Senate Passes Bill Doubling Farm Workforce Retention Tax Credit Co-Sponsored by Senator Helming

The New York State Senate today passed Senate bill S.3502 co-sponsored by Senator Pam Helming that doubles the agricultural workforce retention tax credit from $600 to $1,200 per farm employee.

“At a time when our farmers are facing increased costs across the board, from rising labor costs to higher gas prices, it is essential that we support them to keep our farms viable and our agriculture industry thriving. This bill increases a valuable tax credit for our hardworking farmers and I am proud to co-sponsor it and advocate that it be signed into law,” said Senator Helming.

The New York Farm Bureau identified doubling this tax credit as a 2022 legislative priority for the farming community.

The State Senate also passed today several other bills co-sponsored by Senator Helming supporting the agricultural industry:

• S.3974: Facilitates the purchase of more locally-sourced foods by school districts
• S.4082: Expands eligibility for the New York State young farmer loan forgiveness incentive program
• S.4072: Establishes a “one-stop” farming hotline, with Cornell Cooperative Extension, to provide farmers with convenient access to information and programs supporting farm businesses, from tax credits and loans to sustainable practices
• S.2199: Facilitates the expansion of regional farmers markets
• S.5006: Permits farmers markets at New York State parks