As part of the opening ceremonies for New York Fashion Week, Governor Kathy Hochul praised the state’s thriving fashion industry and its contribution to the state’s economy.
With about 312,000 employees in New York and over US$24 billion in salary revenue for the state as a whole each year, the industry is still a major source of employment and revenue for the state. Additionally, it advances the nation’s front-runner initiatives for environmental stewardship and sustainability. Governor Hochul also announced the recommendations of the Natural Textile Development Workgroup, whose objective was to increase the State’s economic contribution from natural fibres and textiles, which are the essential components of the fashion sector.
The Governor’s budget includes a US$5 million investment for the processing of hemp and biobased products, which might increase the production of fibre for use in clothing and design.
Governor Hochul’s announcement contained recommendations from the Natural Textile Development Workgroup, which was brought together by Empire State Development, the Department of Agriculture and Markets, and other stakeholders from the textile industry and other relevant disciplines.
Increasing the sector’s employment base, researching and figuring out how to boost private investment in the state’s natural fibre and textile production and processing companies, fostering the growth of new businesses within and supporting the natural fibre industry, and raising public awareness of the benefits of natural fibre textiles and the opportunities for sales both within and outside of New York State are just a few of the workgroup’s goals.
