§ 180-a. General functions. There is hereby created an agricultural
economic development program, the purpose of which shall be to target
and promote:

1. agricultural resources industry development in ways which are
economically sustainable and environmentally sound;

2. public awareness and understanding of the economic, cultural and
environmental importance of New York agriculture;

3. the development, retention, diversification and expansion of the
agricultural resources industry in ways that will enhance related
efforts of federal, state and local agencies, commissions, committees,
associations, trade groups and manufacturers;

4. electronic and other information shared related to the agriculture
resources industry;

5. the development of financing mechanisms for the establishment,
retention, diversification and expansion of new and existing value added
agricultural products for sale in local, national and international
markets;

6. demonstration projects which would improve business profitability
in the marketing, processing, storage or manufacture of agricultural
products;

7. the review of any regulatory barriers which may impede the
development, retention, diversification or expansion of the agricultural
resources industry;

8. geographically balanced public input and advice from individuals
and agencies directly involved with the production, processing,
manufacturing and storage of agricultural products; and such other
individuals and agencies as may be engaged in state and local activities
in support of economic development in the agriculture resource industry;

9. the establishment and purposes of the New York state council on
food policy established pursuant to subdivision six-a of section sixteen
of the agriculture and markets law; and

10. all things necessary or convenient to carry out the functions,
powers and duties expressly set forth in this article.