Senate Passes Larkin Bill To Allow Sale Of Local Farm Products At Roadside Stops

The New York State Senate today passed legislation (S.1918) sponsored by Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) that would allow farmers to sell their locally grown products at highway rest stops, scenic overlook and vista rest areas, and park & ride parking lots.

Senator Larkin said that the intent of the legislation is to allow local growers to sell their products in safe designated areas, but not on all portions of the highway. Under current law, veterans of the armed services are the only classification of individuals that can sell merchandise anywhere on the public streets and highways.

"During the recent public round table discussions held by the Senate Task Force for Hudson Valley Fruit Growers, one grower pointed out that there is a state owned park & ride lot along a public highway that would be a good safe location to sell New York produced agricultural products to people returning home from work in the evening," said Senator Larkin. "However, under current New York State law, farmers are not permitted to sell their products there. This idea makes sense for both consumers and our local growers. It would help promote home grown products, increase profits for struggling farm owners, and would be a great boon for the local agricultural economy."

The bill remains in the Assembly Agriculture Committee.