Albany, N.Y. (AP) — The first "Pride of New York" award will be presented to a New York-based wine or cheese company in a competition being developed for next year's State Fair.
Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Darrel Aubertine is encouraging New Yorkers to submit ideas for the event, which is still being developed. A link to information about the event is on the home page of the department at agriculture.ny.gov.
Jim Trezise, president of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, said a competition involving wines and cheeses from across the state will add a new element to the fair.
The wine industry is one of the fastest growing industries in New York's agricultural and tourism sectors, generating more than $3.7 billion annually in economic activity.
New York ranks fourth in cheese production.
