Defines a commercial equine operation and includes commercial equine operation in the definition of a farm operation

BILL NUMBER:S5168A

Title of bill

An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to commercial equine operation in agriculture districts

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would recognize the contributions to the agricultural industry of "commercial equine operations" by providing these operations with eligibility access to agricultural district protections and an agricultural assessment pursuant to Agriculture and Markets law.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 301 of Agriculture and Markets law is amended in the following manner:

Subsection 11 is amended to include "commercial equine operations" within the definition of "farm operation" and thereby would have access to agricultural district protections and an agricultural assessment, provided that the commercial equine operation meets certain eligibility criteria.

Subsection 17 is amended to outline the eligibility criteria for access by "commercial equine operations." To gain agricultural district protections and an agricultural assessment, these operations must consist of at least seven acres and stable at least ten horses, regardless of ownership. They must also receive ten thousand dollars or more in gross receipts annually from fees generated through the provision of commercial equine activities including, but not limited to, riding lessons, trail riding activities or training of horses or through the production for sale of crops, livestock, and livestock products.

Justification

Commercial horse boarding operations already have access to agricultural district protections and agricultural assessment tax relief if they consist of at least seven acres, board ten horses and gross $10,000. This legislation would provide similar benefits to comparable operations that provide horse training, trail riding and riding lessons, in addition to boarding.

According to the National Agricultural Statistical Service's (NASS) Equine Survey from 2005 (the latest survey available), there are approximately 200,000 horses in New York, with a value of $1.83 billion. Over all, total equine-related assets, held by owners, are valued at approximately $10 billion.

Total annual revenue to the New York economy from equine businesses is approximately $450 million annually. A large portion of this total comes from revenues generated by providing equine services, such as boarding, trail riding, riding lessons, training and therapeutic riding. As of now, however, Agriculture and Markets law does not recognize "commercial equine operations" as agriculture in New York State.

Prior legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediately.