BILL NUMBER:  S2898

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in
relation to establishing a one-stop farming hotline

 PURPOSE :

To provide farmers with access to essential and valuable information
on all aspects of farming, namely, tax credit programs, beginning
farmer loans, and sustainable practices.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Section 1 adds a new provision at section 216 of the Agriculture and
Markets law to establish and administer, with the assistance of the
Cornell cooperative extension, a toll free number for the purpose of
addressing issues and questions pertaining to farming.

Section 2 provides the effective date.

 JUSTIFICATION :

In recent years, New York State has made significant strides in
investing in programs that aim to help the agriculture industry
continue to grow. And, while these resources-like support for new
farmers, information on important research, assistance with passing
              

family farms on to the next generation and others-exist, many aren't
aware or don't know how to utilize them in a way that can help boost
their bottom lines.

Through this new measure, a "one-stop" hotline would be created to
help connect farmers with information on resources available to help
them grow their businesses. Developed under the guidance of Cornell
Cooperative Extension, the one-stop hotline would offer farmers and
those interested in becoming involved in the agriculture industry with
free information on various topics, including farm management,
finances, grant opportunities, research, marketing and more.

By helping farmers tap into information and resources they can use to
be successful, we can ensure that New York's leading industry
continues to grow.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

S.7273 Reported and Committed to Rules.

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

To be determined.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.