Relates to authorizing the use of electronic benefit transfer technology at community supported agriculture markets

Title of bill

An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to authorizing electronic benefit transfer technology at community supported agriculture markets

Purpose

To expand the use of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) technology to Community Supported Agriculture markets by providing EBT equipment costs.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 expands section 262 of the Agriculture and Markets law to include community supported agriculture (CSA) markets as eligible recipients of state assistance for electronic benefit transfer technology processing equipment.

Section 2 provides the effective date.

Existing law

Section 262 of the Agriculture and Markets law provides State aid for farmers' markets, specifically at subsection (c), equipment costs associated with improving farmers' market functions, including but not limited to expanding access to electronic benefit transfer technology.

Further, the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides free electronic benefit transfer equipment for eligible farmers' markets.

Justification

The NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance reported that in December of 2015 more than 2.9 million New York State residents received benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). With several million New York State residents receiving SNAP benefits, it is essential that New York continue to build on the current momentum of expanding access to fresh, wholesome produce to all residents in the state. This initiative will ensure that all residents have the opportunity to shop at local markets by expanding EBT access to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) markets.

Residents of rural communities statewide have limited access to healthy, affordable foods. These low access communities are further limited when the nearby retailer, corner store or local market is stocked with a wealth of unhealthy food options. This problem is further exacerbated when local markets or CSA's are unauthorized to accepted EBT payment. Enabling a greater number of CSA markets to accept EBT payment will expand the availability of nutritious foods to all communities. CSA markets provide, including, fresh, locally sourced vegetables, fruits, meats and dairy products, and can offer residents year-long subscriptions or memberships in return for local, healthy foods on a regular basis throughout the farming season.

Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Community Service Agriculture markets (CSA) can register and be authorized Electronic Benefit Transfer retailers, yet currently, in New York State electronic benefit transfer equipment is not provided to Community Supported Agriculture markets. Current law in New York provides equipment costs associated with access to electronic benefit transfer technology for farmers' markets, without mention to CSA markets. Specific inclusion of CSA markets in current state law ensures that CSA markets receive the equipment necessary to process EBT transactions by authorizing the state to provide equipment costs associated with the use of such equipment.

By permitting CSA markets access EBT processing equipment, the State is ensuring that CSA markets have the necessary tools to provide healthy foods to all residents of their communities. Authorizing and equipping CSA markets with EBT technologies will encourage and foster close relationships between farmers and the residents of their communities, thereby, strengthening local economies.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.