Establishes the Phytophthora research program at the state college of agriculture and life sciences; appropriation

BILL NUMBER:S843

Title of bill

An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to establishing the Phytophthora research program at the New York state college of agriculture and life sciences, and making an appropriation therefor

Purpose

This act would amend the agriculture and markets law to create a research program to combat Phytophthora. The research program would develop an applied research facility for the advancement of Phytophthora research. This facility would include quarantined field sites to be located away from privately or publicly owned fields used in the production of any product susceptible or capable of hosting, transmitting or otherwise contributing to the proliferation of the Phytophthora blight pathogen.

Summary of provisions

Amends the agriculture and markets law to add a new section 169-e.

Justification

Phytophthora blight, caused by the pathogen Phytophthora capsici, is a devastating disease of many solanaceous (pepper, eggplant and tomato) and cucurbit (squash, melon, cucumber, gourd and pumpkin) crops. The incidence of Phytophthora blight has increased and caused severe losses in short periods of time across New York State in recent years, making New York growers highly vulnerable to extensive crop loss and economic hardship. In addition, food industries that regularly purchase large volumes of New York-grown produce could be negatively impacted, and would subsequently seek out-of-state ingredients for their produce.

Legislative history

2009-2010: S.2422 Referred to Agriculture 2007-2008: S.2773/A.4177 Referred to Finance

Fiscal implications

$2,020,000 allocated over ten years.

Effective date

Immediately.