That’s according to U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D–N.Y.).
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) allocated the funding for Hartwick’s Center for Craft Food and Beverage in Otsego County.
The laboratory will provide testing, research, and technical assistance to farmers who want to cultivate value-added crops, such as malting barley and grains.
It’ll also help small businesses, such as craft maltsters, who process the “necessary” raw farm products, the lawmakers said in a news release that Gillibrand’s office released Wednesday.
Hartwick College is “grateful” to the Appalachian Regional Commission for its continued support of the Hartwick College Center for Craft Food and Beverage, Margaret Drugovich, president of Hartwick College, said in the release.
“It is gratifying to know that the Commission joins Hartwick in our passion for advancing the development of the craft food and beverage industry in this region of New York … their ongoing support is key to our work with local farmers and the industries that support them,” said Drugovich.
The ARC is a partnership between the federal government and 12 state governments focusing on investment in the Appalachian region. It awards grants on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the ARC’s priorities and demonstrate financial need.
“Our new testing facilities will enable local farmers to have access to affordable, accurate, and timely information on the value of their crop opening to support their marketing efforts,” Aaron MacLeod, director of the Hartwick College Center for Craft Food & Beverage, said. “Value-added crops like malting barley help small farms stay in business, and contribute to the economic development of our region.”
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com