necessary ingredients that will keep our local beers on tap at tasting rooms, taverns, restaurants, and distributors.

"As a nationwide leader in the industry, craft beer creates thousands of jobs throughout our region, from the harvesting and distribution of malt-barley to the brewing and serving of the product. This is a common-sense measure that will keep this industry thriving, and tourists visiting, while contributing to small businesses throughout our town, county, and state.”

Mark Heuwetter, a microbrewer from the Huntington area, said that he supports Lupinacci’s and Sen. Charles Schumer’s efforts, with the hope that an increase in supply could help decrease costs on local breweries operating on Long Island. “Products are hard to source and prices are high as demand exceeds supply,” said Heuwetter. “Measures like these would do nothing but help the industry from a price standpoint… helping secure local products from local farm brewers, and help small guys like me.”

“I am proud to stand with our farmers, our brewers, our restaurant owners, and the countless small businesses that benefit from make-local, shop-local, and buy-local initiatives. By enacting this measure, we are helping our small businesses, mom-and-pop shops and main streets thrive,” concluded Lupinacci.