The new economic development bill passed by the state legislature over the summer will allow for the sale of vineyard wines at local farmers’ markets, a positive step in the promotion of agriculture and the marketing for sale of Massachusetts products.
Massachusetts wineries can now set up and sell locally produced wines alongside other agricultural products. Farmers’ markets can now apply for a liquor license from the city or town they are operating in and enforce underage drinking laws, just as any restaurant, bar, or package store would.
The local Mattapoisett paper discusses how the new law is a real boost to the 39 farm wineries and over 200 farmers’ markets in the Commonwealth and the employment associated with them. Locally grown wines are the highest value-added commodity produced in Massachusetts.”
Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation Executive Director Doug Gillespie was quoted as saying that the new law opens markets to a growing industry.
“This new law provides a broadening of the market opportunities and allows farmers to showcase their products before our consumers,” Gillespie said. “The Massachusetts Legislature has provided a step forward for one of the fastest growing agriculture sectors.”
The wine industry sees opportunities as a result of the legislation. “Farm wineries will see a tremendous benefit by having a new sales opportunity for our local products,” said Kip Kumler from the Massachusetts and Growers Association, and owner of Turtle Creek Winery in Lincoln.
