Wyden, Blumenauer claim victory in fight for cider-makers
Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., said Thursday their work to update outdated regulations and taxes for cider-makers in new legislation will promote continued job creation in Oregon’s growing cider industry.
The provisions included in the bipartisan Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, approved Thursday by the House, would modernize outdated cider regulations by broadening the definition of hard cider to remove the punitive tax on ciders containing pear, carbonation, or alcohol by volume (ABV) over 7 percent.
“I’m thrilled that cider-makers can toast in the new year with such good news to lift their growing industry to even greater heights in Oregon and nationwide,” Wyden said. “Bringing taxes and regulations into the 21 st century will free the cider industry to do what it does best — create more jobs for Oregonians and make a tasty product that’s in huge demand all over the country.”
“Cider holds a special and important place in our nation’s heritage and a growing place in Oregon’s economy,” said Blumenauer. “I’m excited we can update our laws to give small entrepreneurs across Oregon and the country stronger opportunities to thrive and perfect their craft.”
“The passage of the Cider Act creates an identity for US cider-makers through a consistent and rational tax that will allow for growth not only for the beverage of cider, but for the agriculture that supports it — the apple growers,” said James Kohn, co-owner of Salem-based Wandering Aengus Ciderworks.
“This is a major turning point to create a legitimate, diverse and sustainable cider industry in Oregon and across the country. Both Senator Wyden and Congressmen Blumenauer’s leadership on the passage of the Cider Act demonstrates how a delegation can truly work together to champion a start-up industry that needs rational regulation and taxing.”
