Big Package of Agriculture Legislation Passes State Senate Unanimously, Including Five Bills by Metzger

Albany, NY…Under the leadership of State Senator Jen Metzger (SD-42), who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, a package of nine bills to support New York farms went to the floor for a vote in the State Senate today, all passing unanimously, including five bills introduced by Senator Metzger.

“Hard-working New York farmers deserve our full support, and today the Senate is passing a package of legislation that will help reduce their costs, expand markets for their products, make access to technical support easier, and help nurture the next generation of farmers,” said Senator Metzger. “As Chair of the Agriculture Committee and representative of a district with two thousand small and mid-sized family farms, I recognize the vital importance of agriculture to our economy, our rural communities, and our long-term food security, and this package of legislation will help address the very real challenges facing New York's farms.”

A key bill in this package championed by Senator Metzger (S6773) would increase the existing Farm Workforce Retention Credit from $600 to $1,200 to farmers for employees who work 500 or more hours each year. Under the current tax law, New York farmers received $500 per eligible employee in 2019, and would receive $400 in 2020 and $600 in 2021, at which point the existing law would sunset. Metzger's legislation would extend the tax credit indefinitely, increasing the credit to $800 in 2021 and then to $1,200 per year thereafter. Metzger's bill is one of the Farm Bureau's top legislative priorities.

With farm labor costs in New York that are nearly twice the national average, the tax credit can help keep New York farms out of the red, and make sure that they can hire the workers they need.

“I want to thank Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins and my Senate colleagues for their support of this legislative package today, including the bill to increase the Farm Workforce Retention Credit, which will provide needed relief to New York farms struggling to compete with higher costs,” said Senator Metzger.

"This legislation is significant and demonstrates that Senator Metzger understands what farmers need," said Chris Kelder of Kelder's Farm and District 10 Director of the New York Farm Bureau. "Those of us who work the land know that the margins are thin, and having this kind of support will go a long way to sustain our operations.  Furthermore, it offers us additional incentives to hire and keep the farmworkers we need."

“The bill introduced by Senator Metzger to increase and extend the Farm Workforce Retention Credit is a positive measure to address the problem faced by all NYS farmers of how to remain profitable in an increasingly competitive employment environment,” said Peter Ferrante of Wallkill View Farm in New Paltz. “Senator Metzger’s action in support of NY agriculture is very much appreciated. Having had the opportunity to spend time visiting with the Senator on our farm last year, I was able to witness firsthand her enthusiastic appreciation of NY agriculture and her strong desire to work in the Senate to keep New York State a great place to farm. The passage of this bill further exemplifies Senator Metzger’s commitment to that goal.”

“The agricultural industry is crucial to the state economy and we must provide farmers with the support they need,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “The bills advanced by the Senate Majority will help struggling farms, encourage more New Yorkers to pursue agricultural jobs, and help increase access to locally grown food. I commend Senator Jen Metzger, Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, and the bill sponsors for their close attention to addressing the challenges faced by New York farmers and the state’s agriculture industry.”

The five bills introduced by Metzger include:

Farm Workforce Retention Credit Increase: This bill S6773 Sponsored by Senator Jen Metzger will allow the Farm Workforce Retention Credit to be increased from $600 to $1200.

Farm Product Holiday Promotions: This bill S2069 sponsored by Senator Jen Metzger authorizes the Department of Agriculture and Markets to promote and provide vendor information on New York State farm products for holiday celebrations.

Increased Farmers Markets in Parks: This bill S5822A sponsored by Senator Jen Metzger will permit more farmers markets in state and local parks. Increasing the number of available locations for farmers' markets and improving New Yorkers’ access to locally grown foods.

Farming Hotline: This bill S4655 sponsored by senator Jen Metzger will create a “one stop” hotline to connect farmers with information resources to grow their businesses, such as tax credit programs, beginning farmer loans, and sustainable practices

Agricultural Custom Operator Protections: This bill S5437 sponsored by Senator Jen Metzger defines agricultural custom operator and provides them with district protections.

Other bills passed by the Senate today with Senator Metzger's co-sponsorship include:

Regional Farmers Market Expansion: This bill S251 sponsored by Senator Tim Kennedy will allow the Department of Agriculture and Markets to establish or expand existing regional farmers' markets. Particularly in areas of the state that have poor consumer access to high quality and reasonably priced fresh food and farm products. 

Young Farmer Apprentice Program: This bill S3873 sponsored by Senator Rachel May will establish an agriculture program for students. This program will be developed through BOCES to encourage and educate young farmers.

New York Farm School and School Garden Fund: This bill S3804A sponsored by senator Rachel May will create a fund which will provide schools the resources to build school gardens, purchase gardening equipment and educational materials. The funding of these programs will give students hands on experience in agriculture and promote their use of local products. 

New York Craft Beverage Permit: This bill S6653 sponsored by senator James Skoufis will establish a temporary craft beverage permit. Which will allow licensed New York state farm distilleries and producers of special spirits to apply for temporary 24-hour permits.