Establishes the small farm disaster recovery grant program

2 Co-sponsors

• Kathleen A. Marchione
• Marc Panepinto

BILL NUMBER:S5635A

Title of bill

An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to establishing a small farm disaster recovery grant program

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1: Amends the agriculture and markets law by adding a new section 325b, establishing the "Small Farm Disaster Recovery Grant Program," and defines a small farm to include only those that sell produce and have annual sales of one hundred thousand dollars or less. The owner of any small farm may submit an application for a grant, the amount of which is to be determined by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets up to $10,000, awarded solely for the purpose of purchasing and replanting crops that have been destroyed by a natural disaster.

This Program shall be funded through annual appropriations of the Legislature or any other funds received by the state. Grants from the program shall only be awarded based upon the availability of funds.

Section 2: Effective Date.

Justification

After a, 70-year drop in numbers, small farms are beginning to make a comeback. For decades, the number of farmers has been shrinking as a share of the population, but the last Agricultural census in 2007 showed a 4 percent increase in the number of farms. It is the first increase since 1920, and in many cases, young people and college graduates are joining in the return to the land. Behind this trend, to a large degree, is the appeal of locally grown and specialty produce, filling a niche that larger farms geared to national and international markets have left open for exploitation.

But while there has been an increase in promoting locally grown food, New York's small farmers still struggle to get a foothold in this promising new market. Regardless of size, all farmers are vulnerable to the forces of nature, whether they are excessive heat and drought, flooding, or infestation. For small, newly established farms, one such natural disaster can mean the difference between failure and survival.

The small farm disaster recovery grant program will help cover the costs of replanting crops following a natural disaster or pestilence. The grant can be up to $10,000.

Prior legislative history

2013-14: A.7038 - referred to Agriculture / S.4521- referred to Agriculture

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of April succeeding the date on which it shall have become law, provided, however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized and directed to be made on or before such effective date.