Governor Hochul announced on June 30th that $75 million will be put into New York’s dairy factories. Walton’s branch of “Lactalis” is receiving $15 million from that fund. Lactalis, the world’s largest dairy company, is giving the money for construction improvements to increase production.
In exchange, the state is offering tax incentives through the Excelsior program, which provides write-offs for job creation. The $15 million will create 20 more jobs and increase factory output by 30%.
Allison Stark, the Senior Director of Industry Development for Empire State Development, said: “Dairy is absolutely booming right now in New York. We’re really excited that the dairy industry has taken off the way that it has. So this is not just a win for the communities… but for the farmers as well. The farmers that are providing this milk to these companies, they’re all going to be able to expand and get additional sales.”
Lactalis USA CEO Esteve Torrens said in the press release, “Our Walton plant continues a rich tradition since 1882 of producing Breakstone’s Sour Cream and is essential to strengthening our cottage cheese business in a rapidly growing category. We are committed to supporting the communities of Buffalo and Walton as we continue to grow in those markets.”
Listen to hear how Stark says Delaware County will benefit and how environmental sustainability is taken into account.
Photo Courtesy of USDA/FPAC, taken by Preston Keres at Clark Farms Creamery in Delhi, New York