State applications are now being accepted for the operation of custom craft beverage production centers to provide space and equipment to those looking to produce beer, wine, or cider for home consumption, in the North Country and around the state, reports a press release issued by the governor’s office.

The State Liquor Authority, the agency overseeing the application process, will provide new licenses to facilitate the production of homemade beer, wine and cider.

Licenses are available to both current craft manufacturers seeking to establish a secondary business at their current location, or businesses seeking to open a standalone custom homemade craft beverage production center.

New York's craft beverage industry is one of the fastest growing in the nation, claims a press release from the governor’s office, however in urban and suburban areas, residents often cannot afford or do not have access to the appropriate space or equipment to manufacture products at home.

In addition to providing space and lowering the overhead costs, state officials believe the new custom production centers will also increase demand for locally grown ingredients, generate revenue for New York's small craft manufacturers and provide expert hands-on training for hobbyists and those exploring joining the growing ranks of craft producers across the state.

Applications for current craft manufacturers to add a custom manufacturing facility to their existing premises and applications for those not currently holding a manufacturing license are available on the state liquor authority’s website, www.sla.ny.gov.

"The new license will enable wineries, breweries, and cideries in New York State to expand their services and encourage additional growth within the prosperous craft beverage industry. Farmers will benefit as well as the expansion will increase the demand for locally grown fruits and other farm grown ingredients needed to produce the home brews," said New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher of Madrid.

New York is now home to over 600 farm wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries, said the press release from the governor’s office. The number of farm wineries in New York has increased by nearly 70 percent, from 195 in 2010 to 329 today, while the number of farm distilleries grew from just 10 in 2010 to 114 today.

Two new licenses have been created since 2011: the farm brewery license in 2013 and the farm cidery license in 2014, with New York now home to 163 farm breweries and 34 farm cideries.