SEN. FARLEY ANNOUNCES SENATE PASSES BILL TO CONNECT LOCAL FARMERS WITH MORE ECONOMIC RESOURCES

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I – Schenectady) reported that he and his colleagues in the New York State Senate passed legislation on Feb. 29th to help provide additional economic development resources so that even more of New York’s farmers can succeed and create jobs. The bill (S2250) allows Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) to expand their support of New York’s agricultural economy by making technical and financial assistance available to farmers.

Under current law, IDAs can issue loans and provide technical support to manufacturers, processors, and warehousers of agricultural products but not to those businesses that directly grow, harvest, or collect agricultural products.

Expanding the authorization of already existing IDAs - many of which are located in rural areas - will help promote job growth in industries such as fruit cultivation, raising of beef and other animals, and additional agricultural pursuits.

This legislation continues the Senate Republican commitment to keeping New York’s agriculture industry thriving. Earlier this month, the Senate Republican Conference also unveiled their 2016 Planting Seeds initiative which builds upon key elements of the Senate Republicans’ successful Young Farmers and Grown in New York programs. It would: restore funding to 40 agricultural programs that were cut in the 2016-17 Executive Budget; provide research, education, and marketing assistance; create new tax and regulatory relief; advance initiatives to expand markets, promote quality, and increase food safety; and create job opportunities for veterans and others interested in farming.

The bill will be sent to the Assembly.