New York wine and cheese competition planned at fair

The first "Pride of New York" award will be presented to a New York-based wine or cheese company in a competition being developed for next year's State Fair.

Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Darrel Aubertine is encouraging New Yorkers to submit ideas for the event, which is still being developed.

A link to information about the event is on the home page of the department at www.agriculture.ny.gov .

Jim Trezise, president of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, said a competition involving wines and cheeses from across the state will add a new element to the fair.

The wine industry is one of the fastest growing industries in New York's agricultural and tourism sectors, generating more than $3.7 billion annually in economic activity.

New York ranks fourth in cheese production.