Governor Pataki Signs Bill into Law to Bring Back the 'Forbidden' Fruit; 100-Year Ban on Black Currant Farming Is Officially Reversed in New York.

Business Editors

CLINTON, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 7, 2003

New York State farmers may want to consider growing black currants, a berry banned from cultivation for the last century, but newly allowed now that a bill (S2592 LARKIN), passed unanimously by the New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly, has been signed into law by Governor George Pataki. "This is such exciting news since it is the first time in almost a century that all varieties of currants can be grown in New York State," says Greg Quinn, founder of Au Currant Enterprises, who, along with Senators Bill Larkin (R-C), Stephen Saland (R-C), John Bonacic (R-C), Vincent Leibell (R-C) and James Seward (R-C-I), played a vital role in the passage of this new bill. The bill was sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblyman Bill Magee (D), Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee.

The original black currant farming ban occurred when the United States began importing European white pine seedlings, and white pine blister rust disease came with them. "It was later found that this tree disease jumped from white pine to black currant bush to white pine," explains Steve McKay, black currant expert at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia County. "To protect the timber industry, by 1911, U.S. regulations were passed - and later repealed - which lead to the farming ban of this once popular berry."

By request of Quinn and McKay, scientists from Cornell University revisited the white pine blister rust issue. These experts concluded that the disease didn't pose the threat to white pines that was once believed. "This scientific support was what helped convince the New York State lawmakers that black currants can be grown in the state without creating a threat," adds Quinn. "Consequently, the Governor has signed the bill which has now become law." This is potentially very good news for the area's struggling farmers.

Senator Bill Larkin (R, C New Windsor) says, "This is a major agricultural achievement. Not only does this breathe life back into the New York farming industry, but this is an opportunity to set the standard for the farming of this crop - New York black currants." Larkin is referring to the state-recognized agriculture/marketing success of other crops, such as Idaho potatoes and Florida oranges.

"I am very pleased that Governor Pataki has signed this legislation," says Senator Saland (R,C Poughkeepsie). "Allowing black currants to be grown in New York State offers an exciting new opportunity for New York State farming. Eliminating restrictions on the growth of this fruit will offer local farmers a new economic development opportunity that has the potential to enhance our quality of life."

"The forbidden fruit is forbidden no more and that is truly great news for our farms and farmers, as it provides another product that they can grow on, perhaps, vacant or fallow land in an effort to increase their profitability and market what I am sure will be the latest craze in New York - the currant," says Assemblyman Bill Magee, Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee.

Funded by a combination of a Grow New York grant and a Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program grant, a new feasibility study, commissioned to investigate the potential for a black currant industry, predicts this berry becoming a $20 million crop in New York State and a $1 billion business nationwide (including retail products). The black currant, which is actually a deep, dark purple, is very popular in Europe and Canada, and is expected to be favored by Americans, as well, once it is more readily available and they learn of this berry's taste and health benefits.

"My goal is to encourage farmers and landowners to plant 5,000 acres of currants in New York State within the next decade, since there are many tax advantages for landowners who grow crops and, of course, the profit potential surpasses most existing crops," says Quinn. Through Au Currant, located in the Hudson Valley, Quinn has set up a management team to secure and assist landowners who want to have their land cultivated and planted with currants, but not necessarily become full-time farmers.

Crop failures and losses have not only led to the closing and selling off of hundreds of small farms in New York each year, but also the permanent loss of open spaces as these prime, open lands are snapped up by developers. "This is the first crop to come along in more than a half century that can provide New York farmers with a viable alternative to many of the crops which are now unprofitable," concludes Quinn.

For more information about Au Currant, its mission, the history of black currants and the health benefits of this once-forbidden fruit, visit www.aucurrant.com.

Note to Media: For additional information or to set up an interview with Greg Quinn, Steve McKay, Senator Bill Larkin, Senator Stephen Saland or Assemblyman Bill Magee, contact Heather Milazzo at [phone].