Provides for the regulation of aquaculture for the purpose of developing fish-farming businesses as an alternative cash crop for farms across the state; repealer

1 Co-sponsor

• Michael H. Ranzenhofer

BILL NUMBER:S768A

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law and the agriculture and markets law, in relation to the regulation of aquaculture; and to repeal section 11-1909 of the environmental conservation law relating to private trout and black bass hatcheries

Purpose or general idea of bill

To change the regulatory authority over farm raised fish from the Department of Environmental Conservation to the Department of Agriculture and Markets in an effort to better regulate and promote this aspect of agriculture.

Summary of specific provisions

Section one repeals Section 11-1909 of the Environmental Conservation Law. Section two amends section 11-1319 of the Environmental Conservation Law. Sections three and four amend the Agriculture and Markets Law by authorizing the Department of Agriculture and Markets to regulate trout and black bass hatcheries. Section five is the effective date.

Justification

Agriculture is the number one industry in New York State, returning over $3 billion dollars to the farm economy, and agriculture products, such as domestically raised fish, continue to contribute significantly to that industry-wide value.

According to the New York State Aquaculture Society, in 2007, 154 fish farms generated $16,267,169 in sales statewide. The Cornell Cooperative Extension reported in the same year that aquaculture generated $20 million in farm-gate sales. In order to foster the economic opportunities and best utilize this innovative technology, state agencies are increasing state investment for fish farming. In 2009, the Division of Housing and Community Renewal awarded a $175,000 grant for the construction of a Columbia county fish farm. In 2010 the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency awarded a $400,000 grant to SUNY Morrisville for a combination fish-farming and hydroponics project. SUNY Morrisville's innovative technology has the potential to generate $400 to $600 million annually in the future according to NYSERDA.

Through effective regulation this industry can realize its potential for increased revenue, job production, and technological advancement, bringing New York to the forefront of leadership in this burgeoning agricultural industry.

This legislation will give oversight jurisdiction of this sub-industry of agriculture to the State Department of Agriculture which is the agency best suited to oversee it given its experience in other agricultural industries.

Prior legislative history

2009-10: S.2438A Referred to Environmental Conservation 2007-08: S.5680 Referred to Environmental Conservation 2006: S.7774/A.8537 Referred to Environmental Conservation

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Effective immediately.