SEN. FARLEY ANNOUNCES SENATE GIVES FINAL PASSAGE TO BILL TO HELP ATTRACT NEW FARMERS

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I – Schenectady) reported that he and his colleagues in the New York State Senate gave final passage to a measure that would help make it easier to become a farmer for people new to the profession. Bill S7011A makes more potential farmland available to new farmers by creating an inventory of state lands that could be purchased or leased for agricultural purposes.

The bill requires the state to develop an inventory of state-owned property that could be available for agricultural development, making it easier for those new to the industry to access land that’s ready to be farmed. In addition, the state is directed to provide advice regarding taxes, financial assistance, and other policies and programs that could address the needs of beginning farmers and issues related to the transfer of ownership of farms.

The Senate also passed bill S6648 to create the Buy From the Backyard Act to encourage the purchasing of “Grown in New York” products. It requires state agencies to purchase at least 20 percent of their food and food products from within New York State. The measure would get more products grown, harvested, or produced in the state into our state’s hospitals, colleges, offices, prisons and other places, as well as to help further boost the agricultural industry.

Bill S7011A will be sent to the Governor and bill S6648 has been sent to the Assembly.