RITCHIE, GUNTHER ANNOUNCE MEASURE TO CUT COSTS FOR FARMERS SIGNED INTO LAW

State Senator Patty Ritchie and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther are announcing their legislation to save farmers across the state millions of dollars by cutting fees to register trailers used for transporting produce, livestock and other items in half has been signed into law.

Currently, trucks used for farming activities can be registered for a lesser fee than those used for other purposes.  In contrast, there is no reduced fee for agricultural trailers.  Under the measure (S. 4241-B) sponsored by Senator Ritchie, who serves as Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and Assemblywoman Gunther, who serves on the Assembly’s Agriculture Committee, trailers used for farming purposes will be charged a smaller fee, bringing the cost in line with trucks used for agriculture. 

“Farming isn’t just a land intensive businesses, it’s a transportation intensive business, with agribusiness professionals logging countless miles annually to move produce, livestock, supplies and other goods,” said Senator Ritchie.

“By lowering the registration fee for agricultural trailers, we are cutting costs for farmers, which in turn, will allow them to further expand their businesses and support the continued growth of New York’s leading industry.”

“Supporting our farmers is one of the best investments we can make,” said Assemblywoman Gunther.   “Agriculture contributes over $37 billion to New York’s economy.  While this measure may seem small, it will result in more money being invested into farming and will stimulate other areas of the economy as well.  I am thankful to the Governor for signing this important bill into law.”

Currently, the fee to register a trailer is $5.39 per 500 pounds.  Under the new law, the registration fee for agricultural trailers will be reduced to $2.50 per 500 pounds.

Senator Ritchie’s sponsorship of this measure continues her efforts to support our state’s hardworking farmers and agribusiness owners.   This year, Senator Ritchie advocated for passage of a state budget that included record support for agriculture, including a $12 million addition to the Governor’s original plan and restorations in funding to more than 30 different programs that are key to the success of many farming operations. In addition, the budget also included an expansion of Senator Ritchie’s “Young Farmers” program, which seeks to address the issue of New York’s aging farmer population by providing young people with incentives and support to help them pursue careers in agriculture.

In addition, Senator Ritchie has also spearheaded a number of efforts aimed at encouraging consumers to “eat local.” Included in the most recent state budget was funding for her “Grown in New York” plan, which strengthens the connection between farmers and consumers. A portion of these funds will be used to establish a “food hub,” which will give farmers and agribusiness owners an opportunity to bring their goods to a central location where they can then be transported to major cities throughout our state.