The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has issued an important notice under the Agricultural Producers Security Program under Article 20 of the Agriculture and Markets Law (Licensing & Sale of Farm Products), which provides for the licensing of all dealers who buy or receive farm products from New York producers in excess of $20,000 annually to resell at wholesale.
The purpose of the law is to:
- ensure that New York State producers are paid fully and promptly;
- ensure payment in the event a dealer defaults in payment; and
- suppress and prevent any unfair and fraudulent marketing practices.
The Department administers the licensing process, conducts audits of licensed dealers, investigates complaints of unfair and fraudulent practices, and initiates enforcement action for violations to the Article 20 Law.
The Department has announced that a licensed dealer has defaulted on payments for wine grapes purchased during the license year May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025. As part of the claims process, grape growers who sold product to the dealer listed in the notice may be eligible to file a claim to recover payment.
How to File a Claim
Deadline: Claims must be submitted by October 9, 2025.
How to File: Producers can email, mail, or download claim forms directly from the Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Download the Official Claim Notice (PDF) Here
For more information, growers can contact the Division of Agricultural Development at 518-457-7076 or email FPDL@agriculture.ny.gov or visit https://agriculture.ny.gov/licenses/farm-products-dealer-licensing.
