BILL NUMBER:  S7008

 TITLE OF BILL :

An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to
authorizing electronic benefit transfer technology at community
supported agriculture markets

 PURPOSE :

To expand the use of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) technology to
Community Supported Agriculture markets by providing EBT equipment
costs.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Section 1 expands section 262 of the Agriculture and Markets law to
include community supported agriculture (CSA) markets as eligible
recipients of state assistance for electronic benefit transfer
technology processing equipment.

Section 2 provides the effective date.

 EXISTING LAW :

Section 262 of the Agriculture and Markets law provides State aid for
              

farmers' markets, specifically at subsection (c), equipment costs
associated with improving farmers' market functions, including but not
limited to expanding access to electronic benefit transfer technology.

Further, the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides free electronic
benefit transfer equipment for eligible farmers' markets.

 JUSTIFICATION :

The NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance reported that in
December of 2015 more than 2.9 million New York State residents
received benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP). With several million New York State residents receiving SNAP
benefits, it is essential that New York continue to build on the
current momentum of expanding access to fresh, wholesome produce to
all residents in the state. This initiative will ensure that all
residents have the opportunity to shop at local markets by expanding
EBT access to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) markets.

Residents of rural communities statewide have limited access to
healthy, affordable foods. These low access communities are further
limited when the nearby retailer, corner store or local market is
stocked with a wealth of unhealthy food options. This problem is
further exacerbated when local markets or CSA's are unauthorized to
accepted EBT payment. Enabling a greater number of CSA markets to
accept EBT payment will expand the availability of nutritious foods to
all communities. CSA markets provide, including, fresh, locally
sourced vegetables, fruits, meats and dairy products, and can offer
residents year-long subscriptions or memberships in return for local,
healthy foods on a regular basis throughout the farming season.

Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Community Service
Agriculture markets (CSA) can register and be authorized Electronic
Benefit Transfer retailers, yet currently, in New York State
electronic benefit transfer equipment is not provided to Community
Supported Agriculture markets. Current law in New York provides
equipment costs associated with access to electronic benefit transfer
technology for farmers' markets, without mention to CSA markets.
Specific inclusion of CSA markets in current state law ensures that
CSA markets receive the equipment necessary to process EBT
transactions by authorizing the state to provide equipment costs
associated with the use of such equipment.

By permitting CSA markets access EBT processing equipment, the State
is ensuring that CSA markets have the necessary tools to provide
healthy foods to all residents of their communities. Authorizing and
equipping CSA markets with EBT technologies will encourage and foster
close relationships between farmers and the residents of their
communities, thereby, strengthening local economies.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

New bill.

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

To be determined.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.