COLUMBUS – The Chenango County Industrial Development Agency voted this morning to approve a sales tax exemption incentive totaling $3,837,297 for Agro Farma’s latest expansion, following a public hearing last night in Columbus.

In addition, IDA Chairman Thomas Knapp requested an informal report from Agro Farma regarding the number of local contractors that would work on the construction.

Agro Farma, makers of Chobani yogurt, requested the sales tax exemption and Payment in Lieu of Tax (PILOT) for Phase III of its $134 million expansion project, which includes a projected 106 new full-time positions created at the plant.

The PILOT on the assessed property tax of the expansion dictates a 50 percent abatement over a 10-year period.

In the past, the CCIDA has provided Agro Farma with incentives and assistance for projects totaling $100 million. The latest phase would add more than 100,000 square feet to the existing building as well as create a 17,400 square foot Employee Wellness Building and a 300-vehicle parking lot.

Numerous questions were raised in Columbus Wednesday night about the tax incentive and possible environmental concerns with the company’s additions.