Relates to the procurement of locally grown farm and food products

Section 2 adds subdivision 6-a to section 16 of the agriculture and markets law to establish the New York state council on food policy. Responsibilities include:

* develop a food policy, and implementation of said policy, to provide fresh food to NYS residents

* develop a state policy to expand local agriculture production

* assist the state with tracking local food purchases

* assist local farmers with production expansion

* coordinate, support, and expand programs that promote local farm and food products

* facilitate the elimination of legal barriers for local farm and food economy

* develop a public awareness campaign for the economic benefits of supporting a local food economy

Section 2 also outlines the composition of the council. The council shall consist of 35 members from varying state offices and food-related professions, 27 of which are appointed by the governor. The council can apply for not-for profit status, may solicit grants, loans, and contributions, may enter into contracts, and hire staff. The council will also write an annual report detailing its activities from the previous year as well as any recommended policies, goals, and progress toward said goals.

Section 3 adds a new section 163-c to the state finance law to establish procurement goals for local farm and food products. Goals for food procurement by the state, as well as for entities that are, in part or whole, state funded, are established. State agencies and state-owned facilities are also required to develop a system to track local food or farm purchases on an annual basis.

Section 4 adds a new subdivision 47 to section 16 of the agriculture and markets law to create a geo-coded electronic database to facilitate interaction between schools and agricultural producers in the state.

Section 5 amends subdivisions 8 and 9 of section 180-a of the economic development law to further establish the New York State council on food policy in the economic decision making process and development in the agriculture industry.

Section 6 establishes an effective date.

Existing law

This is new law.

Justification

The availability of fresh foods is tantamount to healthy living. In New York State, we have the express ability to provide fresh food to our communities through our wealth of local food and farms, However, there is no established system or program in place to ensure that local farms and foods gain top priority in food procurement by the state, and public entities are aware of the local farms in their area, or the services that they provide.

By establishing a New York State council on food policy, we can actively ensure that guidelines, programs, and legislation are established that maximize the potential business and effectiveness of our local farms, and provide New Yorkers with a consistent supply of fresh and healthy food.

Legislative history

2015 - Passed Senate

Fiscal implications

To be determined

Local fiscal implications

To be determined

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.