Ritchie Bills To Help New Farmers Succeed Headed To Governor's Desk

State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing that two measures she sponsored to help support the next generation of New York farmers have been approved by the Legislature and are headed to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. 

Under the first measure, Senate bill 4021, a “Young Farmers Advisory Board” would be established.  The board—which would consist of twenty farmers from across New York State—would lend their expertise and insights on the impacts of potential legislation and programs that would impacting those new to the industry.

The second measure, Senate bill 4900, directs the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Commissioner of the Office of General Services to work together to develop an inventory of state-owned real property that could be sold or leased for farming. 

“Agriculture is our state’s leading industry and if we want to ensure it remains as such, we need to take steps to encourage people to pursue farming careers,” said Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Senator Patty Ritchie.

“These two pieces of legislation will help those new to the industry overcome common roadblocks to success—like finding farmland—and ensure that the future of family farming in New York State is bright for many years to come.”

The passage of these bills is the latest effort by Senator Ritchie to support the continued growth of New York’s agriculture industry.  Earlier this year, she secured a record $51 million in the state budget for agriculture.  This investment includes $1 million for another round of the “New Farmers Grant Fund,” which was created by Senator Ritchie and provides up to $50,000 to qualified individuals to help cover startup costs, including those related to land and equipment.