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With a long history of combing agriculture and manufacturing, Chautauqua County is experienced in creating an economic climate where agri-business thrives. We are very pleased to see the results of the new countywide hops and grains study, which confirms that our region is ripe for providing agricultural capacity and processing facilities to provide materials for the growing brewing, distilling, and baking industries. Announced by county officials and an agricultural entrepreneur this past week, the results of the study show that the project is viable. County Executive George Borrello, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, and Grow Chautauqua developer Chris LaCorata announced the results. The study evaluated the concept, the market in the region, the technical capacity, and financial support available to incentivize grain growing and establish a processing facility. Much of the current production of hops and grains used in the beverage industry currently comes from the northwest United States. The results of this study demonstrate that Chautauqua County can become an east coast anchor region for brewery ingredients, providing a supply chain for hops and barley. In addition, under state law, by 2024 no less than 90 percent of the hops and other ingredients must be grown in New York State to receive a NYS Farm Brewery license. That makes it all the more important that local and regional growers participate in the process. With the burgeoning brewing and distilling industries in the region and a continuing focus on local products, the comprehensive approach is innovative and exciting. The study demonstrates that Grow Chautauqua will create upwards of 400 jobs. The developer estimates $14-million in investments will be required to make this project happen. The study was funded by Chautauqua County, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, and the Gebbie Foundation. We are encouraged about this unique project. Our long history in grape growing and processing as well as other agricultural products in Chautauqua County is expanding. It’s an exciting prospect and we look forward to this new endeavor.