New Montgomery Law to Help Bolster State's Procurement of NY-Grown Farm Products

Albany, NY (September 10, 2012): Legislation was recently signed into law (Chapter 452; S.4855) to increase the State’s purchasing of New York-grown farm products.

Under the new law, sponsored by NYS Senator Velmanette Montgomery (D-Brooklyn), a representative of a non-profit, New York-based group representing the state’s agricultural community will join the NYS Procurement Council. The member will aid in educating State institutions on the benefits of buying more New York grown and processed products whenever possible. The non-paying appointment to the Council will be made by the Governor.

“New York's number one industry is agriculture yet, up until now, there has been no single person designated to represent the State's agricultural community when purchasing decisions are being made. “From Brooklyn to Buffalo, New York is home to a large and diversified farming community that desires to ‘serve-up’ farm-fresh produce and get a slice of the State’s economic pie.”

Commenting on the law, New York State Farm Bureau President Dean Norton said, “New York’s farm families are always seeking to sell more local, fresh, agricultural products to schools and state institutions. New York Farm Bureau supported this legislation in the belief that by having an agricultural representative on the State Procurement Council, more attention and focus will be given to encouraging New York institutions to purchase New York grown farm products, within the guidelines of interstate commerce. I applaud Senator Montgomery for her leadership and concern about making sure that more New Yorkers have access to New York grown foods.”

The NYS Procurement Council is responsible for the study, analysis and development of recommendations to improve State purchasing policies and practices, and for developing guidelines governing State agency procurement.

The new law takes effect immediately. It is sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton (D-Ithaca).

###