New York § 226 - 226Natural fiber textile development workgroup

§ 226. 226Natural fiber textile development workgroup

§ 226. Natural fiber textile development workgroup. 1. There is hereby established within the department a natural fiber textile development workgroup. The commissioner, in conjunction with the commissioner of economic development shall convene an annual workgroup of stakeholders which may include but not limited to a producer of animal-based fibers, a producer of plant-based fibers, a representative of a statewide agricultural organization, a representative of a regional or statewide organization of animal or plant fiber producers, a representative of fiber and textile manufacturers which is defined as a fiber processor or spinning mill, a knitting mill, a weaving studio, or wet finishing (dyeing, printing or fabric finishing), a representative from designers/producers which is defined as including apparel, home textile products, industrial textiles and healthcare products, and a representative of an academic institution offering textile or design education, and a representative of an academic institution offering fiber-producing livestock education. This workgroup shall study and identify methods to, including but not limited to: (a) increase the economic contributions and employment opportunities related to animal and plant fiber agriculture and textile manufacturing in New York state; (b) increase private investment in, and utilization of, New York state produced and processed natural fibers in all categories of textile: manufacturing including apparel, home textile products, industrial textiles, and health care products; (c) improve public understanding of and appreciation for natural fiber textiles; and (d) increase export and market opportunities for New York produced natural fiber textiles. 2. The workgroup shall submit recommendations to the commissioner, the commissioner of economic development, the speaker of the assembly, the temporary president of the senate, the minority leader of the assembly and the minority leader of the senate within one year of the effective date of this section and every two years thereafter.