Establishes the New York state council on food policy

Summary of specific provisions

A new Article 14-A would be added to the Executive Law. section 275 would establish the NYS Council on Food policy within the Executive Department. The Council would consist of the commissioners or Directors of Health, Agriculture & Markets, Temporary & Disability Assistance, Education, Aging, General Services, Economic Development, Consumer Protection Board, Environmental Conservation, and any other executive departments the Governor deems appropriate and the following members with experience and expertise in food policy: four members appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the legislative leaders, one each by the Temporary president of the Senate, the Speaker of the Assembly; the Minority Leader of the Senate, and the Minority Leader of the Assembly; one member representing farmers; three members representing the food industry, including producers, distributors, processors or retailers who are residents of and work in the State of New York; three members representing food and nutrition assistance programs; one member representing anti-hunger advocates; one member who is a nutritionist; one member representing consumers; and, one member from an academic institution with expertise in food policy.

The Governor would designate either the commissioner of Health, Ag & Markets, or the Director of Temporary & Disability Assistance as the chair of the Council.

Section 276 would establish an Advisory Board to the Council of at least 15 members representing the issue areas of agriculture, anti-hunger, nutrition, food businesses, environment and labor. The Governor would appoint at least 9 members to the Board, the Temporary President of the senate and the Speaker of the Assembly two each, and the Minority Leaders of the Senate and the Assembly one each.

Section 277 would establish the powers and duties of the Council and Advisory Board. The Council and Board would: assess the food policy needs of the State; disseminate that analysis to State government and the public; and, assist the Governor, State agencies, and the Legislature in developing and implementing policies and programs to address the food policy needs of the State. The Council and Board would report to the Governor and Legislature every December on: the prevalence of hunger and food insecurity, the nutritional well-being of various population groups, and the status of agriculture and the

food industry in the State. The Council and Board would hold statewide public meetings to solicit comments and recommendations.

The Council would sunset after 5 years.

Justification

Dozens of programs, located in numerous agencies at the federal, State and local level, attempt to reduce hunger, strengthen local agriculture, and reduce nutrition and health problems. Sometimes these programs are guided by comprehensive food policy planning but more often they are not. For example, nutrition programs and policies are not usually designed in conjunction with agricultural policies which can result in government nutrition programs not taking into consideration the use of locally produced foods. Even programs that target the same problems, hunger and food insecurity, are developed independently, with different rules and eligibility requirements and little communication between them.

Although existing food policies and programs are well-intentioned, many long-term problems such as hunger, poor nutrition, and loss of farms and food processors continue to plague New York State. Experts in nutrition, food security, agriculture, food-based economic development and other similar areas believe that there is a need for a more comprehensive, less disjointed approach to responding to these problems. Unfortunately, the tendency of government is to narrowly focus activities within agencies. One response is to establish broad-based Food Policy Councils at the State or local levels to bring together the various agencies, service providers, businesses, advocates, and experts.

The Council created by this proposal would include the State agencies that develop or implement food policies and administer food programs. The Advisory Board would consist of representatives from the key sectors affected by food policy. The Council and Board would be able to address issues that cross over from one program to another, one agency to another, and one issue area to another. Food assistance programs could be better coordinated and operated more effectively to end hunger. Programs and policies could be developed to mutually benefit New York agriculture as well as nutrition, the environment, and the State and local economy. School meal programs alone bring over $700 million federal dollars into New York each year but not enough is spent on locally produced foods. The State could also help improve security, save energy, increase food safety, and lower costs by reducing dependence on imported food.

A similar Council on Food and Nutrition Policy was established in 2007 by Executive Order and this legislation incorporates most of the current Council's structure. Another Council was created in 1988 but ended four years later. This legislation would continue the Council for 5 years.

Summary of amendments

The makeup of the Council has been changed to include non-state agency appointments. Members of the advisory board shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor instead of a three year term. The establishment of committees for the council was made voluntary.

Effects of present law which this bill would alter

None.

Legislative history

2005/06 - A.10461/S.7618 2007/08 - A.436B/S.2081 2009/10 - A.7528-A/S.6893-A

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

Minimal expenses.

Effective date

180 days after it becomes law; repealed after December 31, 2018.