New York Yogurt Manufacturer to Build New Dairy Plant

Company’s new facility will create 450 jobs, increase demand for milk.

New York-based dairy product manufacturer Agro Farma will invest $97 million to build and equip a new dairy processing facility in Columbus, N.Y.
 
Agro Farma, New York’s largest dairy manufacturer, is receiving $16 million in incentives from Empire State Development for the new facility, located 46 miles southeast of Syracuse.
 
“Agro Farma's expansion in Chenango County will create hundreds of new jobs and increase the demand for milk from New York dairy farms,” Governor Andrew Cuomo announced July 21. “The dairy farming industry is vital to New York and today’s announcement is part of my administration's commitment to invest in our state's agricultural community and bring jobs to New York. I thank Agro Farma for their commitment to manufacturing quality products and providing meaningful work to hundreds of New Yorkers. We will continue to work hard to attract business and foster economic growth all across the Empire State.”
 
Based in Norwich, N.Y., Agro Farmer uses milk exclusively from New York dairy farms to produce Chobani, the No. 1 brand of yogurt in the U.S.
 
In addition to yogurt, the new facility will be capable of producing cultured products such as sour cream and may expand to include other milk-derived products.
 
Agro Farma's increased capacity to produce more dairy products is expected to increase the demand for milk produced in New York State.
 
The new investment continues Agro Farma's recent growth including $115 million invested in property and plant improvements over the past five years. The project will retain 386 employees and create 450 new jobs.