New York By Rail 14th ed. | Page 16

Amtrak partners with the Taste NY initiative to bring regional foods and beverages onboard 14 | New York By Rail A s any train traveler through New York State can tell from looking out the window at acres of farmland, agriculture is a major regional industry. That’s the reason behind Taste NY, an initiative launched by Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2013 to promote the state’s farms as well as its food and beverage industries. The program, which is overseen by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, creates opportunities for regional farmers and producers to sell goods at venues statewide. Gross sales of New York products from more than 60 locations throughout the state (at Taste NY standalone stores, state parks, Thruway travel plazas and concessions at sports arenas and entertainment venues) increased from $1.5 million in 2014 to $4.5 million in 2015; in 2016, sales exceeded $13.1 million. Taste NY’s success “is really a testament to the fact that there’s a Amtrak.com DEFENDER) FLAVOR of the State