Senator Luis Sepúlveda and Senate Majority Advance Legislation to Support New York’s Farmers

(Albany, NY) Today, Senator Luis Sepúlveda and the Senate Democratic Majority passed a package of legislation that aims to support farmers and food producers around New York State. The bills passed establish the Office of Urban Agriculture to support urban farming, expand the definition of land use in agricultural production, establish a farming hotline to help connect farmers to resources to expand their farming operations, create procurement goals for New York State products purchased by state agencies, expand regional farmers’ markets, and establish carbon farming tax credits.

 "Supporting farmers and food producers is not just a moral imperative, it's an investment in the health of our communities and the sustainability of our planet. The Senate Democratic Majority's package of legislation is a step in the right direction towards promoting urban farming, expanding access to resources for farmers, and incentivizing sustainable land management practices. By creating opportunities for small farms and connecting them with the tools they need to succeed, we can strengthen local economies and create a more equitable and sustainable food system for all."

The legislation passed by the Senate Democratic Majority includes:

●       The Office of Urban Agriculture: This bill, S2415, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey would establish an Office of Urban Agriculture to assist with and promote various forms of urban farming throughout the state. This office would support and help facilitate various efforts to create and uphold urban agriculture structures around New York.

●       Agricultural Land Use: This bill, S1056-A, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey expands the definition of "land used in agricultural production" to allow start-up, beginning, and small farms that are in production of the sale of crops, livestock or livestock products to receive an agricultural assessment if the farm is able to establish they have the ability to meet the currently required annual gross sales value within a certain timeframe. This bill provides these farmers an opportunity to receive this tax benefit, protect their land, and connect them with the resources needed to ensure success.

●       Farming Hotline:This bill, S2236, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey would establish a farming hotline with the Cornell Cooperative Extension. This would serve as a one stop hotline to connect farmers with information and support on needs, including, tax credit programs, beginning farmer loans, and sustainable practices.

●       Procurement Goals for New York State: This bill, S3125, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey would establish procurement goals for New York State food products

purchased by state agencies which will incentivize these agencies to strengthen and expand local farm and food economies throughout the state.

●       Expansion of Regional Farmers' Markets: This bill, S1365, sponsored by Senator Tim Kennedy directs the Department of Agriculture and Markets to increase the number of regional farmers' markets for the direct marketing of foods and produce in the state.

●       Carbon Farming Tax Credit For Farmers: This bill, S4270, sponsored by Senator Kevin Parker establishes a tax credit for farmers who maximize carbon sequestration potential through a "carbon farming" land management strategy and directs the Department of Environmental Conservation to develop regulations related to certifying the amount of carbon sequestered or emissions reduced. This would create a new financial incentive for land management practices undertaken by farmers which help improve soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making New York a leader in promoting new agricultural strategies that combat climate change.

●       Craft Beverage Permit: This bill, S2722, sponsored by Senator James Skoufis, establishes a new temporary New York craft beverage permit allowing all farm alcohol producers to sell their products at a special event.