Finances the construction, reconstruction, improvement, expansion or rehab of wholesale regional farmers' markets that promote farm products grown in New York state

9 Co-sponsors

• John J. Bonacic
• David Carlucci
• Martin Malavé Dilan
• Liz Krueger
• Velmanette Montgomery
• Suzi Oppenheimer
• Kevin S. Parker
• Diane J. Savino
• David J. Valesky

BILL NUMBER:S627A

Title of bill

An act to amend the New York state urban development corporation act, in relation to developing local and regional wholesale farmers' markets to promote foods grown in New York state

Purpose or general idea or bill

To provide economic development financing for construction and improvements to wholesale regional farmers' markets or food hubs that facilitate the sale and promotion of farm products grown or produced in New York State or regionally.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1: Adds a new paragraph n to subdivision 1 of section 16-m of Chapter 174 of the laws of 1968 creating the Urban Development Corporation (UDC). Paragraph n would authorize the UDC to provide loans, loan guarantees, interest subsidies and grants to businesses, municipalities, IDAs, economic development corporations, not-for-profits, business improvement districts, regional marketing authorities, agricultural cooperatives and other entities to finance construction, reconstruction, improvement, expansion, or rehabilitation of wholesale regional farmers' markets or food hubs. In addition, this bill was amended to add a definition of a wholesale regional farmers' market and food hub.

Justification

New York farmers produce large quantities of quality fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy products. Currently, there is an increasing recognition by consumers, restaurants, and chefs about the taste, quality and freshness of these locally grown farm products. Unfortunately, most food stores and restaurants in our larger cities find it difficult to buy food products at wholesale directly from New York farmers and other regional growers because of the lack of adequate large wholesale farmers' markets or food hubs, as they are called by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, even though there is huge potential for sales.

Providing financing for wholesale regional markets for new construction and renovations to meet the needs of these wholesale customers would help the farm economy by opening up valuable food service markets. A recent NYC Wholesale Farmers' Market study found that "...a New York City wholesale farmers' market would expand opportunities for mid-size and small producers of food and agricultural products from New York and adjacent states to sell their

products directly to wholesale buyers in the city and that such a market facility - similar to those that have operated in NYC in the past - would also help meet the growing demand by thousands of NYC restaurants, retail stores, institutions and other wholesale buyers for locally-grown fresh farm products."

The economic benefits to farm regions from increased sales could lead to increased business activity and jobs in those communities and new jobs at the wholesale markets themselves. In addition, businesses and consumers in urban and suburban communities would benefit from the fresh, nutritious, quality food and meals available because of these projects.

Prior legislative history

2005/06 - A.8001 - Referred to Agriculture 2007/08 - A.5025 - Referred to Agriculture 2010 - S.6183 - Referred to Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions. Reported to Finance

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately, provided that the amendments to section 16-m of section 1 of chapter 174 of the laws of 1968, constituting the New York Urban Development Corporation Act, made by section one of this act, shall not affect the expiration of such section and shall be deemed to expire therewith.