BILL NUMBER: S9002

SPONSOR: HINCHEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to defining
therapeutic agriculture for purposes of community gardens

 
PURPOSE:

The purpose of this legislation is to define therapeutic agriculture and
clarify that it is eligible for grants and other benefits which are
currently available to community gardens and their operations.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Section 3I-g of the Agriculture and Markets law is amended by
adding a new subdivision 7.

Section 2: Established the effective date.

 
              

JUSTIFICATION:

Being outdoors has long been recognized for not only its physical bene-
fits but also its mental health benefits. The Mayo Clinic health system
reports "Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce heart rate and
muscle tension. Sunlight lowers blood pressure and increases vitamin D
levels." Being outdoors, gardening and taking part in agricultural prac-
tices such as tending crops or livestock, watering, and weeding can have
a soothing effect and ease individual stress giving those suffering with
physical or mental health conditions, disability, or other special needs
an opportunity to tend to their body, mind and spirit.

This bill defines therapeutic agriculture as the use of agricultural
activities, including fanning, gardening, and animal husbandry, as a
means of promoting physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, rehabili-
tation, and therapy for individuals with physical or mental health
conditions, disabilities or other special needs.

By putting the definition of therapeutic agriculture into law, organiza-
tions looking to deliver this form of therapy to those experiencing
physical or mental health condition, disability, or other special needs,
will have access to greater resources through state grants and programs.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

This legislation will have no fiscal implications for State or Local
governments.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.